Bohol Danajon Geoconservation Youth Leaders Boot Camp: Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists

The Protect Danajon Project, in partnership with the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), hosted the Bohol Danajon Geoconservation Youth Leaders Boot Camp at Dive Camp Resort in Puerto San Pedro, Bien Unido, Bohol, on June 26 – 28, 2024. The boot camp aimed to educate and inspire youth leaders in Bohol about the significance of the Bohol Island, which is the sole UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines.

The participants comprised Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairpersons from 10 municipalities surrounding the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef, along with students from Bohol Island State University (BISU) campuses in Clarin, Candijay, and Bilar, and Holy Name University (HNU).

The boot camp included engaging discussions on various topics, such as:

• The Role of Youth in Geopark Conservation
• Significance of Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef
• Mangrove, Seagrass, and Coral Ecosystems
• The Role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Improving Fish Stocks and Coral
• Climate Change
• Youth’s Role in Marine Conservation
• Environmental Conservation Initiatives
• Leveraging Reels for Environmental Conservation Awareness and Education

Participants created posters on coastal environmental issues and produced reels and videos focused on ecological conservation. They also planted mangroves, visited a local community, and explored various seagrass types while gaining valuable insights into how local fisherfolk manage their marine protected areas.

The future of the Danajon Bank depends on the commitment of these youth to safeguard their natural heritage. By fostering their skills and supporting their initiatives, we can ensure that Bohol’s unique marine resources are preserved and protected for generations to come. Together, we are building a resilient network of environmental stewards dedicated to the ongoing conservation of this vital ecosystem.