The Awareness and Perception of Community Towards Tourism Sustainability in Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark

This study evaluated the level of community awareness and perception of tourism sustainability among residents living near selected sites of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark and examined how demographic factors influence awareness and perception, as well as the relationship between awareness and perception across sustainability dimensions. Anchored on the Triple Bottom Line Theory, Community Empowerment Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, the study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. Data were gathered through a structured survey questionnaire adapted from the Green Destinations’ Tourism for SDGs Self-Assessment Tool and aligned with Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards, with additional items on geopark awareness. The instrument demonstrated strong reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values of .895 for awareness and .981 for perception. Using purposive and stratified sampling, 380 residents aged 18 years and above from three selected barangays near major geopark sites participated in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face administration and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson product-moment correlation. Results indicated that the community exhibited moderate awareness of the geopark and strong positive perceptions of tourism sustainability across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Significant relationships were found between selected demographic variables and awareness and perception, and awareness was positively correlated with sustainability perception. Identified challenges included limited understanding of the UNESCO Global Geopark concept, insufficient collaboration between local communities and government bodies, limited participation in sustainability practices, and the need for enhanced public education and awareness programs. The study recommends implementing a Community Awareness and Perception Enhancement Program focused on targeted training, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, expanded community participation, and partnerships with educational institutions. The study aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting sustainable tourism, community participation, environmental stewardship, and education within a geopark context. Its sustainability impact lies in strengthening institutional collaboration, enhancing community capacity for conservation and responsible tourism, and supporting evidence-based policymaking for long-term socio-economic and environmental resilience.