The Chocolate Hills are a remarkable geological formation located in the Bohol province of the Philippines. Comprising at least 1,260 hills, though possibly as many as 1,776, these cone-shaped or dome-shaped hills stretch over an area of more than 50 square kilometers. Made of grass-covered limestone, the hills range from 30 to 50 meters in height, with the tallest reaching 120 meters. During the dry season, the grass covering the hills turns brown, giving them the appearance of chocolate mounds, hence their name. The Chocolate Hills inspired many legends, most of which revolve around their formation and figures of giants.
The Chocolate Hills are a popular tourist destination and have been declared the Philippines' third National Geological Monument. They are also under consideration for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The area between the hills is cultivated with rice and other crops, but the natural vegetation on the hills faces threats from ongoing quarrying activities.
Despite their protected status, local government units continue to grant mining permits, which creates a conflict between economic development and conservation. The Chocolate Hills are seen as valuable quarrying assets and sources of income for small-scale miners and the province's construction projects. Bills have been introduced to strengthen the protection of the hills, but balancing the needs of miners, the construction sector, and tourism with environmental preservation remains a significant challenge.
According to the passage, it can be inferred that:
A. The Chocolate Hills' inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List would likely enhance efforts to protect them from quarrying activities.
B. The local government fully supports the preservation of the Chocolate Hills over any economic interests.
C. Quarrying activities have already caused irreversible damage to the Chocolate Hills.
D. The tourism sector in Bohol depends solely on the Chocolate Hills for its economic viability.
E. There is a tension between the preservation of the Chocolate Hills and the economic benefits derived from quarrying.