Photo via Wikimedia Commons Coron Island in Palawan. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Nickelodeon will push through with plans to put up a resort in Coron, Palawan, reveals Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo. In an interview with CNN Philippines, Teo confirmed that the Nickelodeon resort which was announced early this year, is indeed happening. According to an ABS-CBN report, the tourism department also expressed its “excitement” over the development. Teo also assured the public that no corals will be destroyed. Good For Tourism But How About The Environment? In a statement issued by the department, they acknowledged that the Coral World Park will bring in both local and foreign tourists. At the same time however, they clarified that “appropriate agencies” need to evaluate and approve the concept. Because the project involves local natural resources, the local government unit and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are the agencies that have jurisdiction over it. Teo says that her department is giving their support to the project, according to an Inquirer report. This was after the developers showed her the plans for the park. She reveals that a floating restaurant is being planned, featuring transparent floors so that marine life can be seen underneath. Aside from the restaurant, a hotel and condominium will also be built. The park will be located in a 100-hectare area in Coron Island which is under the municipality of Coron. Teo added that if local government officials will hear what the plans are, they will understand it better. Strong Opposition When it was announced in January, some government officials including former DENR Secretary Gina Lopez expressed their opposition. Civil society groups also launched an online signature campaign to oppose the project. The online petition has gathered over 240,000 signatures of its 300,000 target. Environmentalists are warning against the impact of the project on marine life and biodiversity in Coron. According to an earlier GMA report, the resort’s artificial structures may damage and disrupt the fragile marine ecosystem. Marine biologists also say that these structures may “also alter the water movement around the area which may have significant impacts on the behavior of some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.” Related News: Nickelodeon Underwater Theme Park In Palawan Draws Flak, Twitterverse Reacts Facebook Comments
