Last Monday, Nickelodeon announced that they are planning to build a 1000 acre theme park resort in the island of Coron, Palawan, Philippines. The project, in partnership with Coral World Park, is said to be featured alongside Nickelodeon's other iconic theme parks in the world such as Wet'n'Wild in Australia, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Land in Russia and IMG Worlds of Legends theme park in Dubai.
However, the local government instantly protested against the said project, in fear of possible environmental backlash and future destruction of Palawan's marine environment. The resort, initially planned to open its doors in 2020, will feature iconic Nickelodeon characters such as Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants.
Philippine's environment minister, Department of Environment and National Resources Secretary Gina Lopez, said that there's no way she will allow such construction to take place. In her interview with a national tv network, she said: "That's our wealth. It's not allowed. You can't kill the corals. For a theme park? No. No way, man. The commitment of the government is first and foremost and always, always to the benefit of our people."
Palawan is known to be the Philippines' "last ecological frontier", because of its populous, unspoiled natural resources which include its diverse forests and picturesque coastlines. Hundreds of indigenous species of flora and fauna are also found in the Palawan Island, which several environmentalist groups are always making sure to be taken care of.
Palawan is now earning several praises from the international community because of its award-winning beaches and islands such as El Nido and Coron, the proposed location of the said project. Initially after Nickelodeon's announcement, over 125,000 people have signed a petition to shut down the plans before constructions could start.
In Nickelodeon's defense, they said that the proposed project would not endanger the local environment and that after the construction of the resort, it would be "the largest coral reef conservation program in Asia."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
