Recently, news about Nickelodeon’s plans to build an underwater theme park in Palawan went viral on social media.
Although the plans have yet to be finalized, the mere idea alarmed environmentalists so they launch an online petition calling for the Palawan local government to junk any plans for the said underwater theme park.
According to this post, Anna Oposa of Save Philippine Seas created the petition. The petition detailed, “We call on the Local Government of Palawan, Nickelodeon (Viacom International Media Networks), and Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., to junk their plan to build a 400-hectare underwater theme park in Coron, Palawan.”
Included on the petition are details of its importance:
Contrary to the press statement that the underwater theme park would “advocate ocean protection,” it will accomplish the exact opposite. By building artificial structures, you will undeniably damage and disrupt Palawan’s marine ecosystems — our Last Frontier. If you are sincere and serious about marine conservation, the money allocated for the underwater theme park should be invested in marine protected areas, sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and environmental education programs.
For a channel that targets children, Nickelodeon is setting a terrible example to the younger generation by taking away their right to enjoy our natural resources. We don’t need an underwater theme park — our underwater life is fascinating, entertaining, and educational on its own.
At present, the petition already received over 20,000 signatures.
If you want to sign the petition, you can visit https://www.bataris.org.ph/petitions/no-to-nickelodeon-s-underwater-theme-park-in-palawan.
What do you think of this underwater theme park plan in Palawan?
