WWF-Philippines Statement on Nickelodeon Resort in Coron, Palawan

February 2017

The municipality of Coron, Palawan is home to thousands of hectares of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Its beauty and economic value are unparalleled, boasting of world-renowned sights and vibrant wildlife. However, Coron’s pristine waters might soon be under threat.

Viacom International Media Network, owner of multimedia brand Nickelodeon, is reportedly collaborating with Coral World Park Undersea Resort, Inc. to build a resort in Coron. This is only part of a planned 400-hectare undersea development, according to a report by Agence France Presse.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) advocates coastal and marine tourism that has minimal or zero impact on marine life. The organization recommends these parameters to ensure any form of tourism will be beneficial, and not detrimental, to the rich biodiversity of our seas:

1. Locals can reap the economic and social benefits of tourist attractions in the long term.
2. Visitors can have a deeper appreciation and understanding for marine life.
3. Nature is given great value.

These will help mitigate risks to MPAs, which support local economies and livelihood by enabling the natural replenishment of fish stocks. Any intrusive form of development, especially those that do not meet these parameters, are unacceptable. This will not only threaten a major food source for millions of people, but also harm MPAs where marine life thrive.

WWF is ready to provide guidelines in establishing a sustainable tourism plan that will safeguard the well-being of both wildlife and local communities. The importance of this cannot be overstated, as Palawan is considered the last ecological frontier of the Philippines.