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 may soon be under threat.
Viacom International Media Networks, owner of multimedia brand Nickelodeon, is reportedly collaborating with Coral World Park Underseas Resorts, Inc. to build a resort in Coron. This is only part of a planned 400-hectare undersea development, according to the 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 this parameters to ensure any form of tourism will be beneficial, and not detrimental, to the rich biodiversity of our sea:
- Locals can reap the economic and social benefits of tourist attractions in the long term.
- Visitors can have a deeper appreciation and understanding of marine life.
- Nature is given great value.
These will help mitigate risk to MPAs, which supports 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 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.
WWF believes that natural attractions should be protected against potentially-destructive development. For more environmental news, visit WWF’s website.
