Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Amid online furor over a plan by U.S. media conglomerate Viacom to put up a children's underwater theme park in one of Palawan's pristine islands, local officials on Wednesday denied receiving any communication from the company on the project.

Nickelodeon's parent company, Viacom International Media Networks, said in a Tuesday press statement that it would put up a 100-hectare undersea-themed development in Coron as part of the 400-hectare development of Coral World Park, Viacom's Philippine partner.

Palawan Governor Pepito Alvarez told CNN Philippines that his office has not received any application to put up the theme park.

"How can I comment on something when we haven't even gotten an application yet?" Alvarez said in a phone interview Wednesday.

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez said Wednesday on Twitter that she would not allow such a theme park to be put up.

Viacom said the theme park will be inspired by Nickelodeon's "iconic properties" like Spongebob Squarepants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

It also said the park will have "one-of-its-kind resort dining experience with CWP's (Coral World Park) trademark underwater restaurants and lounges, which will be located about 20 feet below sea level with vivid views of the world beneath the ocean."

#CoronIsNotBikiniBottom

Netizens and environmentalists were quick to denounce the plan, using the hashtag #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom, referring to the underwater town where the characters of Spongebob Squarepants, live in.

An online petition calling for a stop to the supposed project has already reached over 96,000 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.

Officials in Coron also told CNN Philippines that they were unaware of such plans.

"Our office has no knowledge of this project," said Coron Palawan Tourism Officer Corinne Kong.

Meanwhile, the office of Coron Mayor Ajerico Barracdo said this is the first time it has heard of this project and that they have never talked to Viacom.

The Nickelodeon park is expected to open in 2020.</s>The children's entertainment company Nickelodeon wants to build a theme park in Palawan, the Philippines’ last ecological frontier. Local environmentalists are not amused.

Around the world, Nickelodeon is known for producing popular television shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Dora the Explorer. The network's parent company, the media giant Viacom, announced its plans for Palawan on Monday, Jan. 9. Viacom says it's partnering with Coral World Park Undersea Resorts to build the park and an accompanying resort.

Dubbed the world’s first undersea attraction, the project features a 400-hectare (988-acre) resort located within a cluster of 16 white sand islands in Coron, Palawan. Coron, a popular tourist destination known for its white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, and pristine coral reefs, is part of Palawan province and home to various endangered species, which are threatened by unregulated commercial extractive activities.

After plans for the resort and theme park were announced, environmentalist Anna Oposa launched an online petition against the development plans. At the time of this writing, less than two days after the petition went live, there are more than 189,000 signatures.

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. 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.

Developers have responded to criticism by saying that the theme park is actually land-based, featuring only a floating infrastructure. This contradicts a press statement from Viacom, however, where the company described “underwater restaurants and lounges, which will be located about 20 feet below sea level with vivid views of the world beneath the ocean.”

The “Save Philippine Seas” network has dismissed developers’ efforts to walk back Viacom's description:

Their statements attempt to downplay the possible irreversible environmental impacts of the proposed project to the marine environment, violating the constitutional rights of the community to a healthy and balanced ecology. Though they claim to build on private property, the Philippines’ waters cannot be privatized. Their statements also make no recognition of or respect to the rights of the indigenous peoples of Calamianes.

The environmental group is urging the resort developer to invest its funds in the support of existing marine protected areas:

The government’s environment secretary, meanwhile, says she will oppose the construction of any underwater theme parks in Palawan:</s>American children's television network Nickelodeon has announced it will build an underwater resort and theme park on an island known as the Philippines' last ecological frontier, alarming environmentalists.

The firm behind SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer said the park on Palawan island would be part of a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) undersea development showcasing the area's marine life that would give fans a chance to "interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love".

Palawan was chosen for the development because it "is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world today," Ron Johnson, an executive vice president with Viacom International Media Networks, which owns Nickelodeon, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Viacom's initial statement announcing the project on Monday said the resort would open in 2020 and feature restaurants and lounges six metres (20 feet) below sea level.

The development would "advocate ocean protection" and conserve coral reefs, the statement said.

But environmental group Greenpeace said it would destroy the area's world-famous marine ecosystem.

"It's sad and alarming because a theme park that big will not promote environmental protection by building those structures," Vince Cinches of Greenpeace Southeast Asia said.

"Why build a viewing deck when you have the whole paradise to enjoy?"

Conservation groups call Palawan "the last frontier" because of its pristine coastlines and forests, which are among the oldest and most diverse in Southeast Asia.

Palawan is home to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, a subterranean river and the Tubbataha coral reefs.

"I am wary because we have had problems already with resorts built in mangrove areas," Mayo-Anda, executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center said.

"I'm really concerned because sometimes, with all due respect to the local government unit, we get captivated by new projects and we do not judiciously study the impact."

Viacom's Philippine partner, Coral World Park, insisted the resort would not hurt the environment.

"We are taking very, very careful measures to ensure that the biodiversity is kept intact," Coral World Park chairman Paul Monozca said.

Coral World Park said the development would be part of a coral reef conservation programme including a marine sanctuary for species like dolphins and sea cows.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, a government body, said the project had yet to be approved.</s>Environmentalists have raised the alarm over the planned construction of the underwater resort and theme park in what is known as the Philippines' 'last ecological frontier'

MANILA, Philippines – Environment Secretary Gina Lopez will not allow the planned construction of an underwater resort and theme park in Palawan.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) quoted Lopez on its official Twitter account on Wednesday, January 11.

Lopez says she won't allow the underwater theme park in Palawan. #environment2017 — DENR (@DENR_Official) January 11, 2017

The DENR issued the statement after Viacom International Media Networks, which owns Nickelodeon, announced that the resort would open in 2020 and feature restaurants and lounges 6 meters (20 feet) below sea level.

It would be part of a 400-hectare undersea development that will showcase the area's marine life and give fans a chance to "interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love."

Ron Johnson, an executive vice president at Viacom, said in a statement that Palawan was chosen because it "is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world today."

Viacom said the development would "advocate ocean protection."

But the plan to build the park in what is known as the Philippines' "last ecological frontier" already met opposition from environmentalists who are worried it would destroy Palawan's world-famous marine ecosystem.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, a government body, said the project had yet to be approved. – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com</s>Environmentalists and their political allies are trying to scuttle Nickelodeon's plan to build an underwater theme park among picturesque islands in the Philippines.

The attraction is part of a 400-hectare (988-acre) undersea development planned in Palawan, an archipelago rich in pristine beaches and coral reefs.

Gina Lopez, the country's environment secretary, announced Wednesday that she opposes the controversial project. In a tweet posted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Twitter account, Lopez said she "won't allow" the planned construction of the underwater resort and theme park.

Coral World Park, the firm partnering with Nickelodeon on the project, said it was working on a response to Lopez.

"We are sure she will be better informed after reading our official statement," said Coral World Park marketing director Susan Lee.

Related: This industry is freaking out over the Philippine president's anti-U.S. rhetoric

Nickelodeon parent company Viacom (VIA) claims the undersea attraction and resort will advocate ocean protection. And Coral World Park touts its development as a coral reef conservation program.

But environmental groups are crying foul on the companies' claims of protection and conservation.

"It's quite despicable for them to put up a theme park in paradise," said Vince Cinches, oceans campaigner with Greenpeace Southeast Asia. "The project will basically destroy the marine ecosystem."

Palawan -- which is made up of one main island and smaller groups of islands around it -- is a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site marine park.

Related: Is the Philippines' outspoken president scaring away investors?

The company behind SpongeBob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer said its attraction would be located amidst a cluster of white sand islands. Visitors would get to the islands by speed boat, and then drink and dine in underwater lounges and restaurants located 20 feet below sea level.

Building artificial structures underwater will undeniably damage and disrupt Palawan's marine ecosystems, said Save Philippine Seas executive director Anna Oposa. More than 100,000 people have signed a Save Philippine Seas petition opposing the plan.

"Whatever kind of safeguards you put in place, you will disrupt marine life," said Oposa. "If [Coral World Park] were really serious about protecting the sea, they would invest that $150 million in marine protected areas and livelihoods in the community."

In a press release issued Monday, Viacom touted the new underwater attraction's earnings potential.

"[This] collaboration will add another Nickelodeon themed attraction in Asia, which will in turn give a significant business opportunity for our partners across multiple platforms," Viacom executive Mark Whitehead said.

Viacom did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.</s>Nickelodeon is facing the outcries of concerned citizens and environmentalists after the network’s announcement of its plan to construct an underwater theme park in Palawan, the last ecological frontier of the Philippines. Many believe that the plan will only ruin the world-famous marine ecosystem.

The children’s television network declared that the islands of Palawan will be included in the 400-hectare project. The network behind SpongeBob SquarePants believes that the marine park will allow fans to “interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love.”

The underwater theme park is set to open in 2020 and apart from attractions that will “advocate ocean protection” such as lagoons, hot springs, animal reserves, and man-made shipwrecks for diving experiences, it will also have a resort and a series of restaurants. Palawan was reportedly chosen for the project as it is the home of some of the world’s most pristine beaches.

Palawan is deemed as the country’s “last frontier” because its coastlines and forests are some of the oldest in Southeast Asia. Two sites in Palawan are likewise listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

However, despite the assurances that the company is trying to come up with ideas that will further keep Palawan’s biodiversity intact, conservation groups find the project alarming.

Vince Cinches of Greenpeace Southeast Asia told AFP via The Standard that “a theme park that big will not promote environmental protection by building those structures.” For them, it is absurd to “build a viewing deck when you have the whole paradise to enjoy.” After all, Palawan is known for providing tourists opportunities to connect with nature in relatively non-disruptive ways.

Palawan’s Environmental Legal Assistance Center executive director Grizelda Mayo-Anda believes that the project’s impact to the environment is far from stellar.

Save Philippine Seas, a non-profit organization conducting community-based projects that aim to protect the country’s marine resources, started a campaign cleverly titled “Coron is not Bikini Bottom!” which pertains to the famous town SpongeBob and his friends live in.

The signature campaign is addressed not only to Nickelodeon but also to the local government of Palawan as well as the network’s local partner, Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc.

As opposed to the network’s press releases that the project will protect Palawan’s marine ecosystems, the campaign says that the theme park will do the exact opposite because the construction of artificial structures will only lead to the disruption of marine life.

Less than 24 hours after the campaign started, it already gathered over 103,000 signatures out of its target of 200,000. Nickelodeon Asia’s Facebook page isn’t spared as well from people denouncing its plan.

However, despite the press release of the network and its conglomerate Viacom, Palawan officials claim that they haven’t been contacted yet about the project. Speaking to CNN Philippines, Palawan Governor Pepito Alvarez said that he cannot comment on the issue because they “haven’t even gotten an application yet.”

Coron officials echo his statements with Mayor Ajerico Barracdo claiming that it’s the first time they have heard of the plan and that Viacom hasn’t communicated with them yet.</s>Environmentalists and their political allies are trying to scuttle Nickelodeon's plan to build an underwater theme park among picturesque islands in the Philippines.

The attraction is part of a 400-hectare (988-acre) development planned in Palawan, an archipelago rich in pristine beaches and coral reefs.

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez announced Wednesday on Twitter that she opposes the controversial project and "won't allow" construction to go ahead.

As criticism of the plans escalated, the firm partnering with Nickelodeon on the project tried to play down the "undersea" nature of the development.

"The only infrastructure in the water is floating and all developments are on land," Coral World Park said in a statement.

That contrasts with the announcement it made Monday with Nickelodeon's parent company, Viacom (VIA), trumpeting the "world's first undersea attraction to be built in Asia" and a resort featuring "underwater restaurants and lounges."

Related: This industry is freaking out over the Philippine president's anti-U.S. rhetoric

Viacom claims the project will advocate ocean protection. And Coral World Park touts its development as a coral reef conservation program.

"It's quite despicable for them to put up a theme park in paradise," said Vince Cinches, oceans campaigner with Greenpeace Southeast Asia. "The project will basically destroy the marine ecosystem."

Palawan -- which is made up of one main island and smaller groups of islands around it -- is a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site marine park.

Related: Is the Philippines' outspoken president scaring away investors?

The company behind SpongeBob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer said its attraction would be located amidst a cluster of white sand islands. Visitors would get to the islands by speed boat, and then drink and dine in underwater lounges and restaurants located 20 feet below sea level.

Building artificial structures underwater will undeniably damage and disrupt Palawan's marine ecosystems, said Save Philippine Seas executive director Anna Oposa. More than 100,000 people have signed a Save Philippine Seas petition opposing the plan.

"Whatever kind of safeguards you put in place, you will disrupt marine life," said Oposa. "If [Coral World Park] were really serious about protecting the sea, they would invest that $150 million in marine protected areas and livelihoods in the community."

In the press release Monday, Viacom touted the new underwater attraction's earnings potential, saying it would provide "a significant business opportunity for our partners across multiple platforms."

A Viacom spokeswoman said Wednesday that design details for the attraction have not been finalized.</s>Nickelodeon is facing the outcries of concerned citizens and environmentalists after the network’s announcement of its plan to construct an underwater theme park in Palawan, the last ecological frontier of the Philippines. Many believe that the plan will only ruin the world-famous marine ecosystem. The children’s television network declared that the islands of Palawan will be included in the 400-hectare project. The network behind SpongeBob SquarePants believes that the marine park will allow fans to “interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love.” Characters from “Spongebob Squarepants” appear at FAN FEST during the 2016 BET Experience on June 25, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. [Image by Angela Weiss/Getty Images] The underwater theme park is set to open in 2020 and apart from attractions that will “advocate ocean protection” such as lagoons, hot springs, animal reserves, and man-made shipwrecks for diving experiences, it will also have a resort and a series of restaurants. Palawan was reportedly chosen for the project as it is the home of some of the world’s most pristine beaches. Palawan is deemed as the country’s “last frontier” because its coastlines and forests are some of the oldest in Southeast Asia. Two sites in Palawan are likewise listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. However, despite the assurances that the company is trying to come up with ideas that will further keep Palawan’s biodiversity intact, conservation groups find the project alarming. Vince Cinches of Greenpeace Southeast Asia told AFP via The Standard that “a theme park that big will not promote environmental protection by building those structures.” For them, it is absurd to “build a viewing deck when you have the whole paradise to enjoy.” After all, Palawan is known for providing tourists opportunities to connect with nature in relatively non-disruptive ways. Tag who you’d kayak with! Palawan, Philippines. ???? By @bieljuste A photo posted by Travel x Nature x Bucket List (@thebucketlist) on Jan 9, 2017 at 3:25pm PST Palawan’s Environmental Legal Assistance Center executive director Grizelda Mayo-Anda believes that the project’s impact to the environment is far from stellar. “I am wary because we have had problems already with resorts built in mangrove areas. I’m really concerned because sometimes, with all due respect to the local government unit, we get captivated by new projects and we do not judiciously study the impact.” Save Philippine Seas, a non-profit organization conducting community-based projects that aim to protect the country’s marine resources, started a campaign cleverly titled “Coron is not Bikini Bottom!” which pertains to the famous town SpongeBob and his friends live in. The signature campaign is addressed not only to Nickelodeon but also to the local government of Palawan as well as the network’s local partner, Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc. As opposed to the network’s press releases that the project will protect Palawan’s marine ecosystems, the campaign says that the theme park will do the exact opposite because the construction of artificial structures will only lead to the disruption of marine life. “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.” Less than 24 hours after the campaign started, it already gathered over 103,000 signatures out of its target of 200,000. Nickelodeon Asia’s Facebook page isn’t spared as well from people denouncing its plan. However, despite the press release of the network and its conglomerate Viacom, Palawan officials claim that they haven’t been contacted yet about the project. Speaking to CNN Philippines, Palawan Governor Pepito Alvarez said that he cannot comment on the issue because they “haven’t even gotten an application yet.” Coron officials echo his statements with Mayor Ajerico Barracdo claiming that it’s the first time they have heard of the plan and that Viacom hasn’t communicated with them yet. [Featured Image by Peter Cosgrove/AP Images]</s>'Why does Coron and the Philippines need artificial attractions? Coron is already so beautiful in its natural state,' says Save Philippine Seas executive director Anna Oposa

PALAWAN, Philippines – Believing it would destroy marine ecosystems, Save Philippine Seas executive director Anna Oposa expressed disappointment over Nickelodeon's plan to build a staggering 100-hectare undersea park in Coron, a well-known tourist spot in northern Palawan.

"It is disappointing and heartbreaking that a media company for children – one I too watched growing up – is going to destroy natural resources for current and future generations," Oposa told Rappler in a text message.

"Why does Coron and the Philippines need artificial attractions? Coron is already so beautiful in its natural state," she added.

Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN) global kids brand Nickelodeon announced on Monday, January 9, it would be developing what they called the "world’s first undersea attraction," in collaboration with Coral World Park Undersea Resorts. (READ: Nickelodeon to build Philippine underwater theme park)

Oposa said they will be asking for copies of the permits and environmental impact assessments (EIA) done for the project.

Save Philippine Seas launched an online petition against the planned undersea park. Oposa also called on the local government of Palawan and the project proponents, Nickelodeon and Coral World Park Undersea Resorts, to junk the plan and invest instead in marine biodiversity-friendly endeavors.

"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," the petition continued.

John Vincent Fabello, spokesperson of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), said they were only informed about the water park project through the media.

The PCSD is a multi-sectoral and intergovernmental body tasked to enforce Republic Act 7611 or the Strategic Environmental Palawan (SEP) Act.

Before starting its construction, Fabello reminded the proponent that it has to secure a SEP clearance from the PCSD, which implements the Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN), a system providing grades of protection and development control over the whole of Palawan.

"We do not categorically say we will accept the project, but as far as we're concerned we have to look into their documents when they apply for a clearance," Fabello said.

The environmental body may only issue a SEP clearance to projects which pass its 3 guiding principles – ecological viability, social acceptability, and integrated approach.

"As of this time, we have yet to receive any document or whatsoever, even an application letter," Fabello said.

On top of a SEP clearance, lawyer Jansen Jontila of Palawan-based Environmental Legal Assistance Center said Nickelodeon also needs to secure an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and free prior and informed consent (FPIC) from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) if it enters into areas considered ancestral waters.

While Coron boasts incredible diving sites, all isn't well when it comes to its live coral cover. Only 0.6% of it is in excellent condition, data from the PCSD revealed.

Moreover, Coron's live coral cover having very good and good conditions are only at 1.0% and 3.2%, respectively. The remainder, meanwhile, falls under fair and poor conditions, with 63.4% and 31.8%.

Fabello said the PCSD will look into the EIA to know the theme park's proposed exact location and ensure it would not harm coral reefs and other marine ecosystems in the area. – Rappler.com</s>The Philippine environment minister has said the US children’s television network Nickelodeon will not be allowed to build an underwater theme park on one of her country’s most pristine islands.

Nickelodeon’s parent firm announced on Monday it would build a “themed attraction” inspired by its cartoon characters such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants as part of a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) development on Palawan, generating alarm from environmentalists.

The environment secretary, Gina Lopez, said on Wednesday she would reject the project.

“Lopez says she won’t allow the underwater theme park in Palawan,” the environment department posted on its Twitter account.

In an interview with ABS-CBN television, Lopez said she would not allow any project that would damage the environment and the welfare of local communities.

“That’s our wealth. It’s not allowed. You can’t kill the corals. For a theme park? No. No way, man,” said Lopez, who has been a vocal opponent of mining projects in Palawan.

“The commitment of the government is first and foremost and always, always to the benefit of our people.”

Conservation groups call Palawan the nation’s “last ecological frontier” because of its relatively untouched coastlines and forests, which are among the oldest and most diverse in south-east Asia.

Palawan is home to two Unesco world heritage-listed sites, a subterranean river and the Tubbataha coral reefs.

Monday’s statement by Nickelodeon’s parent firm, Viacom International Media Networks, said its resort would open in 2020 and feature restaurants and lounges six metres (20ft) below sea level.

It also said the Palawan project would “take its place alongside” other Nickelodeon-branded attractions such as Wet’n’Wild in Australia, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Land in Russia and IMG Worlds of Legends theme park in Dubai.

An online petition organised by local environmentalists calling for the project to be stopped attracted more than 125,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

Viacom’s Philippine partner, Coral World Park, issued a statement on Wednesday insisting the development was not a theme park and emphasised that it would not all be underwater.

The statement also highlighted the project’s “ocean conservation focus” and said it would help fund environmental protection in the area.

It referred to plans for a marine sanctuary and said the Coral World Park would “be the largest coral reef conservation program in Asia”.

“There has never been any form of communication from our side mentioning a theme park,” said Coral World Park marketing and communications director Susan Lee.
Environmentalists and netizens protest the planned construction of a Nickelodeon-themed underwater amusement park and resort by Viacom International Media Networks in Coron, Palawan, Philippines, despite claims by Viacom that the project would advocate marine resources conservation.