RECREATION: With construction scheduled to start on Friday, environmentalists expressed concern over the project’s impact on coral species and Aboriginal rights

Taipei Times
Date: Feb 27, 2019
By: Lin Chia-nan  /  Staff reporter

Environmental advocates yesterday asked the developer of a planned aquarium and recreational park in Taitung County to provide supplemental coral surveys and to respect the rights of local Aboriginal communities amid concerns over the park’s impact.

Covering about 12 hectares on the county’s Jihuei (基翬) coast, the project, which passed an environmental impact assessment in 2009, would include aquariums, a spa and recreational facilities.

With developer Pao Sheng Ocean Park Development Co saying it would start construction on Friday, environmentalists yesterday raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on corals in the area and local residents’ rights.

The coverage of living corals in waters off the coast is between 40 and 50 percent, Taiwan Environmental Information Association secretary-general Chen Juei-pin (陳瑞賓) said, citing surveys conducted in 2017 and earlier this month.    [FULL  STORY]