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Penguins keeping cool but need entertainment amid coronavirus shutdown at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park
Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3087002/how-hong-kong-ocean-park-can-become-truly-worthy-hk54-billion Letters
How Hong Kong Ocean Park can become truly worthy of HK$5.4 billion public rescue
A lone visitor enjoys the Grand Aquarium at Ocean Park, as business is affected by months of protests in Hong Kong, on September 9, 2019. Photo: Winson Wong
I refer to the HK$5.4 billion (US$697 million) rescue plan for the troubled Ocean Park theme park. Can we reimagine a better business model that is truly worthy of a public rescue? Ocean Park should transform itself by focusing on helping endangered ocean wildlife, educating future generations, and providing a research and rehabilitation centre to preserve ocean biodiversity. I believe we should strengthen the environmental aspects of Ocean Park and leave the Disney aspects to, well, Disney.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many industries and businesses are transforming. Maybe Ocean Park can consider such a transformation and not simply revert to a failed “business as usual” mode of operation.
One must ask, what is the long-term value and return on investment on the HK$5.4 billion for the Hong Kong people, Hong Kong’s future and its environment? Beyond saving a struggling business, we should bring additional meaning and value to our society as a whole. As we invest our public funds, let’s not only focus on short-term economics but on more strategic actions that would protect nature, wildlife and the biodiversity we all depend on.
One million species face extinction, many within the next 10 years. Many marine species are in critical condition due to human activities, pollution, carbon emissions and habitat destruction. Ocean Park is in a unique position to repurpose itself as a marine wildlife sanctuary, and a rehabilitation, research and education centre for endangered marine life, such as the Hong Kong white dolphins, and other critically endangered species, such as local turtles and seahorses.
A visionary transformation of Ocean Park would have a profound impact and influence on society, and set a positive example for post-Covid-19 business transformation in the region.
Eco-tourism and eco-education can be promoted by Ocean Park’s marine nature reserve. Corporations can enjoy retreats there to generate additional income. This transformation would benefit our society and future generations, and help preserve our oceans and their biodiversity.
An environmentally transformed Ocean Park brand would be truly worthy of rescue.
Dr Ying Ying Liu, founder, Lumivoce – A Voice for the Wild