A diver culls a destructive, reef-eating crown-of-thorns starfish by lethal injection. Photo: Torres Strait Regional Authority.
The Great Barrier Reef has dodged a UNESCO ‘in danger’ listing, but more work needs to be done to protect the biodiverse natural wonder of the world.
Both the Queensland and Federal governments have applauded the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s decision on the reef at its 48th session in Busan, Republic of Korea. It follows a draft decision released last month.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said Australia was doing more than ever to better protect and manage the iconic tourist drawcard.
“This is underpinned by more than $5.3 billion invested since 2014 by the Australian and Queensland governments in reef protection and conservation initiatives,” he said.
“While challenges like climate change remain significant, today’s recognition demonstrates that Australia’s long-term investments, strong management and governance frameworks and collaborative approach are delivering tangible results.
“We will continue to build on our comprehensive suite of actions, leverage strong partnerships, and utilise our world‑leading reef management to support the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience into the future.
“We are among the best in the world at protecting and preserving our unique and diverse heritage places and sharing the knowledge with others and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.
“The Australian Government is committed to the ongoing protection of our world heritage, establishing and achieving ambitious emissions reduction targets and working together with state parties, the World Heritage Centre and World Heritage Advisory Bodies to strengthen our capacity to respond to climate change.”
Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt welcomed UNESCO’s decision. Photo: Supplied.
The Great Barrier Reef – which is threatened by poor water quality, crown-of-thorns starfish, climate change and coral bleaching – supports about 77,000 jobs and contributes more than $9 billion to the economy each year.
The near-350,000 square kilometre reef put on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre list in 1981 is home to about 30 marine mammals, 400 types of coral and 1500 fish species. It’s a haven for green turtles, dugong and various animals threatened with extinction.
Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the decision recognised the efforts of Queenslanders working to protect the reef.
“Queenslanders care deeply about the reef, and we welcome UNESCO’s decision because it recognises the real progress being made to protect it,” he said.
“This is an important acknowledgement of the work happening right across Queensland to safeguard the reef for future generations.
“Protecting the reef is something Queenslanders are passionate about, and it’s encouraging to see that commitment recognised on the world stage.
“We know there is still more work to do, and we will keep backing practical action, guided by the best available science, to improve reef health and strengthen our water quality efforts.
“Nobody loves the reef more than Queenslanders, and while we welcome this decision, we’re not taking anything for granted.
“Our recent budget delivered a record investment in the Great Barrier Reef because we know protecting it is a long-term commitment, and we’re determined to keep building on the progress that’s been made.”
The decision is based on two monitoring missions, including one in September 2025.
Marine social scientist Dr Yolanda Waters inspects coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: The Undertow Media.
Australia is due to provide a progress report on the reef to UNESCO in 2028 and a State of Conservation report in 2029.
Mr Watt said the Federal Government had ramped up action on climate change, which was the biggest threat to reefs worldwide.
Australia’s 2030 targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62–70 per cent below 2005 levels as part of a global push remain within reach, according to Australia’s Emissions Projections 2025.
Original Article published by Luke Mortimer on Region Tropical North Queensland.
