A hawksbill sea turtle on the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: Chad Taylor/Unsplash.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee says the Great Barrier Reef should not be included on its official list of sites in danger for now, but more needs to be done to ramp up water quality.
Australia has been praised for its efforts to clean up Queensland’s biodiverse natural wonder of the world, which supports about 77,000 jobs and contributes more than $9 billion to the economy each year.
But the committee raised serious concerns about mass coral bleaching events and has requested a reef progress report by late 2028.
The reef, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre list in 1981, spans almost 350,000 square kilometres and is home to about 30 species of marine mammals, 400 types of coral and 1500 fish species. It’s a haven for the large green turtle, sea dugong and other animals threatened with extinction.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said in a statement the draft decision recognised comprehensive efforts to protect and manage the reef.
The department described the Great Barrier Reef as “one of the world’s best managed reef ecosystems and World Heritage properties” and said the decision highlighted commitment and collaboration to address climate change, water quality, fisheries and crown of thorns starfish control.
Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt. Photo: Supplied.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the government would back the World Heritage system and engage with UNESCO, the World Heritage Advisory Bodies and the committee to improve the long-term health of the reef.
“The Australian Government understands this responsibility. And we also know the world is watching us,” Minister Watt said.
“Australia is doing more than ever to better protect and manage the (UNESCO) Outstanding Universal Value of the Reef. Our efforts are making a difference – but we know there is more work to do.
“That’s why we announced a further $91.8 million in this year’s Federal Budget to bolster our world-leading management of the Great Barrier Reef.
“We will continue to build on our actions, leverage strong partnerships, and utilise our world‑leading reef management to support the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience into the future.
“We are extremely lucky to be home to one of the most beautiful and precious places on earth – and we’re determined to protect it.”
The Queensland Government also welcomed the decision and ministers said progress was being made to protect one of the world’s most important natural assets.
State Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the draft decision recognised the efforts of Queenslanders working to protect the reef for future generations.
“Queenslanders care deeply about the reef and we welcome the draft decision because it recognises the progress being made to conserve it,” he said.
“Our focus remains on practical action and delivering outcomes that protect the reef and support the regional communities and jobs that depend on it.”
“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in practical action that protects the reef and the communities and businesses that rely on it.”
However Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said new coal and gas projects were “cooking our oceans”.
“The Albanese government is still gambling with the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Labor’s pathetic climate target is consistent with warming above 2 C°, which experts warn will cause the loss of 99 per cent of coral reefs,” he said.
“Make no mistake that a deliberate decision is repeatedly being made by Labor to put the profits of fossil fuel companies over the health of our planet. Including the survival of one of the greatest natural wonders in the world that this government is the guardian of.
“Improvements to federal environmental laws that now apply to the deforestation of Great Barrier Reef catchments was a key factor in UNESCO’s decision. The only reason these changes exist is because the community and the Greens fought for them.
“The future of the Great Barrier Reef remains perilous under Labor’s watch. The only thing that will truly protect the World Heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef is immediate climate action, which means the Albanese Labor government ending its reckless support of new fossil fuels.”
A diver culling a crown-of-thorns starfish in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Photo: The Reef Authority.
Australian Marine Conservation Society Reef campaign manager Dr Lissa Schindler said “the truth is that one of the world’s greatest natural wonders remains under international scrutiny because their (government) efforts are not adequate to secure the Great Barrier Reef’s future”.
“UNESCO recommending another review in 2028 is an extraordinary level of scrutiny for a developed nation,” she said, while acknowledging some progress had been made.
“UNESCO has repeatedly identified climate change, water quality, land clearing and fisheries management as key threats to the Great Barrier Reef’s long-term survival. While governments have made progress in some areas, significant gaps remain.
“Coral reefs are just too important for the world to lose.”
Original Article published by Luke Mortimer on Region Tropical North Queensland.
