SYDNEY (Reuters) – The UNESCO heritage committee has refrained from listing Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as “in danger.” However, the committee highlighted that the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem is still under “serious threat” due to pollution and rising ocean temperatures.
Australia has been lobbying to prevent the reef from being added to the endangered list, as this could negatively impact its heritage status and reduce its appeal to tourists. The reef contributes approximately A$6 billion ($4 billion) to the economy and supports 64,000 jobs.
In November, UNESCO recommended that the reef be placed on the danger list after numerous instances of coral bleaching. In the latest report, the panel “acknowledged with appreciation” the efforts and initial actions taken by the Australian government to protect the reef.
“The draft decision recognizes the ‘significant progress’ made in addressing climate change, water quality, and sustainable fishing, which puts the reef on a more robust and sustainable path,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a media briefing. However, he acknowledged that the UNESCO draft decision does not guarantee the reef’s safety and that further measures are necessary to keep it off the endangered list.
The center-left Labor government has committed A$1.2 billion to safeguard the reef, halted federal funding for dams, and denied permits for a coal mine that could have adversely impacted water quality in the reef.
The UN panel has requested a progress report from the Australian government by February 2024. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia has warned that if the government fails to demonstrate progress on its existing commitments, UNESCO may classify the reef as endangered.
“UNESCO has placed the Australian and Queensland governments on probation,” stated Richard Leck, Head of Oceans at WWF-Australia. “Australia has the opportunity to step up its efforts before it is required to submit a progress report next year.”
($1 = 1.4883 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
