Reef not endangered, but UNESCO to monitor

Reef not endangered, but UNESCO to monitor
By Hannah Edensor


Australia has much work to do to protect the Great Barrier Reef but has done enough to save the natural wonder from an endangered listing.

UNESCO adopted a draft decision to leave the reef off its “in-danger” list at a meeting in Bonn, Germany, on Wednesday evening (AEST).

But the icon will continue to be monitored by UNESCO, with Australia required to provide an update on its Reef 2050 plan to the World Heritage Centre by December 1, 2016.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the World Heritage Committee ruling recognised Australia’s efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

However, she said it was by no means a “clear victory” and the federal and state governments must now ensure all of its reef commitments were implemented to keep the natural wonder off the endangered list.

“It (the decision) commends the efforts to date and is all about the implementation of the Reef 2050 plan,” she told AAP from Bonn.

The long-term protection plan bans the dumping at sea of dredge spoil, limits port development and focuses on cleaning up water running onto the reef.

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt told World Heritage Committee delegates more than $2 billion was projected to be invested in managing and protecting the reef over the coming decade.

An investment baseline released by Ms Trad at the meeting showed all tiers of government, the private and philanthropic sectors had invested more than $485 million in 2014/15 alone.

Mr Hunt also announced an additional $8 million for enhanced reef monitoring.

Conservation groups say Australia has been placed on probation when it comes to management of the reef as failure to improvements in its health could put it at risk of an “in-danger” listing in 2020.

Latest News

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]