The World Heritage Committee has agreed to adopt the draft decision proposed by UNESCO to not consider the Great Barrier Reef for the list of World Heritage In Danger.
This decision is welcome, but it does not mean the Reef is in the clear.
Climate change is the biggest threat for the Reef, and coral reefs worldwide. It is a global threat that requires global action.
The decision acknowledges Australia’s increased action to protect and manage the Reef. This includes our increased action on climate change and significant Reef investments.
Together with the Queensland government, our investment in the Reef is more than $4.4 billion from 2014 to 2030.
This investment is supporting work to help the Reef adapt to climate change, scale up our water quality actions, better protect marine life, as well as reduce the impact of marine debris and high-risk fishing activities.
As part of the decision from the Committee, Australia has been requested to submit a progress report on the implementation of commitments made to the World Heritage Committee by 1 February 2024.
Going forward, we will continue to work constructively with UNESCO and IUCN and advocate on behalf of the Reef and Australia’s interests.
