Ningaloo becomes first World Heritage site to finalise a climate resilience action plan

March 9, 2023

Western Australia's spectacular Ningaloo Coast has become the first World Heritage site to finalise a resilience strategy, led by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, to adapt to climate change.

The Ningaloo Coast is a tourism hotspot and contributes $110 million to WA's economy every year.

The strategy takes a holistic view of the threats facing Ningaloo Reef and the local community. It proposes actions to support thriving, resilient ecosystems, an educated and empowered community as well as sustainable development.

It will act as a collaborative funding framework, with the opportunity to apply for funding from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to implement resilience initiatives.

The Ningaloo Coast Resilience Strategy was developed through a community-driven process led by the Resilient Reefs initiative, supported by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in consultation with the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinikurtura Traditional Owners, scientists and local businesses.

The Ningaloo Coast is one of four World Heritage sites participating in the initiative, including the Lagoons of New Caledonia, Rock Island Southern Lagoon in Palau and Belize Barrier Reef.

The Resilient Reefs initiative supports World Heritage coral reefs and the communities that depend on them to adapt to climate change and local threats.

It is a collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, UNESCO, The Nature Conservancy's Reef Resilience Network, Columbia University's Centre for Resilient Cities and Landscapes, Resilient Cities Catalyst and AECOM. The program is funded by the BHP Foundation.

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden shares "the survival of our reefs is time critical. We are proud the Ningaloo Coast is now equipped with an action plan to help reef managers and communities implement solutions to build resilience to climate change.

"This world first strategy provides a model for helping global authorities understand reef and community threats and take action together.

"The Resilient Reefs initiative has already provided support for a Chief Resilience Officer for three years, technical advice as well as projects including an economic contribution study, cultural mapping with traditional owners and the development of a reef restoration framework."

WA Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby notes "Ningaloo Reef is the world's largest fringing reef. It's important we do all we can to protect this marine paradise.

"Climate change is the greatest challenge of our lifetime and we need to act now. This strategy will help guide management actions to support the ability of the reef to recover and adapt to changing conditions."

To view the strategy, visit: dbca.wa.gov.au/parks-and-wildlife-service/resilient-reefs-ningaloo

Video and image grabs Credit: Great Barrier Reef Foundation

7th November 2022 - Optus Stadium and Live Ningaloo among gold medal recipients at 2022 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards

25th October 2022 - Ningaloo coastal reserves to be jointly managed

25th June 2021 - Protect Ningaloo calls for Exmouth Gulf to be heritage-listed

21st June 2021 - Western Australians encouraged to support Ningaloo Coast Humpback whale swim tour operators

10th January 2021 - Study reveals Ningaloo Coast’s significant boost to Western Australian economy

13th December 2020 - New national park and Nyinggulu Coastal Reserve created adjacent to Ningaloo Marine Park

27th August 2020 - Ningaloo World Heritage area wins reprieve from new oil and gas exploration

13th August 2020 - New conservation campaign launched to protect Ningaloo

30th January 2019 - Research shows industrialisation will threaten the survival of Ningaloo humpback whales

8th September 2016 - Researchers call for tighter controls on Ningaloo Reef manta ray experiences

4th July 2011 - Western Australian Government welcomes Ningaloo Coast’s World Heritage listing

18th January 2010 - World Heritage nomination for Ningaloo

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