UNESCO decides to not list the Great Barrier Reef as being ‘in danger’

September 14, 2023

Karen Sweaney

UNESCO has decided to not list the Great Barrier Reef as being ‘in danger’, confirming the draft decision from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation handed down last month which cites "significant progress" being made on climate change, water quality, and sustainable fishing - all putting the Reef on a stronger and more sustainable path.

The Australian and Queensland governments have welcomed the decision.

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green shared "On the ground at the World Heritage Committee meeting in Riyadh, I've been delighted to receive so much support from the global community in relation to the Australian Government's efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

"There is of course more work to do but as Special Envoy I will continue to be focused on delivering our substantial commitments and enhancing Australia's reputation through the World Heritage convention.

"This decision is welcome news to all Australians, but especially those regional Queenslanders whose livelihoods depend on the Great Barrier Reef. The decision recognises our world class management - by our partners, agencies and stakeholders right across Queensland."

Last month, a UNESCO heritage committee stopped short of listing Australia's Great Barrier Reef as a site that is "in danger" but warned the world's biggest coral reef ecosystem remained under "serious threat" from pollution and the warming of oceans.

Australia has been lobbying for years to keep the reef - which contributes about $6 billion ($4 billion) to the economy and supports 64,000 jobs - off the endangered list as it could lead to losing the heritage status, taking some shine off its attraction for tourists.

As sources close to UNESCO recently told the French newspaper Le Monde, on climate change and the environment "…the approach [from the Australian government] has changed completely. Between the new government and the old one, it's a bit like night and day".

The Australian Government has:

Invested a record $1.2 billion in the Reef.
Legislated to reach net zero, with a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 and committed to reaching 82% renewable energy supply by 2030.
Invested $150 million to improve water quality through projects such as revegetation, grazing management and engineering work like gully stabilisation.
With the Queensland Government, announced the phase-out of gillnets in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with a $160 million package.
Rejected a coal mine that could have direct impacts on the Reef.
Withdrawn federal funding for dams that would have had a detrimental impact on Reef water quality.
Invested an extra $163.4 million in the May budget to guarantee the future of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, doubling funding for Reef science.
Committed to rewriting Australia's broken environmental laws.
Engaged more Indigenous Rangers to manage sea country, including combatting crown of thorns starfish outbreaks, marine plastics and ghost nets.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek noted the Federal Government is committed to better protecting the Great Barrier Reef - “acting on climate change, improving local water quality, protecting our marine life, dealing with invasive species, and investing a record amount of money into reef programs.”

Minister Plibersek continues to highlight the failings of the previous Federal Government adding "today's decision is welcome news, but it wasn't inevitable. Before Labor was elected, the Reef was on the verge of being listed as in danger, because of Scott Morrison's weak policies on climate and the environment.

"That has changed under Labor. Our government will always protect Australia's special places. And we will always support the millions of Australians who rely on a healthy environment for their work.”

Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard commented that UNESCO's decision to not list the Great Barrier Reef as being in danger, acknowledges the Queensland Government’s work, since 2015, to protect it.

Minister Linard advised "this work has included investing more than $1 billion to protect the reef, including committing $270 million to the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, which works with industry, agricultural producers and communities to tackle water pollution and drives water quality improvements by preventing pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, and pesticides from running into reef waters and affecting the health of coral and seagrass ecosystems.

"We have also introduced robust and responsible tree clearing laws. We know these laws are working because the latest data shows a 70% reduction in regulated vegetation clearing over three years. A further 59,654 hectares of vegetation regrowth has also been detected.

"And we have worked hard to drive down carbon emissions. Queensland has already reduced emissions by 29% based on the latest 2021 data and we continue to work to meet our commitment to zero net emissions by 2050, in line with leading global economies.

"We are also implementing our $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan which includes an historic expansion of solar and wind power, supported by two world class pumped hydro facilities, which will deliver a 90% reduction of electricity emissions on 2005 levels by 2035-36.

"However, the job is not over and the work to protect this iconic ecosystem continues. We will continue to proactively protect the Great Barrier Reef, working with the Albanese Government, the science community, industry, conservationists, the community and, of course, UNESCO to protect this natural wonder so it can be enjoyed by future generations."

Image. Credit Tourism Australia

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

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