Barrier Reef dodges dreaded 'in danger' label, but urgent warning issued over tourism icon
The Great Barrier Reef has avoided an “in danger” listing in a draft decision by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee overnight, but Australia has been warned it must do more to protect the natural wonder.
The United Nations agency’s decision said Australia must improve its emissions reduction ambitions, implement stronger laws to protect trees in reef catchments and ensure the timely removal of commercial gill nets from reef waters by mid-2027.
Lady Elliot Island is a popular tourist spot on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. Getty
Canberra has also been asked to return to the World Heritage Committee with a progress report in 2028.
The organisation said if the Australian and Queensland governments cannot demonstrate significant progress on implementing its recommendations, the committee could place the reef on its list of world heritage sites that are in danger.
WWF-Australia’s head of oceans Richard Leck said with a potential super El Nino looming this summer, the need to cut emissions and boost the resilience of the reef was urgent.
“Our governments have a lot of work to do in the next two years to give the reef the best chance of withstanding the pressures ahead,” Leck said.
“The reef is resilient, but it needs our help as temperatures become more extreme.
“Australia needs to rapidly reduce emissions to do its fair share to stabilise global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.”
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed last month that the El Nino–Southern Oscillation had entered an El Nino phase.
The news puts millions of Australians on notice for a warmer, drier winter and spring.
The changing conditions could spark earlier bushfires and heatwaves, while threatening water storage, farming yields, and snow depths.
Leck said stopping pollution from flowing into the reef is one of the most important ways to build its resilience.
“Tree clearing in catchments has sent millions of tonnes of sediment washing into Reef waters, which chokes corals and seagrass,” he said.
Australia has been warned it must do more to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Getty
“This polluted run-off is also damaging the cultural heritage of country and sea country that is deeply significant to traditional owners.”
Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said Australia would continue to engage constructively with UNESCO, the World Heritage Advisory bodies and the committee on the long-term health of the reef.
“The Australian government understands this responsibility, and we also know the world is watching us,” Watt said.
“Australia is doing more than ever to better protect and manage the outstanding universal value of the reef.
“Our efforts are making a difference, but we know there is more work to do.
“That’s why we announced a further $91.8 million in this year’s federal budget to bolster our world-leading management of the Great Barrier Reef.
“We will continue to build on our actions, leverage strong partnerships, and utilise our world‑leading reef management to support the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience into the future.
“We are extremely lucky to be home to one of the most beautiful and precious places on earth – and we’re determined to protect it.”
Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the draft decision recognised the work of the state to protect the reef for future generations.
“Queenslanders care deeply about the Reef and we welcome the draft decision because it recognises the progress being made to conserve it,” Powell said.
“Our focus remains on practical action and delivering outcomes that protect the Reef and support the regional communities and jobs that depend on it.
“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in practical action that protects the Reef and the communities and businesses that rely on it.”
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