World Oceans Day: Conservationist Andy Ridley calls on government to further safeguard Great Barrier Reef

Conservationist Andy Ridley has called on state and federal governments to do more to preserve the Great Barrier Reef.

Earth Hour founder and conservationist Andy Ridley has called on state and federal governments to lend more support to the protection and preservation of the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
This call to arms coincides with World Environment Day on June 5, World Oceans Day on June 8 and the premiere of the Stan Original Documentary, “Revealed: Reefshot”.

In an interview with the Courier-Mail, Ridley emphasised the urgent need for out-of-the-box thinking in conservation strategies. “We’re in an age where we really have to think differently about how we scale up conservation,” he said.

Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef CEO Andy Ridley on the Great Barrier Reef. Source: Brad Fisher / Ikater Photography

Despite the Albanese Government’s $7.4 million commitment, announced on World Oceans Day, towards the protection and rejuvenation of Lady Elliot Island and Pine Islet within the Great Barrier Reef, Ridley is pushing for even greater support for grassroot projects.

The conservationist shared his worries regarding a shortfall in government backing for conservation initiatives like his, stressing that despite mobilising thousands of people through his projects, they are different and often don’t fit within the conventional support structures, leaving them lacking necessary governmental assistance.
“The challenge is for projects, like the ones that we work on, they’re a bit different, they just don’t kind of necessarily fit within some of the boxes that lead to support,” he said.

Additionally, he made an appeal for the Australian Government to significantly lower emissions to safeguard the reef - one of the planet’s most complex natural ecosystems.
“And obviously, to really scale up our emissions efforts,” he said.
His plea comes as the Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek unveiled federal government plans to introduce “more ambitious emissions reduction targets”.

Still shot from Stan's Revealed: Reefshot documentary. Picture: Nicole Mclach Photo for Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef

In her announcement, Ms Plibersek stated: “The Federal Labor government is acting to protect our precious reef, including legislating more ambitious emissions reduction targets and investing a record $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef.”

While discussing the dire situation of the reef, Ridley added that apart from dealing with climate change, the single biggest impact on the reef will be made by using the community.
“Whether you’re on the reef itself talking with the people who run all the boats, and can get people to the reef, or marine park managers or farmers, it’s basically the community will make a difference.
Ridley also expressed his belief in the power of tourism to motivate conservation efforts. While acknowledging the minuscule physical impact tourism has on the reef, he saw immense value in the emotional impact of visitors experiencing the Great Barrier Reef first-hand, inspiring them to support its preservation.
“The impact in emotion and people coming and seeing it and going in the water, it can’t help but inspire you.”

Revealed: Reefshot, a documentary led by Ridley, offers viewers a unique view of the Great Barrier Reef by venturing below the surface to showcase a dedicated community fighting to protect the reef for future generations. The film chronicles their third Great Reef Census, in which they survey over 500 reefs and document over 75,000 images.

Ridley, leading a team of scientists, volunteers, and indigenous rangers, explores uncharted reefs heavily impacted by climate change and catastrophic bleaching events. Through the lens of advanced technology, viewers witness the team’s efforts to fast-track coral growth and combat the Crown-of-thorns starfish, a significant marine threat to coral.

While the reef faces a looming threat, Ridley said he is still full of hope.
Despite the alarming situation, he believes the reef is still extraordinary and “very much worth doing everything we can to protect it”.