Great Barrier Reef avoids ‘in danger’ recommendation for now
Cairns’ reef operators have welcomed news that The Great Barrier Reef has narrowly avoided an “in danger” designation from UNESCO in a draft recommendation as Cairns plays host to a Pacific Reef Forum.
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Far North tourism operators and industry stakeholders have embraced UNESCO’s decision not to list the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger”, saying it reflects what they’re seeing under the water.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee handed down its draft recommendation not to list the Great Barrier Reef just after midnight Australian time (Tuesday morning), ahead of its formal meeting in September and giving Australia until February 1, 2024 to give a progress report.
The draft recommendation noted “significant progress” was being made in the areas of climate change, water quality, and sustainable fishing, which put the Reef on a more sustainable path.
Quicksilver Group managing director Tony Baker, welcomed the decision as did the Far North’s Federal representatives Nita Green and Warren Entsch.
“I think it is an appropriate decision, certainly the reefs around Cairns are looking fantastic and reports have suggested that it has the most coral cover the Reef has had in a number of years,” Mr Baker said.
Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green said there was still work to do.
“Although this is a draft decision, it recognises the work of our partners, agencies and stakeholders who have worked together over the past 12 months supported by a government committed to protecting the Reef,” she said.
“I will continue to work alongside organisations, Traditional Owners and the broader community to keep our Reef beautiful and vibrant for generations to come.”
Former Special Envoy for the natural wonder Warren Entsch said the Great Barrier Reef has been recognised as the best managed reef in the world.
“This decision reflects the reality. We have the best marine scientists in the world and anyone who needs reef advice comes to Australia,” Mr Entsch said.
“If the best managed reef in the world is listed as in danger then that means that every single reef in the world should be on the list.”
Mr Entsch said he would continue to host any delegation that want to get their heads underwater and view the Reef for themselves.
“It’s timely that we start to acknowledge the hard work everyone from scientists to our operators are putting in to protect the Reef.”
Mr Baker said that operators would continue to work with government and other authorities as custodians of the Reef.
“We as operators are out there and see what is happening and are able to help with managing and monitoring the Reef and making sure we can communicate what we see to those addressing the big issues,” Mr Baker said.
“Like everything there is always room for improvement and you don’t see changes overnight but the government at the moment and other authorities are always looking to improve.
“Overall it is nice to see the Reef looking so good.”
The recommendation comes as Cairns plays host to more than 35 coral reef managers from across the Pacific for the inaugural Pacific Coral Reef Collective.
The five-day event will enable delegates to share their knowledge and experience in reef management and explore solutions to protect reefs across the Pacific region, both now and into the future.
Reef Authority Director of Pacific Engagement, Fred Nucifora, said they will visit Green Island and spend a day on the Reef to see first-hand what is being done to manage the World Heritage icon.
“This is a great opportunity for knowledge sharing and leadership exchange with our Pacific family. It is also a chance to showcase management actions, including reef restoration and rehabilitation projects, the reef joint field management program, and the crown-of-thorns starfish control program,” Mr Nucifora said.
“Coral reefs around the world are facing unprecedented challenges, with climate change the most serious threat to reef health.
“When it comes to reef protection, we do not and cannot act alone.”
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Originally published as Great Barrier Reef avoids ‘in danger’ recommendation for now
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