Aussie treasure up to claim prestigious global award

An unlikely Australian has been nominated for the United Nations’ prestigious Lifetime Achievement award, and the name will shock you.

An unexpected Australian icon would make history if it was to be named the winner of the United Nations’ prestigious Lifetime Achievement award.

The award – which runs throughout April and is open to global nominees – typically acknowledges individuals for their consistent action on behalf of the planet and its inhabitants.

Sir David Attenborough claimed the sought-after accolade in 2021, joining dozens of others who have shared “the knowledge that we can solve the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution with effective action”.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has adopted a unique interpretation of the criteria however, and nominated what it believes to be the first non-human entrant in the award’s history – the Great Barrier Reef.

The Reef is treasured by Aussies. Picture: Instagram/molly_dixon_

It could be the first non-human winner. Picture: Instagram/ivhq

“We wanted to remind everyone on word Earth Day that the Great Barrier Reef is more than just a dot on the map, it is more than just its World Heritage listing,” Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen told news.com.au.

“The Great Barrier Reef is a teacher, it is a healer, it is the world’s best classroom. To the First Nations people it is their protector. It has been their home for 9000 years.”

The United Nations Environment Programme opened its Champions of the Earth Awards program on Monday.

“The pinnacle of those awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award given to a living individual. We don’t think there is a better living individual than the world’s largest living entity, the Great Barrier Reef, which is identified as a globally significant entity by UNESCO,” Mr Olsen said.

People travel from across the globe to experience the icon for themselves. Picture: Instagram/hollyrichmond_

“This award has never been given to a non-human and we believe the Great Barrier Reef should be the first non-human to win the Lifetime Achievement Award.”

He encouraged Australians to visit the brand’s A Lifetime of Greatness website.

“Show your support and create a global push that will make history by making the Great Barrier Reef the first non-human to win a Lifetime Achievement Award.”