UNESCO takes GBR off ‘in danger’ list despite fifth mass coral bleaching event in five years

The Great Barrier Reef has been taken off the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s “in danger” list, but marine conservationists argue more needs to be done to protect the world heritage site.

The Great Barrier Reef has been taken off the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s “in danger” list.

The Great Barrier Reef has been taken off the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s “in danger” list, despite facing its fifth mass coral bleaching event in eight years.

The announcement was made by the World Heritage Committee in New Dehli, however Australia is still on probation for the management of the Great Barrier Reef.

Special envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Nita Green welcomed the UNESCO decision.

“The decision acknowledges the work of the Australian and Queensland governments to take action on climate change to ensure that we have good water quality in the reef and to develop a strategy for sustainable fisheries,” Ms Green said.

“Climate change is the greatest threat to coral reefs around the world and that’s why it’s so important that our governments work together to ensure that the reef is as resilient as possible.”

However Australian Marine Conservation Society Barrier Reef campaign manager Dr Lissa Schindler said more needed to be done, particularly by the federal government, to ensure the reef did not return to the “in danger” listing.

“Australia still needs to do more to tackle climate change, protect native vegetation and cut water pollution in Reef waters,” Dr Schindler said.

This aerial photo taken on April 5, 2024, shows tourists snorkelling above bleached and dead coral around Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, located 270 kilometres (167 miles) north of the city of Cairns. (Photo by David GRAY / AFP)

“Requesting a report back next year highlights UNESCO’s concern on these matters.”

Dr Schindler argued the Australian government needed to strengthen its commitments to cutting greenhouse gas pollution and deliver the promised full reform of national environmental laws.

“The World Heritage Committee has clearly stated it wants the Australian Government to commit to emissions cuts that keep average global temperature rise to 1.5C – a critical threshold for the survival of coral reefs,” she said.

“That would mean Australia committing to net-zero emissions by 2035.”

Senator Green said the state and federal governments had already made significant progress in implementing its commitments to the reef, including investing in coastal restoration projects.

“The UNESCO decision overnight confirms that the work that we’ve done over the past two years, has ensured that the reef is as resilient as possible from climate change,” she said.

“Australia is playing its part when it comes to climate action.”

Originally published as UNESCO takes GBR off ‘in danger’ list despite fifth mass coral bleaching event in five years