The Great Barrier Reef remains off the United Nations’ World Heritage Committee (WHC) list of in-danger sites following a decision made overnight at the 46th WHC session in India.
Each year, UNESCO reviews the latest research on the state of the Reef and assesses measures taken by Australian governments to protect and preserve the largest living structure on Earth. UNESCO then makes a recommendation to the WHC.
This year, the draft decision included a call for stronger emissions reduction targets.
The WHC has urged Australia to increase its climate targets to align with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and has given the government six months to report back.
“It’s also worth noting that the Committee has told Australia to report back by February on coral mortality from the record-breaking 2024 mass bleaching event, as we still don’t have final figures on how much coral perished in the extreme water temperatures of last summer,” said Dr Lissa Schindler, Great Barrier Reef Manager, Australian Marine Conservation Society.
Advertisement:
The Great Barrier Reef has experienced five mass coral bleaching events in the past nine years, with global ocean temperatures breaking heat records every day last summer. Scientists indicate that this kind of stress prevents coral species from recovering, suggesting that the Reef has reached a tipping point, with fundamental changes occurring to its biodiversity and ecological function.
“The WHC have specifically told the Australian government to create climate policies in line with 1.5 degrees of warming to keep the Reef off the list of in-danger sites, as our emission reduction targets are still not on track to save the reef, with the WHC recognising current efforts are not ambitious enough despite our government saying that it is,” said Dr Schindler.
Dr Schindler said: “The World Heritage Committee has once again put Australia on notice for its management of the Great Barrier Reef, including its inadequate climate policies. While our current government is making an effort to roll out renewables to reduce climate pollution, we still have a long way to go to reduce Australia’s dependence on fossil fuels and improve our land management in the reef catchment, especially in regards to land clearing.”
The Great Barrier Reef: Safeguarded Yet Still at Risk
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural wonders, narrowly escaped being placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre list of sites “in danger.” This decision has sparked both relief and concern among conservationists, scientists, and the Australian public. While the decision might appear to be a win for the reef’s health and management, it also underscores the ongoing and pressing threats this iconic ecosystem faces.
Tourism affected by listing
The decision by the WHC to keep the Great Barrier Reef off the “in danger” list has raised suspicions of political influence, particularly regarding the potential impact on tourism. An “in danger” listing could significantly affect Australia’s tourism industry, which heavily relies on the allure of the Reef.
The Australian government has been vocal about its commitment to reef conservation, emphasizing the billions invested in protection efforts. However, some environmental groups and scientists argue that economic and political considerations might have played a role in the WHC’s decision.
Dr Hoegh-Guldberg said: “After decades of studying the world’s largest coral reef in all its glory, and then to witness its demise as sea temperatures increase due to a changing climate is terrifying. Adding to this is the endless and frustrating politics and opinions that circle around the death of these vital ecosystems.”
“What we must do is listen to what the science is telling us: The Great Barrier Reef is in mortal danger and will disappear over the next few decades unless we take meaningful action. Current actions are meaningless unless we deal with real action on phasing out fossil fuels. No amount of trying to regrow coral populations will be effective if we don’t double and triple down on eliminating greenhouse-emitting activities,” said Dr Ove Hoegh-Guldberg FAAS – Professor of Marine Studies at the University of Queensland.
This situation is reminiscent of the delicate balance between economic interests and environmental conservation, a theme seen in various contexts, such as the challenges faced in transitioning forestry practices to protect endangered species like the Greater Glider and Koalas.
Just as shifting to plantation timber aims to safeguard these animals, stronger climate actions are necessary to preserve the Reef’s biodiversity and ecological functions.
The WHC’s call for increased climate targets underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of the Reef’s decline, beyond immediate political and economic pressures.
A Natural Marvel Under Threat
The Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 2,300 kilometers and home to thousands of marine species, is a crucial part of the world’s marine biodiversity. Its vibrant corals, diverse fish populations, and pristine waters attract millions of tourists annually, contributing significantly to Australia’s economy.
However, this natural marvel is under severe threat from climate change, coastal development, pollution, and overfishing.
The Controversy
UNESCO’s decision to keep the Great Barrier Reef off the “in danger” list was not without controversy. The World Heritage Centre’s recommendation to list the reef as endangered was based on extensive scientific evidence highlighting significant coral bleaching events, particularly those in 2016 and 2017, which severely damaged large sections of the reef.
Coral bleaching occurs when sea temperatures rise, causing corals to expel the algae living in their tissues, turning them white and often leading to death.
Australia’s federal and Queensland state governments have implemented various measures to protect the reef, including improving water quality and reducing coastal pollution. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient and that more stringent actions are required to combat the impacts of climate change effectively.
Political and Economic Implications
The decision to avoid the “in danger” listing was influenced by intense lobbying from the Australian government, which feared that such a listing would harm the country’s tourism industry and international reputation. The government has committed to investing billions in reef conservation, emphasizing its dedication to protecting this natural treasure.
However, some environmental groups and scientists believe that political and economic interests unduly influenced UNESCO’s decision, potentially compromising the long-term health of the reef.
A Call to Action
While the Great Barrier Reef remains off the “in danger” list, the challenges it faces are far from over. The decision should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us of the urgent need to address climate change and implement sustainable practices that protect our natural environment.
Protecting the Great Barrier Reef requires a multifaceted approach, involving government policies, scientific research, and community engagement. Efforts must focus on reducing carbon emissions, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, increased funding for marine conservation projects and stronger regulatory measures are essential to safeguard the reef for future generations.
The Great Barrier Reef’s reprieve from the UNESCO “in danger” list should not be seen as a victory but rather as an opportunity to double down on conservation efforts. It is a reminder that while significant progress has been made, much work remains to ensure the long-term survival of this global treasure. The reef’s fate ultimately lies in our collective hands, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it for the future.
Related stories
Photographer Frank Hurley on the Great Barrier Reef future
Scuba Diving on the Woodburn wreck, Suva, Fiji
Environment law loophole allows new coal and gas
What would happen if the environment was recognised as a legal person? – UNSW
How the Queensland Government fracked the state
Advertisement:
Comments are open …
