THE UN’s cultural agency UNESCO praised Australia’s commitment to protecting the world’s largest coral reef system.
The Albanese government pledged 4.4 billion Australian dollars to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef.
The UN agency threatened to put the world’s largest coral system on a list of “in danger” global heritage sites.
The warning came after an official visit to monitor the reef in March 2022 resulted in the discovery of mass bleachings and increased water acidity which threatens the life of the corals.
The UN officials recommended the adoption of stronger climate change policies to protect the natural wonder.
The Great Barrier Reef has been a recurrent source of tension between UNESCO and Australian authorities in recent years but the Labor government successfully persuaded UN officials not to add the world heritage site to the “in danger’ list.
Things shifted into a more positive turn after the Paris-based organization on Tuesday praised Australia’s decision to implement urgent new protection measures to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef as recommended by UNESCO.
Moreover, Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced a plan to eliminate gillnets by 2027 in a bid to conserve fish populations and prevent the deaths of turtles and dolphins.
The 2,300 kilometers long natural wonder found on the northeastern coast of Australia is home to over 9,000 known species.
Being granted a World Heritage status is a prestigious title that countries compete to maintain and achieve for their natural and man-made locations. Such a feat helps boost local tourism but it comes with the obligation of protecting the site.
