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https://reneweconomy.com.au/un-warns-great-barrier-reef-headed-for-in-danger-list-orders-2026-review/>
"The Great Barrier Reef’s world heritage status is under pressure as the United
Nations committee orders a full report on efforts to protect the marine wonder.
Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt is in Paris for the World Heritage
Committee’s 47th session where the committee adopted a draft decision from
UNESCO released in May.
It recognises sustained action Australia has taken to protect the reef and
delivering on past commitments.
The decision also requests Australia provide a state of conservation report by
February, a more comprehensive review than the progress reports it has been
asked to produce in recent years.
Should progress on protecting the world heritage site be deemed inadequate
following the state of conservation report, it could be recommended for
inscription on the ‘In Danger’ list in 2026.
“The full review in 2026 will be a critical test,” said Dr Lissa Schindler from
the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
Climate change remains the biggest threat to the complex ecosystem and the
driver of repeat mass coral bleaching events.
Land-based runoff from nearby towns, industry and agriculture can further
damage the marine landscape, including by contributing to outbreaks of
coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.
Coastal flooding following natural disasters in Queensland’s north have also
been exacerbating water quality problems.
Flooding impacted more than 700km of the reef."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
