Australia receives warning from UNESCO regarding deteriorating condition of Great Barrier Reef

The United Nation’s cultural and scientific organization, UNESCO, has cautioned that Australia needs to take more steps regarding land clearing and climate change to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Although the reef, which is on the World Heritage list, has not been included in the in-danger list at the moment, UNESCO has highlighted that it faces its fifth mass bleaching event in eight years.

“The state party should be encouraged to establish more ambitious emission reduction goals in line with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels,” stated UNESCO in a draft decision on June 25.

“It is evident that the property remains under significant threat, and immediate and continuous action is crucial to enhance its resilience in a rapidly changing climate.”

However, Australian reef researcher Peter Ridd expressed doubt about the claim, describing it as “scaremongering.”

“Considering that the amount of coral in the Great Barrier Reef has increased over the past two years to its highest level since records began in 1985, it is difficult to see that the reef is in grave danger and requires saving,” he told The Epoch Times.

“This is despite supposedly experiencing catastrophic bleaching five times since 2016.

Mr. Ridd pointed out that the reef had a record amount of coral in 2022/23—twice as much as in 2012.

According to Mr. Ridd, even the fastest-growing coral takes five to 10 years to develop.

Nevertheless, environmental organizations still view UNESCO’s decision as foreboding.

In a statement, the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) mentioned that there is nothing to rejoice about being placed on “probation” for the management of the reef.

Lissa Schindler, AMCS Great Barrier Reef campaign manager, emphasized that Australia must present an update on reef health within seven months, indicating that the reef is far from secure.

“Over the past decade, the World Heritage Committee has been clear about what Australia needs to do to better safeguard the reef and avoid being labeled ‘in danger,'” she stated.

“The Albanese government has made more commitments than the previous government, but Australia still needs to take further steps to combat climate change and reduce water pollution in reef waters.

“Requesting a progress report next year really underscores UNESCO’s concern regarding this matter.”