Great Barrier Reef Narrowly Dodges Placing On UNESCO’s “In Danger” List

One of Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, has narrowly dodged a mention on UNECO’s “In Danger” list, according to The Guardian.  

The draft ruling by UNESCO means the GBR is safe from the UN’s least-attractive classification for a World Heritage site; the reef, however, remains on UNESCO’s “watchlist”, and could be placed on the “In Danger” list in the future. 

In a statement today, Environment Minister Greg Hunt praised the news, saying, “all references to ‘in danger’ have been dropped and Australia and Queensland’s efforts have been praised”. UNESCO reportedly took Australia’s long-term sustainability program into account in their ruling today, but warned the government that all commitments must be “rigorously” implemented. 

However, the proposals to introduce coal mines in Central Queensland have flagged concern among environmental groups, who cite the increased shipping traffic over the reef as a potential for it to still be [unofficially] labelled as “in danger”. 

Earlier this month, billionaire Richard Branson spoke out over the Reef’s potential “in danger” ruling, and advocated for UNESCO to pursue the Reef’s classification – for its direct benefit. Branson argued that the “In Danger” ruling would force the government to kick preventative measures into action: “saying the Great Barrier Reef is “in danger” could be just what it needs,” Branson said. 

One Federal MP, George Christensen, called bullshit this month on “extreme greens” lobbying for the Great Barrier Reef. According to New Matilda, Christensen said, and I kid you not:

“These extreme greens act like Wormtongue from The Lord of the Rings, flying overseas and whispering in the ears of the decision-makers and diplomats who have anything to do with UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee, poisoning their minds on the state of the reef.”

Hoo boy. 

Close one, GBR. But you might not be so lucky next time. 

via The Guardian.
Lead image by Mark Kolbe via Getty.

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