Great Barrier Reef Is In Danger

Latest Updated on 13 February 2023

In a report issued on Tuesday (November 29), the World Heritage Centre (WHC) of UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) expressed concern over the situation of Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and suggested that it "be inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger."

The panel of two experts offered 10 priority suggestions and 12 further recommendations to protect the coral reef system's "Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) citing "serious concerns that might have detrimental effects on its inherent characteristics." In order to determine the GBR's present condition, the crew had earlier this year travelled from Brisbane to Cairns on a monitoring expedition.

In response, the Australian government quickly issued a statement stressing its dedication to GBR protection but avoiding the report's recommendations.

In a statement, MP Tanya Pilbersek stated, "We understand that the report may be alarming to those who live and work on the Reef. It's crucial to understand that this is not a UNESCO proposal to declare the Great Barrier Reef as being "in danger." This is a technical report, and the World Heritage Committee will take the World Heritage Center's proposal into account.

We explore the GBR's condition, its importance, and the events surrounding its maintenance.

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), which is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the biggest coral reef system in the world, with more than 2,900 individual reefs, 900 Islands, and a surface area of around 344,400 square kilometres. The GBR is a crucial part of the Global Ecosystem and one of the world's largest carbon sinks as well as one of its Largest Biodiversity Hotspots. The GBR is a significant economic driver for Australia, sustaining nearly 64,000 employment and generating billions of dollars in yearly income.

To avoid abuse without cause, up to 99 per cent of the land is included by the GBR Marine Park. A range of commercial and tourist activities are permitted and it is managed as a "multiple-use area". The foundation of GBR's administration is a zoning plan, which specifies what is allowed and where. The Queensland Government is in charge of managing land use and development projects in nearby coastal and water catchments, which also have a significant impact on the property.

For traditional food, to practise their living maritime culture, and to teach the next generation about traditions and cultural standards, Aboriginal Communities Participate in Traditional uses of water ecosystems. They are one of the most significant stewards of GBR.

Last Updated on 31 July 2021

We keep hearing troubles enveloping the environment. Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most beautiful wonder of nature and nothing can beat that. The eccentric beauty of the Great Barrier Reef leaves tourists mesmerized. You will be surprised to hear why this nature-swelled land is in unexpected danger. Recent findings suggest that an incalculable amount of bleaching along with other exploitation has deteriorated its beauty. There is a reason why the Great Barrier Reef is deemed the most important land on the world heritage list for over 40 years, the answer is simple. The Reef itself holds additional 3 thousand individual Reefs alone and its intrinsic value is greater than any land of mass. The most devastating thing is that since 1995, the Great Barrier Reef has already lost half of its coral due to immense levels of global warming. 

We are figuratively deeply saddened by the loss of coral reefs, the underwater life beneath the sea. All these wonderful elements of nature are being vigorously exploited by the selfish attitudes of human beings. The rise of developments in coastal and agricultural particles has had a horrible impact on coral life. Not many people living around the corners of the land take much heed pertaining to this beautiful water life. In fact, many tourists have also been at the meet’s end to spoil Coral Reef evidently. If government-regulated bodies set up policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef, it would definitely make a big difference for sea life.