Australia welcomes UNESCO's recognition of strong Great Barrier Reef protection

The Australian Government has welcomed the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s decision on the Great Barrier Reef at its 48th session in Busan, Republic of Korea. The Committee adopted the draft decision released last month, again recognising Australia’s strong collaboration and ongoing efforts to protect the Reef. The decision acknowledges Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting the long-term protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the Reef through strengthening resilience-based management.

This includes through action on climate change, water quality, land-clearing, crown-of-thorns starfish and sustainable fisheries management. The Australian Government is taking increased action on climate change, which is the biggest threat to reefs worldwide. According to Australia’s Emissions Projections 2025, Australia’s 2030 targets remain within reach.

We have set an ambitious and achievable 2035 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62–70% below 2005 levels that is in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. The 2030 and 2035 targets are important steps on the pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. New and existing water quality programs and significant investments will also accelerate implementation of the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy and progress towards water quality targets.

Australia will continue to share our Reef management and restoration expertise internationally to support global efforts to protect coral reefs. Australia will provide a progress report on the Reef to UNESCO in 2028 and a State of Conservation report on the State of Conservation of the Reef in 2029. Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the decision of the World Heritage Committee reinforced the Reef’s status as one of the world’s best managed reef ecosystems and World Heritage properties.

“Australia is doing more than ever to better protect and manage the Outstanding Universal Value of the Reef,” Minister Watt said. “This is underpinned by more than $5.3 billion invested since 2014 by the Australian and Queensland Governments in Reef protection and conservation initiatives. “While challenges like climate change remain significant, today’s recognition demonstrates that Australia’s long-term investments, strong management and governance frameworks and collaborative approach are delivering tangible results.

“We will continue to build on our comprehensive suite of actions, leverage strong partnerships, and utilise our world‑leading reef management to support the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience into the future.” The Statement of Outstanding Universal Value of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape will also be considered by the World Heritage committee in the coming days, following its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List last year.

The Statement will describe the First Nations cultural heritage values as part of the Outstanding Universal Value for which Murujuga was inscribed, recognising the continuous living culture, knowledge and custodianship of the Ngarda-Ngarli, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Murujuga. “We are among the best in the world at protecting and preserving our unique and diverse heritage places and sharing the knowledge with others and we don’t take that responsibility lightly,” Minister Watt said.

“The Australian Government is committed to the ongoing protection of our World Heritage, establishing and achieving ambitious emissions reduction targets and working together with States Parties, the World Heritage Centre and World Heritage Advisory Bodies to strengthen our capacity to respond to climate change.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.