Canberra defends its efforts to protect the world’s biggest coral reef system
Rangers inspect the Coral Gardens section of the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Elliot Island, 80km northeast of Bundaberg in Queensland, Australia. Picture: REUTERS
Australia’s environment minister Sussan Ley said Canberra would challenge the recommendation, saying it went against advice given just a week ago, and defended Australia’s protection of the reef.Australia has for years been battling to keep the Great Barrier Reef, a tourist attraction that supports thousands of jobs, off the “in danger” list, a step that could potentially lead towards its eventual removal as a world heritage site.
A government source said Canberra believes China is responsible for the move amid a souring of relations between the two countries. Chinese officials enjoy strong sway on three Unesco committees, while a Chinese legislature is chair of the World Heritage Committee, the source said. “There is no avenue for any government to have any input. This recommendation is reached by world renowned scientists,” said Richard Leck, head of oceans for the World Wide Fund for Nature, Australia.
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