A UNESCO heritage committee on Tuesday stopped short of listing Australia's Great Barrier Reef as a site that is 'in danger' but warned the world's biggest coral reef ecosystem remained under 'serious threat' from pollution and the warming of oceans.
A colony of mushroom leather coral grows on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns, Australia October 25, 2019. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo
Australia has been lobbying for years to keep the reef - which contributes about A$6 billion to the economy and supports 64,000 jobs - off the endangered list as it could lead to losing the heritage status, taking some shine off its attraction for tourists. "The draft decision cites 'significant progress' being made on climate change, water quality, and sustainable fishing – all putting the reef on a stronger and more sustainable path," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during a media briefing.
The centre-left Labor government has pledged A$1.2 billion to protect the reef, withdrawn federal funding for dams andThe UN panel has asked the government to submit a progress report by February 2024.
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