UNESCO warns Great Barrier Reef may be ‘in danger’
10th June 2012
A UNESCO report has warned that if no changes are made to industrial development plans, the reef could be placed on the endangered list of World Heritage Sites
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s national treasures and is recognised as a natural wonder of the world. But a recent UN report indicates that it is under serious threat from large-scale industrial development.
As one of the fastest growing economies in the country, Queensland state is going through major expansion of its ports due to high demand from Asia for its crude resources. If nothing is done to alter the situation, the UN warns that the World Heritage listed reef could be officially noted as ‘in danger’ within the next year.
A UNESCO mission to the area in March recommends that ‘in the absence of substantial progress’, the World Heritage Committee would consider the change next February.
Port authorities in Gladstone, a gateway to the southern reef, are embarking on a huge dredging operation to adapt the harbour for large gas tanker and coal carriers. According to local fishermen, this activity is to blame for an outbreak of disease among marine life.
In UNESCO’s report they advised that port infrastructure plans should be limited to "existing and long-established" ports in the region. In a dismissive statement made by State Premier Campbell Newman he said: “We’re in the coal business. If you want decent hospitals, schools and police on the beat, we all need to understand that.”
Furthermore, he made clear that there was no intention to heed the reports main recommendations and halt developments until a ‘strategic assessment’ had been made.
Concerns run deep but while the Australian government acknowledges the ongoing threats to the reef, Environment Minister Tony Burke said the report contained ‘no surprises’.
Simon Reeve, adventurer and presenter of the BBC’s Indian Ocean series, told Wanderlust that he’s not surprised Australians are trying to get the best from their natural resources.
“Coral reefs occupy around one percent of the world’s ocean surface, but they support more than a quarter of the marine life on our planet. We need every patch of coral that we have. It's madness to destroy it. It’s a tragedy that Australian politicians aren't doing more to protect marine life just off their coastline, which includes some of the most spectacular natural treasures on Planet Earth.
"How can we ask poorer countries to protect their coastlines and their coral reef when rich countries aren't willing to do the same?” he added.
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