Reef may get 'in danger' listing
Source: Agencies |
June 3, 2012, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AUSTRALIA'S iconic Great Barrier Reef is under imminent threat from industrial development and may be considered for listing as a world heritage site "in danger" within the next year, a UN report said.
Citing the findings of a mission to the world's largest living structure in March, the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) recommended that "in the absence of substantial progress," its World Heritage Committee would consider such a listing next February.
Key pressures on the reef, located off the northeastern state of Queensland, include coastal development, ports and liquefied natural gas facilities, extreme weather, grounding of ships and poor water quality, UNESCO said.
The reef's value "is threatened and decisive action is required to secure its long-term conservation," it said.
Australian organizations managing the reef have adopted high-quality practices, UNESCO said, but noted that "despite management successes there has been a continuing decline in the quality of some parts" of the reef.
Citing the findings of a mission to the world's largest living structure in March, the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) recommended that "in the absence of substantial progress," its World Heritage Committee would consider such a listing next February.
Key pressures on the reef, located off the northeastern state of Queensland, include coastal development, ports and liquefied natural gas facilities, extreme weather, grounding of ships and poor water quality, UNESCO said.
The reef's value "is threatened and decisive action is required to secure its long-term conservation," it said.
Australian organizations managing the reef have adopted high-quality practices, UNESCO said, but noted that "despite management successes there has been a continuing decline in the quality of some parts" of the reef.
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