Turning the Tide Newsletter – Spring 2023
Heritage Listing At Risk
Our Reef is still under threat despite UNESCO’s recommendation to delay an ‘In Danger’ decision until Feb 2024.
This decision reflects progress made by governments, especially in addressing fisheries concerns, but more action is needed to address climate change and water quality. UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and scientific advisor IUCN made 22 recommendations to the Australian and Queensland governments to help protect the Reef in their Reactive Mission Report last year, after visiting the Reef during the fourth mass bleaching event since 2016.
Climate change is the biggest threat to our Reef. With increasing ocean temperatures and a likely El Niño around the corner, governments must act now to reduce emissions and keep warming to 1.5°.
Australia must report to UNESCO in February 2024 on progress to protect the Reef or risk an ‘In Danger’ listing. We will be attending the next World Heritage Meeting in September 2023 to keep the pressure up.
Help us reach 25,000 signatures. Sign our petition, urging the government to implement UNESCO’s roadmap to save our Reef!