The United Nations World Heritage Committee has requested a full "state of conservation" report on the Great Barrier Reef, raising concerns it may be listed as “in danger” by 2026.
Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt attended the committee’s 47th session in Paris, where members endorsed UNESCO’s draft decision released in May.
The committee acknowledged Australia’s ongoing efforts to protect the reef but called for a more comprehensive review than previous progress reports.
Dr Lissa Schindler from the Australian Marine Conservation Society
“The full review in 2026 will be a critical test.”
Scientists continue to identify climate change as the leading threat to the reef, with repeated coral bleaching events caused by rising sea temperatures.
Land-based pollution and runoff from agriculture, industry, and towns have further degraded the ecosystem, contributing to outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish.
Coastal flooding in northern Queensland has worsened water quality across more than 700km of the reef.
While a government spokesperson defended Australia’s record, conservationists argue stronger climate action is essential, including ending new fossil fuel approvals and cutting emissions by 90% by 2035.
WWF Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman said a bold 2035 climate target would help protect not only the reef’s biodiversity, but also the cultural heritage and industries that rely on it.