UNESCO Recommends Keeping Great Barrier Reef Off Endangered List, Australia Welcomes Decision

Australia has welcomed a draft recommendation from UNESCO that would keep the Great Barrier Reef off the list of World Heritage sites considered "in danger," despite ongoing concerns about coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures. The proposal will be reviewed by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee later this month.

Australian officials described the recommendation as recognition of the country's continued investment in reef conservation and environmental management. The government said it has expanded efforts to improve water quality, reduce pollution, and strengthen long-term protection of one of the world's most famous natural landmarks.

Stretching more than 2,400 kilometers along Australia's northeast coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and supports thousands of marine species. It also plays a major role in Australia's tourism industry, attracting more than two million visitors each year and contributing billions of dollars to the national economy.

Marine scientists, however, continue to warn that repeated coral bleaching events linked to climate change remain a serious threat to the reef's long-term health. Rising sea temperatures have damaged large sections of coral over recent years, prompting calls from environmental groups for stronger global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

UNESCO's recommendation does not suggest that the reef is free from environmental risks. Instead, it acknowledges Australia's conservation efforts while encouraging continued monitoring and stronger measures to address the effects of climate change on the fragile ecosystem.

The final decision will be made during the upcoming UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan, South Korea, where member states will review conservation reports and vote on recommendations affecting World Heritage sites around the globe.