Advertisement

UN decides against declaring Great Barrier Reef as 'in danger'

UN decides against declaring Great Barrier Reef as 'in danger'

The United Nations' World Heritage Committee has decided not to declare the Great Barrier Reef as "in danger".

The reef will remain on the UNESCO watch list for a further four years.

The decision comes three years after the committee threatened to add the natural wonder to the list.

A draft decision recommended the reef not be placed on the World Heritage In-Danger list, but raised concerns about the reef's future.

AAP reports Environment Minister Greg Hunt told the committee Australia fully endorsed the proposed decision and announced an additional $8 million for enhanced reef monitoring.

He said the Great Barrier Reef, faced real challenges such as climate change and water quality issues but he felt the Reef 2050 plan as a "game-changing" blueprint.

Australia will be required to provide an update on the Reef 2050 plan to the World Heritage Centre by December 1, 2016.

Prior to the decision, committee delegates praised Australia's efforts in developing the Reef 2050 protection plan, which banned dumping at sea of dredge spoil and limited port development.