The 48th session of the World Heritage Committee (48COM) took place in Busan from 19 to 29 July.
At 48COM, the committee adopted the:
- draft decision on the state of conservation of the Great Barrier Reef
- Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV) for the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
Decision on the Reef
The decision on the Reef recognises Australia's commitment and collaborative efforts to protect the Reef. This includes through action on:
- climate change
- water quality
- sustainable fisheries management
- Crown-of-Thorns Starfish control.
We are doing more than ever to protect the Reef's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Together with the Queensland Government, we have invested over $5.3 billion in the Reef since 2014.
We will submit a report on Australia's progress to the committee in 2028.
Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV) for Murujuga Cultural Landscape
The SOUV for Murujuga, adopted at 48COM:
- describes the First Nations cultural heritage values for which Murujuga was inscribed
- provides the basis for the future protection, management and monitoring of the property's OUV.
We prepared the SOUV in partnership with the:
- Ngarda-Ngarli, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Murujuga
- Western Australian Government.
The SOUV recognises the continuous living culture, knowledge and custodianship by the Ngarda-Ngarli people.
Australia will submit a progress report to the World Heritage Centre by 1 December 2026. It will detail our implementation of the Committee's recommendations at the time of inscription.
