Australia has provided an updated State Party Report on the state of conservation of the Great Barrier Reef (Reef) to UNESCO.
State Party Reports are routine. Australia last provided a State Party Report in 2022.
The latest report demonstrates that Australia is:
- addressing the impacts of climate change on the Reef
- improving Reef water quality
- managing crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks
- advancing sustainable fishing practices
- delivering world-leading Reef restoration and adaptation solutions
- sharing expertise internationally to support resilient coral reefs worldwide
- maintaining the Reef's Outstanding Universal Value.
Recent amendments to our national environmental laws will support the Reef. The Australian Government is now specifically regulating land clearing in the Reef catchment area. This will improve Reef water quality.
Australia is championing First Nations leadership and partnerships. Our Reef actions are informed by Traditional Knowledge. We acknowledge Traditional Owners' connections to Land, Sea and Sky Country.
Climate change is impacting coral reefs worldwide. It is a threat for most World Heritage properties. Australia continues to act on its commitments under the Paris Agreement through ambitious emission reduction targets.
We are also supporting global efforts to manage the impact of climate change on World Heritage properties. We are working with the World Heritage Centre and other countries to strengthen the capacity of the World Heritage system to respond to climate change.
