“The widespread effects of the consecutive coral bleaching events further add to the significant concerns regarding the future of the property.”Īs the reef “is facing ascertained danger”, the report calls for inscribing it on the on the List of World Heritage in Danger. “The Plan requires stronger and clearer commitments, in particular towards urgently countering the effects of climate change, but also towards accelerating water quality improvement and land management measures,” the report continued. The UN committee consists of representatives from 21 countries and its next meeting will be held virtually from China in July.

“It can be concluded that, despite many positive achievements by the State Party, progress has been insufficient in meeting key targets of the Reef 2050 Plan,” the draft report said.

Climate change and coral bleachingĭespite commitments and progress under a long-term sustainability plan known as Reef 2050, the Great Barrier Reef continues to deteriorate, according to the report, and has suffered significant coral bleaching over the past five years. The World Heritage Committee, convened under the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO), said the country has not done enough to protect the world’s largest coral reef system from the impacts of climate change.

Great barrier reef