The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has joined with over 30 other protected area agencies around the world to sign a joint statement on climate change and biodiversity loss.

The joint statement, launched as part of the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change COP26, Glasgow, describes the role of protected areas in addressing the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, including their role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, in protecting biodiversity and inspiring visitors to enact change.

The protected areas include national parks, marine parks, nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, Indigenous and community conserved areas and more

The joint statement points out that protected areas form a global family and have a unique and powerful place in our landscapes, seascapes, and societies across the planet and are intimate spaces that are both culturally and personally significant for connecting with nature.

The Reef Authority recognises the threat that climate change and biodiversity loss pose to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which this year celebrates 40 years of World Heritage Management.

We are committed to working with Traditional Owners and other national and international partners on this important issue. This commitment is detailed in our Climate change position statement available on our website.

We are focused on building Reef resilience through innovative conservation actions, regulation of the Marine Park and our in-field presence.

Protected Areas International Joint Statement on Climate Change