Corporate

The Reef Authority acknowledges the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's decision not to place the Great Barrier Reef on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981 for its Outstanding Universal Value, recognising its exceptional natural attributes and global scientific and environmental significance.

The World Heritage Committee commended Australia’s efforts to protect and conserve the Reef. Its decision acknowledges the strengthened collaboration between the Australian and Queensland governments to address the key threats facing the Reef, including climate change, water quality, fishing impacts and crown-of-thorns starfish predation. It also recognises the Reef Authority's Crown-of-thorns Starfish Control Program as an effective measure supporting the protection of the Reef's Outstanding Universal Value.

The Reef Authority will provide input into a progress report due to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee by 1 December 2028 (focusing on implementation of the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy) as well as a State of Conservation report due by 1 December 2029.

The Reef Authority recognises the work of the World Heritage Centre and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in assessing the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's management of this World Heritage property.

We will continue to deliver world-class management of the Great Barrier Reef, working with the Australian and Queensland governments, Traditional Owners, industry and the community to protect the Reef for future generations.

Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: mediateam@dcceew.gov.au 

More information

Updated 24 Jul 2026
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