The Australian government and a United Nations body are facing off this week over whether the Great Barrier Reef is “in danger” of losing its “outstanding universal value.”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Heritage Committee is scheduled to vote on Friday on whether the reef, which is on the World Heritage List, should be officially labeled as “in danger.” The designation means the site is under threat, and if action isn’t taken to address concerns, it could lose its World Heritage status.
Australia has desperately tried to avoid that scenario through a flurry of last minute lobbying, including taking ambassadors on a snorkeling trip to the reef.
Its efforts may have paid off. Twelve out of the 21 countries on the Committee appeared to be against applying the “in danger” rating to the Barrier Reef, according to a proposed amendment posted to the UNESCO site on Tuesday.
But pressure to impose the rating is still coming from scientists and celebrities, with a letter published the same day signed by 13 public figures — actors, former politicians and journalists — pushing the committee to “endorse UNESCO’s recommendation.”
“There is still time to save the Great Barrier Reef, but Australia and the world must act now,” reads the letter, signed by “Aquaman” actor Jason Momoa and ocean explorer Philippe Cousteau, among others.
