UNESCO has recommended that Australia’s Great Barrier Reef be listed 'in danger'. The proposal to downgrade the Great Barrier Reef's World Heritage status has irked Australia, which said the recommendation was politically motivated.
The UN World Heritage Committee on Monday said in a draft report that “there is no possible doubt” that the network of colourful corals off Australia's northeast coast was “facing ascertained danger".
Scientists say that the coral reef ecosystem has suffered three major bleaching events since 2015 due to severe marine heatwaves.
The Great Barrier Reef losing its World Heritage Site status list could potentially reduce its attraction to tourists.
Australian environment minister told reporters that the government has expressed “strong disappointment” and “bewilderment” at the proposal and added that the country will oppose the listing.