The Australian government has informed the United Nations that it is acting with “renewed vigour” to save the Great Barrier Reef. The announcement came after the UN said it was considering to put the reef under the list of “in danger” later this year.
The world heritage committee meets in Germany in June to consider whether the reef, which has lost half its coral cover over the past 30 years, has deteriorated badly enough to justify the listing.
In his letter to Unesco, Australia’s environment minister, Greg Hunt, said the government is trying to safeguard the reef.
“Australia has heard the concerns of its people and the international community loud and clear and is working harder than ever to address those concerns so that the intrinsic value of the reef is maintained and future generations can experience this stunning coral reef ecosystem and create their own memories for years to come,” Hunt wrote.