UNESCO Orders Full Review of Great Barrier Reef Conservation Efforts

UNESCO orders detailed reef report by February, with possible ‘In Danger’ listing in 2026 if Australia fails to show stronger environmental progress.

A photo taken on Sept. 22, 2014, shows fish swimming through the coral on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The 2,300-kilometre-long reef contributes A$5.4 billion (US$4.8 billion) annually to the Australian economy. William West/AFP via Getty Images

UNESCO has ordered a full “state of conservation” report on the Great Barrier Reef, upping scrutiny on Australia’s efforts to protect the world’s largest coral system.

The World Heritage Committee adopted the decision during its 47th session in Paris, signalling that Australia’s past progress reports were not sufficient.

The full review, due by February next year, will form the basis of a critical assessment in 2026 that could see the reef placed on UNESCO’s “In Danger” list if action is deemed inadequate.

Environment Minister Murray Watt, who is attending the meeting, said Australia would also deliver updates on the Greater Blue Mountains in New South Wales, and Gondwana Rainforests in Queensland, outlining the government’s recent conservation actions.

A spokesperson for the federal government described the upcoming conservation report as a routine obligation under World Heritage guidelines, similar to those completed in 2019 and 2022.

“Australia is doing more than ever before to strengthen reef protections, including through record levels of investment to uphold its outstanding universal value,” the spokesperson said.