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Australia has been lobbying for years to keep the reef - which
contributes about A$6 billion ($4 billion) to the economy and
supports 64,000 jobs - off the endangered list as it could lead
to losing the heritage status, taking some shine off its
attraction for tourists.
UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization - in November said the reef should be put on the
danger list after frequent coral bleaching events.
But in the latest report, the panel "noted with appreciation"
the commitments and initial actions by the Australian government
to preserve the reef.
"The draft decision cites 'significant progress' being made on
climate change, water quality, and sustainable fishing – all
putting the reef on a stronger and more sustainable path," Prime
Minister Anthony Albanese said during a media briefing.
But he acknowledged the UNESCO draft decision does not put the
reef "in the clear" and that more steps were needed to keep it
off the endangered list.
The centre-left Labor government has pledged A$1.2 billion to
protect the reef, withdrawn federal funding for dams and denied
permission for a coal mine that it said could have affected the
reef's water quality.
The UN panel has asked the government to submit a progress
report by February 2024.
The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia said UNESCO could place
the reef on the endangered list if the government failed to
demonstrate progress on existing commitments.
"UNESCO has kept the Australian and Queensland governments on
probation," said WWF-Australia Head of Oceans Richard Leck.
"There's an opportunity for Australia to lift its game before it
is required to provide a progress report ... next year."
($1 = 1.4883 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
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