Queensland tourism body praises UNESCO decision on Great Barrier Reef listing

DESPITE  a loud campaign by some international environmental groups to have the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list the Great Barrier Reef as an ‘in danger’ World Heritage Site – and the corresponding defence of its status by Federal, State and Local Governments – the decision not to do so shows faith in the management of the reef, according to the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).

QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said UNESCO’s draft decision not to list the Great Barrier Reef as ‘in danger’ World Heritage site, after publishing the results of its report, demonstrated its faith in Queensland and Australia’s long-term ability and commitment to effectively manage one of the world’s natural wonders. 

Mr Gschwind said the decision will be the right move and acknowledged Australia’s strong credentials as an effective environmental manager. But he warned Queensland now needed to implement the plan “and deliver on the trust placed in us as guardians of the Great Barrier Reef”.

“The Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan, along with numerous other reef research programs and initiatives, demonstrates that Queensland and Australia takes the protection of the Great Barrier Reef seriously but we have to do more,” Mr Gschwind said.

“If the UNESCO draft decision is accepted it will give us a chance to demonstrate our long-term commitment to address the significant issues that affect the future of the reef.

“The Great Barrier Reef is the jewel in Australia’s tourism crown.  The tourism industry understands this and will continue to make a significant contribution to its long term protection.

“Queensland reef tourism operators are at the front line of reef protection, actively working with researchers and reef management agencies to monitor, report on and protect the reef’s health.  In this way, tourism plays an essential part of the reef’s survival.” 

Mr Gschwind said a decision to list the Great Barrier Reef as an ‘in danger’ World Heritage site would have been “catastrophic” for Queensland’s tourism industry, effectively discouraging tourists from visiting and threatening the future of many reef research and monitoring programs.

“It’s clear that the world is watching how we manage the Great Barrier Reef and this should inspire our efforts to ensure it remains a natural wonder that will inspire and delight generations well into the future,” he said.

Tourism is Queensland’s second biggest industry worth $23 billion, and directly and indirectly employs 230,000 Queenslanders.

Key industry figures will address the decision by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee on Friday, June 5, at the Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef: The World’s Best Address forum, one of Queensland’s biggest World Environment Day celebrations.

The forum will feature a keynote address by Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and Great Barrier Reef, Steven Miles. 

Also addressing the forum will be Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort managing director Peter Gash; Reef and Rainforest Research Centre chair Ian Poiner; Great Barrier Reef Foundation chairman John Schubert; and Hinchinbrook Island traditional owner Russell Butler.

QTIC is a private sector, membership-based organisation representing the interests of the tourism and hospitality industry across Queensland.

www.qtic.com.au

 

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