Australia has made a significant stride in ocean conservation, expanding its marine protection efforts as it hosts the first Global Nature Positive Summit in Sydney. The Australian government announced the expansion of the sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park, adding 310,000 square kilometers of no-take zones. These initiatives align with global efforts to standardize natural capital accounting, in collaboration with countries like the US and Canada. Australia further announced a proposal to strengthen marine protection in its southeastern waters, turning 73,000 square kilometers into no-take zones, safeguarding 86% of the area from new oil and gas projects. These actions reflect Australia’s evolving carbon-neutral strategy through enhanced ESG efforts in biodiversity and ocean conservation.

Source: The Guardian October 10, 2024 12:35 UTC