(Reuters file photo)SYDNEY - The Australia government on Thursday welcomed the Unesco's World Heritage Committee's decision to leave the Great Barrier Reef off its "in danger" list, despite recent bleaching events and threats from climate change, calling it a "big win" for Australia. Speaking with ABC Radio, Australian Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg described the Unesco decision as a "big win for Australia". "We're taking every action possible to ensure that this great wonder of the world remains viable and healthy for future generations to come." However, the committee expressed "serious concern" at recent coral bleaching events, and described climate change as a significant overall threat to the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Experts have previously warned that the government's plan for protecting and managing the reef until 2050 is no longer achievable due to the dramatic impacts of climate change.

Source: Bangkok Post July 06, 2017 12:33 UTC