SYDNEY: Australia on Friday (Aug 23) launched a multi-million dollar effort to stop pesticide runoff and other water quality issues on the Great Barrier Reef, the latest effort to save the ailing natural wonder.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek unveiled a US$130 million bid to reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff, improve invasive species management, and support better land management across some of the most vulnerable spots along the reef.
Often dubbed the world’s largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef is a 2,300km long expanse, home to a stunning array of biodiversity that includes more than 600 types of coral and 1,625 fish species.
But repeated mass bleaching events – when extreme heat saps the coral of nutrients and colour – threaten the reef’s fragile ecosystem.
Mass bleaching events along the reef occurred in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and now 2024.
Such is the damage to the reef that the UN’s cultural organisation UNESCO has weighed labelling the world heritage site “at risk”, a move that could put millions of tourist dollars at risk.
Plibersek said the latest funding was vital to stop some of the other problems plaguing the ecosystem and “make sure the beauty and majesty of the Reef can be enjoyed for our kids and grandkids”.
“Sediment run-off is one of the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
“Poor water quality stops coral from regrowing, kills seagrass, and blocks the sunlight needed for a healthy reef.”
Source: CNA
