Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Acts
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Acts: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects the world’s largest coral reef system, covering a surface of around 34 millions hectares. It is home to 600 types of hard and soft corals, more than 100 species of jellyfish, 3000 varieties of molluscs, 500 species of worms, 1625 types of fish, 133 varieties of sharks and rays, and more than 30 species of whales and dolphins. In 2010, a set of environmental laws from Australia were honoured with the Future Policy Silver Award, recognising a major transition point in the management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. However, today, these policies could now be labelled ‘future injust’ as the Australian Government appears to prioritise the stewardship of its fossil fuel reserves over the stewardship of its unique environment and duties towards future generations. Widespread damage to the reef continues to be reported, due to coral bleaching, caused by rising ocean temperatures, with activities in the region also causing significant harm. Read more