On Friday, the Australian government pledged another 1 billion Australian dollars (US$704 million) over nine years to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef. This happened after Australia stalled a UNESCO decision on downgrading the natural wonder’s World Heritage status. One of the greatest threats to the coral reef is rising ocean temperatures.
Of the money being funded, AU$580 million will go toward working with land managers along Australia’s northeast coast. It will help remediate erosion, improve land conditions and reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff.
Another AU$253 million will help the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. They help manage the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, to reduce threats from the crown-of-thorns starfish, and prevent illegal fishing. AU$93 million is designated for research to make the reef more resilient and to boost adaptation strategies.
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