Plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef recognised as world's best
24 Oct 2005
WWF will today present the Australian Government with a Gift to the Earth award, WWF's highest accolade, for the design and implementation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning plan.
WWF regards the zoning plan as a pioneering development in marine conservation that sets the benchmark for marine protected area network establishment in Australia and around the world.
The Gift to the Earth ceremony will take place at the opening of the inaugural International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC) in Geelong, Australia. Almost 700 experts in marine conservation from over 60 countries are expected to attend IMPAC, and WWF hopes the Gift to the Earth award will inspire other countries around the world to establish similar levels of protection in their marine environment.
"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most treasured natural wonders, and the Australian Government has shown it is truly a world leader in marine conservation by implementing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning plan," said James Leape, WWF International Director General designate.
The plan is an investment in Queensland and Australia's economic future. In 2004, reef industries contributed approximately $5.8 billion to the Australian economy and employed about 63,000 people.The Representative Areas Program brought together an unprecedented level of world leading-scientific methods and one of Australia's largest ever community consultations.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning plan was implemented on 1 July 2004. Under the plan, strict protection rose from 4.6 per cent to 33 per cent of the Marine Park and World Heritage Area, covering more than 11 million hectares. While tourism and other non-extractive activities continue in the new, scientifically-based network of marine protected areas, all commercial and recreational fishing is now banned.
"Protecting and restoring the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef is the most important goal for its future - the network of strictly protected areas outlined in the zoning plan will make a significant contribution to this goal," Mr Leape said.
WWF expects the Australian government to continue to take a leadership role in combating threats to the Great Barrier Reef. WWF also hopes the Government will build on its success in protecting the Reef as it establishes networks of Marine Protected Areas to safeguard the full range of Australian marine and coastal habitats.
WWF is the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation, with close to five million supporters and a global network active in more than 90 countries.
