World Heritage Identification Number: 154
World Heritage since: 1981
Category: Natural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Continent: Oceania
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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The Great Barrier Reef: A Natural Wonder of the World
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the northeast coast of Australia, is a natural wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) and covering an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi), this vast coral reef system is the largest of its kind on Earth.
Composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is home to an incredible array of marine life. With 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 types of molluscs, this underwater ecosystem is a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity. The reef is also of great scientific interest due to its unique habitats, including seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and lagoons.
One of the most notable inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef is the dugong, or sea cow. This large, herbivorous marine mammal is critically endangered, with populations estimated at only around 6,500 individuals. The reef also provides refuge for the large green turtle, another threatened species. These animals play essential roles in maintaining the health and balance of the reef ecosystem.
The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is one of the largest single structures made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. These polyps secrete calcium carbonate to form the hard structures that make up the reef. Over thousands of years, these structures have grown and accumulated, creating the complex and diverse ecosystem we see today.
Despite its immense size and importance, the Great Barrier Reef faces numerous threats. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are major concerns. Rising ocean temperatures can lead to mass coral bleaching events, which can kill large areas of the reef. Pollution from land-based sources, such as agricultural runoff and plastics, can harm marine life and degrade water quality. Overfishing can deplete fish stocks and disrupt the food chain.
Efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef include strict fishing regulations, marine protected areas, and education and awareness campaigns. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established in 1975 to manage and protect the reef and its surrounding waters. Visitors to the reef are encouraged to follow sustainable practices, such as using reef-safe sunscreens and not touching or feeding the wildlife.
In conclusion, the Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder of the world and a vital ecosystem that supports an incredible array of marine life. Despite facing numerous threats, efforts to protect and preserve this unique and important ecosystem continue. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef is a testament to the importance of conserving our natural heritage for future generations.
UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It also holds great scientific interest as the habitat of species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction.
Encyclopedia Record: Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, separated from the coast by a channel 160 kilometres (100 mi) wide in places and over 61 metres (200 ft) deep. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN labelled it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in 1997. Australian World Heritage places included it in its list in 2007. The Queensland National Trust named it a state icon of Queensland in 2006.Additional Site Details
Area: 34,870,000 hectares
(viii) — Outstanding example representing major earth stages
(ix) — Outstanding example representing ecological and biological processes
(x) — Contains most important habitats for biodiversity
Coordinates: -18.28611111 , 147.7
