The Great Barrier Reef is basically the David Attenborough of the natural world – legendary, record-breaking and absolutely fascinating. Stretching 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast and made up of almost 3,000 individual reefs, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder isn’t just the largest coral reef system – it’s the biggest living structure on Earth. Its impact on our oceans, planet and biodiversity is undeniable, and now, a world-first movement is rallying to honour the reef in all its glistening, technicolour glory.
For the first time in history, the Great Barrier Reef has been nominated as a non-human recipient of the United Nations’ Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award – the highest environmental honour, previously awarded to legends like Sir David Attenborough.
Launching on Earth Day (April 22), the nomination is led by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Reef Guardian Councils in collaboration with dedicated communities and industries who have lived and worked alongside the reef for decades, including Traditional Owners, marine scientists, students and tourism operators.
Reef Guardian Council’s Chair, Jeff Baines said: “Only living individuals can win, and an individual is defined as a distinct entity, so using UNESCO’s definition of the Great Barrier Reef as a globally outstanding and significant entity, we argue that the Great Barrier Reef meets the entry requirements.”
Over the past 10,000 years, the Great Barrier Reef has been a catalyst for countless environmental initiatives aimed at protecting our planet from the impacts of climate change. It has united millions through these sustainable efforts, supporting First Nations communities, protecting more than 9,000 species of marine life, fueling scientific discovery, creating countless careers and leaving a lasting impact on those lucky enough to visit it.
Baines said, “The Great Barrier Reef is a mentor, leading by example in teaching us that you have got to work together for the future of our planet. A lifetime that great deserves to be recognised.”