General News
6 May, 2025
Reef’s global nomination
THE Great Barrier Reef has been nominated for a lifetime achievement award in the United Nations environment program’s highly regarded ‘Champions of the Earth’ environmental awards.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Reef Guardian councils have collaborated with the communities of the Reef including Traditional Owners, marine biologists, the tourism industry and Reef Guardian schools to nominate the World Heritage Area as the first non-human recipient of the award.
Announcing the nomination on World Earth Day (April 22), Reef Guardian Council’s chairman Jeff Baines said the Reef inspired greatness and had a profound impact on both the environment and on the people who visited it.
“The Great Barrier Reef is hands-down the best candidate for a lifetime achievement award,” he said.
“A catalyst for environmental initiatives, the Great Barrier Reef supports First Nations communities, protects marine life and teaches future generations.
“We are using the voices of the communities of the Great Barrier Reef to persuade the United Nations environment program to crown the Great Barrier Reef as the first non-human recipient of the lifetime achievement award in recognition of almost 10,000 years of positive environmental impact."
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the tourism industry had thrown its weight behind the nomination “because we see the impact the Great Barrier Reef has on individuals every day – it really is life changing for many."
