24/10/2005
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia – WWF has presented the
Australian government with a Gift to the Earth — the global
conservation organization'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 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 Great Barrier Reef isn't just one
of the world’s most precious natural treasures, it is
also one of Australia's most valuable tourism assets.
In 2004, reef industries contributed approximately AU$5.8
billion (US$4.3 billion) to the Australian economy and
employed about 63,000 people.
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,"
said Leape. "The network of strictly protected areas
outlined in the zoning plan will make a significant contribution
to this goal.”
WWF expects the Australian government
to continue to take a leadership role in combating threats
to the Great Barrier Reef, and 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.
The Gift to the Earth ceremony took 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 attending
the international meeting, and WWF hopes that the Gift
to the Earth award will inspire other countries around
the world to establish similar levels of protection in
their marine environment.
END NOTES:
• The Gift to the Earth award is WWF’s
highest accolade for conservation outcomes. It is only
awarded to individuals, companies, institutions or governments
who have demonstrated environmental leadership, and made
a globally significant contribution to the conservation
of the natural world. |
