The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is pushing ahead with plans to declare the Great Barrier Reef as an endangered natural site despite federal government objections.
Tain Xuejun, president of the 44th session of UNESCO, dismissed speculation that the decision was related to any political tensions between China and Australia.
Committee's director Mechtild Roessler says the draft decision is a proposal to put the site on the list of endangered world heritage. As the long-term outlook for the natural site has changed from ‘poor’ to ‘poorer’.
The world heritage Committee also urged Australia to take action against climate change.