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| The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. (Photo by= Reuters) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] Australia will spend A$1bn (£520m; $700m) over nine years on improving the water quality and other aspects of the ailing Great Barrier Reef, its PM says. Scientists have welcomed the money but warn it does not tackle the reef's overriding threat of climate change. A climate laggard among rich nations, Australia is often criticized for not doing more to prevent coral bleaching caused by warmer seas, BBC reported.
PM Scott Morrison argued the new investment would have broad benefits. It will fund projects that reduce erosion and pollutants entering the sea, and other conservation efforts - such as combating illegal fishing and coral-eating starfish. "There are 64,000 jobs that depend on that reef," Mr Morrison said on Friday. Mr Morrison is expected to call a general election in May and will hope to retain key seats in Queensland, where the reef is located. He said the new money added to A$2bn in existing commitments.
But Friday's announcement also comes days before Australia is due to update Unesco on its plans to preserve its natural wonder. Last year the government successfully lobbied to keep the reef off Unesco's official list of World Heritage sites "in danger", drawing controversy after unprecedented back-to-back coral bleaching events.
