World Heritage Listing Marine Sites. A Case Study of the Australian Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed onto the World Heritage List on 26 October 1981. It is the largest world heritage area in the world. The Reef is 2,300 kilometres long, encapsulating 2,900 individual reefs, 600 islands and 300 coral cays. With inscription come responsibilities. In particular State parties are obliged to 'ensure that effective and active measures are taken for the protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage situated on its property'. To that end the management of the Great Barrier Reef is governed by a statutory authority, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. About 99% of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area falls within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The park is managed in accordance with statutory zoning plans which, inter alia, regulate the use of the Marine Park and its conservation. This paper examines the process of nominating a world heritage site for inclusion on the World Heritage List as well as the attendant responsibilities. The management of the Great Barrier Reef provides an insightful case study into the many issues which are raised subsequent to nomination and if successful, inscription.