"Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass onto future generations" - UNESCO

The heritage of the Great Barrier Reef shapes and drives what the reef is like now, how it is managed and the type of reef tomorrow's generation will inherit.

Heritage includes places, values, traditions, events and experiences.

By protecting and managing the heritage of the Great Barrier Reef we are conserving a valuable asset and ensuring it will continue to be experienced and enjoyed by future generations.

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

The Great Barrier Reef received World Heritage status in 1981, the first coral reef ecosystem in the world to have this distinction.

It is one of the better known coral reef ecosystems in the world and remains one of the world's best managed natural wonders.

Significance to Traditional Owners

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef region.

There are more than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owner clan groups that maintain heritage values for their land and sea country.

These values may be cultural, spiritual, economic, social or physical, and demonstrate continuing connections with the Great Barrier Reef and its natural resources.

Their traditional cultural practices and knowledge of marine resource use is under increasing pressure from the activities of modern day society in both remote and urban areas.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority works closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owner groups to develop and maintain Sea Country Partnerships.

National Heritage

Australia's national heritage comprises natural and cultural places that contribute to its national identity.

In May 2007, existing Australian World Heritage properties (such as the Great Barrier Reef) were transferred on to the National Heritage List for their World Heritage values.

Also five Commonwealth Heritage places within the Great Barrier Reef Region and many places of historical significance including lighthouses and shipwrecks are managed to protect heritage values.

The Great Barrier Reef Heritage Strategy

The Heritage Strategy outlines actions to identify, assess and monitor the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's heritage values, to develop a heritage register and propose heritage management plans.

Historic heritage includes places associated with the non-Indigenous cultural heritage of Australia encompassed in the country's history.

Historic places tell us about national and social developments in Australia over the past few centuries, technical and creative achievements, and provide a tangible link to past events, processes and people.