references
GREAT BARRIER REEF
// Outlook Report 2014
101
4.8.4 World heritage values and national heritage values
Outlook report 2009: Not assessed
2009 Grade
Current summary and assessment components World heritage values and national heritage values: The outstanding universal value of the world heritage property remains in good condition, however the overall condition of some key attributes is poor and many have deteriorated since the property’s listing in 1981. Those related to coral reef and seagrass meadow habitats, marine turtles, seabirds and dugongs are assessed as being in poor condition overall. The Region remains a globally outstanding example of an ecosystem that has evolved over the millennia. The natural beauty of most of the Region remains, however its underwater aesthetic value has declined in central and southern inshore areas. External pressures are affecting the property’s integrity. Natural beauty and natural phenomena: The Region retains its spectacular natural beauty; aesthetic values are diminished in some areas. Many natural phenomena remain intact; declines in species have affected some phenomena. Major stages of the Earth’s evolutionary history: The Region remains an outstanding example of evolutionary history; coral reef health has declined in some areas. Ecological and biological processes: Many ecosystem processes remain in good condition; some, such as sedimentation, nutrient cycling and recruitment have deteriorated. Traditional Owners with connections to the Great Barrier Reef maintain their ongoing links to sea country. Habitats for conservation of biodiversity: The Reef remains a mosaic of habitats; some are under pressure. Habitat declines, especially in central and southern inshore areas, are affecting their ability to support dependent species, including those of conservation concern. Integrity: The property is large enough to ensure the representation of its world heritage values. External factors are affecting the resilience of the ecosystem in some areas. The property is comprehensively managed.
Assessment grade
Confidence
Not assessed
Very good
Good
Poor
Very poor
Grade
Not assessed
Not assessed Not assessed
Not assessed Not assessed
Grading statements
All elements necessary to maintain the outstanding universal value are essentially intact, and their overall condition is stable or improving. Available evidence indicates only minor, if any, disturbance to this element of outstanding universal value.
Trend since 2009
Some loss or alteration of the elements necessary to maintain the outstanding universal value has occurred, but their overall condition is not causing persistent or substantial effects on this element of outstanding universal value.
Very good
Good
Loss or alteration of many elements necessary to maintain outstanding universal value has occurred, which is leading to a significant reduction in this element of the outstanding universal value.
Poor
Loss or alteration of most elements necessary to maintain the outstanding universal value has occurred, causing a major loss of the outstanding universal value.
Very poor
New assessment for this report; no trend provided
Confidence
Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Limited evidence or limited consensus Inferred, very limited evidence
4.8.5 Commonwealth heritage values
Outlook report 2009: Not assessed
2009 Grade