references
150
Factors influencing the Region’s values
2014 Summary of assessment
Impact on ecological values
Climate change has already affected the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Its effects are compounding the ongoing impacts from land-based run-off and coastal development, particularly loads of sediments and nutrients entering the Region and the modification of supporting coastal habitats. Direct uses contribute to a range of impacts; most are localised. Economic and population growth will likely mean more use of the Region, increasing the likelihood of impacts. The combined influence of the four factors is concentrated in inshore central and southern areas. Impacts on the ecosystem are reflected in declines in related heritage values, especially Indigenous heritage, natural heritage and world and national heritage values. Attributes of outstanding universal value relating to natural beauty, natural phenomena, ecological processes, and habitats and species are being affected. For built heritage, the threats from climate change and direct use are the most serious. Changes to the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem have serious economic implications for Reef-dependent industries, such as tourism and fishing, and for adjacent communities. Perceptions about the health of the ecosystem affect its attractiveness for tourism and recreation. An increasing coastal population is likely to increase the economic value of direct uses. Declining ecosystem condition, especially inshore adjacent to the developed coast, from the cumulative effects of many factors mean people’s attachment to and enjoyment of the Reef may lessen in the future. This may have flow-on effects on Reef-dependent industries. Predicted increasing use may mean more instances of incompatible use.
High impact, Increased, Increasing
Impact on heritage values
High impact, Increasing
Impact on economic values
High impact, Increased, Increasing
Impact on social values
Low impact, Increased, Increasing
Full assessment summary: see Section 6.7