What’s Happening?
On 22 April, World Earth Day, the Great Barrier Reef was nominated for the United Nations Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award. This is the first time a non-human entity has been considered.
Why It Matters
The Reef is more than a tourist icon – it’s a natural mentor. The nomination promotes its global influence, environmental importance, and millennia-long legacy of impact.
Local Impact
Townsville plays a leading role in this initiative. Local marine biologists, tourism professionals, and Reef Guardian Schools contributed to the nomination, positioning the city as a key Reef advocate.
By the Numbers
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🐟 The Reef protects 9,000+ marine species, driving biodiversity and ecological stability.
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🌊 It stretches over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coast.
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👣 Its cultural and environmental legacy spans 10,000 years, according to Reef Guardian Council Chair Jeff Baines.
Zoom In
“This one’s really important,” said environmental icon Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew. “The Reef is a model for the world.”
Anna Marsden, Managing Director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, added: “This is our moment to give back and honour its contribution.”
Craig Davidson of Tourism and Events Queensland echoed, “The Reef is vital to the environment, the creatures that live amongst it, and the communities that live alongside it.”
Zoom Out
Mark Olsen from Tourism Tropical North Queensland encouraged global support: “We firmly believe that the individual who has had the largest impact on the world is the world’s largest individual.”
The Lifetime of Greatness Project is now live, promoting the nomination and encouraging people worldwide to share Reef stories.
What to Look For Next?
Head to alifetimeofgreatness.com to back the campaign. Public support is vital as the United Nations considers this historic nomination.
