THE GREAT Barrier Reef has been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award in the United Nations’ Environment Program’s highly regarded ‘Champions of the Earth’ environmental awards.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Reef Guardian Councils have collaborated with the communities of the Great Barrier Reef, including Traditional Owners, marine biologists, the tourism industry and Reef Guardian Schools, to nominate the World Heritage Area as the first non-human recipient of the award.
Announcing the nomination on World Earth Day (April 22), Reef Guardian Council’s Chair Jeff Baines said the Great Barrier Reef inspired greatness and had a profound impact on both the environment and on the people who visit it.
“The Great Barrier Reef is hands-down the best candidate for a Lifetime Achievement Award,” he said.
“A catalyst for environmental initiatives, the Great Barrier Reef supports First Nations communities, protects marine life and teaches future generations.
“We are using the voices of the communities of the Great Barrier Reef to persuade the United Nations Environment Programme to crown the Great Barrier Reef as the first non-human recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of almost 10,000 years of positive environmental impact.
“Sir David Attenborough is among the environmental titans to previously win this award, which is given to a living individual who has demonstrated decades of impact in protecting the Earth and its inhabitants.
“Only living individuals can win and an individual is defined as a distinct entity, so using UNESCO’s definition of the Great Barrier Reef as a globally outstanding and significant entity, we argue that the Great Barrier Reef meets the entry requirements.
“The supporting submission video features Traditional Owners speaking about the Great Barrier Reef being a teacher, healer and provider to First Nations communities for millennia.
“Master Reef Guides and marine biologists have also backed the submission, drawing attention to the fact that the Great Barrier Reef protects more than 9,000 species of marine life, creating one of the most biodiverse environments on Earth, and brings millions of people together every year through sustainable initiatives.
“The Great Barrier Reef is a mentor, leading by example in teaching us that you have got to work together for the future of our planet. A lifetime that great deserves to be recognised.”
The nomination is part of The Lifetime of Greatness Project, which Tourism Tropical North Queensland has launched, with a worldwide initiative to encourage the global community to get involved.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the GBR was transformational.
“Every day, we see how the Great Barrier Reef transforms those who experience it, leaving visitors with a deeper sense of connection, purpose and responsibility.
“As the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Whitsundays offers a front-row seat to one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders – and with that comes a deep responsibility to protect it.
“This nomination is a celebration of everything the reef represents – not just a natural wonder, but a global symbol of connection and inspiration.
“We’re proud to stand with the rest of Queensland in inviting the world to recognise its greatness and to take action in protecting its future.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said the Great Barrier Reef was a ‘worthy candidate’ for the prestigious award.
“As the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast and home to a staggering diversity of marine life, it is the Earth’s most extraordinary living entity,” he said.
“The reef is vital to the environment, the creatures that live amongst it, and the communities that live alongside it, making it a true treasure for Queensland, our tourism industry, and the world.
“This nomination raises much needed awareness about its preservation and the incredible work that continues to go into that, ensuring that future generations can explore and enjoy its magnificence.”
For more information visit www.alifetimeofgreatness.com.
This project has been made possible by Tourism Tropical North Queensland, and the grant funding received from the Australian Government, under the International Tourism Recovery Program administered by Austrade.
Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays.
