The Australian government is spending AUD500 m ( $ 379 m ) to protect the Great Barrier Reef by improving water quality and reducing the runoff of agricultural pesticides . In 2017, the organisation decided not to place the Great Barrier Reef on its official list of 55 World Heritage sites "in danger". The World Heritage - listed reef has lost 30 % of its coral as a result of bleaching linked to increasing sea temperatures and damage caused by crown - of - thorns starfish . Conservationists have welcomed the new fund , but also called for the government to take further action on climate change . Australia is regarded as one of the world ’s major producers of greenhouse gases .
The Australian government is spending AUD500 m ( $ 379 m ) to protect the Great Barrier Reef by improving water quality and reducing the runoff of agricultural pesticides . The World Heritage - listed reef has lost 30 % of its coral as a result of bleaching linked to increasing sea temperatures and damage caused by crown - of - thorns starfish . Conservationists have welcomed the new fund , but also called for the government to take further action on climate change . Australia is regarded as one of the world ’s major producers of greenhouse gases .