Australia has pledged 312 million euros on Sunday for the restoration and protection of the Great Barrier Reef, a pearl of humanity’s heritage threatened by climate change.
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The reef, which stretches over approximately 348,000 square kilometers along the Australian coast and represents the largest coral formation in the world, is suffering the consequences of rising water temperatures. The reef is threatened by industrial and agricultural activities as well as the invasive crown-of-thorns starfish that devours corals.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stated that more than 500 million Australian dollars (312 million euros) will be unlocked for improving water quality, combating predators, and strengthening restoration measures.
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The Great Barrier Reef attracts millions of tourists and contributes 6.4 billion dollars annually to the national economy.
