Charles issues fresh plea for Barrier Reef
BUNDABERG: PRINCE Charles is calling for the Great Barrier Reef to put be at the heart of plans for a new ‘‘blue economy’’ that seeks to harness the world’s oceans for economic growth.
The avid environmentalist made the call as he prepared to visit Queensland’s Lady Elliot Island, which lies at the southern tip of the world’s largest coral reef.
The prince said the reef was not only one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions, but also one of it’s most vital ecosystems.
But he said that the impact from the combined effects of coralbleaching events and climate change has meant the world has reached a ‘‘crossroads’’ in its ability to protect the Great Barrier Reef and others around the globe, meaning the decisions taken over the next decade will determine their fate.
‘‘I have no doubt in my mind that this will need to be a central aspect of the rapidly emerging concept of a sustainable ‘blue economy’, through which sustainable economic development is achieved via the wise use of ocean resources,’’ Charles told The Australian Financial Review in an interview published yesterday.
‘‘Within the blue economy it would be helpful to think of coral reef ecosystems as natural capital assets, assets that require the kind of prudent and wise management that will yield dividends long into the future.’’
The Prince of Wales called on Australian Federal and state governments, businesses, the development community and nongovernment groups to collaborate on ideas for sustainable investments that promote coral reef health. — AAP