Great Barrier Reef outlook poor but not in danger

The heritage committee of Unesco has said the outlook for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is poor due to threats including pollution and climate change but stopped short of listing it as “in danger”.

Environmental campaign-ers had urged the committee to declare the reef in danger, a ruling that would have put pressure on prime minister Tony Abbott to take tougher conservation measures.

The decision upheld a draft deal signed in May that was a relief for Canberra. Australia plans to safeguard the reef until 2050 with extra spending to limit pollution and restrictions on developing of new ports.