Like all coral reefs around the world, the Great Barrier Reef is increasingly under pressure from a number of sources, particularly climate change, and one of the symptoms is massive coral bleaching in 2016-17, the worst GBR has experienced. After the maximum temperatures of March 2017, 67 per cent of the coral died on a 700-kilometre northern stretch of the GBR, potentially the largest coral loss ever recorded on the GBR. The effects of climate change are not only on the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, but also on the cultural values of traditional landowners; Economic values for the tourism and fishing industry that depend on a healthy GBR; Social values for communities along the coast, for which the reef is part of their daily lives; and the wider Australian and international community, which sees it as an irreplaceable icon – belonging to the global community. Management plans have been developed for intensive or particularly vulnerable island and reef groups, as well as for the protection of threatened species or ecological communities. Management plans complement shingles by addressing specific problems for an area, species or community more precisely than can be achieved by broader land use plans. An authorisation system is used to implement land use plans. The reef`s long-term sustainable development plan by 2050 was included in the agreement, which gives the 35-year project the highest possible level of convergence between national and state governments. For reefs around the world, including the Great Barrier Reef, it is essential that local, regional and global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions be implemented effectively. Although Australia is a partner in international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Paris climate agreement, it must be supported by improving the GBR`s resistance to climate change by reducing local pressure (adapted to the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park). The contribution and guidance of the reef players will further strengthen our reactions and management actions. We all have a role to play in protecting this great icon of nature. Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Forum Secretariat Environmental Division GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 We are also pleased to announce membership in our Reef Advisory Committee that will provide community and industry engagement in the plan and has broad representation from stakeholders interested in the reef. Last month, UNESCO`s World Heritage Committee praised the important and unprecedented work of the Commonwealth and Queensland governments in reef protection and management and recommended that the Great Barrier Reef should not be described as a “danger.”