Australian authorities have pledged half a billion dollars to restore and protect the Great Barrier Reef in what is said to be a game-changer for the World Heritage-listed site.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the “largest ever single investment” of more than A$500 million (US$378 million) to improve water quality, tackle predators, and expand restoration efforts, AFP reported.
The 2,300-km natural wonder has been suffering from significant bouts of coral bleaching due to warming sea temperatures linked to climate change. Coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish have also threatened the reef as pollution and agricultural runoff increase.
The bulk of the new funding -- just over A$200 million -- was earmarked to improve water quality by changing farming practices and adopting new technologies and land management.
Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg said the government would work with traditional Aboriginal owners, the tourist industry and farmers and scientists, to save the reef.
Previously, Canberra has committed more than A$2 billion to protect the site over the next decade, but has been criticised for backing a huge coal project by Indian mining giant Adani nearby.
The reef is a critical national asset, contributing A$6.4 billion a year to the Australian economy and supporting 64,000 jobs.