Greenpeace Campaigner, Martin Zavan, speaking at an event in Brisbane.

The UNESCO reactive monitoring mission is currently in Queensland to survey the health of the Reef and their observations will influence the decision around whether the Great Barrier Reef will be added to the list of World Heritage Sites “in danger” when the Committee meets in June.

“As we speak, Great Barrier Reef corals are bleaching for the fourth time in six years, these are clear signs of an ecosystem in danger because of climate change,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Climate Impacts Campaigner Martin Zavan.

“The UNESCO mission to the Reef needs to see the severe and widespread bleaching event that is happening right now because of climate change and not just the postcard images that the Australian Government wants to advertise. Because the government has prevented independent scientists and environmental charities like Greenpeace and local Queensland groups from meeting with the mission, it is vital that they witness the reality of climate damage on our precious but fragile Reef.”