From new energy exploration to rapidly expanded shipping and ports for mined minerals, UNESCO is warning/evaluating greater risks to one of its designated globe’s great natural heritage sites. Australia’s rapidly growing economy is fueled by demands for mined resources (iron ore, cooper, uranium, nickel) from China, India and other more rapidly developing countries. There is still an ongoing global oil and natural gas rush with reserves now identified off-shore Australia. All of above pose risks that include shipping and oil spill risks. Several high profile shipping incidents in the Southern Hemisphere have evidenced the hazards. A BP type oil spill anywhere close to the Great Barrier Reef would be catastrophic in view of current action and the special fragility of corral whose ecosystem is close the surface and needs ample sunlight and clean water. A new global partnership is already under development and further planning is to be announced in April 2012. UNESCO, World Bank, UNEP and other multilaterals, internationals, and NGO’s are teaming for the effort. See our film online video – “Healing the Oceans” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/healing-the-oceans/30122 See more at our Popular Video Blogs & Current News Event Articles at Ecology-Diplomat Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/ecology-diplomat By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey – Follow @MuhamedSacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX