What an embarrassment! Next week Australia will be on the world stage, hosting the once-in-a-decade World Parks Congress which celebrates the world’s marine sanctuaries and national parks. But at the same time, the Australian Government has suspended our national network of sanctuaries and is considering an unprecedented rollback.
We have just 7 days before the Congress starts to ask Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Environment Minister Greg Hunt not to embarrass Australia.
Add your name to the petition to save our sanctuaries.
In 2012, Australia created the world’s largest network of marine sanctuaries, propelling us to the forefront of ocean conservation globally. Only two years down the track and we are on the verge of international embarrassment. All our sanctuaries are at risk of being cut back or completely erased.
Marine sanctuaries protect our marine life, safeguard our coastal lifestyle, and give fish populations the chance to rebuild and thrive. Our oceans and marine life are core to Australia’s identity, our international reputation AND to our economy. We can’t let this rollback happen.
Please take just a moment to add your name before the Congress starts next Wednesday.
As the world’s leading scientists, conservationists and governments arrive in Sydney to make crucial decisions about the future of protected areas at World Parks Congress, our government has begun its costly and time-wasting ‘review’ of our sanctuaries. This makes no sense, when there’s already been ten years of science and overwhelming support for sanctuaries – including from the majority of fishers.
Let’s send a tidal wave of support.
Add your name to the petition to save our sanctuaries by Wednesday 12th November. Prime Minister Abbott and Minister Hunt – please don’t embarrass Australia. Let’s carry on the great work that both sides of politics have supported for many decades and leave an ocean legacy we can all be proud of.