It's one of the seven natural wonders of the world.<br/> <br />The 2,000 km Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of fish species and hundreds of coral types.<br/> <br />And it's worth 6 billion USD a year to the local tourism economy.<br/> <br />But UNESCO warned Australia last year that the World Heritage Site could be listed as "in danger" if there was no progress on protecting the reef by February 1.<br/> <br />They say it's under threat from growing coal and gas shipments, climate change and the predatory crown-of-thorns starfish.<br/> <br />Environment Minister Tony Burke said the government is firmly committed on saving the reef.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) FEDERAL ENVIRONMENT MINISTER TONY BURKE SAYING:<br/> <br />"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most precious places on earth and Australia and the Australian government has a clear commitment to protecting it."<br/> <br />But the growing coal industry is causing problems.<br/> <br />Coal is one of Australia's top export earners but the reef faces growing threats from shipping.
