Australia and 11 other countries lobby Unesco over Great Barrier Reef decision-making

Letter sent to director general over what Scott Morrison calls absolutely appalling' process of recommending reef for in-danger list

Twelve international ambassadors to Unesco, including Australia's, have written to the UN body to share collective concerns" about its decision making, ahead of a crucial meeting that could see the Great Barrier Reef placed on a world heritage in danger" list.

A former Australian government world heritage official said the letter, sent to Unesco's director general, Audrey Azoulay, on Wednesday, should be seen as part of the country's promised lobbying effort as it desperately tries to avoid the reef being included on the list.