UN official rejects Australia’s claim it was told Great Barrier Reef wouldn’t be put forward for ‘in danger’ list

Exclusive: Unesco's Fanny Douvere denies any political interference, noting the reef's outlook has gone from poor to very poor'

A senior Unesco official has rejected the Australian government's claims it bowed to political pressure when deciding to recommend the Great Barrier Reef be placed on the world heritage in danger" list.

Dr Fanny Douvere, of Unesco's World Heritage Centre in Paris, also rejected a suggestion from the Australian environment minister, Sussan Ley, that the UN body had told the government a week ago it would not be recommending the listing.