Posted 22 Aug 2011

Britons who are interested in sustainable travel and want to see some of the world's most fascinating wildlife may be urged to visit the Great Barrier Reef sooner rather than later, following recent reports.

According to a study carried out by the Australian government, the Great Barrier Reef is being damaged by agricultural pesticides, used by horticulture producers and pastoral farmers, in the water.

In addition, it found that the cyclone and heavy flooding experienced in the area earlier in the year has flushed more pollutants into the sea.

Furthermore, the Guardian noted researchers and local residents have reported unusually large numbers of dead and dying sea turtles being washed up on the coast of the Great Barrier Reef, thought to be because of a loss of sea grass, a staple food source for the animals.

And if people are worried about the situation, they be encouraged to head to the area on a career break or gap year and see the wide range of wildlife before the threat worsens.

This comes after it was revealed Ecuador's biodiverse Yasuni National Park is at risk from devastation because of oil extraction by the country's state oil company. Some $40 million (£24.3 million) has been raised to stop the firm extracting the oil, but a further $60 million is needed before December.
 

Category: General Travel