UN backs Australia's Plan to Save the Great Barrier Reef

Published on Jul 22, 2015 by Luke Hunt

Australia has escaped attempts by environmentalists to have its iconic Great Barrier Reef listed as endangered by the United Nations World Heritage Committee after heavy lobbying and the fast-tracking of a 10-year $1.5 billion rescue bid.Read more from Luke Hunt in Bonn, Germany, for The Nikkei Asian Review..

Vietnam Waives Visas, for Some

Published on Jul 3, 2015 by Luke Hunt

Vietnam’s decision to axe visa restrictions on five European countries is expected to be extended in a bid to shore up its tourism industry, which has been punished by a military standoff with China and a sharp deterioration in the Russian economy.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Under Fire: NGOs Face Increasing Hostility

Published on Jul 3, 2015 by Luke Hunt

In recent decades the ubiquitous NGO has taken up the banner for charities and worthy causes. From the environment and human rights to health, education and animal welfare, nongovernment organizations have championed the dispossessed, winning legions of fans. But in recent years pockets of NGO Land – as some call it – have lost their shine.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Saving the Great Barrier Reef

Published on Jul 3, 2015 by Luke Hunt

Diplomat correspondent Luke Hunt recently covered the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee in Bonn, Germany, and its decision on whether to list the Great Barrier Reef, off of Australia’s northeast coast, as endangered.Listen to the podcast from The Diplomat.

UNESCO's Great Barrier Reef Decision Has Ramifications

Published on Jun 14, 2015 by Luke Hunt

Draft recommendations by UNESCO have notched up a minor victory for the Australian government and efforts to thwart hard­line environmentalists who want the Great Barrier Reef listed as endangered, but any final decision still rests on a final vote to be held in Bonn later this month.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..