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- Philippine military says will acquire US Typhon missile system
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- 'Draconian' Vietnam internet law heightens free speech fears
- Israeli women mobilise against ultra-Orthodox military exemptions
- Asian markets track Wall St rally as US inflation eases rate worries
- Tens of thousands protest in Serbian capital over fatal train station accident
- Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority
- 'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
- Only 12 trucks delivered food, water in North Gaza Governorate since October: Oxfam
- Langers edge Tiger and son Charlie in PNC Championship playoff
- Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series
- Holders PSG edge through on penalties in French Cup
- Daniels throw five TDs as Commanders down Eagles
- Atalanta fight back to take top spot in Serie A, Roma hit five
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- Run machine Ayub shines as Pakistan sweep South Africa
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- 'Incredible' Liverpool must stay focused: Slot
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- Liverpool hit Spurs for six, Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth
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- Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'
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- Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth, Chelsea held at Everton
- France awaits fourth government of the year
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- Stokes out of England's Champions Trophy squad
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Australia tackles poor Great Barrier Reef water quality
Australia on Friday launched a multi-million dollar effort to stop pesticide runoff and other water quality issues on the Great Barrier Reef, the latest effort to save the ailing natural wonder.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek unveiled a US$130 million bid to reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff, improve invasive species management, and support better land management across some of the most vulnerable spots along the reef.
Often dubbed the world's largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef is a 2,300-kilometre (1,400-mile) long expanse, home to a stunning array of biodiversity that includes more than 600 types of coral and 1,625 fish species.
But repeated mass bleaching events -- when extreme heat saps the coral of nutrients and colour -- threaten the reef's fragile ecosystem.
Mass bleaching events along the reef occurred in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and now 2024.
Such is the damage to the reef that the UN's cultural organisation UNESCO has weighed labelling the world heritage site "at risk", a move that could put millions of tourist dollars at risk.
Plibersek said the latest funding was vital to stop some of the other problems plaguing the ecosystem and "make sure the beauty and majesty of the Reef can be enjoyed for our kids and grandkids".
"Sediment run-off is one of the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef," she said.
"Poor water quality stops coral from regrowing, kills seagrass, and blocks the sunlight needed for a healthy reef."
- Beyond recovery? -
This year's bleaching event has left 81 percent of the reef with extreme or high levels of damage -- one of the most severe and widespread on record, the latest government data shows.
It will take scientists a few more months to determine how much of the reef is beyond recovery.
Coral bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise more than one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
Australian Marine Conservation Society marine ecologist Lissa Schindler welcomed the government's funding boost but said more needed to be done to address the root cause of climate change.
Historically, investment had been spread thin across the reef rather than a targeted approach, she said.
"Water pollution is one of the biggest threats to the reef outside of climate change," she told AFP.
"The reef needs every bit of help it can get."
But Australia, one of the world's largest gas and coal exporters, has only recently set targets to become carbon neutral.
R.J.Fidalgo--PC