The Rationale 2003

The Great Barrier Reef is recognised worldwide for its unique habitats and biological diversity. It's a national icon and one of the world's natural wonders. It provides homes and food for thousands of different species, and is a learning ground and prime site for initiating the development of understandings and values about the reef and the need to use the reef wisely, to protect the animals and habitats that live there and to protect our future enjoyment of it.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority recognises the need for schools to be supported with the appropriate information. Our goal is to foster and understanding of, and support for, ecologically sustainable reef management, in line with Government policy. The Authority is concerned with conservation of biological diversity, environmental protection, economic development, community use and the recognition of the range of benefits that the reef provides. Through education we promote:

• An understanding and appreciation of the values of the Great Barrier Reef and its biological diversity
• An understanding of conservation and management issues in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
• Appropriate values towards the species, habitats and ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and
• Skills useful for understanding the reef environment, and the pressures affecting it.

We hope this resource will help teachers and students understand the nature of the Reef and its management, and to explore reef biodiversity matters related to Studies of Society and Environment and Science plus other learning areas in school years 4-9.

It aims to increase awareness about the importance of the species, habitats and ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and encourage all schools to actively adopt best environmental practice, both on land and in the water.