In an intensive debate on the threats to the Australian Great Barrier Reef, the committee decided not to add the site to the World Heritage in Danger List but to observe further developments in the coral reef off the Australian coast closely. Australia has been requested to submit a progress report to the planned protective measures within 18 months.

Meanwhile the World Heritage site Hatra in Iraq has been put on the list of endangered sites. The World Heritage Committee pointed out that support for the endangered cultural property in Iraq was to be achieved by adding the site to the list.

Members of the World Heritage Committee expressed their shock and deep concern about the deliberate destruction of cultural sites by extremists in Iraq and Syria as well. They stressed that support stands ready, as soon as the security situation on the ground permits it.