Astonishing footage of a turtle’s view of the Great Barrier Reef has been released, as UNESCO announces the natural wonder is not endangered but will remain under close watch.

WWF carefully fitted a small GoPro camera to the docile creature to better understand its behaviour and the level of pollution affecting the species.

Speaking from Germany, Environment Minister Greg Hunt described the decision to name the reef as endangered “tremendous” and “important”.

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Putting a permanent ban on dredge disposal in the marine park, the Reef 2050 plan and an extra $200 million for water quality, have all been recognised by the world community,” Mr Hunt told ABC radio Thursday morning.

“What it means is the world’s umpire has looked closely and said that not only is the reef not in danger but that Australia has become a role model in environmental leadership.”

The reef will continue to be monitored by UNESCO, with Australia required to provide an update on its Reef 2050 plan to the World Heritage Centre (WHC) by December 1, 2016.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the WHC ruling recognised Australia’s efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef, but it was by no means a “clear victory”.

Ms Trad said the federal and state governments must now ensure all of its reef commitments were implemented to keep the natural wonder off the endangered list.

Conservation groups said Australia had been placed on probation when it came to management of the reef, as failure to improvements in its health could put it at risk of an “in-danger” 
listing in 2020.

– with AAP