The Great Barrier Reef has avoided being placed on UNESCO's 'in danger' list. 

The decision was made at the annual meeting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in Poland.

But UNESCO still has "serious concerns" about the health of the Great Barrier Reef, warning Australia is not on track to meet its targets to improve water quality.

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden said, "We welcome this decision from UNESCO which recognises much is being done to reduce pressures on the Great Barrier Reef - however with so much to lose, more needs to be done.

"It is clear everyone must step up and do more to protect our global treasure.

"UNESCO acknowledges our Great Barrier Reef, as we’ve seen with reefs worldwide, it is a system under serious pressure due to the impacts of climate change. We must do everything we can to boost resilience investing in strategies for its long-term conservation.

"Our focus continues to remain on mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

"We need to buy the Reef time as the world works to meet the terms of the Paris Agreement."