A United Nations Committee, on Tuesday, recommended adding the Great Barrier Reef to the list of the World Heritage Sites that are "in danger."

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, said on Thursday that the world's biggest coral reef system had deteriorated and action was needed to counter the effects of climate change.

Australia, however, did not welcome the UNESCO decision saying the move being blindsided and blamed for political interference.

Australia's Environment Minister Sussan Ley said Canberra would challenge the recommendation, saying it went against the advice given just a week ago and defended Australia's protection of the reef.

Ley added that the UN's actions are "a complete subversion of the normal procedure."

Australia has been lobbying a long time to keep the Great Barrier Reef out of the "in danger" list. The country has been battling to keep the Reef as a major tourist attraction site. However, adding to the "in danger" could mean the site could be removed from the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In 2015, its lobbying included hosting UNESCO World Heritage delegates on a trip to an unspoiled stretch of the reef, but since then, scientists say, the world's largest living ecosystem has suffered three major coral bleaching events due to severe marine heatwaves.

Australia, however, denying the scientists blamed China for taking over the project. Sussan Ley accused the UN decision of being politically motivated.