The United Nations has put the Queensland and federal governments on notice that the Great Barrier Reef could be added to a list of endangered world heritage sites.

In a draft decision released Friday night, expected to be adopted when UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meets in Cambodia next month, it will be recommended the Great Barrier Reef be included in the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2014 ‘‘in the absence of a firm and demonstrable commitment’’ from the state and federal governments to take action.

Aerial view of Great Barrier Reef, Cairns.

That action included halting coastal development project that could impact the ‘‘outstanding universal value’’ of the site.

But Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke said the government had already taken steps and would work with the WHC to protect the value of the reef.