Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
The Department of the Interior has announced that the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge will be nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, covers over 400,000 acres and contains 92 percent of the Okefenokee Swamp. This swamp is a significant hydrological system, serving as the source for two rivers that flow into different oceans.
The nomination follows collaboration with partners and consultation with the Federal Interagency Panel for World Heritage. It will be open to public review via the Federal Register before submission to the World Heritage Committee, which includes representatives from 21 countries.
If accepted, Okefenokee would join other globally recognized sites such as Arizona's Grand Canyon and India's Taj Mahal. Currently, there are 1,223 cultural and natural sites on this list across 168 countries. In recent years, new U.S. additions have included Ohio's Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks in September 2023 and Pennsylvania's Historic Moravian Bethlehem District in July 2024.
"The United States is home to some of Earth’s most incredible natural wonders," said Secretary Deb Haaland. "This nomination serves as a recognition of the refuge’s unparalleled natural and cultural significance."
Assistant Secretary Shannon Estenoz added: "The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a landscape of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance."
Both officials visited the refuge in September 2022 to discuss conservation efforts with local leaders. During their visit, they emphasized initiatives like America the Beautiful—a nationwide effort aimed at conservation.
The National Park Service manages many U.S.-based World Heritage Sites and works alongside other government bodies in implementing related conventions without affecting U.S. sovereignty or management over these sites.
Further details about site selection can be found on the National Park Service’s website.
