Washington, D.C. — Following U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s bipartisan push, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced today that it will nominate the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The nomination follows a concerted bipartisan effort led by Sen. Ossoff who, along with other members of Georgia’s congressional delegation, urged the Department of the Interior to pursue this prestigious designation.
“This is a huge honor for Georgia, a major step forward for the long-term protection of this beloved, beautiful natural resource,” Sen. Ossoff said. “This nomination will accelerate the progress of the Okefenokee toward UNESCO World Heritage status, which is one of the most important designations for natural and historic sites globally.”
The World Heritage designation would place the Okefenokee alongside global landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, highlighting its outstanding universal value. This recognition is expected to boost environmental protection efforts and promote economic prosperitythrough increased tourism and international recognition.
According to a recent study, a World Heritage Site designation by UNESCO would double visitation at the Okefenokee Swamp Park, create about 750 long-term jobs, and deliver $60 million in annual economic impact.
The Okefenokee Swamp, spanning over 400,000 acres in Southeast Georgia, is the largest blackwater swamp in North America and a critical habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including endangered species such as the indigo snake and the red-cockaded woodpecker.
The Okefenokee holds significant cultural importance to Native American tribes, including the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The Refuge contains at least 74 Native American mounds and is in the process of being recognized as a Traditional Cultural Property for its relevance to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s culture.
The Department of the Interior is expected to formally submit the nomination to UNESCO in early 2025.
Sen. Ossoff continues his strong advocacy to protect the Okefenokee.
This month, Sen. Ossoff voiced his support during a public comment period with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which is considering a proposal that would expand the boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, adding approximately 22,000 acres adjacent to the existing Refuge.
In April, Sen. Ossoff submitted a public comment to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division opposing permits for a strip mine near the Okefenokee during the agency’s public comment period.
Last October, Sen. Ossoff delivered a $1.6 million Federal grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to improve safety and connectivity within the park, while also taking steps to improve preservation measures at the campgrounds within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Last September, following Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisan push, the National Park Service announced it intended to nominate the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.
Citing warnings from leading scientists and experts, Sen. Ossoff submitted in February 2023 his formal opposition to the proposed strip mine next to the Okefenokee Swamp during a previous round of public comments.
In September 2022, at Sen. Ossoff’s invitation, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland joined him to survey the Refuge and meet with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials on the Refuge’s conservation status and environmental risks. They also heard directly from local leaders about the importance of protecting the Refuge for the communities in the area.
Click here to read the U.S. Department of Interior’s announcement.
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