Georgia has reached a historic conservation milestone as the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becoming the state’s first location to receive the prestigious designation.
Recognized for its outstanding universal value, the refuge protects the Okefenokee Swamp – one of the world’s largest intact freshwater peatland ecosystems and home to exceptional biodiversity.
The designation places the Okefenokee alongside globally renowned natural landmarks including Yellowstone National Park and the Great Barrier Reef, reinforcing the importance of preserving this iconic landscape for future generations while boosting its profile as a premier nature tourism destination for visitors worldwide.
– Rehgan Smith, 360 Media, Inc.