U.S. Nominates Okefenokee Refuge for UNESCO Status

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced the nomination of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a move that would elevate its status among the world's significant cultural and natural sites. Spanning over 400,000 acres, the refuge is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including endangered species, and is vital for scientific research and conservation efforts. Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the nomination as a recognition of the area's unparalleled natural and cultural significance, alongside the stewardship of local communities and Tribes. The nomination process will undergo a public review before being submitted to the World Heritage Committee for a final decision. This potential designation comes amid ongoing concerns regarding a controversial mining permit application near the refuge, which environmentalists argue could disrupt the swamp's hydrology. If successful, Okefenokee would become the first U.S. wildlife refuge to receive World Heritage status, joining notable sites such as the Grand Canyon and the Taj Mahal.