07/29/2026
ICOMOS-USA proudly celebrates the inscription of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge on the Unesco World Heritage List, a landmark achievement recognizing one of the world's most extraordinary natural landscapes for its Outstanding Universal Value. The decision was made during the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, where the refuge was inscribed under natural criteria (ix) and (x).
Spanning more than 400,000 acres across southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida, the Okefenokee protects one of the world's largest intact freshwater peatland ecosystems. It provides critical habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species, preserves thousands of years of environmental history, and serves as the headwaters of both the Suwannee and St. Mary's Rivers.
This inscription reflects decades of dedicated work by conservation leaders, local communities, state and federal agencies, tribal partners, scientists, and advocates who recognized the global significance of the Okefenokee and worked tirelessly to secure its place on the World Heritage List. ICOMOS-USA extends its sincere congratulations to all who contributed to this remarkable accomplishment, including the leadership of Okefenokee Swamp Park and Executive Director Kim Bednarek, whose perseverance helped bring this vision to fruition.
"World Heritage designation represents the highest international recognition of a place's Outstanding Universal Value," said Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA, President, ICOMOS-USA. "The inscription of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a proud moment for the United States and for everyone committed to protecting our shared natural and cultural heritage. We congratulate the many partners whose dedication made this achievement possible and look forward to supporting the continued stewardship of this extraordinary landscape for generations to come."
As the U.S. National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), ICOMOS-USA is committed to advancing the principles of the World Heritage Convention and supporting the identification, conservation, and stewardship of places that hold exceptional value for all humanity.
The addition of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge strengthens the United States' contribution to the World Heritage List and demonstrates the enduring importance of international cooperation in protecting the world's irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures.
Congratulations to everyone whose vision, collaboration, and perseverance made this historic recognition possible. https://okefenokeeworldheritage.org/
