Story perspectives

Okefenokee Refuge Becomes Georgia’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site

7/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in Busan, South Korea.
It is Georgia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first U.S. National Wildlife Refuge, a milestone noted by Governor Brian Kemp.
Executive director Kim Bednarek said the inscription commits the refuge to stay wild, resilient and thriving.
Some local residents opposed the listing, fearing greater United Nations involvement in management.

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Story summary

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in Busan, South Korea.
It is Georgia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first U.S. National Wildlife Refuge, a milestone noted by Governor Brian Kemp.
Executive director Kim Bednarek said the inscription commits the refuge to stay wild, resilient and thriving.
Some local residents opposed the listing, fearing greater United Nations involvement in management.