ATLANTA — Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially designated the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) a World Heritage site, joining a distinguished list of cultural and natural sites of significant importance such as the Grand Canyon, Galapagos Islands, the Great Wall of China, and the Taj Mahal.
The Committee’s decision marks the end of a multi-decade effort by supporters of the Okefenokee to earn this recognition. The Okefenokee NWR is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Georgia.
In response to this news, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter Director Adrien Webber (he/him) issued the following statement:
"It’s a wonderful day for everyone who has worked to support and protect the Okefenokee Swamp over the years. Receiving this well-deserved designation is a testament to their efforts, and they should celebrate this achievement! We’re especially excited for south Georgia communities nearby that will benefit from the extra attention and tourism World Heritage designation will bring. Today, we celebrate, but tomorrow, the work to protect this now officially world-renowned ecosystem continues."
About the Sierra Club Georgia Chapter
The Sierra Club Georgia Chapter is the largest grassroots environmental organization in the state, with more than 75,000 members and supporters. The Chapter supports a robust outings program and has active committees working on forest and coastal protection, transit expansion, and clean energy. For more information, visit sierraclub.org/georgia.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit sierraclub.org.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ricky Leroux, Communications Strategist
470-719-4512 | ricky.leroux@sierraclub.org