What is a World Heritage Site?
A World Heritage Site is a natural or man-made site, area, or structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure recognized as being of outstanding international importance under the World Heritage Convention.
Sites are nominated by national governments and approved by the World Heritage Committee. Sites that meet the rigorous standards are inscribed on the World Heritage List, which is maintained by the United Nations Environmental, Scientific, and Cultural Organization – (UNESCO - http://whc.unesco.org). Sites are designated based on either Cultural or Natural criteria or both. Currently there are 1073 sites in 167 countries. Twenty-four sites are in the United States (US), of which 11 are designated for culture, 12 for natural and one for both. Examples of natural areas designated as World Heritage Sites in the U.S. are the Grand Canyon, Everglades, and Yellowstone National Parks.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located in the southeastern US on the North American Coastal Plain, protects the world-renowned Okefenokee Swamp and is an exceptional example of the southern yellow pine savannas that were once the most extensive forest type in the US. The diversity of wetland and upland habitats supports over 1,270 flora and fauna species, exclusive of thousands of invertebrate species.
The Refuge is over 407,000 acres and is part of the world’s largest collection of lands and waters specifically managed for fish and wildlife by the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge was originally identified as a potential World Heritage Site in 1982. On September 25, 2023, a Notice was published in the Federal Register (88 FR 65748) authorizing the Service to prepare a draft nomination for inscription as a World Heritage Site. However, the application process is lengthy and could easily take up to two or three years once an application is completed.
Benefits of a World Heritage Site
Being recognized as a World Heritage Site increases a site’s significance to the world. Becoming a World Heritage Site does not confer any ownership or management authority to the United Nations. UNESCO only monitors the current conditions and potential threats to the designated properties. The Refuge would continue to be wholly owned and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
World Heritage Sites attract international tourists and scientists. Communities can benefit in many ways if they provide amenities in support of tourism to the designated site. These visitors benefit the local economy when they seek overnight accommodations, restaurants, souvenirs, and other recreational activities in the neighboring communities.
Universal Significance
The Okefenokee NWR is a strong candidate for World Heritage status based on:
World Heritage Selection Criterion ix:
An outstanding example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and communities of plants and animals.
- The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest, best-preserved precipitation based freshwater wetland ecosystem in the United States and one of the world’s largest naturally driven freshwater ecosystems in the highly populated temperate/subtropical climate zone.
- Despite numerous attempts to alter the Okefenokee Swamp, its original footprint is largely intact. Its resiliency and management as a Refuge and Wilderness area where natural, ecological, and biological processes still govern has preserved its natural integrity, maintaining its former pristine landscape.
- Extensive peat beds store notable amounts of carbon and keep a record of the land and water history for thousands of years. With less than 1% of the Okefenokee NWR’s peatland disturbed by man, it is the largest remaining intact peat bed on the North American Coastal Plain and within the Northern region.
- In addition, Okefenokee NWR’s uplands represent the southern yellow pine savannas that once were the most extensive “forest” type in the United States. With only 4% of the original range of longleaf pine remaining today, restoration efforts on Okefenokee NWR contribute to the longleaf pine initiative across the southeast.
World Heritage Selection Criterion x: Contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
- Okefenokee NWR falls within the North American Coastal Plain (NACP), which is the 36th recognized global biodiversity hotspot. It provides habitats for both freshwater wetlands
and uplands. Okefenokee NWR supports 14% of plant species and 29% of animal species found in this hotspot, even though the NACP also includes a large marine area. - Okefenokee NWR is famous for its herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians). It hosts 25% of the reptile species and 32% of the amphibian species that are unique to NACP. Additionally, 12% of the endemic birds (including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and wood stork) call Okefenokee NWR home. Nine percent of the native fish species thrive in Okefenokee NWR’s acidic waters. The refuge also supports a large population of Florida black bears and was once considered for reintroducing Florida panthers—two large mammal
species native to the NACP. - More than 850 plant species have been identified on Okefenokee NWR. Notably, it houses 18 carnivorous plant species, including the giant Okefenokee pitcher plant (Sarracenia
minor var. okefenokeensis), which is only found in the Okefenokee Swamp. The swamp also boasts numerous 500+ year old pond cypress trees spread across approximately 2,000
acres. - Okefenokee NWR is located within the Southeast United States Conifer Savannas Terrestrial ecoregion where only 1-4% of the habitat remains unaltered. Floral species richness
within this habitat is “unparalleled outside of [the] tropics”, especially regarding rare, endemic, and carnivorous species (Peet and Allard, 1993).
Frequently Asked Questions:
October 2024
Nomination of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to become a World Heritage Site
The following represents a compilation of commonly asked questions within the surrounding community of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Will the World Heritage Site designation for the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge affect hunting and fishing inside the refuge or outside the refuge on private or state property?
No. If the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is inscribed as a World Heritage Site, the designation will not alter management of the refuge in any way. The designation does not give the United Nations the authority or ability to change management or access to the refuge. In fact, the designation is a recognition of the good management the refuge already has in place. Similarly, if the refuge is designated as a World Heritage Site, it will not affect private property rights or state managed lands in any way, including hunting and fishing access on either private property or state property.
Fishing is currently allowed in the refuge along designated waterways, in accordance with state laws. This will not change. Hunting is also allowed on certain refuge lands, in accordance with state laws. This will not change. Visit our webpage for more information about hunting and fishing on the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee/visit-us/activities/hunting).
I’ve heard that it will cost $500,000 to become a World Heritage Site. What has that money been raised for and where did the money come from?
All funds have been raised from private donations and foundations by Okefenokee Swamp Park, Inc. These funds do not go to the United Nations or UNESCO and are not an application fee. They are used to prepare the UNESCO nomination document, a process that takes three or more years. This involves hiring experts in peatlands and biodiversity, along with editors, graphic designers, and public relations professionals to engage the community.
If the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge becomes a World Heritage Site, will this impact American sovereignty and give control of either federal, state, or private lands to the United Nations?
No. Becoming a World Heritage Site does not give the United Nations the authority to seize control of any federal, state, or private land or dictate how that land is managed or used. Official recognition as a World Heritage Site does not impose legal restrictions on owners or neighbors of sites, nor does it give the United Nations any management authority or ownership rights in U.S. World Heritage Sites, which continue to be subject only to U.S. law.
The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was signed on November 16, 1972, by President Richard Nixon. The Convention explicitly states that sovereign control of any sites recognized under the Convention remain with the nation in which the site is located.
The World Heritage Site program has enjoyed strong support from both U.S. political parties since its inception in 1972.
U.S. Presidents that have supported the Convention through listing iconic American properties as World Heritage Sites include Carter, Reagan, H.W. Bush, Clinton, Obama, Trump, and Biden. In fact, of the 25 World Heritage Sites currently in the US, ten were inscribed under President Reagan, more than any other President.
Is it true that if the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge becomes a World Heritage Site, that the federal government will be agreeing to comply with the United Nations’ sustainable development objectives in World Heritage processes, conservation, and management systems, including agenda 2030?
Both the Convention and the World Heritage Convention Operational Guidelines explicitly state that the sovereignty of signatory nations is fully respected when participating in the World Heritage Convention. Nothing in the Operational Guidelines is legally binding on the United States. While the Operational Guidelines (14ibs; page 13) do encourage signatory nations to implement sustainable development objectives, including the 2030 Agenda, no nation is required to do so.
It has been publicly stated that one reason the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is seeking to be recognized as a World Heritage Site is to bring additional tourism to the Okefenokee region. Is it inappropriate for the refuge to seek to become a World Heritage Site because it will bring economic prosperity to local communities?
Pursuing a World Heritage Site status is an effort to recognize the global significance of the Okefenokee Swamp and the native habitats that surround it. Its uniqueness on the world stage is identified and illustrates the importance of preserving this rare, natural environment for everyone to enjoy. An added benefit to this designation is that it could draw visitors that seek out such sites. So, although economic development is an aspect of the refuge becoming a World Heritage Site, it is not the only reason.
What other U.S. sites have been designated as World Heritage Sites, and how has this designation affected local communities?
As of 2024, there are 26 designated World Heritage Sites in the United States, including a few within the Southeast Region -- Everglades National Park (FL), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN/NC), and Mammoth Cave National Park (KY). These sites are recognized for their exceptional cultural and natural value on a global scale. Other U.S. World Heritage Sites include Monticello and the University of Virginia, San Antonio Missions, and Papahānaumokuākea marine national monument marine national monument
A marine national monument is an ocean area designated by a presidential proclamation under the Antiquities Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), state and territorial governments and others to manage marine national monuments that conserve the ocean and remote islands and atolls within the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Learn more about marine national monument . Each of the 26 sites has contributed to conserving vital natural habitats, cultural landmarks, and historical artifacts.
The designation of these sites does not mean the United Nations has any control over the property, management decisions, or other aspects of the site. The designation may result in increased tourism, which can lead to economic growth in the surrounding areas. Local destination marketing organizations, chambers of commerce, and development districts often encourage visitation to these sites. For example, because of the designation of Mammoth Cave National Park, local communities around the site have experienced economic benefits due to the increase in visitors attracted by the World Heritage status. These visitors support local businesses such as lodging, restaurants, and tour operations, generating revenue for the surrounding counties. For a visual tour of some U.S. World Heritage Sites, visit this National Park Service gallery and the National Park Service World Heritage page.
How was the process initiated?
The Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks (Assistant Secretary), under the Department of the Interior, initiates the process to nominate U.S. sites to the World Heritage List by publishing a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comment on which properties on the U.S. Tentative List should be nominated next by the United States.
Following the publication of the first notice, the Assistant Secretary consults the Federal Interagency Panel for World Heritage to review the public comments submitted and make a recommendation.
The first notice about the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (88 FR 37270, as required by 36 CFR 73.7(c)) was published on June 7, 2023, and received over 10,000 public comments in favor of nominating the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as a World Heritage Site. The Panel recommended that the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge should be nominated, and the Assistant Secretary accepted their recommendation. As a result, a second notice (as required by 36 CFR 73.7(f)), was published on September 25, 2023, in which the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge received permission from the Assistant Secretary to prepare a draft nomination for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, in consultation with the National Park Service’s Office of International Affairs (88 FR 65748, 36 CFR part 73).
This is the first national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge to be considered and potentially inscribed as a World Heritage site.
When will the decision be made?
The National Park Service will coordinate the review and evaluation of the draft nomination to ensure it meets the requirements of 36 CFR 73 and in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Interagency Panel on World Heritage.
Following NPS review of the draft nomination, the Department of the Interior submitted the nomination to the World Heritage Centre for technical review on September 30, 2024. The Centre will then provide comments by November 15, 2024.
The Federal Interagency Panel for World Heritage will review a draft nomination following receipt of the Centre's comments and recommend to the Department whether the nomination should be formally submitted for consideration by the World Heritage Committee.
If the Assistant Secretary agrees to submit the nomination, the Department will do so through the Department of State by January 31, 2025.
The World Heritage Committee would then consider the nomination at its annual meeting in the summer of 2026, after an evaluation of the nomination by an official Advisory Body to the Committee.
Is the U.S. obligated to pay dues to the World Heritage Fund?
As part of the Convention, all signatory nations, including the United States, agree to support the World Heritage Fund through regular contributions (Article 15.3.a). Assessed or voluntary contributions of member nations of the World Heritage Convention pay an amount equal to 1% of their UNESCO contribution. In the United States these funds must be appropriated by Congress as part of the annual budget cycle. Adding the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to the list of World Heritage Sites will not change the amount the United States has already agreed to pay the World Heritage Site Fund as part of the Convention.
If the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge becomes a World Heritage Site, will local schools near the refuge receive grants from the United Nations to teach UN directed topics?
Becoming a World Heritage Site does not give the United Nations control over what is taught in local school systems. Furthermore, the United Nations does not fund any U.S. state or federal government agencies.
Will there be a Buffer Zone around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge that will affect private or state property around the refuge?
No. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is not including a Buffer Zone as part of its nomination. We believe the large size of the refuge and that fact that over 93% of the swamp is owned and managed by the federal government preclude the necessity of a Buffer Zone.
When a location is nominated to the World Heritage List, it is optional whether to include a formal Buffer Zone around the site. For example, one of the most recent natural areas to become a World Heritage Site is the Flow Country, a vast blanket bog in the far north of Scotland. The Flow Country was recognized as a World Heritage Site without including a formal Buffer Zone. Most US World Heritage sites were inscribed without buffer zones.
However, the refuge does work with numerous private landowners and other state and federal agencies to control wildfire around the swamp through a group known as the Greater Okefenokee Association of Landowners. There is unanimous agreement among GOAL members that there is a need to create a fire resilient zone around the refuge to decrease the amount of timberland burned outside of the swamp by creating a buffer against the spread of wildfire. As part of creating this fire resilient zone (buffer), the refuge acquires lands from willing sellers around the edges of the swamp as funding is available.
How can the process be halted now and can the designation be removed at a later date upon the request of the community or the state?
The United States currently has 26 World Heritage Sites, the earliest of which was designated in 1978. In the nearly 50 years that the U.S. has had World Heritage Sites, there has never been a request to remove a site from the World Heritage List. Because the nomination of a U.S. site to the World Heritage Site program is initiated through the Department of the Interior, the withdrawal of a nomination or removal of a designation would be initiated through that Department as well.
