Okefenokee Swamp

Founded in 1946, the Okefenokee Swamp Park, Inc. (OSP, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to conserving the wildlife and wilderness, waterways, habitats and rich cultural history of North America’s largest “blackwater” swamp and offering educational and recreational opportunities connected to one of our planet’s natural wonders. The OSP’s mission is to preserve natural lands, of which only 5% globally are protected, and to ensure food and water sustainability through good stewardship

The Okefenokee boasts a wetlands footprint largely undisturbed since prehistoric times and contains one of the earth’s richest carbon banks, but faces a number of stark environmental threats. One such threat, uncontrolled wildfires, pose a danger not only to the Okefenokee, but to adjacent property owners. In addition, communities around the Okefenokee face persistent economic uncertainty in rural South Georgia. While some see environmental interests as pitted against economic concerns, OSP Inc.’s publicprivate partnership brings together competing interests for the greater good of the preserve and those who live around it. The UNESCO bid is one of 5 principal initiatives which does just that.

OSP, Inc. is embarking on a partnership with The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR) to be inscribed as a World Heritage (WH) Site as designated by the United Nations Educational Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO). A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural or man-made site recognized as being of “outstanding universal value.” The United States has 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include our National Parks, but the Okefenkee National Wildlife Refuge will be the first site entirely managed by the National Wildlife Refuge System and the first subtropical habitat on the North American Coastal Plain.

UNESCO recognition is widely acknowledged to result in increased global visibility, as well as a growth in tourism and ensuing economic benefits for the regional community. Along with the increased visibility, positive economic impact, and enhanced community spirit, will come an increased capacity to “protect and enhance wildlife and its habitat, ensure integrity of the ecological system, and embrace the grandeur, mystery, and cultural heritage that lead to an enrichment of the human spirit,” a guiding vision of both OSP, Inc. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

UNESCO inscription is a competitive process, both at the national level and international level. The refuge was originally identified as a potential WH site in 1982 – the first step to inscription. In 2007, the refuge was officially placed on the United States Tentative List, where it remained for more than a decade. While a timeline is not guaranteed, the Partnership anticipates a 3 – 4-year inscription process dated from August 2021.

OSP, Inc. cares about the lands and waters on which the Okefenokee and surrounding communities depend. Their vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act together to conserve nature for its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives. For questions, suggestions, and to find out ways you can help, please contact: Kim Bednarek, Executive Director, Okefenokee Swamp Park & Okefenokee Adventures (904) 207-8057 or kim. bednarek@okeswamp.org or visit okeswamp.org.

Top: There are ample camping opportunities in the Okefenokee. Middle: Countless plant and animal species inhabit the swamp. Bottom: Miles of trails offer kayaking for all experience levels.