Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp Added to UNESCO's World Heritage List
The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking it as the 27th such site in the United States. This decision was made by a United Nations committee during a meeting in Busan, South Korea. The Okefenokee Swamp is recognized for its vast biodiversity, including numerous plant, mammal, bird, fish, reptile, and amphibian species. It is the largest black water swamp in North America and serves as a critical habitat for various wildlife, including migratory birds and American alligators. Despite some local opposition fearing increased U.N. involvement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains ownership and management of the site.