The meaning of sense of place: The community of Vredefort Dome and Parys, Free State

Residents and tourists in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, South Africa, prioritize protecting the area's unique character, nature, and history when considering development. This study identified three key themes—affective, anthropogenic, and physical environment—that shape their sense of place. Using qualitative methods, including non-probability sampling and content analysis, researchers found that participants exhibit strong awareness for conservation, highlighting gaps in current development planning. These insights could guide stakeholders to better engage communities in sustainable conservation efforts, balancing tourism growth with heritage preservation.

Erasmus, T., & De Crom, E. P. (2015). The meaning of sense of place: The community of Vredefort Dome and Parys, Free State. The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.4102/td.v11i3.63