Local people’s sense of place in heavily touristified protected areas: Contested place meanings around the Wulingyuan World Heritage Site, China

A significant mismatch exists between the 'traditional' place meanings recorded for residents of the Wulingyuan World Heritage Site and their current sense of place, shaped by economic shifts due to tourism. This study reveals that local people's landscape values are diverse and dynamic, influenced by changes in livelihoods and the economy. The co-evolution of protected areas and tourism complicates efforts to balance economic development, nature conservation, and community concerns. Adaptive co-management planning is essential but challenging in heavily touristified areas, highlighting the need for inclusive governance that acknowledges evolving place meanings.

Li, J., Stoffelen, A., Meijles, E., & Vanclay, F. (2023). Local people’s sense of place in heavily touristified protected areas: Contested place meanings around the Wulingyuan World Heritage Site, China. Landscape and Urban Planning, 237, 104792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2023.104792