Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution IV (2008) 3112.pdf

GEOTOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE DOME, – CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, PROGRESS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. R.L. Gibson1 and M. Blom2, 1Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, P O WITS, Johannesburg 2050, South Af- rica, [email protected]; 2Fezile Dabi District Municipality, Box 10, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa.

Introduction: The Vredefort Dome is a 90-km-wide features requires lengthy explanation if first-time visi- geological entity located ~120 km southwest of Johan- tors are to build an understanding of the Vredefort nesburg, South Africa, that represents the eroded cen- impact event. Logistically, the fact that 89% of the tral uplift of the world’s oldest (2023 ± 4 Ma) and pos- land in the WHS is privately owned, with many absen- sibly largest known meteorite impact structure. It is a tee owners, creates a challenge for access to key sites, site of unprecedented geological significance not only as well as issues such as accident liability. because of the impact-related effects visible in its Progress: Following the WHS inscription in 2005, rocks, but also because it is one of only a handful of provincial and district and local municipal structures areas around the world that exposes a near-continuous, have embarked on several projects aimed at enhancing >25 km deep, crustal section. the geotourism potential of the VDWHS and the larger The topographic expression of the dome is restricted dome region, including a 3-year roads programme to its northern and western sectors (the remainder be- aimed at upgrading much of the 145 km of gravel road ing covered by younger sedimentary strata), with the in the WHS. A Strategic Environmental Assessment most prominent feature being a crescent of steep ridges (2006) and an Integrated Management Plan (2007) and valleys cut by the . The combination of were completed for the North West and the spectacular rugged scenery and the Vaal River has Province governments, respectively. These assess- created a well-established tourism industry that is pri- ments have considered the VDWHS holistically, ex- marily focussed on recreational and adventure tourism amining other resources (archaeological, cultural, bio- and the business market. By contrast, geotourism diversity) and other challenges to development and linked to the spectacular geological features is rela- management of the natural resources, including pollu- tively minor, being restricted to a few information dis- tion, access, communication and socio-economic and plays in resorts and ad hoc tours run by local enthusi- legal aspects. The Free State government has spon- asts and academics. In 2005, a 30000 ha portion of the sored additional projects aimed at addressing some of dome (approximately one-quarter of the exposed area the challenges presented by the geology of the dome. of the dome) was inscribed as a World Heritage Site These include the distribution of information pam- (VDWHS) on the strength of the dome’s internatonal phlets and accompanying posters outlining the geo- geological significance. logical features that are freely available to visitors and Challenges: The most significant challenges to the locals (in English, and Sesotho), and a development of the geotourism potential of the Vrede- summary brochure outlining the main conclusions of fort Dome relate to its immense size and the deep lev- the 2000-page Integrated Management Plan, as well as els of erosion, and to the land ownership profile in the posters for public display. A geological guidebook and dome. In the first instance, the large size presents an audiovisual presentation are also planned. The Fezile interpretive challenge as visitors cannot drive or walk Dabi District Municipality has built a Visitor and Geo- up to a single viewpoint from which they can see the logical Interpretation Centre outside Vredefort town entire structure, such as is possible, for instance, at that, once completed in 2009, will address the chal- Tswaing crater. Second, large distances may need to lenges of explaining to visitors the problems of scale be travelled between different geosites, which makes it and erosion depth that characterise the Vredefort im- difficult for the visitor to maintain perspective. The pact structure as well as showcasing other geological deep levels of erosion also create confusion about the features of the dome. This centre will also provide a size of the feature – the crescent of hills defining the hub for the development of local crafts industries, Vredefort Mountainland is commonly confused with thereby allowing economic upliftment through small the crater rim because visitors are looking for a classic enterprise development, and should become a key bowl-shaped crater. Whereas previously the Vredefort tourism site in its own right. Dome was often mistaken as the Vredefort crater, ad- Recommendations: Several key initiatives have al- ditional confusion has arisen recently among visitors ready been set in motion to address the dissemination who equate the WHS area with the Vredefort crater. of information concerning the geological heritage re- The deep levels of erosion, which have completely sources of the Vredefort Dome. One of the acknowl- removed the crater topography and most of the tell-tale edgements of the IMP is that the selection of only a breccias and impact deposits, also mean that any ex- small portion of the dome as a WHS (for historical as planation of the geological significance of particular well as logistical reasons) presents new management Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution IV (2008) 3112.pdf

challenges, and the possibility of creating a UNESCO trained museum and field guides and educational offi- Geopark covering the rest of the dome and several key cers) will create additional benefits. geosites presently outside of the VDWHS must receive Aside from the local and international tourism mar- serious consideration. Geotourism also needs to be ket, the Vredefort Dome is ideally placed to align itself managed within the context of the other attractions of as a first-choice destination for field school educa- the area. Specifically, the dome area contains a wide tional activities serving the highly populace Gauteng range of habitats that have promoted a broad floral region. At present, such activities involve a combina- biodiversity, and the re-introduction of large game tion of adventure activities (hiking, rafting, abseiling) animals by the tourism sector is strengthening the fau- with ecological awareness activities. By presenting a nal biodiversity once more. Additionally, the area con- combination of geological and cultural heritage-based tains a highly diverse archaeological and cultural- learning activities in addition to this standard format, a historical heritage, ranging from Stone Age San- more holistic educational programme can be presented Bushman petroglyphs and tool-making sites to exten- that will set it apart from its competition. sive Iron Age settlement ruins, traces of the earliest Conclusions: The Vredefort Dome is an area of su- European settler dwellings, an historic goldfield and perlative geology, rare scenic beauty, rich biodiversity several key sites related to the Anglo-Boer War of and cultural heritage that is located close to South Af- 1899-1900. In contrast to the geology, these resources rica’s major international gateway and largest popula- have received little attention from researchers and re- tion centre. Development and effective management of quire immediate attention so that suitable heritage sites its geological and other heritage resources as a tourism may be identified for tourism purposes. and educational resource has the potential to uplift an The private ownership of much of the land raises is- economically-depressed region and act as a flag-bearer sues of access to key geosites. The Management Au- for the development of other geological heritage re- thority will need to assess a variety of measures, in- sources in South Africa. A joint marketing initiative cluding purchase of land and facilitation of access (re- with the other principal tourist attractions of the Gau- aligning fences, stiles, gates); however, an alternative teng region (Cradle of Humankind, Origins Centre, that may need to be considered is the creation of road- Museum) will strengthen its international side stops that allow easy access to visitors and that profile. can be arranged in a story format, with visitors pro- gressing from one stop to the next in a specific order. If placed strategically between proper outcrop geo- sites, these ‘artificial’ sites can allow visitors to learn about the geological aspects of the dome at the same time as enjoying scenic views and information about cultural and heritage resources. Consideration should also be given to enhancing the value of specific sites of cultural and biodiversity significance by emphasizing nearby geological features. Owners of tourist estab- lishments should also be encouraged to enhance hik- ing, riding and biking trails for their guests with geo- logical information. Much of the value of enhanced geotourism in the Vredefort Dome to the local population will lie in the tourism support industries (accommodation, catering). Given its close proximity to Johannesburg and the ex- cellent road links, the challenge is to get visitors to view the Vredefort Dome as an overnight destination, rather than just a day-visit site. The creation of an in- terest in the geological resources, together with the opportunity to explore cultural and biodiversity re- sources and engage in a range to adventure activities can, if properly packaged, achieve this goal. With the necessary visitor numbers, additional job creation linked directly to the tourist experience (properly