Vision & Mission

Our vision:

The Dome Conservancy is a community-based organisation that aims to conserve and protect the unique geological, natural, cultural and historical integrity of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site (VDWHS).

Our mission:

We achieve our vision and objectives by:

• Launching initiatives and co-ordinate projects and activities in support of the overall objective;
• Raising community awareness about conservation through effective communication strategies;
• Collaborating with like-minded entities and authorities to achieve the objectives of the organisation; and
• Playing a leading/meaningful role in the proclamation and management of the VDWHS.

Our Conservancy can be described as:

• Community driven, voluntary and focused on conservation of the VDWHS;
• Including other interest groups, with a high affinity to collaborate with like minded organisations;
• Aim for sustainable development;
• Advisory input to applications for development in the area;
• Training, upliftment and empowerment of the community;
• Protecting the culture, bio-diversity, and geology of the area;
• Promote eco-tourism;
• A Not for profit organisation (NPC).

NACSSA

We are affiliated to the National Association of Conservancies South Africa (NACSSA)

NACSSA was established in August 2003 to:

• promote community-driven conservation nationally by supporting provincial conservancy associations.
• network with local and international bodies with similar aims.

Our NACSSA membership certificate can be found here – Certificate Template NACSSA DOME – Link

History of Vredefort Dome

Approximately 2.023 billion years ago, a massive meteorite, estimated to be around 10–15 km in diameter, collided with Earth, creating a crater initially spanning between 170 and 300 km in diameter. Over time, erosion has reduced its visible features, but the central uplift, known as the Vredefort Dome, remains a testament to this colossal event. Today, it’s a window into the deep Earth, revealing rocks uplifted from depths of over 20 km.

Archaeological Echoes:

Beyond its geological marvels, the Vredefort Dome preserves traces of human history. Stone Age tools, Khoi-San rock art, and remnants of 19th-century gold mining settlements near Venterskroon tell a story of human resilience alongside nature’s grandeur.

Geological Significance

The Vredefort impact structure provides exceptional exposure of features found deep below the surface beneath large impact craters, offering invaluable insights into planetary evolution and impact dynamics. It is one of about 200 known impact structures on Earth and stands out due to its size and age. Evidence like shatter cones—unique rock formations caused by the impact’s shockwaves—makes this a geologist’s paradise.

Team & Partners

Meet our Team: Board of director’s

• • • Dr Burnett (Biddie) Biddulph – Chairperson
    • Nicolette van Brakel – Vice Chair
    • David Coutts-Trotter
    • Mike Erasmus
    • Henk Havenga
    • Johan Malan – Treasurer
    • Renier Terblanche – Ecologist
• Meet our Conservation Experts: Dedicated to preserving the site’s natural and cultural heritage.Our team includes the likes of ecologist Reinier Terblanche, a habitat specialist with an exceptional combination of botanical and zoological expertise. He practices as an ecological consultant and has been registered as a Professional Natural Scientist.Geologists like Professor Roger Gibson from Wits University, a renowned expert on the Vredefort Dome, who also leads tours and research, alongside local conservationists passionate about protecting this unique landscape.
• Scientific Collaborators: Working with universities and research institutions globally.
• Community Partners: Engaging with local communities to promote sustainable development.