ABSTRACT
Substantial evidence suggests that protected areas are vital hosts for ‘meaningful nature experiences’: non-ordinary experiences with/in nature which are particularly profound, significant, affective, and difficult to wholly describe. This chapter phenomenologically explores the foundations of such experiences and identifies common themes, structures, and contexts underpinning these events. Findings highlight the importance of meaningful nature experiences in deepening one’s connectedness with nature, sense of place, and commitment towards pro-environmental and pro-social action. In triggering a more unified view of existence, meaningful nature experience invites an integral approach that supports individual and collective bonding with both the protected areas and the world at large.
