World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

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Vatanajökull National Park (Southern Region): Guide to a Glacial Landscape Legacy, by David J.A. Evans

Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice — 2017 — WHE200F8FF377

Vatnajökull National Park, established in 2008 and encompassing Europe's largest ice cap and Iceland's highest mountain, presents a unique glacial landscape shaped by climate-induced changes. The park, accessible within five hours from Reykjavik, showcases an unparalleled array of glacial and fluvio-glacial landforms, offering a comprehensive guide to these dynamic features. Author David J.A. Evans provides a detailed exploration through maps, diagrams, tabulated data, and striking color photographs, which not only serve scientific purposes but also stand as artistic representations of the landscape's grandeur. This publication serves as an exceptional resource, surpassing typical textbooks in its depth and visual appeal.

Vegetation responses to season of fire in an aseasonal, fire-prone fynbos shrubland

Cape Floral Region Protected Areas — 2017 — WHE1F250FC9BE

In the aseasonal, fire-prone fynbos shrubland of South Africa's Cape Floral Region, fire season does not significantly impact proteoid recruitment, unlike in Mediterranean-climate shrublands. The study found that factors such as species type, pre-fire parent density, and post-fire vegetation age were more influential than fire timing or rainfall. While germination occurred primarily during cooler months, summer plantings took longer, indicating limited drought-avoiding dormancy. This flexibility in proteoid recruitment suggests that fire management can be adapted without seasonal restrictions, unlike in winter-rainfall shrublands.

Vernacular construction techniques and earth employ in Arg-e-Bam (Iran)

Bam and its Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHE1B3154ED11

Arg-e-Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, stands as a rare global example of red clay architecture, rebuilt after its near-complete destruction by the 2003 Bam earthquake using ancient local techniques. This reconstruction process, supported by international cooperation since the site's 2004 recognition, highlights the resilience and sustainability of vernacular earthen construction methods. The study, presented at SOStierra 2017, underscores the significance of preserving and reviving traditional building practices for both cultural heritage conservation and environmental sustainability.

Victoria Falls and Colonial Imagination in British Southern Africa

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2017 — WHE29BCE8DCC1

A groundbreaking historical analysis of Victoria Falls reveals how the site was central to British colonial imagination and strategic planning in Southern Africa. The study challenges conventional narratives by uncovering new insights into the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of British colonialism's engagement with the falls. Unlike previous works that focused on natural or tourist aspects, this research employs a critical examination of archival records, travelogues, and colonial policy documents to demonstrate Victoria Falls' pivotal role in shaping colonial identities and territorial ambitions. The findings underscore the site's significance beyond its natural wonders, highlighting its symbolic and material importance in the colonial project.

Violins and trowels for Palmyra: Post‐conflict heritage politics

Site of Palmyra — 2017 — WHE2B3A41F894

Post-conflict heritage conservation and reconstruction of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Palmyra, are not merely technical processes but also strategic political acts. This study reveals how the Russian Federation leverages these efforts to manipulate the cultural biography of heritage objects, highlighting their role in broader geopolitical narratives. Using extensive ethnographic research, it demonstrates that conservation and reconstruction are pivotal moments in shaping the future of war-torn heritage, offering new insights into the intersection of culture, politics, and violence.

Virome Assembly and Annotation: A Surprise in the Namib Desert

Namib Sand Sea — 2017 — WHE9BFBC461E7

Researchers uncovered evidence suggesting that viruses may have been transported from the Atlantic Ocean into the Namib Desert, potentially via fog and wind. This hypothesis emerged from phylogenetic analyses of circovirus-like proteins and scaffold network analysis of a virome dataset from a copper-rich site in the Namib Sand Sea. The study also highlighted the importance of strict data filtering and advanced biocomputational methods for accurate viral genome assembly and annotation, demonstrating that CLC-Workbench outperformed other assemblers in reconstructing large scaffolds and handling excessive read coverage.

Virtual Platforms for Heritage Preservation in the Middle East: the Case of Medieval Cairo

Historic Cairo — 2017 — WHE11BE00E18F

Current virtual heritage platforms often focus on precise digital models of historic structures, overlooking the human and cultural dimensions that make heritage relatable. This study addresses this gap by integrating a 'cultural feed' into virtual heritage environments (VHE), aiming to enhance thematic interactivity and public engagement. Through fieldwork in Islamic Cairo with five start-up entrepreneurs, the research develops a conceptual and practical framework for VHE platforms, emphasizing their potential as tools for research, education, and public recognition of historic spaces. The approach combines advanced digital modeling with cultural content, moving beyond photorealistic gaming systems to create more immersive and meaningful experiences.

Virtual Reality and the Islamic Water System in Cairo: Challenges and Methods

Historic Cairo — 2017 — WHE3DCE4F2D6F

Historic Cairo's Islamic water system, shaped by the Nile's westward shift and the relocation of Egypt's capital away from the river, has been reconstructed through a virtual reality model. This innovative approach captures both the tangible infrastructure—such as intake towers—and intangible historical narratives, including the strategic decisions of sultans like al-Naser Mohamed and al-Ghoury. The study leverages chronicles and surviving structures to create a realistic digital representation, offering new insights into the evolution and challenges of Islamic water management in Egypt.

Viscount of Béziers and Carcassonne

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne — 2017 — WHEC1BC99A047

Simon, the Viscount of Béziers and Carcassonne, distinguished himself by acquiring his southern French territories through conquest rather than inheritance, contrasting with the traditional Trencavel lineage. His rule was marked by a deliberate departure from local traditions, justified ideologically as a correction of deficient Christian governance. Simon's governance strategy combined military prowess with strategic patronage, including the co-optation of native lords and burghers, respect for urban autonomy, and generous support for local bishops and Cistercian houses. His implementation of reformist policies, encapsulated in the Statutes of Pamiers, balanced ideological demands with practical realities, earning him a dynamic rather than dogmatic approach to governance. This study highlights Simon's nuanced leadership, which mitigated opposition while advancing his reform agenda, offering insights into medieval governance and the interplay between tradition and innovation.

Visiting Auschwitz: Evidence of secondary traumatization among high school students.

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2017 — WHEECB3542552

A significant portion (13.2%) of high school students visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, exhibited symptoms of secondary traumatic stress following their visit. This study, a quantitative longitudinal analysis, found that empathic reactions—such as identifying with victims—were correlated with higher levels of secondary trauma one month post-visit. The findings underscore the need for psychological preparation and historical context before such visits to mitigate potential emotional distress. This research contributes to understanding how exposure to traumatic historical sites can impact visitors' mental well-being, particularly among adolescents.

Visitor Experiences at Prison Museums: Fremantle Prison, Robben Island Museum, and Eastern State Penitentiary

Robben Island — 2017 — WHEA70A736027

Decommissioned prison museums, such as Robben Island Museum, Fremantle Prison, and Eastern State Penitentiary, serve as powerful sites of penal heritage and education, drawing thousands of visitors annually. These institutions leverage their historical significance, notoriety, and mystique to educate the public on topics often removed from contemporary discourse. The study highlights how these museums fulfill a dual role: satisfying public curiosity while also providing educational value about the impacts of imprisonment and solitary confinement, as previously critiqued by Charles Dickens in his observations at Eastern State Penitentiary. The research approach involves analyzing visitor experiences and the broader cultural significance of prison tourism, offering insights into the enduring fascination with penal history.

Visitor perceptions of World Heritage value at Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2017 — WHE0DFB979704

Visitors to Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal, overwhelmingly perceive the site as authentic, with preserved integrity and outstanding universal value, despite its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1979 under criterion vii for natural beauty. A survey of 522 international visitors revealed that trip satisfaction and educational level were key predictors of these perceptions, while prior visits, substitutability, age, and income also influenced specific aspects of perceived value. The findings suggest that enhancing visitor experience through interpretation and professional guidance could foster more favorable attitudes toward the site's World Heritage status.

Visual Perception and Graphic Analysis. The Pattern of Inlays in the Cathedral of Palermo

Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale — 2017 — WHEEF4E4731D2

A geometric analysis of the two-tone circular inlays on the eastern façade, corner towers, and apses of Palermo Cathedral reveals patterns linked to visual perception laws. Decomposing these designs highlights elementary figures that become recognizable through prolonged observation, suggesting a new perceptive awareness. The study applies graphic analysis to catalog these motifs, offering insights into their structural and perceptual significance within the UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman architectural heritage.

Visualization techniques for an airborne laser scanning‐derived digital terrain model in forested steep terrain: Detecting archaeological remains in the subsurface

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia — 2017 — WHE1933D5CFAB

Researchers have uncovered 79 previously unknown subsurface archaeological structures, part of the ancient Roman Empire's defensive system (limes), using advanced visualization techniques on airborne laser scanning data. These structures, confirmed through ground inspection, were detected in a steep, forested area within Porolissum, Romania. The most effective methods—principal component analysis, simple local-relief model, sky-view factor, and positive openness—achieved over 75% detection accuracy for feature extent. The findings suggest that this region was strategically deforested during the Roman period. This study demonstrates the potential of cutting-edge remote sensing technology to identify buried ancient structures, a crucial step in compiling data for potential UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination.

Visualizing the Treves botanical garden in Padua

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua — 2017 — WHEADEDEA803D

A collaborative research project has revealed new insights into the Treves botanical garden in Padua, Italy, through advanced visualization techniques. The study, led by historian Marco Massaro and supported by experts in land surveying and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), aimed to analyze a significant historical site linked to Giacomo Treves dei Bonfili, a prominent Jewish banker during the Venetian nineteenth century. This research sheds light on the Treves family's role in the Jewish emancipation process, particularly after the lifting of ghetto restrictions in 1797. By integrating historical documentation with cutting-edge geospatial analysis, the project offers a detailed reconstruction of the garden, palace, and surrounding property owned by Isaac and Jacob Treves dei Bonfili, currently held in private collections.

Vocal repertoire of free‐ranging black howler monkeys’ (Alouatta pigra): Call types, contexts, and sex‐related contributions

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2017 — WHEC87B2F6DBE

Black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) exhibit a diverse and complex vocal repertoire, with 12 distinct call types identified in Palenque National Park, Mexico—four of which were previously undescribed. This study revealed that males contribute significantly more to the vocal repertoire during howling bouts, while females are the sole emitters of three specific call types. The research also categorized calls based on their functional roles, such as intra-group communication and inter-group interactions, and linked these patterns to socio-ecological factors. By analyzing free-ranging social groups, the study advanced understanding of primate vocalization dynamics, offering insights into sex-related contributions and contextual variations in howler monkey communication.

Von der Institution zur Community: Das Bauhaus als kommunikatives Netzwerk

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2017 — WHE97602421B0

The Bauhaus movement, spanning from its institutional phase (1919–1933) to its community-driven existence post-1945, is revealed as a dynamic network of relationships characterized by intellectual collaboration, mentorship chains, and competition. This study identifies three primary relationship types—intellectual groups, master-student hierarchies, and competitive dynamics—using Gerhard Marcks' ego-centric network as an exemplar to trace these connections across decades. The research employs Collins' framework to analyze the movement's evolution, highlighting its adaptability and resilience despite institutional disruptions, particularly during the Nazi era (1933–1945). This approach offers a nuanced understanding of how Bauhaus persisted and transformed through relational networks.

Vulnerability assessment of archaeological sites to earthquake hazard: An indicator based method integrating spatial and temporal aspects

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2017 — WHEFF78AA0F77

A novel indicator-based method for assessing the vulnerability of archaeological sites to earthquakes has been developed, integrating spatial and temporal parameters. The study identifies Neratzia Fortress on Kos and Heraion on Samos as highly vulnerable sites, warranting priority for further studies and mitigation measures. The method evaluates susceptibility to secondary earthquake effects such as ground liquefaction, landslides, and tsunamis through the Spatial Susceptibility Index (SSi), while physical vulnerability, economic importance, and visitor density are assessed via the Temporal Vulnerability Index (TVi). Combined, these indexes form the Archaeological Site Vulnerability Index (A.S.V.I.), which was applied to 16 archaeological sites in Greece. The findings indicate that most sites have low to moderate vulnerability, but many remain susceptible to at least one earthquake environmental effect and exhibit high physical vulnerability due to limited conservation efforts. This approach underscores the need for effective vulnerability assessment within disaster risk management frameworks for cultural heritage.

Vulnerable land ecosystems classification using spatial context and spectral indices

Teide National Park — 2017 — WHE48CF867683

A novel object-based classification approach combining spectral indices and spatial context achieved the highest accuracy (90.07%) for mapping vulnerable ecosystems in Teide National Park, Spain. The study leveraged WorldView-2 imagery, integrating two sensor-specific indices (WorldView Vegetation Index and Soil Index) with Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrices (GLCM)-dissimilarity to improve habitat classification precision. This method outperformed traditional pixel-based techniques by incorporating both spectral and spatial information, offering a robust tool for conservation monitoring in high-pressure natural areas.

Walking to care

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range — 2017 — WHE5AADE1C0A2

A community of care emerges through slow tourism on the Kumano-kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage trail in Japan's Kii Mountain Range. This study reveals that walking-based tourism fosters environmentally aware behavior and local engagement, with stakeholders—including walkers and communities—adopting mindful, low-impact practices. These include volunteer restoration and storytelling, aligning with the principles of slow tourism: locally rooted, deliberate, and sustainable. The research identifies stakeholder roles and proposes standards for such tourism, demonstrating how pilgrimage trails can cultivate ecological consciousness while strengthening community bonds.