World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

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Contributions of digestive plasticity to the ability of white-tailed deer to cope with a low-quality diet

Anticosti — 2016 — WHE1B970764BA

White-tailed deer on Anticosti Island exhibit significant digestive plasticity, enabling them to sustain high population densities despite harsh forage conditions. These deer show increased ruminal volume and digesta load (43% and 62%, respectively), greater absorption surface of ruminal papillae, and larger relative mass of forestomachs compared to mainland counterparts. Despite similar digestibility of woody forage, faster kinetic digestion may occur in Anticosti Island deer. This study highlights the adaptive role of digestive plasticity in coping with low-quality diets, providing insights into how populations adapt to dietary challenges.

Conversations with Confucius (551–479 BCE)

Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu — 2016 — WHEA503604090

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong Province, China, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Confucian thought. This study revisits the historic site, contrasting its serene present with its tumultuous past, particularly during the Cultural Revolution when efforts were made to desecrate Confucius' memory. The research delves into the significance of this site, not only as a cultural and historical landmark but also as a repository of political thought that has influenced Chinese society for millennia. By exploring the architectural and spiritual dimensions of the temple complex, the study sheds light on its role in preserving and disseminating Confucian values.

Conveying Cappadocia. A new representation model for rock-cave architecture by contour lines and chromatic codes

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2016 — WHE99090C8AF0

A novel representation model for rock-cave architecture, combining contour lines and chromatic codes, offers a breakthrough in visualizing the complex geometric and spatial relationships of rupestrian settlements. This approach transforms traditional orthogonal projections into synthetic drawings that effectively convey hidden features of Cappadocia's cave architecture, addressing long-standing challenges in surveying such structures. The method leverages laser scanning for precise geometric registration but introduces manual chromatic coding to enhance interpretability. Developed specifically for Cappadocia's unique rupestrian habitat, this model bridges the gap between automated data capture and human comprehension of intricate architectural forms.

Cooling effect of urban parks and their relationship with urban heat islands

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2016 — WHE4219EE6881

Urban parks, such as the Temple of Heaven Park (THP) in Beijing, exhibit a robust cooling effect that stabilizes when urban heat island (UHI) intensities remain within a defined range but becomes unstable beyond this threshold. This 'enhanced cooling effect' is characterized by stronger nighttime cooling rates and may be influenced by water coverage. The study analyzed THP alongside five other park-district pairs, revealing quasi-linear changes in UHII differences as surrounding district UHII increases. These findings suggest that urban parks play a significant but context-dependent role in mitigating urban heat, offering insights for sustainable urban planning.

Coral reef ecosystem program standard operating procedures : data collection for rapid ecological assessment fish surveys.

Papahānaumokuākea — 2016 — WHE91738DBD5A

Standardized protocols for monitoring reef fish populations are established to support long-term ecological assessments and conservation efforts in the Pacific. The document provides detailed guidelines for training, sampling, and data entry under the Pacific Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program (Pacific RAMP), led by the Coral Reef Ecosystem Program (CREP). These procedures apply across 40 sites in the Hawaiian Archipelago, Mariana Archipelago, American Samoa, and remote Pacific Islands. Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) surveys employ stratified random sampling to evaluate reef fish populations and benthic habitats, ensuring consistency and comparability in data collection. The protocols aim to inform ecosystem management and policy decisions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Cosmetics and Cosmetology at Shahr-I Sokhta

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2016 — WHE0A54CC3C9C

Analysis of stone flagons from Shahr-i Sokhta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, reveals they contained diverse cosmetic mixtures. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) identified mineral phases—both natural and possibly synthetic—that produced green, blue, and white pigments. The study traces the evolution of these vessels over time, noting morphological changes and their geographical spread. A key discovery is the use of perforated stone caps, likely employed to apply cosmetic powders using bird feathers, challenging previous interpretations as lids or spindle whorls. The research also highlights the economic significance of cosmetology in this ancient civilization.

Cranial shape variation and phylogenetic relationships of extinct and extant Old World leaf-nosed bats

Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) — 2016 — WHE9544016E02

A groundbreaking study reveals that the extinct leaf-nosed bats from Riversleigh, Australia, do not represent an endemic Australian radiation. Using 2D geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic analysis, researchers analyzed cranial shape variation in 21 extant and fossil species to classify unallocated fossils within Hipposideridae and Rhinonycteridae families. The study found that fossil species are distributed throughout the phylogenetic tree, with some sharing close relationships with non-Australian taxa. Key findings include the assignment of six Riversleigh Miocene species to Rhinonycteridae and two to Hipposideridae, while also supporting the classification of a French fossil as part of Hipposideros. This research provides insights into the evolutionary history and cranial shape evolution of these bats.

Creation of cultural heritage inventories: case of the historic city of Ahmadabad

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2016 — WHEAAA652A6C2

A comprehensive cultural heritage inventory for the historic city of Ahmadabad, India, serves as a critical tool for conservation and urban management. This inventory, covering 543 hectares with over 6,000 properties, highlights the importance of integrating built heritage assets with their surrounding context to ensure effective preservation. The study demonstrates that traditional field surveys, combined with digital data management systems using CAD, GIS, and other platforms, can efficiently capture and assess heritage resources while maintaining cost and time efficiency. Although currently limited to monitoring listed properties, the potential for broader urban planning applications is significant once fully integrated into city management systems.

Creative Tourism Activities in Ecotourism A Study in Ujung Kulon National Park Banten Indonesia

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2016 — WHE9062882738

A novel approach to integrating creative tourism with ecotourism is explored through a study conducted at Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia. The research reveals that creative tourism can enhance the ecotourism experience by offering innovative activities that engage tourists while preserving the park's natural and cultural heritage. This study provides preliminary evidence of the interrelationship between these two tourism typologies, using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions to gather insights from stakeholders. Unlike previous studies that primarily focused on cultural or heritage-based creative tourism, this work highlights its potential in ecotourism contexts, contributing to sustainable tourism practices in protected areas.

Crossing the Threshold: Disability and Modernist Housing

Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House) — 2016 — WHEF975DC67F4

Early twentieth-century modernist housing designs, including the Rietveld-Schröder House by Gerrit Rietveld, challenge traditional architectural thresholds to foster physical, sensory, and psychological support for individuals with disabilities. This study compares three iconic houses—the Darwin D. Martin House (Frank Lloyd Wright), Villa Savoye (Le Corbusier), and Rietveld-Schröder House—to demonstrate how innovative threshold spaces can promote social integration and redefine domestic environments. By erasing conventional boundaries, these designs offer new paradigms for accessible living that prioritize freedom and inclusivity.

Cryptic subarctic diversity: a new bumblebee species from the Yukon and Alaska (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2016 — WHE7172865A72

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized bumblebee species, Bombus(Alpinobombus) kluanensis, from the subarctic mountains of the Yukon and Alaska. This discovery, made through analysis of Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I barcodes, challenges traditional morphological identification methods and highlights the cryptic diversity in this region. The species is associated with the Denali Fault, spanning from the Alaska Range to Kluane in the Saint Elias Mountains, with 247 female specimens documented so far. The study also provides a global checklist of the subgenus Alpinobombus, contributing significantly to our understanding of bumblebee biodiversity in subarctic ecosystems.

Cultural Heritage and Collaborative Urban Regeneration: The Sansevero Chapel Museum for the Historic Centre of Naples

Historic Centre of Naples — 2016 — WHE92897083EC

The Sansevero Chapel Museum in Naples demonstrates that cultural heritage can drive effective urban regeneration without the pitfalls of museification or gentrification. Since the 1990s, the museum has actively engaged with stakeholders and local communities, notably supporting the 'Corpo di Napoli' initiative, to revitalize its historic surroundings while preserving its identity. This collaborative approach contrasts with traditional models that often lead to displacement or loss of cultural authenticity. The study highlights a successful model for balancing heritage preservation with urban development, offering insights applicable to other degraded historic centers.

Cultural Interpretation toward Sustainability: A Case of Mount Kinabalu

Kinabalu Park — 2016 — WHEF2CC0CD1C4

Visitors to Kinabalu Park, including climbers, exhibit limited knowledge of the mountain's indigenous cultural values, despite recognizing its sacredness. While they appreciate the scientific and historical aspects more deeply, dissatisfaction with current cultural interpretation efforts is evident, particularly regarding exhibit centers' insufficient coverage. Enhanced cultural interpretation could foster greater respect for indigenous traditions, deepen environmental awareness, and promote sustainable behavior among visitors. The study recommends improved visitor education to bridge this gap, leveraging cultural insights to strengthen conservation efforts.

Current Situation and Impact of Tourism Development in Luang Prabang, Laos

Town of Luang Prabang — 2016 — WHED8A30748D4

Tourism development in Luang Prabang, Laos, has significantly increased since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, yet it poses both economic and social challenges. While tourism brings substantial benefits to the local population, it also risks negative impacts on the community's socioeconomic stability. The study highlights the need for careful management to ensure that tourism preserves Luang Prabang's natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage without causing overall harm. Conducted through an analytical and descriptive approach using secondary data, the research underscores the importance of government attention in balancing tourism growth with heritage preservation.

Current status of ‘ghaf trees’ Prosopis cineraria (sw.) D.c. in the State of Qatar

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site — 2016 — WHE31D26EEE90

A critical decline in the native 'ghaf' tree, Prosopis cineraria, threatens its survival in Qatar's hyper-arid ecosystems. The species, already endangered by overgrazing and environmental stress, faces further competition from the invasive Prosopis juliflora. Research identified only three surviving populations—totaling 25 trees—across Qatar, with one site (Rawdat Makin) showing rapid invasion by P. juliflora and a 40% decline in native vegetation over five years. Seeds from the most stable population exhibited high viability (98% germination post-scarification), enabling conservation efforts through Qatar's gene bank. The study recommends immediate removal of invasive species to protect remaining P. cineraria stands, supported by regulatory action from Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and Environment.

Cycles of seismic activity in the second half of the holocene in the Western Caucasus and their correlation with stages of civilization development: A case study of the upper reach of the Mzymta River

Western Caucasus — 2016 — WHE7797A9FD69

Strong seismic activity in the Western Caucasus, particularly along the upper reach of the Mzymta River, occurred in distinct cycles during the late Holocene—specifically around 3100–4000 and 700–1200 years ago. These periods of intense earthquakes, linked to mudflows and rockslides, coincided with phases of human abandonment in the region. Paleoseismological data, combined with archaeological evidence, reveals a correlation between tectonic disasters and shifts in civilization development, offering new insights into seismic hazard assessment and the chronology of human settlement in the area.

Dame Kathleen Kenyon

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2016 — WHE7102211411

Dame Kathleen Kenyon's groundbreaking work at UNESCO World Heritage Site Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan uncovered the oldest known city, revealing remarkable artifacts like plastered skulls. Her innovative stratigraphic trenching method, developed with Sir Mortimer Wheeler, became a cornerstone of archaeological practice, widely adopted for over half a century. Beyond Jericho, she made significant contributions to understanding ancient Jerusalem and the City of David, as well as participating in the historic all-woman excavation at Great Zimbabwe. This biography by Miriam Davis not only highlights her professional achievements but also delves into her lesser-known personal life, from her upbringing as the daughter of a British Museum director to her solitary retirement in Wales.

Dance It, Film It, Share It

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) — 2016 — WHE710EB67E11

A flash mob event at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in Mumbai, featuring Bollywood dance, revealed implicit political meanings through the intersection of live performance, popular culture, and new media. This study highlights how such community-based performances, designed for online circulation, serve as embodied and mediated civic spaces without explicit political claims. By analyzing the CST flash mob within broader Bollywood dance scholarship, it demonstrates the global proliferation and fandom-driven nature of these events, emphasizing their potential to foster civic engagement through digital sharing.

Data Integration Acquired from Micro-UAV and Terrestrial Laser Scanner for the 3D Mapping of Jesuit Ruins of São Miguel das Missões

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2016 — WHEBCFFE2FCA6

A high-precision, sub-25 mm accurate 3D reconstruction of the Jesuit ruins at São Miguel das Missões—one of the best-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Brazil—has been achieved through an innovative integration of micro-UAV (both rotary and fixed-wing) and terrestrial laser scanning (LiDAR) data. This groundbreaking mapping approach, combining multiple sensors including Asctec Falcon 8, Sensefly e-Bee, Faro Focus 3D S-120, and Optec ILRIS, enables comprehensive documentation of the site's architectural features with unprecedented completeness. The study, conducted by researchers from IPHAN and other institutions, provides a robust geographic database to support heritage management efforts, offering new insights into the preservation challenges and historical significance of these 18th-century Guaraní missions.

Dating the Old English Poem 'Durham'

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2016 — WHE50A2406850

A critical reassessment of the dating of the Old English poem 'Durham' challenges long-standing assumptions about its composition period. The study argues that the poem likely predates 1104, contrary to previous claims that it was written after the translation of St Cuthbert's relics into Durham Cathedral. This conclusion is supported by a combination of documentary, linguistic, and archaeological evidence, which undermines arguments for a post-1104 date. The research also highlights the significance of Symeon of Durham's allusion to the poem in his 'Libellus de exordio,' suggesting that the poem was an established text inherited by the monks rather than a recent creation. Additionally, the study strengthens O'Donnell's independent findings while addressing gaps and engaging with subsequent scholarship, including Evan's work, which appeared after O'Donnell's article was published.