World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 22381 – 22400 of 30345 publications

Roving with a Digital Visual Library: Increased Learning Opportunities at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2016 — WHEA4CB4C4007

A pilot program integrating digital visualizations into visitor interpretation at Carlsbad Caverns National Park demonstrated significant potential to enhance science literacy and engagement. Rangers reported that tablet-based presentations of research on Brazilian free-tailed bats improved their ability to achieve interpretive goals, particularly in strategic locations like the cave entrance. Visitors responded positively, though challenges remained, suggesting this blended approach warrants further exploration for broader application in science communication at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Royal Court Tombs, Burial Rituals and Practices in the Middle Elamite Period

Tchogha Zanbil — 2016 — WHEF0E5A5DC92

Archaeological evidence from Tchogha Zanbil and other Middle Elamite sites reveals sophisticated royal burial rituals, underscoring a profound belief in the afterlife. These ceremonies varied significantly based on social rank, with royal burials involving elaborate brick-built vaulted tombs, distinct from simpler plain or jar burials. The study reconstructs these practices by analyzing excavated remains and linguistic documents, highlighting the cultural significance of burial rites during this period.

Rules of Narrative in Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi — 2016 — WHEDDBB9A83A2

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi employs narrative techniques through architectural design to create visual drama, revealing its protagonist—the tomb's massive white dome—through a dynamic interplay of supporting elements like arches and changing perspectives. The study identifies key rules governing this narrative, such as the alternating revelation and concealment of the dome, framed glimpses of the protagonist, and the gradual unveiling of the mausoleum's grandeur. These techniques generate visual acceleration, enhancing the visitor's experience by rapidly shifting horizontal and vertical angles of vision. While the research relies on observations of the current built environment—lacking documentary evidence of original intent—it establishes design principles for crafting visually engaging spaces in architecture.

Sacral Signatures of Ukrainian Mentality as Representants of National Identity

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2016 — WHEFC440A3069

This study identifies sacral signatures—spiritual symbols deeply embedded in Ukrainian culture—as fundamental representations of national identity. It reveals that these signatures, such as those of St. Sophia (wisdom), the Savior (transformation and hope), St. Nicholas (compassion and kindness), and St. George (courage and defense), collectively form a spiritual framework that structures Ukrainian mentality and cultural values. The research demonstrates how these signatures, rooted in historical landmarks like Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and Chernihiv-Siversky region, serve as archetypal symbols that organize ethnocultural space and reflect the gender ambivalence of Ukrainian national psychology. By analyzing architectural and spiritual spaces under these signatures, the study provides a culturological perspective on how they embody Christian values and influence regional identities across Ukraine.

Sado Island: Student cultural activities—The drum performance

Sado Island Gold Mines — 2016 — WHE5D798E1F98

Sado Island's Oni-Daiko drum performances, a traditional cultural practice involving students and villagers, foster personal growth and community engagement. Conducted annually since 2009 in Toyooka village, the festival begins at a shrine and involves parading through homes before returning to the shrine. Performances occur from early morning to evening, with students showcasing their skills after a week-long lesson. While the practice faces challenges due to population decline, it remains a vital cultural activity aiming for continued preservation. This study highlights the educational and social significance of traditional arts in maintaining cultural heritage amidst demographic changes.

Safeguarding Bagan: Endeavours, Challenges and Strategies

Bagan — 2016 — WHE8BECD69FEB

Bagan Archaeological Area, a sprawling cultural landscape covering over 100 km² along the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar's central dry zone, faces significant threats to its preservation despite renewed efforts for UNESCO World Heritage inscription since 2012. The site, renowned for its 2,500+ ancient Buddhist monuments, intricate water management systems, and exceptional mural paintings, requires an integrated management system to address challenges from uncontrolled development. This study highlights the urgent need for detailed assessments and strategic safeguarding measures to protect Bagan's archaeological vestiges, architectural marvels, and living traditions, which include festivals and rituals sustained by locals, pilgrims, and monks.

Safranbolu Kentsel Sit Alanında Otopark Sorunu Ve Çözüm Alternatifleri

City of Safranbolu — 2016 — WHEC38F265B05

Safranbolu, recognized as Turkey's capital of protection and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant parking challenges within its Çarşı zone due to inadequate parking spaces. A study analyzed these issues and found that the existing conservation-based development plan does not sufficiently address the problem, particularly during weekends and holidays when tourism peaks. The research introduced three alternative approaches aimed at resolving these parking difficulties while maintaining the integrity of the protected urban site. These solutions focus on balancing tourism growth with sustainable urban planning, offering a model for other heritage sites dealing with similar challenges.

San Pedro de Atacama y la Cuestión Tiwanaku en el Norte de Chile: Impresiones a partir de un Clásico Estudio Cerámico y la Evidencia Bioarqueológica Actual (400-1.000 D.C.)

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2016 — WHE2D77149953

A new analysis of black-polished pottery from San Pedro de Atacama, combined with bioarchaeological evidence, reveals a more complex and unequal social reality in the region during 400-1000 D.C., challenging traditional views of Tiwanaku's influence. The study reinterprets the relationship between Tiwanaku and San Pedro de Atacama by examining classic pottery from cemeteries, suggesting that local dynamics played a significant role in shaping social structures, rather than solely relying on economic or iconographic determinism.

San Pedro Leucogranite from a Coruña, Northwest of Spain: Uses of a Heritage Stone

Tower of Hercules — 2016 — WHEA951901827

San Pedro leucogranite, sourced from A Coruña in northwest Spain, emerges as a significant heritage stone due to its distinctive color, rarity, and petrophysical properties. This study highlights its historical use in monumental structures, including the UNESCO-listed Hercules Tower lighthouse, which underscores its potential for designation as a Global Heritage Stone Resource. The research approach combines geological analysis with architectural documentation, emphasizing the stone's unique characteristics that have made it a preferred material for medieval monuments such as churches and tombstones.

Sand, surf and sideways: A systems analysis of beaches as complex roadway environments

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2016 — WHE1D0776CA79

Beaches, when used as roadways, present complex and multifaceted driving environments that challenge traditional safety regulations. A study analyzing 150 reported incidents—including four fatalities—on K’gari (Fraser Island) revealed the intricate interplay of factors contributing to accidents in such settings. Using systems analysis approaches like Accimap and Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA), researchers identified competing priorities, conflicting constraints, and alternative pathways of accident causation. The findings highlight the need for improved stakeholder coordination and safety measures tailored to the unique demands of beach driving, which balances cultural, economic, and social implications.

Save Palmyra. la Distruzione del Patrimonio Archeologico nel Vicino Oriente.Perché e Come Ricostruire

Site of Palmyra — 2016 — WHECB8E7FF320

The 'Save Palmyra' project, initiated by the Museum of the Near East, Egypt and Mediterranean, underscores the devastating impact on archaeological heritage in Syria and Iraq, particularly highlighting the role of 3D technologies in preserving and reconstructing damaged sites. The project aims to raise awareness about the destruction while demonstrating the efficacy of advanced digital tools in archaeology. By leveraging 3D modeling and reconstruction techniques, researchers can document, analyze, and potentially restore historical structures, offering a crucial method for safeguarding cultural heritage amid ongoing conflicts.

Scaphopoda (Mollusca) of Fernando de Noronha - Pernambuco and Atol das Rocas - Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2016 — WHE6F7571E5E1

A new study expands the known distribution of several Scaphopoda species, including Graptacme perlonga, Fustiaria liodon, and Polyschides tetraschistus, in Brazil's oceanic islands. Researchers documented eight Dentaliidae species—seven for the first time in Fernando de Noronha—and three additional species (Fustiaridae and Gadilidae) in Atol das Rocas. The findings highlight the biodiversity of these UNESCO-listed marine reserves, with collections spanning 1990–2002 from beaches (Fernando de Noronha) and depths of 0–45 meters (Atol das Rocas). This study contributes critical baseline data for conservation efforts in these fragile ecosystems.

Scenario planning for tourism management: a participatory and system dynamics model applied to the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador

Galápagos Islands — 2016 — WHE062738C0DF

A participatory system dynamics model reveals that unchecked tourism growth and residential population expansion in the Galápagos Islands severely shock the natural environment, particularly by increasing invasive species threats and saturating the Galapagos National Park's tourism reception capacity. The study integrates stakeholder perspectives with quantitative data to simulate three tourism growth scenarios, demonstrating critical social-ecological feedbacks that could disrupt the islands' unique ecosystem. This decision-support tool offers policy-makers a way to better understand and manage the coupled human-natural system, ensuring sustainable conservation outcomes.

Schistidium austrosibiricum sp. nov. and S. scabripilum sp. nov. (Grimmiaceae, Bryophyta) – two closely related species from Asian Russia

Putorana Plateau — 2016 — WHE434AB6B1D5

Two new species of moss, Schistidium austrosibiricum and S. scabripilum, were identified from Asian Russia using genetic analysis (nrDNA ITS1-2 sequences) to distinguish them from morphologically similar species. S. austrosibiricum was previously confused with S. sinensiapocarpum due to shared characteristics like long, sharply serrate hair-points and papillose dorsal costa, but differs in leaf size, shape, and areolation. Meanwhile, S. scabripilum was misclassified as S. echinatum due to similarities in hair-point structure, though molecular data revealed distinct clades and distribution patterns. The study provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, and ecological data for these species, highlighting their unique traits and geographic ranges—S. austrosibiricum is restricted to southern mountain regions of Asian Russia, while S. scabripilum is found in northern Asia, including the Putorana Plateau.

Schmidleinema santiniketanense sp. nov. (Cyanobacteria/ Cyanoprokaryota) from a building facade in Santiniketan, India

Santiniketan — 2016 — WHE9BCF64B6CA

A new species of cyanobacteria, Schmidleinema santiniketanense sp. nov., has been discovered on the facade of a building in Santiniketan, India. This finding expands the known diversity of the monotypic genus Schmidleinema, which was previously only represented by S. indicum and had no molecular data available. The new species exhibits distinct morphological characteristics, particularly in its sheath structure and branching pattern, setting it apart from its congener. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the new species within the family Fischerellaceae, providing insights into its evolutionary relationships with other heterocystous and branched cyanobacteria. This discovery contributes to our understanding of aero-terrestrial cyanobacterial flora in tropical regions.

Science and Art in the National Parks: Celebrating the Centennial of the U.S. National Park Service

Mammoth Cave National Park — 2016 — WHEA4BCB0218E

A significant finding of this study is the rich intersection of science and art within U.S. National Parks, particularly during the centennial celebration of the National Park Service (NPS). The research highlights how national parks, established to preserve unique geological and biological features, have inspired diverse artistic expressions—from paintings by George Catlin and the Hudson River School to Ansel Adams' iconic photographs and Aaron Copland's musical compositions. The study emphasizes the potential for integrating art into STEAM education, using specific parks like Mammoth Cave (for groundwater studies) and Yellowstone (for evolution discussions) as case examples. By analyzing historical and contemporary artistic works linked to national parks, the research demonstrates how these sites serve as both scientific subjects and sources of creative inspiration, offering a multifaceted approach to public engagement with conservation and education.

Sculpting Simulacra in Medieval Germany, 1250–1380 by Assaf Pinkus

Naumburg Cathedral — 2016 — WHE922344ED7D

Assaf Pinkus's Sculpting Simulacra in Medieval Germany, 1250–1380 challenges traditional scholarly interpretations of Gothic sculptures by arguing that these works, particularly those at Naumburg Cathedral and other sites, function as simulacra—inviting diverse emotional and imaginative responses from lay viewers. Unlike previous analyses that focused on religious or mystical experiences, Pinkus contends that such interpretations may overlook the broader cultural impact of these artworks. His study draws on extensive German scholarship but assumes familiarity with this body of work, leaving room for further exploration. While Pinkus provides compelling examples to support his thesis, the book could have benefited from deeper comparisons with French Gothic precedents and more focused discussions on specific monuments.

Searching for Urban Patterns; An Assessment of Historic Edges and Its Surrounding Context: Historic Cairo as a Case Study

Historic Cairo — 2016 — WHE1AD31176C6

Historic Cairo exhibits repetitive spatial, architectural, and land-use patterns along its urban edges, which create distinct barriers influencing surrounding activities. These patterns suggest potential for learning from successful interventions applied to similar configurations, regardless of cultural or contextual differences. The study develops a quantitative analytical framework capable of measuring micro and macro-level spatial configurations, revealing cause-and-effect relationships between edge structures and their surroundings. This method enables targeted urban planning strategies that leverage identified patterns to enhance intervention success within historic city fabrics.

Seasonal Changes in Sediment Characteristics on the Tidal Flat in Geunso Bay, West Coast of Korea

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats — 2016 — WHE5379A60800

Geunso Bay, a semi-enclosed tidal flat in the western Korean Peninsula, exhibits seasonal variations in sediment characteristics driven primarily by suspended sediment supply and tidal current circulation. Research conducted between winter and summer of 2009 revealed that while erosion dominates the middle part of the bay with an annual net erosion rate of -15.0 mm/year, deposition occurs in the western tidal flat during winter and spring at a net rate of 10.8 mm/year. Sediments were classified into five facies, predominantly muddy sand, with suspended sediments supplied in larger quantities during winter and spring, transported anti-clockwise. Winter waves had limited influence due to the bay's southwestward-opening mouth. The study highlights the critical role of sediment supply and tidal dynamics in shaping seasonal sedimentation patterns on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seasonal variations in food plant preferences of reintroduced Rhinos Rhinoceros unicornis (Mammalia: Perrissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2016 — WHE4B03C784C7

Research on the food preferences of reintroduced greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Manas National Park, Assam, India, reveals significant seasonal variations. Grasses dominated their diet year-round, with species like Arundo donax and Cynodon dactylon being most favored, while shrubs and tree twigs were primarily consumed during winter. Monsoon season saw limited browsing due to abundant young grass. The study identified 139 plant species across 39 families as part of the rhinos' diet, with grasses (24%), herbs (22.3%), and trees (18.7%) being the most significant contributors. Anthropogenic pressures such as unregulated burning, cattle grazing, and invasive weeds like Chromolaena odorata have degraded critical grasslands, necessitating targeted management strategies to protect these habitats for rhinos.