World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 22581 – 22600 of 30345 publications

The effect of elevation and time on mountain spider diversity: a view of two aspects in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa

Cape Floral Region Protected Areas — 2016 — WHECA1468D1E7

Spider diversity in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa exhibits complex, aspect-specific patterns influenced by elevation and season. Research reveals that while alpha diversity (species richness) varies with elevation—showing a hump-shaped pattern on the western aspect and a U-shaped one on the eastern—the interaction between season and elevation produces more intricate dynamics during dry periods. Beta diversity, primarily driven by species turnover (60–70% contribution), differs significantly between aspects: increased turnover dominates the western side, while species loss characterizes the eastern. Minimal nestedness suggests localized adaptation rather than hierarchical structuring. The study highlights that large-scale predictors explain little variation in spider diversity, underscoring the importance of local and stochastic processes. Conducted over six years with biannual sampling across 17 sites spanning 1900 meters, this work advances understanding of biodiversity patterns in UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Region Protected Areas.

The effect of HISTOQUAL on satisfaction, heritage conservation, and tourism activation : A sample of tourists visiting Yangdong Historic Village in Korea

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2016 — WHE28E01BA16F

A study on Yangdong Historic Village reveals that tourist satisfaction acts as a crucial link between heritage quality (HISTOQUAL) and both conservation attitudes and tourism activation. Using structural equation modeling with 401 tourists, the research found that higher HISTOQUAL positively influences satisfaction, which in turn enhances heritage conservation attitudes and perceptions of tourism activation. Additionally, conservation attitudes directly contribute to tourism activation recognition. The findings suggest that improving service quality to boost tourist satisfaction is essential for heritage preservation and regional tourism revitalization. This underscores the importance of balancing cultural preservation with meeting tourist demands to activate Yangdong as a dynamic heritage tourism destination.

The Effect of Push/Pull factors on Objective/Existential Authenticities and Loyalty in Heritage Tourism

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2016 — WHE64422D7B80

Visitors' perceptions of cultural and historical tourism motivations significantly influence both objective authenticity—how accurately the site reflects its heritage—and existential authenticity—the emotional connection visitors feel. While leisure tourism motivation primarily affects objective authenticity, cultural and historical attractions further enhance this perception. Notably, objective authenticity acts as a bridge to existential authenticity, which in turn strengthens visitor loyalty. These insights suggest that heritage sites like Hahoe and Yangdong should prioritize enhancing existential authenticity to attract more tourists. The study analyzed 281 questionnaires from visitors in May 2014 using convenience sampling, with data collected by hotel & tourism management students.

The effects of atmospheric moisture on the mural paintings of the Mogao Grottoes

Mogao Caves — 2016 — WHE7092531492

Atmospheric moisture significantly impacts the stability of mural paintings in the Mogao Grottoes, with daily humidity and temperature fluctuations causing a 'breathing' process that absorbs or desorbs up to 43 g/m² of moisture. This dynamic exchange is influenced by factors like evapotranspiration from nearby vegetation, precipitation, and extreme dry conditions. Closing the caves eliminates these effects, stabilizing water content and reducing salt deterioration damage. Artificial dehumidification under controlled conditions further stabilizes moisture levels, offering a promising strategy for preserving these cultural relics.

The effects of community factors on residents’ perceptions toward World Heritage Site inscription and sustainable tourism development

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2016 — WHEB7BCEFD9AE

Residents' perceptions of World Heritage Site (WHS) inscription and sustainable tourism development are significantly influenced by community factors such as attachment, cultural attitudes, involvement, and gains. A study analyzing 410 questionnaires from George Town, Malaysia, found that community members' gain and status consistency had particularly strong effects on these perceptions. These perceptions, in turn, strongly influence support for WHS conservation and tourism development. The research used partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to conceptualize relationships based on social exchange theory (SET). This study not only contributes new insights into resident perception factors but also offers practical implications for sustainable community development in the George Town WHS.

The Emergence of Livonia: The Transformations of Social and Political Structures in the Territory of Latvia during the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries

Hanseatic Town of Visby — 2016 — WHE369A561548

The thirteenth century marked a pivotal period in the eastern Baltic lands, now part of Latvia and Estonia, where Western, Eastern, and local cultures converged. This era saw the arrival of German missionaries spreading Roman Catholicism, alongside the influence of the Hanseatic League, particularly through towns like Lübeck and Visby. These activities, often referred to as the 'Baltic Crusades,' reshaped social and political structures in Livonia, transforming it from a region inhabited by various Baltic and Finnic peoples into an area under Western Christian influence. The study examines how merchants, missionaries, and later aristocrats, driven by different objectives, contributed to this cultural and political transformation.

The Enlightenment on the Construction of Urban Infrastructure in China from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2016 — WHEBB80D5412F

The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project demonstrates the profound ecological and cultural wisdom embedded in ancient Chinese urban infrastructure. This study highlights its enduring impact on the sustainable development of the Chengdu plain, optimizing river systems, enhancing ecological living environments, and enriching water culture through advanced water management techniques. The research synthesizes these historical insights to offer modern urban planning principles that prioritize rationality, moderation, and sustainability. It also underscores the role of cultural heritage in guiding future infrastructure development, providing a novel perspective for balancing progress with preservation.

The environmental context of the Neolithic monuments on the Brodgar Isthmus, Mainland, Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2016 — WHE89CF774532

A tenfold increase in sediment influx to the Loch of Stenness, coinciding with significant vegetation changes around 6000 years ago, marks a pivotal environmental shift during the Mesolithic/Neolithic transition. This transformation likely preceded the construction of major Neolithic monuments on the Brodgar Isthmus, including the Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness. The study, utilizing seismic geophysical surveys, microfossil analysis, and radiocarbon dating, reconstructs the palaeolandscape, revealing a broader isthmus with sandstone outcrops—a potential stone source for monument construction—and a transition from freshwater to brackish conditions in the loch. These findings provide the first landscape context for these iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering new insights into Neolithic settlement and environmental interactions.

The epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Mount Etna region: a possible pathogenic role of volcanogenic metals

Mount Etna — 2016 — WHEAA466B6795

A higher incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was observed on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, compared to its western flank. The study, conducted between 2005 and 2010 in the province of Catania, found a mean annual crude incidence rate of ALS at 2.0 per 100,000 person-years, with a significantly higher rate (2.4) on the eastern flank—more exposed to volcanogenic trace elements (TEs)—versus the western flank (0.9). This suggests a possible link between volcanic emissions and ALS pathogenesis, warranting further investigation into TEs and genetic factors. The study used retrospective data from neurological centers, applying El Escorial diagnostic criteria, and estimated incidence rates for the entire province and its sub-regions.

The Estimation of Payment Value of Historical Tourism Resources for Admission Fee Using Contingent Valuation Method(CVM): A Case of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress — 2016 — WHE075F9F497C

A study estimates that the annual economic value of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is approximately 19 billion won (about $15 million) based on visitors' willingness to pay for admission. Using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), researchers found that visitors were willing to pay an average of 5,267.5 won per visit—significantly higher than the current admission fee. The analysis also suggests a potential tourism value of 150 billion won annually if visitor numbers are considered. Unlike previous studies focusing on national populations, this research targeted Suwon visitors specifically, providing a more precise assessment of economic value for historical tourism resources.

The Ethics of Landscape: Discourses of Cultural and Environmental Sustainability in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2016 — WHE3147A3393F

A study of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site reveals how competing discourses on cultural and environmental sustainability shaped debates over renewable energy development. Using ethnographic methods from anthropology and archaeology, the research examines public meetings, media statements, and a 2008 Scottish Government inquiry to analyze arguments for and against a wind farm proposal near the site. Findings highlight tensions between preserving the landscape's aesthetic and symbolic value as a 'commons' while leveraging its potential for sustainable energy production, illustrating complex moral economies in heritage conservation.

The Ethos of Masada in Halakhic Literature

Masada — 2016 — WHEC7BF8B667A

A critical reevaluation of rabbinic literature reveals that the omission of Masada's mass suicide in Halakhic texts stems not from moral opposition to suicide, but from a distinction between religious and national principles. While suicide for religious ideals was lauded as heroic, acts tied to national causes were deemed inappropriate for commemoration. This nuanced ethical stance, which excluded events like those at Masada and Gamla, has shifted in modern interpretations.

The Evansian Period of Knossos: Inconvenient History and the World Heritage List

Minoan Palatial Centres — 2016 — WHE47F1C97D71

Knossos, one of the most significant ancient Minoan palatial centers on Crete, has not been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) despite its outstanding universal value. This study argues that a new submission for 'Minoan Palatial Centres' could be strengthened by acknowledging Sir Arthur Evans' controversial 20th-century reconstruction work and architectural speculation (c. 1900–1935). While Evans' theories, many of which have been disproven, are still used to enhance the heritage value of these sites, they need not form the basis of a WHL proposal. Instead, the study proposes that openly addressing this 'inconvenient history' could enrich the narrative and strengthen any future application, recognizing Knossos' pivotal role in Mediterranean ancient history and architecture.

The evolution of heritage atmospheres in the medina of Tunis since the 19th century

Medina of Tunis — 2016 — WHE971800DB9E

A comparative analysis of the Medina of Tunis reveals significant shifts in sensory experiences and user perceptions since the 19th century. The study highlights how historical accounts contrast with contemporary observations, illustrating changes in atmospheric qualities that shape the heritage site's character. By integrating literary sources with fieldwork—including interviews and direct observation—the research captures evolving sensorial dimensions, from olfactory and auditory cues to spatial dynamics. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of heritage atmospheres, influenced by urban evolution, cultural practices, and visitor interactions.

The exposure of the Great Barrier Reef to ocean acidification

Great Barrier Reef — 2016 — WHE0901520D94

A new study reveals that the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) faces a more severe and variable threat from ocean acidification than previously understood. Using advanced modeling and observations, researchers found that the aragonite saturation state (Ωa), critical for coral growth, varies significantly across the 3,581 reefs of the GBR with a range of 1.43—far exceeding earlier estimates (0.4) or observed data (1.0). The study highlights that most of this variability stems from processes occurring upstream of the reefs, suggesting future declines in Ωa could be steeper than projected by global assessments like those from the IPCC. This insight underscores the need for refined regional models to accurately predict the impacts of ocean acidification on the GBR.

The Feasibility of Using Persian Garden Elements in Today’s Urban Areas toward Social Interaction Enhancement

The Persian Garden — 2016 — WHEF19A5D42DF

Urban spaces risk losing their social vitality due to reduced human presence, often exacerbated by car-centric design. This study demonstrates that integrating elements of Persian gardens—known for fostering social interaction over millennia—into modern urban green spaces can revitalize public engagement and enhance social dynamics. The research evaluates the feasibility of applying Persian garden principles, such as walkways, squares, and green areas, to contemporary urban environments. By analyzing historical and functional aspects of Persian gardens, the study proposes design strategies that encourage people to reclaim urban spaces, potentially mitigating feelings of dejection and depression in modern societies.

The Fight of Telephus: Poetic Visions behind the Pergamon Frieze

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE5AD3EEC789

A reappraisal of the Pergamon Altar's smaller frieze reveals that its depiction of the Telephus myth was likely influenced by archaic lyric poetry, particularly Pindar and narrative elegies such as those by Archilochus. The vivid and violent imagery of the Mysian battle scenes suggests a shift from traditional epic and tragic narratives toward more dynamic poetic forms, challenging previous assumptions about the frieze's iconographic sources.

The first finding of Asian black bear (Carnivora, Ursidae, Ursus (Euarctos) thibetanus G. Cuvier, 1823) in the Late Pleistocene of northern Eurasia

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2016 — WHEF2E57782C2

Researchers have uncovered the first reliable evidence of the Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in the Late Pleistocene of Primorye, a region within northern Eurasia. An M1 tooth, discovered in Tetyukhinskaya cave, provides morphological and morphometric details that confirm this ancient presence. Radiocarbon dating places the bear's inhabitation at approximately 39,874 ± 133 years BP, corresponding to Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) of the Late Pleistocene. This discovery suggests a diverse range of landscapes in Primorye during this period, indicating the existence of a refugium where taiga, nemoral, and Central Asian mountain-forest species coexisted. The study sheds light on the historical distribution and ecological adaptability of the Asian black bear.

The first hominin from the early Pleistocene paleocave of Haasgat, South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2016 — WHEABC2113F59

Researchers have identified the first hominin fossil from Haasgat, a paleocave within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa.' The discovery, a partial maxillary molar (HGT 500), dates to approximately 1.95 million years ago and provides critical insight into the transition period in early Pleistocene South Africa, marking the last occurrence of Australopithecus and the emergence of Paranthropus and Homo. Morphological analysis, including micro-CT scans and microscopy, suggests the molar aligns with either late-occurring Australopithecus or early Homo, excluding Paranthropus. This finding underscores Haasgat's significance for understanding hominin evolution and interactions within distinct northern ecosystems, contrasting with better-studied southern sites.

The First Letter from New Spain: The Lost Petition of Cortés and His Company, June 20, 1519

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2016 — WHE43E4659702

A lost petition from Hernán Cortés and his company, dated June 20, 1519, has been discovered in the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, offering unprecedented insights into the early days of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. This document, titled 'The First Letter from New Spain,' provides a detailed account of the foundation of Veracruz and sheds light on the social hierarchy and trades of the conquistadores. The study employs a systematic review of the material, including facsimiles, transcriptions, and translations, to reconstruct the chronology of early events and explore the lives of the signatories, some of whom survived the infamous Noche Triste. While the source exceptionalizes the Spaniards' efforts, it also acknowledges the limitations in representing the roles of women, slaves, and indigenous auxiliaries.