World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 22621 – 22640 of 30345 publications

The importance of grazing, haymaking and local heritage on the Vega Archipelago of Norway

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2016 — WHE93D682228C

The Vega Archipelago, Norway's first cultural landscape inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, faces significant ecological and cultural challenges due to the abandonment of traditional practices since the 1950s. Uncontrolled plant growth, such as Sikta spruce and meadowsweet, has led to a decline in local biodiversity, while cultural heritage, including the eider duck tradition, is also at risk. However, recent efforts by Vega's inhabitants have shown promise through an integrated program that combines the restoration of old buildings with traditional practices like grazing (beiting) and haymaking (slått). This approach aims to mitigate ecological degradation and preserve cultural heritage, offering a potential model for sustainable management in other cultural landscapes.

The Importance of Maize in the Initial Period and Early Horizon Peru Introduction

Chavin (Archaeological Site) — 2016 — WHE79FFE72F44

Maize played a crucial role in the Initial Period (1800–900 BC) and Early Horizon (900–200 BC) of Peru, as evidenced by its significance at complex sites like Chavin de Huantar. The study highlights the importance of maize through ritual contexts, such as those found at Mina Perdida in the lower Lurin Valley, where preserved hair packets suggest ceremonial practices involving maize. This research sheds light on the cultural and agricultural practices of early Andean societies during a formative period marked by the emergence of monumental architecture and religious complexity.

The importance of the traditional fire knowledge system in a subtropical montane socio-ecosystem in a protected natural area

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2016 — WHE0243B0421E

A robust traditional fire knowledge system exists within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) in Mexico, contradicting the common perception that local practices contribute to forest fires. This study identifies nine types of fire uses, with 'mound burns' being the most prevalent for agricultural weed management. Local inhabitants possess detailed understanding of geophysical and ecological factors influencing fire behavior, which is transmitted orally and through daily practices from parents to children. Social rules are embedded within this system to mitigate risks of uncontrolled fires. The findings highlight a dynamic traditional knowledge system that has adapted to the region's evolving socio-ecological context over decades.

The Isthmus in “Decline,” 1739–1848

The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá — 2016 — WHE7C91AE7A24

The late colonial period (1739–1848) marked the decline of the transisthmian treasure route, signaling the end of Spanish control over the Isthmus of Panamá and transitioning into a postcolonial era. This study reveals how economic, political, and logistical shifts during this time disrupted the region's maritime landscape, contributing to the collapse of its colonial significance. By analyzing historical records and archival sources, researchers traced the decline of the route's strategic importance, highlighting key factors such as changing global trade dynamics, political instability, and environmental challenges.

The Iterated Mountain: Things as Signs in Potosí

City of Potosí — 2016 — WHE428FEB1A06

Mining activities at the iconic Cerro Rico de Potosí, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and central to Bolivian national identity, reveal a complex interplay between material extraction and spiritual economies. The study uses Peircean semiotics—linguistic materialism—to demonstrate how objects, from massive mountains to miniature artifacts, function as material signs within distributed socio-material networks. These networks sustain mineral production, monetary exchange, and cultural practices, including a significant folkloric festival. By challenging dualistic frameworks—such as body/mind or matter/spirit—that persist in colonial Christianity and modern science, the research offers a nuanced critique of ontological approaches in anthropology, highlighting how material signage mediates both economic and spiritual dimensions of global capitalism.

The Jurassic of the Western Tien Shan: the Central Kyzylkum Region, Uzbekistan

Western Tien-Shan — 2016 — WHEF34CBE28EC

A rare glimpse into the Jurassic period (Bajocian–Bathonian) within the UNESCO-listed Western Tien Shan, specifically the Sarbatyr inlier of Uzbekistan's Kyzylkum region, reveals a dynamic interplay between terrestrial and marine environments. The study, focusing on the Kuduksarbatyr Formation, identifies six distinct sedimentary facies transitioning from conglomerates to mudstones, deposited in distal alluvial fan settings that interdigitated with nearshore/lagoonal sediments rich in fossil fragments and glauconite. This succession highlights three significant transgressive events, including two global Bajocian events and a notable Bajocian–Bathonian boundary event, suggesting prolonged marine influence—contrary to earlier interpretations that assumed a continental setting by the Bathonian. The research underscores the complex interplay between eustatic sea-level changes and local tectonic activity in shaping these ancient landscapes.

The Kamchatka Volcano Video Monitoring System

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2016 — WHE90F4A2AB4A

A centralized video monitoring system for Kamchatka's volcanoes has been developed, enabling real-time image processing and analysis. This system integrates with external specialized information platforms to facilitate joint data analysis, combining visual observations with other monitoring methods. The software addresses key challenges in imagery management, including database searches and seamless data transmission, enhancing the comprehensive surveillance of volcanic activity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Knowe of Rowiegar, Rousay, Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2016 — WHED2A3DBBFA2

A recent study of the Neolithic chambered cairn at Knowe of Rowiegar, Rousay, Orkney, reveals significant insights into its use and the fate of its human remains. The research suggests that disarticulated bones were deposited in the site around 3400 to 2900 cal BC, coinciding with periods of climate deterioration. The assemblage showed a notable preponderance of crania and mandibles, indicating at least 28 heads, along with evidence of violent trauma on seven skulls and high levels of childhood dietary deficiency. The study also proposes that the site was severely damaged during the construction of an adjacent Iron Age souterrain. Using osteological analysis, AMS dating, and archival sources, researchers reconstructed the site's history, providing a detailed timeline and context for its use.

The Kongo Cross Across Centuries

Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo — 2016 — WHED012221231

Rock art in central Africa, particularly within the Lovo Massif of Mbanza Kongo, reveals that the 'Kongo cross' is an ancient symbol predating European influence and deeply intertwined with the rituals and cosmology of the former Kingdom of Kongo. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal drawings confirms their age from cal AD 1270 to 1800, linking them to pre-Christian Kongo practices such as the kimpasi initiation ceremony. The study integrates rock art with historical records, demonstrating its role in both traditional and Christian religious contexts, including funerary rituals and symbolic power structures.

The Kuraz Sugar Development Project (KSDP) in Ethiopia: between ‘sweet visions’ and mounting challenges

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2016 — WHE32E9B86197

The Kuraz Sugar Development Project (KSDP) in Ethiopia's Lower Valley of the Omo faces significant challenges that threaten its economic viability and socio-environmental impacts. Despite ambitious goals, recent reductions in project size and processing capacity raise doubts about its ability to meet national economic expectations. The upstream damming of the Omo River has disrupted flood-recession agriculture, a crucial pillar of indigenous livelihoods, while the project's status remains contested. This study examines the planning, current status, and future outlook of the KSDP, revealing a critical juncture where the reduction in acreage hinders local livelihood reconstruction. It highlights the correlation between agro-economic, macro-economic, and developmental outcomes, calling for an adjusted strategy to address mounting challenges.

The Last Ruins of Palmyra

Site of Palmyra — 2016 — WHE1DC1256B68

Palmyra's ruins, once celebrated during the Romantic era for their aesthetic and symbolic significance, now face existential threats from conflict and neglect. This study reveals how Palmyra's cultural heritage, particularly its ancient structures like the Temple of Bel and the Columned Street, has become a battleground between preservation efforts and destruction, highlighting the fragility of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in zones of active conflict. The research employs a interdisciplinary approach, drawing on literary analysis, historical documentation, and visual culture studies to trace Palmyra's shifting perceptions from an emblem of timeless beauty to a symbol of urgent conservation challenges. It underscores the need for global attention to safeguard sites that embody both historical value and contemporary relevance.

The late Cenozoic passerine avifauna from Rackham’s Roost Site, Riversleigh, Australia

Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) — 2016 — WHE605AD55FC3

A remarkable fossil discovery at Rackham’s Roost Site, part of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, reveals the oldest records of five passerine bird families in Australia and globally. These fossils, dating back to the late Cenozoic, include the first known remains of Maluridae (fairywrens), Acanthizidae (acanthizid warblers), Pomatostomidae (Australo-Papuan babblers), Petroicidae (Australasian robins), and Estrildidae (estrildid finches). The study also identifies diagnostic postcranial characters for these families, aiding future morphological and phylogenetic research. The fossil assemblage suggests that the Ghost Bat, now endangered, was the primary accumulator of these remains, hinting at its dietary habits in an open woodland environment with a grassy understorey. This finding provides critical insights into the avian biodiversity and palaeoenvironment of northern Australia during the early Pleistocene.

The Latin Church of Antioch after 1187

Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din — 2016 — WHE3F2C3F5818

After Saladin's decisive victory at Hattin in 1187, his campaign to conquer northern Crusader states revealed the resilience of certain fortresses and regions. Despite significant victories, Saladin failed to capture Tripoli, Tortosa, Antioch, Crac des Chevaliers, Qal’at Salah El-Din (Qusair), or other key strongholds. The treaty with King Richard I of England in 1192 secured the independence of these areas, which remained under Crusader control due to the fragmentation and internal strife among Saladin's Aiyubid successors. Post-Saladin, the Aiyubid princes largely maintained peaceful relations with their Frankish neighbors until new crusades disrupted this stability. This study highlights the strategic importance of these fortresses in preserving Crusader territories and the role of political dynamics in shaping regional power structures during the late 12th century.

The legal concept of ‘heritage’ in the world heritage convention: The case of Yakushima, Island

Yakushima — 2016 — WHE78DCA44D89

Yakushima Island, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifies the dual-edged sword of heritage registration. While tourism has spurred economic prosperity for its inhabitants, it has also given rise to significant social issues primarily driven by misinterpretations of the World Heritage Convention's concept of 'heritage.' The study argues that these problems stem from a flawed understanding of 'heritage' as joint-property or inheritance, which legally extends rights to all global citizens. By applying civil law concepts, the research clarifies that heritage registration grants universal access to the island's natural environment, challenging local perceptions and practices.

The Limits of Matter: Chemistry, Mining & Enlightenment by Hjalmar Fors

Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun — 2016 — WHEB6E57F5A4F

The book 'The Limits of Matter: Chemistry, Mining & Enlightenment' by Hjalmar Fors explores the intersection of early modern chemistry and mining, particularly within the Swedish Bureau of Mines from the late 17th to mid-18th century. It argues that Swedish chemists integrated natural philosophy—encompassing both chemical theory and experimentation—into state institutions, influencing mineralogy and mining practices. Fors contends that this integration contributed to the modern concept of chemical elements, though this claim is critiqued for overlooking historical nuances, such as the phlogiston theory's prevalence among 18th-century chemists. The study examines key figures like Urban Hjärne and Axel Cronstedt but lacks detailed technical analysis of laboratory practices or their direct impact on mining methods, leaving gaps in understanding how chemistry shaped mining advancements.

The living versus the dead in Singapore: contesting the authoritarian tourist city

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2016 — WHEC15A751AF5

Singapore Botanic Gardens, recognized as the first World Heritage Site among botanical gardens in Asia and only the third globally after Kew Gardens (London) and Padua (Italy), stands out for its blend of native and non-native tropical flora, including a celebrated national orchid garden. This study examines the dual significance of the gardens—both as a symbol of Singapore's authoritarian urban development and a contested space for protest and resistance. The research explores how the gardens' designation as a World Heritage Site in 2015 intersected with Singapore's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting tensions between state-controlled tourism narratives and grassroots movements. By analyzing archival materials, public discourse, and spatial practices, the study reveals how the gardens serve as a microcosm of broader socio-political dynamics in an authoritarian tourist city.

The Local-to-Global Dynamics of World Heritage Interpretation

Le Morne Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE2BC6876FCB

A study on the Le Morne Cultural Landscape Heritage Site reveals complex dynamics of local-to-global interpretation, highlighting diverse senses of attachment and contestation. The research employs a mixed-methods approach to analyze how cultural landscapes are perceived and interpreted at both local and global scales. It underscores the significance of understanding these dynamics in preserving and managing World Heritage Sites effectively. The findings contribute to broader discussions on heritage tourism and identity, emphasizing the need for inclusive and context-sensitive approaches in heritage conservation.

The long shadow: marketing Dachau

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2016 — WHE7A89BA7D94

Visits to dark tourism sites, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, can have lasting and profound impacts on visitors, fostering deeper reflection and resonance. However, the potential for these experiences to translate into empathy and compassion—key prerequisites for positive societal change—remains uncertain. The study employs interpretive qualitative social scientific methods to analyze tourist experiences at dark tourism sites, including battlefields of the First World War and a murder tour of London. Findings suggest that while such visits can lead to attitudinal shifts, their capacity to drive visitors towards compassion and action is questionable. This research advances understanding of dark tourism's social and political role in shaping attitudes and beliefs.

The Maastrichtian–Danian Maimará tracksite (Yacoraite Formation, Salta Group), Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina: environments and ichnofacies implications

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2016 — WHE29ED8E3423

A significant discovery of dinosaur and other vertebrate tracks from the late Cretaceous to early Paleogene period (Maastrichtian–Danian) has been made in the Maimará tracksite, part of the Yacoraite Formation within Argentina's Quebrada de Humahuaca. This site provides critical insights into paleoenvironments and ichnofacies during a transitional phase marked by significant climatic and ecological changes. The research combines sedimentological analysis with detailed ichnological study to reconstruct the depositional conditions, trackmakers' behavior, and environmental dynamics of this region. The findings contribute to understanding the biodiversity and paleoecology of the Salta Group, offering new perspectives on the evolutionary history of vertebrates during a pivotal period in Earth's history.

The main issues of the Cyrene necropolis and the use of remote sensing for monitoring in the case of the eastern necropolis

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2016 — WHEF2D499A279

Remote sensing and photo-interpretation analysis have proven effective in monitoring threats to the Cyrene necropolis, one of the largest and most vulnerable archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The study reveals that urbanization and modern construction pose significant risks to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 2,000 tombs mapped and recorded through a GIS system enhanced by differential GPS, multispectral satellite imagery, and radar data. By analyzing images captured every two to three months, researchers identified areas under threat from building works, providing critical insights for preservation efforts.