World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 23641 – 23660 of 30345 publications

Magic in the Cloister: Pious Motives, Illicit Interests, and Occult Approaches to the Medieval Universe (Sophie Page)

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2015 — WHEFC73840A24

Monks at St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury integrated learned magic into their religious practices, justifying its study through intellectual discernment and pragmatic utility despite official condemnations. Sophie Page's analysis of the abbey's occult texts—including astral magic, Hermetic works, and image magic—reveals a nuanced approach where monks distinguished between permissible and prohibited forms of magic, such as natural magic (used in medicine) versus necromancy. The collection, enriched by donations from monks like Michael Northgate and John of London, demonstrates a persistent interest in occult knowledge, blending spiritual devotion with scholarly inquiry. Page's study highlights the abbey's role in preserving and transmitting magical theories, including the transfer of power from higher to lower forms, which persisted even after the dissolution of St. Augustine's in 1538.

Magnetic properties derived from a loess section at the northern piedmont of Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China, and their paleoenvironmental significance

Xinjiang Tianshan — 2015 — WHE48E583296B

A loess section in Xinjiang, China, reveals that magnetic properties are primarily influenced by paleowind intensity and pedogenesis, with ferrimagnetic components dominating the magnetic signal. Unlike the Chinese Loess Plateau, superparamagnetic fractions linked to pedogenesis are limited here, indicating caution when using magnetic susceptibility for paleoclimatic assessments. Instead, the χARM/SIRM ratio shows potential as an alternative index for weakly pedogenic degrees in this arid region.

Major Sources of Organic Matter in a Complex Coral Reef Lagoon: Identification from Isotopic Signatures (δ13C and δ15N)

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2015 — WHE7BA357ACA1

A comprehensive analysis of the Lagoons of New Caledonia reveals that coral reef trophic networks are sustained by a diverse range of organic matter (OM) sources, varying significantly in origin and composition. The study found that δ13C isotopic signatures were more effective than δ15N in identifying these sources, which include mangroves, seagrass beds, rivers, and marine particulate OM. Spatial variations along a coast-to-barrier reef gradient showed that while river-derived OM dominates near the coast, marine-derived OM becomes prevalent on barrier reefs. The relative importance of different OM sources shifts seasonally and spatially, with seagrass, Trichodesmium spp., and macroalgae gaining prominence further from the coast. This research underscores substantial trophic connections between coral reefs and surrounding ecosystems, emphasizing the need for fine-scale environmental assessments to understand broader patterns.

Making Book History in Timbuktu

Timbuktu — 2015 — WHEF325A96B8D

Timbuktu's enduring legacy as a center of scholarly activity is illuminated through the lives and practices of three key bookmen spanning from 1864 to 2013. This study reveals how Timbuktu's tradition of manuscript copying, collecting, and reading persisted across generations, despite external pressures. By focusing on a contemporary scholar, his late teacher—a renowned Arabic grammar specialist—and the zealous collector who bridged the 19th and 20th centuries, the research underscores the resilience of Timbuktu's intellectual heritage. The approach combines biographical narrative with an analysis of book-related activities, offering a nuanced perspective on Timbuktu's role in African book history.

Making Space in Brasilia: Cultural Texts from 2009 to 2014

Brasilia — 2015 — WHE0B7E4EC3C6

Brasília’s identity is not static but shaped by dynamic cultural negotiations. This study reveals how music, music videos, creative non-fiction, and poetry from 2009 to 2014—by artists like Nicolas Behr, Ellen Oléria, Viela 17, Sexy Fi, and Augusto Rodrigues—reflect the city’s evolving spatial meanings and resident subjectivities. Drawing on Lefebvre’s and Massey’s theories of social space, the research demonstrates that Brasília’s significance emerges from ongoing cultural interactions rather than fixed geographic boundaries.

Managing “Buffer”

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine — 2015 — WHEF6C1E00BBB

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, faces increasing threats from urban encroachment and natural disasters due to global warming. Despite its historical significance as a symbol of Japanese tradition and harmony with nature, the shrine's sensitive geographical setting is under pressure from residential and commercial development, particularly in surrounding hilly areas. The study highlights the need for integrated management strategies that balance tourism growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of considering both the protected property and its broader geographical context to ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic site.

Managing a World Heritage Site – Potentials and Limitations of Transdisciplinary Approaches

Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch — 2015 — WHE0CFD077D5F

Transdisciplinary approaches offer significant potential for balancing conservation and economic development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but their effectiveness is threatened by inherent power dynamics. A study on the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site highlights that while such collaborative frameworks foster mutual learning among diverse stakeholders, the benefits are often undermined by power struggles within participatory processes. The research re-examines three key challenges in transdisciplinary settings: stakeholder integration, perceptions and positions, and negotiability and implementation, demonstrating both the promise and limitations of this method for sustainable management.

Managing Cultural Uses and Features

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2015 — WHE035EFDF4F0

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia showcase stunning geological formations shaped by erosion of soft volcanic rocks into distinctive pillars and minaret-like structures. The study focuses on managing cultural uses and features within this unique landscape, addressing challenges related to preservation while accommodating tourism and heritage conservation. The research likely employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating geological analysis with cultural heritage management strategies to ensure sustainable protection of these iconic formations.

Managing risks from hazardous substances in the Economic Botany Collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: a pragmatic approach

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2015 — WHE67AFF76935

A pragmatic risk assessment framework was developed to manage hazardous substances in the Economic Botanic Collection (EBC) at Kew, identifying over 1300 specimens with potential health risks. By categorizing hazards based on physical form and condition rather than taxonomy or detailed phytochemistry, researchers prioritized high-risk categories through generic assessments. This approach enabled the creation of an Outline Action Plan to mitigate risks for staff, volunteers, and visitors, balancing scientific rigor with practical conservation needs.

Manganese toxicity to tropical freshwater species in low hardness water

Kakadu National Park — 2015 — WHE03E1093D94

Manganese (Mn) toxicity is significantly higher in slightly acidic, soft waters—such as those found in Magela Creek, Kakadu National Park—compared to previously studied conditions. Research reveals that three tropical freshwater species (Moinodaphnia macleayi, Amerianna cumingi, and Hydra viridissima) are more sensitive to Mn than nearly all species tested internationally, with chronic inhibition concentrations (IC10) as low as 140 μg/L. The study combined existing data with new findings to derive a 99% protection guideline value of 73 μg/L for Mn in such environments, highlighting the need for stricter regulatory limits due to elevated toxicity under these conditions.

Mangrove-associated macroalgae and cyanobacteria in Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2015 — WHE48EF9130D8

Shark Bay, Western Australia, hosts a unique ecosystem where mangrove-associated macroalgae and cyanobacteria thrive under extreme conditions. This study reveals the diversity and ecological significance of these organisms, highlighting their resilience in high-salinity environments. Researchers employed field surveys, molecular analysis, and morphological examinations to document 123 species, including 58 cyanobacterial taxa, many of which were previously undocumented in the region. The findings underscore the importance of Shark Bay as a biodiversity hotspot, with implications for understanding microbial adaptation to extreme conditions and conserving its ecological uniqueness.

Manuel López Cepero (1778–1858) and the trade in paintings between Madrid and Seville in the first half of the nineteenth century

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2015 — WHE10A7B44F9D

A previously overlooked role of Manuel López Cepero, dean of Seville Cathedral and renowned 19th-century Spanish art collector, has been revealed: he functioned as a key intermediary in the painting trade between Madrid and Seville. Analysis of his unpublished personal archives demonstrates that Cepero's collecting activities were intertwined with his work as an art dealer, enabling him to sell some of the finest works from his collection through an extensive network of clients, including leading collectors and dealers—many of them foreigners—as well as trusted correspondents. This research sheds new light on the functioning of the painting market in court circles during the first half of the 19th century, expanding our understanding of Cepero's influence beyond his celebrated private collection.

Mapeo de ambientes en el Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Provincia de Santa Cruz – Argentina (Glaciar Upsala y Perito Moreno), mediante datos ópticos y radar e integración en un SIG

Los Glaciares National Park — 2015 — WHE08BF79C53B

A comprehensive thematic map of the natural environments surrounding two major glaciers, Perito Moreno and Upsala, within Los Glaciares National Parkwas successfully generated using integrated optical and radar satellite data. The study leveraged polarimetric RADARSAT-2 imagery alongside Landsat 5 TM optical data to identify, characterize, and describe physiognomic natural forest units, contributing valuable insights into the ecological and geographical dynamics of this critical Patagonian landscape. Digital processing and supervised classification techniques were employed to merge radar and optical datasets, with all thematic cartography integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for spatial analysis.

Mapping and Characterizing Selected Canopy Tree Species at the Angkor World Heritage Site in Cambodia Using Aerial Data

Angkor — 2015 — WHE5758BE9381

This study demonstrates that very-high-resolution (VHR) aerial imagery, combined with object-based image analysis (OBIA) and supervised classification techniques, can accurately map and characterize canopy tree species at the Angkor World Heritage Site in Cambodia. The research found that multiresolution segmentation effectively delineated individual tree crowns with high accuracy (69.22%), showing strong congruence with field-measured values for tree height (Spearman's rho 0.589) and crown width (0.782). Maximum likelihood classification outperformed spectral angle mapper methods for species identification, with textural information marginally improving accuracy. The findings highlight the potential of VHR aerial data and OBIA-based approaches for forest mensuration studies, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts in Cambodia's tree species.

Mapping the Intangibilities of the Historic Centre of Porto: ParticipA(C)TION (and its Challenges) in Cultural Mapping Projects

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2015 — WHE0593509ADB

Cultural mapping projects can successfully operationalize deep participation when agents negotiate its meaning and stakes, leading to meaningful urban development outcomes. This study analyzes the 'Manobras no Porto' project, demonstrating that genuine participation—beyond mere consultation—requires diverse motivations and skills from stakeholders. The research highlights the complexity of participatory processes in cultural mapping, emphasizing their role as exercises of negotiation between involved parties. By examining this Portuguese case, the study contributes to theoretical debates on governance, urban development, and the practical implementation of participatory cultural strategies.

Marginación visual y espacial de las mujeres indígenas en la ciudad histórica de Guanajuato

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines — 2015 — WHE1FBD3DA91D

Systematic exclusion of indigenous women traders from Guanajuato's historic center, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site, undermines both economic benefits and cultural heritage preservation. Since 2012, authorities under the Institutional Revolutionary Party have marginalized these women through visual and spatial policies, displacing them from commercial spaces despite their role in sustaining local handicraft traditions. The study reveals a tension between heritage tourism's economic gains and social equity, highlighting how political interests drive exclusionary urban policies that disproportionately affect indigenous women.

Marrakesh: a centre for tortoise trade

Medina of Marrakesh — 2015 — WHE93F4636884

Despite legal protections, the open trade of spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) persists in Marrakesh's historic medina. A recent reassessment found 820 tortoises for sale across 17 shops during surveys in 2013-2014, with 63% measuring around 4-10 cm—equivalent to ages of 2-8 years—and only 4% being larger individuals. Prices ranged from USD $1.00 for 4 cm tortoises to USD $7.50 for 13 cm ones, increasing linearly with size. The trade remains largely unregulated, defying Morocco's protected species legislation enacted in 2013 but not yet enforced. This study highlights the ongoing illegal wildlife trade in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement to curb this practice.

Marsh rabbit mortalities tie pythons to the precipitous decline of mammals in the Everglades

Everglades National Park — 2015 — WHED34195C153

Invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are directly linked to the dramatic decline of mammals, including marsh rabbits, in Everglades National Park (ENP). A large-scale experiment revealed that pythons accounted for 77% of rabbit mortalities within 11 months, suggesting they could preclude the persistence of rabbit populations. Control sites outside ENP showed no python-caused mortalities, with 71% of deaths attributed to other mammalian predators. The study provides strong evidence that pythons pose a significant threat to the faunal communities and ecological functioning of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, potentially worsening as their range expands.

Martí de Riquer (1914-2013): Marqués de Casa Dávalos

Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona — 2015 — WHE8678F7C2FE

Martí de Riquer (1914–2013), Marqués de Casa Dávalos, was a pioneering Catalan philologist and literary scholar whose extensive contributions reshaped the understanding of medieval Occitan literature and its influence on Golden Age Spanish literature. His lifelong work bridged Catalan humanism with broader European literary traditions, culminating in seminal studies that redefined scholarly approaches to medieval texts. Riquer's academic career, marked by resilience during the Spanish Civil War and a prolific output spanning seven decades, included groundbreaking publications like L’humanisme català (1934) and Para leer a Cervantes, which earned him Spain’s highest literary honors, including the Premio Príncipe de Asturias. His legacy endures through generations of scholars he mentored and his influence on Catalan and Spanish cultural identity, exemplified by tributes such as the 2008 ceremony at Palau de la Música Catalana. Riquer’s interdisciplinary methodology—combining archival preservation, textual analysis, and pedagogical innovation—set a benchmark for medieval studies.

Masonry Walls Analysis from Shish Mahal in Lahore - Pakistan

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore — 2015 — WHE319F0C6B09

Masonry walls of Shish Mahal, a historic Mughal monument within Lahore Fort, Pakistan, exhibit significant deterioration due to dampness, erosion, and mortar degradation. The study identifies these factors as primary contributors to structural distress, threatening the integrity of the 17th-century structure. Using a combination of material analysis and environmental assessment, researchers propose remedial solutions aimed at preserving the architectural heritage. This work highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate weather-induced decay in similar historic masonry structures.