World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 2361 – 2380 of 15962 publications

Introduction: Southern Hemisphere records of Late Quaternary climate change, people and dust

Willandra Lakes Region — 2025 — WHEF2CEF2DD73

A Special Issue of the Journal of Quaternary Science explores Late Quaternary climate change, human-environment interactions, and dust records across the Southern Hemisphere. The research highlights diverse regional studies, including investigations into peatland initiation in Subantarctic Islands, palaeolake dynamics in southern Africa, marine bioerosion traces in Argentina, and glacial fluctuations in the Andes. Australian contributions focus on hydroclimatic variability in the Kimberley region, lake level history in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage area, and vegetation shifts on Minjerribah and K'gari islands. The studies utilize a range of methods such as sedimentology, geochemistry, pollen analysis, luminescence dating, and multi-proxy approaches to reconstruct past environmental conditions and provide insights into ongoing climate change impacts.

Introduction. Criminalizing the Casbahs

Kasbah of Algiers — 2025 — WHEEF110ED76E

This research reveals how racialized policing in colonial North Africa, particularly in the Kasbah of Algiers and Rue des Chapeliers in Marseille, shaped the lives of North African subjects. Despite inefficiencies like language barriers and corruption, French police increasingly asserted control over social relations, private spaces, and daily lives by linking race with space, portraying North Africans as inherent criminals and their spaces as zones of danger. This expansion of police power was not inevitable but resulted from specific discourses and practices that criminalized North African communities.

Introduction. Multivocality in World Heritage

Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site — 2025 — WHEC94DC9F6D9

Multivocality emerges as a pivotal concept for understanding and managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in complex post-industrial landscapes like Rjukan-Notodden. This study demonstrates that embracing pluralism in heritage research can significantly enhance sustainability principles and conservation practices. By analyzing the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site—a 2015-listed site in rural southern Norway—it highlights how multivocality serves as a robust analytical tool for exploring the interplay between past, present, and future heritage management. The research underscores its relevance for policymakers, planners, and governments, offering actionable insights to improve World Heritage governance while addressing the dynamic nature of industrial heritage.

Inventing the past: Discussion at the Round table “The Queen of All "Suembika"”

Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin — 2025 — WHEFB9A9FFA58

Syuyumbike, a ruler of the Kazan and Kasimov Khanates, has emerged as an iconic figure in the historical memory of the Tatar people, her image shaped primarily between the 17th century and the early 20th century. This transformation was driven by multiple factors: literary works during Russia's Romanticism period, her association with a tragic era in Tatar history, gendered emotional narratives centered on motherhood, and the inherent need for heroic figures of sacrifice in historical memory. The study, based on a roundtable discussion involving leading historians, analyzed these dynamics to reveal how Syuyumbike’s legacy was constructed and mythologized over centuries, transcending her actual historical role.

Inventing Urban Public Space: Morphogenesis and Energized Crowding in Mohenjo-Daro

Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro — 2025 — WHEE94350BDE2

Mohenjo-Daro, one of the earliest Indus cities (2600–1900 BCE), exemplifies how urban morphology evolved to sustain dense public life while managing social interactions. Contrary to its reputation as a 'planned' city, this study reveals an adaptive, experimental process that balanced energized crowding with the challenges of everyday encounters among strangers. By merging archaeology and urban design theory, researchers mapped the city's street and laneway networks to uncover their spatial logic and generative forces, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between planned and unplanned urban development, cities and states, and the essence of urbanity.

Inventory of the gene pool garden of the Sheki RSC of ANAS: Assessment of structure, species, biodiversity, and agro-biodiversity

Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace — 2025 — WHE2EB82EAB75

Azerbaijan's northwestern regions, including Sheki, harbor a rich agro-biodiversity of folk-selected fruit and berry species, with significant potential for sustainable agriculture, food security, and plant breeding. A 50-year inventory at the Gene Pool Garden of the Sheki Regional Scientific Center (RSC) of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences revealed diverse genetic resources, assessed through biomorphological, ecophysiological, and phenological traits. The study identified strategic donor materials for breeding programs while contributing to global conservation efforts, aligning with FAO and CBD priorities. These findings underscore the region's importance in preserving national gene pools for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications.

Investigating primate densities and human-primate conflict in Tembaro Community Conserved Forest, Omo River Basin, Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2025 — WHEE003C0F3D0

Grivet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) exhibit the highest densities among primates in Tembaro Community Conserved Forest, significantly contributing to human-primate conflict through crop foraging and livestock predation. The study, conducted from 2022 to 2023, estimated primate population densities using distance sampling methods and quantified conflict intensity via surveys and focus group discussions. Anubis baboons (Papio anubis) were the primary culprits behind conflicts, with maize being the most damaged crop, leading to annual losses of over $6544.50. Local communities identified physical guarding as the most effective mitigation strategy, though more sustainable approaches are urgently needed for long-term coexistence between primates and local livelihoods.

Investigating the influence of tourism on the Wadden Sea using a multi-layer social-ecological network

Wadden Sea — 2025 — WHE1FD78CB79C

A pioneering study using a multi-layer social-ecological network (SEN) reveals tourism as the most interconnected node in the Wadden Sea, with 37 direct and indirect relationships to ecological, socio-economic nodes, and other ecosystem services. This approach identified 12 potential feedback loops that could either enhance or threaten the site's natural value, highlighting the complex interplay between human activity and coastal ecosystems. The research underscores significant data gaps and the need for sustainable management strategies to mitigate negative impacts while preserving the Wadden Sea's ecological integrity for future generations.

Investigations at the Royal Naval Hospital Cemetery (C. 1763–1834) in English Harbour, Antigua

Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites — 2025 — WHE0543E10424

A two-decade study of the Royal Naval Hospital Cemetery in Antigua reveals that dietary habits, societal pressures, and individual agency influenced food consumption among different groups within a stratified society. Stable isotope analysis demonstrated distinct dietary patterns, while trace element analyses showed variable exposure to lead and mercury, with one notable case of high mercury levels. This research provides deeper insights into health conditions at this 18th-century tropical naval outpost, clarifying historical issues that were previously speculative.

Is Convivial Conservation A Solution for Human-Wildlife Interactions Around Protected Areas?

Selous Game Reserve — 2025 — WHE1CCAE9AC7D

Convivial conservation emerges as a promising framework to address human-wildlife conflicts around protected areas, offering a more equitable and sustainable approach compared to traditional methods. This study highlights that current strategies often distort livelihoods, increase conflicts, and destabilize local resource institutions without adequate compensation, exacerbating poverty and illegal activities. By integrating political ecology perspectives with convivial conservation principles—focusing on equity, organizational transformation, and environmental justice—the research proposes innovative solutions for balancing biodiversity protection with human development. The analysis is grounded in empirical data from the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, gathered through interviews, surveys, group discussions, and direct observations, providing a robust foundation for policy recommendations.

Islam and the Oral History of Mali

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2025 — WHE52D212CBD3

This study reveals that Islam and pre-Islamic culture in Mali have coalesced into a seamless synthesis over 1290 years, defying simplistic distinctions between the two. By analyzing medieval Arabic sources alongside oral histories of mysterious disappearances and leadership genealogies, the research demonstrates how Muslim narratives—such as those involving Songhai Askia Muhammad—integrate Dogon traditions, including prophecies and animist practices, into broader Islamic frameworks. The village of Semari, historically off-limits to Muslims, exemplifies this syncretism, with its ties to Kangaba (linked to the Manden) legitimized through Islamic references like 'Manden Kaaba.' The findings underscore Mali's cultural identity as inherently dual: equally rooted in pre-Islamic and Muslim traditions without clear separation.

Island Syndrome in the Critically Endangered Lord Howe Island Cockroach Panesthia lata

Lord Howe Island Group — 2025 — WHE6A9E3C9CA4

Research on the critically endangered Lord Howe Island cockroach, Panesthia lata, reveals novel evidence of behavioural island syndrome in an invertebrate. The study found a significantly lower incidence of male agonism and large aggregations of unrelated individuals in P. lata compared to its Australian sister species, P. cribrata. This aligns with previous findings of relaxed intraspecific aggression in island mammals and reptiles. Additionally, courtship behaviour did not vary between populations, suggesting potential for interbreeding—a promising outcome for the conservation of this fragmented species. The study used behavioural assays and nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphism analyses to compare P. lata with P. cribrata, providing insights into adaptive radiation and ecological release in island environments.

Islands on fire: Fire and threatened species patterns across Australia's islands

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2025 — WHEC338343336

A quarter of Australia's islands, each larger than 1 km², experienced at least 10 fire events over the past two decades, with some, like K’gari (Fraser Island) and Kangaroo Island, suffering severe burns exceeding 30% of their land area. While fire is a natural part of these ecosystems, human population size significantly influences fire intensity, which in turn affects threatened species richness. The study, using remote sensing and long-term datasets, reveals that large, intense fires may pose a threat to island biodiversity, potentially undermining their role as safe havens for endangered species. Collaboration among researchers, practitioners, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders is highlighted as crucial for future fire management and conservation efforts.

Isognathotermes antennalis

Garamba National Park — 2025 — WHEF45569E146

A recent taxonomic revision reclassifies Isognathotermes antennalis as a junior synonym of I. ugandensis ugandensis, resolving a long-standing uncertainty in termite taxonomy. The study, based on examinations of syntype subsamples and historical literature review, clarifies the species' placement within the genus Isognathotermes and its relationship to other subspecies. The research confirms that the 14-segmented antennae of I. antennalis soldiers, previously noted as distinctive, align with the morphological range of I. ugandensis. This revision builds on prior work by Williams (1966) and Krishna et al. (2013), integrating new insights from Hellemans et al. (2021). The findings contribute to a clearer understanding of termite biodiversity, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Garamba National Park, where the species was first documented by Emerson (1928).

Isotopic Evidence Linking the Southern Jornada Mogollon to Turquoise Mines in the Orogrande Mining District, Jarilla Mountains, Otero County, New Mexico

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2025 — WHE2CB8738CD2

A groundbreaking isotopic analysis reveals that turquoise artifacts from the Southern Jornada Mogollon region, particularly those linked to Doña Ana and El Paso-phase sites near New Mexico's Jarilla Mountains, overwhelmingly originate from the Orogrande mining district. This finding confirms that precontact miners sourced turquoise exclusively from this region, the only significant source in the area. Modern geological samples from Orogrande exhibit isotope signatures that align with prehistoric materials, solidifying their provenance. Additionally, evidence suggests that turquoise from this region circulated beyond the Jornada Mogollon territory, notably reaching the Mimbres region. The study underscores the importance of future research to trace turquoise distribution and exchange across broader Mogollon regions, including the Casas Grandes area.

Israeli Policy to Control the Old City of Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2025 — WHE4A0B0EFC6E

Israeli policies in the Old City of Jerusalem constitute a systematic effort to assert control, alter its demographic and urban character, and erase its Palestinian identity. These measures, including settlement expansion, Judaization, forced displacement, property seizures, and cultural erasure through excavations and renaming of sites, violate international humanitarian law. The study highlights key laws like the Absentees’ Property Law and the Planning and Building Law, which facilitate settler privileges while denying Palestinians basic rights such as building permits. Field examples, including policies affecting Al-Aqsa Mosque, underscore a deliberate plan to empty the city of its Palestinian population. Recommendations include international legal action, diplomatic support for residents, and systematic documentation of violations.

Istantanee di natura. Achille Forti e la fotografia botanica del primo Novecento in Italia

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua — 2025 — WHEDBF9E0397B

A collection of 1705 photographic plates by Achille Forti (1878–1937), housed at the Botanical Garden of Padua, reveals the pivotal role of early 20th-century photography in botanical science. Forti, a renowned algologist and scientist-photographer, leveraged photography as an indispensable tool for research, documentation, and communication, blending disciplinary expertise with photographic mastery. Unlike traditional botanical illustration, which emphasized selective specimen features, Forti's photographs capitalized on the perceived 'objectivity' of the medium, capturing nature's details with precision. This study highlights how Forti's work bridged the gap between traditional and photographic methods in Italian botany, demonstrating photography's transformative potential in scientific practice during this era.

It’s still Hungry People and Mining – Deforestation in Kahuzi-Biega National Park - Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2025 — WHEF676F36A3E

Deforestation in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical habitat for Grauer’s gorillas, has worsened significantly from 1.40% to 5.58% between 2013 and 2023, driven primarily by agricultural expansion and small-scale mining. The highland region, home to the endangered gorillas, faces acute pressure despite its less mineral-rich volcanic rocks, which are less attractive to miners. This study, using high-resolution satellite imagery and field observations, reveals that farming and mining have fragmented forest corridors, isolating the upper and lower park regions. It advocates for a strategic conservation approach, prioritizing the protection of the gorilla population in the highlands while acknowledging the inevitable trade-offs required to address immediate threats.

Jaguar density in the forests of the Gran Calakmul Region, Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2025 — WHE44C65B7FB8

A new study estimates the jaguar population density in the Gran Calakmul Region, Mexico, to be between 1.683 and 2.635 jaguars per 100 km² across three sites, with no significant change observed over five years at one site. Using camera traps and Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture (SECR) models, researchers found densities lower than previous estimates from the Mexican National Jaguar Census (CENJAGUAR), suggesting a smaller population in the Yucatán Peninsula Jaguar Conservation Unit (JCU). The study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to protect this endangered species and its habitat within the Selva Maya.

Jerusalem's Old City

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2025 — WHE9CF0007E0F

Jerusalem's Old City, once a symbol of intercommunal harmony, has undergone significant transformation over the past 150 years, evolving into a place predominantly inhabited by outsiders. This shift is attributed to the city's expansion beyond its walls in the 19th century, which led affluent families to leave and poorer migrants, particularly from Hebron, to move in. The study challenges dominant discourses of ethno-religious division, demonstrating that such interpretations are relatively recent and oversimplify the complex, historically changing intercommunal relations in Jerusalem. By analyzing population developments, the research reveals how negative ascriptions about the Old City emerged alongside this demographic shift. It also examines how current social challenges and Israeli occupation politics continue to shape life in the Old City today.