World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 23781 – 23800 of 30345 publications

On the spatial coherence of rainfall over the Saloum delta (Senegal) from seasonal to decadal time scales

Saloum Delta — 2015 — WHED27DF5B6A0

Rainfall over the Saloum Delta in Senegal exhibits significant spatial coherence, particularly during the summer monsoon season. This coherence extends across the western Sahel and, at interannual to decadal scales, reaches as far as the Red Sea, driven primarily by the zonal expansion of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The study, which analyzed seasonal to decadal rainfall patterns, found that while winter episodic rainfall is more localized, summer monsoon rainfall shows broad consistency. This spatial coherence is influenced by sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and North Pacific. However, consistency diminishes during the onset phase of the West African Monsoon.

Opportunities, constraints and perceptions of rural communities regarding their potential to contribute to forest landscape transitions under REDD+: case studies from Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2015 — WHE368BFC84B3

Rural communities in Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and surrounding regions face significant challenges in participating effectively in REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) despite its potential benefits. While opportunities exist for reduced forest degradation and enhancement, establishing additionality—proving that REDD+ activities would not have occurred without the program—remains difficult. Community size, land rights, and limited information about eligible activities and financial rewards hinder their ability to assess REDD+'s viability. Communities largely expect it to follow Mexico's existing Payment for Environmental Services model, but current gaps in transparency and understanding may deter broader participation.

Optimising Standard Photovoltaic Modules Based on C-Si Solar Cells for the Integration into the Roofscape of the City of Graz

City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg — 2015 — WHE176DC76F52

Researchers have developed a glass coating for standard crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic modules to harmonize their appearance with the historic red-tiled roofscape of Graz, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The study found that by optimizing the scattering properties and color coordinates of the glass coating, the aesthetic compatibility of c-Si modules can be significantly improved while maintaining high transmission. Initial results show promise in meeting the visual requirements for integration into heritage buildings, though challenges remain with the glossiness of glass surfaces. The approach involved optical analysis of historical roof tiles to establish technical specifications for the coating, addressing both functional and cultural heritage preservation needs.

Optimization of cable weight in multi-span cable-stayed bridges. Application to the Forth Replacement Crossing

The Forth Bridge — 2015 — WHEDF60C18A91

A novel optimization approach significantly reduces the steel required for cable stays in multi-span cable-stayed bridges, demonstrated through application to the Forth Replacement Crossing (Queensferry Crossing). By treating the cross-sectional area of each cable as a design variable and simulating prestressing forces via temperature increments, researchers minimized material use while accurately computing initial tension forces under dead weight. The study employed a multimodel optimization strategy to account for two distinct construction stages, proposing an optimized spatial distribution of cables that achieved substantial efficiency gains compared to conventional designs.

Options for socioeconomic developments in ICZM for the tri-national Wadden area

Wadden Sea — 2015 — WHE85E9ADDC06

The Wadden Sea faces socioeconomic challenges that threaten its sustainable development. A study reveals that the tri-national region (Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark) suffers from population decline, an aging workforce, and high unemployment, with economic structures differing significantly from national trends. The research identifies potential for job creation in sectors like agriculture, fishing, tourism, and services, provided they align with ecological constraints. It also advises against large-scale industrial activities unless confined to existing zones with minimal ecosystem impact. The study emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary, science-based management systems to monitor cumulative human and natural processes affecting this unique coastal ecosystem.

Original wall paintings at the church of the Saviour in Chvabiani (Upper Svaneti, Georgia) and Byzantine art at the turn of the tenth to eleventh centuries

Upper Svaneti — 2015 — WHE6C3180A763

A rare ensemble of wall paintings at the Church of the Saviour in Chvabiani, Upper Svaneti, Georgia, has been confirmed to date back to 978-1001, challenging prior assumptions about their origins. Through meticulous analysis of technique and style, researchers demonstrated that both the Theophany in the conch and the Apostles in the lower zone are original works from the turn of the tenth to eleventh century, showing no traces of later repainting. These paintings exhibit exceptional quality and strong affinities with Byzantine art, suggesting they may have been created by a visiting artist, likely Georgian-trained at a major Byzantine center. The findings provide new insights into the artistic exchange between Georgia and Byzantium during this formative period.

Origins of dinosaur bonebeds in the Cretaceous of Alberta, Canada

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2015 — WHEBC39DA9137

Dinosaur bonebeds in Alberta, Canada, predominantly formed due to recurring flooding events capable of killing dinosaurs and preserving their remains. A study of 260 bonebeds reveals that these assemblages are mostly associated with river channel and alluvial wetland settings influenced by a subtropical to warm-temperate monsoonal climate. The 'coastal-plain-flooding hypothesis,' initially proposed for Dinosaur Provincial Park, is extended to explain bonebed origins across other Upper Cretaceous formations in central and southern Alberta. This mechanism suggests that seasonal coastal floods submerged vast areas, leading to the formation and preservation of these taphocoenoses.

Origins of Lead Glaze Technology of the Ceramics of Kazan Kremlin

Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin — 2015 — WHE18DEA2EB5B

Research on glazed ceramic fragments from the Kazan Kremlin reveals that the lead glaze technology used in these ceramics shares a chemical composition with pottery produced in significant 13th-14th century centers, such as Kadikalesi in Turkey and Crimean cities. This finding suggests a continuity in production technologies across different ceramic schools, providing insights into trade relations and technological development during this period. The study employed emission spectrum analysis to examine the elemental composition of the glaze, offering a methodical approach to understanding the historical context and craftsmanship of these artifacts.

Osiris in Byblos?

Byblos — 2015 — WHE7808FA7BCF

A new interpretation of Plutarque's account suggests that Byblos, renowned as a hub for the trade of precious wood, served as the origin for the timber used to craft Osiris' coffin. This symbolic connection is supported by ancient Egyptian texts from the tomb of Mentuhotep IV, which reference wood as predestined material for coffins. The study proposes that Plutarque's narrative about Isis discovering and freeing Osiris' coffin hidden within a tree trunk in Byblos may be a metaphorical allusion to this historical trade significance rather than a literal event.

Ospedali e politiche assistenziali a Vicenza nel Quattrocento

City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto — 2015 — WHE28B4CAD081

The fifteenth century marked significant advancements in hospital reforms across Italy, with Vicenza leading the way through strategic restructuring of its care network. This transformation was driven by the urban patriciate, who introduced managerial criteria to address social and health emergencies, blending Christian pietas, civic religiosity, and status quo protection. The study reveals a nuanced approach to charity, balancing ancient traditions with innovative practices to serve the common good (bonum commune). By analyzing historical records and urban governance dynamics, the research highlights how Vicenza's hospital policies reflected broader European trends while maintaining local distinctiveness.

Ostreid herpesvirus Os HV ‐1 μVar in Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg 1793) of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO world heritage site

Wadden Sea — 2015 — WHE6FC70A2055

Ostreid herpesvirus OsHV-1 μVar, a pathogen threatening Pacific oyster populations, has been detected in the Wadden Sea. The study, conducted in 2012, analyzed juvenile oysters from five locations in the Dutch Wadden Sea using real-time PCR and sequencing, confirming the virus's presence in three sites. This discovery suggests that OsHV-1 μVar may be more widespread than previously thought, particularly in regions without commercial oyster culture where wild beds with mixed age classes can obscure mortality among juvenile oysters. The findings align with recent reports from Australia and Korea, indicating a broader global distribution of the virus.

Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) as the Foundation for Conservation Education Betwixt Local Community in Malaysia

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2015 — WHE794F8BAAE0

Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), as defined by UNESCO, can serve as a robust foundation for conservation education among local communities in Malaysia. This study analyzed the applicability of OUV criteria—focusing on authenticity and characteristics unique to Malaysia—to three World Heritage Sites: Melaka and Georgetown, Kinabalu Park, and Gunung Mulu National Park. By synthesizing existing literature on OUV and conservation education, researchers demonstrated that integrating these criteria into educational frameworks strengthens local engagement with heritage preservation. The findings suggest that OUV-based education can bridge gaps between government conservation goals and community values, fostering long-term stewardship of Malaysia's natural and cultural heritage.

Paesaggi d’eccezione, paesaggi del quotidiano. I casi di Cinque Terre, Saint- Émilion, Tokaj

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) — 2015 — WHE05B3D97D0C

A comparative analysis of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Cinque Terre, Saint-Émilion, and Tokaj—reveals how local communities integrate the concept of 'exceptional universal value' with daily life while balancing conservation with sustainable development. The study, conducted between 2006 and 2008 as part of France's 'Landscape and Durable Development' program, examined how these wine-producing regions navigate the tension between preserving their unique cultural landscapes and adapting them for long-term viability. Unlike traditional preservation models that risk 'mummification,' or static conservation, this research highlights dynamic approaches where local appropriation ensures both heritage protection and sustainable evolution.

Palmyra: Heritage Adrift

Site of Palmyra — 2015 — WHE2F10199837

Between February 2012 and June 2015, the archaeological site of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, suffered extensive damage due to military modifications. The Syrian army altered the site's structure by removing soil, digging trenches, and constructing roads, levees, and positions for military equipment within the archaeological area. These changes displaced ancient stone blocks, particularly around funerary towers, to protect armored vehicles and rocket launchers. By June 2013, Palmyra was listed as a World Heritage in Danger due to these irreversible alterations, which compromised both its historical integrity and cultural significance.

Para-occupational exposures to asbestos: lessons learned from Casale Monferrato, Italy

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2015 — WHE4A3C254B37

A twofold increased risk of pleural mesothelioma was linked to para-occupational asbestos exposure in Casale Monferrato, Italy. The study found that living with a worker from the Eternit asbestos cement plant (OR=2.4) or being exposed to domestic/environmental sources (OR=2.0) significantly elevated mesothelioma risk, even without direct occupational exposure. This builds on Wagner's 1960 findings of non-occupational mesothelioma cases and underscores the enduring threat of asbestos-related diseases in communities near industrial facilities. The research analyzed data from multiple studies to establish these associations, highlighting the need for public health measures to address environmental asbestos contamination.

Participatory and Transformative Engagement in Libraries and Museums: Exploring and Expanding the Salzburg Curriculum

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg — 2015 — WHEAB48064766

A collaborative discussion during the 'Libraries and Museums in an Era of Participatory Culture' program, co-sponsored by the Salzburg Global Seminar (SGS) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), identified key skills for librarians and museum professionals to thrive in a participatory digital landscape. The study expanded on initial recommendations, proposing that integrating libraries and museums into educational systems could yield synergistic benefits, enhancing both traditional functions and emerging competencies. This work underscores the transformative potential of participatory engagement in cultural institutions, advocating for further interdisciplinary dialogue to shape future curricula.

Patrimonio y turismo sostenible en el Camino de Santiago: la gestión de las administraciones locales del itinerario francés en Galicia

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain — 2015 — WHE34B22EEE0B

A significant disparity exists between the rich cultural and natural heritage of the French Way (Camino Francés) in Galicia, Spain, and the inadequate infrastructure to support sustainable tourism, highlighting inefficiencies in local governance. This study reveals that while the Camino de Santiago offers substantial potential for tourism—driven by its historical, monumental, and ethnographic resources—the municipalities along this route lack sufficient facilities and effective management strategies. The research aligns with the 2008 ICOMOS Charter on Cultural Routes, emphasizing the role of cultural itineraries in fostering sustainable development. By analyzing local administrative practices, the study underscores the need for better coordination and investment to leverage the Camino's heritage for economic growth while preserving its authenticity.

Patrones de distribución de individuos longevos de plantas relictas en los alrededores de la montana Fanjingshan en China: implicaciones para su conservación in situ

Fanjingshan — 2015 — WHEF484B48D3B

A study of Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, reveals that the southwest region, particularly around the village of Yangliu, is a critical refuge for ancient relict plants, including Ginkgo biloba and Taxus chinensis, with some individuals exceeding 500 years. This area, along with the northeast region, shows high diversity and similarity in tree species, indicating stable habitats for relict flora during the Neogene and Quaternary periods. The research used dendrological data of long-lived trees (≥100 years) to map distribution patterns and prioritize conservation efforts, emphasizing the urgency of protecting these regions for their unique biodiversity.

Pattern of movements within a home reef in the Chesterfield Islands (Coral Sea) by the endangered Giant Grouper,Epinephelus lanceolatus

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2015 — WHEEBA506E4A1

A Giant Grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus, exhibited consistent residency within a home reef in the Chesterfield Islands (Coral Sea), with increased activity during dawn and dusk, likely for foraging. Acoustic tracking over 2.5 years revealed seasonal absences from October to December in 2010 and 2012, coinciding with known spawning periods, while a skipped spawning event was suspected in 2011. The study highlights the need for future research to locate spawning sites to inform conservation strategies. Given its ecological significance as part of the Coral Sea—linking two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Chesterfield Islands warrant designation as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to safeguard this endangered species and associated ecosystems.

Patterns and Determinants of Habitat Occupancy by the Asian Elephant in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

Western Ghats — 2015 — WHE230874B28F

A comprehensive study reveals that Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) occupy 64% of the available habitat in the Western Ghats, Karnataka, India, covering approximately 13,483 km². This finding provides a critical baseline for monitoring future changes in elephant distribution. The research employed innovative 'detection--non-detection' surveys across a vast landscape and utilized advanced modeling techniques to account for variable detectability and spatial dependence, addressing key challenges in large-scale field studies. Notably, anthropogenic factors were found to be more influential than natural habitat attributes in determining elephant occupancy, highlighting the urgent need for conservation measures to regulate human disturbances. The study also underscores the importance of considering observation processes in ecological modeling to accurately assess species-habitat relationships.