World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 23981 – 24000 of 30345 publications

Shaping of modern southern African biomes: Neogene vegetation and climate changes

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2015 — WHEA396DFA6AD

Southern Africa's modern biomes, including the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo, were shaped by Neogene climate and hydrological shifts. Initially characterized by humid subtropical forests and a proto-savanna, the region transitioned to aridity due to tectonic uplift, river capture, and strengthening of the Benguela current. The Great Escarpment's evolution further influenced rainfall patterns, with eastern areas receiving higher precipitation than the west. By the Pliocene, drought-adapted plant families like Asteraceae and Aizoaceae flourished, while regions important for hominid evolution, such as Sterkfontein, shifted to more xeric conditions. This study synthesizes fossil evidence—pollen, wood, charcoal, leaves, and biomarkers—to reconstruct these environmental changes, offering insights into the complex interplay between geomorphology, climate, and biome development.

Shifting elasmobranch community assemblage at Cocos Island—an isolated marine protected area

Cocos Island National Park — 2015 — WHE96AC69C158

A significant decline in the relative abundance of eight elasmobranch species, including iconic sharks and rays such as scalloped hammerhead sharks (−45%), whitetip reef sharks (−77%), mobula rays (−78%), and manta rays (−89%), has been documented over 21 years at Cocos Island National Park. Conversely, the probability of occurrence for tiger, Galapagos, blacktip, and whale sharks increased significantly during this period. The study used mixed effects models to analyze data collected by divers, accounting for observer variation and abiotic factors. These findings highlight that marine protected areas (MPAs) may not effectively protect elasmobranch species unless enforcement efforts against fishing are strengthened. The research underscores the importance of tailored conservation strategies that consider life history traits and vulnerability to fishing pressure.

Shifts in the Traditional Culture. Folksongs in the 21st Century City

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2015 — WHE4A0C19A6D2

A significant cultural shift in Vilnius's traditional urban culture, particularly in its folksong traditions, occurred during the 20th and early 21st centuries. The study identifies key periods of transformation—most notably in the 1960s and post-1990 after Lithuania regained independence—when radical changes reshaped musical expression, blending folk elements with modern styles like rock, jazz, and hip-hop. The research compares urban, social, and cultural shifts to pinpoint when new phenomena emerged, revealing how state-supported academic music and folklore evolved alongside global influences. Notably, the Lithuanian Folklore Theater exemplified this fusion, while post-Soviet exposure to Western culture led to a postmodern era of hybrid musical styles. Today, urban folklore thrives through diverse collaborations, from IT specialists to young underground artists, ensuring tradition persists without erasure.

Shore fishes of the Marquesas Islands, an updated checklist with new records and new percentage of endemic species

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2015 — WHEF9B9ACE2F0

A comprehensive survey of shore fishes in the Marquesas Islands, part of Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals a significant increase in species diversity and endemism. The study, conducted during Expedition Pakaihi I Te Moana in 2011, identified 74 new fish species for the region, bringing the total coastal fish fauna to 495 species. This marks a substantial rise from previous records, with endemic species increasing from 48 to 68, elevating the percentage of species-level endemism to 13.7%. This figure ranks the Marquesas Islands as the third highest region for coral reef fish endemism in the Indo-Pacific, surpassed only by the Hawaiian Islands and Easter Island. The research combined extensive collections with visual censuses, providing a robust dataset that underscores the unique biodiversity of this remote Polynesian archipelago.

Should “Gunkanjima” Be a World Heritage site? - The forgotten scars of Korean forced labor

Baekje Historic Areas — 2015 — WHEE9C8234AB9

South Korea's opposition to Japan's nomination of Meiji industrial sites for UNESCO World Heritage status, particularly due to the use of Korean forced labor at seven locations, highlighted a contentious chapter in history. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) initially approved the inscription, but South Korea's objections drew global attention to these 'forgotten scars.' Despite diplomatic efforts, including bilateral talks and international advocacy by South Korea, no resolution was reached before the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee in Bonn. The study underscores the ethical and historical complexities surrounding heritage recognition, where economic progress narratives often obscure human rights violations.

Similar Designs and Symbols in Indo-Achamenid Art

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2015 — WHECAAA5C7C70

A comparative analysis of Indo-Achamenid art reveals striking similarities in architectural and symbolic designs between the Mauryan period in India and the Achamenid era in Iran, suggesting a shared cultural origin. Key symbols such as the lotus, swastika, Buddha wheel (Dharmacakra), and griffin were prevalent in both civilizations, with the earliest evidence of some patterns, like the swastika, dating back to the 6th millennium BC in southern Iran. The study, based on archaeological excavations and historical records, highlights the enduring influence of these symbols across millennia and diverse cultures, including Celtic, Egyptian, and Persian traditions.

Simulation of a fire in a gallery of an archaeological cave (Chauvet-Pont d'Arc, France)

Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche — 2015 — WHED3FB50358D

A computational simulation reveals that ancient humans likely used fire strategically within the Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc (Chauvet-Pont d'Arc, France). The study demonstrates how controlled fires could have illuminated deep cave passages while minimizing smoke accumulation and heat damage to fragile rock art and stalactites. Researchers employed advanced computational fluid dynamics models to replicate air flow, temperature distribution, and combustion processes within the cave's narrow galleries. Findings suggest that fire was not only a light source but also a tool for thermal management, supporting hypotheses about Neanderthal or early Homo sapiens' behavioral complexity in this prehistoric setting.

Sistema de información geográfica aplicada en el Alcázar de Sevilla

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2015 — WHE1949632445

A Geographic Information System (GIS) has been successfully implemented to manage, organize, and disseminate archaeological data from extensive research conducted at the Alcázar of Seville since 1997. This innovative approach links graphic representations with written documentation, translating complex scientific findings into an intuitive tool accessible to researchers and the general public alike. By integrating data from multiple archaeological campaigns with the building's structure, the system enables users to explore results through a range of attributes, from broad overviews to highly specific details, thereby enhancing both scientific outreach and interdisciplinary understanding.

Site suitability evaluation for ecotourism potential areas using RS and GIS: a case study of Wadi Wurayah, Fujairah, UAE

Wadi Wurayah — 2015 — WHEAEE58C14DC

A land suitability map for ecotourism potential areas was developed using GIS techniques, identifying highly suitable regions primarily within protected zones of Wadi Wurayah, UAE. The study prioritized sites based on landscape characteristics, visibility, topography, accessibility, and community factors, providing a systematic approach to ecotourism resource utilization. This methodology offers a framework for optimal land use planning in tourism development while ensuring sustainable conservation practices.

Small farmers’ adoption behaviour: Uptake of elephant crop-raiding deterrent innovations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2015 — WHEAAE5AFFFA5

A significant proportion (50.5%) of small farmers in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, favor using chilli pepper as an effective elephant crop-raiding deterrent innovation (ECDI). This finding highlights the potential for ECDIs to mitigate human-elephant conflict while underscoring the importance of participatory approaches and strong linkages between farmers, scientists, and extension agencies. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, to examine adoption behavior across two communities (Gudigwa and Eretsha). Key determinants of adoption included farmers' perceptions, innovation trial-ability, complexity, and effectiveness.

Small mammals decline with increasing fire extent in northern Australia: evidence from long-term monitoring in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park — 2015 — WHE6B1142A95A

A decade-long study in Kakadu National Park, Australia, reveals that small mammal populations decline significantly with increasing fire extent, rather than just fire frequency or patchiness. Fire extent—a measure combining fire size and frequency—was the strongest predictor of mammal declines, surpassing other metrics like the proportion of surrounding area burnt. Large, less patchy fires, which exceed the home range scales of small mammals, are particularly detrimental, suggesting limited escape options for these species. Despite ongoing management efforts, current fire regimes remain harmful to native mammals, underscoring the need for more targeted strategies to reduce fire size and mitigate biodiversity loss.

Social Media and Heritage Preservation

Samarra Archaeological City — 2015 — WHE2B2245F798

Social media has emerged as a powerful tool in heritage discourse, particularly in documenting and critiquing the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage during armed conflicts. The study highlights how social media platforms have been used to record and discuss the tragic loss of heritage, such as the destruction of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ashur (Qal’at Shergat) and Samarra Archaeological City by militant groups like ISIS. This research also explores the role of international organizations, including UNESCO, in condemning these actions as war crimes and leveraging social media to raise global awareness and organize action against heritage destruction.

Social organization in the mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) population in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2015 — WHE36EA9DE39D

Mountain nyala populations in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, exhibit complex social structures with five distinct group types: all-male, all-female, male-female, female-juvenile, and male-female-juvenile. The study, conducted in 2009 and 2011, identified male-female-juvenile groups as the most frequent (31% of records) and largest (mean size: 18.5 individuals), containing over half (64%) of all recorded animals. Lone adults, predominantly males, accounted for 16.3% of groups but only ~2% of individuals. Group sizes ranged from 1 to 107, with a mean of 9.1 and typical size of 24. The findings reveal significant social flexibility, as group associations increased both the mean number and proportion of individuals per age/sex category. This research provides the first detailed baseline on mountain nyala social behavior, critical for conservation efforts in this endangered species.

Social Representations and Practices Towards Triatomines and Chagas Disease in Calakmul, México

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2015 — WHE7EE8646A50

In the Zoh-Laguna landscape of Calakmul, Mexico, structural factors such as gender-related knowledge gaps and public health neglect contribute to vulnerability to vector-borne transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (VBTTc), a condition causing Chagas disease. The study reveals that while men possess detailed ethno-ecological knowledge about triatomines (vectors for T. cruzi) and their association with mammals, women primarily focus on the dermal effects of bites, lacking awareness about the broader implications of Chagas disease. Triatomine bites are often normalized and treated with home remedies, if at all, highlighting a critical gap in disease prevention. The research employs qualitative ethnographic methods, including in-depth interviews and participatory observation, to analyze health-disease-care-seeking practices and territorial land use. It underscores the need for culturally relevant, community-based intervention strategies that address these structural vulnerabilities, particularly given the continuous movement of vectors across diverse habitats.

Soil aggregate stablity, organic carbon and plant available nutrient contents (N,P) in soils of prehistoric mounds after abandonment of cultivation

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2015 — WHE25E15BC837

Abandoned prehistoric mounds in Hungary's Hortobágy National Park show significant soil regeneration potential after decades of cultivation. Research reveals that these sites, once plowed for agriculture, exhibit improved soil aggregate stability and organic carbon content following spontaneous vegetation recovery. The study highlights a 15-20% increase in aggregate stability compared to cultivated soils, alongside elevated plant-available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels—critical nutrients for ecosystem restoration. These findings suggest that legal protection of such mounds can accelerate soil rehabilitation, offering insights for conservation strategies in similar lowland landscapes.

Soil and water loss in Ultisol of the Cerrado-Pantanal Ecotone under different management systems

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2015 — WHEBE21ABC8D4

No-tillage systems significantly reduce soil and water loss compared to conventional tillage, with crop residue deposition playing a crucial role in erosion mitigation. A study on the Cerrado-Pantanal Ecotone demonstrated that no-tillage (NT) with high crop densities (9 Mg ha⁻¹) minimized soil losses by up to 350 g m⁻² and water losses by up to 27 L m⁻² under simulated rainfall. In contrast, conventional tillage (CT) exhibited the highest erosion rates, highlighting its vulnerability to water erosion. Minimum tillage (MT) also performed better than CT but less effectively than NT. The research used a portable rainfall simulator to assess soil and water loss across four management systems—CT, MT, and NT with varying crop densities—revealing that residue cover is more effective in mitigating soil loss than water loss. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in preserving Ultisols, critical soils in ecologically sensitive regions like the Pantanal.

Soil Clay Content Mapping Using a Time Series of Landsat TM Data in Semi-Arid Lands

Kairouan — 2015 — WHE354953AEDF

A study demonstrates that soil clay content can be effectively mapped using a time series of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images, achieving reasonable accuracy (R² = 0.65, RMSE = 100 g/kg). This method offers a fine spatial resolution alternative to existing soil maps in semi-arid regions like the Kairouan plain in Tunisia, which are often insufficiently precise for water balance modeling or thematic mapping. Researchers analyzed relationships between textural indices from four Landsat TM images and topsoil clay content using 100 soil samples, producing a 30-meter resolution map that was further refined with cokriging to address gaps caused by vegetation. The resulting map aligns well with existing soil maps but shows notable differences when compared to TerraSAR-X radar-derived clay content, with in-situ observations supporting the Landsat TM approach's accuracy.

Soil development in the context of historical land use of northern Jordan

Umm Al-Jimāl — 2015 — WHE4C29C27C5D

Research at Umm Al-Jimāl, northern Jordan, reveals a correlation between historical human activity and soil properties, offering new insights into ancient landscape dynamics. By surveying material culture scatters on agricultural fields alongside plant-available phosphate levels near the sites of Abila and Umm el-Jimal, scientists found evidence linking past activities to periods of landscape change. Initial findings suggest that level plateaus in the region may be old and stable, while soil creep appears to occur at their edges. This approach holds promise for reconstructing ancient agricultural practices and understanding long-term environmental transformations.

Soil nematode communities on Surtsey, 50 years after the formation of the volcanic island

Surtsey — 2015 — WHE32959EDCC7

Soil nematode communities on the volcanic island of Surtsey, 50 years after its formation, exhibit distinct patterns influenced by nutrient availability and soil conditions. The study identified 25 nematode genera, with 14 reported for the first time on Surtsey, revealing higher abundance in areas with strong allochthonous nutrient inputs (S2) compared to those with minimal external nutrients (S1). Nematode trophic structure varied significantly between the two sites, with bacterial- and plant-feeders dominating in S2, while hyphal-feeders were more prevalent in S1. Despite stable vegetation cover at S1 over 17 years, nematode communities continued to change, suggesting gradual shifts in soil environment. Resource availability emerged as a critical driver for nematode colonization during primary succession, though nematode community succession differed from that of plant communities.

Solidarity at the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove—a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2015 — WHEE51E894522

A study of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove reveals that tourists perceive significantly higher emotional solidarity with local residents compared to how residents view tourists. This finding was derived using the Emotional Solidarity Scale (ESS), which demonstrated strong psychometric properties and consistent factor structure in this context outside the USA. The research highlights the nuanced relationship between visitors and locals during events like the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, offering insights into emotional dynamics in tourism development, particularly in Global South settings.