World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 24561 – 24580 of 30345 publications

Astronomical Observatory

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur — 2014 — WHEF270E13D56

Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most renowned astronomical observatories, was built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II to create precise astronomical tables and predict celestial movements. Constructed with advanced instruments (yantras) based on mathematical formulas (mantars), it played a pivotal role in early modern astronomy before being rendered obsolete by urban development. Though no longer used for scientific purposes, its historical significance as a testament to 18th-century Indian astronomical innovation remains unparalleled. The site's preservation highlights the intersection of science, architecture, and cultural heritage, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Asymmetric connectivity of spawning aggregations of a commercially important marine fish using a multidisciplinary approach

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — 2014 — WHEA295D15408

Marine reserves may not benefit all fishing zones equally due to asymmetric larval dispersal patterns. A multidisciplinary study of the leopard grouper (Mycteroperca rosacea) in the Gulf of California's Midriff Island region revealed that oceanographic models, combined with genetic data, explain how larvae disperse asymmetrically—primarily from the Baja Peninsula toward the Sonoran coast. This pulse-like movement, driven by cyclonic gyres during peak spawning (May-June), suggests that no-take reserves should be placed upstream of targeted fishing areas to maximize conservation benefits. While the model did not predict genetic diversity within sites, it accurately mirrored empirical connectivity patterns, highlighting the need for strategic placement of protected zones to sustain fisheries and biodiversity.

At the Convergence of Transitional Justice and Art

Island of Gorée — 2014 — WHE1184F8E1DB

This study highlights the untapped potential for convergence between transitional justice and art, particularly in addressing legacies of state-perpetrated violence. While both fields grapple with the challenges posed by the magnitude of atrocities and their traumatizing impact, they have rarely been directly linked outside Holocaust studies. The research focuses on cultural interventions like museums and memorials—such as Robben Island or the castles of Gorée Island—as key tools for postconflict reconciliation, yet notes that their role in facilitating understanding and official narratives is often under-theorized. By examining these sites through the lens of transitional justice, the study underscores the need for more rigorous analysis of how cultural interventions can support institutional transformation and social healing.

Auschwitz, the Allies and Censorship of the Holocaust

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2014 — WHEACC2B6EAB6

Auschwitz, the Allies and Censorship of the Holocaust reveals that Allied authorities had extensive knowledge of the mass murder of Jews at Auschwitz during World War II much earlier than previously believed. The study tracks Polish reports about the camp from their origins and examines how this information was gathered, controlled, and distributed to British and American authorities. It highlights how propaganda and information agencies actively discouraged the publicizing of such knowledge, despite its widespread availability within Allied circles.

Authenticity of Ficus Hispida as a Local Traditional Product in the Lembah Lenggong World Heritage Site

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2014 — WHE4897DB17B2

Ficus hispida, a native plant species in the Lenggong Valley, holds significant cultural and culinary importance for local communities. This study highlights its role as a key ingredient in traditional dishes like 'Masak Pindang' and its use in herbal remedies, particularly for wound treatment and maternal care. The research emphasizes the need to preserve this species and associated traditional knowledge amid growing tourism, ensuring the authenticity of local products. By documenting its uses and promoting its cultural significance, the study aims to safeguard Ficus hispida's heritage value for future generations.

Authenticity, Artifice and the Druidical Temple of Avebury (Chapter 5)

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2014 — WHE292B9DBCBB

William Stukeley's 1743 work, Abury: A Temple of the British Druids, has significantly influenced perceptions of Avebury and shaped authenticity claims about the site. This study reveals how Stukeley’s text transitioned from being seen as a primary record to a constructional blueprint and eventually an unassailable authority on Avebury. The research demonstrates that Abury acted as a material agent, around which various groups—scholars, artists, and religious communities—constructed competing narratives of authenticity. By analyzing the reception history of Stukeley’s work, the study highlights its enduring impact on interpretations of Avebury’s significance.

Authorship, History and Impact of the Centinela contra Judíos

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2014 — WHE6A5E41B6F2

A rare surviving document from the Archivo General de Indias in Seville sheds light on the authorship, historical context, and widespread dissemination of Centinela contra Judíos, a 17th-century anti-Semitic text. Originally published in 1674 by a Franciscan missionary returning from the Philippines, the work was reprinted twelve times—eight in Spanish and four in Portuguese—and partially republished in Mexico over a century later. Contradictory accounts by Fray Trujillo are clarified through archival evidence, revealing its role in early modern Spain’s colonial mission. Written in accessible vernacular Spanish, the text targeted both literate laymen and clergy, reflecting its broad intended readership.

Automated identification, location, and volume estimation of rockfalls at Piton de la Fournaise volcano

Pitons Management Area — 2014 — WHE04CC5DA132

Researchers developed automated methods to identify, locate, and estimate the volume of rockfalls at Piton de la Fournaise volcano using seismic signals. These methods achieved a 92% success rate in discriminating rockfall events from other seismic activity and accurately located observed rockfalls within 100 meters. By analyzing seismic energy, they estimated rockfall volumes and identified the most hazardous areas of the volcano's summit. The study applied these techniques to over 12,400 rockfalls recorded between April 2007 and May 2011, providing critical insights for hazard assessment.

Avian Influenza Surveillance in the Danube Delta Using Sentinel Geese and Ducks

Danube Delta — 2014 — WHEA058242D02

A five-year sentinel surveillance study in the Danube Delta identified 34 domestic geese and ducks carrying highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N3, demonstrating that these birds serve as effective indicators of viral presence among migrating waterfowl. Researchers placed 20 sentinel birds at seven sites, collecting monthly swabs and sera from 2009 to 2013. Real-time PCR detected H5N3 in 47 samples, with corresponding serological evidence of infection appearing 4–12 weeks later. The study confirms that domestic geese and ducks can reliably monitor avian influenza in delta ecosystems, providing a low-cost, practical method for early detection in high-risk regions like the Danube Delta.

Awareness and Willingness for Engagement of Youth on World Heritage Site: A Study on Lenggong Archaeological Site

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2014 — WHE5834042487

A low level of awareness and willingness to participate among youth was found to be critical in the conservation efforts of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by a study on the Lenggong Archaeological Site. The research, conducted through questionnaire surveys involving 175 secondary school students from Lenggong Valley, revealed that despite its recognition as a World Heritage Site in 2012, youth engagement remains insufficient for effective heritage management. Notably, the study also identified an uncertain correlation between awareness and willingness to participate, suggesting that other factors may influence youth involvement in conservation programs.

Awash River Lower Valley, Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Awash — 2014 — WHE85C25ABCC6

The Lower Valley of the Awash, Ethiopia, offers a unique geological window into the formation of East Africa's Great Rift. This vast depression, stretching over 3,500 miles from south to north, was shaped by prehistoric volcanic activity 20-25 million years ago. The study highlights how this tectonic process created distinctive natural features, including lakes and valleys, which continue to shape the region's topography today. The research provides insights into the geological history of Ethiopia, particularly in the northern reaches of the Great Rift, where fossil discoveries further illuminate the evolutionary significance of this area.

Axolotl: el Autêntico Monstruo del Lago de Xochimilco

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2014 — WHECA9F14CC7C

The Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a unique amphibian with remarkable adaptations, including the retention of larval features throughout its lifetime and the ability to regenerate lost body parts. This study highlights the axolotl's dual aquatic-terrestrial lifestyle, its diet ranging from zooplankton in larval stages to small fish and insects in adulthood, and its vulnerability due to over-exploitation for medicinal purposes. The research also notes the axolotl's timid behavior and preference for sheltered habitats, contributing to its endangered status. The study emphasizes the significance of the axolotl as a key species in the ecosystem of Xochimilco, Mexico City, while acknowledging its declining population due to human activities.

Azúcar e historia de una trayectoria familiar: Jesús Lara Enríquez, Tlacotalpan, 1869-1938

Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan — 2014 — WHEE0E8EC090E

This study reveals the significant political and economic influence of the Lara Enríquez family, one of Tlacotalpan's wealthiest merchant and landowning dynasties during the late 19th century. The research highlights their strategic commercial ventures, notably the acquisition of the San Antonio sugar mill, and their deep-rooted connections with state and national power, including ties to Governor Juan de la Luz Enríquez Lara and President Porfirio Díaz. Through genealogical analysis, historical documentation, and economic records, the study maps the family's trajectory, from wealth accumulation to the establishment of a family trust in the 1920s, offering insights into the intersection of commerce, politics, and heritage preservation in Mexico's history.

Baalbek, Lebanon

Baalbek — 2014 — WHE710A7B088E

Baalbek, Lebanon, historically known as Heliopolis (City of Sun), stands as a testament to ancient civilizations' architectural prowess and cultural significance. The site's ruins, including the grand Temple of Jupiter and the smaller Temple of Bacchus, have captivated tourists for centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests that Baalbek's prominence began in pre-classical times (6th to 4th centuries BCE) under Persian rule, where it was likely a center for the worship of the god Baal-Hadad. The city's strategic location near springs made it a vital stop for trade caravans, facilitating commerce between Tripoli and Damascus, as well as Beirut and Tiberias. Its name transformation to Heliopolis is attributed to Ptolemaic rule following Alexander the Great's conquest of Syria in 333 BCE. This study provides a concise historical overview, highlighting Baalbek's role as a crossroads of ancient trade and cultural exchange, while also underscoring its enduring legacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bad Heritage: The American Viking Fantasy, from the Nineteenth Century to Now

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — 2014 — WHE5A3787A801

This study challenges the notion of Viking heritage as a symbol of freedom and cultural continuity, revealing instead its complex and often problematic role in American history. It demonstrates that the fantasy of Norse whiteness has been central to Viking narratives since the 19th century, influencing popular culture, neo-Norse religion, and even white supremacist ideologies. The research examines how this fantasized heritage operates as both a burden and an obligation, rather than a liberating force, while also questioning claims of authenticity in cultural transmission. By analyzing examples like L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the study aims to disrupt white supremacist interpretations of Viking heritage while advocating for a more inclusive, heterogeneous understanding that transcends purity.

Bait Selection of Butterflies at Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex World Heritage, Thailand

Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex — 2014 — WHE9EAEBCC75F

A study at the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand, identified fermented fish mixed with fermented pineapple as the most effective bait for attracting tropical butterflies. This combination, rich in sodium and amino acids, drew 69 butterfly species, surpassing other baits like fish sauce or fruit-based options. The research, conducted from May to October 2010, deployed bait traps in dry evergreen and secondary forests, capturing a total of 3,038 individuals across 79 species. Significant differences were observed in species diversity and abundance based on bait type, month, and forest type (p<0.01). The most prevalent species included Euploea core, Euploea radamanthus, and Caleta roxus, among others. These findings highlight the potential of fermented fish-pineapple mixtures for butterfly monitoring in tropical ecosystems.

Balićžunićite, Bi2O(SO4)2, a new fumarole mineral from La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2014 — WHE8C1A619FC2

Researchers have discovered Balićžunićite, a new mineral with the chemical formula Bi2O(SO4)2, at La Fossa crater on Vulcano Island within the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands. This high-temperature fumarole sublimate, formed at approximately 600°C, is characterized by its colorless to pale brown, transparent crystals and a vitreous luster. The mineral's structure is triclinic with a calculated density of 5.911 g/cm³. Balićžunićite occurs in association with other minerals such as anglesite, leguernite, and bismutite, among others. The discovery was made through electron microprobe analysis and X-ray powder diffraction, revealing its unique properties and confirming it as the natural analogue of synthetic Bi2O(SO4)2. The mineral is named in honor of Tonci Balić-Žunić, a prominent mineralogist, and has been officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association.

Bat Activity and Use of Hibernacula in Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2014 — WHEDAF11A4C90

Research in Wood Buffalo National Park reveals significant insights into bat species diversity and seasonal activity, particularly around hibernacula. Over three years of acoustic monitoring and mist netting, scientists documented the presence of Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus), Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), and Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in the park's cave hibernaculum. Additionally, migratory species such as Hoary Bats (Lasiurus cinereus) and Eastern Red Bats (Lasiurus borealis) were identified through echolocation recordings, with Hoary Bats present from mid-May to early October and Eastern Red Bats from mid-June to early August. Resident bat activity peaked between mid-June and early September. The study also recorded cave temperatures during hibernation, providing a first approximation of species diversity and seasonal patterns in this northern Canadian ecosystem.

Bat species diversity and conservation in Libo World Natural Heritage Site of South China Karst

South China Karst — 2014 — WHECA63ED4D09

A comprehensive survey of bat species diversity in the Libo World Natural Heritage Site, part of South China Karst, revealed 24 bat species across seven families, including two new records for Guizhou Province and 11 species documented for the first time in Libo. These findings highlight the region's significant biodiversity but also underscore severe threats posed by cave exploitation for tourism, which disrupts the habitat of cave-dwelling bats. The study combined field surveys from 69 caves across six townships with museum specimen analysis and literature reviews to provide a detailed assessment. To mitigate these threats, the researchers propose specialized conservation strategies tailored to protect bat roosting sites within this UNESCO-listed area.

Bats of Nahanni National Park Reserve and Surrounding Areas, Northwest Territories

Nahanni National Park — 2014 — WHEE76422B287

A groundbreaking bat survey in Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, significantly expands the known range of several bat species. Researchers confirmed the presence of seven bat species, including five not previously recorded in the region: Long-eared Myotis, Long-legged Myotis, Big Brown Bat, Hoary Bat, and Eastern Red Bat. Notably, this study documents the most northerly records (61°N) for Long-eared Myotis and Long-legged Myotis in North America, extending their range approximately 300 km northward. The survey employed mistnets and AnaBat ultrasound detectors over 23 nights, capturing four species and acoustically detecting three others. While reproduction was confirmed only in Little Brown Myotis and Northern Myotis, the findings highlight the region's ecological significance as a potential northern range limit for multiple bat species.