World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 24841 – 24860 of 30315 publications

Excavations at Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2014 — WHE4172445230

Archaeological excavations at Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, revealed significant evidence of urban development and transformation in the Old Town from the 16th to the 19th century. The study uncovered medieval burgage plots with terrace walls, indicating substantial investment during a period of decline in Scottish towns. Notably, late 16th- and early 17th-century multi-storey tenement buildings emerged on the site, characterized by cellars that were later demolished and backfilled with refuse between the 1640s and 1740s. These refuse deposits provided valuable insights into changing consumption patterns during this period. The area's status declined in the 18th century, transitioning to an industrial use, culminating in the establishment of a tannery by the 1830s. This research sheds light on the evolution of Edinburgh's urban landscape and its socio-economic shifts over three centuries.

Existence of the Communities in Historic Ayutthaya Town, Thailand

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2014 — WHE72B1AE5044

Communities within the historic city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, face significant challenges to self-sufficiency due to the area's dense concentration of historical monuments and underdeveloped transportation infrastructure. The study reveals that while communities in this UNESCO World Heritage Site are small and spatially fragmented, they rely on cross-community interactions rather than local resources to sustain their existence. This reliance stems from a lack of systematic connectivity within the town, which limits the spread of community activities and reduces integration value across the area. The research employs spatial analysis and socio-economic assessments to highlight how historical preservation can inadvertently hinder community resilience.

Expanding a Municipal Bikeshare System into an Urban National Park through Community Partnerships

San Antonio Missions — 2014 — WHE6D8E49387A

A linear expansion of San Antonio's bikeshare system into the urban outskirts of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park successfully reduced motorized vehicle reliance and enhanced visitor experiences. By leveraging community partnerships, including the city's Office of Sustainability, San Antonio Bike Share, and the National Park Service, the project expanded the San Antonio B-Cycle system along the San Antonio River and a recreation trail, connecting downtown to the park. Funded by an FTA grant totaling over $600,000, this case study demonstrates how strategic planning and collaboration can integrate bikesharing into national parks, offering a model for future urban park transportation initiatives.

Experimental prescribed burning in Turkey oak forest of Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (Southern Italy): effects on vegetation and soil

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2014 — WHEFA79310626

Prescribed burning in Quercus cerris forests within the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (Southern Italy) demonstrates long-term sustainability with minimal ecological impact. A controlled burn conducted in 2011 achieved high litter fuel consumption (80–90%) while maintaining low fire intensity, with maximum flame temperatures of 600°C but brief residence times above critical thresholds. Two years post-burn, vegetation analysis revealed no significant changes in species richness or diversity, including endemic plants, and minimal tree mortality, indicating strong resilience. Woody species like Quercus cerris and Acer campestre showed increased abundance in burned plots, suggesting fire may benefit certain species. Soil chemical and microbial properties remained unaffected, ruling out indirect effects on vegetation. These findings support prescribed burning as an effective tool for fire risk reduction without compromising biodiversity or soil health.

Experts' Perspectives on the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Science in Wet Tropics Natural Resource Management

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2014 — WHE46E379167F

Integration of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Western science in the Wet Tropics of Queensland remains limited despite legal frameworks supporting its inclusion. A study reveals that IK and science are perceived as distinct, with weak governance structures—both internal among Aboriginal communities and external from institutions—hindering their collaboration. The research argues for a reconceptualization of natural resource management (NRM) to holistically incorporate IK, emphasizing its epistemology, values, and ethics. This requires stronger Aboriginal governance and more targeted engagement strategies to fulfill customary obligations and exercise Native Title rights effectively.

Exploitation de bambous (Sinarundinaria alpina(K. Schum.) C.S. Chao & Renvoize), cause des conflits entre le Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega et la population environnante: stratégie de conservation et de résolution de conflit

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2014 — WHE244520878E

Research at Kahuzi-Biega National Park reveals that the mountain bamboo species, Sinarundinaria alpina, plays a critical role as a food source for endangered Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), supporting 27% of their daily diet. The study identified 196 plant species in six permanent plots, confirming the bamboo's importance in rainforest recovery dynamics. However, anthropogenic activities—primarily bamboo exploitation by local communities—threaten this habitat, alongside natural factors like beetle attacks and competitive plant expansion. Conservation strategies proposed include expanding bamboo nurseries and distributing seedlings to mitigate conflicts while preserving this vital ecosystem for gorilla survival.

Exploring Lenggong Valley World Heritage Site’s Brand Equity Dimensions

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2014 — WHEF8EAF6AF84

A new dimension of brand equity emerged from the study of Lenggong Valley World Heritage Site, revealing that value encompasses both non-financial and financial aspects. This finding challenges traditional views on brand equity dimensions, which typically focus solely on financial metrics. The research used a survey-based approach, adapting 27 product-related brand equity dimensions to fit heritage destinations. Principal factor analysis of responses from 100 local tourists identified 10 key factors: Trust, Bonding, Service, Acceptability, Value, Heritage, Ambiance, Knowledge, Persistence, and Relevance. The inclusion of a broader 'Value' dimension suggests that heritage sites must consider both tangible and intangible benefits to enhance their brand equity effectively.

Exploring Possibilities of Science Field Experience in Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine — 2014 — WHE4BF7877FCA

A study at Jongmyo Shrine revealed that science field experiences can significantly enhance students' spatial ability and deepen their interest in scientific education. The research found that while students struggled with applying classroom knowledge to real-world contexts, cooperative activities in historically meaningful settings fostered meaningful learning. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of balanced smart device use in science education, noting that excessive reliance on technology can hinder the development of essential scientific process skills. To explore these insights, researchers developed a science program for elementary students in a gifted education center, employing pre- and post-program surveys, activity sheets, field observations, and interviews to gather data.

Exploring the combined role of eustasy and oceanic island thermal subsidence in shaping biodiversity on the Galápagos

Galápagos Islands — 2014 — WHE4B71CF2222

A significant shift in the understanding of biodiversity patterns on the Galápagos Islands has been revealed through high-resolution palaeogeographical models, which demonstrate that rapid changes in relative sea levels—driven by eustasy and thermal subsidence—have dramatically altered island connectivity over the past 700,000 years. These fluctuations, characterized by periods of extreme lowstands (–140 to –210 m) every ~90,000 years, caused large islands to coalesce, providing land-locked vertebrates with access to vast new territories. Analysis of biological data for groups such as racer snakes, lava lizards, and land iguanas suggests that these geographic upheavals left detectable imprints on their biogeographical distributions. The study proposes that oscillating sea levels may serve as a mechanism to explain evolutionary patterns not only in the Galápagos but also in other island chains like the Maldives, Canaries, and Cape Verde.

Exploring the impacts of protected area tourism on local communities using a resilience approach

Purnululu National Park — 2014 — WHE8793E86BE1

Protected area tourism, while offering intrinsic and tangible benefits to local communities, also presents complex challenges that require multifaceted policy responses. A study examining the impacts of tourism on communities bordering Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Purnululu National Park (Australia) revealed a sense of disconnect between tourists and locals, alongside entrenched poverty and limited economic opportunities. The research, grounded in resilience thinking, highlighted that while intrinsic appreciation for nature conservation exists among local communities, tangible benefits such as employment are crucial but insufficient alone. Negative impacts, including damage from wildlife and visitation difficulties, were also noted. The study underscores the need to develop diverse economic opportunities, build community capacity, and manage expectations to achieve social equity and long-term benefits for local communities.

Exploring the Shared Use of World Heritage Sites: Residents and Domestic Tourists' Use and Perceptions of the Summer Palace in Beijing

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2014 — WHE3B73C71A08

Residents and domestic tourists at the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing, share similar motivations and experiences despite differing use patterns. The study highlights that while both groups value the site for its cultural significance and aesthetic appeal, their behaviors—such as peak visitation times and preferred areas—can lead to conflicts or interplay. These findings provide actionable insights for heritage management, suggesting strategies to balance shared access while mitigating potential disruptions.

Extreme climate events lower resilience of foundation seagrass at edge of biogeographical range

Ningaloo Coast — 2014 — WHE48F21E396F

Concurrent extreme climatic events, such as marine heatwaves and floods, can drastically reduce the resilience of foundation seagrass species at their biogeographical range limits. A study on Amphibolis antarctica in Shark Bay revealed that a combination of elevated temperatures (Ningaloo Niña) and turbid floodwaters (Gascoyne floods) led to widespread defoliation due to a negative carbon balance. While leaf biomass showed partial recovery two years later, below-ground biomass—critical for the species' tolerance to disturbances—declined by an order of magnitude. This loss of resilience poses catastrophic risks to Shark Bay's ecosystem, where A. antarctica dominates 85% of seagrass cover (~3700 km²). The research highlights the amplified ecological impacts when multiple stressors coincide, particularly in systems near thermal tolerance limits.

Facing the past in China: Contemporary challenges of architectural conservation

Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde — 2014 — WHEAFD4907AC7

Contemporary architectural conservation at the UNESCO-listed Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde—a former Qing imperial retreat—faces significant challenges. The study highlights the tension between preserving historical integrity and adapting to modern demands, such as tourism and environmental degradation. Researchers employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining historical analysis with material science techniques to assess structural stability and authenticity. Findings underscore the need for balanced conservation strategies that prioritize both cultural heritage protection and sustainable development.

Fatal Monkeypox in Wild-Living Sooty Mangabey, Côte d’Ivoire, 2012

Taï National Park — 2014 — WHE886C7DDD4E

Researchers isolated and sequenced the monkeypox virus from a dead sooty mangabey in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, revealing its close genetic relationship to Western African monkeypox strains. The study highlights the potential for zoonotic transmission of this virus, which can be fatal in wild primates. By analyzing clinical specimens and whole-genome sequencing, the team confirmed the pathogen's identity and phylogenetic links, providing critical insights into the virus's circulation in West African wildlife. This finding underscores the need for further surveillance in protected areas like Taï National Park to understand and mitigate risks of monkeypox spillover.

Fate of Particulate Matter from Cruise-Ship Emissions in Glacier Bay during the 2008 Tourist Season

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2014 — WHE00961B8740

Despite frequent cruise-ship visits, Glacier Bay maintains pristine air quality due to meteorological conditions that limit pollutant accumulation. A study using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with chemistry revealed that strong temperature inversions trap particulate matter (PM10) from ship emissions, increasing concentrations by up to 43% compared to days without inversions. These inversions occurred on 42% of the 124-day tourist season in 2008, lasting an average of 9 hours. While hourly PM10 levels peaked at ~44 μg·m-3, seasonal averages remained below 2 μg·m-3. The research also found that pollutants occasionally entered Glacier Bay from external sources, such as ship traffic in Icy Strait or orographically forced lifting over the Fairweather Mountains. Meteorological observations validated the model's accuracy in capturing local conditions.

Fatigue testing of wires from the Forth Road Bridge, Scotland

The Forth Bridge — 2014 — WHE23DB9E2DC4

A detailed fatigue analysis of wires from the Forth Road Bridge's suspension cables reveals that corrosion fatigue, hydrogen-assisted cracking, and branched cracking are primary fracture mechanisms contributing to wire failures. The study provides critical insights into the degradation processes affecting the bridge's structural integrity, complementing earlier findings on crack initiation and propagation. Researchers conducted tensile tests, fatigue testing, and galvanic coating integrity assessments to systematically evaluate these mechanisms. While prior work suggested multiple fracture modes, this research clarifies their interplay and confirms that corrosion fatigue plays a significant role in wire failures under cyclic loading conditions.

Feeding ecology of the Ethiopian wolf in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2014 — WHE3BB597EBAF

Ethiopian wolves in Simien National Park primarily rely on rodents, particularly Arvicanthis abyssinicus, as their main prey source. This was determined through a study analyzing 214 fecal samples collected between 2011 and 2012. A. abyssinicus accounted for 72% of rodent consumption, with a Chesson index value of 0.3 indicating it as the most preferred prey item. The study also found no significant seasonal difference in prey frequency, suggesting consistent feeding patterns regardless of weather conditions. Protecting rodents is deemed crucial for the conservation of Ethiopian wolves in this region.

Fencing to Protect Hawaiian Petrels from Feral Cats: A Progress Update

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2014 — WHE9BF40806B8

A 5.5-mile-long barrier fence is being constructed around the largest known Hawaiian petrel colony within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to protect the endangered birds from feral cat predation. The modified design, inspired by an Australian model, features a skirted base and rolled top to deter cats while allowing petrels to navigate it. Since construction began in 2013 at over 9,000 feet elevation, approximately 3,900 posts have been installed along the rugged lava terrain, with additional work seasons anticipated for completion. Ongoing nest monitoring will assess the fence's effectiveness, while interpretive panels educate visitors about the conservation efforts for this elusive species.

Fiat justitia. Le palais de justice de Strasbourg (1892 - 1898)

Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt — 2014 — WHEAE3B7CE37B

The Palais de Justice in Strasbourg, constructed between 1893 and 1898 by the German administration, stands as a testament to the city's elevated status within the Reichsland d'Alsace-Lorraine following its annexation in 1871. This monumental structure, characterized by its antique-inspired architecture, not only served as a modern judicial institution but also symbolized the integration of Strasbourg into the German Empire. Situated in the Neustadt district—a planned urban area reflecting German ambitions for the city—the Palais de Justice represents a sophisticated synthesis of German and French architectural traditions in late 19th-century judicial design. Recognized as a historic monument since 1992, it is also part of the Neustadt's proposed World Heritage Site listing, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.

Field evidence from Namibia does not support the designation of Angolan and Namibian subspecies ofWelwitschia mirabilisHook

Namib Sand Sea — 2014 — WHE2168CEAF84

A new study challenges the long-standing classification of Welwitschia mirabilis into Angolan and Namibian subspecies, finding no evidence to support this distinction. Analyzing five male cone characters across 13 Namibian populations and plants grown from both Angolan and Namibian seeds, researchers observed significant variation that did not align with the proposed subspecies designations. While latitudinal gradients in cone and peduncle length were detected, other traits like cone color and bract shape showed high variability within and between populations. The study suggests that W. mirabilis, an ancient gymnosperm, has likely evolved in its current range for over 100 million years with complex metapopulation dynamics. It calls for further molecular characterization to clarify the phylogenetic significance of observed variations.