World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

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Looking at the Acropolis of Athens from Modern Times to Antiquity

Acropolis, Athens — 2014 — WHE22C247FA3F

A novel approach to understanding heritage, particularly the Acropolis of Athens, reveals that multiple layers of perception shape human engagement with such sites. The study introduces 'medium' as a method to analyze how people comprehend and interact with cultural heritage, demonstrating that these perceptions can influence actions and policies related to preservation. By examining the Acropolis from modern times to antiquity, the research provides insights into the evolving significance of this iconic site, offering a framework for interpreting complex layers of heritage.

Looking at the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes, Cambodia, on Flickr and YouTube

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2014 — WHE672ECEBDD2

Social media platforms, particularly Flickr and YouTube, inadvertently serve as archives that document the visual history of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Cambodia. This study reveals how users' photographs and videos, shared online, contribute to a collective memory of the site, which was once a center of repression under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–9). The research analyzes the processes of remediation—how users communicate and share their experiences—and examines the mechanisms of community building among these digital accounts. While these platforms foster some sense of community, their effects remain limited, highlighting both the potential and constraints of using social media for preserving and interpreting sites of historical significance.

Low Rates of Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Wildlife in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, Surrounded by Villages with High Prevalence of Multiresistant ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli in People and Domestic Animals

Taï National Park — 2014 — WHEA6D5D845E2

A study of Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, found significantly lower rates of antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in wildlife compared to surrounding villages. While 27% of humans and 32% of dogs in adjacent communities harbored ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, no such bacteria were detected in park wildlife (n=75). Similarly, PMQR genes like qnrS1 were prevalent in human and dog samples from villages but absent in the park. However, variants of qnrB were identified in Citrobacter freundii from non-human primates and mice within the park. The research suggests that strict biosecurity measures likely prevent bacterial transmission between villagers and wildlife despite human entry into the protected area.

Macropharyngodon pakoko, a new species of wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) endemic to the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2014 — WHEB5C75C2F19

A new species of wrasse, Macropharyngodon pakoko, has been discovered in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, increasing the known diversity of the genus Macropharyngodon to 12 species. This endemic species, found at depths ranging from 0 to 42 meters, exhibits distinct genetic and coloration differences from its closely related counterpart, M. meleagris. Key distinguishing features include irregular black humeral blotches with incomplete blue borders in males, inverted 'U'-shaped bands on the cheek, and unique patterns such as small black spots at the base of the pectoral fin and reddish-yellow cross-bands on pelvic fins in females. Juveniles display irregular black blotches and lack large black spots or ocelli on the anal fin. The discovery underscores the Marquesas Islands' rich biodiversity and provides valuable insights into the evolutionary distinctiveness of its marine fauna.

Maintaining competitive tourism advantage with reference to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2014 — WHE05BC448BE5

Tourism destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Australia's Greater Blue Mountains Area, face significant challenges to maintaining competitive advantage due to external pressures such as climate change and shifting resident attitudes. A study highlights that while Australia historically leveraged its natural environment and wildlife for tourism success, destinations like the Blue Mountains risk decline without strategic adaptation. The research identifies key threats to competitiveness and explores marketing strategies to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to sustain visitor appeal in dynamic global conditions.

Making Place for a Viking Fortress. An archaeological and geophysical reassessment of Aggersborg, Denmark

Viking-Age Ring Fortresses — 2014 — WHE4E1566893D

Aggersborg, Denmark's largest Viking-age ring fortress, may have replaced a significant earlier settlement with up to 350 sunken-featured buildings (SFBs), challenging previous understandings of its purpose and the broader 'Trelleborg' fortress group. A large-scale geophysical survey using magnetic gradiometry and ground-penetrating radar, combined with legacy excavation data, revealed previously unknown structures and clarified the extent of pre-fortress activity. This approach demonstrates how non-invasive methods can enhance interpretations of scheduled monuments, offering new insights into Viking-age political and tactical landscapes.

Management of Municipal Solid Waste in One of the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2014 — WHE594F34715B

A case study on the Galápagos Islands reveals that effective municipal solid waste management is achievable even in remote, ecologically sensitive regions with high tourism activity. The research highlights the importance of integrating tourism-related waste generation into sustainable management strategies, particularly in areas adjacent to protected national parks. By analyzing waste streams and implementing targeted interventions, this study demonstrates how decision-makers can optimize waste sector organization in similar contexts. The findings underscore the need for adaptive policies that balance ecological preservation with the demands of tourism, offering a replicable model for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites facing comparable challenges.

Managing the UNESCO world heritage serial property in Russia

Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany — 2014 — WHED5B65BF5EB

A fragmented system characterizes the management of St. Petersburg's suburban residence museums, despite their unified branding as part of UNESCO's 'Golden/Emerald/Green Necklace/Ring of St. Petersburg.' This study reveals significant disparities in administration, conservation, services, and visibility among six palace and park ensembles inscribed under the 'Historic Center of St. Petersburg and related groups of monuments' (WHS №540bis). The research employs a comparative analysis of European practices, including Germany's Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin, Italy's Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany, and others, to dissect the legal status, management, visitor experiences, and promotional strategies. By examining these serial properties, the study highlights the challenges of maintaining coherence and consistency within a disjointed heritage system.

Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) minimum population size and genetic diversity in a Cerrado protected area of southeastern Brazil revealed by fecal DNA analysis

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2014 — WHECD11183B81

A study of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in the Cerrado Protected Areas of southeastern Brazil revealed a minimum population size of 13 individuals, with genetic diversity comparable to larger, better-preserved regions but showing signs of inbreeding and deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. This suggests that even in protected areas, the species may face threats despite their apparent resilience. Researchers used fecal DNA analysis across five microsatellite loci over a 13-month period to assess population structure and genetic health, providing critical insights into the conservation status of this iconic South American canid.

Manihot veadeirensis (Euphorbiaceae s. s.): a New Species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2014 — WHE902F8CA713

A new species of Manihot, Manihot veadeirensis, has been discovered in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region of Brazil's Cerrado biome. This species belongs to the section Quinquelobae and is distinguished by its gamosepalous calyx in pistillate flowers, lanceolate and persistent bracts and bracteoles, exserted staminate flowers, and wingless capsules. The discovery was made through detailed morphological analysis, comparing it with similar species like Manihot mossamedensis. The study also provides insights into its distribution, habitat, conservation status, and a key to identify all species within the section Quinquelobae.

Mapping Our Last Places: Apocalyptic Space and Imagery at Chartres Cathedral—A Social and Visual Analysis of Imagined Space

Chartres Cathedral — 2014 — WHE30E97BFB8E

Chartres Cathedral's apocalyptic imagery reflects a broader societal engagement with imagined spaces, particularly those tied to catastrophic events. The study highlights that visual representations of such spaces can influence social patterns and practices, drawing parallels between ancient apocalyptic texts—like 1 Enoch—and modern interpretations. It emphasizes the shift in scholarly focus from temporal to spatial dimensions in apocalyptic discourse, examining elements like climate, geography, and architecture. By analyzing Chartres Cathedral's visual and textual elements, the research underscores how these representations shape collective imagination and societal responses to existential threats.

Marketing of Coastal Barrier Spits as Liminal Spaces of Creativity

Curonian Spit — 2014 — WHEE2F050C577

Coastal barrier spits, including the Curonian Spit, are evolving from mass tourism destinations into fluid creative liminal spaces where art and wellness intersect. This transformation is driven by a shift towards niche tourist 'tribes' seeking unique experiences, rather than traditional mass tourism. The study critically examines this transition through the lens of post-structuralist philosophy, focusing on two key aspects: the 'Grand Story' of the Curonian Spit and its Nida Art Colony as an artist-tourist bubble. By analyzing these landscapes—such as Nida (Lithuania), Ahrenshoop (Germany), Hiddensee (Germany), Skagen (Denmark), and Provincetown (USA)—the research highlights how liminality serves as a conceptual framework for understanding their creative potential. The findings suggest that barrier spits are becoming multifaceted destinations, blending artistic inspiration with wellness tourism.

Masada, Israel

Masada — 2014 — WHECBF705EDE5

Masada's historical significance lies in its role as the final stronghold of Jewish resistance during the First Jewish-Roman War (A.D. 66–73). Unlike Jerusalem, which fell to Rome in 70 A.D., Masada endured until 73 A.D., when a Roman legion breached its defenses. The site's enduring fame stems from the mass suicide of nearly 960 Jewish defenders—men, women, and children—rather than surrender. This event was meticulously documented by Josephus Flavius in The Jewish War, providing a rare firsthand account of the revolt's climax. The study highlights Masada as both an archaeological site and a symbol of resistance, offering insights into ancient military tactics, survival strategies, and the cultural impact of historical narratives on collective memory.

Maya Coastal Production, Exchange, Life Style, and Population Mobility: a View from the Port of Xcambo, Yucatan, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza — 2014 — WHE4A98BCFFEC

Research at the coastal site of Xcambo, Mexico, reveals a dynamic shift in Classic period Maya trade networks, marked by increasing diversity and geographic mobility among merchants. By integrating archaeological, bioarchaeological, and chemical analyses, the study documents a reorientation in exchange routes linking Xcambo to broader Maya and Veracruz regions. This period also saw growing cultural affiliations, likely reflecting intensified trade dynamics that preceded the so-called 'Maya collapse' around 700 AD. The findings suggest the rise of Chichen Itza as a dominant merchant power, which may have contributed to Xcambo's rapid decline.

Mayordomos y regulación de prácticas sociales indígenas en estancias coloniales: la visita de Luxán de Vargas, Córdoba, 1692-1693

Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba — 2014 — WHEEFFA30088D

Colonial-era mayordomos (estate managers) served as key instruments of social control over Indigenous populations, embodying paternalistic power dynamics characterized by protection, correction, and punishment. This study analyzes records from the 1692–1693 visit by Antonio Martínez Luxán de Vargas to Córdoba’s jurisdiction, revealing how these administrators regulated Indigenous practices within colonial estancias (ranches). The findings underscore the dual role of mayordomos as both enforcers of authority and mediators in social governance, reflecting broader patterns of subjugation under the guise of paternalism. By examining archival documents, the research provides a nuanced understanding of power structures in colonial Latin America.

Mbanza Kongo/São Salvador: Culture and the Transformation of an African City, 1491 to 1670s

Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo — 2014 — WHE63CF4E6CD3

Mbanza Kongo, the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo from 1491 to the 1670s, underwent significant cultural transformation during the early Atlantic slave trade, diverging from European models and evolving into a distinct 'Christian city.' Unlike other Atlantic slave ports like Lagos or Whydah, Mbanza Kongo retained its role as a political and administrative center, shaped by the Kingdom's centralized governance rather than solely by trade demands. The study employs historical analysis to explore how Kongo kings and nobles reimagined their capital, blending African traditions with European influences, creating a unique urban identity that reflected both cultural continuity and adaptation.

Measuring quality of work life among workers in handicraft industries of Jaipur

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2014 — WHE56B9582028

A study on Jaipur's handicraft industries reveals that the quality of work life for workers is significantly influenced by three key factors: working environment, job security, and cooperation with co-workers. These factors are critical not only for worker well-being but also for organizational performance. The research, conducted through a questionnaire survey of 120 workers across four handicraft industries, highlights that ergonomic interventions could substantially improve work conditions, reduce musculoskeletal disorders, and boost productivity. This finding underscores the potential of targeted ergonomics to enhance both worker health and economic output in small-scale industries, which play a vital role in India's economy.

Measuring tourist activities in cities using geotagged photography

Historic Centre of Prague — 2014 — WHEB1F847ED2E

Tourist activity patterns in historic European cities exhibit both similarities and differences, shaped by urban morphology and local engagement. A study analyzing geotagged photographs from Flickr.com revealed strong correlations between tourist presence and overnight stays across 16 cities, with deeper comparisons of Vienna, Prague, and Budapest highlighting how physical constraints and local-tourist dynamics influence spatial behavior. This method merges the precision of GPS tracking with the scale of crowdsourced data, offering a novel approach to quantify urban tourism with high spatial resolution.

Mechanical Characteristics of Basalt in Jeju Island with Relation to Porosity

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2014 — WHE4EA6C9EE47

Volcanic rocks, particularly basalt, often exhibit vesicular structures due to the presence of volatile components in magma. This study reveals that porosity significantly impacts the mechanical properties of Jeju Island's basalt, with unconfined compressive strength, elastic modulus, and elastic wave velocity decreasing curvilinearly as porosity increases. Additionally, a linear relationship is observed between elastic wave velocity and both unconfined compressive strength and elastic modulus. The research employs two methods—buoyancy and caliper—to measure porosity, finding that the buoyancy method provides more accurate estimates for vesicular rocks with porosity above 5%. These findings offer empirical relations that can aid in understanding and predicting the mechanical behavior of porous volcanic rocks.

Medinet Habu, Egypt

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2014 — WHE271599D841

Medinet Habu, located on the west bank of Luxor (ancient Thebes), is a significant archaeological site that offers insights into the religious and administrative functions of ancient Egypt from the second millennium B.C. to the first millennium A.D. Dominated by the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses III, the site also includes an earlier temple built by Queen/King Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, dedicated to the Ogdoad—a group of eight deities linked to the creation myth of Hermopolis. This temple, possibly resting on even older structures, symbolized the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, reflecting its microcosmic representation of the universe. Reliefs depicting rituals such as 'hacking the earth' and 'stretching the cord' further emphasize its role in cosmic permanence. The site was also central to major religious festivals, including the Feast of the Valley, which honored Amon of Karnak, Osiris, and deceased rulers, underscoring its enduring spiritual significance.