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Stakeholder engagement in China world heritage tourism : taking Fujian Tulou as a case study

Fujian Tulou — 2014 — WHEBFB7D4646E

Heritage tourism development at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Fujian Tulou in China, often faces tensions and conflicts among economic, cultural, and political goals. This study reveals an imbalanced partnership between key stakeholders—local government, residents, and tourists—which undermines sustainable tourism growth. Using a modified stakeholder analysis framework, the research examines the roles of primary and secondary stakeholders through in-depth interviews, surveys, participant observations, and archival data. Findings highlight the dominance of governmental influence over heritage conservation efforts, suggesting that achieving balance among stakeholders is critical for sustainable development. The study offers valuable policy insights and theoretical contributions to heritage tourism literature.

State of Draft Systems of a Right-Bank Slope of Dnepr at the Territory of a Historical and Cultural Heritage in Kyiv

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2014 — WHE02F04E1114

A comparative analysis of the engineering-geological conditions at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and its buffer zone reveals significant changes over time, highlighting the need for protective measures to mitigate adverse geological processes. The study, which includes historical data from Kyiv's central area, underscores the vulnerability of this UNESCO World Heritage Site due to expanding urban development. By examining past and present conditions, researchers identify critical areas requiring intervention to preserve the integrity of the site. This work provides essential insights for sustainable management and conservation efforts in historically significant regions.

Status, Distribution, Conservation and Use Value of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2014 — WHE126DFC9359

A comprehensive inventory of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, identifies 62 species with significant variation in diversity and distribution. Highest species richness (31 species) was recorded along the Manjo Gate to Larja Dobhan route, while the lowest diversity (Simpson’s Index: 0.90419) was observed between Tyanboche and Pangoche. Ten species, including threatened Allium hypsistum and Cordyceps sinensis, were highlighted as particularly valuable for local use but at risk. The study employed Simpson’s diversity index and Shannon Weaver function to quantify heterogeneity and evenness, revealing critical patterns for conservation prioritization.

Stitching algorithm applied to camera array images for the visualization of Tubbataha reef grounding scars

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2014 — WHE383C649DD4

A novel imaging system leveraging underwater camera arrays and advanced mosaicking algorithms has been developed to rapidly assess and visualize reef grounding scars, as demonstrated by its application at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. This system significantly enhances coverage, with a three-camera array capturing more than twice the area of a single camera while maintaining high-resolution detail. The algorithm incorporates color correction, linear regression for pixel shift smoothing, and modified fast image labeling to create seamless panoramic mosaics from overlapping frames (at least 30%). This approach offers a scalable solution for monitoring large-scale marine impacts with precision, as shown in the case of the USS Guardian grounding event in 2013.

Storm Surge Ensemble Prediction for the City of Venice

Venice and its Lagoon — 2014 — WHEC6AEFC5342

A novel ensemble prediction system (EPS) for storm surge forecasting in Venice, Italy, demonstrates that peak storm surges correspond with heightened uncertainty, which increases linearly over time. The study, based on 50 simulations and applied to 10 high-surge events in 2010, links this uncertainty directly to meteorological forcing fields rather than the quasi-linear dynamics of the surges, except for oscillations tied to the basin's 11-hour seiche period. Notably, the ensemble mean forecast (EMF) proved more robust and equally accurate as deterministic forecasts, offering a reliable tool for managing Venice's protection barriers.

Strangers on a Train

Mountain Railways of India — 2014 — WHE9B4A69F832

A 2014 study highlights the significant role of India's Mountain Railways, particularly the Kalka Shimla Railway, as vital transportation infrastructure and cultural heritage. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, this narrow-gauge railway offers a unique perspective on India's Himalayan landscapes, connecting Shimla to the rest of the nation through 102 tunnels over 96 kilometers. The study emphasizes its practical utility as an alternative to private transportation in populous India, while also noting its cultural and historical significance, including its colonial heritage. A group of students from Fayetteville State University experienced firsthand the railway's scenic beauty, temperature variations, and engineering complexity, providing insights into its importance for both locals and tourists.

Strategy of Regional Economic and Environmental Development of the Tourism Potential of Gamzigrad Spa

Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius — 2014 — WHE67843B9E23

A strategic framework for the sustainable development of Gamzigrad Spa has been proposed to balance economic growth and environmental conservation. The study introduces a multi-criteria decision-making model using TOPSIS, ELECTRE, and AHP methods to evaluate optimal tourism strategies that align with green economy principles. This approach allows policymakers to prioritize development paths that maximize both economic benefits and ecological preservation, offering a practical tool for regional planning in spa-rich destinations.

Streetscape Environmentalism: Floods, Social Justice, and Political Power in San Antonio, 1921–1974

San Antonio Missions — 2014 — WHE63FA636159

San Antonio's Zarzamora Creek, often dry and overlooked, becomes a significant force during heavy rainfall due to the confluence of meteorological patterns and geological structures. The study reveals how San Antonio's location near the 100th meridian, which separates humid East from arid West, exposes it to extreme weather events like El Niño and La Niña cycles. These conditions, combined with the Hill Country's elevated catchment basin, funnel rainwater into channels that can cause devastating flash floods. The research highlights the interplay between weather patterns, geology, and riparian systems, contributing to San Antonio's designation as 'Flash-Flood Alley' by the National Weather Service.

Stromatolite research in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2014 — WHECD13E8FE3C

Shark Bay, Western Australia, hosts some of the oldest living stromatolites on Earth, offering critical insights into ancient microbial ecosystems. Research by Collins and Jahnert (2014) highlights these stromatolites as unique biodiversity hotspots, contributing to our understanding of their ecological significance within UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study employed field observations and environmental sampling to analyze the stromatolite communities, revealing their resilience in extreme conditions and their role in maintaining biodiversity. This work underscores the importance of protecting such sites for both scientific research and conservation efforts.

Structural equation modeling approach to the diversity-productivity relationship of Wadden Sea phytoplankton

Wadden Sea — 2014 — WHE8A03E84A86

Research confirms that biodiversity significantly drives ecosystem functions and services, even in natural marine environments. A study on Wadden Sea phytoplankton used structural equation modeling to analyze monitoring data, revealing strong links between community diversity (richness, evenness) and productivity, including resource use efficiency. These relationships are embedded in complex direct and indirect interactions with environmental factors. The findings align with patterns observed in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, underscoring the importance of multivariate methods for understanding biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) processes in natural systems.

Struggles over conservation space: Social justice in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2014 — WHE004611A22A

Protected area conservation, particularly under global ecological modernization, often fails to deliver promised social benefits, especially in resource-rich developing countries. A study on the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (IWP) in South Africa reveals that top-down conservation efforts, aimed at combining World Heritage protection with poverty alleviation through eco-tourism, have instead led to significant social justice issues. The research, employing a constructivist and critical approach inspired by Henri Lefebvre's theory on the production of space, demonstrates how global and national conservation norms imposed upon local spaces alienate inhabitants from their land and management practices. This alienation is exacerbated by institutional enclosure through strengthened legal frameworks for conservation, leading to conflicts over access to natural resources within the park. Local resistance, such as fence-cutting and unauthorized tourism development, underscores the tension between national and global conservation interests and local livelihoods. The study highlights the problematic implementation of market-based conservation in contexts of structural inequality, offering a transferable analytical framework for understanding similar dynamics worldwide.

Stuc. Huit fragments inédits de la cathédrale de Chartres

Chartres Cathedral — 2014 — WHE1C8FEC832E

Eight previously unknown stucco fragments, discovered during the cleaning of Chartres Cathedral's crypt, provide new insights into both the cathedral's history and the development of stucco techniques in France. Unearthed in 1975-76 from a buttress wall near the Puits des Saint-Forts, these fragments offer rare material evidence that sheds light on the architectural and artistic practices of the time. Their discovery enhances our understanding of the cathedral's evolution and the craftsmanship involved in its construction.

Study of greenway site selection based on cultural route: Research on grassland silk road (from Xanadu to Zhongdu)

Site of Xanadu — 2014 — WHE0466DD2B53

A comprehensive theoretical framework for Cultural Routes, including greenway site selection, has been established, significantly advancing heritage protection research. The study focuses on the Grassland Silk Road from Xanadu to Zhongdu, integrating cultural and historical significance with modern conservation strategies. It leverages ICOMOS guidelines and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention to propose a systematic approach for identifying and preserving culturally significant routes. This framework bridges traditional heritage preservation with contemporary urban planning, offering a model for protecting intangible cultural assets alongside tangible ones.

Study on factors responsible for high life expectancy in the elderly population in the peripheral area of northwest Sinharaja forest

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2014 — WHEBBDFD651A2

A study on the northwest periphery of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's least disturbed lowland rainforests, reveals that indigenous lifestyles closely tied to forest resources contribute significantly to high life expectancy among elderly populations. The research found that individuals, including a 99-year-old in good health, maintained sharp memories and detailed knowledge of over 100 forest-derived food items. Key factors included access to nutrient-rich, locally sourced food, occupations involving prolonged outdoor activity, stress-free lifestyles, and leisure time—all supported by the forest's ecological richness. Conducted through household surveys, interviews, and field observations between 2011 and 2013, this study provides empirical evidence linking biodiversity-dependent livelihoods to longevity in tropical rainforest-adjacent communities.

Study on Management of World Cultural Heritage the Old Town of Lijiang Based on the Theory of Global Governance

Old Town of Lijiang — 2014 — WHE3CD84E2FD5

The Old Town of Lijiang, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant challenges in its protection and management under globalization. A study leveraging global governance theory identifies critical cultural dimensions that shape the site's international recognition and influence. Field research reveals both the site's unique cultural value and the complex issues affecting its preservation. The findings underscore the need for innovative management strategies to address contradictions arising from globalization, ensuring sustainable conservation while maintaining its global significance.

Study results on species compsition of bugs (Heteroptera) in Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park, Quang Binh province

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2014 — WHE5E7EC09254

A comprehensive survey of bug species (Heteroptera) in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, identified 71 species across 53 genera and 10 families. Notably, the study revealed 23 previously undocumented species for Vietnam's entomofauna, including Lethocerus indicus, a threatened species requiring urgent conservation measures. Coreidae (29.5%) and Reduviidae (25.3%) were the most diverse families, while Belostomatidae and others contributed significantly to the park's biodiversity. Conducted between 2006 and 2008, this research expands Vietnam's Heteroptera catalog by 17% at the genus level and highlights critical conservation priorities for UNESCO-listed sites.

Styles and Identities in the Central Andes: The Early Intermediate Period and Middle Horizon

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2014 — WHE382F63CEFD

Archaeological research on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiwanaku reveals that the Early Intermediate Period (EIP) and Middle Horizon (MH) in the Central Andes witnessed significant cultural evolution, marked by the emergence of state governance, urbanization, and distinctive stylistic expressions. Unlike other civilizations, Andean cultures developed complex societies without a writing system, showcasing unique variations in identity and ethnicity through creative styles and mortuary practices. The study highlights that during the EIP, multiethnic communities coexisted with pronounced regional expressions of inequality and status. In the MH, two major cities, Huari and Tiahuanaco, independently promoted distinct material cultures but unified under a new religious doctrine, coordinating geopolitical expansion despite their differences. This research sheds light on the dynamic interplay between cultural identity, political organization, and religious imagery in Andean prehistory.

Su Nuraxi di Barumini: revisione delle designazioni adottate in planimetria

Su Nuraxi di Barumini — 2014 — WHEE33B6222AB

A revised planimetric representation of Su Nuraxi di Barumini resolves long-standing inconsistencies in the labeling of structures across five previously published plans. The study identifies discrepancies—such as omissions, variations, and repetitions—in the naming conventions used since 1955, which have hindered accurate interpretation of the site's layout. By cross-referencing these plans, researchers propose a standardized, unified plan that clarifies the spatial organization of the nuragic village, providing a more reliable foundation for historical reconstruction. This work addresses critical gaps in archaeological documentation while offering a practical tool for scholars and conservators.

Subduction geometry of the Yakutat terrane, southeastern Alaska

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2014 — WHEA3CE9C36E8

Research confirms that the Yakutat Block subducts continuously from Prince William Sound to Icy Bay, extending the southeastern Alaska subduction zone 300 km further than previously known. The study used broadband seismic data and advanced imaging techniques—including three-dimensional P-wave field modeling and common conversion point stacking—to map the slab's geometry. Findings reveal a gradual increase in dip angle (11°–16°) from west to east, placing the Yakutat Block at the correct depth to explain magmatism in the Wrangell volcanic field. The data also show clear separation between the subducted Yakutat Block and the North American Plate under the Alaska Range, suggesting that deformation along the Denali fault is not linked to Yakutat coupling. Additionally, the study indicates sediment stripping on the block's western side and ductile lower-crustal thickening (>60 km) near Mount Saint Elias.

Substances: ‘Following the material’ through two prehistoric cases

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2014 — WHE3C1FBFF4A3

A novel approach to studying prehistoric figurines and human effigies reveals their role as material bodies that interact with fleshly ones, linking them to broader aspects of material culture, environment, and political economy. The study advocates for a multi-dimensional research strategy called 'following the material,' which combines material, social, and phenomenological analysis. This method was demonstrated through two case studies: figurines from Çatalhöyük in Turkey and human effigies from the Moche region in Peru. By examining the substances used to create these artifacts and their contexts of production, circulation, and deposition, the research highlights the tight connections between objects in human form, material culture, landscape, and political economy.