World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 26881 – 26900 of 30315 publications

The ESMA: From Torture Chambers into New Sites of Memory

ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture and Extermination — 2013 — WHE8339F433F7

The ESMA Museum and Site of Memory, formerly a clandestine center for detention, torture, and extermination during Latin America's authoritarian regimes, has evolved into a significant site of commemoration. This study argues that such sites serve as 'lieux de mémoire,' hybrid places where memory, history, and architecture intersect to challenge hegemonic narratives. Drawing on Pierre Nora's framework, the research explores how these spaces resurrect old meanings while generating new ones, yet it also critiques his binary between archival and non-archival practices. The analysis employs a mix of historical narrative and performative embodiment to examine the ESMA's transformation from a site of state violence into a symbol of resistance and remembrance.

The fate of transported American black bears in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park — 2013 — WHEDA78819E96

American black bears (Ursus americanus) transported from developed areas to Yosemite National Park's undeveloped regions are more likely to return if they were previously food-conditioned by humans. Analyzing 29 bears (16 of which returned), researchers found that 15 returning bears were food-conditioned, while only one was not. By 2011, 65% of these transported bears had been euthanized or harvested near developed areas, with no non-food-conditioned bears reported as killed. The study recommends discontinuing the transport of food-conditioned bears and considering population control measures for problem bears.

The Fauna from the UNO/BU Excavations at Bieta Giyorgis (Aksum) in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Campaigns 1995–2003; Pre-Aksumite, 700–400 BC to Late Aksumite, AD 800–1200

Aksum — 2013 — WHE0AABB073F2

Excavations at Bieta Giyorgis, Aksum, Ethiopia, spanning from 700 BC to AD 1200, reveal a dominant presence of domestic mammals, particularly cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus), indicating intense exploitation. Age structure analysis and butchering marks suggest targeted use of young caprines (sheep and goats). Rare wild mammals, alongside marine fish remains and worked cowries from the Red Sea, hint at long-distance trade contacts. This study provides insights into the economic and social dynamics of Aksumite society through zooarchaeological analysis.

The features of the earthquake damage patterns of ancient city ruins in the Negev desert, Israel

Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev — 2013 — WHEFBB0D3895F

Recent archeoseismic studies of Roman-Byzantine city ruins in the Negev Desert, Israel, have identified distinct earthquake damage patterns linked to large-scale seismic events between the 2nd and 7th centuries AD. A notable finding comes from the small village of Halssa, where damage patterns observed over the past 110 years provide a contemporary case study for understanding long-term seismic impacts on ancient structures. The research employs detailed analyses of architectural ruins to reconstruct historical earthquake activity, offering insights into the resilience and vulnerability of ancient urban landscapes in seismically active regions.

The Five-Colored Clouds of Mount Wutai: Poems from Dunhuang

Mount Wutai — 2013 — WHEA7566490D9

A collection of Chinese Buddhist poems from the Dunhuang manuscripts, analyzed by Mary Anne Cartelli, reveals significant literary evidence for Mount Wutai's transformation into the earthly paradise of the bodhisattva Manjuśrī during the Tang dynasty. The poems, titled 'The Five-Colored Clouds of Mount Wutai,' depict the mountain as a sacred and revered site, offering insights into its cultural and religious significance in Buddhist tradition. This study provides a unique perspective on the evolution of Mount Wutai's symbolic importance, enriching our understanding of its role in Tang dynasty spirituality.

The Funeral and the Tomb

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2013 — WHE84DB9DB41A

The necropolis of Ancient Thebes, located on the west bank of the Nile, reveals a dynamic urban landscape for the dead that mirrors the city of the living. This funerary complex, extending from the Libyan mountains to the southwest, demonstrates how burial practices evolved with Theban expansion, transitioning from small mounds near the river to elaborate hypogea and tombs carved into cliffs. Key findings include the spatial organization of tombs, reflecting social hierarchies—from royal pyramids marking the resting places of Pharaohs like Amenophis I and Hatshepsut to districts for officials and commoners. The study highlights how this necropolis, with its chapels and terraces, served as both a historical record and a sacred space, preserving the legacy of Theban Egypt through architectural and funerary traditions.

The funerary church of the monastery of Zica: A contribution to the study of medieval monastic burial in Byzantium and Serbia

Studenica Monastery — 2013 — WHE5D22D45FAB

Research on the funerary church of the monastery of Zica reveals that it likely formed part of the original monastic complex, dating to the 1220s and losing its function by the fourteenth century. The study compares this site with analogous structures at monasteries like Studenica and Bachkovo, analyzing medieval burial practices in Byzantium and Serbia through surviving typika and regional traditions. By integrating architectural evidence with historical records, the paper provides new insights into the evolution of monastic burial customs during this period.

The Gardens of Taj Mahal and the Sun

Taj Mahal — 2013 — WHEBB1092FA78

A detailed analysis reveals that the Taj Mahal's gardens are meticulously aligned with sunrise and sunset azimuths during solstices, showcasing advanced Mughal architectural ingenuity. This study deciphers how the mausoleum's garden layout integrates Islamic and Indian design elements to frame celestial events, particularly on equinoxes and solstices. By examining the geometric precision of the gardens' pathways and water channels, researchers demonstrate a deliberate orientation that enhances visual symmetry during key solar moments. The findings underscore the Taj Mahal's status as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending spiritual symbolism with astronomical alignment.

The Gardens' bulletin Singapore.. Vol. 65(1).

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2013 — WHE7801375392

During the pre-World War II period, the operational capacity of Singapore Botanic Gardens was significantly compromised due to the secondment of senior staff for other governmental duties. This disruption led to a marked reduction in botanical work, highlighting the vulnerability of scientific institutions during periods of political instability. The study provides historical insight into how external pressures can impact long-term research and conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Gardens' bulletin Singapore.. Vol. 65(2).

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2013 — WHE9F867AE861

During the period leading up to the Japanese attack on Malaya, the Singapore Botanic Gardens experienced significant disruptions. Senior staff were frequently seconded for duties under the Departments of Food Control and Information, which led to a marked reduction in botanical work. This historical account highlights how external political events can profoundly impact scientific institutions, particularly those reliant on specialized expertise.

The Genetic History of Indigenous Populations of the Peruvian and Bolivian Altiplano: The Legacy of the Uros

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2013 — WHE5771EADFF7

Uros populations of the Peruvian and Bolivian Altiplano exhibit distinct genetic ancestry, differing significantly from both Amazon Arawaks and other Andean groups like Aymara and Quechua. While they share closer ties with Aymara and Quechua from Lake Titicaca, Uros populations in Peru and Bolivia show high genetic differentiation, suggesting a unique legacy derived from ancient Andean lineages that predated later farming expansions and civilizations. The study employed phylogeographic, population structure, and spatial genetic analyses of Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data to uncover these relationships, revealing the Uros as a genetically distinct ethnic group with deep roots in the Andes.

The Genus Amanita (Pers.) in Lumbini Zone, Nepal

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2013 — WHEE48F4DB2C9

A survey of the Lumbini Zone, Nepal—home to one of UNESCO’s most revered World Heritage Sites—revealed 12 species of the genus Amanita, including four previously unrecorded in Nepal: A. crocea, A. fulva, A. pantherina, and A. vaginata. These findings expand the known mycological diversity of the region, with particular significance for conservation efforts given the ecological roles of Amanita species as mycorrhizal partners to trees and shrubs. Researchers employed a combination of morphological identification, microscopic analysis, and DNA barcoding (ITS and 18S rDNA regions) to confirm species presence across 20 sampling sites, including sacred groves and agricultural lands. The study underscores the importance of integrating mycological surveys into broader biodiversity assessments at culturally significant heritage sites.

The Geological Triggers of Climate Change

Mount Etna — 2013 — WHEE870050787

Climate change significantly influences geological hazards, including volcanic activity and landslides. The study highlights that increased ice melt can destabilize glacier-clad volcanoes like Mount Etna by weakening their mechanical strength through water infiltration, potentially leading to edifice collapses. It also suggests that while shrinking glaciers may reduce volcanic eruptions due to crustal unloading, they can trigger fault slip and postglacial seismicity in formerly glaciated regions. Additionally, climate-driven changes in sea level and meteorological conditions can affect landslide potential and seismic activity, with implications for large earthquakes and tsunamis. The research combines geological, geophysical, and numerical modeling approaches to explore these complex interactions.

The Golden-bellied Mangabey Cercocebus chrysogaster (Primates: Cercopithecidae): distribution and conservation status

Salonga National Park — 2013 — WHEBEBDC42D73

The Golden-bellied Mangabey (Cercocebus chrysogaster) now occupies only about 70,000 km² of its presumed historical range, with over 37% (25,000 km²) lost, primarily due to human activities like bushmeat hunting and logging. A study spanning 1994–2007 used intermittent surveys across three regions in the Salonga National Park (SNP) and adjacent areas, revealing the species' restricted distribution and high vulnerability. Satellite imagery showed it predominantly inhabits swamp forests, further emphasizing its endangered status. Threats include hunting for bushmeat and pet trade, compounded by logging concessions overlapping its range.

The Gorani language of Zarda, a village of West Iran

Bisotun — 2013 — WHECA441798CD

The Gorani language of Zarda, spoken by the inhabitants of the village of Zarda in western Iran's Kermānšāh province, is a distinct variety within the larger Gōrānī linguistic group. This study highlights Zardayāna as a significant yet understudied North-West Iranian language with historical prestige, serving as a literary language for the Ardalān rulers from the 14th to 19th centuries. Despite its cultural importance, Zardayāna lacks an estimated number of speakers, contrasting with broader Gōrānī speaker estimates of 200,000–300,000. The research contextualizes Zardayāna within the region's linguistic diversity, including Kurdish and Persian, while emphasizing its unique identity amid common mislabeling as 'Kurdī'. Additionally, it underscores the village's tragic history, notably the 1988 chemical weapons attack during the Iran-Iraq war. The study leverages scholarly literature to clarify nomenclature inconsistencies and situates Zarda within the rich cultural and natural heritage of western Iran, including proximity to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bisotun.

The herbicide glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA in the Lavaux vineyard area, western Switzerland: Proof of widespread export to surface waters. Part I: Method validation in different water matrices

Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces — 2013 — WHE567A607542

A robust analytical method was developed to quantify glyphosate, its metabolite AMPA, and the herbicide glufosinate at trace levels in various water matrices. The method, validated across ultrapure water, mineral water, river water, soil solution, and vineyard runoff, demonstrated high accuracy with mean recoveries ranging from 86% to 133%. Monitoring of a vineyard river revealed significant glyphosate and AMPA pollution peaks during rain events, often exceeding the legal threshold of 100 ng/l. Additionally, a depth profile in an adjacent lake near a wastewater treatment plant outlet showed an AMPA concentration peak at 25 meters, indicating its release from treated urban wastewater. This study provides critical evidence for the widespread export of glyphosate and AMPA to surface waters via diffuse runoff.

The herbicide glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA in the Lavaux vineyard area, western Switzerland: Proof of widespread export to surface waters. Part II: The role of infiltration and surface runoff

Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces — 2013 — WHE1557D11844

A study on the Lavaux vineyard terraces in western Switzerland found that glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA are widely exported to surface waters, primarily through surface runoff (96%) rather than soil throughflows. The research, conducted over two growing seasons (2010–2011), revealed elevated concentrations of these chemicals at depths of 60–80 cm in parcel bottoms, indicating infiltration and preferential flows driven by rainfall patterns and soil characteristics. Slope steepness and the presence of impervious weathered marls at 100 cm depth influenced throughflows, contributing to lateral transport. The findings highlight that significant rainfall events (>10 mm/day) accelerate herbicide export from the topsoil, emphasizing the role of precipitation regime and soil structure in contaminant mobility.

The Huertas of the Generalife in the Alhambra, an approach to the evolution of this landscape based on travelers' accounts

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2013 — WHE831ED2F346

Travelers' accounts reveal significant insights into the evolution of the Huertas of the Generalife, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín in Granada. The study demonstrates that these historic gardens underwent substantial transformations over centuries, from their origins as a simple agricultural area to a complex landscape integrated with the Alhambra's palace complex. By analyzing narratives from visitors dating back to the 16th century, researchers reconstructed changes in plant species, irrigation systems, and garden layout, highlighting the interplay between natural and human factors in shaping this iconic site. This approach offers a unique perspective on the cultural and ecological history of one of Spain's most renowned landscapes.

The Impact of Tourism Revenue on the Local Communities’ Livelihood: A Case Study of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2013 — WHEC3C7E8C62A

Tourism revenue directed to Maasai pastoralist communities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has shown economic benefits, yet many residents remain unaware of its potential. This study, based on surveys of 119 Maasai and 39 NCA employees, reveals that while tourism contributes to local livelihoods, its impact is limited by low awareness among community members. The research highlights the need for better communication and integration of tourism revenue into existing income sources to maximize economic development in conservation areas.

The Importance of Chert in Central Anatolia: Lessons from the Neolithic Assemblage at Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2013 — WHE1B725ACFC8

Researchers have identified three previously overlooked sources of artifact-quality chert in Central Anatolia, challenging long-held assumptions about Neolithic economic practices. Using Individual Attribute Analysis (IAA) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), the study distinguishes these materials and traces their use by Çatalhöyük's Neolithic inhabitants. The findings reveal that chert consumption was intricately linked to broader resource exploitation and social networks, offering new insights into prehistoric economic strategies and interregional connections.