World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 27121 – 27140 of 30315 publications

A retrospective approach to assessing the sustainability of the Grand Canal of China

The Grand Canal — 2012 — WHE6C811C06F8

A retrospective approach to assessing the sustainability of the Grand Canal of China reveals that modern infrastructure sustainability measures can be effectively applied to historical data, providing valuable insights into long-term viability. The study introduces an Infrastructure Sustainability Indicator (ISI) based on economic, environmental, and social/political factors, demonstrating its utility in evaluating the canal's performance between 1770 and 1870 in Huai'an, Jiangsu province. By analyzing historical events and data, the research validates the concept of sustainability assessment over time, offering a methodology that can be adapted for contemporary infrastructure modeling. This approach underscores the importance of historical context in verifying sustainability claims.

A Study of Geum Silk from Seokgatap in Bulguksa

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple — 2012 — WHE11253742B6

A significant discovery was made regarding the weaving technique of Geum Silk from Seokgatap in Bulguksa, revealing it to be a weft-faced compound twill rather than previously assumed warp-faced. The fabric, dating back to the Unified Silla Dynasty (8th century), features intricate polychrome silk patterns with colors arranged in gradation, similar to those found in contemporary Chinese and Japanese textiles. Through technical analysis and pattern restoration, researchers identified two distinct small flower motifs—palmette and repeating vines—and inferred that the fabric was likely used as a pouch cover. This study advances understanding of ancient Korean textile craftsmanship and its cultural connections.

A study of the iPhone app at Kew Gardens: Improving the visitor experience

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2012 — WHECE75882FEE

A seamless user experience significantly enhances visitor satisfaction with digital tools at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study found that the 'Kew' iPhone app, launched by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in 2011, improved exploration and engagement through location-specific features like seasonal recommendations, QR code readers for plant labels, and augmented reality browsers. However, technological hiccups disrupted this seamless experience, highlighting the importance of flawless functionality to meet visitor expectations. The research used audience surveys in October 2011 to evaluate user responses, offering insights into how mobile technology can be effectively integrated into museum settings to create more personalized and immersive visits.

A Study on the Change of NaInGaGa(Female Space) at the Royal Tomb in the Late Joseon Dynasty

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty — 2012 — WHEF123930A20

Historical records and illustrations from the late Joseon Dynasty reveal significant changes in the design and placement of NaInGaGa, temporary structures for female servants attending royal funerals. Originally used until the funeral, NaInGaGa was later constructed separately for a three-year mourning period starting in 1674. These changes are documented in the SanReungDoGam-EuiGwae, providing crucial insights into the evolution of these spaces over time.

A Study on the Fabrics Excavated from Hwangnamdaechong Tomb - Focused on the Fabrics Currently Housed in Gyeongju National Research institute of Cultural Heritage -

Gyeongju Historic Areas — 2012 — WHED4687DE39D

A study of fabrics from Hwangnamdaechong Tomb, a 5th-century royal tomb in Gyeongju, reveals diverse textile traditions of early Silla Dynasty. Analysis of silk and hemp relics, primarily adhered to corroded metal artifacts, identified four types of plain silk and confirmed the use of Gyeong Geum—a distinctive patterned fabric with colored warp threads. Despite significant yellowing, some fabrics retained vibrant colors like purple, red, blue, and green. The research also highlights the prevalence of hemp cloth, characterized by fine weaves (8-12 seung) and S-twist warps, supporting historical accounts of dual textile production during this period.

A Study on the Living Environment of Harar Jugol, Ethiopia

Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town — 2012 — WHE78C473D8CB

Harar Jugol, Ethiopia's fortified historic town, stands out as a unique urban environment with a woman-headed society and strong social ties among residents. Unlike other historical Ethiopian cities, Harar maintains its traditional Muslim character while supporting comparatively wealthy inhabitants through a dense network of Harari people dispersed across the country. A study analyzing architectural heritage and housing conditions in central Harar revealed that some buildings date back to the 17th century, preserving their original character despite modern urban pressures. The research employed a case study approach, examining both building typology and resident demographics to highlight Harar's distinct living environment and cultural resilience.

A Travessia na Faixa de Pedestre em Brasília (DF/ Brasil): Exemplo de uma Intervenção Cultural

Brasilia — 2012 — WHE82D202F504

A significant cultural shift in pedestrian crossing behavior occurred in Brasília, Brazil, following a coordinated campaign involving key social agencies and the University of Brasília (UnB). Since 1997, nearly all drivers have respected pedestrian crosswalks, a change attributed to sustained advocacy efforts. The study reconstructs this intervention through document analysis and interviews, focusing on behavioral contingencies that drove the shift. Using concepts like macrocontingency and metacontingency, researchers interpret how structured social interactions can reshape public behavior at scale. This case exemplifies how targeted cultural interventions—supported by institutional collaboration—can achieve lasting societal change.

A Web-Based Interactive Tool for Multi-Resolution 3D Models of a Maya Archaeological Site

Maya Site of Copan — 2012 — WHE51EFF5A8E5

A groundbreaking web-based interactive tool, 'QueryArch3D,' has been developed to visualize and analyze multi-resolution 3D models of archaeological sites, significantly advancing the study and public engagement with cultural heritage. Using the Maya site of Copan in Honduras as a case study, this tool integrates semantically segmented geometric models with attribute data from diverse sources, enabling complex spatial and temporal analyses that traditional 2D approaches cannot address. The platform supports detailed exploration of architectural relationships, landscape dynamics, and visibility studies, while also catering to broader audiences such as students and tourists through its interactive and accessible design. This research demonstrates the potential of advanced digital technologies to transform how cultural heritage is perceived, documented, and studied.

A+BE | Architecture and the Built Environment, No. 6 (2012): The Sigiriya Royal Gardens

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2012 — WHEE5756B4AE3

The architectonic design of Sigiriya, a 5th-century royal complex in Sri Lanka, features multiple layers of significance with material-spatial-metaphorical-functional coherence. This study, employing a technical-analytical approach from Delft University of Technology's Landscape Design Department, reveals that Sigiriya combines general and unique landscape architectonic elements, offering insights into its compositional richness. The findings highlight the site's landscape architectural value, which can inform conservation policies, presentation strategies, and green monument management. This methodology also provides a framework for studying other historical gardens and landscapes in Sri Lanka, potentially uncovering typological aspects of Sri Lankan landscape design traditions.

Aboriginal Rangers' Perspectives on Feral Pigs: Are they a Pest or a Resource? A Case Study in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Northern Queensland

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2012 — WHEAF8B8065B1

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in Australia are often viewed as pests, but their status is ambiguous due to varying perceptions among Aboriginal Australians. This study reveals that Aboriginal rangers in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Northern Queensland hold diverse views on feral pigs, with some valuing them as a resource rather than a pest. These differing perspectives stem from socio-economic contexts and cultural backgrounds, posing challenges for effective management strategies. The research employed qualitative methods to capture rangers' perceptions, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches in conservation that respect indigenous viewpoints.

Abundance and Genetic Diversity of Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria of Coastal Regions of the Pacific Ocean

Lord Howe Island Group — 2012 — WHE98C0479A49

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic (AAP) bacteria, significant to marine microbial ecology and biogeochemistry, exhibit distinct abundance and genetic diversity patterns across coastal regions of the Pacific Ocean. Research reveals that these bacteria are most abundant near shore and in areas with high chlorophyll or Synechococcus levels, with their genetic diversity structured along nearshore/offshore transects and varying between islands. The study, conducted using samples from five Pacific islands (Oahu, Molokai, Futuna, Aniwa, and Lord Howe) and off California, employed the pufM gene biomarker to quantify AAP bacteria and analyze their genetic diversity. Findings suggest that environmental variables regulate both abundance and diversity of AAP bacteria, while endemism may also play a role in structuring these communities.

Abundance and host associations of parasitoids attacking frugivorous drosophilids on Iriomote-jima, a subtropical island of Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2012 — WHED088606904

Research on Iriomote-jima, a subtropical UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals complex coevolutionary interactions between frugivorous drosophilid flies and their parasitoids. The study identified 15 drosophilid and 12 parasitoid species, with three Drosophila species (D. bipectinata, D. albomicans, D. takahashii) dominating banana baits. Parasitism varied seasonally and annually, with Asobara japonica, A. pleuralis, Leptopilina ryukyuensis, and L. pacifica being the most frequent parasitoids. Laboratory experiments confirmed species-specific host associations, suggesting long-standing coevolutionary dynamics. The study highlights that host abundance influences parasitoid host use evolution, providing insights into ecological interactions in subtropical ecosystems.

Abundance, survival and temporary emigration of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) off Useless Loop in the western gulf of Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2012 — WHE63332DBA70

A study off Useless Loop in Shark Bay, Western Australia, estimated the abundance of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) to range between 115 and 208 individuals from 2007 to 2011, with variability likely reflecting individual usage patterns rather than true population changes. Using capture–recapture models on photo-identification data collected during boat-based surveys, researchers found high temporary emigration rates (0.33–0.66), suggesting the study area did not encompass the full range of these dolphins. Apparent survival rates were estimated at 0.95 annually, indicating strong resilience in this population. This baseline data is critical for monitoring potential impacts from climate change or increased human activity on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accessing the Impenetrable: The Nature and Distribution of Tourism Benefits at a Ugandan National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2012 — WHEFBD4965DCB

Tourism at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, provides benefits to a broad range of local people despite strict constraints on certain pathways. The study distinguishes between active (e.g., employment) and passive (e.g., revenue sharing) engagement, finding that while monetary benefits from active roles are tightly controlled, nonmonetary advantages from passive involvement are more accessible. By analyzing multiple pathways together, the research reveals that tourism can distribute advantages widely, even when individual routes are limited.

Accurate Meanings of Letters of the 'Neungpadae' Rock Inscription in Hahoe Village

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2012 — WHE1231FDB28F

A new interpretation challenges the long-standing belief that the 'Neungpadae' rock inscription in Hahoe Village, a UNESCO-listed Goryeo-era clan village, signifies resilience against flooding. The study debunks the widely accepted translation—'Look down on waves (flood)'—by rigorously analyzing the Chinese characters' meanings and historical context. Unlike previous interpretations that stretched linguistic evidence to imply flood resistance, this research argues for a more precise reading, grounded in philological analysis rather than speculative extrapolation. The findings underscore the need for cautious interpretation of inscriptions, particularly those lacking clear contextual clues.

Acoustical analysis of musical pillar of great stage of Vitthala temple at Hampi, India

Group of Monuments at Hampi — 2012 — WHE869AC33FDB

A spectral analysis of the musical pillar at Vitthala temple, Hampi, reveals that its bell-like sound closely correlates with actual bell resonance characteristics. The study used a combination of Euler-Bernoulli beam model and an energy separation algorithm based on Teager's energy operator to accurately predict the resonant frequencies of the pillar's flexural modes. This finding demonstrates a strong agreement between empirical measurements and theoretical modeling, providing insights into the acoustic properties of these ancient structures.

Acropolis of Athens: Recording, Modeling and Visualising a Major Archaeological Site

Acropolis, Athens — 2012 — WHEB1548FCD49

A comprehensive digital documentation of the Acropolis of Athens was achieved through advanced geospatial technologies. The project successfully integrated polygonometric networks, photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, and 3D modeling to create detailed topographic models, orthophotomosaics, and a geospatial database. These innovations enabled precise visualization and management of the Acropolis's rock formations, walls, and the Erehtheion, setting a benchmark for archaeological site preservation and analysis. Challenges in data acquisition and integration were addressed, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale digital reconstruction for heritage conservation.

Acute Mountain Sickness Impact Among Travelers to Cusco, Peru

City of Cuzco — 2012 — WHE7EFDBD8EFC

Nearly half of travelers to Cusco, Peru (3,400 m), experience acute mountain sickness (AMS), with 17% suffering severe symptoms that disrupt their travel plans. A cross-sectional study of 991 tourists found that acetazolamide significantly reduced AMS risk, yet it was rarely prescribed or used, while coca leaf products—commonly employed for prevention—increased AMS frequency. Most travelers flew directly from sea level and had suboptimal pre-travel preparation, with only a quarter receiving medical advice. Older adults, those with recent high-altitude exposure, or those visiting lower-altitude cities were less likely to develop AMS. These findings highlight the need for better pre-travel education and targeted preventive strategies.

Adaptation to climate-change effects on fisheries in the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage area, Japan

Shiretoko — 2012 — WHE0F2075ED8C

Climate change is significantly impacting fisheries in the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage area, Japan, with observed effects including reduced seasonal sea ice and shifts in fishing grounds. The study highlights the need for integrated policy measures and cross-sector coordination to adapt to these changes, emphasizing the importance of large-scale marine ecosystem (LME) research and monitoring. It also suggests that cultural elements, such as those promoted by the World Heritage programme, could contribute to developing a new, peaceful societal framework based on LME principles.

Adaptive Comanagement in the Venice Lagoon? An Analysis of Current Water and Environmental Management Practices and Prospects for Change

Venice and its Lagoon — 2012 — WHE8F10EC215B

Current water and environmental management practices in the Venice Lagoon show limited progress toward adaptive comanagement despite its potential benefits. The study analyzes existing governance structures, highlighting fragmented decision-making and insufficient stakeholder collaboration. While some adaptive elements exist, such as the MOSE flood defense system, broader integration of scientific knowledge and community involvement remains underdeveloped. The research suggests that overcoming institutional barriers is crucial for effective long-term management, emphasizing the need for more inclusive, evidence-based approaches to address environmental challenges in the lagoon.