World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 28581 – 28600 of 30315 publications

Ecophysiological observations on Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur (India)

Keoladeo National Park — 2011 — WHE427FC0A88F

Research at Keoladeo National Park, a globally significant Ramsar and UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that soil salinity—caused by salt upwelling in wetlands—does not significantly inhibit the growth of dominant plant species. The study analyzed three key plants (Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, and Mitragyna parvifolia) to assess their ecophysiological responses to saline conditions, including inorganic and organic osmotica contributions. Findings suggest that these plants maintain biodiversity in saline wetlands through adaptive mechanisms, offering insights into the resilience of flora in nutrient-rich but saline environments.

Ecosystem metabolism in a temporary Mediterranean marsh (Doñana National Park, SW Spain)

Doñana National Park — 2011 — WHE3B69352ED3

Doñana National Park's temporary Mediterranean marsh exhibits net autotrophy, with the benthic compartment being significantly more productive than the pelagic one. The study found that gross production rates exceed community respiration by 43% on average, with net community production increasing substantially with irradiance. A threshold irradiance range of 42 to 255 μE m−2 s−1 was identified, below which the system becomes net heterotrophic. This suggests that the pelagic compartment relies heavily on organic carbon produced by the benthic compartment, highlighting the marsh's complex metabolic dynamics.

Ecotourism for Community Development

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area — 2011 — WHEE96EAE4B80

A significant gap in knowledge and awareness about ecotourism exists among local communities in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), despite strong opinions from other stakeholders such as tourists, operators, and government officials. This study identifies critical issues related to ecotourism development in GHNP through stakeholder perspectives, using ANOVA and Scheffe tests for statistical analysis. Findings highlight the need for targeted capacity-building initiatives to educate local communities about ecotourism benefits, foster community participation, and enhance sustainable tourism practices. The research underscores the potential of ecotourism as a tool for both ecological conservation and economic empowerment in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ecotourism Opportunities and Challenges in Butrint, Albania, a Unique UNESCO and Ramsar Site

Butrint — 2011 — WHEFA87834301

Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992 and a Ramsar site since 2003, presents significant ecotourism potential due to its unique combination of geographical position, landscape, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. The park is the most visited by foreign tourists in Albania, with opportunities for year-round visitation through activities like birdwatching, walking trails, biking, and scuba-diving. However, uncontrolled human activities such as illegal urbanization, wetland reclamation, mining, irrational marine aquaculture, hunting, excessive grazing, and fires pose substantial threats to these ecotourism opportunities. The study recommends strategies to mitigate these challenges and maximize the park's potential for sustainable ecotourism development.

Editor's Note

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2011 — WHE3F10FAA2FD

St. Basil's Cathedral, viewed from Red Square, presents a chaotic yet distinctive array of domes and colors, immediately recognizable to observers. However, when seen from the Kremlin wall, its structure reveals perfect symmetry—central dome flanked by descending pairs, followed by staggered staircases. This dual perception suggests that the cathedral’s apparent disorder may have been intentionally designed for public view, contrasting with the ordered perspective desired by the tsar. The study highlights how architectural design can manipulate visual perception to convey different symbolic meanings depending on the viewer's vantage point.

Effects of black bear relocation on elk calf recruitment at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2011 — WHE7701515E75

Black bear relocation significantly improved elk calf recruitment and population growth at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A study found that relocating bears from primary calving areas increased the annual calf recruitment rate from 0.306 to 0.544, leading to a positive population growth rate (λ = 1.118) over 25 years. Researchers monitored radiocollared elk and bears, comparing vital rates before and during bear relocation. The increase in population growth was primarily attributed to changes in calf recruitment, with behavioral adaptations of elk also likely contributing. This suggests that bear relocation can be an effective temporary management strategy for enhancing elk populations in areas where black bears are present.

Effects of habitat loss and limitation on effective population size and inbreeding rates of Walia ibex (Capra walie) in Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2011 — WHEF1A7A35BC8

Habitat loss and fragmentation significantly increase inbreeding rates and reduce genetic diversity in the critically endangered Walia ibex (Capra walie) population within Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park. The study found that inbreeding rates (ΔF) per fragmented habitat ranged from 0.3% to 7.7%, with the highest losses observed in Buait ras and Adarmaz, while mean heterozygosity loss across the total population reached 23.5%. These genetic declines correlate negatively with effective population size (Ne), underscoring how habitat limitation exacerbates inbreeding and erodes genetic variability. Researchers analyzed data from direct censuses and historical records to estimate Ne, ΔF, and heterozygosity losses, revealing critical insights for conservation strategies targeting this vulnerable species.

Effects of ocean acidification on microbial community composition of, and oxygen fluxes through, biofilms from the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef — 2011 — WHE30C3744DC6

Ocean acidification triggers rapid shifts in microbial communities within biofilms of the Great Barrier Reef, with specific bacterial groups showing sensitivity to increased CO₂ levels. Research found that elevated pCO₂ (560–1140 ppm) reduced Alphaproteobacteria while increasing Flavobacteriales, indicating a pH-driven reorganization. Despite these changes, oxygen production in biofilms remained stable, suggesting adaptability in microbial activity. The study exposed natural biofilms to controlled CO₂ scenarios—pre-industrial, present-day, mid-century, and late-century levels—and analyzed bacterial composition using molecular techniques. Findings highlight the resilience of biofilm ecosystems but underscore potential long-term impacts on reef health.

Effects of prescribed burning on soil and vegetation

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2011 — WHE88A480FE33

Prescribed burning, when correctly applied, can be a sustainable practice for fire risk reduction without severely impacting plant species composition or soil properties in pine and oak woodlands. However, its effects on shrublands are more pronounced, leading to changes in plant cover and species composition, as well as lasting impacts on the fermentation layer. This study, conducted across five sites in Italy and Portugal—including areas within Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park—evaluated the ecological effects of prescribed burning on soil microbial communities, physical and chemical soil properties, and vegetation over different periods post-burning. The research highlights that while prescribed fire may be effective for reducing wildfire risk in certain ecosystems, its application in shrublands requires more precise prescriptions to mitigate adverse impacts.

Effects of three high-flow experiments on the Colorado River ecosystem downstream from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park — 2011 — WHEC91CBEB750

High-flow experiments (HFEs) conducted at Glen Canyon Dam have shown mixed but promising results for restoring and maintaining Grand Canyon sandbars, which are vital for recreation, native fish habitats, and archaeological resource protection. These controlled floods, designed to mimic pre-dam seasonal flooding, were tested in 1996, 2004, and 2008. While HFEs effectively rebuild sandbars, their long-term benefits for biological resources like native fishes and riverside vegetation remain uncertain. The study, part of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP), involved extensive monitoring before, during, and after each experiment to assess physical and ecological impacts. Findings suggest that while HFEs can benefit some aspects of the ecosystem, their full potential depends on refined implementation strategies.

Egypt and the Limits of Hellenism

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2011 — WHE3D41C0569F

This study reveals that interactions between Greeks and Egyptians from the fifth century BCE to the early Roman Empire were transactional processes, shaped by the traditions, discourses, and pragmatic interests of both civilizations. Unlike Orientalizing representations or colonial metanarratives, these exchanges were dialogical, reflecting a dynamic cultural and intellectual exchange between two great civilizations. The research analyzes four key moments: Herodotus' interviews with priests at Thebes, Manetho's composition of an Egyptian history in Greek, the struggles of Egyptian priests on Delos, and a Greek physician's quest for magic in Egypt. These micro-histories challenge conventional narratives by emphasizing mutual influence rather than one-sided cultural dominance.

Egyptianizing Figurines from Delos

Delos — 2011 — WHED00407CB24

Hellenistic reinterpretations of Egyptian religion are illuminated through the study of terracotta figurines depicting Egyptian deities, primarily found in domestic contexts on Delos. Analysis reveals that many figurines represent deities or rituals linked to Egyptian festivals, as indicated by comparisons with religious texts, temple reliefs, and ritual objects. Most figurines were locally produced on Delos, as shown by clay fabric analysis and manufacturing techniques. Additionally, archival research on early excavation notes provides new insights into the archaeological contexts of these figurines, highlighting their roles in both domestic and temple cults. This study offers a novel perspective on the dynamic interaction between 'popular' and 'official' cults during the Hellenistic period.

Eighteen mosses from the Hyrcanian forest region new to Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2011 — WHEB23713BE7B

A recent survey of the Hyrcanian forest region, particularly focusing on epiphyte vegetation in the Elburz Mountains near Nowshahr, Iran, has identified 18 moss species previously unrecorded in the country. These discoveries include significant range extensions and gap-filling distributions for several species, such as Lescuraea saviana, Rhynchostegium rotundifolium, and Schwetschkeopsis fabronia. Additionally, the study confirms the presence of two Plagiothecium species in Iran. This research contributes valuable data to the understanding of moss biodiversity in the Hyrcanian forests by expanding the known flora and addressing distribution gaps.

El culto a San Millán en Valderredible Cantabria: Las Iglesias rupestres y la formación del Camino de Santiago (review)

San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries — 2011 — WHEAFE35C4ACC

Research by Gregory Kaplan challenges the conventional narrative of the Camino de Santiago's origins, suggesting that pilgrimage to northern Spain predates the 9th-century discovery of Saint James's remains. The study links the cult of San Millán in Valderredible, Cantabria, to the formation of early pilgrimage routes, supported by evidence from the region's extensive network of cave churches—over fifty documented sites. Kaplan employs architectural analysis, focusing on Visigothic-era horseshoe arches and apse dimensions, to approximate construction dates, drawing parallels with other Visigothic churches. The research also compares two versions of San Millán's life, highlighting discrepancies that reveal later falsifications aimed at enhancing the monastery's prestige.

El Trienio Liberal en el Virreinato peruano: los ayuntamientos constitucionales de Arequipa, Cusco y Huamanga, 1820-1824

City of Cuzco — 2011 — WHE60F968621C

During the Liberal Triennium (1820–1824), the Virreinato del Perú briefly reinstated representative government under the 1812 Constitution, despite its late loyalty to the Crown. This study reveals that virrey La Serna governed constitutionally in three key cities—Arequipa, Cusco, and Huamanga—demonstrating both institutional continuity and change between Spanish ayuntamientos and Peruvian municipalities. Analysis of electoral processes, council compositions, and administrative roles shows that some Spanish-era actors and structures persisted, even as new political dynamics emerged. The research reconstructs local governance through archival documentation, offering insights into the transition from colonial to early post-independence municipal administration.

Emerald Green: An Ecocritical Study of Irish Literature

Sceilg Mhichíl — 2011 — WHEE5E7943924

Emerald Green offers a critical examination of how Irish literature reflects and responds to the island's changing relationship with nature, particularly under the pressures of rapid development. The study traces literary depictions from lush, forested landscapes in Gaelic writing to barren, deforested regions in famine-era narratives, contrasting them with idealized mystical interpretations by figures like Yeats and A.E. It also analyzes poetry linked to island groups such as Skellig Michael, highlighting the tension between human habitation and natural preservation. The research employs ecocritical theory to dissect these themes, revealing how literature both documents environmental transformation and critiques its consequences, including urban alienation.

Emplacement and Evolution History of Pegmatites and Hydrothermal Deposits, Matale District, Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2011 — WHE030FBFC624

Research on the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka reveals that pegmatites and hydrothermal deposits in Matale District formed under middle-crust conditions, near the brittle-ductile transition zone at approximately 600°C. These deposits post-date peak metamorphic conditions (854 ± 44°C at 10.83 ± 0.86 kbar) and evolved from fractionated granitic melts enriched in H2O and F, with evidence of multistage crystallization. The study combines field observations, structural analysis, petrological data, and thermo-barometric studies to reconstruct the emplacement history and P-T-t-D evolution of these rocks, challenging the assumption that pegmatitic melts followed pre-existing cracks at such crustal levels.

Enduring Fluoride Health Hazard for the Vesuvius Area Population: The Case of AD 79 Herculaneum

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2011 — WHE3A6D739E69

A permanent fluoride health hazard persists for the Vesuvius area population, with evidence tracing back to Roman times. The study reveals that individuals from Herculaneum, victims of the AD 79 eruption, exhibited skeletal and dental features indicative of endemic fluorosis due to long-term exposure to high environmental fluoride levels—conditions that remain prevalent today. By analyzing morphological, radiological, histological, and chemical data from ancient remains, researchers identified key markers of fluorosis, including excessive ossification and joint ankylosis. This finding underscores the enduring public health risks associated with natural fluoride concentrations in volcanic regions like Vesuvius. Current guidelines for fluoridated tap water may need reevaluation to address these hazards more effectively.

Engineering and Patrimonial Buildings: Rewarding Interdisciplinary Work

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai — 2011 — WHEA254E94245

An interdisciplinary approach combining historical, archaeological, and engineering studies has successfully informed the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai, Belgium. The research revealed that the cathedral's 800-year-old frameworks require careful attention during restoration to prevent additional damage, particularly when replacing slate roofing with thicker lead slates. Engineers played a crucial role by analyzing structural behavior and proposing solutions that respect the building's heritage while ensuring efficiency. On-site investigations, coupled with historical and archaeological data, provided insights into the cathedral's structural challenges, demonstrating the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration in preserving cultural landmarks.

Enhydriodon dikikae, sp. nov. (Carnivora: Mammalia), a gigantic otter from the Pliocene of Dikika, Lower Awash, Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Awash — 2011 — WHE7548D6CBC0

A new species of gigantic otter, Enhydriodon dikikae, has been discovered from the Pliocene of Dikika, Lower Awash Valley, Ethiopia. This specimen, characterized by its large size and unique dental features such as a broad incisor arch and powerful canine battery, represents the most complete fossil of a large bunodont otter. The study challenges the distinction between Enhydriodon and Sivaonyx, rejecting the hypothesis of distinct African and Asian lineages. Postcranial remains suggest that E. dikikae was primarily terrestrial, though its diet remains uncertain due to insufficient evidence.