World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 29141 – 29160 of 30315 publications

The disappearing mammal fauna of northern Australia: context, cause, and response

Kakadu National Park — 2011 — WHE90D0165C01

A rapid and severe decline in native mammal fauna has been observed in Kakadu National Park, Northern Australia, with potential implications for global biodiversity. This decline may be more pronounced than previously reported in the region but is consistent with earlier extinction patterns. The study identifies four key factors—habitat change, predation by feral cats, poisoning from cane toads, and novel diseases—as possible drivers of this decline, though no single factor alone explains the observed trends. The findings underscore the insufficiency of conservation reserves in maintaining biodiversity without intensive management, regular audits, and targeted interventions.

The Distribution of Benthic Foraminifera Across the Cretaceous–Paleogene Boundary in Texas (Brazos River) and Denmark (Stevns Klint)

Stevns Klint — 2011 — WHE5596923069

A significant loss of benthic foraminifera diversity at the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary is documented, with agglutinated taxa nearly disappearing and faunal changes suggesting shallowing events. Unlike Texas' Brazos River successions, Stevns Klint's chalk facies assemblages show distinct changes at hardground horizons, hinting at potential correlations between the two sites. The study uses micropaleontological analysis of samples from both locations to construct a sequence stratigraphy for this critical interval.

The Dolomites and their geomorphodiversity

The Dolomites — 2011 — WHEC26C99C7A3

The Dolomites exhibit a unique and highly diverse geomorphology, setting them apart from other mountain ranges globally. This distinction is characterized by pronounced extrinsic geomorphodiversity, particularly in morphostructural landforms such as morphotectodynamics, morphotectostatics, and morpholithology. Additionally, they display significant intrinsic geomorphodiversity on a regional scale, encompassing polygenic landforms shaped by pre-or interglacial, glacial, periglacial, fluvial, relict, dormant, or active processes. Such diversity makes the Dolomites an invaluable geoheritage site and a high-altitude field laboratory for advancing geomorphological theories. Their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List underscores their scientific significance, fostering further research and theoretical development in geomorphology.

The Dome Of The Rock In Light Of The Development Of Concentric Martyria In Jerusalem: Architecture And Architectural Iconography

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2011 — WHEE2633409B4

The Dome of the Rock, traditionally studied for its significance in Islamic art, is recontextualized within the broader architectural and liturgical traditions of Jerusalem. This study reveals that its design shares key features with early Byzantine concentric martyria, such as the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (ca. 333), particularly in how liturgical developments influenced their plans over time. The research employs a comparative typological analysis to examine architectural modifications and iconography, drawing on Oleg Grabar's pioneering approach to Islamic art. It also highlights the role of the Church of the Kathisma in the cult of Mary Theotokos, linking Marian feasts to the evolution of Jerusalem's sacred architecture.

The Earliest Rock Paintings of the Central Sahara: Approaching Interpretation

Tassili n'Ajjer — 2011 — WHEA178F6CF24

The Central Sahara, particularly the Tassili n'Ajjer region, harbors some of the world's richest collections of ancient rock paintings and engravings, with the earliest likely dating back to the 10th millennium BP. These early depictions, known as 'Round Heads' due to their distinctive circular head shapes, were created by dark-skinned hunter-gatherers in the mountains of Tassili n'Ajjer and adjacent regions. Despite being discovered in the 1950s, these paintings had previously been considered uninterpretable. A recent study challenges this notion by employing archaeological evidence, landscape archaeology, and comparative studies to reveal a complex underlying reality behind individual painted images. This approach offers new insights into Saharan rock-art studies, moving beyond mere description to interpretative analysis.

The Earth Ecosystem In The Region Of Gjirokastra

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2011 — WHEDDD2824AC5

The region of Gjirokastra, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hosts a unique earth ecosystem that plays a crucial role in protecting the ground, regulating microclimate, and supporting agricultural crops while also fostering tourism. This study highlights the significant ecological potential of the area, which has faced substantial changes since 1990 due to historical, socio-economic, political, and demographic factors. The research emphasizes the urgent need for a multifunctional, sustainable, and integrated approach to ecosystem management to ensure its dynamic development and protect its original and intruding forests. By analyzing these transformations, the study provides insights into the vulnerabilities and opportunities within this heritage site, offering a foundation for future conservation strategies.

The economic value of ecosystem services in the Great Barrier Reef: our state of knowledge

Great Barrier Reef — 2011 — WHEA308A0319D

A significant gap exists in our understanding of the economic value of ecosystem services provided by the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and its adjoining systems. Research has predominantly focused on a limited range of services, such as tourism and fishing, while neglecting others like those provided by mangroves or the broader social, temporal, and spatial dynamics of these services. This imbalance hampers effective resource allocation and conservation efforts, as recent changes in adjoining ecosystems have likely eroded the reef's ability to provide essential services—yet their full impact remains poorly quantified.

The effects of tourism development on the sustainable utilisation of natural resources in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2011 — WHE32D217D5DD

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in the Okavango Delta has successfully contributed to the sustainable utilization of natural resources, including giraffes, sable antelopes, and thatching grass. This approach has led to increased social capital among stakeholders, the formation of local conservation institutions, and co-management practices such as selective hunting and dry-season harvesting. These efforts have significantly reduced illegal hunting and resulted in rising populations of key species. The study suggests that CBNRM can serve as an effective tool for achieving sustainability in biodiversity-rich tourism destinations, aligning with global goals for poverty alleviation and environmental conservation.

The Emblematic Province — Sicily from the Roman Empire to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale — 2011 — WHE31F2FE9879

Sicily's historical narrative, long framed by successive invasions from the Sicani to the Spanish, reveals a complex interplay of cultural mores shaped by external dominations rather than a distinct Sicilian identity. This study challenges traditional historiography by analyzing Sicily's political trajectory—from Cicero's depiction as 'naturaliter provincialis' to its role within the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies—as a continuous province devoid of autonomy. Using historical texts, including Tommaso Fazello's 1558 work De rebus siculis, it demonstrates that Sicilian identity was not defined by a singular heritage but by the cumulative customs formed under successive rule. The research employs critical textual analysis to recontextualize Sicily's past, emphasizing its emblematic status as both a jewel of the Roman Empire and a microcosm of Mediterranean history.

The English Benedictine Cathedral Priories

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2011 — WHE06984461EA

A comparative analysis of the English Benedictine Cathedral Priories, including Durham Castle and Cathedral, reveals significant variations in the implementation of the Benedictine Rule across nine monastic communities. This study provides a detailed examination of the daily routines, observances, and customs practiced by these priories, as well as the progression of monks through their monastic lives. By leveraging archiepiscopal and episcopal registers alongside monastic accounts, the research fills critical gaps in monastic biographies, offering unprecedented insights into the operational dynamics and spiritual practices of medieval Benedictine monasteries.

The Evolving Role of Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2011 — WHEDEC4BFDB59

Botanical gardens, originally established as public spaces showcasing labeled plants, have significantly expanded their roles to include biodiversity conservation, research, education, and aesthetic refuge creation. They also serve as storage centers for long-term plant preservation. Despite this evolution, they face persistent funding challenges. Historically, botanical gardens began as physic gardens emphasizing medicinal plants and later became integral to trade during the Age of Discovery. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, stands out for its ambition to contain all known Earth's plants since the mid-18th century. This study highlights the multifaceted contributions of botanical gardens, from their historical significance in trade and beauty to their modern roles in conservation and education.

The Extra-urban Cultural District: An Emerging Local Production System: Three Italian Case Studies

Val d'Orcia — 2011 — WHE3E4DD63862

Research identifies three key levers—cultural heritage, natural amenities, and local governance—that drive the success of extra-urban cultural districts (E-UCDs). Unlike urban clusters, E-UCDs thrive by leveraging rural landscapes and traditions, offering a model for sustainable development. The study analyzes three Italian case studies: Cinque Terre, Val d'Orcia, and Ravello, combining theoretical frameworks with empirical data to demonstrate how these levers interact in practice. Findings highlight the potential of E-UCDs as tools for rural revitalization, bridging cultural valorization with economic growth.

The First Great Waves: African Provenance Zones for the Transatlantic Slave Trade to Cartagena de Indias, 1570–1640

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2011 — WHE8B0C944A22

Between 1570 and 1640, the transatlantic slave trade to Cartagena de Indias, a primary Spanish colonial port, was equally dominated by captives from Upper Guinea and Angola, with a smaller contribution from Lower Guinea. Contrary to prior assumptions, Angola's rise as the dominant source of slaves occurred more gradually than previously believed. This finding emerges from an analysis of 487 ship entry records, documenting nearly 80,000 disembarkations. The study challenges established narratives by revealing a more nuanced and prolonged transition in slave provenance zones, offering new insights into the dynamics of early colonial-era trade networks.

The formation of ethnic identity in South Omo: the Dassenech

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2011 — WHEA0FABDA64A

Ethnic identity among the Dassenech, a group in South Omo, Ethiopia, has been shaped by historical migrations and absorptions triggered by environmental stressors. Oral traditions reveal that ecological disasters, such as droughts or floods, have historically driven population movements, leading to the assimilation of newcomers into existing clans. These mechanisms of identity shift remain relevant today, with contemporary violence and rapid change drawing on these traditions. However, evidence after 1925 is scarce, raising questions about whether the Dassenech can still adapt to modern environmental crises, such as those posed by the Gilgel Gibe dams on the Omo River. The study synthesizes oral histories and historical records to explore these dynamics, highlighting the resilience and fluidity of ethnic identity in response to ecological pressures.

The French Canal du Midi at the 17th century: accounting gaps and financial innovations

Canal du Midi — 2011 — WHED17ACFC30B

A groundbreaking 17th-century engineering marvel, the Canal du Midi (formerly the Royal waterway of Languedoc), stands out for its innovative financial structuring and meticulous documentation. Built by Pierre-Paul Riquet, this European project combined public and private financing, owner equity, loans, and taxes—approaches still relevant today. Unlike many historical projects, its archives are fully preserved, offering an unprecedented view into both technical details and daily accounting practices. This study reveals how Riquet’s systemic approach reconciled grand vision with practical execution, setting a lasting precedent for large-scale infrastructure development.

The Glacial Geomorphology and Surficial Geology of the South-West English Lake District

The English Lake District — 2011 — WHEF893092BEE

New reconstructions of Younger Dryas ice extent in the south-west English Lake District reveal substantial spatial variation, challenging previous limited and inconsistent models. The study, based on high-resolution geomorphological mapping using aerial photography, Google Earth images, and digital elevation models, identifies key features such as arcuate moraine ridges and flutings that record glacial retreat patterns. It also highlights the prevalence of paraglacial processes in shaping the landscape. By integrating these findings with existing regional data, the research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding late Pleistocene glaciation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Gordion Wooden Objects, Volume 1 The Furniture from Tumulus MM (2-vol. set)

Gordion — 2011 — WHE8D7AFD3547

The Gordion Wooden Objects, Volume 1, reveals that the furniture from Tumulus MM at Gordion, Turkey, represents the most significant collection of well-preserved wooden artifacts from the Near East. Excavated in 1957 and dating to the eighth century BC, these objects, initially misunderstood, are now identified as nine tables, two serving stands, two stools, a chair, and an open log coffin, with three pieces ornately carved and inlaid with religious symbols and geometric motifs. The study employs new photographs, reconstruction drawings, and technical appendices to illuminate the form, techniques, and function of these artifacts, contributing significantly to fields such as textile and wood analysis, anthropological, and religious studies.

The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2011 — WHE540747F898

Annette Gordon-Reed's groundbreaking work, 'The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family,' offers a comprehensive exploration of the lives and relationships within the Hemings family, enslaved descendants of Thomas Jefferson. The book reconstructs their experiences from colonial Virginia through the antebellum period, leveraging extensive primary and secondary source research, including contributions from historians and archaeologists at Monticello. Gordon-Reed synthesizes historiography on American slavery to illuminate the social dynamics, familial bonds, and interactions between enslaved Hemingses and their white owners or associates. This meticulously researched narrative provides unprecedented insights into the complexities of enslaved life in America.

The historical evolution of Dujiangyan Fish Mouth

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2011 — WHE9BD032CE97

A comprehensive analysis reveals the remarkable resilience and adaptability of the Dujiangyan Fish Mouth, a critical component of the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System built over 2,200 years ago. This study highlights its historical evolution in position and construction materials from 250 B.C. to the present, demonstrating its enduring functionality despite significant changes. The research employed a detailed examination of historical records and structural adaptations, showcasing how this ancient engineering marvel has successfully controlled the Minjiang River's waters for millennia, continuing to support the fertile Chengdu plains.

The History of Westminster Abbey

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2011 — WHE8F4FF73B35

A critical edition of John Flete's 15th-century Latin manuscript on the history of Westminster Abbey, published in 1909 and reissued in 2011, offers a unique window into medieval perceptions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This work, edited by J. Armitage Robinson, provides transcriptions of charters and documents alongside Flete's narrative, which spans from legendary origins (dating to 184 CE) to his own time, including detailed descriptions of the abbey's appearance and its role in national ceremonies. Robinson's introduction assesses the manuscript's reliability, sources, and chronology, while English side-notes abstract the content without translating it. The edition preserves Flete's perspective, contributing to our understanding of Westminster Abbey's historical significance as both a religious and political institution.