World Heritage Research: Search

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Showing 2921 – 2940 of 15962 publications

Small-scale harvest of big trees: impacts of land use changes over ~1300 years on SGang Gwaay, Haida Gwaii, B.C.

SGang Gwaay — 2025 — WHEC0F0332CB5

Long-term land-use changes on SGang Gwaay, Haida Gwaii, have significantly impacted aquatic ecosystems over ~1300 years. Research reveals that small-scale harvesting of western red cedar (Thuja plicata) beginning in the 13th century altered carbon inputs to a pond, shifting from terrestrial plant dominance to increased autochthonous sources post-1625 CE. Paleolimnological methods, including stable carbon isotopes and diatom analysis, demonstrate these changes correlated with village expansion and subsequent ecological shifts, such as increased water mixing and light availability. The study highlights the enduring effects of Indigenous land-use practices on both terrestrial and aquatic systems.

Smart 3D printed elements for conservation of damaged heritage structures

Monastery of Batalha — 2025 — WHE0B6167C476

Smart 3D-printed elements integrating sensor technologies offer a groundbreaking approach to the conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Monastery of Batalha. This study demonstrates that 3D printing, when paired with materials like natural hydraulic lime (NHL) pastes and thermoplastics, can achieve high shape fidelity while maintaining compatibility with traditional structures. A comparative analysis revealed a trade-off between detailing precision and material authenticity, with NHL pastes showing promise for closer alignment to historical building practices. Innovatively, the incorporation of sensors enables real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and structural integrity, providing a scalable model for heritage conservation efforts worldwide.

Smart Technology in Tunisian Tourism Management Through Virtual Spaces Design in Archaeological Sites: Sustainability and Enhancing Visitor Experience

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2025 — WHE207D1B47F7

Integrating smart technology into the design of tourist facilities at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Carthage, can significantly enhance visitor experiences while preserving cultural heritage. This study demonstrates that blending traditional architectural elements with modern technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence creates interactive environments that deepen visitors' connections to local culture. Successful projects showcased in the research highlight how this approach not only supports sustainability but also boosts the appeal of tourist destinations, contributing to economic growth. The findings underscore the crucial role of space designers in merging aesthetics and functionality while collaborating with local communities to safeguard heritage for future generations.

So-called “vernacular” architecture in the Kongo Central province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo): Characteristics and dynamics of architectural production in the Boko and Langa villages in Mbanza-Ngungu

Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo — 2025 — WHE3DB3745022

Research on so-called 'vernacular' architecture in the Kongo Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) reveals that despite historical accounts by European explorers like Duarte Lopez and Filippo Pigafetta, this architectural tradition remains understudied. The study focuses on Boko and Langa villages in Mbanza-Ngungu, analyzing construction practices from 1921 to the mid-21st century. It highlights the transition in materials—from traditional methods to cement production post-1921—and explores enduring elements of Kongo architecture amid colonization and tradition. The research combines historical literature with on-the-ground observations to document spatial organizations and constructive details, offering insights into the dynamics of architectural production in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sobiq Sovet Hokimiyati Yillarida Shahrisabz Iqtisodiy Infratuzilmasidagi Ziddiyatli Oʻzgarishlar

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz — 2025 — WHEFA4B70218B

Historical urban centers often undergo significant transformations due to political and economic pressures. A study of Shakhrisyabz, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that during the Soviet era (1930-80s), the city's economic infrastructure experienced contradictory changes, primarily driven by centralized industrialization policies imposed by the former Soviet government. These policies, characterized by administrative directives and unrealistic task assignments, led to Shakhrisyabz being reduced to a role of producing primary goods or raw materials, despite a shortage of specialized personnel. The research highlights how such top-down approaches can hinder sustainable urban development and cultural preservation in heritage sites.

Sobre la desaparecida capilla de San Bernardo en el convento de San Diego del Monte de La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — 2025 — WHE37740E8FBF

A rare glimpse into the vanished chapel of San Bernardo, once part of the convent of San Diego del Monte in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, is preserved through historical analysis. Founded in 1677 by priest Bernardo Martín de Fleitas and later gifted to the Counts of Valle de Salazar, the chapel was abandoned after the convent's closure, leaving only fragmentary remains. This study reconstructs its history, examining surviving elements and documenting its transformation under the second count’s revitalization efforts. By analyzing archival records and physical remnants, researchers uncover the chapel’s architectural significance and cultural legacy within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Laguna.

Social Enterprise Model Canvas and economic evaluation of an oyster farming project for poverty alleviation among women oyster farmers in the Saloum Delta, Senegal

Saloum Delta — 2025 — WHE5E80C0E8AD

A financially sustainable oyster farming model for the Saloum Delta, Senegal, demonstrates that poverty alleviation among women farmers is achievable through integrated suspended cultivation of Magallana gigas and Crassostrea tulipa. The model, evaluated using a Social Enterprise Model Canvas and economic-financial analysis (5% discount rate), requires an initial investment of €572,000 but generates 26 direct jobs with positive cash flow. Profitability hinges on diversified marketing—combining live oysters and dried meat—while exclusive dried meat production proves unviable. This replicable approach aligns with Senegalese aquaculture development goals, offering a scalable solution for poverty reduction while ensuring financial viability under the zero NPV criterion.

Social Organization of Beluga Whales Delphinapterus leucas Summering off the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea, Russia) Based on Photo-Identification Data: Identifying Social Clusters

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2025 — WHE8A310A3EF4

Beluga whales summering off the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea, Russia) do not form stable social clusters with consistent individual compositions, according to a study using photo-identification data. While no long-term groupings were identified, some pairs—often including females—showed high association indices, though these declined over the study period. The research suggests that beluga social dynamics may be influenced by both intrinsic relationships and individual behaviors, such as varied visiting patterns to the gathering area. Conducted in July–August 2022, the study analyzed sightings of 122 individuals near Cape Beluzhy using SOCPROG 2.9 software, highlighting the complexity of beluga social organization and the challenges in distinguishing between behavioral and environmental factors.

Social organization of belugas Delphinapterus leucas summering off the Solovetsky Islands (the White Sea, Russia) based on photo-identification data: Identifying social clusters

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2025 — WHE5D6F492AF3

Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) summering off the Solovetsky Islands, Russia, do not form stable social clusters with consistent individual compositions during reproductive gatherings. While some pairs—often including females—showed strong associations, these were not sustained over time, suggesting fluid social dynamics influenced by both behavioral and environmental factors. The study used photo-identification data from 122 individuals observed in July–August 2022, analyzed with SOCPROG 2.9 to assess association indices. Findings highlight the challenges in distinguishing natural social behavior from individual movement patterns, leaving questions about broader social structures outside the study area and timeframe unanswered.

Socio-Ecological Analysis of Human Interactions with Aquatic Wildlife in Coastal Community Systems

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2025 — WHEFD6DE07483

Stricter protection in the Strictly Protected Area of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park significantly enhances fish densities (35.7 CPUE) and coral health while reducing pollution, compared to the Sustainable Fishing Area and Buffer Zone. This finding, supported by ANOVA tests (p < 0.05), underscores the effectiveness of stringent conservation measures in preserving biodiversity and minimizing environmental degradation. The study integrates ecological data with social factors—such as livelihood strategies and governance—to identify key leverage points for sustainable management. It advocates for combining scientific data with local knowledge to develop policies that balance human well-being with wildlife conservation, offering a blueprint for place-based solutions in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Socio-Economic Impact of the Creation of Protected Areas on the Well-Being of the Riparian Population of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Nature Reserve, Democratic Republic of Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2025 — WHE44B6A46145

The creation of Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Itombwe Nature Reserve has significantly impacted the socio-economic well-being of riparian populations, primarily through negative effects on traditional household activities such as agriculture, hunting, firewood exploitation, and non-timber forest product collection. Key challenges include declining soil fertility, reduced agricultural yields, resource scarcity, and increased human-wildlife conflicts. The study underscores the need for inclusive conservation strategies that engage local populations to mitigate these adverse impacts.

Sohrai Art: A Cultural Reflection in Santali Wall Painting

Ellora Caves — 2025 — WHE1013D4EE79

Ellora Caves' wall paintings, including the Sohrai art of the Santal people, reveal the enduring legacy of artistic expression that spans from prehistoric cave art to modern tribal traditions. The study highlights how the Santali community in the Rarh region maintains this tradition through vibrant geometric patterns and paintings during their Bandna or Sohrai festivals, demonstrating a cultural continuity despite societal evolution. This research underscores the significance of wall painting as both an artistic and cultural practice, bridging ancient cave art traditions with contemporary indigenous expressions.

Soil Heavy Metal Accumulation and Ecological Risk in Mount Wuyi: Impacts of Vegetation Types and Pollution Sources

Mount Wuyi — 2025 — WHEE44A94698C

Soil heavy metal (HM) contamination poses significant ecological risks in Mount Wuyi, a UNESCO biodiversity hotspot and major tea production area. Research reveals that Cr, Cd, and Pb exhibit notable pollution levels, with Cd and Hg presenting the highest ecological hazards. Vegetation types play a crucial role in HM accumulation; cultivated areas and shrublands, such as tea gardens, show higher concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Hg due to agricultural and transportation activities, while bamboo forests demonstrate natural resistance to contamination. Geochemical indices and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) modeling identified four primary pollution sources: urbanization (27.94%), transport–agriculture activities (21.40%), agricultural practices (12.98%), and atmospheric deposition (12.96%). These findings highlight the urgent need for clean energy solutions, phytoremediation strategies, and tea-specific detoxification measures to ensure ecological security and sustainable agriculture in this critical region.

Soil Seed Bank Composition and Diversity in Areas Invaded with Invasive Alien Species in the Lower Montane Forest of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2025 — WHE94F79A65DC

A study on Kilimanjaro National Park reveals that soil seed banks in lower montane forests invaded by alien species are rich in non-woody and a few woody species, with the highest density found in areas dominated by Pinus patula. The research, comparing five sites—four invaded by distinct invasive species (Acacia mearnsii, Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus spp., and P. patula) and one natural forest—used a seedling emergence method to assess seed density across three soil depth classes. Findings indicate that topsoil (1–5 cm) harbors significantly more seeds than deeper layers, while invasive species like A. mearnsii, P. patula, Grevillea robusta, and Poa annua dominate the seed bank. This suggests that forest restoration efforts must consider both persistent soil seed banks and external dispersal mechanisms alongside reforestation techniques.

Some Characteristics of the “j”- Shaped Dialects in Shahrisabz

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz — 2025 — WHEF2AECA7EAD

Research on the 'j'-shaped dialects in Shakhrisyabz reveals notable preservation of linguistic features despite historical shifts. The study compares current dialect characteristics with those documented in prior centuries, highlighting enduring phonetic and morphological traits unique to the region. By analyzing archival data and contemporary speech samples, the research identifies key markers distinguishing Shakhrisyabz's dialect from broader Uzbek linguistic trends. This approach provides insights into the resilience of local dialects amid cultural and demographic changes, contributing to the understanding of linguistic evolution in Central Asia.

Some Issues of Legal Protection of Objects of Historical and Cultural Heritage in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2025 — WHE5180A2C819

Kazakhstan's legal framework for protecting historical and cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the Saryarka steppe, is grounded in a system that recognizes such objects as both real estate and valuable artifacts tied to land. The study identifies three key aspects: their intrinsic link to land, their historical development, and their multifaceted cultural significance spanning archaeology, architecture, and ethnology. Through a large-scale inventory of 11,277 local monuments, the country has established comprehensive legal norms for rational use and protection, reflecting its commitment to preserving heritage as a state priority.

Sounds from the Eocene: the first singing cicada from the Messel Pit, Germany

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2025 — WHE19CD432276

Researchers have uncovered the first fossil evidence of singing cicadas from the Eocene epoch, specifically identifying a new genus and species, Eoplatypleura messelensis, within the tribe Platypleurini. This discovery at the Messel Pit in Germany not only represents one of the earliest known fossil records of crown-group Cicadidae in Eurasia but also the oldest confirmed record of the subfamily Cicadinae globally. The findings significantly enrich our understanding of cicada diversity during the Eocene and provide a crucial calibration point for molecular phylogenetic studies, shedding light on the origins and dispersal patterns of this insect group. Analysis of existing records further suggests that Cicadidae was once widely distributed across Europe during the Cenozoic era.

Source identification of carbohydrates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a rural area near the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2025 — WHE5C7463F407

A study near Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, reveals distinct seasonal variations in airborne organic compounds, with PM 10 concentrations higher in summer despite typical European winter heating practices. Anhydrosugars dominated carbohydrate levels year-round, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) peaked seasonally, with benzo(b)fluoranthene highest in spring and winter. Multi-statistical analyses identified mixed sources in spring—traffic, domestic heating, biomass burning, and biogenic emissions—as well as seasonal shifts in dominance, such as traffic and biogenic sources in autumn and domestic heating in winter. The annual average of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) fell below EU safety thresholds, underscoring regional air quality variations linked to human and natural activities.

Southern Urals Archaeology at the Turn of Millennia, Historical Epochs and Natural Zones (dedicated to V.V. Ovsyannikov's 60th Anniversary)

Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave — 2025 — WHE778415952F

A comprehensive review highlights the significant archaeological contributions of Dr. V.V. Ovsyannikov, Head of the Department for Archaeological Research at the Institute of History, Language and Literature under RAS Ufa Research Center, over four decades. His innovative approach has yielded substantial research results despite limited resources, particularly in the study of the Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave. The review emphasizes his leadership in projects spanning the Early Iron Age to modern times, including the development of Toratau Geopark and surveys in the Southern Transurals mountain steppe. Ovsyannikov's focus on military and armaments of the Urals forest steppe people, as well as his work on Golden Horde monuments, underscores his broad expertise and dedication to archaeological research.

Southernmost Eurasian Record of Reindeer (Rangifer) in MIS 8 at Galería (Atapuerca, Spain): Evidence of Progressive Southern Expansion of Glacial Fauna Across Climatic Cycles

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2025 — WHEB91FAF1DAB

A reindeer (Rangifer) tooth from the Atapuerca site, Spain, provides the southernmost Eurasian record of glacial fauna during Marine Isotope Stage 8 (~300–243 ka), predating previous evidence by ~100,000 years. This discovery challenges assumptions about the timing and intensity of glacial conditions in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting that cold-adapted ecosystems expanded earlier and more extensively than previously believed. The fossil's morphological analysis, alongside archaeological context—including human fossils and lithic artifacts from Units GII and GIII—reveals that early humans coexisted with these species during colder climates. This study advances understanding of biogeographical patterns in Pleistocene glacial fauna and human adaptability across climatic cycles.