World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 29561 – 29580 of 30315 publications

Current Status of Management and Protection of Taxila World Heritage Site, Pakistan

Taxila — 2010 — WHED219083FA9

Taxila, one of Pakistan's six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, faces significant challenges to its preservation and effective management due to urban development and land-use changes. A 2010 study identified critical issues threatening the site by conducting on-site research and observations in March 2010. The findings highlight the urgent need for a new management strategy and policy framework to safeguard Taxila's cultural heritage, drawing from current data to address these pressing concerns.

Cyanobacteria-containing biofilms from a Mayan monument in Palenque, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2010 — WHE3FC974F27B

Biofilms containing cyanobacteria on the walls of El Palacio, a Mayan monument at Palenque, Mexico, exhibit complex three-dimensional structures and seasonal resilience, contributing to both aesthetic and structural damage. These biofilms thrive under alternating wet and dry conditions, highlighting their adaptability and potential for biodegradation or bioprotection of stone substrata. The study employed image analysis to characterize biofilm distribution, species composition, and their interaction with the colonized surfaces, providing insights into the bioreceptivity of the stone. Findings suggest that understanding these microbial dynamics could inform conservation strategies for cultural heritage sites.

Daniel at Sardis

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2010 — WHE3C34062897

Recent archaeological findings at Sardis have revealed fragments of an incised relief depicting Daniel from the Bible, likely created by a local sculptor in the 5th century. The relief, featuring four lions and a standing figure, offers a unique visual representation of Daniel, distinct from known Jewish or Christian comparanda of the period. This discovery sheds light on how religious imagery was perceived and executed outside mainstream late antiquity artistic traditions. The study's approach involved analyzing composition, iconography, and style to contextualize the relief within its immediate working environment.

Das Lorscher Arzneibuch im Widerstreit der Meinungen

Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch — 2010 — WHEAF8D83DBEB

A critical re-evaluation of the Lorscher Arzneibuch, a 9th-century medical manuscript from Lorsch Abbey, challenges its historical significance. Originally hailed as the first German-language medical text and a groundbreaking document reflecting Carolingian health policy, this study disputes claims that it was composed in Lorsch or that it references advanced therapeutic substances like penicillin, glycosides, or hypericin (St John’s wort). The research employs close textual analysis to assess its origins and content, shedding light on the complexities of medieval medical documentation. This work contributes to ongoing debates about early European medical history by rigorously examining primary sources and contextualizing their interpretations.

De Cluny à Castel del Monte: la Renaissance monumentale du XIIe siècle et l’universalisme de l’esthétique antiquisante

Castel del Monte — 2010 — WHEFDD1EC0186

The study reveals that the monumental Renaissance of the 12th century, spanning from the third abbatial church of Cluny to Castel del Monte, extends beyond traditional chronological boundaries, with roots in the 11th century and a brief resurgence in early 13th-century southern Italy. This architectural movement, distinct from earlier or contemporary figurative arts Renaissance, is characterized by its antiquarian aesthetic and structural innovations inspired by late antique models. The research highlights the importance of identifying specific antiquity influences to decipher the intentions behind these monumental structures, offering a nuanced understanding of their universalistic design principles.

De la patrimonialisation du karst libanais : étude du site Unesco de la vallée de la Qadisha, Nord-Liban

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — 2010 — WHEF1C948D5EB

A critical gap in the UNESCO World Heritage inscription of the Qadisha Valley, Lebanon, has been identified: despite its status as one of the country's most significant karst landscapes, geological and spéléological values were marginalized in favor of cultural, historical, and religious significance. Analysis reveals that while the valley's rich history—including its role as a refuge for Maronite hermits since the 5th century and its deep ties to tourism—dominated its 1998 UNESCO listing, systematic spéléological studies highlight substantial untapped geopatrimonial potential. This oversight underscores the need for a more balanced approach in heritage valorization, integrating karst-specific attributes into future conservation strategies.

Dealing with Volcanic Terrains: Conflict, Communication and Consensus Building among Stakeholders of Protected Areas in Iceland and Japan

Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice — 2010 — WHE1BBA7D6EC0

A communicative approach to conflict management can effectively build consensus among stakeholders in protected areas, even across different cultures. This finding emerges from a study comparing stakeholder perspectives in Vatnajökull National Park (Iceland) and Daisetsuzan National Park (Japan). The research employed literature review and surveys to assess opinions on conflict, communication, and consensus-building. Despite cultural differences, the results suggest that open dialogue can foster agreement on management issues, offering a scalable model for protected area governance.

Decolonizing the gaze at Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2010 — WHE8F48D86975

Aboriginal perspectives on Uluru challenge the dominance of Western knowledge production, demonstrating that intercultural interactions can shift tourists' understanding of sacred landscapes. Through interviews and observations, the study reveals how visitors learn to appreciate Aboriginal ways of seeing, thereby decolonizing the gaze at this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Découverte et devenir d’un ouvrage antique aux XIXe et XXe siècles : le Castellum divisiorum de Nîmes

The Maison Carrée of Nîmes — 2010 — WHEB9A93C7EAA

In 1844, the discovery of the Castellum divisorium in Nîmes revealed a critical link between the ancient Roman aqueduct system and the city's water supply, coinciding with urgent modern needs for urban hydration. This monumental find—part of the larger Pont du Gard aqueduct network—was swiftly protected by the service des monuments historiques, ensuring its preservation as shared heritage. However, in the 1960s, plans to relocate the structure threatened its integrity and historical context. The nascent Ministry of Cultural Affairs intervened, preventing demolition and enhancing its visibility while maintaining its educational role in understanding Nîmes' ancient urban layout and infrastructure.

Defining spatial genetic structure and management units for vulnerable koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in the Sydney region, Australia

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2010 — WHED561A9A08B

Research identifies three genetically distinct koala populations in the Greater Blue Mountains Area, Australia, with varying levels of genetic diversity and differentiation. The study found moderate to high genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.141–0.224) among these populations, highlighting the impact of landscape features such as military reserves and urban developments on gene flow. Notably, a population in the Blue Mountains exhibited high genetic diversity comparable to the highest recorded in koala populations, while the Campbelltown population showed signs of recent bottlenecking with reduced effective population size (16–21). The findings underscore the need for tailored management strategies to address demographic separation and potential barriers to gene flow, including the preservation or modification of military reserves to facilitate connectivity between populations.

Defining the ‘Turk’: Mechanisms of Establishing Contemporary Meaning in the Archaizing Language of the Byzantines

Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios — 2010 — WHEB5F9488AF3

Byzantine scholars strategically redefined the term 'Turk' to reflect contemporary political and cultural shifts, demonstrating how archaizing language was adapted to serve evolving identities. This study analyzes textual evidence from the 12th–14th centuries, revealing that Byzantine authors selectively employed classical terminology to distinguish between early Turkic groups (e.g., Seljuk Turks) and later Ottoman forces, aligning with shifting imperial narratives. The research employs close reading of chronicles, legal texts, and epigraphic sources, uncovering a pattern where linguistic archaism was weaponized to legitimize Byzantine authority while marginalizing perceived 'barbarian' others.

Deformation and Fluid-Rock Interaction in the Supra-subduction Mantle: Microstructures and Water Contents in Peridotite Xenoliths from the Avacha Volcano, Kamchatka

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2010 — WHE25908458FA

Research on peridotite xenoliths from the Avacha Volcano, Kamchatka, reveals that the supra-subduction mantle experiences complex interactions between deformation and fluid-rock processes. The study found that olivine in these xenoliths deforms under low deviatoric stress (≤13 MPa) via dislocation creep, with a significant contribution from diffusional processes. Crystal preferred orientations indicate dominant activation of high-temperature, low-stress slip systems in olivine and orthopyroxene. Additionally, the study observed reactive percolation of Si-rich fluids, leading to secondary crystallization of orthopyroxene at the expense of olivine. Low water contents (1–8.6 ppm) in olivine suggest limited solubility and dehydration during exhumation, while variable water contents (25–506 ppm) in orthopyroxene indicate heterogeneous fluid interaction. The findings imply that percolation of Si-rich fluids or hydrous melts enhanced diffusion and lowered deviatoric stresses during ductile deformation without altering the dominant slip direction in olivine.

Degrees of residence of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Ilha Grande Bay, south-eastern Brazil: a preliminary assessment

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2010 — WHE26CDB38EE9

Over half of the Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) studied in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil, exhibited low or no residency, indicating a fluid population structure. Using photo-identification of dorsal fins from 17,969 photographs, researchers cataloged 462 distinct individuals, with an average resight interval of 35 ± 27.4 days. The findings suggest potential links between dolphin presence and local resource availability, such as prey or protected areas. This preliminary assessment highlights the dynamic nature of this coastal dolphin population in southeastern Brazil.

Demicheleite-(I), BiSI, a new mineral from La Fossa Crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2010 — WHE87FDF03059

Researchers have discovered demicheleite-(I), BiSI, a new bismuth sulphoiodide mineral, in the active fumaroles of La Fossa Crater on Vulcano Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands. This is the first naturally occurring bismuth sulphoiodide identified, matching a previously synthesized compound. The mineral appears as dark red to black, acicular crystals up to 0.25 mm long, found alongside other phases like demicheleite-(Br), bismoclite, and bismuthinite. Its orthorhombic crystal structure (space group Pnam) was determined using X-ray diffraction, with a calculated density of 6.411 g/cm³. Chemical analysis revealed an empirical formula close to Bi0.97S1.03(I0.65Br0.25Cl0.10). The discovery highlights the unique mineralogical diversity of volcanic environments and expands the known range of bismuth-based minerals.

Demography and dynamics of mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2010 — WHE7F4AAE7F87

A significant decline of 45% in the mountain nyala population (Tragelaphus buxtoni) was observed in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, between 2003 and 2005, with an annual decrease of 2%-5%. The study attributed this reduction to anthropogenic factors such as competition with livestock for forage, habitat encroachment, and poaching. Population density varied significantly between sub-populations (Dinsho Sanctuary and Gaysay/Adelay), with the Dinsho group being isolated, potentially limiting their access to mates and suitable habitats. The population size was estimated at 830-908 individuals, despite an increase in mean density due to habitat contraction. Demographic parameters remained stable over three years, suggesting that the decline was not due to random variations but likely driven by human activities.

Dendrochronological dating of coal mine workings at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia, Canada

Joggins Fossil Cliffs — 2010 — WHEBABB486AA8

Researchers used dendrochronology to date timber pit props from relic coal mine workings at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, revealing two distinct phases of mining activity between 1849 and 1875. The study identified that most adits (1-9 and 11-12) were part of an initial operation by the General Mining Association, with cut dates ranging from 1849 to 1868, while others (10 and 13-14) likely belonged to a later mine opened by the Joggins Coal Mining Company in 1873-1875. The findings align with archival records and suggest that timber stockpiled from an earlier mine may have been used in the construction of the initial operation. This study enhances our understanding of the industrial archaeology at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and refines the regional red spruce chronology for future dendrochronological studies.

Depositional Environment of Sandy Tidal Flat in Anmyeondo, Western Coast of Korea

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats — 2010 — WHEA01E22A005

Research on the depositional environment of Anmyeondo, a UNESCO-listed tidal flat in Korea, reveals distinct sediment transport patterns across its zones. The study found that supratidal and intertidal flats exhibit mixed bedload and graded suspension transport, characterized by coarse, well-sorted sediments with positive skewness. In contrast, subtidal flats show finer, poorly sorted sediments with negative skewness, transported via graded or uniform suspension. A bimodal distribution in the lower subtidal flat indicates two sediment transport modes. The analysis of 142 surface sediments and 12 transects provided these insights, offering a detailed understanding of tidal flat dynamics in this ecologically significant site.

Der Beton, die Stadt, die Kunst und die Welt. Der Streit um die Pariser UNESCO-Gebäude

Paris, Banks of the Seine — 2010 — WHE34D4DA8136

The UNESCO headquarters in Paris, built in the 1950s, embody complex spatial and material symbolism that reflects the political and social hierarchies of its time. While the architecture aimed to represent a new international order post-WWII, it fell short of initial visions, revealing unspoken assumptions about global governance. This study analyzes the building's design, construction debates, and contemporary critiques to uncover how concrete structures and urban planning encode power dynamics that persist today.

Des letzten Kaisers erste Frau: Konstantin Palaiologos und die Tocco

Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios — 2010 — WHE0C7946F9BE

This study sheds light on the marriage between Constantine Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor, and Catherine I Tocco, revealing its political and dynastic significance. The research employs historical analysis of primary sources, including chronicles and genealogical records, to reconstruct the context and implications of this union. It highlights how the alliance with the Tocco family, a prominent Norman-Italian dynasty, influenced late Byzantine diplomacy and succession politics. The findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between Byzantine imperial dynamics and external influences during the empire's final decades.

Des oueds mythiques aux rivières artificielles : l'hydrographie du Bas-Sahara algérien

M'Zab Valley — 2010 — WHE77EA79CCC9

Recent research challenges the long-standing notion of mythical wadis (Igharghar, Mya, Rhir) in the Bas-Sahara region of Algeria, revealing their non-existence. The study highlights a shift from legendary watercourses to artificial rivers, emphasizing the functional wadis descending from the Saharan Atlas, particularly those with dams, while less is known about those originating from the M'Zab dorsale. Notably, fossil wadis have been identified in the Souf region, upstream of the Grand Erg Oriental. The only perennial rivers are those sustained by oasis drainage and urban rainfall networks, underscoring a significant revision in the understanding of this arid region's hydrography.