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Showing 3201 – 3220 of 15962 publications

The role of paradiplomacy for cultural heritage preservation: The cosmological axis of yogyakarta

The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks — 2025 — WHEFC0D68DA87

Subnational paradiplomacy can effectively secure global recognition for cultural heritage while maintaining local sovereignty, as demonstrated by the successful UNESCO inscription of Yogyakarta's Cosmological Axis. This study reveals how the Yogyakarta provincial government and cultural institutions leveraged international networks, legal frameworks, and strategic negotiations to translate Javanese cosmology into a globally legible heritage framework—despite lacking formal diplomatic authority. Using qualitative methods such as field observations and in-depth interviews, researchers analyzed how these subnational actors aligned local planning with UNESCO criteria, introducing multi-layered governance dynamics. The findings highlight the agency and constraints of paradiplomacy, including its mixed impacts on governance structures, spatial planning, and community benefits, advancing debates on cultural heritage preservation in the Global South.

The Role of Participatory Tourism in Managing Abu Mena Archaeological Site in Mariout (Community Protection of Heritage): An Analytical Field Study

Abu Mena — 2025 — WHE27DDD6728F

Participatory tourism emerges as a successful strategy for the conservation and management of Abu Mena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was previously listed as 'in danger' due to administrative and environmental challenges. This study demonstrates how active involvement of local communities, authorities, and tourists can restore the site's significance while balancing development needs with cultural preservation. By employing creative and practical approaches, participatory tourism fosters reciprocal benefits, enhancing sustainability and global recognition. The research highlights its potential as a model for other heritage sites facing similar threats.

The Role of Psychological-Physical-Physiological Factors in Decision-Making Behavior in Disasters: Insights from an Experimental Study in Gulangyu

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2025 — WHE85909D0A61

A novel quantitative approach reveals that the proportion of sky elements and interactions among plant-building, building-sky, building-other, sky-sign, and sky-road elements significantly influence risk decision-making behavior (RDMB) in disaster scenarios. Video-based simulations effectively immerse participants, while eye-tracking technology demonstrates that buildings and signs attract the most visual attention, increasing environmental complexity. This study highlights the impact of streetscape features on RDMB, offering a human-centered perspective to enhance resilience and emergency response strategies in heritage tourism destinations like Gulangyu.

The role of social mechanisms in local ecological knowledge ( LEK ) for biodiversity conservation in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2025 — WHEB9996437B0

Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, has been pivotal in biodiversity conservation, with its effectiveness demonstrated by the park's removal from UNESCO's endangered sites list in 1996. This study reveals that local taboos and worldviews, embedded within LEK, facilitate sustainable conservation practices despite the imposition of Western-oriented strategies by international agencies. The research, conducted through qualitative methods including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, highlights the need for integrating LEK-based approaches into park management to ensure long-term sustainability and avoid conflicts. By leveraging local social mechanisms, this study underscores a successful model for biodiversity conservation that harmonizes traditional practices with modern conservation ethics.

The Role of Stone Materials, Environmental Factors, and Management Practices in Vascular Plant-Induced Deterioration: Case Studies from Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and Velia Archaeological Parks (Italy)

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2025 — WHE07DAA43C30

Vascular plant-induced biodeterioration significantly varies across Italian archaeological sites, with substrate type playing a crucial role in determining the hazard index (HI) while exposure has minimal impact. The study identified 117 species across Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and Velia, revealing distinct ecological patterns: Pompeii's urban setting fosters cosmopolitan and widely distributed taxa due to high anthropogenic disturbance, whereas Paestum and Herculaneum exhibit dominance of Mediterranean species under more stable conditions. These findings underscore the need for site-specific conservation strategies that account for substrate properties, vegetation impact, and human activity to mitigate biodeterioration risks effectively.

The role of the community in the development of tourism in Azerbaijan: the example of Sheki and Zagatala regions

Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace — 2025 — WHE6EA640CC70

Local communities play a pivotal role in shaping tourism development, significantly influencing its growth and sustainability. A study focusing on Azerbaijan's Sheki and Zagatala regions revealed that the engagement of local populations—through services like rural guesthouses—directly impacts tourist experiences and regional tourism prospects. While Sheki, closer to the capital, benefits from higher tourist numbers, Zagatala, with its natural beauty, faces challenges in leveraging its potential. The research, involving 21 community representatives, identified key issues in hospitality services and proposed solutions to enhance quality. Comparatively analyzing community attitudes and expectations in both regions, the study underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration—including local entrepreneurs, governments, and residents—in fostering sustainable tourism development.

The Roman Water Management of Arles as Read in Aqueduct Carbonate Archives

Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments — 2025 — WHE751B6B7EA6

Anthropogenic carbonate deposits within the Roman aqueduct of Arles reveal a dynamic history of water management, including changes in water source provenance and structural modifications. The study identifies that the aqueduct initially relied on water from the Caparon tributary, which was later diverted to power mills at Barbegal. Subsequently, the Eygalières branch became the primary water source, transforming the basin into a distribution structure. Stable isotope analysis of carbonate incrustations also indicates a significant cleaning effort in the early fourth century. This research demonstrates that carbonate archives can provide critical insights into the evolution and functionality of ancient aqueduct systems.

The Sacred Theater in Goguryeo Tomb Murals: Myth, Belief, and the Pictorial Performance of Political Authority

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2025 — WHEC3078DD113

Goguryeo tomb murals, particularly those in Tomb No. 4 of the Wukui complex, function as a 'sacred theater' that visually legitimized royal authority through mythological and symbolic reconfigurations. The study reveals how these murals adapted Central Plains sun-deity worship with Goguryeo's ancestral mythology, using imagery like the sun-centered Three-Legged Crow to reinforce sacred lineage. Over time, mural themes evolved from 4th-century scenes of wrestling and banqueting—symbolizing ethnic identity and tribal alliances—to 5th-century depictions of hunting, processions, and Buddhist rituals, reflecting the rise of a centralized bureaucratic system. Through mechanisms like symbolic reconfiguration, spatial narrative, and sensory manipulation, the murals constructed a closed value system linking worldly authority to posthumous order, serving as material testimony to the covenant between humans and deities.

The Seismic Background Noise Monitoring and Intelligent Prediction of the Cave Temple Cultural Heritage—A Case Study of Yungang Grottoes

Yungang Grottoes — 2025 — WHEA6D594C270

A high-precision seismic prediction model for cave temples achieves a remarkable fit of 0.99 for environmental vibrations, offering critical technical support for the monitoring and preventive conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Yungang Grottoes. The TLSA-SO prediction network model, validated using data from Datong's Yungang Grottoes, provides fundamental data to assess seismic risks, develop resistance standards, and create emergency response plans. This study addresses urgent practical and academic needs by addressing the lack of comprehensive cave-earthquake-monitoring systems, which leave such fragile structures vulnerable to irreversible damage.

The shape of (Point) Clouds

Aachen Cathedral — 2025 — WHECCCB3A018F

Point clouds generated by 3D capturing technologies such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Structure from Motion (SfM) represent a paradigm shift in the surveying of built heritage, moving beyond traditional subjective interpretations to a more objective yet still cognitive process. Research on sites like Aachen Cathedral reveals that while data acquisition aligns with scientific rigor, interpretation remains an authorial act. Digital infrastructures and HBIM frameworks enable new readings of historical architecture, positioning point clouds as both autonomous sources and representational forms that preserve spatial and material memory. This study underscores the epistemic significance of point clouds as a digital palimpsest where knowledge and interpretation converge.

The Short-Term Rentals and Gentrification: The Case of Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2025 — WHE5A6F0D4FE5

Short-term rentals (STRs), particularly those facilitated by Airbnb, significantly intensify gentrification in historic urban areas. A study focusing on Beyoğlu, Istanbul, reveals that STRs drive up property values and contribute to the 'Airbnbification' of housing, particularly in Galata, reducing long-term rental options and displacing local residents. This phenomenon is exacerbated by weak or non-existent regulations, allowing STR platforms to reshape housing markets without conventional constraints. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from Airbnb listings with qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to balance housing affordability, historical preservation, and social equity in gentrifying districts.

The Sigiriya Murals of Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Art Historical Analysis

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2025 — WHE63B8D49EC8

The Sigiriya murals, dating back to the 5th century CE, showcase advanced fresco painting techniques and artistic innovation in ancient Sri Lanka. A comprehensive analysis reveals that these murals, particularly those depicting celestial maidens, blend South Asian artistic influences with indigenous creativity. The study employs interdisciplinary methods—art historical, archaeological, and anthropological—to examine stylistic attributes, thematic content, and socio-political contexts, while also scrutinizing the materials, pigments, and techniques used. This research underscores the sophistication of ancient Sri Lankan artistry and its unique contributions to global rock art traditions.

The Social Dimension in Managing Archaeological World Heritage Sites in Talayotic Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

Talayotic Menorca — 2025 — WHE3DE564D306

A new approach to heritage management for Talayotic Menorca, recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlights the critical role of social dimensions and public perception in shaping conservation strategies. The study focuses on two emblematic sites—Naveta des Tudons and Torre d’en Galmés—revealing how stakeholder engagement can enhance sustainability and inclusivity in heritage governance. By analyzing local perceptions and experiences, researchers demonstrate that integrating social sustainability criteria into management plans can better align with cultural, environmental, and tourism-related policies. This work provides a framework for more participatory models of heritage conservation, offering practical insights for balancing preservation with community needs.

The social impacts of protected areas on local communities

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHEC48E3EA718

Governance structures in protected areas significantly influence social impacts on local communities, shaping land use policies, economic opportunities, and power dynamics. A study of the Wulingyuan World Heritage Site and the Giant Panda National Park reveals that while tourism-driven economic growth is promoted, it often fails to improve community well-being due to inequitable benefit-sharing or restrictive management policies. Local concerns about fairness, empowerment, and livelihoods persist, particularly with strict housing regulations and land acquisition actions. Additionally, the loss of cultural identity and intergenerational knowledge transfer in communities surrounding these areas has been overlooked, further complicating conservation efforts. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating policy analysis, surveys, and interviews, to highlight the need for fair and inclusive governance, effective community participation, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms to balance ecological conservation with community well-being.

The Solovetsky Islands are a subpolar Klondike for botanists

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2025 — WHE3187DCA121

Research on the Solovetsky Islands, conducted over seven field seasons, has expanded the known flora of the subpolar archipelago by nine species and identified new locations for three rare plants listed in the Arkhangelsk Region's Red Data Book. The study highlights the islands' unique botanical diversity, positioning them as a significant 'Klondike' for botanists. It also provides historical context on the development of plant nurseries, including the Gorka Botanical Garden, and argues for reclassifying the Solovetsky Archipelago from a complex nature reserve to a national park. This shift would better support regional tourism while preserving its distinct natural complexes.

The spirit of St Cuthbert and the spirit of place: Durham Cathedral in Benjamin Myers's Cuddy

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2025 — WHE66A5DB38E7

Benjamin Myers's novel Cuddy explores the enduring influence of St. Cuthbert, a revered Anglo-Saxon saint, on Durham Cathedral and its surroundings, illustrating how his legacy shapes both the material and immaterial heritage of the site. The narrative, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present, employs diverse voices and styles to highlight Cuthbert's dual role as a genuine and metaphorical 'spirit of place.' This concept, rooted in ancient Roman beliefs, blends geographical and human contributions to define a location's unique identity. The study argues that Myers's work preserves traces of supernatural meaning while secularizing the ancient notion, emphasizing the interdependence between tangible structures like the cathedral and intangible cultural elements tied to Cuthbert's legacy.

The Spiritual Value of Tasmanian Wilderness

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2025 — WHEDF5CA54727

A significant majority of Australian hikers, including those who are nonreligious, perceive the Tasmanian Wilderness as having profound spiritual value. This finding emerges from a survey of 1,101 participants, where 76% overall and 72% of nonreligious individuals agreed or strongly agreed with this sentiment. The study employs a 'meaning systems' approach to explore how immersion in nature fulfills existential functions typically associated with religion, revealing that hikers experience spiritual value through subjective wellbeing, a sense of belonging, and orientation in a meaningful cosmos—often describing nature as a powerful 'other.' While spiritual experiences are frequently framed as transcendent, this research highlights a more grounded, place-based spirituality. The study underscores the enduring relevance of spirituality in secular societies, even beyond organized religion.

The Stone-cutting Tradition of Saryarka and the Cultural Continuity of Stone Sculptures

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2025 — WHE1D9AC02C06

A detailed analysis of Early Iron Age stone sculptures from the Saryarka region reveals a continuous artistic tradition spanning from the Late Bronze Age to the Kipchak period. Radiocarbon and typological studies date these sculptures, characterized by simplicity and symbolic precision—such as the 'topknot' (aidar)—to the 8th–5th centuries BCE. Two main groups were identified: those linked to funerary monuments and those used in rituals, highlighting their multifaceted cultural significance. This research underscores stone carving as an indigenous cultural trend within the Tasmola horizon, reflecting early societal structures, religious beliefs, and artistic ideals.

The Story Beneath the Canopy: an Airborne Lidar Survey Over Angkor, Phnom Kulen and Koh Ker, Northwestern Cambodia

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2025 — WHEE673E98C7C

An airborne lidar survey over Angkor, Phnom Kulen, and Koh Ker in northwestern Cambodia has revealed that Angkor is likely the largest pre-industrial low-density urban complex ever documented. This groundbreaking discovery was made possible by advanced laser scanning technology, which penetrated dense vegetation to uncover hidden archaeological structures obscured from conventional remote sensing methods. The survey, conducted as part of the Greater Angkor Project, not only sheds new light on the extent and layout of Angkor but also sets a precedent for studying similar low-density urban environments in tropical forests worldwide.

The Structure and Operation of the Tourism Management of the UNESCO World Heritage Tokaj Wine Region in Hungary, with a Particular Focus on Wine and Health

Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHEE810EDC123

The Tokaj Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, demonstrates innovative tourism management that effectively integrates wine culture and health, setting a benchmark for sustainable development. This study highlights how the region's tourism infrastructure—encompassing attractions, restaurants, accommodation, and advanced management systems—operates under strategic coordination by a destination management organization and labor union. The research employs literature review and in-depth interviews to analyze both domestic and international best practices, revealing that the implementation of programs like 'Essencia főtér' has elevated Tokaj into a new dimension of tourism excellence. This model emphasizes innovative, health-focused tourism while addressing operative and strategic elements, offering valuable insights for other heritage sites.