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Showing 3901 – 3920 of 4230 publications

The effects of climate change on people in the Andes: melting glaciers mean drought, tension and conflict for Peru’s mountain people in and around Huascarán National Park

Huascarán National Park — 2012 — WHEDCC6B4DA02

Peru's Cordillera Blanca, home to the indigenous Quechua-speaking people and Huascarán National Park, is experiencing severe societal impacts due to climate change, particularly from melting glaciers. This study highlights that Peruvians face disproportionate consequences compared to other regions, yet there is a scarcity of information on human responses or societal effects in developing mountain areas. The research focuses on the tension and conflict arising from drought conditions caused by glacier retreat, offering insights into the complex interplay between environmental change and community dynamics in vulnerable regions.

The first microbeam synchrotron X-ray fluorescence beamline at the Siam Photon Laboratory

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2012 — WHE2B731C6E24

A groundbreaking microbeam synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (µ-SXRF) beamline at the Siam Photon Laboratory has demonstrated its capability to distinguish elemental distributions on ancient pottery from Ban Chiang. This advancement leverages synchrotron radiation focused to micrometer precision using an X-ray capillary half-lens, enabling non-destructive analysis of cultural heritage materials. The beamline, initially designed for deep X-ray lithography, was adapted for µ-SXRF and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXPD) through strategic modifications, including the installation of a Si(111) crystal and specialized end-stations. Performance testing on Ban Chiang pottery confirmed the technique's ability to resolve elemental surface profiles with high precision, marking a significant leap in archaeological material analysis.

The first record of living “Fossil” species (Laonestes aenigmanus) in Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Quang Binh province, Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2012 — WHE6635470AFB

Researchers confirm the presence of Laonestes aenigmamus, a living 'fossil' species thought extinct since the Miocene, in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. This discovery extends its known range from Hin Nam No National Biodiversity Conservation Area (Lao PDR) to central Vietnam, marking it as the sole surviving member of an ancient rodent family. The study identified four specimens through morphological and skull analysis, proposing the Vietnamese name 'Truong son Rat' (Annamite Rat). Threats include hunting and forest destruction, with urgent conservation action recommended due to its limited distribution and ecological significance.

The Giant Stelae of Aksum in the Light of the 1999 Excavations

Aksum — 2012 — WHEB7779473F3

1999 excavations at Aksum, Ethiopia, revealed the original foundation of Stela 2—later removed to Rome in 1937—enabling its precise re-erection in 2008. The study also challenged long-held assumptions about the design, construction, and destruction of Aksum’s three giant stelae, offering new insights into their historical significance.

The hypogeal necropolis with domus de janas at Birgusa, Corraile – Thiesi (SS)

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas — 2012 — WHE255FB51A1D

The hypogeal necropolis at Birgusa, Corraile (Thiesi, Sardinia) stands out as the largest domus de janas grave complex in its region, featuring eight monumental tombs and a natural cave. These structures, dating back to the 5th–4th millennium BCE during the San Michele Ozieri culture, exhibit architectural consistency with other necropolises in the area while incorporating unique symbolic and monumental elements linked to burial cult practices. The site's strategic location on the Corraile plateau (480 m asl) suggests its significance within a broader settlement context. This study highlights the necropolis's role in understanding Neolithic funerary traditions, burial symbolism, and cultural continuity in central Sardinia.

The LanceletAsymmetron lucayanumComplex in Cocos Island National Park, Pacific Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park — 2012 — WHE48131284C0

Researchers document the first occurrence of the lancelet Asymmetron lucayanum complex in the eastern Pacific, specifically within Cocos Island National Park. This discovery is significant as it expands the known distribution of this circumtropical species, which was previously unrecorded in the region. The study, conducted during a benthic survey, analyzed taxonomically significant characters such as myotome count and gonad placement to confirm the identification. Lancelets were found in subtidal sandy bottoms (5–42 m) with slightly gravelly, poorly sorted sediment. This finding contributes valuable baseline data for understanding marine biodiversity in this remote and ecologically important site.

The making of Jerusalem's ‘Holy Basin’

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2012 — WHE954128FFBC

Jerusalem's 'Holy Basin,' a geographical zone encompassing the historic Old City and containing sites sacred to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, has been significantly shaped by Western conservation practices and Romantic landscape perceptions introduced during the 19th century. This study reveals how these imperialist influences, first implemented by the British, have not only altered Jerusalem's urban fabric but also redefined its historic parts' role in modern planning. While the Holy Basin is now central to contemporary political discussions and conflict narratives, this research focuses on its historical development, highlighting the profound impact of Western conservation practices on the city's understanding and integration.

The Maned Wolves of Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park — 2012 — WHEB44D316226

Maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) exhibit unique territorial behavior and seasonal activity patterns, with home ranges varying from 40–123 km² and strong seasonal variations in land use. GPS-collar data revealed that adult maned wolves travel an average of 14 km/night during dry months and 7 km/night in wet months, with activity being sharply nocturnal in the dry season but partly diurnal in the rainy season. The study also found that females hold territories into which males move to form pairs, while young males emigrate. Young females often stay on natal territories as presumed helpers, acquiring the territory upon the disappearance or death of adult females. Dental disease was identified as a major cause of morbidity, with extreme tooth wear observed by 8 years old. Habitat loss and drought-related resource loss are significant conservation threats to the species in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Bolivia.

The Never-Ending Story? The Lessons of Fifteen Years of Archaeological Monitoring at the Former Island of Schokland

Schokland and Surroundings — 2012 — WHE6952FAD612

Archaeological monitoring over fifteen years at Schokland, now part of the Netherlands' mainland after drainage in the 1940s, has revealed a dynamic landscape shaped by human settlement and environmental change. The study highlights the significance of Mesolithic campsites, Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, and medieval dwelling mounds (terps) within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. By analyzing these layers, researchers uncovered how past communities adapted to shifting environments, including rising water levels that necessitated the construction of terps for habitation. The approach combined extensive field surveys, stratigraphic analysis, and interdisciplinary research to reconstruct Schokland's complex history, offering insights into human resilience and environmental interaction in a rapidly changing landscape.

The New Chronology of Iron Age Gordion

Gordion — 2012 — WHE671C7B80E5

A significant reassessment of Gordion's Iron Age history reveals that the site was destroyed by fire around 800 B.C., not by invasion as previously believed. This challenges long-standing narratives since excavations began in the 1950s, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of the site's decline. The study combines archaeological evidence with chronological analysis to propose this revised timeline, offering new insights into the dynamics of ancient Anatolia.

The Norwegian reform of protected area management: a grand experiment with delegation of authority?

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2012 — WHEFEC55C5B03

Norway's 2009 reform of protected area management, which delegated authority to over 40 local management boards, significantly shifted the balance toward local user interests while likely reducing conflicts. The study examines how this 'grand experiment' in decentralization impacts long-term environmental goals, particularly in threatened areas like Vegaøyan – a UNESCO-listed Cultural Heritage Site with substantial environmental elements. By analyzing governance structures and stakeholder dynamics, researchers found that while local boards prioritize user needs, policy measures are needed to safeguard ecological integrity. The reform's implications for balancing local autonomy with conservation objectives highlight both its potential and challenges in protected area management.

The orientation of Trajan's town of Timgad

Timgad — 2012 — WHED10F1CFC63

A novel application of solar energy equations to archaeoastronomy reveals that Timgad, the Roman town founded by Emperor Trajan, was likely established during the first decade of September. This discovery leverages the sunrise amplitude equation, typically used in solar energy studies, to deduce the orientation of a town's main street based on its day of foundation. The research demonstrates how ancient urban planning may have aligned with celestial events, offering new insights into Roman architectural practices and chronological dating.

The Paradox of Regret: Remembering and Forgetting the History of Slavery in George W. Bush's Gorée Island Address

Island of Gorée — 2012 — WHE6E08016AD2

State actors' ceremonial statements of regret, while seemingly lacking tangible outcomes compared to traditional reconciliation efforts, significantly influence public perceptions of historical justice and democratic virtue. President George W. Bush's 2007 address on Gorée Island serves as a case study revealing the paradoxical nature of such rhetoric—balancing moral remembrance with political pragmatism. The analysis demonstrates how ceremonial lamentations are strategically employed to bolster geopolitical legitimacy, despite their inherent limitations in addressing past wrongs effectively.

The Red City: Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco

Medina of Marrakesh — 2012 — WHE4625CAF877

Marrakesh, known as the 'Red City,' stands out as one of Morocco's most significant historic medinas, encompassing 640 hectares with its ramparts, gates, monuments, gardens, markets, and a thriving craft industry. It serves as a cultural hub, particularly through Jamaâ El Fna square, which acts as an interface between the Medina and the broader urban area, fostering integration among diverse populations. The study highlights the Medina's demographic importance, housing 17.17% of Marrakesh's population (182,637 inhabitants) and representing a quarter of Morocco's old city dwellers. This research underscores the Medina's role in preserving heritage while mediating cultural exchange, contributing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The relocation of the village of Arkwasiye in the Simien Mountain National Park in Ethiopia: an intervention towards sustainable development?

Simien National Park — 2012 — WHE8756ACFE6D

Relocation of the village Arkwasiye to Kayit in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park, intended as part of conservation efforts by UNESCO, led to mixed outcomes. While villagers reported satisfaction with new infrastructures and services, the move resulted in significant economic drawbacks, including loss of earning opportunities and increased grazing pressures—contradicting the intervention's goals. The study highlights that relocation for conservation must be closely monitored and accompanied by tailored strategies to ensure sustainable development. It offers five recommendations based on these findings.

The role of cult and feasting in the emergence of Neolithic communities. New evidence from Göbekli Tepe, south-eastern Turkey

Göbekli Tepe — 2012 — WHEC8F76A5039

Göbekli Tepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries, challenges the conventional timeline for the emergence of monumental architecture by predating the advent of agriculture. New evidence suggests that hunter-gatherer communities congregated at this site during the dawn of the Neolithic era, engaging in social and ideological cohesion through the carving of decorated pillars, communal feasting, and likely the consumption of fermented beverages such as beer. This research, based on ongoing excavations, offers a fresh perspective on the role of cultic practices and large-scale gatherings in shaping early human societies, providing insight into the cultural and ritualistic behaviors that may have laid the groundwork for complex Neolithic communities.

The role of intangible assets in the conservation of Bam and its cultural landscape as a World Heritage site

Bam and its Cultural Landscape — 2012 — WHE66EC49F13C

Bam's Citadel, the world's largest mud-brick structure, retains its authenticity and integrity even after surviving a devastating 2003 earthquake, contributing significantly to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its tangible architecture, Bam's intangible heritage—such as the legend of Haftvad, Silk Road connections, and rituals tied to Imam Zaman and Ashura—plays a crucial role in its cultural significance. While traditional conservation focuses on pragmatic restoration of physical structures, preserving intangible elements requires more nuanced approaches. This study highlights the interplay between Bam's architectural heritage and its intangible assets, emphasizing the need for sophisticated methods to safeguard both aspects to fully appreciate the site's cultural importance.

The scenic rim of southeastern Queensland, Australia: A history of mid Cenozoic intraplate volcanism

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2012 — WHEE08603EB3A

A study of the Scenic Rim in southeastern Queensland, Australia, reveals a detailed history of mid Cenozoic intraplate volcanism linked to significant changes in the Australian plate's velocity. The research indicates that a major slowdown in plate movement began around 26 million years ago and lasted until 23 million years ago, coinciding with the collision of the Ontong Java plateau with the northern subduction margin of the Australian plate. Trace element and isotopic analyses show minimal contamination for most volcanic units, except rhyolites formed during the slow plate velocity period. The study also highlights the presence of highly evolved rocks, such as comendites, with extreme concentrations of incompatible elements, and provides insights into the melting and mixing processes in the upper mantle and lower crust. The region's diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats, including parts of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests, offer excellent exposures of subsurface magmatic architecture.

The search for World Heritage brand awareness beyond the iconic heritage: a case study of the Historic Centre of Macao

Historic Centre of Macao — 2012 — WHE99A0696FB7

A study on the Historic Centre of Macao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS), reveals that while visitors show strong interest in cultural heritage and iconic landmarks like St Paul's Ruins, awareness of the WHS designation itself is minimal. Despite promotional efforts by UNESCO and tourism industries, the 'WHS brand' fails to resonate with tourists, suggesting that its economic and cultural value may be underutilized. Researchers employed intercept surveys and participant observation to assess visitor perceptions, finding that cultural themes drive engagement more effectively than the WHS label alone.

The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2012 — WHEEBDD111380

The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project has revealed significant previously unknown features surrounding the iconic Stonehenge monument, challenging the notion of its 'blank' landscape. Using advanced ground-based geophysical techniques, researchers mapped and visualized landscape-scale data within a three-dimensional data cube, uncovering ritual elements and symbolic structures that provide new insights into the site's development over time. This approach shifts focus from studying Stonehenge itself to examining its broader environmental context, offering a more comprehensive understanding of its cultural significance.