World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 601 – 620 of 15962 publications

Integrated evaluation of groundwater irrigation suitability using hydrochemical indices and irrigation water quality index (IWQI) in Aksum, Tigray, Ethiopia

Aksum — 2026 — WHEBFED7A1A57

Groundwater in Aksum, Ethiopia, is generally suitable for irrigation despite some local variations. A comprehensive assessment using hydrochemical indices and the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) revealed that 94.74% of samples showed no restrictions for irrigation purposes, with only 5.26% facing low restrictions due to higher levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and permeability index (PI). Spatial analysis indicated a northeast-southwest decline in water quality, though overall, groundwater remains viable for sustainable agricultural use. This study integrates multiple hydrochemical parameters—including SAR, Na%, RSC, and KI—to provide a nuanced understanding of irrigation suitability, offering critical insights for water resource management and policymaking.

Integrated Remote Sensing and Time Series Analysis for Long-Term Assessment of Vegetation Resilience: Synthesizing Climatic Variables and Land-Use/Land-Cover Trajectories in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHE836E1A9A38

A comprehensive 41-year analysis of Al-Ahsa Oasis reveals that while overall vegetation cover has improved, significant degradation persists in urban and water-dominated areas, accounting for nearly half of the oasis. The study, combining remote sensing data from three Landsat sensors with climatic variables, found no strong interannual climate-vegetation relationships after detrending, indicating long-term trends drive observed changes rather than short-term climate variations. High accuracy in land-use/land-cover trajectory classification underscores robust mapping performance. These findings provide critical insights for sustainable urban planning and agricultural management in this fragile arid ecosystem.

Integrated Valuation of Rwanda's Forest and Wetland Ecosystems for National Planning and Green GDP

Nyungwe National Park — 2026 — WHE94D923689A

Rwanda's forest and wetland ecosystems, particularly Nyungwe National Park, are vital national wealth assets with a total economic value (TEV) dominated by regulating services such as water regulation, carbon storage, and soil erosion control. Nyungwe alone generates annual benefits of approximately 6,484.8 billion RWF from these services, with significant contributions to water regulation (418.2 billion RWF), carbon storage (6,066.3 billion RWF), and soil erosion control (0.3 billion RWF). The study introduces the Rwanda Integrated Valuation Framework (RIVF), combining biophysical modeling and household surveys to estimate protection dividends (PD) and net costs of degradation (NCD), providing actionable metrics for national planning and Green GDP. This approach demonstrates that conserving these ecosystems is not just an environmental priority but a strategic macroeconomic imperative, aligning with Rwanda's Vision 2050.

Integrating geo-spatial analysis and gray relational approach for wildfire susceptibility mapping in Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2026 — WHE302A93098B

In Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, shrubland and grassland are identified as the most vulnerable vegetation types to wildfires, with land cover being the primary driver. A study integrating geo-spatial analysis and gray relational analysis (GRA) revealed that vegetation type, elevation, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) are the key factors influencing wildfire susceptibility, accounting for 20.8%, 18.2%, and 16.1% respectively. The research found that most fire hotspots occur in higher elevations with steep slopes, while fire intensity diminishes with distance from highways and human settlements. Approximately 936.61 km² (39.77%) of the park has low vulnerability, 1411.37 km² (59.93%) moderate, and only 7.02 km² (0.3%) high susceptibility to wildfires. The study underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive fire management strategy to protect the park's ecology from uncontrolled fires.

Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Mount Kenya National Park's Conservation Efforts

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest — 2026 — WHEE3E49B267D

A collaborative approach integrating indigenous knowledge systems of the Kikuyu and Meru communities with modern conservation efforts can significantly enhance the protection of Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest World Heritage Property. This study demonstrates that traditional ecological practices, customs, rituals, and land management techniques can effectively mitigate biodiversity loss, reduce fire risks, and strengthen the resilience of both ecosystems and cultural identities to climate change. By synthesizing existing literature and conducting a comparative analysis, the research highlights the potential for culturally sensitive policies and knowledge exchange between indigenous elders and conservation professionals to foster community participation and improve ecological integrity. Practical recommendations include strengthening local involvement in conservation planning and developing policies that respect indigenous traditions.

Integrating Space Syntax and Emotional Mapping to Assess Visual Pollution in Urban Environments

Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939 — 2026 — WHE8E81A52722

Urban environments with high accessibility and connectivity, such as parks and public spaces, exhibit low visual pollution index (VPI) scores and positive emotional responses, while fragmented areas show high VPI ratings due to visual clutter and poor maintenance. This study reveals a significant link between urban spatial configurations—measured through space syntax analysis—and visual pollution, which negatively impacts aesthetic quality and emotional well-being. By integrating spatial metrics like integration, connectivity, and visibility with emotional mapping, the research provides a genotype-based framework that assesses VPI in modernist neighborhoods, such as Kaunas' Dainava district. The findings underscore the need for targeted urban planning interventions to reduce visual clutter and enhance visual harmony, offering a predictive tool for creating inclusive and legible urban spaces.

Integrating Swin Transformer and UPerNet for high-resolution forest-type mapping in support of ecosystem monitoring

Mount Huangshan — 2026 — WHEF7E9488E16

A novel deep learning framework integrating Swin Transformer and UPerNet achieves high accuracy in fine-scale forest-type mapping, addressing challenges posed by complex mountainous terrain. The model, trained on 2-meter resolution Gaofen-1 imagery from the Dabie Mountains, distinguishes four forest types with a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 83.17% and overall accuracy (OA) of 93.72%, outperforming other state-of-the-art segmentation models. Cross-validation across regions confirms its robustness, with OA values exceeding 83%. This approach offers significant advancements for ecological monitoring, forest resource assessment, and sustainable management in mountainous UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mount Huangshan.

Integrating World Natural Heritage Conservation into the General Planning of China’s Scenic and Historic Areas

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2026 — WHEEC65CC4BCF

A new coordination framework successfully bridges the gap between China's Scenic and Historic Areas (SHAs) general planning and World Natural Heritage (WNH) conservation requirements, enhancing the protection of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The study identifies structural misalignments in current SHA practices—such as underemphasis on OUV attributes, zoning prioritizing aesthetics over ecological integrity, and marginalization of local communities—and proposes a multi-level resource evaluation system, coordinated zoning approach, and community-inclusive strategies. Applied to Wulingyuan, this framework demonstrated practical effectiveness by clarifying conservation priorities, aligning spatial boundaries with WNH management objectives, and integrating OUV interpretation into sustainable tourism and livelihoods. The findings provide an empirical model for China's protected area reform, advancing a value-based coordination approach that harmonizes international conservation standards with domestic landscape traditions.

Integration of artificial intelligence into the restoration of architectural monuments: Methods and prospects

The Historic Centre of Odesa — 2026 — WHE98B442189F

Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly enhances the restoration of architectural heritage, improving expertise, documentation, condition analysis, and decision-making. While AI offers substantial benefits, challenges such as incomplete automation, integration complexity, and the need for human oversight persist. The study highlights that AI applications must adhere to principles like authenticity, accountability, and reliable data use, with Ukrainian legislation currently lacking specific regulations on AI in restoration. Case studies from sites like the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes and Odesa's Historic Centre demonstrate successful AI integration, while Ukrainian practices show readiness for future implementation. The research underscores the potential of comprehensive AI systems for analysis, modeling, and preservation planning, provided they uphold scientific verification and human oversight.

Integration of Biodiversity Conservation with Sustainable Ecotourism in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2026 — WHE0DD77DD06E

A qualitative study identifies six critical themes essential for integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable ecotourism in Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include strengthening governance and enforcement, investing in capacity and infrastructure, promoting genuine community partnerships, prioritizing education and interpretation, ensuring meaningful stakeholder participation, and leveraging digitalization. The research, based on semi-structured interviews with 15 frontline forest and wildlife officers across five sites, provides an evidence-based framework for enhancing the sustainability of Sri Lanka's ecotourism sector while safeguarding its unique biodiversity. The findings underscore that the synergy between conservation and ecotourism is not automatic but must be consciously built through addressing operational challenges and empowering local stakeholders.

Integration of Geographic Information system (GIS) analysis into street renewal criteria: the case study of Diyarbakır Gazi Street

Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHE7711F37DD5

A context-sensitive conservation approach for historical streets, balancing architectural authenticity with contemporary urban needs, is demonstrated through the renewal of Diyarbakır Gazi Street. This study identifies analytical criteria for street rehabilitation that prioritize pedestrian-oriented spatial arrangements while preserving social, cultural, and economic dynamics—key to sustaining living heritage in UNESCO-listed sites like Diyarbakır's Sur district. Methodologically, the research integrates GIS-based spatial assessments with archival analysis and literature reviews, revealing how adaptive design can harmonize historical identity with modern urban functionality.

Integration of Historical and Recent Data for 3D Conceptual Site Modeling and Quantitative Assessment of Contaminant Evolution in the Mantua Lakes, Italy

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2026 — WHE22DA4D5486

A comprehensive analysis of the Mantua Lakes, Italy, reveals significant reductions in sediment contaminants such as cadmium and hydrocarbons over time, with arsenic and chromium showing localized variations. The study integrated historical (2008) and recent (2024–2025) data—totaling over 2000 points—to construct a 3D geological model and estimate contaminant masses. Findings indicate strong bioattenuation in surface waters, mirroring sediment trends. This approach demonstrates the value of combining historical datasets with modern sampling to enhance Conceptual Site Models (CSMs), providing quantitative insights into contaminant dynamics and natural attenuation processes for sustainable site management.

Intelligent route optimization for agricultural heritage tourism using deep reinforcement learning

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2026 — WHE2E5A16FCFE

Deep reinforcement learning significantly enhances route optimization for agricultural heritage tourism, achieving up to 31.6% improvement in sustainability compliance while increasing tourist satisfaction by 18.5% and route efficiency by 23.3% compared to traditional methods like genetic algorithms. The study introduces the Dueling Double Deep Q-Network (D3QN) framework, which integrates multi-objective constraints such as seasonal farming activities, ecological sensitivity, and socio-cultural heritage preservation into dynamic route planning for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Operating in a simulated environment, D3QN demonstrates real-time inference capabilities with low latency (~150ms per route) and adaptability to varying tourist preferences, offering a promising solution for sustainable tourism management in agricultural heritage systems.

Intergenerational Identity Theory: Through the lens of the San Antonio Mission Descendants

San Antonio Missions — 2026 — WHE6C40EB24D5

San Antonio Mission descendants' identity is dynamically shaped by intergenerational memory, inherited stories, and colonial systems, challenging fixed notions of ancestry. Intergenerational Identity Theory, developed from Rudy De la Cruz's framework, reveals that identity emerges through lived experience, survival strategies, and silence, rather than being solely inherited or imposed. This study highlights how descendants navigate narratives of missionization, Mexican and Mexican American identity, and federal recognition while resisting the erasure of Coahuiltecan peoples. Through oral histories and community engagement, it demonstrates that healing, reclamation, and self-definition are ongoing forms of Indigenous survival.

Interplays between nature’s contributions to people, values of nature, and emotions expressed by smallholder farmers in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: insights for inclusive conservation

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2026 — WHE1813C01FE5

Smallholder farmers' relationships with nature in Kilimanjaro National Park reveal three distinct emotional, value-based associations that challenge traditional conservation paradigms. The study identifies a link between unpleasant emotions and material/regulating benefits below the park's border, contrasting with pleasant emotions tied to non-material contributions and relational values (e.g., sense of place) in homegardens. A third pattern connects instrumental and relational values with social cohesion across all farmers. These findings underscore the need for inclusive conservation strategies that recognize diverse human-nature interactions, reduce access restrictions, and expand benefit-sharing mechanisms beyond material gains.

Interpretation of “The Centre of Heaven and Earth” World Heritage Nomination and the Tensions of Cultural Transmutation: From Ancient Cosmology to Contemporary World Heritage Contestation

Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth” — 2026 — WHE41D6E4B036

Mount Songshan, China’s central sacred mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the ancient cosmological concept of 'The Centre of Heaven and Earth.' This study reveals that while the site’s World Heritage nomination reflects this cultural significance, it also highlights tensions arising from its evolving interpretations. The research demonstrates the need for a reinforced indigenous narrative to acknowledge the long-term transmutability of culture and its multiple possibilities. By tracing critiques from ancient cosmology to contemporary contestations, the paper offers insights into localized applications of World Heritage theory, emphasizing the dynamic nature of cultural heritage.

Intersecting heritage and tourism trajectories: territorial dynamics of geoheritage in UNESCO-labeled landscapes

Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice — 2026 — WHE1646F70820

UNESCO-labeled landscapes often see the interplay between geoheritage recognition and tourism development shape territorial dynamics, with outcomes varying based on local actors, institutional frameworks, and contextual factors like volcanic eruptions or economic crises. This study reveals that heritage and resource trajectories can unfold in distinct sequences—tourism preceding heritage designation (e.g., Swiss Alps), heritage leading to tourism (e.g., Vatnajökull National Park), or independent/strongly interdependent dynamics (e.g., M'Goun or Katla UNESCO Global Geoparks). The research highlights that while UNESCO labels may not always guarantee optimal geoconservation, they influence how geoheritage is integrated—or excluded—from protected areas, posing future management challenges. By analyzing case studies across the Swiss Alps, Moroccan Atlas, and southern Iceland, the study underscores the need to systematically examine heritage awareness, value hierarchies, and institutional constraints to mitigate tourism pressures on sensitive geomorphological environments.

Introduction to Maritime Archaeology in the Post-Medieval Nordic Context

Fortress of Suomenlinna — 2026 — WHE012A30AA86

Post-medieval Nordic maritime archaeology reveals intensified sea-human interactions due to technological advancements, globalization, trade, and warfare, with shipwrecks like the Vasa providing unprecedented insights into historical contexts. This study examines submerged heritage, including scuttled ships from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Suomenlinna, Finland, and merchant vessel wrecks that trace early modern trade networks. Multidisciplinary approaches, such as analyzing material culture and maritime graffiti, offer nuanced perspectives on human lives and historical narratives.

Inventory of arthropods (Arthropoda) through standardised protocols in the Teide National Park (Canary Islands, Spain)

Teide National Park — 2026 — WHEF77323113B

A recent inventory of arthropods in Teide National Park, a high-mountain ecosystem with extreme conditions, identified 615 taxa, including 80 new to the site. This update follows the first comprehensive catalogue from 1996 and establishes standardized sampling protocols for future biomonitoring. The study highlights the park's remarkable biodiversity despite its challenging environment.

Investigating dolphin population connectivity in southeast Queensland

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2026 — WHE9A48A7FD17

This study reveals distinct dolphin populations in southeast Queensland, with limited gene flow between the Great Sandy Marine Park and the unprotected Sunshine Coast waters. Using photo-identification and genetic analysis of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis), researchers found no spatial or social connectivity across regions, indicating socially separate populations. Social network analysis showed high gregariousness and clustering within each region, with mixed-species associations also observed. Genetic data confirmed two distinct populations with limited gene flow, though potential connectivity via unsurveyed areas like eastern K'gari cannot be ruled out. The study also identified tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) as primary predators, with higher scarring in S. sahulensis and greater predation risk in the Great Sandy Marine Park. These findings highlight the need for tailored marine park zoning and enhanced protection in currently unprotected waters.