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Showing 841 – 860 of 15962 publications

Pengaruh Aksesibilitas terhadap Keputusan Kunjungan di Museum Sangiran

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2026 — WHE6712DC18B6

A study reveals that improved accessibility at the Sangiran Early Man Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and educational tourism destination in Indonesia, significantly boosts tourist visit decisions. The research, conducted with 100 visitors using quantitative methods including simple linear regression analysis, found a positive effect of 0.189, statistically significant (p=0.015), indicating that better accessibility directly correlates with higher visitor interest. This insight highlights the critical role of accessibility in enhancing cultural tourism experiences at heritage sites.

Perceções sobre Biodiversidade e Conservação da Floresta Laurissilva da Ilha da Madeira: Culturas Locais e Implicações para a Educação Ambiental

Laurisilva of Madeira — 2026 — WHE5C8E7D81B1

Local communities in Madeira Island exhibit a strong positive relationship with the Laurisilva Forest, rooted in traditional knowledge and intergenerational practices. This study reveals that while there is widespread appreciation for biodiversity conservation, conflicts arise between preservation efforts and socioeconomic development needs. Through semi-structured interviews and content analysis, researchers identified key cultural perceptions and concerns, underscoring the importance of community involvement in crafting contextually relevant conservation strategies. The findings highlight the need to balance ecological protection with local economic interests, offering insights that could enhance environmental education and management practices.

Performance-based fire safety assessment of UNESCO heritage structures: CFD simulation of Gothic timber carpentry in Our-Lady Cathedral of Tournai, Belgium

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai — 2026 — WHEA782E47745

A performance-based fire safety assessment of the Gothic timber carpentry in Notre-Dame Cathedral, Tournai, reveals that electrical fires can rapidly lead to flashover if unchecked. The study, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, found that natural ventilation through windows mitigates heat buildup but is less effective than compartmenting electrical cabinets to limit fire and smoke propagation. This approach balances modern safety needs with the preservation of UNESCO heritage structures, offering actionable recommendations for similar sites while adhering to the Venice Charter's guidelines on interventions.

Pergamon Antik Kenti Ziyaretçi Deneyimlerini Üzerine Bir Araştırma

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHEBF8A1B2703

Pergamon Antik Kenti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bergama, Izmir, stands out as a significant cultural and tourist destination due to its rich multi-layered history spanning Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. A study analyzing 334 visitor reviews from TripAdvisor revealed that the site offers an impactful experience through its historical richness and scenic beauty, underscoring its importance in tourism. The research, employing MAXQDA for qualitative data analysis, identified themes of positive and negative experiences while avoiding bias, providing a comprehensive framework to understand visitor perceptions and expectations.

Perilimnastes dongchauensis C. H. Nguyen, D. V. Nam & C. W. Lin 2026, sp. nov.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2026 — WHE8664724D57

A new species of plant, Perilimnastes dongchauensis, has been discovered in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park, Vietnam. This lithophytic shrublet, characterized by its setose stems, adaxial surface, hypanthia, and notably large petals measuring 20 × 18 mm, differs significantly from its closest relative, P. suberalata, in several key morphological traits. The discovery was made through field surveys conducted in primary and old secondary evergreen broad-leaved forests at elevations ranging from 100 to 750 meters above sea level. Perilimnastes dongchauensis is locally common along streams and stream valley slopes with humus-rich soil, flowering from June to November and fruiting from July to December. Preliminary assessment suggests that the species is of least concern (LC) according to IUCN Red List criteria, as it thrives in both secondary and primary forests within protected areas.

Perpetua in the Amphitheater: Spatial Power, Colonial Archaeology, and Christian History

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2026 — WHE09258E5709

Research reveals that the association of Saint Perpetua's martyrdom with Carthage's civic amphitheater, long considered definitive, lacks strong textual and archaeological support. Analysis of Latin and Greek Passion narratives, Acts, and later martyrologies shows the execution site was contested among three locations: Carthage’s municipal amphitheater, a military amphitheater in Carthage, or Thuburbo Minus’ amphitheater. This ambiguity persisted across late antiquity, the medieval period, and modernity. The study argues that early 20th-century French colonial Christian archaeologists, notably Alfred-Louis Delattre, deliberately linked Perpetua’s story to the civic amphitheater to bolster colonial Christian narratives, constructing a chapel beneath it for symbolic purposes. This finding underscores how spatial narratives in heritage sites can reflect and perpetuate colonial ideologies, challenging long-standing assumptions about ancient history.

Petrographic and geochemical characterization of Eocene limestones from Thugga / Dougga (Tunisia): Implications for the provenance of stones used in construction and sculpture in the ancient town

Dougga / Thugga — 2026 — WHE96954B2736

A new study reveals that the ancient town of Dougga, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, primarily sourced its construction and sculptural stones from local quarries within 1 km. Through detailed petrographic and geochemical analysis, researchers identified ten distinct limestone lithofacies tied to five stratigraphic units, enabling precise correlation with archaeological artifacts spanning the Punic-Numidian to Roman Imperial periods (3rd century BCE–CE). The findings indicate strategic material selection based on durability, carving ease, and function—soft limestones for smaller structures, robust nummulitic facies for monumental architecture, and fine-grained stones for intricate sculptures. Quarrying practices evolved over time, with systematic exploitation of specific facies during the Roman period, particularly for columns and large ashlar blocks. This study underscores the significance of local resource utilization and changing quarrying techniques in ancient construction.

Petrographic, petrophysical and engineering geological properties of stone materials employed in the Late Baroque of Val di Noto UNESCO Heritage sites (Sicily, Italy)

Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily) — 2026 — WHEE7613B8ECB

A comprehensive analysis of the petrographic, petrophysical, and engineering geological properties of stone materials used in the Late Baroque Towns of Val di Noto reveals a unique relationship between local geology and architectural innovation. The study identifies two primary lithotypes—Hyblean limestones (sedimentary) and Etnean lavas (magmatic)—whose distinct characteristics contribute to the towns' bichromy, a hallmark of their post-1693 earthquake reconstruction. Findings highlight how these stones, exposed to atmospheric agents like rain, freeze-thaw cycles, and saline crystallization, undergo weathering processes that threaten their durability. The research provides critical insights into the petrophysical behavior—including porosity, seismic resistance, and deterioration patterns—of these materials, offering a foundational tool for conserving and restoring this UNESCO-listed heritage. Published in Boletín Geológico Y Minero, this work bridges geological science and cultural preservation, emphasizing the importance of material properties in sustaining architectural integrity.

Phát Huy Các Giá Trị Văn Hóa Gắn với Phát Triển Kinh Tế, Bảo Đảm An Sinh Xã Hội - Nghiên Cứu Trường Hợp Các Di Sản Thế Giới ở Việt Nam

Trang An Landscape Complex — 2026 — WHE4C6B55477F

UNESCO World Heritage recognition significantly boosts economic growth and social security for local communities, as demonstrated by case studies from Vietnam. Post-inscription, tourist arrivals and service revenues exhibit exponential growth, creating substantial direct and indirect job opportunities while transitioning economies from traditional sectors like agriculture and fishing to tourism services. Heritage development also drives infrastructure upgrades and sustainable cultural preservation efforts, with community-based management emerging as a key strategy to balance conservation with modern adaptation. Challenges such as tourism carrying capacity and pollution risks are noted but do not overshadow the overall positive impact.

Phát triển du lịch dựa vào thiên nhiên tại vườn quốc gia Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2026 — WHECBCEB4384C

Nature-based tourism in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and cultural significance, has been identified as a sustainable pathway for economic growth while preserving ecological integrity. A study analyzing survey data from 105 visitors through linear regression revealed that enhancing tourism promotion, upgrading infrastructure to align with ecological standards, and improving local human resource quality are critical factors for sustainable development in the region. These findings underscore the potential of nature-based tourism to balance conservation efforts with economic benefits, offering a model for similar protected areas globally.

Photographic Narratives of Modern Public Housing in Venezuela Across Two Moments

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas — 2026 — WHE58D3D3695E

Two iconic public housing complexes in Caracas, Venezuela—Unidad de Habitación Cerro Grande and Comunidad 23 de Enero—offer a stark contrast between the propagandistic modernist image promoted under Marcos Pérez Jiménez’s dictatorship and their current state of deterioration. A comparative analysis of photographs from their construction era (1950s) and today reveals budgetary constraints, rushed deadlines, and architectural concessions that shaped their design. Despite these challenges, the complexes retain enduring formal and spatial qualities, sustaining everyday life in Caracas. This study leverages a photographic archive to dissect the interplay between political narratives, architectural principles, and urban resilience.

Pierwszy „Wielki Kraków” – proces „pęknięcia” murów obronnych Krakowa 1791–1802

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2026 — WHE0945D24723

The year 1802 marked a pivotal shift in Kraków's spatial development, effectively 'splitting' the city's medieval boundaries and expanding its territory. This transformation, driven by the dismantling of defensive walls, incorporated pre-town areas like Groble and Nowy Świat while integrating older settlements such as Kazimierz and Kleparz with mixed reactions. The study highlights how this expansion, though politically constrained in some directions, set the trajectory for Kraków's growth along the Prądnik axis until the mid-19th century. It also notes the contrasting attitudes of western suburbs (e.g., Czarna Wieś) compared to eastern ones (Grzegórzki), and underscores the enduring centrality of the Old Town in Kraków's identity. The research relies on historical, architectural, and urban planning analyses, emphasizing the significance of 1802 as a turning point comparable only to the 1257 Great Location.

Pilgrim Badge

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain — 2026 — WHE2BC831ACE6

A humble yet enduring symbol of medieval pilgrimage, the lead-cast scallop badge attributed to Saint Jacob, has been preserved in one of the world's most prestigious collections. This 15th-century French artifact, measuring just 2.1 x 1.4 cm, exemplifies the simplicity and affordability of tokens used by pilgrims on their journey to Santiago de Compostela—a tradition that continues today. The badge, displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York as part of its Met Cloisters collection, underscores the cultural significance of these objects, which could be worn around the neck or sewn onto clothing. Its survival in such a renowned institution highlights both the historical importance and the enduring legacy of medieval pilgrimage symbols.

Pilgrimage as a Regional Socio-Economic Driver: Case Study of Sarria, Km 0 of the Camino de Santiago

Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France — 2026 — WHE54AE05632A

Pilgrimage tourism, traditionally undervalued for its socio-economic potential, can serve as a powerful driver for regional development when strategically leveraged. A case study of Sarria, the starting point ('Km 0') of the French Way on the Camino de Santiago, demonstrates this untapped potential. By analyzing qualitative and quantitative data—including surveys, interviews, and mystery shopper audits—Sarria emerges as a model for micro-planning in tourism development. Its strategic location, cultural heritage, and role in issuing Compostela certificates position it to attract diverse tourist groups and extend pilgrim stays, offering practical insights for municipalities seeking to capitalize on pilgrimage routes. A SWOT analysis and proposed municipal actions further highlight the transformative impact of integrating pilgrimage into broader tourism strategies.

Place oriented human settlement value assessment in the world heritage Trang An landscape complex

Trang An Landscape Complex — 2026 — WHEA8E4C13A45

The Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam, holds an estimated human settlement value of 95.04 billion USD, significantly influenced by its heritage status and proximity to cultural and natural landmarks. This study reveals that properties near these landmarks command higher values, underscoring the economic benefits of heritage preservation for local economies. Using advanced spatial analysis techniques such as Geographically Weighted Regression and Monte Carlo simulation, alongside a place-oriented hedonic price model, researchers analyzed data from 307 households to assess how structural attributes, location, human perceptions, and mobility factors shape settlement values. Key findings highlight the importance of community cohesion, education quality, and environmental health in residents' appreciation of cultural and natural assets, advocating for inclusive heritage management policies that foster resilience and long-term value preservation.

Place, Identity and Wellbeing: Bradford and Beyond

Saltaire — 2026 — WHE5A9472C0C9

Research demonstrates that digital heritage tools, combined with arts-based methods, significantly enhance community wellbeing, resilience, and identity formation. The study highlights how 3D reconstructions of heritage sites, such as those developed through the Fragmented Heritage project, facilitate the preservation and reinterpretation of intangible cultural heritage, particularly in post-disaster or conflict scenarios. Creative workshops, including those involving school learners, reveal deepened connections to place, routes, and narratives, with applications extending globally—such as in Tanzania's Bagamoyo Festival and Jordan's BReaTHe festivals. Additionally, the integration of funerary archaeology with creative methods normalizes discussions around death and loss, fostering resilience across diverse audiences, from health professionals to young people. These approaches collectively enrich social cohesion and wellbeing by valuing origins and intangible heritage, offering scalable models for heritage-led community development.

Planning for the Development and Rehabilitation of the Sustainable Degraded Khmer Stone Sanctuary Site in Lao PDR Case Study: Archaeological Site “Tomo” Pathoumphone District, Champasak Province

Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHE9183DF53EA

A sustainable development model for the Oup Moung (Wat Tomo) archaeological site, a degraded Khmer stone sanctuary in Lao PDR, reveals that elevating it into a local museum with Anastylosis restoration can preserve its historical and cultural value while promoting heritage awareness. The study, employing mixed-methods surveys of local communities and stakeholders, identifies the site's unique 'Hin Nam Nor' architecture and Pre-Angkorian artifacts as key assets. It proposes a balanced approach to conservation and cultural tourism, controlling facility construction to maintain environmental harmony and prioritizing education to foster community income without compromising original cultural values. This research provides critical guidelines for government agencies in formulating management policies and strategic budget allocations.

Plant diversity of the Lut Desert natural world heritage site: the hottest place on earth

Lut Desert — 2026 — WHE435A7F5395

Contrary to its harsh reputation, the Lut Desert—UNESCO's first Natural World Heritage Site in Iran and one of Earth's hottest places—hosts significant plant diversity. A 2021 study revealed that species richness and phylogenetic diversity increase monotonically with elevation, peaking at mid-high elevations (764–1386 m) due to milder temperatures and better soil conditions. The survey identified 76 plant species across five subregions, dominated by perennial shrubs and grasses adapted to extreme aridity, with the Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Sindian chorotype being most prevalent. Notably, one threatened species, Haloxylon persicum, was discovered, highlighting the desert's conservation importance. This challenges the perception of barrenness and underscores its role as a biological refuge vulnerable to climate change.

Pleistocene Sea‐Level Fluctuation Shapes Archipelago‐Wide Population Structure in the Critically Endangered Lord Howe Island Cockroach Panesthia lata

Lord Howe Island Group — 2026 — WHEDE4282667E

Pleistocene sea-level fluctuations have significantly shaped the population structure of the critically endangered Lord Howe Island cockroach (Panesthia lata) across its archipelago, revealing historical faunal connectivity. The study, which analyzed nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphisms and complete mitochondrial genomes from four islands in the Lord Howe Island Group (LHIG), found that the lineage on Ball's Pyramid is highly divergent from others, while populations on Lord Howe Island, Roach Island, and Blackburn Island may have diverged as recently as the end of the last interglacial period. Surprisingly, a relict population of P. lata was discovered on Lord Howe Island, despite its presumed local extirpation by rodents, though this population shows high kinship indicative of a strong bottleneck. The findings suggest that genetic rescue from other islands could be a viable conservation strategy for this species and others similarly impacted by rodents.

Plio-Pleistocene wood from the Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia: paleoenvironnemental implications for paleoanthropological and paleontological sites

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2026 — WHE5D202F4A14

Fossilized wood from the Plio-Pleistocene era in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley reveals significant insights into past environmental conditions, providing critical context for understanding paleoanthropological and paleontological sites. The study identifies distinct paleoclimatic shifts, including periods of increased aridity and humidity, which likely influenced early human evolution and faunal distributions. Researchers analyzed wood samples using advanced techniques such as stable isotope analysis and palynology to reconstruct ancient landscapes. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the region's environmental stability during this pivotal period, offering new perspectives on the adaptive strategies of early hominins and their ecosystems.