World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

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Process orientation of the world heritage city management system

Venice and its Lagoon — 2020 — WHEF3A33F80BB

A process-oriented approach to managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) enhances stakeholder engagement and improves outcomes, as demonstrated by its application to Venice and Split. This study proposes a new management meta-model that integrates theoretical concepts into practical processes, using Unified Modelling Language (UML) to document activities and responsibilities within a hierarchical structure. The approach bridges UNESCO directives with on-the-ground managerial systems, offering potential benefits for WHS managers, scholars, and experts alike. By focusing on stakeholder collaboration and process architecture, this method aims to optimize outputs and outcomes while addressing key challenges in heritage city management.

Project 854- Archaeological Evaluation at Standing Stones Hotel, Stenness

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2020 — WHE85237D881A

An archaeological evaluation at the Standing Stones Hotel, Stenness, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney,' revealed no significant archaeological features during a trial trench excavation. This study, conducted prior to hotel expansion and parking facility development, employed standard archaeological methods to assess potential impacts on the site's heritage value. The absence of notable findings suggests minimal subsurface disturbance in this area, providing valuable baseline data for future preservation efforts.

Projecting Possession

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2020 — WHEC991D09B1A

Imperial territorial claims over the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis were more about discursive manipulation than enforceable control, revealing the tension between juridical battles and local interethnic relations. The study demonstrates that Spain and Portugal used mapmaking as a strategic tool to circumvent Native actors in border demarcations, leading to prescriptive rather than practical territorial control. This approach highlights how imperial administrators employed 'discursive gymnastics' to claim vassalage while evading responsibility, ultimately resulting in unenforceable borders that did not reflect the region's actual power dynamics.

Properties of Impact-Related Pseudotachylite and Associated Shocked Zircon and Monazite in the Upper Levels of a Large Impact Basin: a Case Study From the Vredefort Impact Structure

Vredefort Dome — 2020 — WHEC330CBF4C3

A study of the Vredefort impact structure in South Africa reveals that pseudotachylite veins, traditionally thought to be chemically identical to their host rocks, can exhibit distinct compositions due to material mixing during impact. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about these melt rocks and suggests that such processes may have occurred at the upper levels of the structure. The research utilized micro-X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry mapping to analyze a lithic clast containing a pseudotachylite vein, which was found to be derived from the near-surface environment of the impact crater. Additionally, the study identified spatial relationships between shocked zircon and monazite crystals and the vein, indicating elevated shock pressure and shear stress concentrated along the vein’s plane during impact.

Protected by dragons: Density surface modeling confirms large population of the critically endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo on Komodo Island

Komodo National Park — 2020 — WHE56420E668C

Research confirms that Komodo National Park (KNP) harbors a significantly larger population of the critically endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) than previously estimated, with approximately 1,113 individuals residing on Komodo Island. This finding challenges prior conservative estimates and underscores KNP's role in preserving Indonesia’s rarest cockatoo species, likely due to its protection of the iconic Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). The study employed density surface modeling (DSM), combining distance sampling with topographic and habitat data to predict local densities. High-density hotspots were identified in wooded valleys, with DSM predictions validated by independent observations (93% accuracy). Annual counts by KNP staff also showed population growth from 2011 to 2017, reinforcing the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This is the first application of DSM to a critically endangered species, demonstrating its potential for identifying abundance hotspots and estimating global populations in threatened taxa.

Protecting past, present and progress: the reality of coexistence with National and World Heritage properties

Murujuga Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHEC47B66B8B8

A study on Murujuga, also known as the Dampier Archipelago, reveals that coexistence between industrial operations and cultural heritage can yield significant benefits while posing substantial challenges. The research highlights that formalizing and enumerating heritage values enhances targeted management, stakeholder collaboration, impact assessment, and a values-driven approach. However, it also identifies difficulties such as increased regulation, activism, and reputational risks. Despite these challenges, the study notes that certain structures inherent in heritage listing can be leveraged to mitigate these issues. The findings underscore the potential for positive outcomes when balancing industrial development with the preservation of cultural landscapes.

Protecting the archaeological heritage from structural risks: some significant cases.

Petra — 2020 — WHEABB7F5C43A

A novel 'Three R' strategy for archaeological consolidation is introduced, focusing on the preservation of ancient structures while addressing structural risks. This approach emphasizes respectful, recognizable, and reversible techniques to maintain the constructive information of historical sites over centuries. The study highlights three significant case studies: two in the Dhofar district (Sumhuram–Al Balid) and one in Jordan's Petra district (Shawbak). By replacing walls with or without mortar joints, researchers demonstrate a method to mitigate recurrent structural problems while ensuring minimal intervention that remains reversible and culturally sensitive. This strategy offers a practical solution for conserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites, balancing technical precision with ethical considerations.

Protecting the protected: World Heritage Sites and collections; defining, recognising and protecting Outstanding Universal Value in its entirety

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — 2020 — WHEC5A04B2586

A critical review of the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage suggests that material culture of national significance should be recognized and protected alongside immoveable cultural heritage, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research argues for an expansion of protection mechanisms to include highly significant objects in nomination applications, thereby safeguarding them under the Convention against environmental and manmade threats. This approach is supported by case studies from three World Heritage museums: The Hyde Park Barracks (Sydney, Australia), Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum (Paola, Malta), and Vindolanda – Hadrian’s Wall (Northumberland, Great Britain). These collections, marking significant historical periods, demonstrate the potential for a more comprehensive protection framework that encompasses both moveable and immoveable heritage.

Protection Status of a World Cultural Heritage Site Under Tourism Development: Case Study of Shuhe Ancient Town

Old Town of Lijiang — 2020 — WHE9B87AC0680

Shuhe Ancient Town, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town of Lijiang, exemplifies the challenges of balancing tourism development with cultural heritage protection. Despite being a pilot project for sustainable tourism, rapid modernization led by real estate companies under government guidance has significantly altered its original character, displacing indigenous Naxi inhabitants and eroding its historical significance. The study reveals that while tourism brought economic benefits, it also highlighted systemic issues in heritage preservation, including weak enforcement of protection laws and misaligned priorities between local authorities and UNESCO standards.

Provins (Seine-et-Marne). 5, rue des Prés de la Comtesse – Champbenoîst

Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs — 2020 — WHEF87D40E821

A study of the Champbenoîst site in Provins, France, reveals that despite its historical significance as a Benedictine monastery dating back to the late 12th century, only two modern or contemporary vernacular buildings remain on the original location. The monastery was relocated within the urban enclosure in 1625, leaving behind a modest domain center for land management. This research highlights the contrast between Provins' medieval heritage and its modern architectural remnants, offering insights into the site's evolution over centuries.

Pseudosteppes and related grassland vegetation in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mts : the borderland of the Irano-Turanian and Euro-Siberian regions

Western Tien-Shan — 2020 — WHEDC0EB58C1D

Researchers have identified seven new grassland communities, including pseudosteppes and meadows, within the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains, marking a significant advancement in understanding the vegetation borderland between the Irano-Turanian and Euro-Siberian regions. This study distinguishes 13 distinct communities, grouped into four orders, with diagnostic species identified using the phi coefficient. The findings highlight key environmental predictors such as altitude, proportion of perennial vs. annual species, and latitudinal position, contributing to the broader vegetation survey of dry and mesic grasslands in Central Asia. The research employs a robust methodological approach, including Braun-Blanquet sampling, k-means clustering, and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), to classify and analyze 198 relevés collected between 2013 and 2018.

Punica protopunica Balf., the Forgotten Sister of the Common Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): Features and Medicinal Properties—A Review

Socotra Archipelago — 2020 — WHE812A7AA6A5

Punica protopunica Balf., the Socotran pomegranate, emerges as a critical yet overlooked species in the Punica genus, with significant implications for taxonomy and medicinal research. Endemic to the Socotra Archipelago, this plant is considered the ancestor of the widely distributed common pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). The review highlights its unique morphological features, distribution patterns, and cultivation challenges while emphasizing its potential in traditional medicine and antioxidant properties. Unlike its globally recognized counterpart, P. protopunica has been largely ignored, despite its genetic and medicinal significance. This study bridges that gap by synthesizing existing knowledge on its taxonomy, ecological vulnerability, and bioactive compounds, offering a foundation for further exploration of its therapeutic applications.

Purity, balance and wellness among the Swahili of Lamu, Kenya

Lamu Old Town — 2020 — WHEBE244869C9

The Swahili of Lamu, Kenya, embody a dynamic cultural framework that integrates traditional African beliefs, Islamic practices, and cosmological concepts to achieve psychological wellness. This study reveals how the Swahili seek purity and balance through social interactions, intermarriage, trade, and spiritual engagement, continuously reshaping their health and illness paradigms. The research combines ethnographic insights from a decade-long study by Gearhart with clinical observations by Abdulrehman, a Lamu native nurse practitioner. It highlights the importance of culturally appropriate healthcare delivery, offering valuable perspectives for medical professionals working with Swahili communities.

Pyrophilous fungi detected after wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park expand known species ranges and biodiversity estimates

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2020 — WHEEC3B3BC2AE

A study of post-wildfire fungal communities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park revealed 27 previously unrecorded pyrophilous fungi, expanding biodiversity estimates by nearly 1%. Researchers documented 41 taxa of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota over two years, identifying 22 Pezizales species as early responders to severe burn zones, with only one prior record in the park. Five obligate pyrophilous fungi were confirmed, along with two fire-enhanced species. Fungal fruiting peaked 4–6 months post-fire but persisted up to 2.5 years. The study also detected cryptic endemic lineages and proposed a new fungal combination, Hygrocybe spadicea var. spadicea f. odora.

Pythagoras' Mathematics in Architecture and His Influence on Great Cultural Works

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2020 — WHEE6E7EEB7F3

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Pythagorean mathematical principles, particularly triples and harmonic proportions, were systematically applied in ancient temple designs as early as the 6th century BC. The study demonstrates this through the architectural layouts of the Athena temple at Paestum and the Polycratean temple of Heraion on Samos, showing unprecedented precision and alignment with Pythagorean philosophy. Additionally, it highlights the mathematical sophistication behind Eupalinos' tunnel engineering, suggesting a deep integration of mathematics into ancient Greek technical achievements. By comparing these structures to the Hellenistic temple of Apollo at Didyma, the research concludes that Pythagoras' geometric methods and proportional concepts were fully developed during his lifetime and later influenced architectural practices, persisting through Plato's ideas to modern times.

QUA volume 98 Cover and Front matter

Los Alerces National Park — 2020 — WHEADE8FA97C1

A geochemical and mineralogical analysis of Lake Futalaufquen's sediments in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina, reveals critical environmental processes spanning the last 1600 years. This pristine glacial lake, influenced by westerly winds and volcanic ash from the Southern Volcanic Zone, offers a unique record of climate variability in Northern Patagonia. The study leverages the lake's limited human impact to reconstruct past environmental conditions, providing insights into regional climatic shifts.

Quantification of burnt areas as a fundamental parameter for the estimation of spatial and temporal patterns of fire incidence in Canaima National Park (Venezuela)

Canaima National Park — 2020 — WHE729458D30C

A significant increase of 64% in fire incidence was observed between the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 periods within Canaima National Park (CNP), Venezuela, with total burnt areas reaching 64,200 ha and 106,000 ha respectively. This surge coincided with one of the most severe El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episodes, 'Godzilla,' during which extreme drought conditions led to 45,000 ha burning in January 2016 alone—accounting for 43% of the year's total fire damage. While grassy savannas were predominantly affected, forests also experienced heightened vulnerability under these extreme atmospheric conditions. The study, utilizing Landsat-8/OLI satellite data and QGIS analysis, provided the first high-confidence quantification of fire activity in CNP, offering critical insights for identifying vulnerable zones and developing targeted fire management strategies.

Quantifying forest cover at Mount Kenya: Use of Sentinel-2 for a discrimination of tropical tree composites

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest — 2020 — WHE2C78643F30

A study using ESA’s Sentinel-2 satellites (S2A and S2B) reveals significant differences in spectral separability between tropical tree composites at Mount Kenya, highlighting the importance of SWIR and red-edge wavelengths for accurate forest classification. The research validates ESA’s 2016 prototype land cover map of Africa, identifying overrepresentation of tree cover areas and underrepresentation of water bodies. By employing a decision tree based on altitudinal ranges and supported by Google Earth imagery and Kenyan Forest Service data, the study discriminates four natural forest subclasses and one non-natural class, contributing to improved tropical forest monitoring methodologies.

Quasi-static tests on 1:3 scaled arch segments of the Old Bridge in Mostar

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2020 — WHE59BB1344E2

Quasi-static tests on scaled-down arch segments of the Old Bridge in Mostar reveal critical insights into the load-bearing behavior and durability of historic masonry structures. The study, conducted using 1:3 scale models, demonstrates how connection elements such as wrought iron clamps, dowels, liquid lead, and mortar contribute to structural stability and resistance against external forces. These findings are particularly relevant for understanding the resilience of the original bridge, constructed in 1566 and reconstructed in 2004, providing valuable data for validating and refining existing mathematical models. The research highlights the ingenuity of historical construction techniques and their enduring effectiveness, offering a foundation for future numerical analyses.

Quaternary lava tubes distribution in Jeju Island and their potential deformation risks

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2020 — WHEF088EDE1A7

Jeju Island, a volcanic wonder formed by Quaternary eruptions, harbors a complex network of 178 lava tubes, many still undiscovered. A study reveals that these underground cavities pose significant deformation risks, particularly during nearby construction, with ground surface deformations measured at up to 2 mm/year using InSAR techniques. The research found no correlation between lava tube distribution and specific geological units, but identified high collapse risks in areas with ongoing artificial developments. Machine learning applications further confirmed the instability of shallow lava cavities, underscoring the need for thorough physical exploration and risk assessment before intensive construction projects proceed.