World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 13121 – 13140 of 15962 publications

Romanesque Westminster Hall and its Roof

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2020 — WHE860F3504C3

Research reveals that the Romanesque Westminster Hall, a surviving 11th-century structure within the Palace of Westminster and UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally featured a single-span common tie-beam roof—a design consistent with contemporary Continental examples. Despite its historical significance, the hall has been overshadowed by later additions, including 14th-century stonework. This study reconstructs the building's original form using modern surveys, antiquarian records, and archaeological evidence, providing new insights into its architectural evolution.

Routes and the tourism industry.

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2020 — WHEFE271479C6

Adventure tourism operators play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining trail-based products, as demonstrated by their engagement with the Qhapaq Ñan (Andean Road System) in Peru. This study reveals that small-scale operators can significantly contribute to route development through strategic partnerships, community involvement, and the expertise of local guides. The research highlights how a private tour operator opened up a previously remote stretch of the Inca Trail, showcasing the potential for adventure tourism to drive both economic benefits and sustainable trail preservation. The findings underscore the importance of collaborative approaches in balancing tourism growth with conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Royal mothers and dynastic power in Attalid Pergamon

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHEC24BC16C6A

Royal mothers played a pivotal role in the Attalid dynasty's public self-representation, particularly after Pergamon transitioned to a kingdom. The study reveals that Apollonis and Stratonike, who held the title of basilissa, were prominently featured in dynastic imagery with an emphasis on motherhood. Their influence extended beyond traditional gender roles, notably through religious benefactions and interactions between royal power and cities, especially for Apollonis. This research sheds light on how these women's agency shaped the Attalid kingdom's cultural landscape while adhering to societal norms of their time.

Sacred but not holy: Awe, spectacle, and the heritage gaze in Danish religious heritage contexts

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church — 2020 — WHE3A4A23FDB3

This study reveals that the heritagisation of religious sites, such as Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church in Denmark, transforms them from places of religious awe into spectacles for a secular audience. It demonstrates how these sites, when designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, shift from inspiring piety to evoking ontological pride or vicarious nostalgia among tourists and cultural experts. The research argues that this 'heritage gaze' inadvertently frames religion as cultural heritage through a secular lens, hybridizing religious experience with heritage values. The study employs an ideal-typical distinction between the 'holy' and the 'sacred' to analyze this phenomenon across three Danish World Heritage sites: Jelling, Roskilde, and Christiansfeld.

Safeguarding and Preservation Activities at the Giant Buddhas and Other Monuments in the Bamiyan Valley 2004–2017

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2020 — WHE5499733CA6

The Bamiyan Valley's Giant Buddhas, particularly the Eastern Buddha niche, were successfully stabilized through innovative conservation methods despite significant challenges. The study highlights the use of specialized scaffold structures and advanced techniques for preserving sculpted conglomerate rock and loam components, addressing the complexities of working in a post-conflict zone with remnants of unexploded devices. Research into the stone materials and loam used in the Buddhas' construction informed these conservation strategies. However, debates among international experts on restoration methods delayed progress after 2013. As of 2019, the Eastern Buddha's remains are stabilized, while the Western Buddha awaits further stabilization efforts. The paper emphasizes the need for local conservation capacity-building and consensus on future missions to ensure long-term preservation.

Safeguarding the Buddha Statues in Bamiyan and the Sustainable Protection of Afghan Cultural Heritage

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2020 — WHE96E88D7233

The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statues in 2001, ordered by Taliban leader Mullah Omar, highlighted the fragility of Afghanistan's cultural heritage amid conflict. A coordinated international response led by UNESCO successfully mobilized political and religious figures to influence the Taliban, culminating in a mission by Egyptian scholars that aimed to persuade them to reconsider their actions based on interpretations of Islamic law. This intervention delayed the destruction until after the Islamic festival of Aïd el Adha. Following the event, UNESCO organized a conference in Qatar, resulting in the 'Doha Declaration on Islam and Cultural Heritage,' which addressed broader concerns about the protection of cultural heritage under Islamic principles.

Safety and nature versus tourists, athlets and residents in Sagarmatha National Park Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2020 — WHE80D2DE2AA5

Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, faces significant challenges and opportunities due to its growing popularity among tourists, athletes, and residents. The study reveals that while tourism contributes to economic development and environmental protection, it also poses risks to the park's natural and social conditions. Historical context shows that nature conservation efforts have evolved globally since the 19th century, with Nepal implementing strict laws in the mid-20th century. The research combines data analysis and field observations to assess the park's ecological state and the attitudes of its stakeholders toward the environment. It highlights the need for balanced integration of tourism, sports, economic interests, and nature conservation to ensure sustainable development.

Saint-Louis – miasto zaszczepione. Europejski model urbanistyczny i kulturowy na gruncie afrykańskim

Island of Saint-Louis — 2020 — WHE4A4F76919B

Saint-Louis, once the capital of French West Africa, stands as a unique example of European urban planning adapted to African soil. The city's core, shaped by 300 years of European influence, showcases the interplay between spontaneous African urbanization and rigid European designs. This study reveals how specific spatial arrangements and social structures from this colonial era have persisted in the modern city, demonstrating the enduring impact of European models on local conditions. The research explores these dynamics through an analysis of Saint-Louis's urban evolution, highlighting its significance as a testament to cross-cultural urban development.

Samos, Griechenland. Notizen zu Samos während der NS-Zeit

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2020 — WHE5B74B2E451

During the NS occupation of Greece, archaeological sites on Samos faced significant risks due to looting and lawlessness. The study highlights how the Heraion of Samos, a key excavation site for the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), suffered during successive occupations by Italy, Britain, and Germany between 1941 and 1944. It documents the vulnerabilities of archaeological artefacts under wartime conditions, emphasizing the broader impact on cultural heritage in times of conflict.

Sand Dune Systems in Iran - Distribution and Activity.

Lut Desert — 2020 — WHEA637052C13

Iran's Lut Desert, including the Sistan region near the Afghanistan border, experiences severe wind erosion and sand dune activity, with some areas ranking among the windiest deserts globally. The study identified active dunes in the Sistan plain, Lut Desert, Zirkuh Qaien, and Deyhook regions using three dune activity models—Lancaster, Tsoar, and Yizhaq—which showed spatial variations in activity. A modified Lancaster Index (MLI) was developed to improve accuracy by replacing the wind percentage parameter with drift potential (DP), addressing discrepancies in model results. The research also revealed that the Sadobist Roozeh wind, blowing for 120 days annually, dominates sand transport and dune formation, with DP peaking in Sistan before decreasing in Afghanistan's Registan Desert. Sediment transport rates in ephemeral lakes like Hamoun-e Baringak were measured, averaging 31 kg/m² over 103 days, highlighting the region's sensitivity to aeolian processes.

Santiniketan 1901–1918

Santiniketan — 2020 — WHEE7F227037C

Santiniketan, founded in 1298 B.S., stands as a pioneering institution that blended educational innovation with social reform. The study highlights its foundational period (1901–1918), emphasizing Rabindranath Tagore's transformative role in introducing self-government among students despite significant opposition. It also underscores the institution's commitment to rural uplift and constructive work, exemplified by Tagore's estates and the notable visit of Mahatma Gandhi and his Phoenix School (1914–1915), which further solidified Santiniketan's legacy as a hub for social service and educational experimentation. The research approach combines archival analysis with historical narrative to illuminate the institution's early challenges and achievements.

Santiniketan and Sriniketan: Rabindranath Tagore’s Visionary Models of Sustainability and Environmental Ethics

Santiniketan — 2020 — WHE75A8DCC4EA

Rabindranath Tagore's vision for sustainability and environmental ethics at Santiniketan and Sriniketan predates modern formalization, demonstrating a profound ecological foresight. His approach integrated ecocentric education, community-building, and conservation practices, challenging anthropocentrism by valuing the non-human world equally. Through seasonal festivals like Barshamangal and ecocentric rituals such as Halakarshan, Tagore fostered deep environmental consciousness. Architectural design in Santiniketan, exemplified by buildings like Shyamoli and Taladhwaj, prioritized harmony with nature using indigenous materials, avoiding high-rise structures. His philosophy extended to art, where painters derived pigments locally, and theater, where natural dyes aligned with seasonal aesthetics. This model offers a timeless framework for sustainable development rooted in ethical respect for nature.

Satellite derived offshore migratory movements of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) from Australian and New Zealand wintering grounds

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2020 — WHEFA534561D6

New satellite tracking data reveal that southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) from Australian and New Zealand wintering grounds exhibit variable migratory pathways and foraging strategies during the Austral summer. While some whales migrate to the Subtropical Front, a likely feeding ground shared by both populations, others, particularly one tagged in Tasmania—a sub-population not showing post-whaling recovery—travel to higher latitude Antarctic waters, suggesting distinct foraging behaviors. The study tracked six whales for an average of 78.5 days, covering distances ranging from 645 to 6,381 km, challenging the assumption of consistent migratory corridors in this species. These findings highlight potential differences in feeding ground fidelity and population growth rates between wintering grounds, offering insights into the ecological dynamics of southern right whales.

Satellite Tagging and Photographic Identification Reveal Connectivity Between Two UNESCO World Heritage Areas for Reef Manta Rays

Ningaloo Coast — 2020 — WHE4282A9F893

A groundbreaking study reveals significant connectivity between two UNESCO World Heritage Areas, Ningaloo Coast and Shark Bay, for reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi). Using satellite tagging and a long-term photographic-identification database, researchers found that these rays can travel up to 700 km, demonstrating directional dispersal patterns. The study also showed that some individuals exhibit long-term site affinity, with the longest recorded residency spanning 15.16 years. This research highlights the importance of marine parks in protecting critical habitats for this species, providing crucial insights for conservation efforts.

Satellite-Based Analysis of Extreme Land Surface Temperatures and Diurnal Variability Across the Hottest Place on Earth

Lut Desert — 2020 — WHEB5FD7E99FA

A recent satellite-based analysis reveals that the Lut Desert in Iran, already recognized as one of the hottest places on Earth, experiences even more extreme land surface temperatures (LST) than previously documented. Using advanced MODIS-derived LST data with improved accuracy and higher spatial resolution, researchers identified a record LST of 80.83 °C in 2018—approximately 10 °C hotter than the previous record. The study also highlights the Lut Desert's remarkable diurnal temperature variability, which can reach up to 71 °C depending on the season. This research provides critical insights into land-atmosphere interactions in extreme environments and offers a deeper understanding of how such conditions may evolve in a warming world.

Satisfaction of tourists to Hoi An ancient town, Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town — 2020 — WHED7ABCBB2B9

Tourist satisfaction at Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam, is primarily influenced by three key factors: responsiveness, reliability, and empathy. These factors were identified through structural equation modeling (SEM), which also validated the relationships using Cronbach’s Alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings suggest that enhancing these aspects of service quality could significantly improve visitor satisfaction, offering actionable insights for local tourism management and businesses. This study provides a data-driven approach to understanding and optimizing the tourist experience in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Saving the Sundarbans from development

The Sundarbans — 2020 — WHE1D187DE376

Development in the Sundarbans must align with ecosystem conservation and livelihood protection to ensure its long-term preservation. This study argues that current development plans risk undermining the region's unique biodiversity, including its endangered Bengal tiger population, and the livelihoods of local communities. Researchers analyzed existing policies and proposed a framework for sustainable development that integrates ecological safeguards with socio-economic needs. By prioritizing conservation in infrastructure projects, such as roads and agriculture, the Sundarbans can maintain its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site while supporting local populations.

Saywas y Geografía Sagrada en el Qhapaq Ñan del Despoblado de Atacama

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2020 — WHE237C75B844

Research on the Qhapaq Ñan, an Andean road system in the Atacama Desert, reveals significant astronomical alignments at two saywas (ceremonial structures) within the Salar de Punta Negra. The study finds that Tocomar and Vaquillas are aligned with the sunrise during the winter solstice and equinox, respectively, suggesting a deliberate integration of celestial events into the ancient road system's design. This interdisciplinary investigation combines ethnohistoric, archaeological, and astronomical data to explore the symbolic significance and spatial organization of these sites, contributing new insights into the cultural and environmental context of the Qhapaq Ñan in this arid region.

Scavo e scuola a Tarquinia. Internazionalizzazione e formazione a difesa della fragilità di un sito UNESCO

Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia — 2020 — WHEA4890A7AC3

Interdisciplinary research at the Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, reveals significant geomorphological threats to the ancient city's buffer zone. The study highlights how continuous, systematic research—spanning nearly four decades—combines advanced topographic techniques (LiDAR, GIS, geophysical prospections) with archaeological investigations to map the site's integration into modern urban planning. Findings underscore the dual fragility of the site: vulnerability to natural phenomena and the risk of research abandonment due to legal-administrative constraints. The research advocates for sustainable agricultural development that preserves the metropolis's vast, yet largely unexplored, buried archaeological potential while adhering to UNESCO safeguard rules for archaeological, environmental, and landscape protection.

Scenes of Human Control of Reindeer in the Alta Rock Art. An Event of Early Domestication in the far North?

Rock Art of Alta — 2020 — WHE4C02B9DE9E

Alta's rock art reveals a shift from scenes depicting human control over reindeer, possibly indicating early domestication practices around 5200–4200 cal BC, to a later phase (4200–3000 cal BC) where such depictions vanish. This suggests a transition from hierarchical, hunter-dominated societies to more egalitarian social structures, accompanied by a reevaluation of animistic beliefs. The study analyzes the differences between Phase 1 and Phase 2 rock art compositions, correlating the absence of control imagery with broader societal changes.