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Showing 13701 – 13720 of 15962 publications

Will the Sustainability of Lion Tourist Hunting be Certain Amidst Noncompliance to Conservation Legal Frameworks?

Selous Game Reserve — 2020 — WHEF06D42CF51

Nearly half of the licensed hunting practitioners in Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve (SGR) do not comply with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) sustainability principles for trophy hunting, despite these principles being a legal framework. The study, conducted between August and October 2018 across five administrative sectors, found that familiarity with IUCN principles and longer working experience significantly predict compliance. Researchers used the theory of planned behavior to analyze predictors of compliance and the unmatched count technique (UCT) to estimate unsustainable practices, employing semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, field observations, and documentary reviews. The findings highlight critical gaps in awareness and enforcement, urging stronger emphasis on education and monitoring to ensure sustainable hunting practices.

Willingness to Pay in World Heritage Sites: A Contingent Valuation Method at Red Fort Complex, New Delhi

Red Fort Complex — 2020 — WHE631E5E12E6

A study at the Red Fort Complex identifies three distinct bands of willingness to pay (WTP) among tourists, offering a flexible pricing model that accommodates diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Using contingent valuation method (CVM), researchers analyzed data from 385 tourists through multiple regression analysis to assess the relationship between WTP and various factors. The findings suggest a framework for enhancing services and facilities at the site while promoting economic sustainability. This approach provides valuable insights into pricing strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, balancing accessibility with financial viability.

Within-group spatial position and activity budget of wild sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

Taï National Park — 2020 — WHE4313A4A6FF

In Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) exhibit distinct spatial positioning within their social groups that significantly influences their activity budgets. Females and high-ranking individuals of both sexes tend to occupy more central positions, leading to increased feeding and resting times compared to males and low-ranking individuals. This study used focal behavioral observations, recording 5,115 locations for 29 individuals over 15-minute intervals, to investigate how rank, sex, and spatial position jointly affect activity budgets. The findings suggest that social status confers fitness benefits by allowing individuals to adopt advantageous positions within the group, providing new insights into primate socio-ecology and social dynamics.

Women’s representation and participation in UNESCO heritage discourse

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2020 — WHE4B5A00339C

Research reveals that women remain marginalized in the discourse and decision-making processes surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Sites, despite gender equality being a priority for inclusive development. Focusing on the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Italy), the study finds that dominant heritage narratives are often male-driven, which may hinder women's participation. Through interviews with local female wine producers, it compares official heritage discourses with women's perceptions of their role in shaping identity and heritage. The findings suggest that lack of representation influences women's willingness to engage in managing heritage that does not reflect their values, raising questions about the desired forms of participation for greater inclusivity.

Working Together: Community, Conservation, and Preservation Strategies for Royal Painted Tombs at El-Kurru, Sudan

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region — 2020 — WHE92786E47E0

Collaborative conservation strategies for the royal painted tombs of Queen Qalhata and King Tanwetamani at El-Kurru, Sudan, demonstrate how community engagement and material analysis can enhance long-term preservation while improving visitor access. The study, part of the International Kurru Archaeology Project, developed sustainable treatment plans tailored to the remote site's constraints, prioritizing locally available materials and stakeholder input for rapid yet durable implementation. These efforts aim to stabilize the tombs, ensure safety, and serve as a model for future heritage conservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Gebel Barkal.

Working with the Ancestors: Mana and Place in the Marquesas Islands

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2020 — WHE66362B3FDF

A study on the Marquesas Islands reveals how indigenous concepts of mana and place are intricately linked to ancestral traditions, shaping cultural practices and environmental stewardship. The research highlights the significance of these beliefs in sustaining traditional knowledge systems, which are critical for the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Te Henua Enata. By analyzing oral histories, archaeological data, and ethnographic observations, the study demonstrates how mana—spiritual energy or power—interacts with physical landscapes to influence community decision-making and resource management. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of how indigenous frameworks can inform conservation strategies, bridging traditional wisdom with modern scientific practices.

Workshop report: Climate Risk Assessment for Wadden Sea World Heritage property

Wadden Sea — 2020 — WHEA7D44F28D8

A novel Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) was successfully applied to assess the climate risks facing the Wadden Sea. This first-of-its-kind workshop, held in Hamburg in 2020, brought together international experts to evaluate the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the site using robust climate science. The CVI methodology provides a rapid, expert-driven framework for assessing vulnerability, applicable to both natural and cultural World Heritage properties. By synthesizing existing climate data and expert knowledge, this approach offers a scalable tool for prioritizing conservation actions in the face of climate change.

World Cultural Heritage and women’s exclusion from sacred sites in Japan

Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region — 2020 — WHE376D1384A3

Women's exclusion from Okinoshima, a remote and uninhabited island central to Japan's cultural and religious heritage, gained international attention during its World Heritage inscription process. Despite the island's significance as part of the 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region,' which was inscribed in 2017, its restrictive access policies—particularly barring women due to religious beliefs—remained a contentious issue. The study highlights how this exclusion clashed with global heritage values, prompting petitions to national and international bodies from July 2015 onward. While the island's tangible heritage, such as shrines and artifacts, has been extensively documented in Japanese scholarship, the social and ethical dimensions of its preservation received comparatively less attention until its World Heritage recognition.

World Heritage and Human Rights: Lessons from the Asia-Pacific and Global Arena ed. by Peter Bille Larsen

Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura — 2020 — WHE9C9C910AEC

A critical examination of the intersection between UNESCO World Heritage designation and human rights reveals that while the program aims for universal recognition, it often clashes with local cultural values and economic interests. The study highlights the 'original sin' of excluding people from heritage narratives, leading to contradictions in legal frameworks and practices across Asia-Pacific and globally. It emphasizes the need for localized, context-specific approaches over abstract universalism, citing cases like Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia, where fragile religious practices face erasure under official cultural reabsorption. The research advocates for ethnographic methods and cross-referencing between local groups and international bodies to address power imbalances and ensure dignity in heritage conservation.

World Heritage and Reconstruction: An Overview and Lessons Learnt for the Bamiyan Valley

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2020 — WHEE9B316AB59

The intentional destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan spurred international action and legal reforms, leading to the inscription of the Bamiyan Valley on UNESCO's World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2003. This study reviews the historical context, international doctrine, and debates surrounding the reconstruction of cultural heritage sites, particularly focusing on the Bamiyan Valley. It highlights the development of new legal instruments following the destruction and examines emerging debates around rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. The research approach involves tracing the site's inscription history and analyzing the World Heritage Committee's actions post-destruction.

World Heritage Site inscription and waterfront heritage conservation: evidence from the Grand Canal historic districts in Hangzhou, China

The Grand Canal — 2020 — WHE8BC4F1A660

World Heritage Site (WHS) inscription along the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, China, can significantly enhance heritage conservation and tourism development when paired with a gradualist approach that empowers local communities. The study finds that WHS designation boosts conservation efforts but also poses challenges due to scalar mismatches—discrepancies between global heritage standards and local practices—which can hinder sustainable tourism growth. By analyzing three historic districts, the research demonstrates how inclusive community engagement, rather than top-down authority-driven models, fosters long-term balance between preservation and economic benefits. This approach offers a scalable model for other UNESCO sites facing similar tensions.

World heritage sustainable development policy & local implementation: Site management issues using a case study of Sri Ksetra at Pyu ancient cities in Myanmar

Pyu Ancient Cities — 2020 — WHE90875EE8E0

A key finding from this study is that the implementation of UNESCO's World Heritage sustainable development policy often faces challenges due to mismatches between formal policy goals and local management practices, even when participatory models are intended. The research focuses on Sri Ksetra, part of Myanmar's Pyu Ancient Cities to analyze how site management practices can hinder community involvement in conservation efforts. The study highlights the need for both robust policy frameworks and practical, inclusive conduct by management systems to effectively integrate sustainable development into heritage conservation. It underscores that successful implementation requires alignment between policy statements and on-the-ground actions.

Wrangel Island Toponymy Motivated by Zoology Vocabulary

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2020 — WHE29B315CDBB

Approximately 19% of Wrangel Island's toponyms are derived from zoology vocabulary, reflecting the island's rich fauna and its significance to human activities such as hunting, fishing, and conservation. This finding underscores toponymy's role as a historical record, capturing distinct phases of the island's development—from initial exploration to modern environmental protection—over roughly 150 years. The study analyzed specialized guides, memoirs, cartographic materials, and interviews with reserve officials, revealing how naming conventions shift with human activity and ecological focus. Notably, the prevalence of zoology-related terms highlights both cultural priorities and objective features of Wrangel Island's diverse animal world.

Writing and Reading Memories at a Buenos Aires Memorial Site: The Ex-ESMA

ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture and Extermination — 2020 — WHE3F33BE7E7B

The Ex-ESMA, a former clandestine detention and torture center turned memorial museum, undergoes continuous transformation to shape visitor experiences and collective memory. Research reveals that museological interventions—such as rethinking the museum's script and visit formats—alter how visitors interact with the space, influencing their emotional engagement and understanding of Argentina's dark history. The study traces evolving debates on what should be included or excluded in memorialization, reflecting shifts in official policies and societal perceptions. By analyzing curatorial intentions and visitor responses, it highlights the dynamic interplay between memory construction and spatial design in sites of historical significance.

Writing from Robben Island

Robben Island — 2020 — WHE290B80FC6D

Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, is recognized globally as a symbol of the fight against injustice and oppression. However, its dominant narrative has emerged through contestation, often silencing alternative interpretations of its history and significance. Beyond its symbolic role, the material conditions of prison life on Robben Island played a crucial part in shaping post-apartheid South Africa's narrative of nation-building, democracy, and citizenship. This study examines prison memoirs to argue that the island's institutional characteristics as a prison space subtend the influential story of South Africa's struggle against racial oppression and its transition to democracy.

X‐ray spectrometry applied for characterization of bricks of Brazilian historical sites

Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda — 2020 — WHE3C19D27EE9

Researchers used X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to analyze bricks from historical sites in Olinda, Brazil, revealing distinct chemical signatures that correlate with age and manufacturing origins. The study identified five clusters of bricks based on their elemental composition, distinguishing between Dutch-made bricks from the 17th century—likely used as ship ballast—and locally produced bricks dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. Quartz dominated the mineral content, while trace elements like iron (Fe), potassium (K), and titanium (Ti) varied slightly among samples. Principal component analysis of XRF data further confirmed these groupings, offering new insights into the provenance and historical context of Olinda's architectural heritage.

Xochicalco / Xochelkalhme

Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco — 2020 — WHE302A49B909

A collaborative effort by professionals from diverse disciplines, including linguistics and literature, has successfully created a bilingual children's book that bridges Mexican Sign Language (LSM) or indigenous languages with the rich pre-Hispanic cultural heritage of Mexico. The book, set against the backdrop of the archaeological site of Xochicalco, features narration in Spanish and Nahuatl, accompanied by meticulous illustrations. This innovative approach aims to make complex historical narratives accessible and engaging for a broader audience, including those who rely on sign language or indigenous languages for communication.

XRF Ink Analysis of Some Herculaneum Papyri

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2020 — WHED7FE1E4276

Recent analysis of Herculaneum papyri using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) reveals that some inks contain traces of metal, challenging the assumption that they are composed solely of carbon. The study, conducted at the Biblioteca Nazionale in Naples, examined external portions of papyri rolls—known as 'scorze'—which were mechanically removed from their original rolls in the 18th century. By targeting these fragments, researchers aimed to detect metallic elements within the ink, providing new insights into the composition and preservation of ancient texts from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Herculaneum.

Xylella fastidiosa and the Olive Oil Crisis in Puglia

Castel del Monte — 2020 — WHE7C33930FFF

Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium transmitted by spittlebugs, poses a severe threat to Puglia's historic olive groves and its olive oil industry. The study highlights the potential for large-scale replacement of vulnerable cultivars with resistant ones or abandonment of olive cultivation in affected areas, marking a significant economic shift for the region. Through extensive fieldwork conducted in spring 2019, including interviews with olive growers and producers, the research captures the emotional and practical responses to this crisis—ranging from optimism to desperation—as well as the broader implications for Puglia's agricultural landscape and economy.

Z pałacu do klasztoru. Panowanie Zofii Aleksiejewnej – niekoronowanej carowej Rosji

Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent — 2020 — WHEB11D3048EC

Sophia Alekseyevna, a prominent figure in Russian history, defied conventional norms by becoming the regent for two tsars, leveraging her intelligence and character. Her reign faced challenges, including unsuccessful military expeditions under Vasily Golitsyn, which weakened her position. Ultimately, she was sidelined by Peter the Great and imprisoned in the Novodevichy Convent, where she attempted but failed to regain power. This study examines Sophia's historical significance, contrasting her with other influential women in Russian history such as Zoe Palaiologina and Marina Mniszech, highlighting her unique role in breaking from traditional expectations.