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Publications

Showing 13781 – 13800 of 15962 publications

Community Perceptions of Human-wildlife Conflicts and the Compensation Scheme Around Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda)

Nyungwe National Park — 2019 — WHEC1FBD8A928

Local communities around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, face significant socio-economic losses and food insecurity due to crop raiding by wild animals, yet they are dissatisfied with the existing compensation scheme. Key issues include complex eligibility requirements, lengthy and costly procedures, claim rejections, undervalued payments, and irregular delays, which discourage victims from pursuing compensation. These challenges perpetuate human-wildlife conflicts, leading communities to resort to self-defense rather than relying on monetary compensation. The study highlights the need for a more effective compensation model, potentially including fencing the park or enhancing collective guiding systems, to mitigate conflicts and improve conservation outcomes.

Comparing the community dependence on natural resources in Nyungwe National Park and the contribution of revenue sharing through integrated conservation and development projects

Nyungwe National Park — 2019 — WHEA41839F1FD

A revenue-sharing scheme aimed at balancing biodiversity conservation and community development around Nyungwe National Park (NNP) has shown limited success. Despite investments of approximately 1 billion Rwandan francs supporting 152 projects, local dependence on natural resources—such as stolen exotic tree species and mining—remains high, with 38.6% of respondents citing mining as a primary income source. The scheme failed to significantly reduce threats to biodiversity due to economic gaps that left many community members dissatisfied. Researchers recommend revising the revenue-sharing model to better address livelihood costs and create a true win-win scenario for conservation and development.

Composted Municipal Green Waste Enhances Tree Success in Opencast Coal Land Reclamation in Wales

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape — 2019 — WHE2792181314

A controlled trial over 11 years found that composted municipal green waste (MGW) did not significantly improve tree height or diameter at breast height (DBH) but had contrasting effects on survival rates of three tree species in degraded opencast coal land near the UNESCO World Heritage site Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, Wales. While Common Alder showed the highest overall survival without MGW treatment, Silver Birch and European Larch exhibited significantly higher survival when treated with composted MGW (40% food waste and 60% garden waste). This suggests potential species-specific benefits of MGW in land reclamation efforts, despite its limited impact on growth metrics.

Conceptualizing Urban Experiences

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2019 — WHE82C00A22FB

Archaeological research at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, reveals significant population growth and urban development during the Early Bronze Age I-III. By analyzing domestic contexts in Area F of the Italian-Palestinian excavations, the study provides a demographic snapshot of Jericho's transition from a village to a fortified city. This approach offers new insights into the settlement's population dynamics and urbanization processes, contributing to our understanding of early urban experiences in the region.

Congruent patterns of functional diversity in saproxylic beetles and fungi across European beech forests

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe — 2019 — WHE5D211CF314

European beech forests, unique temperate ecosystems shaped by post-glacial recolonization and human activity, exhibit congruent patterns of functional diversity in saproxylic beetles and fungi. This diversity decreases from south to north, with higher elevation and temperature, while increasing with precipitation. Structural equation modeling revealed that local functional diversity is driven by regional species pool dynamics, influenced by anthropogenic and biogeographical processes. To preserve these biodiversity hotspots, conservation efforts should target a broad spatial and climatic range across Europe, including primeval forests recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Conservation Conjunctures: Contestation and Situated Consent in Peru's Huascarán National Park

Huascarán National Park — 2019 — WHE59092BA6F5

Conservation efforts in Peru's Huascarán National Park reveal a complex interplay of authority and power, shaped by historical sedimentation and situated consent. Despite the park's establishment without prior consultation with local peasant communities, post-facto attempts to include them have led to diverse responses, highlighting the problem of creating consent after defining landscape use. The study examines three distinct cases where the park has negotiated control over aesthetic and productive values, demonstrating that different modalities of governance coexist partially and simultaneously. This research underscores the importance of a grounded, historically specific analysis in processes framed as development, showing how conservation conjunctures continuously shape the relationship between parks and people.

Conservation Design for Traditional Agricultural Villages: A Case Study of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Japan

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama — 2019 — WHE46871433F2

Traditional agricultural villages, such as Japan's Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, face rapid decline, threatening their cultural heritage. Conservation efforts must balance tangible preservation with intangible traditions while maintaining ecological integrity. This study highlights the critical role of resident engagement and re-establishing links between landscape elements—like gassho-style houses—and daily activities (e.g., agriculture) to sustain these villages. It emphasizes that regulations alone are insufficient; self-motivated residents and innovative design are essential for long-term viability. The research combines case study analysis with conservation design principles, offering a model for safeguarding similar heritage sites globally.

Conservation Value of World Natural Heritage Sites’ Outstanding Universal Value via Multiple Techniques—Bogda, Xinjiang Tianshan

Xinjiang Tianshan — 2019 — WHE16401C1FF3

A new framework combining multiple techniques reveals significant spatial variation in the conservation status of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) at Bogda, part of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage Site. Researchers developed a Heritage Value Protection Significance Index (HVPSI) and related indices to assess OUV conservation across 17 indicators, including integrity, vulnerability, sensitivity, human impact, and environmental factors. Spatial autocorrelation analysis identified distinct zones with varying heritage value protection levels. Field surveys confirmed differences in plant community composition and diversity between these zones, while a spatial-econometric model validated the partitioning approach. This study provides actionable insights for managing heritage sites and establishes a methodological foundation for future OUV assessments.

Consideration of issues and solutions related to the coexistence of cultural properties and the real life of the neighborhood

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range — 2019 — WHE66E2A3291E

A collaborative approach to disaster preparedness and restoration is essential for protecting cultural heritage sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,' while minimizing environmental impact. The study highlights that pre-disaster planning, involving government officials and related institutions, can significantly reduce the burden on cultural properties during recovery. It proposes reconstruction methods that prioritize harmony with nature and scenic preservation, drawing from damage cases of Yokogaki-toge Pass. While best practices for such reconstructions remain understudied, this research serves as a precedent for future disaster recovery efforts, offering practical implications for cultural property management and social benefits for stakeholders involved in heritage conservation.

Consumption of coffee in the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC): the "bad consumer" and the rise of specialty coffee

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia — 2019 — WHEF1A38148AC

In the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC), local coffee consumption patterns are shifting from traditional, often 'bad' consumer behaviors to a growing preference for specialty coffee. This study, based on three months of anthropological fieldwork in the Eje Cafetero region, reveals how structural changes within the coffee chain—such as the rise of cafés especiales—are influencing these trends. The research highlights both the benefits and limitations of specialty coffee development, offering a nuanced analysis of consumption strategies in a patrimonial context.

Contribution of Buffer Zone Programs to Reduce Human-Wildlife Impacts: the Case of the Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2019 — WHE0CA2AF8D22

Buffer zone programs around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, significantly reduce human-wildlife conflicts when funds are directed toward direct interventions for prevention and mitigation. A study found that only 13.7% of the buffer zone budget was allocated to such measures, yet this small investment inversely correlated with conflict levels. While residents generally held positive attitudes toward wildlife conservation and were aware of the programs, they expressed dissatisfaction with current practices. The research highlights the need for prioritizing direct intervention funds in buffer zones to effectively minimize human-wildlife impacts, offering a practical approach for similar conservation efforts worldwide.

Creating Balance Between Transformation and Preservation Within UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Belper, UK

Derwent Valley Mills — 2019 — WHE8EC4F39944

An innovative design-led strategy for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) balances transformation and preservation, demonstrated through the case study of Belper in the Derwent Valley Mills WHS. The research proposes treating heritage sites as palimpsests—layers of historical significance that can be reinforced while integrating modern development. This approach addresses derelict landscapes caused by industrial abandonment, offering a cohesive regeneration plan that enhances community life without compromising heritage integrity. By analyzing urban grain, natural environment, social landscape, and economic forces, the study knits together existing structures with mixed-use development, ensuring sustainability and cultural recognition in 21st-century contexts.

Cryptoporticus. La rete delle strade diventa sotterranea a Villa Adriana, Tivoli

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) — 2019 — WHED15CD2F7B0

A hidden network of underground pathways, known as cryptoportica, has been uncovered at Villa Adriana in Tivoli, revealing the architectural sophistication of Hadrian's Imperial Villa. These subterranean roads, once part of a surface-level system, provide structural support and intricate connectivity within the monument. Through digital surveys and high-resolution photography, researchers have documented the complexity of this ancient infrastructure, offering new insights into its design and function. The study highlights how these pathways integrated seamlessly with the villa's urban-like layout, demonstrating advanced engineering in Roman architecture.

Cultural and Natural Sites of Europe According to UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger

Medieval Monuments in Kosovo — 2019 — WHEA6064ACC9E

UNESCO's World Heritage List identifies sites of outstanding universal value, but some face threats from conflicts, natural disasters, pollution, and urbanization. European sites like Serbia’s Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (2006), the UK’s Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City (2012), and Austria’s Historic Centre of Vienna (2017) are on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to these risks. The study highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to address heritage protection challenges, emphasizing UNESCO's role in financial assistance and advocacy. It underscores the critical importance of preserving cultural and natural sites for their universal significance.

Cultural landscape meanings. The case of West Lake, Hangzhou, China

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2019 — WHE976C5E1921

The West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou reflects complex cultural meanings that diverge between international heritage agencies and Chinese perspectives. While Western conservation approaches often prioritize universal values, the study reveals that Chinese interpretations emphasize local identity, historical continuity, and emotional connections to the landscape. International bodies like UNESCO and ICOMOS, alongside Chinese stakeholders involved in its 2011 nomination process, may underestimate these nuanced meanings. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists perceive the site not just as a tourist attraction but as a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage, highlighting the need for conservation strategies that bridge global and local understandings.

Curated Viewsheds— Landscape Planning and Design of the Mount Kumgang International Tourist Zone on the Korean Peninsula

Mount Kumgang – Diamond Mountain from the Sea — 2019 — WHE9FC815A6D5

Mount Kumgang, a historically significant cultural symbol on the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, spans both the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK). This study introduces a landscape planning approach for the Mount Kumgang International Tourist Zone, focusing on enhancing sightseeing experiences through a visual network system. The design leverages traditional Korean artistic techniques, such as those found in Geumgang Jeondo and the 1939 'Panorama Map of Diamond Mountain,' combined with computer-generated graphics to address challenges like limited data and field survey difficulties. Two material models were developed to aid in understanding site design concepts. The proposed strategies aim to improve future development while preserving the region's rich natural and cultural heritage, offering a model for balanced regional growth.

Decontextualization and the Search for Origins: A Persian Architectural Fragment in the Ackland Art Museum

Hegmataneh — 2019 — WHE6AF3C2E914

A Persian architectural fragment, acquired by the Ackland Art Museum in 1998, has been recontextualized through comparative analysis with similar fragments from major Euro-American collections and the Hegmataneh Hill Museum in Hamadan, Iran. This study challenges the museum's emphasis on aesthetic qualities by examining the fragment as part of a broader network of architectural pieces, rather than an isolated decontextualized object. The research approach involves cross-collection analysis to trace origins and reconstruct historical context, providing new insights into Persian architectural heritage beyond conventional narratives.

Demography and life history of five chimpanzee communities in Taï National Park

Taï National Park — 2019 — WHE1DFAC2DDBF

A nearly four-decade study of wild chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, reveals critical insights into their demography and life-history strategies. By tracking five communities (North, South, Middle, East Groups), researchers uncovered key reproductive metrics such as age at first birth, interbirth intervals, and longevity, providing a rare long-term dataset for chimpanzee ecology. The study highlights adaptations in Taï chimpanzees' reproductive success and fitness, offering comparisons with other long-term sites to elucidate species-specific responses to environmental challenges.

Dendrochronological reconstruction of fire history in coniferous forests in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2019 — WHE030EE7286D

Coniferous forests within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) experience frequent fires, with return intervals averaging two years across all elevations and forest types. Contrary to expectations, these fires do not correlate with drought or El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, nor do they influence tree establishment patterns, which remain continuous regardless of fire frequency. The study, using dendrochronological techniques on 110 cross-sections from 23 sites spanning 1925–2015, suggests that natural fire regimes in these forests may have been drastically altered by human activities. While frequent low-severity fires could potentially harm tree regeneration and the integrity of the monarch butterfly's overwintering habitat, continuous tree regeneration indicates such impacts have not yet materialized.

Detection and localization of chamber tombs in the environs of ancient Olympia, Peloponnese, Greece, based on a combination of archaeological survey and geophysical prospection

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2019 — WHEC55867F963

Researchers have successfully identified and localized multiple Mycenaean chamber tombs in the environs of ancient Olympia, Greece, using non-invasive geophysical methods. By combining electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with ground-penetrating radar (GPR), the study detected ten previously unknown tomb candidates near the village of Epitalio, expanding knowledge of an uncharted cemetery. The approach was validated at the Mageiras-Kioupia necropolis, where excavated chamber tombs provided a reference for interpreting geophysical data. While no comparable tombs were found on the Dartisa plateau, this study demonstrates the potential of ERT and GPR to uncover hidden archaeological features in regions lacking systematic excavation records.