World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 13841 – 13860 of 15962 publications

Hidden diversity in European bees: Andrena amieti sp. n., a new Alpine bee species related to Andrena bicolor (Fabricius, 1775) (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Andrenidae)

Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch — 2019 — WHED6F7EB03B7

A new Alpine bee species, Andrena amieti, has been identified within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch', revealing hidden diversity among European bees. Phylogenetic analysis of genetic and morphological data confirmed its distinct status alongside three other closely related species: A.montana and A.allosa. The study found that A.amieti is bivoltine, with spring and summer generations exhibiting different pollen host preferences—spring being polylectic while the summer generation favors Campanulaceae. Additionally, two divergent mitochondrial lineages coexist in sympatry within this species, suggesting potential cryptic diversity. The research also resurrected A.croatica as a valid species and elevated A.pileata to species rank, proposing that such hidden diversity may be widespread in southern European Andrena (Euandrena). An identification key for central European members of the subgenus Euandrena was provided.

High Resolution Shoreline and Shelly Ridge Monitoring over Stormy Winter Events: A Case Study in the Megatidal Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel (France)

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2019 — WHE6DF7CEFF23

A strong correlation was found between significant wave height and erosion rate, ranging from 0 to 60.9 meters, during two high-energy winter events in the megatidal Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel (France). This study highlights how coastal systems respond variably to stormy conditions depending on their geomorphic features. To investigate this, researchers employed a transdisciplinary approach combining in situ wave measurements with pressure sensors, topographical data acquisition using differential GPS, and high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery analysis. The salt marsh vegetation line and the inner margin of shelly ridges served as markers for tracking shoreline evolution during the events from February 18–24, 2015, and March 19–24, 2015. This method provides critical insights into coastal vulnerability, offering a more precise understanding than regional-scale studies.

Hospicio Cabañas

Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara — 2019 — WHE4450F4C0A8

Google Maps is increasingly serving as an informal proxy for experiencing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by a digital ethnography of Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara. This lesser-known Mexican site gains new dimensions through Google's two-dimensional and three-dimensional satellite maps, which provide large-scale views that contextualize the hospice within its urban environment. The study highlights how virtual tools like Street View and See Inside enable simulated physical exploration, offering dynamic interfaces that mimic in-person visits. These digital experiences not only emphasize the scale of Hospicio Cabañas relative to surrounding structures but also suggest a shift in how heritage sites are perceived and engaged with globally.

How Outstanding Universal Value, Service Quality and Place Attachment Influences Tourist Intention Towards World Heritage Conservation: A Case Study of Mount Sanqingshan National Park, China

Mount Sanqingshan National Park — 2019 — WHEFE7B50CD3A

Mount Sanqingshan National Park's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and service quality significantly influence tourists' intentions to conserve World Heritage Sites, with service quality proving more effective than OUV. A study of 565 tourist responses found that while both factors positively impacted conservation intent, place attachment did not mediate this effect. The research, using structural equation modeling, suggests prioritizing service quality improvements and affiliate attractions to enhance heritage protection and sustainable tourism development.

How to survey, model, and measure rockeries in a Chinese classical garden: a case study for Huanxiu Shanzhuang, Suzhou, China

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2019 — WHEAC4290E21D

Advanced digital survey techniques, including terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry, have been successfully applied to document and analyze rockeries in Huanxiu Shanzhuang. This study demonstrates that these methods can accurately model and measure both piled mountains and single monoliths, providing precise morphometric data for Chinese classical garden rockeries. By comparing techniques across different situations, the research establishes a robust approach for documenting this unique cultural heritage element. The findings contribute to preserving and understanding the intricate design of rockeries, which are distinctive features of Chinese gardens and reflect their cultural significance.

How Violence Shapes Religion: Belief and Conflict in the Middle East and Africa

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2019 — WHEC1C7A0833F

Violence profoundly shapes religious beliefs and conflicts, as evidenced by the 13th-century Marienburg Castle of the Teutonic Order near Malbork, Poland. This fortress, through its architecture and artifacts, reflects the interplay between Christian faith and violent encounters that defined its era. The study examines how such structures perpetuate myths of identity and belief, contributing to broader patterns of conflict in regions like the Middle East and Africa. By analyzing historical and material evidence, the research highlights the enduring impact of violence on religious narratives and societal dynamics.

Hydrothermal eruptions at unstable crater lakes: Insights from the Boiling Lake, Dominica, Lesser Antilles

Morne Trois Pitons National Park — 2019 — WHE70A0367818

A study of the Boiling Lake in Dominica's Morne Trois Pitons National Park reveals that small hydrothermal eruptions and toxic gas emissions, previously thought non-eruptive, can occur during lake drainage events. The research demonstrates that the petrophysical state of crater wall materials—such as porosity, permeability, and alteration-related strength—controls the style and energy of these explosive events, as well as landslide risks. Using experimental simulations of decompression under slightly elevated pressure (mimicking post-drainage eruptions) and rapidly enhanced pressure (simulating landslide-induced overpressurization), scientists calculated ejection velocities to estimate potential debris impact areas. This work advances the understanding of hydrothermal eruption hazards at unstable crater lakes, offering critical insights for risk assessment in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Iconografia bíblica a la pintura mural romànica de la Vall de Boí: el cel dins de l’eglésia

Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí — 2019 — WHECFE735DAF5

Romanesque mural paintings from three churches in Vall de Boí—Sant Climent of Taüll, Santa Maria of Taüll, and Sant Joan of Boí—reveal a sophisticated system of biblical iconography designed to convey religious messages to illiterate medieval believers. These paintings, now housed in the National Museum of Catalan Art in Barcelona, depict celestial themes within ecclesiastical contexts, serving as a visual means of education and spiritual instruction. The study analyzes how these murals integrate complex biblical narratives while maintaining accessibility through symbolic representation. This approach highlights the cultural significance of Romanesque art in religious communication during the medieval period.

Identity Reconstruction of the Great Zimbabwe National Monument: An Indigenous Knowledge Systems Perspective

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2019 — WHEE4302DAB2E

A comparative analysis of cultural customs between the Ancient Mediterranean World (AMW) and the Shona people of Zimbabwe reveals potential similarities that challenge long-standing theories about the builders of Great Zimbabwe National Monument (GZNM). Contrary to claims linking its construction to ancient Mediterranean communities or biblical figures, this study suggests that indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) may provide a more plausible identity for the monument's architects. By examining cultural parallels, researchers aim to contribute new insights into the debate surrounding GZNM's origins, offering a perspective rooted in local traditions rather than external narratives.

Image-based 3D Shape Reconstruction of Byzantine and Paleochristian Monuments

Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika — 2019 — WHEE6AA8C01F9

Advanced image-based 3D reconstruction techniques have successfully captured the intricate details of Thessaloniki's Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments, offering unprecedented precision for cultural heritage preservation. By leveraging state-of-the-art algorithms and commercial software, researchers generated highly accurate 3D surface models of iconic structures, providing a digital toolkit that bridges gaps in traditional documentation methods. This approach not only preserves historical data but also enables deeper analysis of architectural features, textures, and structural integrity—key for conservation efforts. The study highlights the potential of these technologies to revolutionize how heritage sites are studied and protected.

Impact of IPPC Scenarios on indoor environment quality of historic buildings

Historic Centre of Prague — 2019 — WHEC9C4C661EA

Climate change is expected to increase cooling demand in historic buildings, posing significant challenges for maintaining indoor environment quality. A study analyzing the multi-purpose building in Prague's historic center found that global warming scenarios from the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report lead to higher overheating risks and increased energy efficiency demands. Using the BSim simulation tool, researchers evaluated permitted refurbishment methods under strict heritage protection guidelines, proposing structural and technical modifications to mitigate solar heat gains while adhering to legal constraints.

Impacts of Selective Logging and Associated Anthropogenic Disturbance on Intact Forest Landscapes and Apes of Northern Congo

Sangha Trinational — 2019 — WHE89629A2D2F

Selective logging and associated human activities in the Sangha Trinational landscape of northern Congo have complex impacts on ape populations, including chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas. Despite high densities of these apes in both intact forest landscapes (IFL) and non-IFL areas, selective logging alters floristic factors such as tree stem density and herb abundance, which may influence ape resource use. Notably, chimpanzee nesting behavior shifts in logged areas, with nests built closer to the ground compared to IFL, suggesting a reduction in their preferred tree nesting niche. While gorilla nest height remains unaffected, increased road access due to logging facilitates illegal hunting, posing a significant threat to wildlife. The study underscores the importance of long-term collaborations among stakeholders for implementing conservation strategies and certification standards that balance biodiversity protection with sustainable forestry practices.

Impacts of the World Heritage List Inscription: A Case Study of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in China

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages — 2019 — WHE08A49B5344

The World Heritage List (WHL) inscription of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in China has demonstrated both positive and negative impacts across socioeconomic domains. The study found that while the inscription significantly improved cultural cognition, community cohesion, infrastructure, tourism development, villagers' income, environmental awareness, and government leadership, it also led to slight damage to the community's cultural environment, unequal income distribution, and increased environmental damage due to tourist influx. The research constructed a theoretical framework to evaluate these impacts, analyzing factors such as property rights, community participation, and planning. It provides actionable suggestions for future heritage site management.

Incidence of Multiple Paternity and Inbreeding in High-Density Brown Bear Populations on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan

Shiretoko — 2019 — WHE6D29C3B53C

A study on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan, reveals that approximately 15% of brown bear litters result from multiple paternity, comparable to rates observed in Scandinavian populations despite differences in population density and litter size. The research also identified low but notable instances of inbreeding, including cases involving father-daughter matings (2.7%), maternal half-siblings (0.5%), and paternal half-siblings (1.8%). No evidence was found for mother-son or full-sibling matings. These findings suggest that male-biased dispersal plays a crucial role in limiting close inbreeding, offering insights into the genetic dynamics of high-density brown bear populations. The study genotyped 837 individuals at 21 microsatellite loci and analyzed parentage across 70-82 litters to derive these conclusions.

Influence of light environment on deterioration of mural paintings in Mogao Cave 285, Dunhuang

Mogao Caves — 2019 — WHE8FB3D8EE90

Mural paintings in Mogao Cave 285, part of the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, China, exhibit significant deterioration due to environmental factors. Research reveals that hygrothermal conditions and light exposure—particularly UV irradiation—accelerate physical damage such as cracking and color changes, with organic pigments showing pronounced chroma saturation shifts. Experimental simulations on Bengal red, lapis lazuli, and other pigments demonstrated distinct vulnerability patterns: cracks formed predominantly in Bengal red, while salt-induced white crystals emerged universally across pigment layers. The study highlights the critical role of environmental control, especially post-collapses like the one affecting Cave 285's entrance hall, in preserving these irreplaceable cultural artifacts.

Influence of management status on the coral reef fish communities in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2019 — WHED2428CBCA3

Coral reef fish communities in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) exhibit higher species richness and abundance in the Core Zone compared to the Marine Protection Zone, with Caesionidae being the most frequent family in the former. This difference is attributed to stricter preservation measures in the Core Zone, which likely support more diverse coral reef ecosystems. The study used underwater visual census methods during field observations in October 2017 to assess fish communities across zones, revealing that while abundance did not significantly differ, species richness showed a statistically significant variation. These findings underscore the impact of zoning management on marine biodiversity conservation.

Institutional dynamics and adaptive capacity in world heritage management: case studies from Southeast Asia

Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE59982BF499

World Heritage site management institutions face increasing complexity due to evolving heritage concepts and global threats, yet many struggle to adapt. A refined framework for adaptive capacity is proposed, identifying six key factors—cognitive frame, learning capacity, formal governance structures, organizational relations, agency, and resources—that shape institutional dynamics. This study, focusing on three Southeast Asian sites (Vat Phou in Lao PDR, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and George Town in Malaysia), demonstrates that while adaptive change concepts are useful beyond climate contexts, existing frameworks fall short of capturing dynamic processes. The research suggests restructuring World Heritage policy to address the growing complexity of heritage conservation.

Integrative Management Planning Framework for Sustainable Development of Sub-Saharan African World Heritage Cultural Landscapes

Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE78F037D411

A novel integrative management planning framework has been developed to address the challenges of sustainable development and conservation in Sub-Saharan African World Heritage cultural landscapes, particularly those under pressure from conflicting development activities. This framework proposes strategic solutions that harmonize land use planning, decision-making, resource management, socio-economic development, and stakeholder engagement, offering a comprehensive technical tool for long-term management. The approach was validated through comparative case studies of Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape in Malawi and Mapungubwe World Heritage Cultural Landscape in South Africa, demonstrating its effectiveness in balancing conservation with development while ensuring the preservation of significant cultural and natural attributes.

International Ecoregional Cooperation of Ukraine for the Protection and Preservation of Biodiversity

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe — 2019 — WHEE284526488

Ukraine hosts two critical ecoregions from the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Global 200 list: the European-Mediterranean Montane Forests and the Danube River Delta, both under significant threat. The study identifies 12 priority ecoregions in Ukraine, including terrestrial (e.g., Carpathian montane forests), freshwater (e.g., Dniester–Lower Danube), and marine (Mediterranean Sea) ecosystems. International cooperation has successfully protected the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians but faces challenges in annexed territories like Crimea, where unique beech forests remain unprotected. The research underscores the need for Ukraine to develop a National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) to enhance transnational biodiversity conservation efforts, highlighting both achievements and gaps in global ecoregional collaboration.

Joining Historic Cities to the Global World: Feasibility or Fantasy?

Historic Centre of Florence — 2019 — WHE2C9C5F4BDA

Historic cities, including Florence, face challenges and opportunities in the era of globalization. While Florence's unique environmental qualities have made it a top tourist destination, its long-term sustainability depends on strategic urban planning to attract global economic investment and skilled labor. A study involving 384 randomly selected participants in Florence's historic center revealed that creating a precise and distinctive city image is crucial for historic cities to thrive globally. The research used descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to assess the feasibility of this transition, highlighting the need for balanced urban development to maintain cultural heritage while embracing global integration.