World Heritage Research: Search

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Showing 13861 – 13880 of 15962 publications

Kew Gardens and the Emergence of the School Museum in Britain, 1880–1930

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2019 — WHEBC83D662C7

Between 1880 and 1930, the Kew Museum of Economic Botany significantly influenced educational reform by supplying schools with botanical specimens for object-based learning. This initiative was highly popular, with demand exceeding supply, leading to alternative solutions being developed. The distribution of specimens extended Kew's ethos into classrooms, offering diverse curricular benefits from nature study to geography. The research suggests that these objects held additional meanings and uses beyond their intended educational purposes. The study also highlights the movement of museum expertise and practices across professional and institutional boundaries during this period, proposing new avenues for further exploration.

Key Aesthetic Appeal Concepts of Coastal Dunes and Forests on the Example of the Curonian Spit (Lithuania)

Curonian Spit — 2019 — WHEDEBDA262A0

Aesthetic appeal of coastal dunes and forests on the Curonian Spit varies significantly among visitors, local inhabitants, and experts. The most appealing landscapes include white mobile dunes and combinations of white and grey (grassland) dunes, with visual coherence being a key factor for locals. Experts, however, emphasized stewardship, naturalness, imageability, and visual scale as defining scenic appeal, while disturbance and complexity diminished attractiveness. This divergence in perceptions suggests potential management conflicts. The study used paired comparison surveys of 45 landscapes, semi-structured interviews with locals, and a Delphi technique involving experts to elicit key aesthetic concepts.

Knowledge and skills associated to craftsmanship for built heritage conservation and rehabilitation: Case study—Historic Cairo

Historic Cairo — 2019 — WHE27E964898F

Historic Cairo's traditional craftsmanship, such as stonemasonry and plasterwork, is at risk due to rapid urban pressures but holds significant potential for heritage conservation. This study identifies key influences on these skills and explores their reintegration into architectural rehabilitation efforts. Using a holistic approach rooted in doctoral research at the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation, it examines how preserving craftsmanship can revitalize local communities while safeguarding cultural identity. The findings highlight the urgent need to address challenges threatening these living traditions, offering actionable insights for sustainable heritage management.

La difficile mise en œuvre de la patrimonialisation dans la ville de Naplouse (Territoires palestiniens occupés)

Sebastia — 2019 — WHE8A0753DCCA

Despite Nablus' rich historical heritage, spanning from Roman antiquity to Mamluk and Ottoman influences, its patrimonialization process faces significant challenges that hinder its potential inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The study identifies key obstacles including land pressure competing with urban development, insufficient resources and regulatory frameworks for heritage protection, and political priorities that marginalize heritage conservation efforts. While Hebron's old town has recently been listed, Nablus struggles due to these systemic issues, revealing the complex interplay between occupation, governance, and cultural preservation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Land Squandering in the Spanish Medium Sized Cities: The Case of Toledo

Historic City of Toledo — 2019 — WHE50870D2FC1

Spanish medium-sized cities, including the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toledo, experienced significant urban sprawl and land squandering from the mid-1990s to 2008. This process, driven by speculation and profit, transformed compact urban forms into disjointed spaces, particularly in peripheral districts. The study highlights how Toledo's urban expansion extended into its hinterland while also noting internal dispersion through the 'Ensanche' (widening) process in the late 20th century. Using urban estate cadaster data alongside fieldwork and bibliographic research, the authors demonstrate that such growth patterns resulted in fragmented urban landscapes. This research underscores the consequences of unchecked land development on historic cities.

Land use changes and dynamics over the last century around churches of Moldavia, Bukovina, Northern Romania – Challenges and future perspectives

Churches of Moldavia — 2019 — WHEE6C75CF434

Significant land use changes over the past century have been identified around several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Northern Romania, including Probota, Humor, Patrauti, and Arbore churches. These changes, analyzed through historical maps (1917) and modern orthophotos (2005, 2016), reveal deforestation and anthropogenic environmental alterations that threaten the integrity of these monuments. In contrast, Sucevita, Voronet, and Moldovita churches retain their natural Bukovina landscape, while Suceava church is embedded in a highly urbanized environment. The study highlights the vulnerability of these sites to human-induced changes, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to preserve their cultural and ecological significance.

Landform mapping of Okinoshima island and sea bed of Munakata city

Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region — 2019 — WHE6C7BF14A04

A comprehensive landform mapping of Okinoshima Island and the seabed of Munakata City reveals significant geological insights, contributing to the understanding of the Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region. The study identifies a horseshoe-shaped caldera structure formed by the set of islands, with Okinoshima rising approximately 340 meters above a flat seabed. Topographic analysis shows a shallow flat table to the west and a concave area inclining eastward. Using GIS, the research integrates ground elevation maps, slope maps, relief maps, and 3D images, alongside geospatial data from GSI and JHA, to classify landforms such as crests, steep cliffs, and talus cones. The findings highlight restricted access areas while providing valuable references for understanding the island's formative processes.

Landscape Economic Attractiveness: An Integrated Methodology for Exploring the Rural Landscapes in Piedmont (Italy)

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2019 — WHE3DCB297EDF

Researchers developed an integrated methodology to measure the economic attractiveness of rural landscapes, specifically applying it to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Piedmont, Italy: the Moraine Amphitheatre of Ivrea and the vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato. The study introduced a synthetic index—Landscape Economic Attractiveness Index (LEAI)—derived from a system of landscape indicators, which was then integrated into a dynamic model to assess its role in human mobility across multi-pole systems. This approach provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to guide landscape and territorial transformations while preserving cultural and environmental integrity. The methodology offers a framework for evaluating rural landscapes' economic potential, supporting sustainable development strategies.

Landscape Transformations in the Historical Capitals of Lithuania during the 13th-14th Centuries

Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė) — 2019 — WHE823A235B43

Research challenges long-standing assumptions about the origins of the Peninsula Castle in New Trakai, revealing it was not artificially constructed but rather a transformed glacial hill. This finding contrasts with previous scholarly beliefs and sheds new light on landscape transformations during the 13th-14th centuries in Lithuania's historical capitals—Kernavė, Trakai, and Vilnius. The study, conducted between 2018-2019, employed advanced techniques such as LiDAR data analysis, geophysical surveys, minimal-destructive archaeological investigations, and pedological methods to reconstruct the paleorelief of these landscapes. In Kernavė, extensive landscape modifications were identified, including the creation of two hillforts separated by a defensive moat, while Trakai's brick castle was strategically built on a site that required minimal transformation. These insights highlight the Gediminid dynasty's ambitious approach to shaping power centers within Lithuania's nascent state.

Le paysage fluvial et irrigué de Sarazm dans la moyenne vallée du Zeravchan, Tadjikistan, Asie centrale

Proto-urban Site of Sarazm — 2019 — WHEED48DDD60E

A groundbreaking geoarchaeological study of the Zeravchan Valley, Tadjikistan, reveals that human societies have significantly shaped its river landscape through sophisticated water management practices since the protohistoric era. The research demonstrates how interactions between riparian communities and a semi-arid, tectonically active environment led to the creation of complex irrigation systems over millennia. By integrating geomorphological analysis, Optically Stimulated Thermoluminescence (OSL) dating, and micromorphological studies of sedimentary backfill from a 3rd millennium BCE canal, the study highlights the rapid transformation of landscapes through socio-environmental dynamics. This finding underscores the enduring impact of human ingenuity in managing water resources in challenging conditions.

Levende cultuurlandschappen als Werelderfgoed

Colonies of Benevolence — 2019 — WHE5CD771E687

This study highlights that change within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly 'living' or 'continuing' cultural landscapes, is feasible but requires careful management and a focus on quality. The research challenges traditional European notions of heritage authenticity and the nature-culture divide by incorporating perspectives from Asia and Africa. It emphasizes the importance of involving landscape architects and adopting concepts like layered landscapes and path dependency to guide sustainable development. The study examines five case studies, including the Colonies of Benevolence, to illustrate these principles.

Livestock depredation by leopards around Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2019 — WHE6618D2649B

A decade-long analysis of leopard livestock depredation around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, revealed that goats were disproportionately targeted (87.3% of cases), leading to significant economic losses and compensation payments totaling $24,621 over ten years. Despite a general decline in incidents from 2007–2016, no clear correlation was found between depredation and factors such as human or livestock population density, forest area, or environmental variables like rainfall or temperature. Depredation hotspots were identified through a conflict map, highlighting clustering in specific buffer zone areas. The study suggests that improved husbandry practices, livestock insurance schemes, and conservation education could mitigate conflicts and enhance public support for leopard conservation.

Living apart together. A ceramic analysis of Eastern Crete during the advanced Late Bronze Age

Minoan Palatial Centres — 2019 — WHEA4670DB998

A ceramic analysis of Eastern Crete during the advanced Late Bronze Age (1450–1200 BCE) reveals that Cretan society underwent significant transformations following the violent destructions of LM IB palatial centres, challenging assumptions about Mycenaean influence. The study suggests that while Greek-speaking elites may have taken control of Knossos and imposed centralized administration using Linear B script, Minoan cultural identity persisted in Eastern Crete, indicating a complex interplay rather than complete assimilation. This finding sheds new light on the post-collapse dynamics between Crete and the Mycenaean Mainland, emphasizing continuity and resistance in local traditions despite broader political shifts.

Local materials in the regeneration of urban space of the historic centre of the Metropolitan City of Naples

Historic Centre of Naples — 2019 — WHE62E46C085E

A key insight from this study is that the use of local materials significantly enhances the quality and perception of urban space, reinforcing a sense of belonging to place. This finding underscores the importance of sustainable exploitation of local resources for the regeneration of urban areas, particularly in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Naples. The research, conducted by the Urban Planning Board and Land Management Laboratory as part of a larger project on the enhancement of Naples' historic centre, explores how 92 municipalities within the Metropolitan City can preserve their distinct cultural profiles while addressing shared administrative challenges. It employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating urban planning, architecture, and environmental sustainability to propose strategies for regenerating urban space that respect local identities and resources.

Macro and Microhabitat Patterns of Habitat Use and Selection by Wild Boar in Los Alerces National Park

Los Alerces National Park — 2019 — WHE23176BB852

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) preferentially select Lomatia hirsuta forest over other habitats, such as Nothofagus pumilio forest and Valdivian evergreen rainforest, in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina. This preference is consistent across both spring-summer and autumn-winter periods, with microhabitat selection favoring low slopes and high canopy cover, particularly on southeast-facing areas with intermediate ground cover. The study, one of the first to analyze wild boar habitat use at macro and micro scales in Patagonian protected areas, provides critical insights for managing this invasive species and understanding its ecological impact.

Making post-glacial uplift visible: A model based high-resolution animation of shore displacement

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2019 — WHEF3BCD91AA6

A groundbreaking high-resolution animation reveals the dynamic nature of post-glacial uplift and shore displacement in the High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage site, where land rises at rates exceeding 8 mm per year. The study employed a mathematical model to transform digital elevation models (DEMs) over ~9300 years, integrating LiDAR-derived DEMs from Finland and Sweden with bathymetric data of the Gulf of Bothnia. By leveraging geophysical uplift rate surfaces and ancient shoreline observations, researchers derived an exponential model that accurately describes the non-linear correlation between elapsed time and land uplift. The animation, rendered at 4K resolution with a five-year interval between frames, provides a visually intuitive representation of this decelerating phenomenon, highlighting regional differences in post-glacial history. While future improvements may include removing post-glacially developed features like rivers, the current model offers unprecedented continuity and clarity in visualizing shore displacement.

Managing Marine Protected Areas in Remote Areas: The Case of the Subantarctic Heard and McDonald Islands

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2019 — WHE1E4D52856C

The Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Marine Reserve, one of the world's most remote marine protected areas (MPAs), has successfully balanced sustainable fisheries with biodiversity conservation. Despite its harsh conditions and isolation, the reserve has seen no illegal fishing since 2006/07, thanks to collaboration between managers and the fishing industry. Commercial fishers actively monitor the area, report infringements, and conduct annual ecological surveys, providing critical data for environmental tracking. This partnership, underpinned by secure fishing rights, demonstrates that remote MPAs can achieve conservation outcomes when governance integrates industry participation and robust monitoring. The study highlights the potential for similar models in other remote large MPAs, offering a blueprint for cost-effective conservation strategies.

Mapping heritage digitally for tourism: an example of Vall de Boí, Catalonia, Spain

Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí — 2019 — WHE68558E82FF

Digital preservation techniques, such as video mapping, have successfully restored and showcased medieval Romanesque paintings in the Catalan Pyrenees, revitalizing tourism in the Vall de Boí region. The study highlights how digital architectural design can enhance heritage experiences, particularly in lesser-visited destinations like this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A project called Taüll 1123, launched in 2013, demonstrated that technology-driven interventions can significantly boost local tourism while preserving cultural heritage. Using a qualitative approach, the research underscores the potential of digital tools to reinterpret and promote understudied historical sites.

Marine biodiversity in Ha Long bay and Cat Ba archipelago

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2019 — WHE8F9962777E

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam's largest limestone island system, exhibits exceptional marine biodiversity with 4,622 species of plants and animals, including 16 on the Vietnam Red List and 114 on the IUCN List. This diversity spans seven tropical limestone ecosystems—rainforest, cave, mangrove, tidal, coral reef, and soft-bottom—highlighting its global conservation value under UNESCO criteria (ix and x). The study, analyzing both terrestrial and marine species distribution, underscores the site's potential as a World Heritage Site due to its high endemism and rare species presence. Research involved systematic species documentation, emphasizing ecological significance for heritage designation.

Martyria

Archaeological Site of Philippi — 2019 — WHEBEEECEFAE5

Early Christian martyr shrines, known as martyria, emerged as significant cultic centers, but their archaeological study is hampered by limited pre-fourth-century evidence. This research bridges the gap between textual and archaeological records, revealing that while early descriptions from Smyrna and Rome provide insight into primitive practices, later fourth-century sites in Rome and Philippi show the expansion of martyria as focal points for Christian worship. The study highlights a caveat: smaller or private shrines may remain invisible to archaeology, suggesting a broader but underdocumented phenomenon.