World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 13981 – 14000 of 15962 publications

The Struve Geodetic Arc: the development of the triangulation, technical possibilities, and the initiation of the project

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2019 — WHE406A5FEEF8

A groundbreaking geodetic project, the Struve Geodetic Arc, successfully measured Earth's ellipsoid parameters using triangulation from the Black Sea to the Arctic Ocean. This study reveals how advancements in triangulation techniques, geodetic instruments, and 18th–19th century Russian Empire policies created ideal conditions for its execution. By analyzing historical scientific progress, technological developments, and political factors, researchers identified key elements that ensured the project's success, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition.

The Transnational Cult of Mount Wutai

Mount Wutai — 2019 — WHE588FBCFA9C

Mount Wutai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, has been a sacred place for over 1500 years, with its significance extending across East Asia. This study reveals how both local actors and distant individuals have collaboratively shaped and reshaped Mount Wutai's status as a holy site through the centuries. By analyzing familiar visual and textual sources alongside understudied noncanonical materials, the research provides new insights into the dynamic nature of sacred geography and its evolution over time.

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley

Upper Middle Rhine Valley — 2019 — WHE774B5712B9

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, stands out as Germany's sole organic cultural landscape. A comprehensive Masterplan developed in 2013 addresses the significant challenges threatening this unique region, which spans from Mainz to Koblenz and encompasses historic cities, vineyards, and vital transport routes. The valley has faced persistent pressures, highlighted by seven state of conservation reports between 2008 and 2017, underscoring the complexities of balancing preservation with development in such culturally rich landscapes. This study synthesizes these challenges and the Masterplan's responses, offering a model for managing other cultural landscapes globally.

The vanishing paths of African artefacts: Mapping the Parisian auction market for "primitive" objects in the interwar period

Royal Palaces of Abomey — 2019 — WHE77F806BA9C

African artifacts, particularly those from the Royal Palaces of Abomey, held significant value during the 1930s financial crisis despite being generally undervalued in the interwar Parisian auction market. This study reconstructs the commercial paths of these objects by analyzing auction records and catalogues from Hôtel Drouot, identifying key actors and comparing prices with other 'primitive' artifacts. The research highlights how European collector preferences influenced market dynamics, with African items often fetching lower hammer prices—except for Abomey's royal objects, which served as stable investments.

Tomographic Images of Magma Chambers Beneath the Avacha and Koryaksky Volcanoes in Kamchatka

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2019 — WHE062C762E55

A new tomographic model reveals distinct magma reservoirs beneath the Avacha and Koryaksky volcanoes in Kamchatka, with exceptionally high Vp/Vs ratios (up to 2.4) indicating regions of partial melt or fluid accumulation. The study used seismic wave arrival times from nearly 5,000 local events recorded between 2009–2018 to map these anomalies. Beneath Avacha, the magma reservoir is shallower (~2 km depth), connected to the surface by a conduit marked by active seismicity, while beneath Koryaksky, it lies deeper (~7 km) and aligns with a vertical cluster of seismic activity, suggesting fluid ascent pathways. A 2–3 km thick layer of low seismic velocity between the volcanoes is interpreted as volcanoclastic sediments. The findings indicate that upper-crustal magma reservoirs are not interconnected, providing critical insights into volcanic hazards in Kamchatka.

Tourism Governance in Komodo National Park, Indonesia: Blessing or Curse?

Komodo National Park — 2019 — WHE61FB5AFA8A

Tourism governance in Komodo National Park (KNP), Indonesia, primarily benefits residents of Komodo Island while excluding those on Rinca Island from socio-economic prosperity. The study reveals that tourism management is largely controlled by KNP officials, with local people confined to roles as naturalist guides. This qualitative research, involving interviews with community leaders, guides, village heads, and tourism managers across two villages, highlights the uneven distribution of tourism's economic advantages within the park's vicinity.

Toward a model of destination resident–environment relationship: the case of Gulangyu, China

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2019 — WHE67FFDB9FCE

A groundbreaking study on Gulangyu Island, Chinareveals that residents' environmentally responsible behavior and willingness to sacrifice for the environment are significantly influenced by destination environmental quality and eco-friendly reputation. The research demonstrates that both factors directly impact resident environmental identification and commitment, which in turn shape their behaviors. Notably, environmental identification and commitment fully mediate the effects of environmental quality on these outcomes, while partially mediating the influence of destination reputation. This suggests that fostering a strong sense of environmental belonging among residents is key to promoting sustainable practices in heritage destinations.

Towards an Operational Framework of Crowd Evacuation Simulation in Historic Bazaars in Fire Disasters

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2019 — WHECEFD6EFF7F

Historic bazaars, such as Tabriz's, face significant fire disaster risks due to their complex physical and social structures that often deviate from modern safety standards. This study proposes an operational framework for crowd evacuation simulation in these settings, emphasizing the need to account for both human behavioral patterns and environmental constraints like bottlenecks and obstacles before simulating fire and smoke spread. The research, based on field studies of Tabriz and Istanbul bazaars alongside library reviews, identifies critical factors including physical environment interactions and human-psychological dynamics that must be integrated into evacuation planning simulations. This framework aims to optimize emergency strategies by addressing practical simulation requirements, ultimately enhancing safety in these culturally significant yet vulnerable spaces.

Tradice a kulturní hodnoty území v péči UNESCO

Vlkolínec — 2019 — WHE321D81DD5B

UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Vlkolínec in Slovakia and the potential candidate Slovanské hradiště in Mikulčice, Czech Republic, face unique challenges in preserving their traditional natural and cultural values. This study highlights practical tools like territorial plans, management plans, and protective buffer zones to effectively safeguard these sites. It demonstrates how existing frameworks can be leveraged to integrate heritage conservation with community life, ensuring sustainable protection. The research is part of a broader project focusing on the role of UNESCO sites in local communities, offering actionable insights for policymakers and conservationists.

Transformation of cultural identity, tourism and intercultural dialogue: medieval world heritage sites in Serbia between cultural monuments and shrines.

Stari Ras and Sopoćani — 2019 — WHE40E35ECB73

Medieval World Heritage Sites in Serbia, particularly the monastery complexes of Studenica, Sopoćani, and Stari Ras, serve as pivotal hubs for intercultural dialogue through their unique blend of cultural heritage and sacred significance. This study reveals that these sites, underpinned by Orthodox monastic traditions, offer exceptional potential for fostering intercultural understanding, especially when interpreted through the lens of 'female history'—the personal narratives of Serbian medieval rulers' wives and daughters, often foreign-born but revered as saints. The research leverages the Artis Center's experience in cultural and creative tourism to propose innovative models for interpreting sacred spaces, thereby bridging cultural identities and enhancing tourism experiences while preserving historical integrity.

Transforming fire suppression into an intercultural and participative fire management policy in Canaima National Park, Venezuela. A learning together and Indigenous, academic and institutional knowledge integration process

Canaima National Park — 2019 — WHEBEE15A414B

A transformative shift in fire management policies within Canaima National Park, Venezuela, has been achieved through the integration of Indigenous Pemón knowledge with academic and institutional expertise. The study reveals that Indigenous practices, such as controlled burning for shifting cultivation and savanna-forest border management, are sophisticated strategies to mitigate catastrophic wildfires exacerbated by climate change. Over nearly 20 years, collaborative fire experiments involving Indigenous communities, firefighters, and scientists demonstrated that fire exclusion policies, while intended to protect ecosystems, paradoxically increase fuel accumulation, leading to larger, more destructive fires under current hotter and drier conditions. This research highlights the potential of intercultural collaboration in developing sustainable fire management strategies that balance ecological preservation with Indigenous livelihoods.

Understanding Building Stones and Stone Buildings

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2019 — WHE60F7B58D5B

A comprehensive exploration of the geological origins, properties, and lifecycle of building stones reveals critical insights into their durability and decay mechanisms. The study emphasizes recognizing diverse stone types—such as granites, limestones, and sandstones—through illustrated examples from Great Britain and beyond. It examines how these materials weather over time when used in structures like pillars, arches, and cathedrals, with a focus on Durham Cathedral's sandstone deterioration. Additionally, the research delves into historical architectural styles, showcasing contributions by architects like Vitruvius and Sir Christopher Wren, while also discussing the potential 'rebirth' of ruined buildings through digital recording. The book integrates over 450 diagrams and photographs to enhance understanding, supported by an extensive bibliography.

Understanding ranger motivation and job satisfaction to improve wildlife protection in Kahuzi–Biega National Park, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2019 — WHEB96DBFA289

Ranger job satisfaction is low but can be significantly improved through higher salaries, better promotion opportunities, and enhanced support from authorities. A 2015–2016 survey of 72% of rangers in Kahuzi-Biega National Park revealed that while most chose this profession to conserve wildlife or serve their country, factors like patrol assignment, housing at headquarters, age, and tenure influenced satisfaction levels. Improving these conditions could boost ranger commitment, performance, and conservation outcomes.

Understanding the Traditional and Contemporary Purpose of the Njelele Rainmaking Shrine through the Oral Testimonies of Local People in Matobo

Matobo Hills — 2019 — WHEDAE5DEFF43

Local oral testimonies reveal the Njelele shrine's enduring spiritual significance, serving as a site for rainmaking rituals, societal forgiveness, and disease cures. The shrine, located in Zimbabwe's Matobo Hills (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), was also consulted during the liberation struggle and remains relevant to war veterans today. However, its mystical voice, once believed to emanate from the rocks, is said to have vanished due to disrespect for the area. This study highlights the diverse values attached to the site by different interest groups, providing insight into its traditional and contemporary purposes.

UNESCO and the dictator. Cultural heritage, totalitarianism and mobility in Albania

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2019 — WHE7D13BA5DE6

Albania's UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Butrint National Park, Berat, and Gjirokastra—reflect a complex interplay between cultural heritage and political regimes. Research reveals that contemporary patrimonialization in Albania, while challenging the legacies of Fascism and Communism, selectively reinterprets elements from these eras to craft a new tourist identity. The study employs document analysis from Tirana's National Historical Archive and ethnographic fieldwork, using mobility/immobility as a lens to examine heritage dynamics under totalitarianism and post-socialist transitions.

UNESCO Lists for the Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage in the World and Their Impact on Tourism Development: Case of the Republic of North Macedonia

Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region — 2019 — WHEA943F1D932

UNESCO's World Heritage Lists play a significant role in both the protection of natural and cultural heritage and the sustainable development of tourism. The Ohrid region in the Republic of North Macedonia, listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1979, faced threats from uncontrolled tourism expansion, unplanned urban development, and environmental destruction, leading to its inclusion on the World Heritage List in Danger in 2017. This study investigates whether sites originating from North Macedonia are on UNESCO Lists and how this impacts heritage protection and sustainable tourism development. Using a research approach that combines analysis of UNESCO's lists with an assessment of local tourism development, the paper highlights the complex interplay between global recognition, local challenges, and the need for balanced conservation strategies.

UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vlkolínec (Slovakia) in Geographical Education

Vlkolínec — 2019 — WHE0626250058

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vlkolínec (Slovakia), stands out for its unique historical landscape structures that have preserved cultural significance since the late 18th century. This study highlights how such sites can serve as valuable educational tools in geographical education, demonstrating their potential to enrich both local and global learning experiences. Through a survey of primary students in the Liptov region (2018/2019), researchers identified gaps in student knowledge about Vlkolínec, leading to the development of an educational project aimed at integrating the site's attributes into school curricula. The findings underscore the importance of leveraging UNESCO sites for tourism and pedagogy, offering a model for other regions to follow.

Urban agriculture and buddhist concepts for wellbeing: Anuradhapura sacred city, Sri lanka

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2019 — WHE15164BAF78

Urban agriculture in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first Buddhist city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, functions as a 'performing system' that integrates people with the landscape to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. This study reveals how agricultural practices, particularly around large reservoirs (wewa) and paddy fields, create a sustainable urban environment rooted in Buddhist philosophy. By engaging in laborious agricultural tasks, residents experience spiritual dimensions tied to the city's orientation, embodying the 'four noble truths' and fostering a healthy, sustainable cityscape. The research synthesizes phenomenology, anthropology, neuroscience, and Buddhist philosophy to explore how this embodied landscape promotes wellbeing, offering insights into the intersection of agriculture, spirituality, and urban design.

Urban Renewal, Cultural Tourism, and Community Development

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi — 2019 — WHE5C4634D830

An Islamic ethical framework rooted in Sharia principles, emphasizing charity, hard work, and self-sufficiency, proves effective for pro-poor tourism initiatives. This study compares the framework with the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, a large-scale project led by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture around Humayun's Tomb, Delhi. The initiative demonstrates how sustainable, justice-based development can integrate multiple stakeholders while preserving heritage and fostering socio-economic growth. By aligning Islamic values with modern tourism practices, the research highlights a viable model for equitable community development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Urban Tourist Motivations in the City of Porto

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2019 — WHE6280C24ADC

Over half of tourists visiting Porto are primarily motivated by its cultural and gastronomic appeal, with hedonic consumption driving their choices. This insight emerges from a study that systematically identified and prioritized key pull factors influencing tourist behavior in the historic center of Porto using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. The research addresses a gap in understanding Porto's growing importance as a European tourist destination by analyzing surveys conducted non-intrusively, offering valuable guidance for tourism professionals aiming to craft authentic experiences that leverage Porto's unique cultural and culinary heritage.