World Heritage Research: Search

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Showing 14221 – 14240 of 15962 publications

Salman Aliyari Babolghani. Taḥrīr-e Īlāmī. Katībeh-ye Dāriūš bozorg dar Bīsotūn [The Elamite Version of Darius the Great’s Inscription at Bisotun. Introduction, Grammar of Achaemenid Elamite, Transliteration, Persian Translation, Comparison with other Versions, Notes and Index]

Bisotun — 2018 — WHEAA3580D6B9

A comprehensive re-evaluation of the Elamite version of Darius the Great's inscription at Bisotun reveals it as a critical yet understudied component of the monument's trilingual texts. Unlike previous analyses, this study provides a more accurate transliteration, Persian translation, and comparative linguistic framework for Achaemenid Elamite, addressing gaps left by earlier works such as those by Grillot-Susini et al. (1993). The research employs a methodical approach, integrating grammatical analysis, cross-version comparisons, and detailed annotations to clarify the inscription's structure and significance within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern epigraphy. This work bridges historical linguistics and archaeology, offering new insights into the political and cultural narratives embedded in Bisotun's inscriptions.

Samarra, Madinat al-Zahra y sus irradiaciones arqueológicas

Samarra Archaeological City — 2018 — WHE5F41F7992D

A significant parallel is drawn between the archaeological cities of Samarra (founded 836) and Madinat al-Zahra (founded 936), despite their differing scales. Both faced similar challenges in excavation, beginning around 1907/1908, due to limited prior knowledge beyond written documentation. The discovery of luster ware pottery in Madinat al-Zahra initially suggested chronological parallels with Samarra, though these were later found unsustainable. This misinterpretation had lasting implications for scientific literature, highlighting the complexities of dating and comparing ancient urban sites. The study underscores the importance of rigorous archaeological methodology to avoid such errors.

Satellite‐Observed Major Greening and Biomass Increase in South China Karst During Recent Decade

South China Karst — 2018 — WHE1880F19B27

A significant greening and biomass increase has been observed in the South China Karst region, one of the largest globally, despite declining rainfall and soil moisture. Satellite data from 1999 to 2017 revealed a rise in vegetation cover from 69% to 81%, covering approximately 1.4 million km². This phenomenon, attributed to large-scale forestry and conservation efforts since 2002, has had profound implications for ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water filtration, and timber production. The study highlights the potential of national conservation policies in mitigating deforestation and climate change impacts on natural resources.

Scientific Support for Policy Making to Protect Lake Baikal and Develop Baikal’s Natural Territory

Lake Baikal — 2018 — WHE44C91D8CD5

Lake Baikal, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, faces complex challenges that necessitate robust legal, institutional, and economic frameworks for its protection. The study highlights the need for long-term instruments to safeguard unique natural complexes like Lake Baikal, emphasizing Russia's legal, economic, and moral obligations under the World Heritage Convention. It underscores the significance of the existing Federal Law On Protecting Lake Baikal as a pioneering legislative measure tailored specifically to preserve this irreplaceable natural treasure. The research approach involves analyzing the effectiveness of current policies and advocating for enhanced protection mechanisms to ensure the lake's sustainability, contributing valuable insights for global conservation efforts.

Seismic vulnerability study of Soltaniyeh dome using nonlinear static and dynamic analyses

Soltaniyeh — 2018 — WHE7896850C34

A seismic vulnerability study of the Soltaniyeh dome, the world's largest brick dome and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals significant structural weaknesses under seismic loads. The research, employing finite element modeling (FEM) validated by experimental data, identified critical crack formation and propagation originating from openings on the second and third floors during a 475-year return period earthquake. Nonlinear static and dynamic analyses demonstrated that while the dome performs adequately under gravity loads, its top is particularly vulnerable to seismic stress, necessitating urgent rehabilitation efforts.

Sheltering archaeological sites in Malta: lessons learnt

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2018 — WHE4159263110

Protective shelters installed over three megalithic temple sites in Malta have demonstrated both beneficial and transitional effects on structural stability. The study found that while shelters mitigate environmental threats such as wetting-drying cycles, thermal fluctuations, and salt corrosion—key factors in the deterioration of these ancient structures—their long-term impact requires sustained monitoring to distinguish between immediate benefits and enduring trends. Lessons learned emphasize the necessity for site-specific strategies, careful selection of monitored parameters, and adaptive management frameworks. The research highlights that shelters alone are insufficient without a comprehensive conservation strategy, advocating for performance indicators tailored to individual sites.

Shifting through the forest: home range, movement patterns, and diet of the eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2018 — WHE99098D90A8

Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, exhibit distinct home range and movement patterns influenced by habitat type and seasonal variations. The Mayebe community, residing in the forest center, had a significantly larger home range (21 km²) compared to the Cyamudongo community in a fragmented forest area (4 km²). Movement patterns also varied, with the Mayebe group covering an average of 987 m daily, while the Cyamudongo group covered 651 m. Both communities primarily fed on Ficus spp., but dietary preferences shifted seasonally and monthly, including fruits like Symphonia globulifera and Trilepisium madagascariense. This study provides critical insights into chimpanzee behavior in Rwanda, highlighting the importance of core home range areas for conservation efforts.

Shifts in Assemblage of Foraging Bats at Mammoth Cave National Park following Arrival of White-nose Syndrome

Mammoth Cave National Park — 2018 — WHE3334DD8438

White-nose syndrome (WNS), which arrived in North America in 2006, has significantly altered the foraging bat assemblage at Mammoth Cave National Park. A study analyzing mist net capture data from 2009 to 2016 revealed a notable shift in species abundance. The Northern Long-eared Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), once the most common species, declined to 18.5% of its pre-WNS levels. Conversely, the Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis) showed the largest increase in capture success post-WNS arrival, followed by the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) and Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis). These changes suggest that WNS is reshaping foraging bat communities, with less affected species potentially occupying niche space vacated by those severely impacted by the disease. The study highlights the broader ecological implications of WNS on forest-dwelling bats.

Shipboard design and fabrication of custom 3D-printed soft robotic manipulators for the investigation of delicate deep-sea organisms

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2018 — WHE0D1A33B0A4

A groundbreaking approach using shipboard 3D printing of soft robotic manipulators enables delicate interactions with fragile deep-sea organisms, addressing longstanding challenges in sampling and studying these species. Deployed via a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) at depths reaching 2224 meters in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), these custom-designed manipulators successfully grasped goniasterids and holothurians—organisms historically difficult to collect undamaged with rigid tools or suction samplers. Rapid iterative design, fabrication, and testing at sea allowed for real-time adaptations, such as adding 'fingernails,' enhancing precision. This method offers a less invasive alternative to traditional sampling, benefiting slow-growing deep-sea organisms, some of which can be up to 18,000 years old. By combining soft robotics with on-the-fly fabrication, the study demonstrates a scalable solution for exploring delicate marine ecosystems in remote and logistically challenging environments.

Short-term effects of wildfire on Patagonian headwater streams

Los Alerces National Park — 2018 — WHE2B6A979BF0

A significant shift in taxonomic composition and reduced densities of sensitive taxa in Patagonian headwater streams was observed shortly after the 2015 El Cristo wildfire in Los Alerces National Park. While macroinvertebrate richness, abundance, and diversity remained unchanged, burned streams exhibited higher water temperature, total dissolved solids, and suspended solids, along with a notable decrease in shredders and collector-filterers. This suggests that while overall biodiversity may be resilient to short-term disturbances, sensitive taxa and functional feeding groups are vulnerable. The study compared physicochemical variables and community structure between burned and unburned streams through periodic water quality assessments and sampling of periphyton and invertebrates over eight months post-fire.

Silent killer: black reefs in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2018 — WHE7F0FDB666B

Black reefs in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, characterized by degraded coral ecosystems, show no signs of recovery despite being observed over a 12-year period from 2003 to 2015. The study links this degradation to the introduction of iron from shipwrecks, which promotes the proliferation of turf algae and cyanobacterial mats in an otherwise iron-poor equatorial Pacific environment. Researchers analyzed these black reefs to understand their formation and persistence, revealing a silent ecological threat that undermines conservation efforts in protected areas.

Site Suitability Analysis for Local Airport Using Geographic Information System

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2018 — WHE8BDB48D32D

Geographic Information System (GIS) tools effectively identify areas unsuitable for local airport development by overlaying constraints such as forest areas, tanks, airborne restricted zones, and streams. This study demonstrates that GIS can systematically analyze site suitability factors, particularly in Sri Lanka, where Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts are key tourist destinations. By applying the Erase tool to exclude non-suitable regions, the research highlights potential airport locations while considering land use patterns, road networks, and railway systems. The findings underscore GIS's utility in regional planning, offering a data-driven approach to balancing infrastructure development with environmental and operational considerations.

Society in Qatar before the Oil Industry in Light of Archaeological Evidence

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site — 2018 — WHE9B237E0894

Archaeological excavations in Qatar have uncovered significant remains of towns and villages from the 18th to early 20th centuries, providing unprecedented insights into pre-oil industrial society. The study focuses on two key sites: al-Zubarah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, and Ra’s ‘Ushayrig, along with adjacent settlements like al-Ruwaydah and al-Burayqa. Analysis of architectural structures, material culture such as vessels and tools, and other artifacts reveals the communal identity and micro-history of Qatar during this period. The research highlights the importance of these sites in reconstructing the social fabric and cultural dynamics of Qatar before the oil industry's influence.

Spatial analyses of Ediacaran communities at Mistaken Point

Mistaken Point — 2018 — WHEB899B0AD4B

Spatial analyses of Ediacaran fossil communities at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, reveal complex ecological interactions among 10 taxa on one surface (E), while another (D) shows no such associations. Bayesian network inference identified a web of interactions on the E-surface, with all but one taxon (Thectardis) linked to others, suggesting distinct ecological roles. The study also detected habitat associations and weak competition for resources between certain taxa, such as Charniodiscus–Plumeropriscum and Plumeropriscum–Fractofusus. No instances of interspecific facilitation were found. The research used millimeter-accurate GPS mapping and spatial point-process analysis to study these ~565-million-year-old fossils, providing insights into the ecological dynamics of early multicellular life.

Spatio-temporal patterns of attacks on human and economic losses from wildlife in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2018 — WHE9A10C62435

A study analyzing wildlife attacks on humans and economic losses in Chitwan National Park, Nepal (1998–2016) found that while rhinos and elephants caused the most human-wildlife conflicts during full moon periods, increasing wildlife populations did not correlate with rising incidents. Underprivileged ethnic communities were disproportionately affected, and carnivores like tigers and leopards accounted for over 90% of livestock depredation, primarily targeting medium-sized animals near forest edges. Decreases in livestock holdings and conflict mitigation measures (e.g., fences) helped control incidents, though challenges persisted. The research suggests strengthening fencing, predator-proof corrals, and community education to reduce conflicts effectively.

Spectral Characteristics of Chemically Weathered Sandstones in the Yungang Grottoes, China

Yungang Grottoes — 2018 — WHE38A6AE6869

Reflectance spectroscopy offers a non-destructive method to monitor chemical weathering in sandstones at cultural heritage sites, including the Yungang Grottoes in China. This study identifies distinct spectral absorptions linked to different weathering stages—fresh, calcite-dissolved, and argillitic-altered—using specific wavelengths (e.g., 490, 675, 900 nm for hematite; 2330 nm for calcite). Calcite dissolution reduces absorption at 2330 nm, while argillic alteration diminishes hematite-related peaks. Shifts in kaolinite-related absorptions (1410, 2205, 2350, 2380 nm) correlate with increasing kaolinite content. These findings demonstrate spectroscopy's potential for long-term weathering monitoring, aiding heritage conservation and environmental policy.

Speleotourism in Slovenia: balancing between mass tourism and geoheritage protection

Škocjan Caves — 2018 — WHE76C73FD4F6

Slovenia, recognized as the birthplace of karst geotourism, has over 12,000 caves, with 22 designated as tourist sites. A study using the M-GAM model assessed 10 of these caves to inform future management strategies. Key findings reveal that visitors prioritize natural values and prefer caves with minimal infrastructure, emphasizing protection status. The research highlights the pivotal role of Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves in geotourism, with Škocjan's regional park management serving as a model for balancing mass tourism and geoheritage preservation.

Spontaneous and assisted restoration of vegetation on the bottom of a former water reservoir, the Elwha River, Olympic National Park, WA, U.S.A.

Olympic National Park — 2018 — WHEAA33BD0488

Spontaneous vegetation restoration on fine sediments of the drained Elwha River reservoir closely mirrors adjacent natural forests, suggesting rapid and effective ecological recovery without human intervention. This study found that substrate texture—fine versus coarse sediments—was the primary factor influencing plant community composition, with successional age and proximity to existing forests also playing significant roles. Assisted restoration techniques like planting or seeding showed no discernible benefit in accelerating native vegetation development on fine sediments. Invasive species were notably less abundant than anticipated, indicating a resilient recovery process. These findings highlight the potential for spontaneous succession in post-dam removal landscapes, particularly on finer substrates, while suggesting that active intervention may be necessary to enhance native plant communities on coarser sediments.

Stari (Old) Ras and Sopoćani: Challenges and Opportunities in Managing UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Stari Ras and Sopoćani — 2018 — WHE41AA7730B6

UNESCO World Heritage Site Stari Ras and Sopoćani, located in Serbia's Raška region, presents unique management challenges due to its multi-ethnic character and the need to balance cultural heritage preservation with the demands of monastic communities and urban expansion. The site, inscribed in 1979 for its medieval monuments, includes components like the Medieval Town of Ras, St. Peter’s church, and monasteries such as Đurđevi Stupovi and Sopoćani. This study highlights the complex interplay between heritage conservation, living traditions, and urban development, offering insights into sustainable management strategies for culturally diverse sites.

Strategic Planning of Cultural Tourism Development in Historic City of Yazd (Case Study: Fahadan Neighbourhood)

Historic City of Yazd — 2018 — WHE61DA0AA88A

A strategic plan for cultural tourism development in the Fahadan neighborhood of Yazd, Iran, prioritizes offensive strategies to capitalize on its strengths and opportunities. Key recommendations include establishing eco-hotels, organizing walking tours, enhancing national and international advertising, strengthening social capital through NGO support, hosting handicraft fairs, providing financial incentives via tax laws, and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation plans. The study employed the SWOT matrix, IFE and EFE matrices, and expert opinions to assess the neighborhood's potential, identifying offensive strategies as the most viable for implementation.