World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 14261 – 14280 of 15962 publications

The implications of smallholdings of water and land for the sustainability of a community based water management system in Oman

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman — 2018 — WHE53D9057B77

Oman's traditional aflaj irrigation systems, which have sustained agriculture and livelihoods for centuries, face sustainability threats due to the economic implications of small water and land holdings. A study on one falaj system revealed that these smallholdings prevent farmers from achieving economies of scale, leading to high average costs and low farm profits. As aflaj are community-managed, the low economic value may result in insufficient funds for maintenance, potentially undermining their sustainability. The research highlights a critical challenge for community-based water management systems in arid regions.

The Influence of Cross-Cultural Awareness and Tourist Experience on Authenticity, Tourist Satisfaction and Acculturation in World Cultural Heritage Sites of Korea

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2018 — WHEEA99E6C1E4

Tourist satisfaction at UNESCO World Heritage Sites can significantly promote cultural integration and reduce marginalization, particularly when visitors engage deeply with objective authenticity—such as historical traditions and architecture—and existential authenticity—experiencing the true value of traditional culture. A study analyzing 430 Chinese tourists in Korea’s Hahoe and Yangdong villages found that higher cross-cultural awareness enhances interest in these aspects, while immersive experiences amplify appreciation for them. Using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, researchers confirmed that both types of authenticity positively influence satisfaction, which in turn fosters acculturation. These insights provide a framework for sustainable management of World Cultural Heritage Sites, balancing protection with inclusive development.

The Influence of Environment in the Alteration of the Stained-Glass Windows in Portuguese Monuments

Monastery of Batalha — 2018 — WHE4E3D3575C9

Research reveals that environmental conditions significantly influence the alteration of stained-glass windows, with potash-lime silicate glass being the most susceptible to degradation. The study exposed soda-lime, potash-lime, and mixed-alkali silicate glasses in three Portuguese monuments—Monastery of Batalha, Monastery of Jerónimos (Lisbon), and Cathedral of Évora—for 10 and 20 months. Analysis using optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that crystalline deposits varied based on atmospheric conditions, with high humidity environments like those in Batalha and Jerónimos leading to more severe alteration layers. While the Cathedral of Évora exhibited dust and salt accumulation without severe chemical damage, the findings underscore the importance of environmental factors in preserving stained-glass heritage.

The Influences and Importance of the UNESCO World Heritage List: The Case of Plaošnik, Ohrid

Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region — 2018 — WHE48A1FA2FEC

UNESCO World Heritage designation significantly influences the preservation and development of culturally and naturally significant sites, as demonstrated by the case of Plaošnik in Ohrid. This archaeological site, home to the oldest Slavic monastery and university in the Balkans, faces pressures from redevelopment projects that threaten its integrity. The study highlights how international legal instruments like the World Heritage List can mitigate these risks by shaping local conservation practices and urban evolution. Researchers analyzed the interplay between heritage protection and development, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches to safeguard key elements of recognized sites without compromising their historical significance.

The Monuments of Chocolá and Nearby Sites

National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj — 2018 — WHE4EB9F03238

A groundbreaking catalog of over thirty previously undocumented sculptures from the Chocolá site, including stelae, pedestal monuments, and cupule altars, reveals a rich artistic corpus blending Olmec and Maya motifs. The study also suggests that the enigmatic 'Shook Altar' likely originated at Chocolá, potentially linked to water worship rituals. By analyzing recovered fragments and historical records, researchers expanded the known corpus from a single stela fragment to diverse monuments, including a potbelly monument and a 'capture' monument, while tracing the diaspora of other carved artifacts from the region.

The Mosaics of Ravenna

Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna — 2018 — WHE6AE91A83FA

Ravenna's mosaics, dating from the 5th to 6th centuries, offer unparalleled insights into early Christian art, serving as a critical link between Western and Eastern artistic traditions. These works, numbering more than any other city of their time, reflect Ravenna's significance during Late Antiquity, when it was a pivotal Mediterranean hub. The mosaics' stylistic diversity, influenced by Constantinople and the East, provides a unique lens to study medieval and Byzantine art, revealing complex political, cultural, and theological narratives. Research on these monuments has focused on their style, technique, iconography, viewer reception, and color theory, contributing significantly to chronological narratives of early Christian visual culture.

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, Volume 14: 1 February to 31 August 1819

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2018 — WHE1D6B02751E

A detailed examination of Thomas Jefferson's activities and correspondences between February and August 1819 reveals his multifaceted role as a founding member of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors, where he facilitated institutional development, including securing builders and establishing a classical preparatory school. The analysis also highlights Jefferson's personal routines—such as a vegetarian diet, morning foot baths, and horseback riding—as well as his intellectual pursuits, including discussions on Greek pronunciation with peers like John Adams. Additionally, the volume documents challenging events, such as financial strain due to a friend's bankruptcy, property damage at Poplar Forest, and familial conflicts involving his grandson-in-law and grandson. This comprehensive collection of 637 documents provides insight into Jefferson's leadership, personal life, and the broader social and intellectual landscape of early 19th-century Virginia.

The Practices and Politics of Heritage in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala — 2018 — WHE393A3EC35B

Heritage politics in Antigua Guatemala reveal how UNESCO and state regulations intersect with tourism economies, shaping urban aesthetics and everyday practices. The study finds that residents' heritage aesthetics, influenced by materiality and cultural performance, lead to unexpected political outcomes tied to economic activities. Using Latour's assemblage theory and Rancière's aesthetic regimes, the research interprets the heterogeneous contributions of the cityscape—particularly the Arch of Santa Catalina—to social, economic, and political dynamics. This approach demonstrates how heritage sites function as assemblages that articulate with daily practices, challenging conventional understandings of urban heritage management.

The Prehistoric Human Presence in Gua Kajang: Ancient Lifeways in The Malay Peninsula

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2018 — WHEDC7E42C39B

Archaeological research at Gua Kajang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia's Lenggong Valley, reveals significant insights into prehistoric human lifeways between 11,000 and 4,000 years ago. The study, based on two human burials and associated artefacts—including stone tools, fauna remains, and pottery—demonstrates that early inhabitants were likely cave-dwellers or hunter-gatherers relying heavily on forest resources. This challenges previous assumptions about prehistoric populations in the region and expands our understanding of cave archaeology in the Malay Peninsula. The findings underscore the site's importance as a window into ancient human behavior, adaptability, and cultural practices during a critical period of environmental transition.

The Problem with Printing Palmyra: Exploring the Ethics of Using 3D Printing Technology to Reconstruct Heritage

Site of Palmyra — 2018 — WHEE69CCE967A

A critical analysis reveals that the 3D-printed reconstruction of Palmyra’s Arch of Triumph falls short of ethical standards for heritage preservation, raising concerns about digital reconstructions. The study identifies four key failures: neglecting human loss and political context, inaccuracies in material and scale, limited public access due to patent restrictions, and a reckless approach that disregards the needs of affected communities. While UNESCO and ICOMOS lack formal guidelines for such reconstructions, this research underscores the urgent need for ethical frameworks to govern digital heritage restoration, ensuring accountability and respect for historical integrity.

The restoration of the endangered Sambucus palmensis after 30 years of conservation actions in the Garajonay National Park: genetic assessment and niche modeling

Garajonay National Park — 2018 — WHE10205C022C

A genetic analysis of the endangered Canary Islands endemic Sambucus palmensis reveals that 30 years of conservation efforts, primarily through translocation using cuttings, have successfully increased population heterozygosity while preserving unique genetic diversity. The study, conducted in Garajonay National Park (La Gomera), genotyped 402 samples from restored and natural populations using seven microsatellite markers. While clonal reproduction remains prevalent due to propagation methods, the Liria population emerged as a critical genetic reservoir. Species distribution modeling identified new suitable reintroduction areas, guiding future conservation strategies. The findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted reinforcement while highlighting the importance of preserving native genetic variation.

The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve

Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve — 2018 — WHEE9C6EFE4B0

Contemporary Indigenous struggles over land and territory in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras, are both historical contests and present-day battles against state and elite dehumanization. Despite landmark legislation awarding territorial rights to Miskito Territorial Councils since 2013, the Miskito peoples face persistent threats from colono land invasions and extractivist development, which perpetuates colonial logics of race and gender. This study reveals that biodiversity conservation and extractive development are intertwined, often employed to marginalize Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Using a blend of ethnographic data, news media, archival documents, development reports, and secondary literature, the research exposes the violence embedded in these practices, challenging narratives of modernity and development while highlighting the resilience of Miskito land defenders.

The Rock Art of the Matobo Hills World Heritage Area, Zimbabwe: Management and Use, c 1800 to 2016

Matobo Hills — 2018 — WHE1F2D865408

A century of research and conservation efforts on the rock art sites of Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe, reveals significant challenges and opportunities for their preservation. The study highlights that despite extensive documentation and management by individuals, government agencies, and organizations, economic instability and land reform in Zimbabwe have negatively impacted the appreciation and protection of these heritage sites. The paper suggests potential improvements in management strategies to better safeguard this invaluable cultural resource for future generations.

The rock-hewn church of Nazugn Maryam: an example of the endangered antiquities of North Wallo, Ethiopia.

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela — 2018 — WHE028A9A9985

The rock-hewn church of Nazugn Maryam, located near Lalibela, Ethiopia, is an endangered example of ancient hypogeum architecture. Despite its historical significance and traditional attribution to Abunä Musé, the second bishop of Ethiopia, it has received little scholarly attention or professional conservation efforts. This study reveals that its architectural integrity is threatened by natural factors such as torrential rainfall and sunlight, as well as past restoration attempts using modern materials like cement and basaltic stone, which have exacerbated deterioration. The research employed interviews, field observations, and archive analysis to document the church's architecture and conservation challenges, highlighting the urgent need for compatible restoration strategies that preserve its cultural heritage without compromising structural stability.

The Role of Erbil Citadel Precinct in Developing the City Tourism Sector

Erbil Citadel — 2018 — WHE8916B29A9D

Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest preserved cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant challenges that hinder its potential as a tourism hub. Key issues include poor connectivity between the citadel and its surrounding precinct, visual inconsistencies, and negative activities that deter both tourists and locals. The study identifies these deficiencies through land use classification via direct survey and GIS mapping, followed by problem adjustment based on local and international standards. It proposes creative strategies to revitalize the urban fabric, foster local-global interactions, and attract foreign investment in tourism. This approach aims to transform Erbil Citadel into a dynamic cultural and economic asset, addressing both functional and accessibility gaps while aligning with global best practices.

The Role of Heritage Impact Assessment in Safeguarding World Heritage Sites: Application Study on Historic Areas of Istanbul and Giza Pyramids

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2018 — WHE5A07255B17

Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) emerges as a critical tool for safeguarding World Heritage Sites, balancing preservation with development while mitigating adverse effects. A qualitative study involving interviews with site managers, archaeologists, and governmental bodies in Turkey and Egypt revealed that both the Historic Areas of Istanbul and the Giza Pyramids face significant threats from infrastructure and development projects. The research highlights a pressing need for local expertise in HIA to reduce reliance on foreign experts, as current practices often lack comprehensive mitigation strategies. By applying HIA methodology, stakeholders can make informed decisions that protect heritage integrity while supporting sustainable development.

The securitisation of cultural heritage

Site of Palmyra — 2018 — WHE782FFEA95F

International efforts to protect cultural heritage have evolved from politicization and criminalization to securitization, particularly in conflict zones like Syria and Iraq. This shift is evident in responses to attacks on archaeological sites such as Palmyra. The study employs a discursive lens to map the narrative threads constructed by key international actors, revealing how cultural heritage has become increasingly framed through security discourse. By analyzing recent incidents, it offers a tentative explanation for this securitization process, highlighting its implications for under-researched fields like heritage protection.

The Sikhote-Alin Fold System. General Structural Features and Certain Aspects of Control of Gold Mineralization: A Case Study for Central Sikhote-Alin, Russia (Part One)

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2018 — WHE7A3BAA48CD

A structural analysis of the Sikhote-Alin fold system in Central Russia reveals that its gold-sulfide mineralization is closely linked to Cretaceous-era folding characterized by northeast-southwest (50-60°) orientation, formed under conditions of crustal shortening and left-lateral shear. The study identifies type-morphic features indicating this folding resulted from longitudinal bending with flow during a period of tectonomagmatic activity spanning the Aptian to late Cretaceous. The research employs structural-kinematic correlation to elucidate the relationship between folding dynamics and gold mineralization, offering insights into the geological processes controlling ore formation in this region.

The sociocultural impacts of World Heritage Site designation on local communities.

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama — 2018 — WHEB16C44120E

World Heritage Site (WHS) designation significantly alters sociocultural dynamics for local communities, impacting social cohesion, privacy, heritage conservation, and interactions between residents and visitors. A study of the 'Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama' in Japan reveals that while tourism boosts global recognition and economic benefits, it also introduces challenges such as congestion, loss of community 'feel,' and strained local-visitor relationships. The research employs a mixed-method approach, analyzing social pathology changes, conservation efforts, and local perceptions to highlight the complex interplay between heritage status, tourism, and community well-being.

The spiritual capital of the turkic world-Turkestan

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi — 2018 — WHEE59F98EA4D

Turkestan, home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, stands as a pivotal spiritual and cultural hub for the Turkic peoples, with its historical significance dating back over two centuries. This study reveals Turkestan's role as the capital of the Kazakh Khanate, highlighting its importance in trade, culture, and burial practices for notable Kazakh tribes. The research employs historical analysis and comparison to examine the city's architectural heritage, including underground mosques like Kulala Komsic and Aulie-ATA, while also introducing new approaches to determining the city's age. By synthesizing archaeological data, archival materials, and scholarly works, the study offers fresh insights into Turkestan's layered history, emphasizing its enduring legacy as a symbol of Turkic identity.