World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 14601 – 14620 of 15962 publications

A new cichlid fish in the Sahara: The Ounianga Serir lakes (Chad), a biodiversity hotspot in the desert

Lakes of Ounianga — 2016 — WHE26C0EC3BF4

A previously undescribed cichlid fish, Astatotilapia tchadensis, has been discovered in Lake Boukou, part of the Ounianga Serir lakes in Chad, a UNESCO-listed desert landscape. This new species, characterized by distinctive features such as black bars, orange spots on its anal fin, and unique pharyngeal dentition, highlights the remarkable biodiversity of these lakes, which are sustained by subsurface groundwater inflow. The discovery underscores the Ounianga Serir lakes as a critical hotspot for vertebrate diversity in one of the world's most arid regions, with at least six fish species belonging to three families thriving in this extreme environment.

A New Species ofPristimantis(Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cloud Forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador

Sangay National Park — 2016 — WHE26E2C06831

Researchers have identified a new species of frog, Pristimantis tinguichaca, within the cloud forests of Sangay National Park, Ecuador. This discovery belongs to the Pristimantis unistrigatus group and is distinguished by unique morphological traits such as small conical tubercles on its upper eyelids and heels, along with a reddish iris. The species also exhibits distinct ulnar and tarsal tubercles and produces a single, sharp metallic call. Stomach content analysis revealed that its diet primarily consists of beetles (51.7%). The study highlights the biodiversity of Sangay National Park and contributes to the understanding of amphibian diversity in Andean cloud forests.

A pesca artesanal na Cidade Velha num contexto de patrimonialização do espaço

Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande — 2016 — WHE64C6A997A4

Artisanal fishing in Cidade Velha, Cabo Verde, persists as the predominant livelihood activity despite the city's UNESCO World Heritage status. This study reveals that local fishermen employ simple yet effective strategies to navigate dual constraints—environmental regulations and heritage preservation—ensuring the continuity of their traditional practice. By analyzing the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and sustainable resource use, researchers highlight how communities adapt to patrimonialization without compromising their economic foundation. The findings underscore the resilience of artisanal fishing as both a cultural pillar and an adaptive survival tactic in heritage-protected urban spaces.

A procedure for the quantification of total iodine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and its application to the determination of iodine in algae sampled in the lagoon of Venice

Venice and its Lagoon — 2016 — WHE248F163837

A novel procedure using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was successfully developed to quantify total iodine levels, offering a precise method for biomonitoring. Applied to seaweeds from Venice's lagoon, the technique revealed significant iodine concentrations in these marine organisms, providing critical data on environmental iodine distribution and potential ecological impacts. The study highlights ICP-MS as a reliable tool for trace element analysis in complex matrices, with implications for monitoring water quality and biological health in coastal ecosystems.

A Review on the Identity in Iranian Architecture (Case Study: Naqsh-E Jahan Square in Esfahan)

Meidan Emam, Esfahan — 2016 — WHE7EBEE95364

Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan, Iran, embodies the dynamic identity of Iranian architecture, reflecting its evolution and resilience over centuries. This study identifies key identifier characteristics that define this urban space as a significant manifestation of Iranian civilization, tracing its formation and transformation from inception to the present day. The research employs a descriptive-analytical approach, leveraging historical texts and field data to document interventions and extract lessons for future conservation efforts. By focusing on Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the study offers insights into how urban spaces preserve cultural identity, providing a model for understanding and safeguarding similar heritage sites globally.

A Study on Story-Based Smart Contents for Tourists in Historical Sites - Focus on Animation, ‘Suwon Hwaseong Fortress-Construction’

Hwaseong Fortress — 2016 — WHE1FEB5A6229

A study on the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress reveals that story-based, interactive smart content—such as animations—can significantly enhance tourists' experiential value and learning outcomes at historical sites. The research found that users with a strong interest in history tend to evaluate such educational and entertaining (edutainment) content more positively, showing higher intent for reuse. This suggests potential for these digital tools to deepen engagement and knowledge retention during visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hwaseong Fortress. The approach involved developing linear and interactive animations that blend storytelling with historical narratives, focusing on the construction processes and engineering techniques used in the fortress's creation under King Jeongjo of Joseon. User evaluations indicated a positive correlation between historical interest and content satisfaction, highlighting the effectiveness of edutainment strategies in educational tourism.

A Study on the Decorations of Ilkhani Era: A Case Study of Dome of Soltaniyeh

Soltaniyeh — 2016 — WHE72F96069A2

The Dome of Soltaniyeh, a surviving masterpiece from the Ilkhani era (13th–14th centuries), showcases unparalleled decorative techniques that reflect the cultural and artistic flourishing under Mongol rule in Iran. This study reveals how the integration of Iranian craftsmanship—including intricate plasterwork, tiling, lattice brickwork, Mogharnas, and Quranic inscriptions—elevated architectural aesthetics during a period marked by devastation and transition. The analytical approach examines these decorative elements, highlighting their historical significance as both artistic innovation and cultural preservation. The findings underscore the Dome's role in bridging Mongol military dominance with the revival of Islamic and Persian artistic traditions.

A Study on the Theories of Jwajowusa(左祖右社) and Jeonmyohuchim(前廟後寢) of an Ancient Jongmyo Shrine System

Jongmyo Shrine — 2016 — WHEC7B66B6996

A groundbreaking analysis of ancient Korean architectural principles reveals that the spatial arrangement of Jongmyo Shrine, with its 'left ancestor right land' (Jwajowusa) and 'front shrine back residence' (Jeonmyohuchim), was not merely symbolic but functionally integral to ceremonial practices. The study challenges traditional interpretations by reinterpreting these layouts—specifically, the positioning of '社稷' (land and grain deities)—as auxiliary roles supporting rituals at the main shrine rather than standalone elements. By synthesizing classical texts like the Zhou Rituals and Han-era commentaries, researchers propose two plausible models for 'Jeonmyohuchim': one where both structures coexist within a single enclosed space, and another where they represent distinct domains—political-administrative (front) and residential (back). This work bridges historical records with architectural theory, offering new insights into the functional design of ancient Korean ceremonial sites.

Aggersborg: The Viking-Age Settlement and Fortress, ed. Else Roesdahl, Søren M. Sindbæk, Anne Pedersen and David M. Wilson

Viking-Age Ring Fortresses — 2016 — WHEAA4882316D

Aggersborg, a Viking-Age ring fortress built around 970 AD, stands as one of Scandinavia's most impressive monuments from that era. Situated at a strategic crossroads on the Limfjord in northern Jutland, Denmark, its massive earth and timber circular rampart, measuring nine meters wide and enclosing an area 242 meters in diameter, was complemented by four gateways and surrounded by an eight-meter-wide berm and a deep ditch. Inside, the fortress featured axial roads dividing it into quadrants, each containing twelve identical timber houses arranged around small courtyards. Despite its grandeur, Aggersborg was abandoned within ten to fifteen years of construction, mirroring the fate of other similar fortresses across southern Scandinavia. This abrupt abandonment raises intriguing questions about the factors leading to such a rapid decline, offering valuable insights into Viking-Age societal dynamics and strategic planning.

An irreconcilable first-place: the precarious life of tourism and heritage in a southern European historic centre

Historic Centre of Naples — 2016 — WHEDA173ACFAE

Naples' historic center embodies a precarious duality, where heritage tourism intersects with local life, evoking both anxiety and liberation. Unlike conventional narratives of gentrification or museumification, this study reveals that the area's allure lies in its affective experience—mixing excitement and foreboding—rather than monumental grandeur. Through three case studies—a bus tour, online reactions to a New York Times article, and local perceptions of a pedestrianized piazza—the research demonstrates how tourism here is shaped by contradictory emotions, challenging assumptions about the inevitable transformation of historic centers under visitor economies.

An ornithological survey of Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2016 — WHE367037F670

A comprehensive ornithological survey of Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, recorded 244 bird species across its elevational gradient from 50 to 1,850 meters, including 32 species not previously documented in the park's checklists from 1979–82. This study highlights the rich avian diversity of this isolated, biodiverse site, characterized by its spectacular limestone structures and extensive primary forest. Researchers employed a combination of observation and mist-netting techniques over a 2.5-month period to document species distribution and compare findings with historical data, providing new insights into the park's ornithological composition.

Análisis arquitectónico y constructivo de la techumbre en madera policromada de la iglesia de San Antonio Abad de Valencia como pervivencia de la arquitectura tardogótica mediterránea en la Valencia del siglo XV.

Mudejar Architecture of Aragon — 2016 — WHEE807430078

A rare survival of late medieval craftsmanship, the polychrome wooden roof of San Antonio Abad Church in Valencia has been revealed as a masterful example of Gothic Mudejar architecture from 15th-century Valencia. This study deciphers its construction techniques and material evolution, tracing its origins to 1409–1446 under Alfonso V the Magnanimous and surviving intact until 1987 despite neoclassical transformations in 1765–1768. Through detailed analysis of the roof's structure, pigments, and joinery—including the preservation of heraldic elements—the research reconstructs its historical behavior, sheds light on Mudejar adaptation to Mediterranean Gothic forms, and underscores its significance as an almost unknown heritage site within Valencia's medieval urban fabric.

Analysing land cover and land use change in the Matobo National Park and surroundings in Zimbabwe

Matobo Hills — 2016 — WHEF81F805C38

A study analyzing land cover and use changes in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe, reveals that while the park's composition remained stable from 1989 to 2014, surrounding areas experienced significant shifts. Forest coverage increased by approximately 7% outside the park, particularly on common lands, where agricultural areas decreased due to the Fast Track Land Reform of the early 2000s. The research used Landsat images and supervised classification with Random Forests, supplemented by recent observations and change detection, to identify four land cover classes: shrubland, forest, patchy vegetation, and agricultural areas. This approach demonstrates that combining recent data with change detection can effectively study the temporal dynamics of protected areas.

Analysis of nutritional quality and food digestibility in male Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2016 — WHE8FF0CA466F

A critical insight from this study is that the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), the rarest rhino species, may face nutritional limitations in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). Despite preferring certain food plants like Leea sambucina and Zanthoxylum rhetsa, these were not among the most nutritious options available in their habitat. This mismatch suggests that the rhinos' diet might be nutritionally suboptimal, potentially leading to seasonal shortages of key nutrients such as fat. The research employed a novel method using acid-insoluble ash (AIA) content in feces to estimate food digestibility, which proved reliable for tracking nutrient intake without requiring total fecal collection. The study also found strong correlations between home range size and both food diversity and wallow hole usage, indicating that habitat quality and nutritional availability significantly influence the rhinos' behavior and population density. These findings underscore the need for targeted habitat improvement, such as planting highly nutritious plants, to support the survival of this critically endangered species.

Ancient Indians (Harappan Settlement) were Aware of Tsunami/Storm Protection Measures:A New Interpretation of Thick Walls at Dholavira, Gujarat, India

Dholavira: a Harappan City — 2016 — WHE2B5351BE18

Archaeological evidence from Dholavira, a Harappan city in Gujarat, India, suggests that its massive fortification walls—up to 18 meters thick—may have served as tsunami or storm protection rather than military defense. Located along a historically vulnerable coastline and during a mid-Holocene period marked by higher sea levels, the site's thick walls likely represented an advanced understanding of natural disaster risks among ancient Indians. This interpretation challenges conventional views on the purpose of such structures, proposing that they were designed to mitigate catastrophic wave impacts rather than serve as defensive barriers against human threats.

Animal Management at the Ancient Metropolis of Teotihuacan, Mexico: Stable Isotope Analysis of Leporid (Cottontail and Jackrabbit) Bone Mineral

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2016 — WHE6989CC5DFE

Stable isotope analysis reveals that cottontails and jackrabbits at Teotihuacan were provisioned with human-cultivated foods, such as maize, suggesting intentional management or breeding during the city's peak (AD 1-550). The study analyzed bone mineral isotopes from 134 ancient leporid specimens, comparing them to modern samples. High δ13Capatite values in Oztoyahualco, a residential complex with rabbit sculptures and butchering traces, indicate human provisioning, while stable δ18Oapatite values suggest consistent environmental conditions. This provides evidence for mammalian animal husbandry in ancient Mesoamerica.

Archaeomorphological and Geological Studies on the Ancient Appian Way at the Aurunci Pass: Multidisciplinary Approaches for the Investigation of Ancient Quarries Siting and Exploitation.

Via Appia. Regina Viarum — 2016 — WHE864C2CF427

A study on the ancient Appian Way between Itri and Fondi, central Italy, reveals that three previously unknown quarries were strategically located along carbonatic slopes. These quarries, identified through aerial photography and photogrammetric analysis, show distinct anthropogenic features such as squared or rectangular morphological edges and regular tool-marks, confirming their use during the Roman Age. The research demonstrates that the geometric characteristics of rock masses, including bedding, joint system spacing, and brittle deformation intensity, significantly influenced the type of material extracted and the exploitation techniques employed. Quarries A and B yielded cubic and pseudo-cubic rock blocks, while Quarry C produced centimeter-sized debris from a cataclastic rock volume associated with a normal fault. This investigation lays the groundwork for further analysis of local quarry systems, potentially including minor quarries used for road maintenance and other construction projects.

Art and Death in Late Neolithic Sardinia: The Role of Carvings and Paintings in Domus de Janas Rock-cut Tombs

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas — 2016 — WHE0BF8803B6B

Late Neolithic Sardinian rock-cut tombs, known as domus de janas, were not merely burial sites but complex ritual architectures where art played a pivotal role in shaping deathways. A systematic analysis of carvings and paintings—depicting architectural structures, cattle-head motifs, and geometric designs—in these tombs revealed that motifs were consistently placed at specific locations, suggesting standardized ritual uses. Art actively structured spaces, sequenced rituals, and shaped the ceremonial experience, indicating its significance as a key agent in Late Neolithic death practices.

Aspectos Macroscópicos dos Esteatitos Encontrados no Santuário Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, Congonhas/MG

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas — 2016 — WHE955BFE7C92

Research on the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Matosinhos in Congonhas, Brazil, reveals significant textural and structural variations in the soapstone (esteatitos) used to craft iconic elements like the church's main portal and twelve prophet statues. These variations, ranging from massive to mylonitic and lepidonematoblastic textures, are linked to differences in mineral composition—such as serpentine or talc—and potential multiple extraction sources. Such diversity impacts degradation processes, offering critical insights for conservation efforts.

Assessing Wildfire Risk in Cultural Heritage Properties Using High Spatial and Temporal Resolution Satellite Imagery and Spatially Explicit Fire Simulations: The Case of Holy Mount Athos, Greece

Mount Athos — 2016 — WHE79ADABAACF

Nine out of the 20 monasteries on Holy Mount Athos, Greeceface high fire intensity risks if ignited, despite low burn probabilities. This finding emerges from a study that combined high-resolution satellite imagery with spatially explicit fire simulations to assess wildfire risk at landscape level. Researchers developed site-specific fuel models using field measurements and classified fuel types through object-based analysis and machine learning. The Minimum Travel Time (MTT) algorithm in FlamMap software evaluated metrics like Burn Probability, Conditional Flame Length, Fire Size, and Source-Sink Ratio. Results highlight the need for targeted fire suppression strategies to protect these cultural heritage properties from intense wildfires.