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Showing 14681 – 14700 of 15962 publications

Geological heritage assessment for sustainable development of Lenggong Valley

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2016 — WHE278ED66AD7

A quantitative methodology for assessing geosites has been developed, enabling the sustainable management and conservation of geological heritage. This approach evaluates geosites based on multiple value sets—scientific, cultural, ecological, aesthetic, and economic—and ranks them using total scores derived from quantitative analysis. The study applied this method to 13 selected geosites in the Archaeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley, demonstrating its potential for integrating diverse heritage values into conservation strategies.

GIS of thechoraof Cyrene: fortifications and Christian buildings in Late Antiquity

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2016 — WHEB32DDF89C5

A comprehensive GIS mapping project of the chora of Cyrene reveals significant insights into Late Antiquity, focusing on fortifications and Christian basilicas. The study, conducted by a collaborative team of Libyan and Italian researchers, employed advanced methodologies including remote sensing, laser scanning, geophysical prospection, and traditional archaeological surveys. This integrated approach identified numerous 'minor sites' that were crucial for local economic management from the Late Classical to Islamic periods. The research highlights the strategic importance of fortifications along the limes and the distribution of Christian buildings, contributing to a deeper understanding of the region's historical landscape during this transitional era.

Heritage as Weapon: Contested Geographies of Conservation and Culture in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, India

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area — 2016 — WHE7D6CF40BB6

Local communities in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA), India, have successfully used cultural heritage as a tool to resist conservation policies that restrict access to sacred sites. By framing their region as the 'Valley of the Gods' and leveraging tourism imagery depicting local deities, these communities have challenged global conservation agendas while channeling opposition through democratic processes. The study highlights how democracy empowers local resistance against new environmental restrictions, illustrating a complex negotiation between global heritage values and local cultural practices. This research underscores the role of heritage in shaping contested geographies, particularly in mountainous regions under pressure from expanding protected areas.

Heritage values protection, from the monument to the urban dimension. Case study: the historic centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, Ecuador

Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca — 2016 — WHEA38623D6B5

A comprehensive strategy for protecting heritage values in urban landscapes has been developed, focusing beyond traditional monument preservation to include geomorphology, environment, hydrology, urban planning, historical cartography, land uses, symbolic imagery, and intangible aspects. This approach, applied to Cuenca's historic center in Ecuador, integrates multiple data layers using ArcMap to create a visual tool that facilitates stakeholder engagement and social participation in conservation efforts. The strategy aims to broaden the scope of heritage protection by mapping these elements, providing a holistic framework for urban-level conservation that aligns with principles from international agreements like the 1972 Convention.

Heterogeniczność przestrzeni miast salinarnych Bochni i Wieliczki w dobie przedprzemysłowej

Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines — 2016 — WHE97F873B869

The spatial organization and social dynamics of the Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were significantly influenced by salt mining activities during the pre-industrial era. Urbanistic analysis reveals distinct layouts: Bochnia's plan from 1253 suggests a transverse-oriented square with centralized religious and public functions, mirroring earlier designs like Legnica, while Wieliczka's later incorporation (1290) features a rectangular market square with power structures and sacred spaces at its periphery. The study highlights the impact of royal investments, such as the construction of a canal linking Krakow and Bochnia, on urban development and economic growth. It also explores the evolution of suburbs, new settlements, and religious complexes, particularly in response to Austrian administrative changes post-1778, which included road network expansions and secular transformations. The research underscores the heterogeneous nature of these salt towns, shaped by mining, governance, and cultural dynamics.

Highways to Empire: The Inca Road System

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2016 — WHE2EB649BC7F

Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road System, played a dual role in the Inca Empire: it unified vast territories while also contributing to its eventual decline. This extensive network integrated both new and preexisting roads, facilitating communication, trade, and military movement across the empire. The study highlights how the road system's strategic design and maintenance were crucial to imperial cohesion but also exposed vulnerabilities that accelerated its downfall. Research into this ancient infrastructure reveals insights into Inca engineering prowess and the complexities of large-scale empire management.

Historical Type in the Collection of the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp from a Metal Conservator's Point of View

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2016 — WHE6A194755A8

Historical lead-based type used in book printing from the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries exhibits significant corrosion, particularly when composed of high antimony and low tin levels. This finding stems from a study comparing contemporary knowledge on type alloying with analytical research on a selection of historical type from the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp. The research reveals that such type compositions are highly susceptible to environmental degradation, necessitating careful preservation under controlled conditions to mitigate further corrosion.

Hittite Empire

Hattusha: the Hittite Capital — 2016 — WHEE994130ADB

Hattusha, the capital of the Hittite Empire, stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Ancient Near East. Excavations at the site have uncovered thousands of clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform texts, offering unprecedented insights into the history and culture of Anatolia and its neighboring regions during the second millennium BCE. These records reveal the Hittites' transition from a regional kingdom to an interregional empire, showcasing their political influence and cultural significance in the pre-classic world. Despite their eventual decline at the end of the Bronze Age, the Hittite Empire remains a pivotal subject for understanding ancient Indo-European civilizations.

Honey in the Economy of the Malbork (Marienburg) Commandry (Komturei)

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2016 — WHEB8A2E79482

Honey played a significant role in the economy of the Malbork (Marienburg) Commandry, serving as a key ingredient for mead production and a sweetener for local wine. The Teutonic Order, which controlled the region, held exclusive rights to beekeeping, highlighting its economic importance during medieval times. This study sheds light on the historical significance of honey in Prussia, drawing from reliable but scarce sources. By analyzing the Commandry's records and practices, researchers reconstructed the role of honey in the local economy, emphasizing its multifunctional use beyond mere sustenance.

Hopewell Ceremonial Landscapes of Ohio: More than Mounds and Geometric Earthworks

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — 2016 — WHED45B3927D0

Hopewell Ceremonial Landscapes of Ohio: More than Mounds and Geometric Earthworks challenges conventional views of the Hopewell culture by revealing its complexity beyond earthworks. The study demonstrates that these landscapes were multifunctional, serving as ceremonial, social, and possibly astronomical centers. Lynott's research integrates archaeological data with spatial analysis to reconstruct the cultural significance of these sites, emphasizing their role in ritual practices and cosmic symbolism. This approach shifts the focus from mere structural analysis to a holistic understanding of Hopewell societies, highlighting their advanced organizational and symbolic capabilities.

How attractive can Cultural Landscapes be for Generation Y?

Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE05C3E6E8F7

Cultural landscapes, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hungary's Tokaj Wine Region, can significantly enhance their appeal to Generation Y by adopting modern technological solutions. This demographic, characterized as 'Internet aboriginals,' demands interactive experiences, mobile applications, and location-based services during travel. A quantitative survey revealed that integrating these technologies—such as online sales, communication tools, and edutainment activities—can improve the attractiveness of cultural landscapes for this generation. The study recommends developing a robust online and mobile presence, along with innovative interpretation methods, to cater to Generation Y's preferences for authenticity and engaging content.

Idyll and Industry: Rethinking the Environmental History of Grand Pré, Nova Scotia

Landscape of Grand Pré — 2016 — WHEFCFB71AA14

Grand Pré, Nova Scotia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Acadian farming heritage, is part of a dual narrative that includes both idyllic pastoral imagery and industrial agricultural practices. The site's transformation from a traditional farming settlement into an intensive rural development hub, driven by ambitions to make the Annapolis Valley 'the Orchard of the Empire,' has profoundly shaped Nova Scotia's physical, ecological, and economic landscape. This essay challenges the romanticized view of Grand Pré, highlighting its role in modern agriculture and tourism while emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. By recognizing both histories—pre-industrial Acadian settlement and subsequent industrial practices—the study offers a nuanced perspective on the site's ecological costs and economic realities.

Immensity and Miniaturism: The Interplay of Scale and Sensory Experience in the Late Neolithic of the Maltese Islands

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2016 — WHE718E13B44E

A striking interplay between immensity and miniaturism shaped sensory experiences and social relations during the Late Neolithic period (3600–2500 BC) on the Maltese Islands. While megalithic temples, with their monumental scale, dominate archaeological narratives, this study reveals that smaller objects—such as figurines and models—were equally significant in structuring human perception and interaction within these grand structures. By analyzing the contrast between large-scale architecture and miniature artifacts, researchers demonstrate how varying scales influenced social dynamics and sensory engagement, challenging traditional interpretations of Neolithic material culture.

Impact of fishing with Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae) on diversity and abundance of fish in the streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2016 — WHE30589ED898

Fish poisoning using Tephrosia candida significantly reduces fish diversity and abundance in streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. The study found that streams with active poisoning practices had 13 fewer fish species, lower Shannon-Weiner diversity indices, and 80% less fish abundance compared to control streams without poisoning. Four endemic and one native fish species became locally extinct in poisoned streams. Conducted over seven bimonthly field trips from May 2013 to June 2014, the research surveyed five streams—three with poisoning (treatment) and two without (control)—using electrofishing and nets. Physico-chemical water parameters remained consistent across streams, indicating that the observed declines were directly linked to fish poisoning. The findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulation of this practice to protect biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Impacts of bush fires on biodiversity of Sudanian and Zambezian savanna of the Democratic Republic of Congo – Case study on three protected areas: Upemba, Kundelungu and Garamba national parks, and Bombo-Lumene hunting domain from 2000 to 2014.

Garamba National Park — 2016 — WHE40CE11B7B7

A study analyzing the impact of bush fires on biodiversity in four protected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo—Garamba, Upemba, Kundelungu national parks, and Bombo-Lumene hunting domain—revealed significant habitat loss due to fire activity from 2000 to 2014. Over 22,000 hectares of forest cover were lost, with the highest fire intensity occurring during the long dry season. The research identified fire hotspots through thematic mapping and proposed strategies for sustainable fire management in these ecosystems, which are also threatened by poaching. By quantifying fire points across the regions (ranging from 6,509 to 59,122), the study underscores the dual pressure of bush fires and wildlife poaching on Sudanian and Zambezian savannas.

Impacts of nitrogen addition on foliar nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in Mount Wuyi

Mount Wuyi — 2016 — WHEB51738B605

Increasing nitrogen (N) availability in subtropical evergreen forests can intensify phosphorus (P) limitation, as shown by a study conducted at Mount Wuyi. Researchers found that while foliar N levels rose significantly across most species under N addition, P dynamics—rather than N—primarily drove changes in foliar N:P ratios. Herbaceous plants exhibited greater sensitivity to N addition compared to trees and shrubs, with notable increases in foliar P for herbs but a significant decrease in the moss Leucobryum chlorophyllosum. The study, spanning 2013–2015, revealed that mean foliar N:P ratios shifted from 18.67 to 19.72 under N addition, suggesting stronger P limitation. These findings highlight how elevated N inputs can alter nutrient cycling and stoichiometry in subtropical forests.

In-between soil erosion and sustainable land management: climate aridity and vegetation in a traditional agro-forest system (Costiera Amalfitana, southern Italy)

Costiera Amalfitana — 2016 — WHEDF0EC227D7

A study on the Amalfi Coast reveals that bioclimatic delineation is crucial for sustainable land management, particularly in areas prone to soil erosion. Researchers analyzed long-term climate data (1959–1999) from 28 stations, correlating rainfall and temperature patterns with topography, vegetation cover, and erosion. Using geographic information systems and multivariate statistics, they derived bioclimatic indicators and identified challenges in their methodology, proposing solutions to enhance accuracy. The findings underscore the importance of integrating climate data with physical and biological factors to inform policies for complex socio-ecological systems, offering a framework for mitigating erosion risks while preserving traditional agro-forest landscapes.

Insects for breakfast and whales for dinner: the diet and body condition of dingoes on Fraser Island (K’gari)

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2016 — WHE57DAE155B5

Dingoes on Fraser Island (K’gari) exhibit excellent physical condition and a diverse diet, contradicting claims of starvation or poor health. Analysis of scat samples, stomach contents, and trail camera footage from 2001 to 2015 revealed that dingoes primarily consume medium-sized mammals like bandicoots, fish, and stranded marine fauna such as turtles and whales, with minimal reliance on human-sourced food. Body weights exceeded national averages, body condition scores indicated ideal-heavy physical health, and parasite loads were low. These findings challenge the need for human subsidies to improve dingo health, suggesting their diet and condition are robust and stable.

Interactive Projection Mapping: Proyecto Patrimonio ANGLO

Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape — 2016 — WHEA313C06EFA

Interactive projection mapping offers a novel way to enrich the experience of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by its application to Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape. This technique combines digital fabrication, videomapping, and immersive environments to create an engaging and educational exploration of heritage. By developing a representative model of the site, researchers showcased how projection mapping can integrate images, information, and interactive elements to make cultural experiences more attractive and informative. The approach highlights the potential for this method to bridge gaps between technology and heritage preservation, providing both academic and public audiences with a deeper understanding of historical landscapes.

Investigating the drivers of mobile learning acceptance among young adults in the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Laos

Town of Luang Prabang — 2016 — WHE9F70246A5A

A study on mobile learning acceptance among young adults in Luang Prabang, Laos, reveals that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment directly influence their intention to adopt mobile learning for heritage site awareness. Social influence and self-efficacy indirectly impact this acceptance through perceived usefulness and ease of use, respectively. Using structural equation modeling with data from 349 higher education students, the research provides actionable insights for policy recommendations in Luang Prabang, contributing to global understanding of mobile learning adoption in least developed countries.