World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 14841 – 14860 of 15962 publications

Valutazione e mappatura dei servizi culturali nei paesaggi terrazzati. Il caso studio della Costiera Amalfitana

Costiera Amalfitana — 2016 — WHE34628B5E18

A study on the UNESCO-listed terrazzato landscapes of the Amalfi Coast reveals that these 'living evolving cultural landscapes' are at risk due to changing socio-economic conditions, threatening their sustainability. The research identifies and maps cultural ecosystem services (ESS) using a multi-criteria valuation approach combined with spatial analysis via GIS, integrating local community input through semi-structured questionnaires and collaborative mapping tools like Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). This method allows for the visualization of complex human-landscape relationships, providing actionable insights for conservation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of balancing development with heritage preservation while engaging local stakeholders in sustainable management strategies.

Vegetation of the Koobi Fora Region Northeast of Lake Turkana, Marsabit County, Northern Kenya

Lake Turkana National Parks — 2016 — WHE138B949B8C

A comprehensive survey of the Koobi Fora region, northeast of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, reveals a diverse flora comprising 367 plant species (361 angiosperms) across an area of approximately 2600 km². The study, conducted between 2012 and 2014, documents 137 new plant species for the region, none of which have been recorded in neighboring areas like Marsabit or the lower Omo Valley. Despite similar physiognomic appearances, each region exhibits distinct floristic composition, with only about one-third of angiosperm species shared among them. The vegetation is predominantly grassland and dwarf shrubland, with smaller proportions of shrubland, riparian forest, and woodland. This research highlights the unique botanical richness and endemism of the Koobi Fora region, contributing valuable data for conservation and ecological studies in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Virtual Scene Construction of Large-Scale Cultural Heritage : A Framework Initiated from the Case Study of the Grand Canal of China

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2016 — WHEB50E26660A

A novel framework for constructing large-scale 3D models of cultural heritage sites, such as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc, has been developed. This approach leverages remote sensing data and a 3D geographic information system to enhance scene organization and management. The method addresses limitations in previous studies by providing a scalable solution for representing extensive heritage sites, offering improved tools for preservation and analysis.

Watermill principle applied to energy harvesting for sensor nodes in underground environments

Historic Centre of Siena — 2016 — WHE381110240B

A novel energy harvesting system, inspired by the watermill principle, enables autonomous operation of wireless sensor nodes in underground environments. This innovation allows for real-time remote monitoring of critical environmental parameters in historic aqueducts, such as Siena's 'Bottini,' without relying on external power sources. The system leverages water flow to drive an electric motor, coupled with a power control mechanism that manages energy accumulation and consumption. Laboratory tests validated the effectiveness of this approach, demonstrating its potential for long-term, self-sustaining monitoring in culturally significant underground infrastructures.

Wave attenuation and Coastal Protection by Shelly Ridges: Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, France

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2016 — WHE3DEE6A2269

Shelly ridges in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, France, demonstrate remarkable wave attenuation capabilities, reducing energy by 92% to 98% as waves traverse well-formed systems. This significant dissipation, primarily affecting wind-wave and swell energy while leaving infragravity frequencies dominant, highlights their role in coastal protection. In contrast, degraded or breached ridges show reduced attenuation (70% to 90%), with a mix of gravity and infragravity energy. The study employed monthly topographic surveys using DGPS and hydrodynamic measurements via miniature pressure sensors deployed since February 2015, providing preliminary evidence that shelly ridges mitigate wave impact on shorelines. Further research under stronger wave conditions is needed to solidify these findings.

When, where and whom: assessing wildlife attacks on people in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2016 — WHE2A0ED5531C

A significant portion of wildlife attacks on people in and around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, occurs outside the protected area, with 89% of incidents recorded between 2003 and 2013 happening beyond its boundaries. These attacks are unevenly distributed across seasons and months, predominantly occurring during the day, particularly in the morning. Rhinos (38%), tigers (21%), sloth bears (18%), elephants (9%), and wild boar (8%) were the primary perpetrators. Victims were mostly male, engaged in resource collection or farming, and lacked knowledge of animal behavior. The study used data from stakeholders, field observations, and surveys to identify key correlates such as site, season, time, activity, gender, and awareness. Mitigation strategies are recommended, including habitat management within the Park and raising public awareness about wildlife behavior, along with forming a participatory emergency rescue team for high-risk areas.

White-lipped peccaries are recorded at Iguaçu National Park after 20 years

Iguaçu National Park — 2016 — WHE537794048F

After two decades of absence, white-lipped peccaries (WLP), the most endangered ungulate in the Neotropics, have been recorded again within Iguaçu National Park (INP). This rediscovery, following confirmed reports of local extinction in the mid-1990s and subsequent surveys throughout the 2000s, suggests a potential population recovery, likely due to emigration from surrounding areas. The study highlights the critical need for urgent conservation measures to re-establish WLP populations and restore their ecological role within the park's ecosystem.

Who visits World Heritage? A comparative analysis of three cultural sites

Studenica Monastery — 2016 — WHE89004C6B28

Visitors to UNESCO World Heritage Sites exhibit distinct demographic trends that diverge from the broader heritage tourism profile. A comparative analysis of three iconic sites—Independence Hall (USA), Studenica Monastery (Serbia), and Volubilis (Morocco)—revealed that while these tourists are highly educated, they lack uniformity in age, income, or residence, contrasting with the typical middle-class, middle-aged heritage tourist. The study employed survey-based research and descriptive statistics to highlight these nuanced patterns, suggesting that World Heritage tourism may represent a specialized segment within the broader tourism landscape. Though limited to three sites, this work lays groundwork for deeper demographic studies on this globally significant visitor group.

Woody plant species diversity in the last wild habitat of the Derby Eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus Gray, 1847) in Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal, West Africa

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2016 — WHEEB9C42FD54

Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP) in Senegal is the last refuge for the critically endangered Derby Eland, and a study reveals that its woody plant diversity plays a crucial role in supporting this subspecies. Researchers identified 50 tree species across 29 families, with Combretaceae being the most dominant. Key environmental factors such as altitude, fire occurrence, and vegetation cover significantly influence plant distribution. The findings highlight the importance of in-situ fencing for sustainable conservation efforts to protect this endangered species in its native habitat.

Workshop om ljud vid Skogskyrkogården 2-3 november 2015

Skogskyrkogården — 2016 — WHEB2CE1970D0

A workshop held at Skogskyrkogården highlighted the complex interplay between auditory and visual experiences in urban planning. The event, part of the Vinnova-funded research project 'Stadens hållbara ljudrum,' explored innovative approaches to integrating soundscapes into design, particularly for cemeteries where tranquility is paramount. Participants developed conceptual frameworks to describe sound environments, proposed enhancements to mitigate noise from surrounding roads, and tested practical solutions like speaker-based masking techniques. The workshop underscored the need for tools that balance simplicity with the nuanced demands of acoustic planning, emphasizing that successful interventions must harmonize with existing visual and architectural qualities.

World Heritage listing and changes of political values: a case study in West Lake Cultural Landscape in Hongzhou, China

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2016 — WHEC8C46CA720

This study reveals that Chinese governments, while pursuing World Heritage listing for the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, strategically adapt to Eurocentric UNESCO criteria by omitting values incompatible with Western heritage discourses. Through extensive fieldwork in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, researchers mapped tensions between local governmental perceptions of heritage value and UNESCO/ICOMOS standards. The findings demonstrate a cynical approach where Chinese authorities recognize the 'rules' of World Heritage listing but selectively conform to them, prioritizing international legitimacy over indigenous cultural narratives. This adaptation, driven by the desire for global recognition, reshapes site management while perpetuating a disconnect between local heritage values and UNESCO's 'outstanding universal value' framework.

World heritage site management: a case study of sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii mountain range, Japan

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range — 2016 — WHE10BF85F92B

UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) designation has positively influenced the Kii Mountain Range in Japan, enhancing local identity and cultural revitalization while maintaining minimal negative impacts on tourism. A qualitative study found that local communities, tourists, and experts are actively engaged in heritage management and conservation, with WHS listing fostering pride in culture and place. However, challenges persist due to limited understanding of WHS status and conflicts between heritage management, tourism, and religious practices. The research suggests a more holistic approach, such as establishing a stakeholder forum, could further support Kii's success as both a sacred site and tourist destination.

Wulf Schirmer: Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte — 2016 — WHE6D8BC708F7

Castel del Monte has been the subject of significant architectural and historical research, as documented in Wulf Schirmer's study. The book presents groundbreaking findings from research conducted between 1990 and 1996, focusing on the site's archaeological and architectural history. Schirmer, along with a team of collaborators including Günter Hell, Dorothee Sack, Werner Schnuchel, Christoph Uricher, and Wolfgang Zick, employed a multidisciplinary approach to analyze Castel del Monte. The study incorporates photographs by Rafael Cardenas-Dopf, providing visual documentation that complements the textual analysis. Key insights include the reconstruction of the site's historical layers and an in-depth examination of its unique architectural features, contributing significantly to the understanding of its cultural significance.

X‐Ray Fluorescence and Stable Isotope Analysis of Marble in Central Lydia, Western Turkey

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2016 — WHE367AAFE194

A pioneering study reveals that small-scale marble quarries in central Lydia, western Turkey, played a significant role in ancient social and economic landscapes, challenging previous assumptions about their importance. By analyzing carbon and oxygen stable isotopes from 11 quarries near Sardis and correlating them with artifacts from Sardis and the Bin Tepe tumuli, researchers uncovered distinct patterns in Lydian and Roman-period marble acquisition practices. This approach sheds new light on the historical significance of these quarries, which had previously been understudied despite showing evidence of ancient tool use.

Xiphosuran Digging Traces at the Late Carboniferous Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nova Scotia, Canada

Joggins Fossil Cliffs — 2016 — WHE1D5562CE20

A significant discovery at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals new insights into the behavior and evolution of xiphosurans, ancient relatives of modern horseshoe crabs. Researchers identified 100 Selenichnites rossendalensis, some with associated trackways, dating back to the Late Carboniferous period (Pennsylvanian). Detailed morphological analysis of these digging traces, particularly lunate casts, indicates that xiphosurans used linear ridges behind their prosomas (heads) during excavation. Statistical analysis of 96 lunate casts from two populations, separated by several hundred thousand years, shows a significant reduction in prosoma size with 99% confidence, suggesting evolutionary changes in body size over time. The smallest known Selenichnites, measuring just 7 mm wide, were also documented. This study highlights the potential of Joggins Fossil Cliffs to uncover factors controlling xiphosuran body-size changes and their temporal scales.

Þingvellir: Commodifying the “Heart” of Iceland

Þingvellir National Park — 2016 — WHEC195C61ABD

Þingvellir National Park, a symbol of Icelandic nationalism and national identity, faces a shift in its cultural significance due to commercialization within neoliberal economies. This study critically examines the transformation of Þingvellir from a site of historical importance and recreation into a global tourist destination. It explores how this commodification affects its symbolic potency as a gateway between continents and its role within universalized notions of humanity. The research adopts a postcolonial perspective to analyze these changes, highlighting the tension between heritage preservation and economic exploitation.

„Der Naumburger Dom und die hochmittelalterliche Herrschaftslandschaft an Saale und Unstrut“. Das ICOMOS-Gutachten zum Naumburger UNESCO-Welterbeantrag. - [Rezension]

Naumburg Cathedral — 2015 — WHE505D88D348

A critical review of the ICOMOS evaluation report for Naumburg Cathedral's UNESCO World Heritage bid reveals significant methodological and conceptual flaws. The report, which recommended against inscription due to perceived shortcomings in integrity and authenticity, was found to rely on distorted interpretations of the application, misleading historical claims, and an exclusionary approach that could reinforce regressive nationalism. Instead of providing a robust justification for rejection, ICOMOS's assessment was criticized for its abstract, unhistorical application of key criteria and its failure to align with modern, globally inclusive standards for World Heritage recognition. The review outlines potential pathways for a more contemporary and contextually appropriate approach to preserving cultural heritage in an era of globalization.

Quod nunc Rubrum ad mare patescit: the mare Rubrum as a frontier of the Roman Empire

Frontiers of the Roman Empire — 2015 — WHED064462EF9

A re-evaluation of Tacitus' 'Annals' reveals that the Red Sea (mare Rubrum) was perceived as a new frontier of the Roman Empire following the annexation of the Nabataean kingdom, rather than a boundary for Roman Egypt. This insight challenges previous interpretations and underscores the significance of this expansion in Roman imperial strategy. The study employs close textual analysis to dissect Tacitus' allusive language, particularly the use of 'nunc,' which hints at recent territorial changes. By focusing on the southern Arabian frontier, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how Rome's imperial ambitions were communicated and perceived during this period.

19th International Corrosion Congress

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2015 — WHE54FB335CA6

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, hosted the 19th International Corrosion Congress (ICC), highlighting its unique geological significance. The congress, organized by the Corrosion Science Society of Korea (CSSK) on behalf of the International Corrosion Council, brought together experts to discuss advancements in corrosion science and technology. Jeju's volcanic origins, scenic beauty, and diverse ecosystem make it a globally recognized destination for both tourism and scientific research. The event was supported by Korean companies and the government, underscoring its importance in the field. The ICC took place at the International Convention Centre, a striking glass-wall structure perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which further emphasized Jeju's natural and architectural allure.

3d Surveying and modelling of the Archaeological Area of Paestum, Italy

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2015 — WHE6D3F606B69

Advanced 3D surveying techniques, including photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), have successfully generated high-resolution digital models, orthoimages, maps, and geometric representations of Paestum's archaeological area. This interdisciplinary approach, applied to one of Italy's most significant UNESCO-listed sites, provides unprecedented tools for studying the Greek and Roman ruins, including three iconic Doric temples. The integration of these methods enhances archaeological documentation, architectural analysis, and public communication, offering valuable insights into the preservation and interpretation of this historic landscape.