World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 14881 – 14900 of 15962 publications

Analysis of the techniques and materials of the coloured paintings in the Renshou Hall in the Summer Palace

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2015 — WHE6F67F4FE76

Scientists have uncovered the intricate techniques and materials used in the colored paintings of the Renshou Hall within Beijing's Summer Palace. By employing non-destructive analytical methods, researchers identified the pigments and binding agents that contribute to the enduring vibrancy of these ancient Chinese construction paintings. This study sheds light on the craftsmanship and artistic practices of the Qing Dynasty, offering valuable insights into the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage. The approach utilized integrated techniques to analyze the materials without causing damage, ensuring that the historical integrity of the site remains intact.

Applying a random encounter model to estimate lion density from camera traps in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2015 — WHEE4DD0590FC

A novel approach using the random encounter model (REM) to estimate lion density from camera trap data, without requiring individual recognition, was applied for the first time in Serengeti National Park. The study found that restricting REM estimates to night-time events significantly reduced bias compared to all photographic events, suggesting that animal movement patterns relative to cameras can impact density estimates. This method offers a promising alternative for large carnivore studies but requires reliable measures of movement speed and camera detection zones for accurate results.

Archaeoacoustic Analysis of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — 2015 — WHEEF445F967B

A recent archaeoacoustic analysis of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta revealed strong resonance effects, with double resonance frequencies at 70Hz and 114Hz detected in the 'Oracle Room.' These frequencies, when stimulated by male voices or percussion instruments, create a phenomenon that affects human brain activity. The hypogeum's unique design, described as 'architecture in the negative,' mirrors megalithic temples above ground and was likely used for Neolithic rituals. Laboratory testing confirmed the impact of these frequencies on cognitive processes, suggesting they supported social or spiritual events in this prehistoric complex.

Archaeology, baobabs and drought: Cultural proxies and environmental data from the Mapungubwe landscape, southern Africa

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape — 2015 — WHE210C70450D

A 1000-year-long drought record from baobab trees refines the sequence of severe droughts documented in archaeological deposits at Mapungubwe, southern Africa. The study reveals that cultural practices—such as rainmaking rituals and burnt grain bins in villages—were responses to drought rather than violence or natural causes. While the early 14th-century drought coincided with the abandonment of Mapungubwe, this event was influenced by both environmental pressures and cultural factors. The research integrates ethnographic data, archaeological evidence, and carbon isotope analysis from baobab trees to reconstruct past climate-land-use interactions.

Architectural design studio on sustainable tourism alternatives in the San Antonio Missions Historic District

San Antonio Missions — 2015 — WHE81FF94F28F

A study led by The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) identified sustainable tourism alternatives to enhance the attractiveness and efficiency of the San Antonio Missions Historic District, a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through a design studio course, students explored culinary tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and rural tourism, developing master plans that address economic, historical, social, and cultural dimensions while promoting sustainable development practices. The research leveraged advanced design theory to propose innovative tourist spaces and activities, aiming to expand tourism offerings beyond the downtown Riverwalk area and strengthen connections to the Missions. This approach offers a model for balancing visitor appeal with heritage preservation in historic urban landscapes.

Attitudes and perceptions of the local people towards benefits and conflicts they get from conservation of the Bale Mountains National Park and Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2015 — WHEC58AC33B53

Local communities near Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, show mixed attitudes towards conservation, with 55% experiencing conflicts and 26% benefiting. Key benefits include leasing horses to tourists (62%) and guiding (44%), while major conflicts involve fear of relocation (84%) and livestock grazing restrictions (74%). Despite these challenges, 80% support the park's conservation efforts, particularly for the endangered mountain nyala. Benefit distribution was perceived as inequitable (83%), and attitudes varied by livelihood strategy but not proximity or settlement duration. The study suggests potential for enhanced cooperation to improve conservation outcomes.

Augmented Reality Edutainment Systems for Open-Space Archaeological Environments

Old Town of Corfu — 2015 — WHEB93E5E11BF

Augmented reality (AR) can significantly enhance edutainment experiences in archaeological settings, offering personalized and adaptive guided tours. A study on the Old Fortress in Corfu's UNESCO-listed Old Town demonstrates how AR systems, integrated with a communication engine for museums, support multiple tour types by analyzing content-user needs and designing interactive scenarios. The approach provides new narration tools for experts while adapting to individual visitor preferences, thereby enriching cultural tourism experiences through technology-driven storytelling.

Automatic identification of shrub vegetation of the Teide National Park

Teide National Park — 2015 — WHE5E6797D5EF

Researchers have developed an innovative method to automatically identify populations of Teide broom, an endemic shrub in the Canary Islands, using remote sensing imagery. This approach combines superpixels as the minimum image processing unit with one-class classification, enabling precise location mapping of the species within Teide National Park. The methodology was validated in a known population area in the northwest of the park, demonstrating its potential to support conservation efforts by providing accurate and efficient vegetation monitoring. This technique offers significant applications for biodiversity assessment and environmental management.

Availability and uses of spatial databases for research and management of K’gari-Fraser Island

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2015 — WHEB10D47AB80

K’gari (Fraser Island) is a unique and dynamic ecosystem highly sensitive to natural and human-induced changes such as fires, cyclones, pests, and recreation. A vast archive of spatial data, collected from diverse sources including remote sensing, surveys, digitization, and crowd-sourcing, holds significant potential for monitoring and managing this delicate environment. However, the integration of these datasets—originally designed for different scales and themes—often leads to misuse. The study proposes a theoretical model to guide the effective selection and utilization of spatial data, aiming to provide deeper insights into the island's ecosystem for better research and management under climate change scenarios.

Bangladesh Sundarbans: Present Status of the Environment and Biota

The Sundarbans — 2015 — WHE8297F10A21

A significant decline in sediment-laden freshwater discharge through the Bangladesh Sundarbans Mangrove Forests (BSMF) since the Farakka Barrage's operation in 1975 has led to increased polyhaline conditions, threatening the growth and distribution of Heritiera fomes (sundri), a commercially important mangrove. This study reveals that the BSMF has lost approximately 66 km² of forestland, with a decrease in tree cover from 296 plants per hectare in 1959 to 144 by 1996 and a projected further decline to 109 plants per hectare by 2020. The research utilized Landsat satellite data and GIS analysis from 1970s to 2010, demonstrating that reduced freshwater discharge has altered the mangrove ecosystem, favoring less commercially valuable species like Bruguiera sexangula, Excoecaria agallocha, and Sonneratia apetala. The study suggests restoring pre-1975 sediment flow conditions through water sharing agreements and dredging to mitigate salinity and erosion, potentially funding such efforts through carbon trading, given the BSMF's substantial carbon reserve of 56 million metric tons.

Bivalves and gastropods of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2015 — WHE31AB24E4FA

A comprehensive survey of marine bivalves and gastropods at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines, identified 96 species, including 17 bivalves and 79 gastropods. Notably, 64 species were recorded for the first time in the park, suggesting a richer biodiversity than previously documented. The study also confirmed the presence of seven CITES-listed giant clams and three nationally protected gastropod species. However, 36 species previously reported were not found, indicating potential declines or shifts in distribution. Observations were limited to intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, implying that further surveys could reveal additional species, potentially increasing the known diversity to at least 132 species.

Calibration of a mathematical model of Marukh Glacier, Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2015 — WHEE61419E4B2

A three-dimensional mathematical model of Marukh Glacier in the Western Caucasus has been developed and calibrated, offering a robust tool for predicting glacier evolution under changing climatic conditions. The model integrates field data from radio-echo-sounding, topographic and gravimetrical measurements, alongside meteorological observations from Klukhorsky Pereval station. Calibration focused on optimizing parameters to minimize deviations between calculated and observed flow velocities and surface mass balance, ensuring high accuracy. This approach provides a foundation for future prognostic calculations of glacier dynamics in the Caucasus region, addressing critical questions about glacial response to climate change.

Challenges in the Preservation of Riga’s Architectural Cultural Heritage / Iššūkiai, Su Kuriais Susiduria Rygos Architektūrinio Kultūros Paveldo Apsauga

Historic Centre of Riga — 2015 — WHE3621D744FE

Riga's architectural heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces significant challenges in balancing cultural value with economic potential. The study reveals that while historical buildings are integral to Latvia's cultural landscape and often listed as protected heritage, practical preservation mechanisms—such as ownership, maintenance, and renewal opportunities—remain underevaluated. Market dynamics and urban planning factors, including UNESCO designation, interact with these challenges. The research highlights the need for a comprehensive assessment of how cultural value influences market value and urban development in Riga's historic center. It identifies key obstacles to preserving architectural heritage while suggesting potential pathways for sustainable conservation.

Changes in the distribution of quantitative features of guest houses in the Medina of Marrakesh

Medina of Marrakesh — 2015 — WHEBFA4F9FB0A

A significant increase and redistribution of guest houses within the Medina of Marrakesh have been observed since the late 20th century, primarily driven by the conversion of historical residential buildings to accommodate tourism. This study reveals that between 1999 and 2008, guest houses became more concentrated in certain quarters, particularly those with higher average accommodation capacity, challenging earlier assumptions about their even distribution. Using cartographical methods, researchers mapped the localization and capacity changes over selected years, providing a quantitative analysis of how tourism development has reshaped the urban fabric of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chapter 4. Geomorphological dynamics and the occupancy of the Letoon shrine (Xanthos plain, Turkey) during the last 5000 years

Xanthos-Letoon — 2015 — WHEA52CAA7FBA

Research at the Letoon shrine, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Xanthos-Letoon in southwestern Anatolia, reveals significant geomorphological dynamics that have influenced human occupancy over the past 5000 years. The study demonstrates how changes in the deltaic plain of the Eşen Çayı River (anciently known as Xanthus) have shaped the landscape and affected the site's use by ancient civilizations. By analyzing sediment layers, archaeological remains, and environmental data, scientists reconstructed the evolution of the region, showing periods of stability and upheaval that correlated with human settlement patterns. This work provides a deeper understanding of how natural processes interact with cultural landscapes, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of past societies in response to environmental changes.

Characteristics of PM10 and PM2.5 at Mount Wutai Buddhism Scenic Spot, Shanxi, China

Mount Wutai — 2015 — WHEE1F671A352

Airborne particulate pollution at Mount Wutai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shanxi, China, exceeds WHO air quality guidelines by 1.01–1.14 times for PM10 and 1.75–2.70 times for PM2.5 during peak tourist season. Particle size analysis revealed distinct distributions across four sampling locations: Wu Ye Temple (core incense burners) showed fine particulates ranging from 0 to 3.30 μm, while other sites exhibited larger ranges up to 5.90 μm. Particulates in Wu Ye Temple were primarily spherical, rod-like, and irregular soot aggregates for PM10, with spherical dust particles for PM2.5. Manjusri Temple and Yang Bai Lin Village predominantly featured irregular soil mineral matter (PM10) and amorphous ultrafine soot (PM2.5). This study highlights the significant impact of human activities on air quality in this culturally significant landscape.

Chirothere Footprint Sites from the Otter Sandstone Formation (Middle Triassic, late Anisian) of Devon,United Kingdom

Dorset and East Devon Coast — 2015 — WHE99C0A3BF68

Fossilized chirothere footprints, likely from a large species such as Chirotherium barthii, have been discovered in the Middle Triassic Otter Sandstone Formation of Devon, UK. These tracks, preserved uniquely in mudstone and often in convex epirelief, suggest subaqueous formation, challenging previous assumptions about their depositional environment. The footprints are concentrated in higher strata of the formation, supporting evidence for a less arid climate with a higher water table during this period. The study documents three distinct sites near Sidmouth and Salcombe Hill Cliff, including rare manus imprints, providing new insights into Triassic vertebrate behavior and paleoenvironmental conditions.

Christianization of the Philippines

Baroque Churches of the Philippines — 2015 — WHE467151F1A0

The Christianization of the Philippines was facilitated by fundamental congruencies between Filipino traditional religion and Catholicism, allowing Christianity to take root, develop, and dominate without significant tension. This study highlights how the Church embedded itself in indigenous culture, particularly through Baroque church architecture and religious art, as seen in the Church of Saint James the Great at Paete, Laguna, and San Pedro de Alcantara Church at Pakil, Laguna. It also examines H. Richard Niehbur’s typology of gospel-culture relationships to explain this process. The research approach combines historical analysis with cultural and architectural studies to correlate the role of Baroque churches in the Christianization of the Filipino people.

Christians in Late Pagan, and Pagans in Early Christian Lithuania: The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries

Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė) — 2015 — WHE6EF0CEE0A6

A shift from large-scale political strategies to the personal religious preferences of dukes and their entourages was pivotal in Lithuania's Christianization, beginning with Grand Duke Jogaila. This study reveals that individual lifestyle choices, rather than grand political decisions, drove the incremental adoption of Christianity among the ruling elite during the 14th and early 15th centuries. While Christians were primarily concentrated in Vilnius and Kernavė, their presence, often encouraged by pagan rulers for skilled labor needs, solidified Christian influence. Pagans, lacking cohesive religious identity, posed no significant opposition to the grand-ducal conversion decrees of 1387. The study also highlights a syncretic religious landscape post-conversion, where folk practices persisted among lower strata and rural populations, complicating the distinction between paganism and early Christianity.

Cien años de la cultura agustiniana: reflexiones acerca de un propósito convertido en despropósito

San Agustín Archaeological Park — 2015 — WHEC22D6E3951

A critical reflection on the current management of San Agustín Archaeological Park reveals a shift from its original purpose to one marked by discontent, particularly concerning community engagement and political dynamics. The study examines the 2013 declaration of the Year of Augustinian Culture and the controversy surrounding the exhibition 'The Return of the Idols,' highlighting how the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) has approached conservation and community relations. It frames this analysis through Jacques Rancière's concept of politics as a space for dissent, contrasting it with state/police power structures. The research underscores tensions between heritage preservation efforts and the needs or perspectives of local communities in San Agustín and Isnos.