World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 15221 – 15240 of 15962 publications

Regulation of usages and dependency on indigenous fruits (IFs) for livelihoods sustenance of rural households: A case study of the Ivindo National Park (INP), Gabon

Ivindo National Park — 2014 — WHEE655778796

A comprehensive study of the Ivindo National Park (INP) in Gabon reveals that indigenous fruits (IFs) play a crucial role in the livelihoods of rural households, serving as both a food source and income generator. The research, involving 152 households near the park and 100 farther away, found that nearly all participants (99.2%) harvested six fruit species, with Coula edulis, Dacriodes buettneri, and Irvingia gabonensis being the most popular due to their higher market prices. The study highlights significant variations in usage trends based on ethnic group, distance from the park, and residential period, emphasizing the need for flexible regulations to balance resource conservation with rural livelihoods.

Remaking the City: Archaeological Projects of Political Import in Jerusalem's Old City and in the Village of Silwan

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2014 — WHE5546731750

Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem's Old City and the village of Silwan serve as powerful tools for political narrative shaping, directly influencing land control and historical interpretation. These projects, such as the Givati Parking Lot site planned to become the 'Kedem Center,' aim to connect key Israeli heritage sites like the 'City of David' archaeological park and the Western Wall plaza through underground tunnels. This approach alters the landscape and perception of the area, often sidelining the present-day Palestinian Muslim reality in favor of a narrative rooted in ancient periods significant to Israeli identity. Recent excavations have exposed ancient underground complexes, offering visitors an imagined historical experience that reinforces specific political and cultural claims.

Remote Assessment of Cultural Heritage Environments with Wireless Sensor Array Networks

Royal Palaces of Abomey — 2014 — WHE0A8F340C8E

A novel dosimetric system leveraging piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC) technology demonstrates significant potential for remote environmental monitoring of cultural heritage sites. This system, featuring PQCs coated with metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, Sn), alongside temperature and humidity sensors, enables real-time data visualization via low-power radio and GPRS gateways while maintaining minimal energy consumption. Field deployments at Apsley House in London and the Royal Palaces of Abomey in Benin validated its effectiveness, showcasing high transmission success rates and accurate environmental measurements. The approach addresses logistical and cost challenges associated with traditional monitoring methods, offering a scalable solution for heritage managers to assess the holistic impact of environmental factors on cultural materials.

Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand)

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2014 — WHEF6C099CB17

A legal analysis clarifies the implications of the 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on sovereignty over the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site straddling the Cambodia-Thailand border. The study argues that the ICJ's ruling, which awarded the temple to Cambodia, remains legally binding and should guide current disputes over its administration. It examines the judgment's historical context, legal reasoning, and subsequent diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the need for compliance with international law to resolve territorial conflicts at heritage sites. This contribution is significant in advancing the understanding of how legal precedents can address contemporary geopolitical tensions involving cultural heritage.

Residents' use and perceptions of the Summer Palace World Heritage Site in Beijing, China

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2014 — WHEEF89CC9605

Local residents' recreational and social engagement with the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing, has been significantly understudied. This research identifies distinct use patterns, motivations, and perceptions among local users, revealing that their interactions with the site extend beyond traditional roles as service providers or impacted stakeholders. Findings highlight how residents utilize the Summer Palace for leisure, social activities, and cultural experiences, offering new insights into the multifaceted dynamics of heritage sites shared by tourists and locals. The study employed qualitative methods to capture residents' experiences and perspectives, providing practical implications for future management strategies that better accommodate diverse user needs.

Review of Apanteles sensu stricto (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, with keys to all described species from Mesoamerica

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2014 — WHE138C73AC74

A groundbreaking study from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in Costa Rica reveals the extraordinary diversity of Apanteles wasps, a critical group of caterpillar parasitoids. Researchers identified 186 new species and redefined the genus Apanteles sensu stricto, providing keys to all 205 described species from Mesoamerica. This work leverages a unique dataset of over half a million Lepidoptera caterpillars reared for their parasitoids, combining traditional taxonomy with molecular techniques like DNA barcoding and interactive software (Lucid 3.5) to distinguish cryptic species. The study also highlights the host preferences of these wasps, with about 90% exhibiting monophagous or oligophagous behavior, attacking primarily Hesperiidae, Elachistidae, and Crambidae caterpillars. This comprehensive review accelerates the understanding of hyperdiverse parasitoid groups and their ecological roles.

Review: The White City—Tel Aviv’s Modern Movement

White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement — 2014 — WHE076285A45C

Tel Aviv's urban development, recognized as the White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement, stands out for its unique implementation of Patrick Geddes' 1925 master plan, blending Garden City ideology with a compact layout and traditional city center functions. This plan featured repeated yet varied urban blocks, low building heights, hierarchical street spaces, lush vegetation, and public piazzas—principles that were largely realized in Tel Aviv, making it Geddes' only fully implemented city master plan. Despite Geddes' hope for eclecticism, the architecture evolved into a distinct modern movement, characterized by International Style and Bauhaus influences, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage status.

Review: Transforming the Frontier: Peace Parks and the Politics of Neoliberal Conservation in Southern Africa

Maloti-Drakensberg Park — 2014 — WHE20393C1C17

Neoliberal conservation efforts, such as transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), often exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities they aim to address. Bram Büscher's study of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park (MDTP) reveals that while TFCAs promise biodiversity conservation and economic development through ecotourism, their implementation reinforces existing power imbalances and neoliberal capitalist globalization. The research employs critical political ecology and ethnographic methods to analyze the MDTP's twin objectives: conserving globally significant biodiversity and fostering socioeconomic development. Büscher argues that the TFCA narrative serves as a tool for legitimizing neoliberal conservation, often prioritizing consensus-building over tangible outcomes. Despite limited resistance, the study highlights the structural challenges in achieving equitable and effective conservation strategies.

Ripensando il paesaggio: il Cimitero nel Bosco di Ewrik Gunnar Asplund e Sigurd Lewerentz

Skogskyrkogården — 2014 — WHE6536089B20

Skogskyrkogården, the Forest Cemetery in Stockholm, redefines the relationship between architecture and landscape, marking a significant shift from traditional scenographic approaches. Designed by Erik Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz between 1915 and 1940, this UNESCO World Heritage Site challenges conventional notions of landscape by integrating architectural elements with natural surroundings in an innovative, site-responsive manner. The study traces the evolution of their design process, revealing how the cemetery's compositional approach transforms both the physical space and the conceptual understanding of landscape. By analyzing the project's development phases, the research highlights its pioneering role in Scandinavian 20th-century landscape architecture.

Roskilde – En bygrundlæggelse i vanskeligt terræn

Roskilde Cathedral — 2014 — WHE9E7D1A9621

Roskilde Cathedral's location, founded around AD 1000, was strategically chosen to reinforce the monarchy and Church as dominant ideological forces during the transition from Viking Age society. Unlike other towns that emerged from trade or urban development, Roskilde's establishment in challenging terrain—characterized by wetland, bogs, and a high water table—was driven by its sacred significance, particularly tied to the area's numerous springs. These springs, with their mythological and Christian symbolism, likely served as focal points for pre-Christian rituals and continued to hold religious importance in the new Christian kingdom. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site's selection was not due to practical considerations but rather its symbolic and spiritual value, positioning the cathedral on a slope where powerful springs emerged, creating a visually striking landscape. This intentional placement mirrors patterns seen at other contemporary towns like Lund and Viborg, indicating a broader plan to bridge pagan traditions with emerging Christian practices.

Rural Tourism at its Peak: Socio-Cultural Impacts towards Host Communities of Kinabalu Park, Sabah (Malaysian-Borneo)

Kinabalu Park — 2014 — WHE305327C281

Kinabalu Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia, has significantly influenced its host communities through tourism. The study reveals that while tourism brings economic benefits and cultural exchange, it also poses socio-cultural challenges for nearby villages. Researchers found varying perceptions among locals, with some embracing tourism's positive impacts—such as improved livelihoods and cultural exposure—while others expressed concerns about environmental degradation and loss of traditional values. The research employed qualitative methods to gather insights from host communities, aiming to balance conservation efforts with sustainable tourism principles. Recommendations for continuous improvement in tourism management are proposed to ensure long-term benefits while mitigating negative effects on local cultures and ecosystems.

Salinity and its variability in the Lagoon of Venice, 2000–2009

Venice and its Lagoon — 2014 — WHE41F0E24207

The Lagoon of Venice exhibits a stable, steady-state salinity distribution characterized by three distinct zones: a northern freshwater-influenced area with high tidal variability (salinity <28 PSU), a southern marine zone with low tidal variability (salinity >32 PSU), and an intermediate transition zone. This stability, supported by data from 13 stations spanning 2000–2009, indicates that salinity changes are primarily driven by rainfall events and tidal motion rather than intrinsic water composition shifts. The study confirms the lagoon's long-term (to 1961) equilibrium, fostering at least three separate ecosystems. Researchers analyzed monthly and bimonthly salinity data alongside semi-continuous 2009 measurements to validate these findings.

Scotland's Heritage Investments in India: Acts of Cultural Diplomacy and Identity Building

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat — 2014 — WHE727BC1CB31

Scotland's heritage investments in India, particularly its involvement in the conservation of Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat, represent a unique form of cultural diplomacy that avoids the pitfalls of cultural colonialism. Unlike traditional international heritage preservation efforts led by non-state actors like UNESCO, Scotland's state-led projects focus on celebrating shared histories and promoting positive narratives of Scottish contributions in India. These initiatives, including the documentation of Rani-ki-Vav as part of the 'Scottish 10' project, are framed as altruistic acts that strengthen bilateral relations while shaping a specific version of national identity. The study highlights how heritage can serve as a tool for diplomatic engagement and identity promotion at a state level.

Seismic assessment of Japanese traditional wooden structure by dynamic interaction numerical analysis of surrounding ground

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) — 2014 — WHE156928EDD2

A seismic assessment of a traditional wooden building, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,' revealed that the structure is at risk of partial damage during a scenario earthquake and potential collapse if subjected to double its amplitude. The study employed three-dimensional earthquake response analyses, incorporating dynamic interaction between the building and surrounding ground due to its location on a hill with complex geophysical features. This approach was compared against a non-interaction model for accuracy. Geotechnical investigations informed the analysis, highlighting significant differences in seismic responses when considering structure-ground coupling versus isolated structural models.

Seismically active subcrustal magma source of the Klyuchevskoy volcano in Kamchatka, Russia

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2014 — WHEDA39B644E5

Klyuchevskoy volcano, located in Kamchatka’s UNESCO-listed volcanic region, harbors a unique subcrustal magma source characterized by persistent seismic activity at depths exceeding 20 km. Unlike typical crustal earthquakes, these deep tremors exhibit tectonic signatures, indicating brittle failure in mantle rock. Researchers used P-to-S converted teleseismic waves to pinpoint the crust-mantle transition (~25 km) and a deeper seismic boundary (~50 km), confirming that Klyuchevskoy’s magma originates from depths of 46 ± 7 km—a finding supported by melt inclusion analysis. This subcrustal zone, marked by vigorous magma accumulation, challenges conventional models of volcanic processes in island arc systems.

Shell Dimension-Live Weight Relationships, Growth and Survival of Hippopus Porcellanus in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2014 — WHEA322546D8F

Giant clam populations of Hippopus porcellanus in the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) have shown remarkable recovery after over two decades of protection, with nearly 90% survival rate among marked individuals. Researchers determined that all three shell dimensions—length, width, and height—are reliable predictors of live weight, providing a non-invasive method for monitoring populations. Using the von Bertalanffy growth model, the study estimated growth parameters (K = 0.29, L∞ = 29.24 cm) based on mark-recapture data from 80 clams over 2.5 years. This finding highlights the resilience of H. porcellanus under strict conservation measures and underscores the importance of long-term protection for recovering exploited marine species.

Simulations of direct and reflected wave trajectories for ground-based GNSS-R experiments

Cordouan Lighthouse — 2014 — WHEDDCDF8F023

Simulations reveal that the choice of Earth's surface model significantly impacts the accuracy of GNSS-R (Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry) measurements, with planimetric differences averaging 9 cm for satellite elevation angles above 10° and 13.9 cm between 5° and 10°. The study also highlights substantial errors due to angular refraction from the troposphere, which can reach up to 116 m in planimetric terms when the receiver height exceeds 300 m. Conducted at two test sites—Cordouan Lighthouse in France's Gironde estuary and Lake Geneva on the Franco-Swiss border—the research underscores the critical role of digital elevation models (DEMs) in improving measurement precision, with average planimetric differences of 6.3 m without DEM integration. The simulator developed for this study provides tools to optimize GNSS-R receiver placement for monitoring water levels and other surface variations.

Simulations of direct and reflected waves trajectories for in situ GNSS-R experiments

Cordouan Lighthouse — 2014 — WHE0E231E47F7

A simulator was developed to accurately determine the reflection points of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals on Earth's surface, offering a unique method to monitor water level variations. The study found that geometric differences between reflection points, when considering Earth as a sphere or ellipsoid, averaged 44 cm for satellites with elevation angles greater than 10° and 1 m for those between 5° and 10°. Integration of Digital Elevation Models (DEM) significantly impacted reflection point accuracy, with errors reaching up to 3.80 m without DEM integration at a minimum elevation angle of 5°. Tropospheric effects also introduced substantial errors, increasing from 43 cm at a 5 m receiver height to 103 m at 300 m. These findings underscore the importance of precise Earth representation and atmospheric corrections in GNSS-R experiments.

Slaves, Convicts, Abolitionism and the Global Origins of the Post-Emancipation Indentured Labor System

Aapravasi Ghat — 2014 — WHEE4ADC01005

Recent research challenges long-held assumptions about the origins of the post-emancipation indentured labor system, revealing that it emerged 25 years earlier than previously believed and was initially centered on Chinese rather than Indian workers. The British East India Company played a pivotal role in this global migrant labor system's development during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with its influence extending beyond the Indian Ocean region. This study sheds new light on the interconnected free and forced labor trades that shaped colonial plantation economies, drawing from international conferences and supported by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund.

Snow cover dynamics in and around the Shangri-La County, southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau, 1974–2012: the influence of climate change and local tourism activities

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2014 — WHEB7CD647E4D

Over the past four decades (1974–2012), snow cover in and around Shangri-La County, a core zone of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, has dramatically declined by 78%, from 4,188 km² to just 901 km². This reduction was most pronounced at mid-altitudes (4,000–5,000 meters) and more severe in the northwest than the southeast. While rising air temperatures (+0.22°C per decade) were the primary driver of this decline, local tourism activities in the southeastern Yulong Snow Mountains exacerbated snow loss compared to similar trends in the Meili Snow Mountains. The study analyzed 28 Landsat images to quantify spatial and temporal snow cover changes, revealing critical insights into the dual threats of climate change and human activity on this ecologically significant region.