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Showing 15301 – 15320 of 15962 publications

A Visit to the Old City of Hebron

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2013 — WHE132F0FE731

A stark contrast emerges between the past and present access to Hebron's Old City, highlighting systemic barriers that have worsened over time. While weekly trips were feasible in the 1980s, current Palestinian movement is severely restricted by Israeli-imposed measures, including tunnels exclusively for Israelis and prolonged delays at military checkpoints like the Container Checkpoint, located along a dangerous route known as Wadi Al Nar. This narrative account underscores the growing isolation of Hebron's Palestinian community due to infrastructure and security policies that disproportionately affect civilians.

Achieving Ground Water Sustainability in Iran through Qanat Rejuvenation

The Persian Qanat — 2013 — WHEE166D3AF35

Rejuvenation of ancient Persian qanats offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for groundwater management in arid regions, outperforming conventional dams. The study highlights that floodwater spreading and artificial groundwater recharge (ARG) can restore 30,000 desiccated qanats while preserving aquifers, unlike dams which face issues like sedimentation, evaporation, and high costs. Long-term ARG projects demonstrate that maintaining constant flow in qanats ensures groundwater sustainability, providing a viable alternative for water-short regions with suitable geological conditions.

Adaptive Reuse in the Traditional Neighbourhood of the Old City Sana’a -Yemen

Old City of Sana'a — 2013 — WHECE2CBC874B

Adaptive reuse in Sana'a's traditional neighborhoods, such as Hara Al-Abhar, has shown mixed outcomes. While it boosts household income and revitalizes local handicrafts, increased vehicular access and the conversion of public spaces into parking areas disrupt residents' privacy, particularly for women, who retreat indoors. The study employed on-site spatial observations, measurements, and structured interviews to assess these impacts, revealing a complex balance between economic benefits and social consequences in preserving the cultural heritage of Yemen's Old City.

An Archaeological History of Carthaginian Imperialism

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2013 — WHE465304454E

Archaeological evidence challenges traditional Greco-Roman narratives of Carthaginian imperialism, revealing that the 6th–4th century BCE Carthaginian Empire differed significantly from its portrayal in ancient sources. By prioritizing archaeological and epigraphic records over textual accounts, this study demonstrates that Carthage's expansion mirrored patterns seen in Athenian and Roman empires—through colonization, political integration of dependencies, and trade network centralization. Contrary to prior interpretations linking destruction layers in Sardinia to 6th-century military campaigns, the research argues that Carthaginian imperial manifestations closely resemble those of other ancient empires, suggesting a more nuanced and structured system than previously assumed.

Archaeobotanical results from Sarazm, Tajikistan, an Early Bronze Age Settlement on the edge: Agriculture and exchange

Proto-urban Site of Sarazm — 2013 — WHE66EE3B63B5

A previously unpublished macrobotanical dataset from Sarazm, Tajikistan, reveals critical insights into Early Bronze Age agriculture and exchange in Central Eurasia. The study, analyzing seeds from the 4th to late 3rd millennia BC, identifies domesticated wheat and barley, highlighting their role in the northeastern spread of agriculture. Additionally, wild fruit remains—including Russian olive, hackberry, sea buckthorn berry, wild pistachio, and capers—suggest foraging practices alongside agricultural activities. Sarazm's strategic location at the eastern edge of a settlement chain provides key evidence for understanding how agriculture diffused into mountainous and steppe regions. The analysis, conducted in the late 1980s by George Willcox but published only recently, underscores the importance of this site in reconstructing Early Bronze Age economies and exchange networks.

Assessing the Flood Impacts and the Cultural Properties Vulnerabilities in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2013 — WHEB3F95BDE73

Flood risk to Ayutthaya’s UNESCO World Heritage monuments is primarily determined by elevation above mean sea level and proximity to rivers or canals. A 2013 study analyzed flood-induced damage—categorized as high, medium, or low risk—and monument value (high, medium, or low) to prioritize conservation efforts. The research found that sites closer to water bodies faced the greatest vulnerability, particularly during the severe 2011 floods, which overwhelmed traditional canal-based flood defenses. By integrating environmental damage assessments with cultural significance rankings, the study highlighted critical areas for stakeholder-driven conservation planning to mitigate future risks.

Assessment of Priority Options for Preservation of Historic City Centre Buildings using MCDM (ARAS)

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2013 — WHECE9868FF96

A systematic approach using the ARAS method of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) has been developed to prioritize the preservation needs of historic buildings in Vilnius' city center, addressing challenges posed by national regulations and public/investor demands. The study identifies key indicators—archaeological, historical, architectural, economic, and social—to assess whether buildings require reconstruction, emphasizing the need for precise, well-reasoned decisions to avoid costly errors. This method provides a structured framework for balancing cultural heritage preservation with practical utilization, offering a model applicable to similar urban contexts.

Asset-based community development as applied to tourism in Tibet

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2013 — WHEB519FC8A64

A pioneering tourism study demonstrates the feasibility of using asset-based community development (ABCD) as a strategy for poverty alleviation, particularly in politically sensitive regions like Tibet. The research, conducted in Lhasa, identified five key tourism assets—including world heritage sites and underdeveloped local resources such as traditional Tibetan yards and medicines—that hold significant potential for sustainable development. Through mixed-methods approaches, including photo-elicitation interviews and surveys, the study mapped community perceptions of asset value, development challenges, and desirability, revealing nuanced insights into local priorities. This work not only advances theoretical frameworks for community-based tourism but also provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of integrating emic perspectives in marginalized environments.

Back-analysis modelling for the catastrophic avalanches in Sewell, Central Chilean Andes

Sewell Mining Town — 2013 — WHEA9863E51AE

Catastrophic avalanches in Sewell, Chile, exhibit distinct behaviors based on snow type and altitude, with wet dense flows and dry powder avalanches showing different run-out dynamics. Using back-analysis modeling with Aval-1D and RAMMS software, researchers reconstructed four major events (1914, 1926, 1941, 1944) to analyze their impact and propose modifications to friction parameters for better risk assessment in mountainous mining towns. The study highlights the influence of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on precipitation patterns, which directly affects avalanche conditions in this region.

Beyond Borders: The Shady Past and Uncertain Future of (Trans) National Parks

Maloti-Drakensberg Park — 2013 — WHEC4DBD82102

National parks, despite their widespread appeal and proliferation, have historically failed to meet ecological and social conservation goals. A critical analysis of three scholarly works reveals that the national park ideal is malleable and fluid, shaped by diverse visions and adaptable to local contexts, rather than a unified concept. While some conservation models like UNESCO World Heritage Sites impose strict criteria, national parks lack such governance, leading to conflicts among competing interests. The study highlights how neoliberal conservation practices, exemplified by transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, often prioritize economic and political agendas over ecological restoration or local community benefits, resulting in dispossession and environmental degradation. To address these challenges, the authors advocate for redefining the national park idea, integrating science into management policies, adopting transnational perspectives, and exploring indigenous epistemologies to foster more sustainable and just conservation practices.

Bologna porticoes project: A 3D repository for WHL UNESCO nomination

The Porticoes of Bologna — 2013 — WHECE6077D799

A high-quality, uniform 3D digital repository of Bologna's porticoes system—spanning over 40 km—was developed to support UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination. This innovative platform integrates historical, architectural, and management data through a controlled, low-cost photo-modeling process, enabling spatial and temporal navigation for citizens, tourists, and scholars. The system facilitates cross-media applications like mobile apps and augmented reality while fostering public engagement via social media. By centralizing diverse datasets into an interactive 3D interface, the project not only preserves Bologna's architectural heritage but also underscores its cultural and social significance as a communal space.

Building stone as a part of a World Heritage Site: ‘Piedra Pajarilla’ Granite and the city of Salamanca, Spain

Old City of Salamanca — 2013 — WHEA2555A4FA2

A unique granite, 'Piedra Pajarilla,' has been identified as the primary building material for many of Salamanca's monuments, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study highlights the importance of preserving and using the original building stone for restoration to maintain architectural integrity, avoiding the pitfalls seen with alternative materials. The research emphasizes the durability and historical significance of local granites, drawing parallels with ancient Roman engineering practices that prioritized longevity and local sourcing. By analyzing the properties and historical use of 'Piedra Pajarilla,' the study advocates for its preservation to ensure the authenticity and resilience of Salamanca's heritage structures.

Carbon Stocks of Tropical Coastal Wetlands within the Karstic Landscape of the Mexican Caribbean

Sian Ka'an — 2013 — WHE210A5A770C

Coastal wetlands within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (SKBR) in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula store significant amounts of carbon, with tall mangroves holding the highest stocks at 987±338 Mg ha⁻¹. Soil carbon constitutes 78-99% of these stocks, indicating its critical role in ecosystem carbon storage. The study found that lower salinity and higher phosphorus levels in soils correlate with greater carbon sequestration potential, suggesting phosphorus limitation. Across the 172,176-ha reserve, coastal wetlands may store between 43.2 to 58.0 million Mg of carbon, underscoring their importance as a climate mitigation strategy. Researchers quantified ecosystem carbon stocks by measuring above and belowground biomass, downed wood, soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and interstitial salinity at nine sites within SKBR.

Carnets de terrain au Koutammakou (Togo)

Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba — 2013 — WHE4E3F40065B

Field notebooks from Koutammakou, Togo, reveal significant insights into the cultural and environmental dynamics of the UNESCO-listed Batammariba lands. The study documents traditional practices, architectural techniques, and ecological adaptations, providing a detailed account of how the Batammariba people have sustained their way of life in this arid region. By analyzing these field notes, researchers uncover the resilience of local communities in preserving their heritage amid environmental challenges. The approach combines ethnographic observations with archival analysis, offering a unique blend of historical and contemporary perspectives on this World Heritage Site.

Cellulolytic potential and filter paper activity of fungi isolated from ancients manuscripts from the Medina of Fez

Medina of Fez — 2013 — WHEE2D93B30E8

Fungi isolated from ancient manuscripts in the Medina of Fez exhibit significant cellulolytic activity, posing a threat to historical paper. Nine out of 31 filamentous fungi demonstrated the ability to degrade carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and produce filter paper activity (FPUase), with varying effectiveness depending on temperature and pH. The most prevalent species included Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, and Mucor racemosus, while others like Hypocrea lixii, Aspergillus melleus, and Schizophyllum commune were less common. Long-term experiments showed these fungi could degrade filter paper at 25°C, highlighting their destructive potential on cultural heritage materials.

Changing Identities in the Oecumene: Geography and Architecture in the Greco-Roman World

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia — 2013 — WHE4068D746CA

A groundbreaking study establishes a direct link between the symbolism of Roman architecture and the geography of empire, revealing how territorial expansion shaped identity constructs. By applying the Greek concept of 'oecumene' (known world), the research demonstrates that Roman identity was fluid and influenced by conquest, as exemplified in Trajan’s Forum and the Pantheon. The study uniquely bridges ancient and contemporary perspectives, questioning how globalization's expectations of boundless communication zones affect spatial/geographical identity understanding. This work synthesizes insights from architecture, geography, and ritual, drawing on extensive research, including a Rome Scholar project and a Paul Mellon Rome Fellowship.

Changing perspectives on the relationship between heritage, landscape and local communities: A lesson from Borobudur

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2013 — WHE8B27966DA8

The Borobudur Temple Compound, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and cultural significance. This monumental complex, spanning approximately three kilometers with an east-west orientation, encompasses not only the iconic Borobudur but also the smaller temples of Pawon and Mendut. It fulfills multiple criteria for heritage recognition, including representing architectural brilliance, showcasing cross-cultural exchanges, and being intricately linked to historical traditions and beliefs. The site is particularly meaningful to local communities in Indonesia, who trace their lineage back to its builders, reinforcing its status as a symbol of national pride and universal cultural value.

Chapter 19. Protecting and Perpetuating Papahānaumokuākea: Involvement of Native Hawaiians in Governance of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Papahānaumokuākea — 2013 — WHE0B35AC0AD0

A symbiotic relationship between Native Hawaiians and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) is central to the preservation of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, one of the last nearly pristine marine ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago. This study highlights how integrating Native Hawaiian traditions, values, and resource management practices into monument governance not only protects the ecosystem but also perpetuates living Hawaiian culture. By involving Native Hawaiians in stewardship, the research demonstrates a pathway to maintain ancestral connections and sustain traditional skills that thrived before Western contact.

Chapter Ten: Picture scrolls as a historical source on Japanese mining

Sado Island Gold Mines — 2013 — WHE2B5AA1F0ED

Picture scrolls, renowned for their literary and visual significance in Japan, offer valuable historical insights into mining practices. This study evaluates the reliability of Sado scrolls as historical sources by analyzing their illustrations in relation to Japan's mining history, particularly gold and silver mines on Sado Island. The research establishes that these scrolls provide a culturally rich and factually grounded account of early modern Japanese mining, bridging visual art with historical documentation. By contextualizing the scrolls within broader cultural frameworks, the study underscores their potential as both artistic and scholarly resources.

Characterization of cyanobacteria isolated from biofilms on stone monuments at Santiniketan, India

Santiniketan — 2013 — WHE0348632830

Cyanobacterial biofilms on stone monuments at Santiniketan, India, exhibit unique characteristics distinct from temperate regions. Dominated by Scytonema and Tolypothrix, these biofilms also harbor 14 genera upon prolonged culture. The organisms produce high levels of scytonemin, mycosporine-like amino acids, and carotenoids, enhancing their survival in desiccated states with rapid revival upon rehydration. Heterocystous cyanobacteria demonstrate nitrogenase activity reactivation within 24 hours post-wetting, highlighting their resilience and ecological adaptability in tropical environments.