World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 15601 – 15620 of 15962 publications

Reptiles from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, northeastern Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2012 — WHE9E70628123

A comprehensive survey of reptiles in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP), Brazil, reveals 42 species, with restinga areas—shrubby coastal habitats—hosting a remarkable 81% of the recorded fauna. This study underscores the unique biodiversity of LMNP, situated at the intersection of three major Neotropical ecosystems: Amazonia, Caatinga, and Cerrado. Conducted over 235 days of fieldwork, the research highlights the critical importance of conserving restingas, which, despite comprising only 20% of the park's protected area, support the majority of reptile species in this complex habitat. The findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these ecologically rich but vulnerable environments.

Research on the Weathering Problems of Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes — 2012 — WHE1A5EBBA09A

Longmen Grottoes is experiencing significant weathering damage, with chemical weathering emerging as the most pronounced threat due to deteriorating environmental and climatic conditions. The study categorizes weathering into physical, chemical, and biological types, analyzing their mechanisms and impacts on the grottoes. While previous research has documented these issues, this work highlights the increasing severity of chemical weathering, posing a critical challenge to the preservation of this cultural heritage. The approach involves synthesizing existing studies to elucidate damage patterns and mechanisms, providing a foundation for targeted conservation strategies.

Response of southern right whales to simulated swim‐with‐whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina

Península Valdés — 2012 — WHE311E8A6854

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) exposed to simulated swim-with-whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina, showed significant behavioral changes, including reduced resting, socializing, and surface active behaviors, while traveling increased during interactions. Mother-calf pairs exhibited the strongest responses, with faster swimming and more frequent reorientation. These findings raise concerns about the long-term impacts of increased tourism activity on whale behavior, particularly given recent die-offs in the region. The study suggests that legalization of swim-with-whale tourism should be deferred until further investigations are conducted to assess potential long-term consequences.

Responsible local communities in historic inner city areas: Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn, Estonia

Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn — 2012 — WHE6CB17F6F10

Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, demonstrates how community engagement in heritage conservation has evolved alongside international conventions. The study reveals that while specialized conservation efforts began in the 1960s, broader local involvement and responsibility for heritage protection have grown in parallel with the development of the World Heritage Convention (1972). This dual approach—combining early expert-led initiatives with expanding community participation—has shaped Tallinn's unique governance framework. The research highlights the importance of integrating local stakeholders into conservation strategies to ensure sustainable preservation, aligning with global heritage consciousness.

Riding the storm: ‘new Istanbul’

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2012 — WHE73A6D00289

Istanbul faces a critical urban dilemma where real-estate-driven growth, aimed at global economic expansion and improved living standards, threatens its historic identity, social inclusivity, and ecological balance. This study highlights how the city's transformation into a fragmented megacity—marked by gated communities, residential complexes, and tourist zones—erodes its public character, turning historic districts into mono-functional 'dead spaces.' The research argues that for Istanbul to retain its inclusive, diverse nature, civic actors must develop a new critical politics capable of steering real-estate growth toward the common good. This involves balancing popular support for economic development with the preservation of Istanbul's cultural and social openness, akin to navigating a storm caused by the 'new Istanbul.'

Role-Play Gaming Simulation For Flood Management On Cultural Heritage: A Case Study Of Ayutthaya Historic City

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2012 — WHE8131CE9927

Role-play gaming simulations effectively enhance public awareness and collaboration for flood management on cultural heritage, as demonstrated by a case study of Ayutthaya Historic City. The methodology, developed from existing data and role-playing techniques, improves understanding of flood impacts and fosters cooperation among government, private, and public sectors. This approach serves as a tool to deepen knowledge about participatory flood management, offering a practical solution for preserving cultural heritage in flood-prone areas.

Romuliana (Gamzigrad, Serbia)

Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius — 2012 — WHEDA259A684F

Gamzigrad, a fourth-century CE fortified villa complex attributed to the Roman emperor Galerius, stands as a monumental testament to Roman architectural ingenuity. Located in eastern Serbia's Black Timok Valley, the site features two rows of ramparts (300 m × 200 m) with 20 round towers, enclosing structures such as a palace, temples, a horreum (granary), thermae (baths), and other associated buildings. A key discovery is that this monumental phase was preceded by an earlier third-century corridor-style villa, indicating a significant evolution in architectural design and urban planning over the century. The study highlights Gamzigrad's strategic importance and its role as a symbol of Roman power during Galerius' reign.

Routledge Handbook of Heritage in Asia

Town of Luang Prabang — 2012 — WHED5654F712C

The Routledge Handbook of Heritage in Asia reveals the complex interplay between heritage conservation, politics, and globalization in Asian contexts. It highlights how cultural memory, religious shifts, and colonial legacies shape heritage management practices, often leading to conflicts between preservation efforts and local identities. The handbook also underscores the need for specialized conservation expertise and examines the political dimensions of heritage, including its role in nation-building and intangible cultural heritage safeguarding. Through case studies from across Asia, it explores how modernity and globalization challenge traditional heritage narratives while offering pathways for sustainable preservation.

Sculture asturiane del IX secolo

Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias — 2012 — WHE91729527D3

Asturian art, particularly during the reign of King Ramiro I, exhibits a distinct and original style characterized by significant architectural and sculptural achievements. This 'Ramirense' period, marked by maturity in the Kingdom of Asturias, is represented by masterpieces such as the Santa María de Naranco palace and the San Miguel de Liño palatine church, both located near Oviedo on Monte Naranco. While the Santa Cristina de Lena church is also linked to this style, its attribution remains debated among scholars, with some associating it with King Ordoño I. The research highlights the importance of sculptural decoration in these monuments, contributing to the understanding of artistic development during this pivotal era.

Seismic Surveillance of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral — 2012 — WHE6C40FCEBA0

Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals, was equipped with five seismic stations as part of a cooperative study between Cologne University and the Dombauverwaltung Köln. This initiative expanded the strong-motion network (SeFoNiB) to include the first modern seismic monitoring within Cologne city limits, addressing its significant seismic hazard. The research aimed to investigate the cathedral's structural response to seismic activity, providing insights into the behavior of large historic buildings under seismic stress. By integrating seismic surveillance with cultural heritage preservation, this study offers a novel approach to assessing and mitigating risks to iconic landmarks.

Severe mammal declines coincide with proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park — 2012 — WHE5824F79154

A dramatic decline in mammal populations within Everglades National Park (ENP) has been linked to the proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons. Research shows a 99.3% decrease in raccoon observations, alongside significant drops in opossum and bobcat sightings, with rabbits no longer detected during road surveys from 2003–2011. These declines coincide with areas where pythons have recently established themselves, suggesting predation by these apex predators has severely impacted local mammal populations. The study highlights the potential for introduced giant constrictors to exert significant top-down pressure on prey species, raising concerns for less observable or rare mammals of conservation concern.

Shahr-i Sokhta and the Bronze Production Workshop: A Review

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2012 — WHE4D5E0CC4E3

Shahr-i Sokhta, located approximately 55 km southwest of Zabol in southeast Iran, stands out as the most significant Bronze Age site on the eastern Iranian Plateau, spanning 151 hectares. A unique metallurgical center, it is distinguished by the discovery of copper ores, slags, and finished bronze tools, indicating advanced bronze production capabilities. Analysis of 25 metallic slags and 14 artifacts using XRF spectroscopy revealed the presence of arsenic and lead in bronze objects, providing insights into ore sources and workshop provenances. This study highlights Shahr-i Sokhta's role as a key Bronze Age metallurgical hub, offering valuable clues about ancient production techniques and trade networks.

Shaping the Body Politic: Art and Political Formation in Early America (review)

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2012 — WHE39C36AFCD2

Shaping the Body Politic: Art and Political Formation in Early America reveals how early American visual and material culture played a pivotal role in defining national identity and political discourse. The volume, drawn from a 2006 symposium at the University of Virginia, explores the interplay between art, politics, and rhetoric during the late colonial period to the early nineteenth century. Through interdisciplinary analysis, it uncovers the political motivations behind iconic representations of George Washington, such as Houdon’s statue and Stuart’s Lansdowne Portrait, which shaped America’s national iconography and legitimated Federalist policies. Additionally, it examines lesser-known works by Charles Willson Peale and British-trained artists, highlighting their contributions to American visual aesthetics. The book also rethinks the significance of vernacular artworks and built environments, including Monticello, demonstrating how Jeffersonian design conveyed a sense of national identity through spatial dynamics.

Singularités architecturales du cimetière impérial des Xixia : le monument funéraire

Xixia Imperial Tombs — 2012 — WHE6209B78843

The Xixia imperial necropolis, located against the Helan Mountains near Yinchuan, China, presents unique architectural features distinct from traditional Chinese and neighboring states' funerary practices. Notably, its monumental pagoda-like structure is positioned in the northwest of the inner precinct, not at the center or above the underground chamber—a deviation unparalleled in imperial tomb designs. This study reveals that the necropolis's design integrates religious and political influences, highlighting the Tangut dynasty's originality. By analyzing architectural elements, the research sheds light on the cultural and symbolic significance underlying the Xixia funerary tradition.

Socotra Archipelago - a lifeboat in the sea of changes: advancement in Socotran insect biodiversity survey

Socotra Archipelago — 2012 — WHE3C358DBA79

The Socotra Archipelago, a remote island group in the Indian Ocean, harbors a unique and highly diverse insect fauna that serves as a 'lifeboat' amid global environmental changes. This study advances our understanding of Socotran insect biodiversity by documenting 104 species, including 23 new to science, from a comprehensive survey conducted between 2009 and 2011. The research employed traditional taxonomic methods combined with DNA barcoding to assess species richness and endemism across the archipelago's distinct habitats. Findings reveal that Socotra's insects exhibit remarkable levels of endemism (up to 75% in some groups), underscoring its significance as a biodiversity hotspot. This work highlights the importance of protecting Socotra's fragile ecosystems, which face threats from climate change and human activity.

Soil organic carbon storage in moutain grasslands of the Lake Plateau at Mt. Durmitor in Montenegro

Durmitor National Park — 2012 — WHE1DBCD629F0

Researchers estimate that alpine grasslands on the Lake Plateau of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro, store approximately 560,414.86 tons of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the top 40 cm of leptosol soils, equivalent to an average density of 15.27 kg per square meter. This study highlights significant variability in SOC storage, driven by local-scale factors such as soil moisture, clay and silt content, and mean annual temperature. These variables collectively explain about 51% of the variation in SOC density across 28 soil profiles. The findings underscore the importance of microclimatic and edaphic conditions in determining carbon storage potential in high-altitude mountain ecosystems.

Solid Waste Management Issues in Small Towns of Developing World: A Case Study of Taxila City

Taxila — 2012 — WHEA4EEA7A424

Taxila City faces severe solid waste management challenges due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. The study reveals that open dumping of municipal solid waste is causing significant environmental degradation, including land and water pollution, infectious diseases, and biodiversity loss. Key factors contributing to these issues include insufficient funding, poor waste management practices, non-implementation of legislation, and irresponsible behavior by residents. The research highlights the urgent need for improved waste management systems in small towns of developing countries to mitigate negative environmental impacts.

Soundscape variation in a historical city centre due to new traffic regulation

Historic Centre of Naples — 2012 — WHE327DEEDE0A

A new traffic regulation in Naples' historic center, the largest restricted traffic area (ZTL) in Europe, significantly altered the city's soundscape. This study found that while the ZTL aimed to improve sustainable mobility and quality of life, it also impacted auditory perception—an aspect often overlooked in urban renewal processes focused on tangible heritage. Through soundwalks conducted before and after implementing the ZTL, researchers analyzed variations in acoustical and environmental parameters, revealing how traffic restrictions can shape the intangible cultural soundscape of a World Heritage Site. These findings underscore the need to integrate auditory preservation into Management Plans for historic city centers, ensuring that interventions maintain both visual and sonic authenticity.

Spatial and Chronological Sketch of the Ancient City of Sambor Prei Kuk

Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura — 2012 — WHE1DC1395936

Recent archaeological investigations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sambor Prei Kuk, identified as the ancient capital of the Chenla kingdom (Īśānapura), reveal previously unknown urban features that challenge and expand our understanding of its chronological occupation. While the 'Temple Zone' has been extensively studied since the early 20th century, new discoveries in the 'City Zone'—including brick sanctuaries, moats, ramparts, roads, basins, and dams—suggest that this area was not only occupied as early as the 7th century but also remained a significant regional center throughout the Angkorian period (until at least the 10th century). These findings, supported by epigraphic analysis of inscriptions, statues, lintels, and spatial distributions, indicate that Sambor Prei Kuk functioned as a dual-purpose site: a religious complex and an urban hub, bridging the gap between its early capital phase and its later role within the Angkorian empire. This recontextualizes the site's significance in Southeast Asian political and cultural history.

Stonehenge remodelled

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2012 — WHE5BC5A239F7

A new chronology for Stonehenge's construction and burial sequence, anchored by Bayesian radiocarbon dating, reveals five distinct prehistoric stages. This study integrates excavation data with advanced modeling to propose a more precise timeline, linking the monument's evolution to neighboring sites in its vicinity. While absolute certainty remains elusive due to the site's complexity, this comprehensive approach significantly advances our understanding of Stonehenge's development, providing a robust foundation for future public engagement and research.