World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 15761 – 15780 of 15962 publications

Primary identities in the lower Omo valley: migration, cataclysm, conflict and amalgamation, 1750–1910

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2011 — WHE4958D7974F

Ethnic identities in the Lower Omo Valley emerged from two key patterns of movement between 1750 and 1910: organized pastoralist migrations and downstream river movements. These shifts, linked to East African cataclysms like floods and epidemics, reshaped local demographics, leading to assimilation and the disappearance of some primary groups. The study reveals that 'clusters' of interacting peoples in high-interaction localities were crucial nodes for cultural identity formation. By analyzing historical records and migration patterns, it demonstrates how external disruptions and ecological opportunities shaped current ethnic identities.

Promoting Gondwana: presentation of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area in tourist brochures

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2011 — WHE0878FBEA48

Only 3% of tourism brochures in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area mention 'Gondwana' or 'Gondwana Rainforests,' highlighting a significant gap in branding awareness despite its importance as a tourist drawcard. This study analyzed 343 brochures to assess the representation of key terms like 'rainforest,' 'World Heritage,' and 'Gondwana' in both text and imagery. The findings underscore the need for stronger promotion of this globally recognized brand to enhance visitor engagement and community awareness, given its role as a remnant sub-tropical rainforest ecosystem declared a World Heritage site in 1986.

Promoting sustainable festival events tourism: a case study of Lamu Kenya

Lamu Old Town — 2011 — WHE18DC2ECC23

Festivals, including those in Lamu Old Townhold significant potential for sustainable local economic development. However, this potential is often underutilized due to poor management and engagement with tourism forces. The study highlights the need for careful planning of festival events to balance cultural preservation, community involvement, and economic benefits while ensuring sustainable tourism practices. By investing in festivals and fostering authentic tourist experiences, regional economies can be boosted, tourism seasonality expanded, and local identities strengthened. This case study underscores the importance of policy interventions that prioritize local participation in communicating Lamu's history and cultural heritage.

Raw materials used in ancient mortars from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Tournai (Belgium)

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai — 2011 — WHEEC199B5FAE

A study of ancient mortars from the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai, Belgium, reveals that both chalk and 'hard' Tournaisian limestone were used to produce lime during the Imperial Roman, Carolingian, and Romanesque periods (4th–11th century AD). The research, employing mineralogical, chemical, and microscopical techniques, identified these materials as locally sourced and capable of yielding either hydraulic or non-hydraulic lime. Additionally, the low abundance of overburnt particles in Gallo-Roman and Palaeo-Christian mortars suggests that technological knowledge regarding lime burning was present during these periods.

Regional and local patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity and community structure along an altitudinal gradient in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2011 — WHECAE8B93B34

A study of the Hyrcanian Forests, one of Eurasia's last temperate old-growth forests, reveals that ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity declines monotonically with altitude. This pattern mirrors broader trends seen in macroorganisms and is influenced by environmental energy limitations, which reduce competitive ability for rare species. The research combined morphological and molecular identification methods to analyze 367 fungal species across three altitudinal transects, finding that host species and altitude were the primary drivers of community composition at both local and regional scales. Climatic variables like mean annual temperature and precipitation, strongly correlated with altitude, also played a significant role in shaping these patterns. The study suggests further investigation into direct effects of climatic variables and their seasonality, particularly at larger spatial scales.

Resource Wars and Conflict Ivory: The Impact of Civil Conflict on Elephants in the Democratic Republic of Congo - The Case of the Okapi Reserve

Okapi Wildlife Reserve — 2011 — WHED74925C34C

Civil conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led to a near 50% decline in elephant populations within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, primarily due to increased poaching for ivory during the war. Using distance sampling surveys and Generalized Additive Models, researchers found that human activity—rather than habitat factors—dominated elephant distribution both before and after the conflict, with post-war models explaining more variation. Elephant densities were higher in the park's central, better-protected areas, suggesting these zones acted as refuges. However, persistent threats like weakened institutions, illegal trade, and growing human populations continue to endanger remaining populations. Strengthening conservation efforts and curbing illegal wildlife trade are critical for recovery.

Response of guanacosLama guanicoeto changes in land management in Península Valdés, Argentine Patagonia: conservation implications

Península Valdés — 2011 — WHE65C85901A0

Guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in Península Valdés, Argentina, showed a three-fold increase in abundance within three years following the removal of sheep from a private wildlife reserve. This rapid response suggests that guanacos, even at high densities, are less damaging to vegetation than sheep. The study compared guanaco populations and plant cover inside and outside the reserve, revealing higher guanaco numbers and greater grassland coverage in areas where sheep were excluded. While management changes led to significant local increases in guanaco populations, the researchers emphasize that large-scale protection is necessary for the long-term persistence of wild guanaco populations. The findings highlight the potential for sustainable coexistence between livestock production and wildlife conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Retrofitting Aachen Cathedral with an Innovative Flexible Textile Reinforced Mortar Bandage / Innovative und denkmalgerechte Verstärkung des Aachener Doms mit einer flexiblen, textilbewehrten Rissbandage

Aachen Cathedral — 2011 — WHE4136CE0E7E

A groundbreaking method for retrofitting historic structures using flexible textile-reinforced mortar bandages has been successfully applied to Aachen Cathedral. This innovative approach demonstrates significant potential for strengthening masonry while preserving its aesthetic and structural integrity. The study involved the application of a lightweight, flexible reinforcement system that effectively bridges cracks and enhances load-bearing capacity without altering the monument's visual character. By combining modern materials with traditional conservation techniques, this method offers a sustainable solution for the long-term preservation of cultural heritage sites facing structural deterioration.

Review Of The Characteristics Of Mahan Garden:One Type Of Persian Gardens

The Persian Garden — 2011 — WHE4F2A233F22

Persian gardens, rooted in Iran's cultural imagination of paradise, exemplify ingenious landscaping adapted to arid climates. A study analyzing Mahan Prince Garden reveals that elements like soil, water, plants, and layout coalesce into a distinct Persian garden style. The research employs descriptive analysis, drawing from examples, documents, and library studies, to highlight how these gardens balance aesthetic beauty with practical sustainability in water-scarce regions. This approach underscores the significance of Persian horticultural artistry in transforming harsh environments into lush, symbolic landscapes.

Risk Assessment of Disease of Niches’ Eaves in the Dazu Rock Carvings based on GIS

Dazu Rock Carvings — 2011 — WHEEB1CC146B1

A quantitative risk assessment of disease affecting the eaves of niches in the Dazu Rock Carvings reveals critical vulnerabilities that threaten their preservation. By integrating geographic information system (GIS) technology with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), researchers identified key factors contributing to disease risk and assigned them weights. Spatial analysis and an integrated assessment model then mapped these risks, enabling targeted conservation strategies. This approach offers a data-driven method for prioritizing interventions in heritage site management, balancing scientific rigor with practical application.

Selecting cultural sites for the UNESCO World Heritage List: Recent work in the Rock Islands–Southern Lagoon area, Republic of Palau

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon — 2011 — WHE28C85DFC50

A collaborative approach combining archaeological expertise with traditional knowledge and local community involvement has emerged as a key strategy for identifying cultural properties of outstanding universal value (OUV) in the Pacific Islands, particularly in the Rock Islands–Southern Lagoon area of Palau. This research highlights how such partnerships can address the under-representation of the Pacific region on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while also navigating challenges related to governance and resource accumulation. The study underscores the importance of integrating indigenous perspectives with scientific methods to strengthen heritage nominations and management in the region.

Shahr-i Sokhta and the chronology of the Indo-Iranian regions

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2011 — WHEA228A45519

A 2011 study challenges the established chronology of Shahr-i Sokhta, suggesting its final phases (III and IV) occurred in the late 3rd millennium to early 2nd millennium BCE. This revised dating implies potential interactions between the Helmand sites (Shahr-i Sokhta and Mundigak) and the Indus Civilization. The research evaluates arguments for contemporaneity by examining archaeological sequences from the western Indus Valley and Makran, questioning proposed links between Shahr-i Sokhta and Indus sites.

Shark reactions to scuba divers in two marine protected areas of the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary — 2011 — WHEFB3CA790D1

Shark reactions to scuba divers vary significantly based on diver behavior, observation strategy, and proximity. This study found that sharks exhibit stronger behavioral responses when divers employ 'direct approach,' sudden movements, or move closer than 4 meters. These actions, along with the use of camera flashes and noise, tend to elicit evasion or alert reactions in sharks, particularly those species targeted by divers. Interestingly, divers are more intrusive towards species they perceive as less threatening and easier to access due to environmental conditions. The research, conducted in two marine protected areas—Galápagos Marine Reserve (Ecuador) and Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (Colombia)—analyzed five shark species using four reaction categories and five diver behavior categories. It highlights the need for responsible diving practices to minimize impacts on shark behavior and ecology.

Slaves without Shackles: An Archaeology of Everyday Life on Gorée Island, Senegal

Island of Gorée — 2011 — WHE87EB07A9D9

Archaeological evidence from Gorée Island, Senegal, reveals the complex social dynamics of a transnational community shaped by slavery and cultural interactions. While slavery is often a central theme in historical narratives about the island, its material traces remain subtle. The study identifies patterns in settlement growth, material culture, and cultural exchanges that illuminate everyday life among free Africans, enslaved people, and Europeans during the 18th century. By analyzing documentary and archaeological records, researchers uncover how diverse identities negotiated coexistence, contributing to a nuanced understanding of Gorée's historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some Relations Between the Stockholm and Tartu Observatories During the 19th Century

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2011 — WHE950B0D49F0

A historical analysis reveals the significant collaboration between Stockholm and Tartu Observatories during the 19th century, particularly through the work of Swedish astronomers Jöns Svanberg and Nils H. Selander with the Struve Geodetic Arc. The study traces their relationships with Oskar Backlund at Tartu Observatory and other contemporary Swedish astronomers in Stockholm, highlighting the scientific exchanges that contributed to geodetic measurements across Europe. This research approach combines archival records and historical documentation to elucidate the intellectual connections and collaborative efforts that shaped 19th-century astronomy.

South China Karst II

South China Karst — 2011 — WHE287D867C11

South China Karst II reveals diverse geological and ecological insights across Yunnan's karst landscapes, from tropical cone karst to the stone forests of central regions and the high plateau karst of Tibet. The study highlights significant findings on soil erosion patterns, tufa formation, vegetation dynamics, and the age and sediment composition of karst caves. It also explores epikarst fauna and the preservation challenges of this natural heritage. Researchers employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining field studies with laboratory analyses to unravel the complex interactions between geological processes and biodiversity in these unique environments.

Spatial Arch Bridges Over the Galindo and Bidasoa Rivers

Vizcaya Bridge — 2011 — WHE572677AD7D

Two pioneering spatial arch bridges, the Galindo River Bridge and the Endarlatsa Bridge in Spain, demonstrate innovative structural solutions by incorporating warped geometries that curve both in plan and elevation. Unlike traditional planar arches, these bridges use curved decks supported by upper or lower arches, creating a unique aesthetic and functional approach. The study highlights distinct strategies to manage out-of-plane forces: auxiliary cables in the Galindo bridge and a tailored distribution of transverse stiffness with specific deck support conditions in the Endarlatsa bridge. These designs represent groundbreaking advancements in arch bridge engineering, offering both structural efficiency and architectural appeal.

Spatio-temporal Urban Growth Modeling of Jaipur, India

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2011 — WHEA5F4F792A1

Jaipur, India, experienced a 63% increase in urban land development from 1989 to 2005, driven by the conversion of agricultural and barren lands into urban areas. This rapid expansion, characterized by rising density and suburban growth along city peripheries, highlights significant unplanned and informal urbanization trends. The study employed a rule-based classification system, Markov modeling, GIS, and Landsat satellite data to quantify spatial-temporal urban changes over 16 years (1989–2005). Statistical analyses confirmed the Markov model's effectiveness in predicting land-use transitions, underscoring its utility for urban planning. These findings suggest that current planning policies may struggle to address future unplanned growth, posing challenges for sustainable development.

Status of the Mammal Fauna in Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal - India

Sundarbans National Park — 2011 — WHE00A63F9302

A one-year study conducted from January to December 2010 in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, revealed significant shrinkage of mangrove swamp habitat and a decline in mammal species due to extensive anthropogenic and natural threats. The research, involving literature review, questionnaires, and ground surveys with frontline forest department staff, recorded 49 extant mammal species, including four globally endangered, four vulnerable, and two near-threatened species according to the IUCN Red List. Alarmingly, 15 species were found only rarely, while six species had become extinct in the last two centuries. Tiger sightings were more frequent in Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary and buffer areas than in the core Sundarban National Park. The study underscores the urgent need for high-priority wildlife conservation, proper implementation of tiger action plans, infrastructural development, and effective joint forest management to preserve this unique ecosystem.

Strategies, policies and tools for an integrated World Heritage management approach

Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof — 2011 — WHE1637D235C9

A novel integrated management approach for UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been successfully implemented in Regensburg, Germany. This model effectively addresses urban heritage challenges by combining theoretical and practical guidelines with local, regional, and national stakeholder engagement. The strategy offers adaptable tools and policies that can be tailored to other historic cities, depending on factors such as size, tourism intensity, ownership, and governance. While the approach is site-specific due to varying heritage values, its core principles provide a sustainable framework for integrating cultural heritage into urban development.