World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 16061 – 16080 of 30345 publications

Amazonian rainforest loss and declining malaria burden in Brazil

Central Amazon Conservation Complex — 2019 — WHEE9421BE31F

Deforestation in the Amazon has a complex, non-linear relationship with malaria incidence. While deep-forest mosquito vectors decline with deforestation, leading to reduced malaria transmission, near-forest and non-forest vectors thrive in partially shaded or open landscapes, potentially increasing malaria risk. Anopheles darlingi, the primary malaria vector in the Amazon, exhibits a unique response to forest fragmentation, peaking at 30–70% forest cover. This 'mid-disturbance' behavior challenges simplistic assumptions about deforestation and malaria, suggesting that conservation efforts could either mitigate or exacerbate malaria burden depending on local conditions. The study synthesizes evidence from multiple research perspectives, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches to land-use management in tropical rainforests.

Amomum glabrum S. Q. Tong (Zingiberace), a new record for the flora of Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2019 — WHE76AA27A46F

A new species, Amomum glabrum S. Q. Tong (Zingiberaceae), has been identified in the flora of Vietnam, expanding the known diversity of the genus to 13 species. This discovery, documented across multiple national parks and reserves in North Central Vietnam—including Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park—provides detailed morphological descriptions, photographs, and ecological data. The study also assesses its conservation status, distribution, and phenology while contextualizing it within the broader taxonomy of the Zingiberaceae family. This finding contributes to our understanding of Vietnam's rich biodiversity and aligns with ongoing research on the evolutionary relationships within this plant group.

Among African Apes

Ivindo National Park — 2019 — WHE7044538505

African great apes—chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas—demonstrate remarkable intelligence through complex social behaviors, hunting strategies, and interactions, as revealed by decades of field research across sites like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Ivindo National Park (Gabon), and Taï National Park (Côte d’Ivoire). The book Among African Apes compiles firsthand accounts from veteran researchers, highlighting groundbreaking discoveries in primatology while addressing critical threats such as poaching, disease, and habitat loss. It also explores conservation successes, including ecotourism, that offer hope for the survival of these endangered species.

Amphibian diversity in relation to environmental change in Harenna Forest, Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: A Remote sensing and GIS Approach

Bale Mountains National Park — 2019 — WHE729B7E67F8

A significant decline in amphibian diversity and abundance has been observed in Harenna Forest, Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia, over the past decades. The study, conducted between 2008 and 2009 during both wet and dry seasons, recorded seven endemic amphibian species, but analysis revealed a reduction compared to previous investigations. This decline correlates with substantial land use/land cover changes, including a marked decrease in forest cover and wetlands, as well as the expansion of agricultural land and settlements between 1973 and 2000. The research utilized GIS and remote sensing techniques to quantitatively assess these environmental changes, providing critical insights into the impact of human-induced modifications on biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amphibolites of the Metamorphic Basement of Wrangel Island: Age, Nature of the Protolith, and Conditions of Metamorphism

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2019 — WHEFF766BD93E

Metamorphic rocks from the Neoproterozoic basement of Wrangel Island reveal two distinct metamorphic episodes: one during the Neoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic and another in the Middle Cretaceous. Geochemical analysis indicates that these mafic rocks originated from magmatic melts akin to mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB), with U–Pb zircon dating pinpointing their protolith age at 617 ± 13 and 698 ± 12 million years ago. The Middle Cretaceous metamorphism, linked to the Chukchi deformation phase, was characterized by greenschist facies conditions and associated with folded nappe structures and extension. Comparison with rocks from the Chukchi Borderland suggests petrographic and chemical similarities, providing insights into the geological evolution of this remote Arctic region.

An application of the virtual reality 360° concept to the Great Zimbabwe monument

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2019 — WHE5C299457AD

Virtual reality (VR) 360° technology offers a novel solution to enhance accessibility and educational value for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by its application at Great Zimbabwe National Monument. The study found that immersive virtual tours, created using spherical imaging and stitched high-resolution software, can provide comprehensive navigation of key archaeological sites like the Great Enclosure and Valley Ruins while delivering informative commentaries. This approach aims to make the monument accessible globally to those with physical limitations or financial constraints, potentially increasing visitation rates. The research suggests that such VR tours may serve as an effective tool for heritage education, though further studies are needed to assess their impact on visitor behavior.

An apprenticeship project: Silversmithing in Kapalıçarşı (the Grand Bazaar

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2019 — WHE4DCE5B5766

A groundbreaking apprenticeship project reveals how traditional silversmithing techniques from Istanbul's Grand Bazaar can inspire contemporary product design, while also offering craftspeople new opportunities for innovation. By pairing industrial design students with local artisans, the study demonstrated a mutually beneficial exchange between craft knowledge and modern design principles. This approach not only preserves heritage skills but also redefines their role in today’s creative economy, challenging conventional notions of tradition and craftsmanship.

An Assessment of Destination Image and Factors Responsible for Perceived Customer Value of Osun Osogbo Grove, World Heritage Site, Osun State, Nigeria

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2019 — WHE09AC113C47

Research on the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove reveals that 11 out of 12 variables significantly influence tourists' destination image competitiveness. These include heritage resources, destination environment, entertainment, culture, price, and value, all contributing to a strong perceived customer value (R = 0.936). The study, involving 240 respondents, used principal component analysis and multiple regression to assess factors enhancing tourist experience, such as common service satisfaction, event satisfaction, travel environment satisfaction, and spiritual satisfaction. These factors collectively explain 87.70% of the variance in tourists' perceived value (p < 0.05). The findings underscore the critical role of maintaining event experiences, entertainment, and environmental cleanliness to enhance tourist satisfaction and destination value.

An assessment of the potential to use water chemistry parameters to define ground water flow pathways at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park — 2019 — WHE9A29810BA4

A study at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, found that water chemistry parameters can effectively differentiate groundwater flow pathways. By analyzing major anions, trace elements, and field measurements from springs, ground, and surface waters sampled between 1992 and 1993, researchers used Principal Component Analysis to identify patterns in hydrochemistry. The analysis revealed that springs issuing from similar lithologic units or geographic localities exhibit analogous chemistry, with local groundwater hydrochemistry closely resembling that of south rim springs, particularly those originating from the Redwall-Muav Limestones. This insight provides a quantitative method for tracing groundwater movement, offering valuable implications for understanding hydrological processes in the park.

An assessment of thermal preference of two species of Knob-tailed Geckos, Nephrurus levis and N. laevissimus, at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2019 — WHE624A6AD978

Research on two species of nocturnal geckos, Nephrurus levis and N. laevissimus, at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park reveals a significant discrepancy between their laboratory-determined thermal preferences and field-active body temperatures, supporting the 'nocturnal paradox.' Both species exhibited higher preferred body temperatures (28.2–29.5°C) in controlled settings compared to those recorded during nighttime activity (14.5–32.2°C), with no significant differences between species despite distinct habitat preferences—N. levis favoring Spinifex sandplain and mulga shrubland, while N. laevissimus was more commonly found around sand dunes. The study also suggests that the swollen tail tip, a characteristic feature of Nephrurus geckos, may play a role in thermoregulation, as individuals oriented their tails toward heat sources more frequently than expected by chance.

An ecotope map of the trilateral Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea — 2019 — WHE8871882833

Researchers have identified four distinct types of tidal basins within the trilateral Wadden Sea, characterized by unique proportions of ecotopes—discrete physical environment classes. Using a digital ecotope map based on bathymetry, salinity, flow velocity, and other environmental factors, the study clustered 39 tidal basins into categories defined by low-dynamic low-littoral, high-dynamic sublittoral, or mid-littoral ecotopes. This clustering provides a framework for comparative ecological studies across the Wadden Sea, offering insights for conservation and policy efforts. The map, covering the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, serves as a valuable tool for integrated environmental research.

An emotional plea for Al-Ahsa: a case study on how discourses of representativeness, climate and discord are strategized in the World Heritage regime

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHEE03A3DD31F

Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia's World Heritage nomination, defied conventional compliance mechanisms to achieve unprecedented inscription onto the World Heritage List in 2018. This study reveals how Saudi Arabia strategically leveraged discourses on representativeness, climate, and discord within the World Heritage regime to overcome a negative draft decision from ICOMOS. Through participant observation, audiovisual records, and statutory documents, the research dissects the Committee's deliberations, highlighting the erosion of science-based compliance standards in favor of diplomatic maneuvering.

An evaluation of destination attractiveness for nature-based tourism: Recommendations for the management of national parks in Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2019 — WHE8FABA29227

Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Cuc Phuong, and Ba Be National Parks emerge as the most attractive destinations for nature-based tourism in Vietnam, outperforming 30 other national parks. This evaluation, using stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) and PROMETHEE methods, identified these three parks as highly appealing across diverse preference structures, with Phong Nha-Ke Bang leading in over 95% of scenarios. The study also pinpointed 12 non-dominated parks, where trail quality was the dominant factor for an average supporter. A strong correlation between tourism attractiveness and visitor numbers underscores the potential for these parks to drive sustainable socioeconomic development while conserving natural resources. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers to refine marketing and management strategies, balancing ecological preservation with tourism growth.

An evolution of creativity and ritual: The immortalizing craftmenship of the Chinchorro morticians

Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region — 2019 — WHE90D2C5B92A

Research on the Chinchorro culture reveals that their morticians played a pivotal social and political role, with evidence suggesting gender shifts in this practice over time. The study challenges traditional views of prehistoric egalitarian societies by proposing that the Chinchorros were sedentary during the Black Period (ca. 5050-3000 B.C.) but more mobile in subsequent Red and Mud-coated periods. Analysis of mummified remains, radiocarbon dates, and ethnographic mortuary data from ten maritime cultures supports this hypothesis while also providing insights into the complexity and evolution of their mummification techniques. The findings suggest that female morticians were likely central figures during the Black Period, with males taking on this role in later periods.

An Examination of Methodologies for Assessing the Value of Visibility

Mesa Verde National Park — 2019 — WHEB80E3F27EA

High consistency in visitor willingness to pay for improved visibility was observed, suggesting robust methodologies for assessing the value of visual air quality. The study compared two approaches—willingness to pay (WTP) and allocation of time—to evaluate how visitors perceive and prioritize scenic clarity, particularly in Mesa Verde National Park. Conducted by the National Park Service and EPA in 1980, the research used structured survey questions to quantify visitor preferences for cleaner air, revealing strong correlations in bidding behavior. This insight underscores the potential for economic valuation tools to guide conservation efforts in protected areas.

An exploratory study of ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia: using an ECOSERV model

Bale Mountains National Park — 2019 — WHE7D516D2976

A revised ECOSERV model, tailored for ecotourism contexts, identifies that the current ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia, falls short of visitor expectations. This study, based on surveys of 293 international visitors, revealed a significant service gap, indicating negative disconfirmation and highlighting the need for park management to address these deficiencies to enhance visitor satisfaction and competitiveness. The model, comprising seven ESQ dimensions and 28 attributes, provides a framework for improving ecotourism experiences in protected areas.

An Extinct Transitional Leaf Genus of Nymphaeaceae from the Eocene Lake at Messel, Germany: Nuphaea engelhardtii Gee et David W. Taylor gen. et sp. nov.

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2019 — WHEA86D2AA5A8

Paleontologists have uncovered evidence of an extinct, transitional water lily genus from the Eocene Lake Messel in Germany, providing new insights into the evolutionary history of Nymphaeaceae. The discovery, Nuphaea engelhardtii, bridges morphological gaps between modern genera like Nuphar and Nymphaea, challenging long-held assumptions about the family's diversification over 100 million years. Researchers analyzed 39 fossil leaves using phylogenetic methods, integrating them with living taxa and other fossils to reveal its position within the Nymphaeaceae clade. This study highlights previously unrecognized biodiversity in the family during the Cenozoic era.

An integrated approach for predicting the occurrence probability of an elusive species: the Southwest China serow

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2019 — WHE7D33AFCE9C

Researchers identified that the Southwest China serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii), a threatened species, is most likely to occur near well-protected areas with high forest cover, steep terrain, and elevated elevations in the Cat Ba Archipelago. Hunting pressure was found to be a significant factor, pushing serows into protected zones where ecological variables may have less influence. The study used an integrated approach combining literature reviews, expert interviews, field surveys, logistic generalized linear models, and Bayesian networks to model species occurrence probability. Sensitivity analysis and scenario modeling further elucidated the impact of environmental factors on serow presence. These findings provide critical insights for conservation planning, offering a framework to prevent local extirpation of this elusive species through targeted interventions.

An Integrated Approach in Management of ‘Halong Bay – Cat Ba Limestone Island Marine Area’, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2019 — WHEEC23CCC79C

Halong Bay and its adjacent Cat Ba and Long Chau archipelagos, recognized as a unique cluster of limestone islands with global heritage significance, face challenges due to administrative separation. Despite Halong Bay being designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994, the proposal for Cat Ba-Long Chau's inclusion was only submitted in 2014. The study highlights that while these areas share geological and ecological similarities, their divided governance presents unprecedented institutional hurdles for UNESCO recognition. However, an integrated management approach was adopted in 2015, designating the 'Halong Bay – Catba limestone island marine area' as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA). This decision underscores the potential for sustainable conservation-based economic development, benefiting not only the local regions but also Vietnam and global heritage preservation efforts.

An Integrated Approach to 3D Web Visualization of Cultural Heritage Heterogeneous Datasets

Meteora — 2019 — WHE3387C09777

A breakthrough in digital cultural heritage preservation, this study introduces an advanced web-based platform that integrates multi-resolution 3D models with supportive documentation and multimedia content for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The system enables dynamic manipulation of 3D scenes through innovative navigation mechanisms and information retrieval tools, allowing users to explore geo-referenced data interactively via annotations and automatic narrative tours. Real-time support for multiple viewpoints ensures efficient inspection while maintaining the accuracy of historical assets. Tested on Meteora, a UNESCO site in Greece, this approach demonstrates its applicability to complex geometries and large-scale environments, addressing longstanding challenges in multimodal data interoperability and user intelligibility.