Publications
Showing 16181 – 16200 of 30345 publications
Between ennoblement and exclusion: heritage policies in Kraków
Historic Centre of Kraków — 2019 — WHE4FDE54032D
Heritage policies in Kraków reveal hidden hierarchies that shape collective identity and social conflicts. The study contrasts the UNESCO-listed Old Town, ennobled by its heritage status, with Nowa Huta, a socialist realist center excluded from this recognition, exposing the underlying rules of what appears to be a democratic process. Heritage, as a discursive tool, influences perceptions of the past and fuels rivalry over symbolic and economic value, demonstrating its power in modeling collective imagination.
Between the “Party Line” and the “Bottom Line”1
Old Havana and its Fortification System — 2019 — WHE746E820D7F
Cuba's emergent private enterprise sector, particularly in Old Havana, demonstrates the potential for 'entrepreneurial solidarity,' where economic development is intertwined with social responsibility and cultural preservation. A case study of Santo Ángel neighborhood highlights Artecorte, a grassroots project led by Papito Valladares, which combines licensed private entrepreneurship (cuentapropista) with community outreach and collaboration with the Office of the City Historian. This approach fosters neighborhood uplift while balancing independence from or partnership with government policies, offering a model for socially responsible enterprise in historic urban contexts.
Białowieża Forest—A Relic of the High Naturalness of European Forests
Białowieża Forest — 2019 — WHEF0BD0B0DAE
Białowieża Forest, spanning nearly 12,000 years with continuous forest cover, stands as Europe's most extensive and natural lowland forest, exhibiting minimal anthropogenic influence throughout its Holocene history. Palynological, archaeological, and historical data confirm its high degree of naturalness, preserving stands from the pre-silvicultural period. Unlike other European forests, Białowieża's resilience stems from its long-standing protection, allowing even silviculturally altered areas to recover naturally. The study highlights the need for a non-intervention management approach in the Polish part of the forest to stabilize the ecosystem and enhance adaptation to environmental changes. This would solidify Białowieża's role as a critical open-air laboratory for biological, ecological, and forestry research.
Biblijne Megiddo w świetle rezultatów badań archeologicznych
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba — 2019 — WHECDADB89079
Archaeological research at Tel Megiddo reveals that the site was a pivotal Canaanite city in northern Palestine, with its significance deeply rooted in both biblical narratives and extra-biblical sources. The study explores the etymology of Megiddo's name and its historical development from the Neolithic period through the Bronze and Iron Ages, highlighting the complexities and contradictions in interpreting archaeological data. By synthesizing findings from extensive excavations, the research provides a nuanced understanding of Megiddo's role as a strategic and culturally significant center during ancient times.
Big Water: The Making of the Borderlands between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay
Iguazu National Park — 2019 — WHE83051A9625
A groundbreaking interdisciplinary volume, 'Big Water: The Making of the Borderlands between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay,' reveals how the confluence of indigenous peoples, three nation-states, and an interdependent river system uniquely shaped the Triple Frontier region. Unlike traditional historiography that often overlooks Paraguay and indigenous contributions, this work integrates diverse perspectives from history and anthropology, spanning a broad time frame to highlight continuity and change. Key chapters explore the formation of Iguazú National Park and Jesuit-Guaraní missions as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, demonstrating how conservation and nationalization motives intertwined with environmental factors. The volume also sheds light on indigenous land conflicts and the social dynamics of borderlands, offering a nuanced understanding that transcends national boundaries.
Bikini Atoll Is Not A Beer: Pacific Islanders Speak Out
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2019 — WHEDE08ED624E
A growing movement of Pacific Islanders is challenging the commercialization of Bikini Atoll's name, following the release of 'Bikini Atoll' beer by Manhattan Project Beer Co. The backlash, fueled by news coverage and social media, has gathered momentum with a petition of 6,000 signatures calling for its discontinuation. The Marshall Islands National Nuclear Commission (NNC) issued an official statement urging the company to engage in dialogue with Bikini's community, highlighting the cultural insensitivity and historical significance of the atoll as a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with nuclear testing during the Manhattan Project.
Bioarchaeology of Bronze and Iron Age skeletal finds from a microregion in Central Mongolia
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE7E1D36A101
A groundbreaking bioarchaeological study of Bronze and Iron Age cemeteries in the Orkhon Valley, Mongolia, reveals that freshwater fish was a regular part of the diet in this region during these periods. The research, centered on the Maikhan Tolgoi site, combines osteological analysis with stable isotope analysis to reconstruct paleodiet and subsistence patterns. Findings indicate that adults often lived to advanced ages, and isotopic sourcing suggests a broad catchment area for the burial site. This study also sheds light on the emergence of mounted nomads in Central Mongolia, offering new insights into the lifestyle and subsistence economy of this microregion.
Bioarchaeology of Neolithic Çatalhöyük reveals fundamental transitions in health, mobility, and lifestyle in early farmers
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2019 — WHEBA84D4F202
A comprehensive bioarchaeological study of the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, spanning 7100–5950 cal BCE in south-central Anatolia, reveals profound health and lifestyle transitions linked to early agriculture. The research demonstrates that the shift from foraging to farming introduced significant challenges, including increased disease exposure, labor demands, and mobility, driven by reliance on domesticated plants and animals, population growth, and caprine herding. These findings highlight the costs of early agricultural dependence, foreshadowing global health patterns that emerged over millennia after Çatalhöyük's abandonment. The study integrates skeletal analysis with contextual archaeological data to uncover population dynamics, behavioral adaptations, and social behaviors, including interpersonal violence, providing a rare window into the resilience and vulnerabilities of one of the world's earliest protocities.
Bioclimate of Jericho in Palestine
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2019 — WHE2720B696B5
Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibits a unique bioclimate characterized by extreme heat and aridity. Research using the Salvador Rivas Martínez scale reveals that Jericho's mean monthly temperature is 22.4°C, with maximum temperatures reaching 34.8°C and minimum temperatures averaging 15.3°C. The region's climate falls within the inframediterranean basin, classified as a Mediterranean desertic-oceanic zone with subtropical latitude and low continentality. Key climatic indices, such as an annual ombrothermic index of 0.6 and a high compensated thermicity index (1209/1209), underscore its arid conditions. This study highlights Jericho's distinct bioclimatic classification, offering insights into the environmental factors shaping this ancient site.
Biocontrol of rats in an urban environment in Southeast Asia using Sarcocystis singaporensis
Town of Luang Prabang — 2019 — WHE856C4DB4D4
A biocontrol campaign using the parasitic protist Sarcocystis singaporensis significantly reduced rat activity and sightings in Luang Prabang, Laos. The study found an 83% decrease in rodent activity and a 57% reduction in household reports of rats post-treatment compared to untreated areas. Analysis of trapped rats suggested that adult populations were effectively targeted, while a low post-campaign infection rate indicated limited survival among treated rats. This approach demonstrates the potential for S. singaporensis as a tactical biocontrol agent in urban environments, though long-term management strategies are recommended to sustain impact.
Biodiversity of the Vascular Timberline Flora in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2019 — WHE3BCACFD93D
A survey of vascular timberline flora along a 600-km stretch of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta reveals that rare species are concentrated in transition zones, particularly at Plateau Mountain and Waterton National Park. These areas likely served as refugia during the Late Wisconsin glaciation, preserving arctic/alpine endemics that form part of the Middle Cordilleran endemic flora. The study quantifies vegetation distribution across six specific locations, building on prior work by Argus, White, and Gould, while noting an increase in documented rare taxa as more species are identified. This suggests that isolated nunataks, such as Plateau Mountain, played a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity during glacial periods.
Biogenous Fouling in Shulgan-Tash Cave (Kapova, Southern Urals) and Factors Influencing on Their Expansion
Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave — 2019 — WHEFC5EDF491F
Biogenous fouling in Shulgan-Tash Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Southern Urals, is expanding due to microclimate conditions and human activity. The study identifies key factors such as temperature, humidity, and visitor presence that accelerate the growth of microorganisms like algae, fungi, and bacteria on rock surfaces, threatening the integrity of ancient rock paintings. Researchers analyzed environmental data and fouling samples, revealing that higher temperatures (15–20°C) and relative humidity (70–90%) promote microbial colonization. The findings underscore the need for conservation measures to mitigate biological degradation in this culturally significant site.
Biogeographic Patterns and Assembly Mechanisms of Bacterial Communities Differ Between Habitat Generalists and Specialists Across Elevational Gradients
Mount Wutai — 2019 — WHE9F3CD369AD
Soil bacterial communities on Mount Wutai’s subalpine slopes exhibit distinct assembly mechanisms for habitat generalists and specialists. Generalists, comprising 10.9% of OTUs, are shaped by both environmental selection (e.g., elevation, nitrogen, pH) and stochastic spatial factors, while specialists (10.0%) are predominantly governed by deterministic processes like soil water content, nitrate nitrogen, and pH. Null model analysis revealed that specialists deviate significantly from neutral assembly mechanisms, unlike generalists, indicating complex, unexplained assembly dynamics in specialists. This study advances understanding of microbial biogeography by demonstrating divergent ecological strategies between generalist and specialist taxa across elevational gradients.
Biomass and Carbon Stock Estimation of Udawattakele Forest Reserve in Kandy District of Sri Lanka
Sacred City of Kandy — 2019 — WHEC22EC8333D
The Udawattakele Forest Reserve (UFR) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, stores approximately 4,453.55 metric tons of carbon per hectare, equivalent to sequestering 16,344.52 metric tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This estimate was derived using allometric equations to calculate tree biomass and its associated carbon content, revealing a moderate yet significant carbon stock for the reserve. The study highlights UFR's role in mitigating climate change by acting as a substantial terrestrial carbon reservoir. While natural forests within the reserve hold 36.55 metric tons of carbon per hectare, plantations exhibit higher carbon density at 44.89 metric tons per hectare, underscoring the potential for afforestation strategies to enhance carbon sequestration in similar ecosystems.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN HERITAGE INDOOR CO-WORKING SPACE IN GEORGE TOWN, PENANG, MALAYSIA
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2019 — WHEB3DEB4318C
Biophilic design significantly enhances emotional well-being among co-workers in heritage indoor spaces, according to a study conducted at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Penang. The research demonstrates that integrating natural elements into adaptive reuse designs can mitigate stress and improve occupants' quality of life, even in high-pressure work environments. Using mixed methods—triangulating qualitative and quantitative data—the study validated these findings through cross-verification, providing a robust evidence base for biophilic design guidelines. Additionally, it explored how different application patterns influence the depth and quality of biophilic experiences, offering practical insights for heritage conservation and modern workspace design.
Birds of Japan
Ogasawara Islands — 2019 — WHEC9582E7A00
A comprehensive field guide to the birds of Japan, covering 740 species including 30 endemics, has been published. This guide, authored by Otani Chikara, a renowned ornithologist with extensive experience in bird surveys and guiding, spans the entire Japanese archipelago from the Arctic landscapes of Hokkaido to the subtropical Ogasawara Islands. It features high-quality illustrations, color maps, and QR codes linking to additional online resources, making it a valuable tool for both researchers and tourists. The guide's strength lies in its extensive coverage, providing detailed species accounts and conservation insights, which will benefit English-speaking audiences, including foreign researchers and Japanese residents alike.
Birgitta of Sweden and the merchant classes of Lübeck
Hanseatic City of Lübeck — 2019 — WHE51B77D152C
Birgitta of Sweden's spiritual influence, documented through her visions and revelations, significantly shaped late medieval spirituality. Her work, 'Revelationes Sanctae Birgittae,' was a pivotal text that communicated Christian teachings to the masses in Lübeck, a Hanseatic port city known for its strategic economic and political power. The study contrasts the devotional literature's focus on practical Christian conduct with the grandeur of earlier religious texts, highlighting Lübeck's role as a center for printing and dissemination of spiritual knowledge during the 14th century.
Bishop Tunstall’s Alterations to Durham Castle, 1536–48
Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2019 — WHE2935A27DBE
A previously unnoted gunloop in Durham Castle's stair tower reveals that Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall's 1536–48 alterations included defensive enhancements, challenging the perception of his building program as purely domestic. Analysis of construction records also corrects the historical timeline of antiquarian John Leland's visit to 1543, not 1538. The study examines architectural modifications—such as a first-floor gallery, stair turret, and chapel—within the context of Durham Castle's evolving roles as a fortress, bishop's palace, and later university college, while considering their significance during turbulent political and religious events like the Pilgrimage of Grace.
Bishops on the Move. Rather of Verona, Pseudo-Isidore, and Episcopal Translation
City of Verona — 2019 — WHE2206BAA4B8
A rare insight into the 10th-century episcopal translation controversy reveals how Rather of Verona leveraged Pseudo-Isidorian forgeries to justify his move from Verona to Liège, despite canonical prohibitions. This study demonstrates that the affair marked a pivotal moment in the dissemination of Pseudo-Isidorian norms regarding episcopal mobility, influencing later revolutionary attitudes toward bishops' transfers. By analyzing Rather's defense and the broader application of these norms, the research highlights how political backing, such as Otto I's support, ultimately failed to sustain his career amidst shifting ecclesiastical dynamics.
Black alder forests (type 91E0* Natura 2000 type E.2.1.9. NHC) in the Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2019 — WHE41E38583D1
Black alder forests (Alnus glutinosa) in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, exhibit unique ecological characteristics distinct from other wetland black alder syntaxa in the region. The study, the first to monitor Natura 2000 habitat type 91E0* in this park, recorded 175 higher plant species across 44 hectares using the Braun-Blanquet method. These forests, thriving in periodically flooded, high groundwater habitats, are dominated by hygrophytes but also feature a notable presence of mesophilic species. They belong to the alliance Alnion glutinosae and share similarities with Central European associations like Carici acutiformis-Alnetum glutinosae, though their individuality is highlighted by differentiating species such as Phalaris arundinacea and Dactylorhiza maculata. The forests' development post-abandonment of non-forest areas suggests a dynamic ecological process influenced by karst topography and hydrology.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > Search