World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 16321 – 16340 of 30345 publications

Conservation Strategy for protecting Crataegus x sinaica against climate change and anthropologic activities in South Sinai Mountains, Egypt

Saint Catherine Area — 2019 — WHEA988419DFF

A critical decline in the habitat quality of Crataegus x sinaica, a medicinal shrub endemic to South Sinai's Saint Catherine Area, has been attributed to recent climate change and human activities such as over-cutting for fuel and food, unmanaged scientific collection, uncontrolled tourism, and Bedouin settlements. This study identifies these threats and proposes conservation strategies to protect the species from extinction while enabling further research on its pharmacological properties, particularly flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have long been used in traditional medicine for heart-related conditions.

Conservation Value of World Natural Heritage Sites’ Outstanding Universal Value via Multiple Techniques—Bogda, Xinjiang Tianshan

Xinjiang Tianshan — 2019 — WHE16401C1FF3

A new framework combining multiple techniques reveals significant spatial variation in the conservation status of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) at Bogda, part of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage Site. Researchers developed a Heritage Value Protection Significance Index (HVPSI) and related indices to assess OUV conservation across 17 indicators, including integrity, vulnerability, sensitivity, human impact, and environmental factors. Spatial autocorrelation analysis identified distinct zones with varying heritage value protection levels. Field surveys confirmed differences in plant community composition and diversity between these zones, while a spatial-econometric model validated the partitioning approach. This study provides actionable insights for managing heritage sites and establishes a methodological foundation for future OUV assessments.

Conserving historic urban cores in Iran

Historic City of Yazd — 2019 — WHE5ACDB40589

Iran's management of historic urban cores, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Yazd, is characterized by a centralized and top-down approach that has only recently begun to incorporate participatory elements. The study reveals inefficiencies in the interrelationships among specialized agencies with full operational autonomy, highlighting persistent challenges such as informality, unclear land ownership, high poverty rates, and substandard building quality. By analyzing the legal framework and institutional dynamics, the research underscores the need for more coordinated and inclusive heritage management strategies to address these issues effectively.

Consideration of issues and solutions related to the coexistence of cultural properties and the real life of the neighborhood

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range — 2019 — WHE66E2A3291E

A collaborative approach to disaster preparedness and restoration is essential for protecting cultural heritage sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,' while minimizing environmental impact. The study highlights that pre-disaster planning, involving government officials and related institutions, can significantly reduce the burden on cultural properties during recovery. It proposes reconstruction methods that prioritize harmony with nature and scenic preservation, drawing from damage cases of Yokogaki-toge Pass. While best practices for such reconstructions remain understudied, this research serves as a precedent for future disaster recovery efforts, offering practical implications for cultural property management and social benefits for stakeholders involved in heritage conservation.

Construcción de Significados Culturales a partir de los Tejidos que Elaboran las Mujeres Nasa de Tierradentro como estrategia de Comunicación para la Pervivencia

National Archeological Park of Tierradentro — 2019 — WHE91C8C8A3F0

Nasa women from Tierradentro, Cauca, employ traditional weaving as a powerful means of ancestral communication and cultural preservation. Their textiles, rich with symbols and meanings derived from community interactions, historical narratives, and guidance from elders, serve as a strategy for the survival of their people and territory. The term 'umna' in Nasayuwe language signifies the ability to connect spiritual, physical, and territorial dimensions, reflecting a dynamic relationship with cosmic elements like the moon and sun. This practice is sustained through collective learning and community pedagogies, ensuring its continuity across generations. The study underscores the significance of these textiles as both a cultural artifact and a vehicle for maintaining dignity and identity.

Construire dans l’Antiquité

Djémila — 2019 — WHE09E4FAE00B

Archaeological tools from the excavation of Djemila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Algeria, reveal shared technical knowledge and craftsmanship practices among Roman-era artisans. The analysis demonstrates that stonecutters, carpenters, and masons employed standardized methods for stone extraction, wood shaping, and surface finishing, with striking morphological similarities to tools found in other Roman provinces. This suggests a widespread exchange of skills and techniques across the Roman Empire, highlighting the interconnectedness of construction practices during antiquity.

Consumption of coffee in the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC): the "bad consumer" and the rise of specialty coffee

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia — 2019 — WHEF1A38148AC

In the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC), local coffee consumption patterns are shifting from traditional, often 'bad' consumer behaviors to a growing preference for specialty coffee. This study, based on three months of anthropological fieldwork in the Eje Cafetero region, reveals how structural changes within the coffee chain—such as the rise of cafés especiales—are influencing these trends. The research highlights both the benefits and limitations of specialty coffee development, offering a nuanced analysis of consumption strategies in a patrimonial context.

Contemplation of Seated Buddha Image Carved in Relief on Stupa in Ajanta Cave 26

Ajanta Caves — 2019 — WHE809B1AE40B

A seated Buddha image carved in relief on the stupa at Ajanta Cave 26, dating to the Gupta period, represents one of the earliest known depictions of a Buddha in a throne-like seat (Buddha's Lion Throne). This study reveals that such representations, which symbolize absolute authority and divine presence, likely influenced later seated Buddha images in East Asia. The research analyzes the stylistic evolution of thrones in religious iconography—from prehistoric female figurines to Roman emperors, Christian figures, and finally the Buddha—and their symbolic significance. It argues that the positioning of a full-sized Buddha relief on the stupa's facade reflects an early conceptualization of the stupa as a symbolic vessel for the Buddha's teachings, with his seated posture signifying continuous preaching. The study also examines the relationship between the seated Buddha and a nearby reclining Buddha image, suggesting a narrative of enlightenment completion and continuity.

Contextualizing Roman Honorific Monuments: Statue Groups of the Imperial Family from Olympia, Ephesus, and Leptis Magna

Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna — 2019 — WHE342E5C7ED8

Roman honorific monuments, particularly statue groups of the imperial family from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, are predominantly situated in four key architectural settings: temples, nymphaea, entertainment structures, and fora/agorai. These statues were strategically placed in high-traffic areas to maximize visibility and interaction during daily activities and rituals, serving as symbols of loyalty, gratitude, power, wealth, and prestige for the ruling household. The study reveals that dynastic honors are most prevalent under the Julio-Claudian and Antonine dynasties, with a notable correlation between the inception of these monuments and the first emperor of a new dynasty. By analyzing preserved statues, display contexts, patrons/dedicator(s), and historical backgrounds, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of how honorific monuments functioned within their local landscapes, providing insights into ancient social, political, and historical phenomena.

Continuing Writings on Stone

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi — 2019 — WHE54FA9E57D2

A new policy framework for Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is proposed to bridge the gap between protecting tangible rock art and sustaining intangible heritage practices. The study highlights how current conservation efforts, while safeguarding existing rock art, inadvertently restrict contemporary Blackfoot artists from engaging in sacred acts of communication with the spirit world—a core aspect of their cultural tradition. By allowing traditional-style contemporary rock-art making within the park, this approach aims to revitalize living heritage without compromising preservation goals.

Continuity: a fundamental yet overlooked concept in World Heritage policy and practice

Venice and its Lagoon — 2019 — WHE7DD702C6E4

A critical analysis of UNESCO World Heritage policy highlights 'continuity' as a fundamental yet underutilized concept that could resolve significant challenges facing the system. The study argues that operationalizing continuity—particularly by replacing authenticity with it in the Operational Guidelines (OG)—could bridge the culture/nature divide, facilitate people-centred living heritage approaches, and enhance community roles in management. This approach would better recognize interlinkages between people and properties while aligning with the 2012–2022 Strategic Action Plan's goals. The research contributes to contemporary discussions on World Heritage issues by proposing continuity as a strategic objective for future nominations and management strategies.

Contradictions in the Heritagization of Zanzibar ‘Stone Town’

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2019 — WHE301FE99887

Zanzibar's Stone Town embodies complex contradictions in its heritagization process. While it reflects Swahili roots and cosmopolitan influences from the Indian Ocean, British colonialism introduced divisions that persist today. The 1964 Zanzibar Revolution further reshaped the urban landscape through nationalization, raising questions about whose heritage should be preserved and what criteria define 'Outstanding Universal Value.' This study highlights the tensions between conservation efforts and social transformations, challenging UNESCO's universalist approach.

Contribution of Buffer Zone Programs to Reduce Human-Wildlife Impacts: the Case of the Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2019 — WHE0CA2AF8D22

Buffer zone programs around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, significantly reduce human-wildlife conflicts when funds are directed toward direct interventions for prevention and mitigation. A study found that only 13.7% of the buffer zone budget was allocated to such measures, yet this small investment inversely correlated with conflict levels. While residents generally held positive attitudes toward wildlife conservation and were aware of the programs, they expressed dissatisfaction with current practices. The research highlights the need for prioritizing direct intervention funds in buffer zones to effectively minimize human-wildlife impacts, offering a practical approach for similar conservation efforts worldwide.

Contribution to the knowledge of the bumblebee fauna in the Southern Taymyr

Putorana Plateau — 2019 — WHE5232FBC890

A new record of the bumblebee species Bombus consobrinus on the Putorana Plateau, previously unknown in this region, expands its known range from southern and central Krasnoyarsk Krai to northern Siberia. The study documents 10 bumblebee species in the Southern Taymyr, with seven observed on the plateau and six near Dudinka Town, highlighting a mix of Transpalaearctic, Holarctic, arcto-boreal, arcto-temperate, boreal, and temperate species. Dominant species belong to the subgenera Pyrobombus and Alpinobombus, typical of tundra and forest-tundra zones in the Northern Palaearctic. Field research identified these patterns, contributing to the understanding of bumblebee diversity in this remote, ecologically significant area.

Contribution to the knowledge of the macroinvertebrate fauna of the streams of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2019 — WHED1CDB4536E

A study of Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) in the Democratic Republic of Congo reveals a high diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates, with 84 morphospecies identified across 12 orders and 47 families. This richness is linked to varied substratum types and undisturbed forested river conditions, though some sites show lower species diversity due to unfavorable natural factors. The research highlights the park's ecological significance within Africa's Albertine Rift biodiversity hotspot, despite challenges like insecurity and harsh field conditions. Spatial distribution analysis of systematic groups provides insights into the environmental dynamics shaping aquatic fauna in this critical conservation area.

Contributions of modern Gobi Desert to the Badain Jaran Desert and the Chinese Loess Plateau

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2019 — WHEF2FFE2395C

A groundbreaking study quantifies the Gobi Desert's contribution to the Badain Jaran Desert (BJD) and the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), challenging long-held assumptions about its role. Using a combination of field investigations, wind tunnel experiments, and wind field analyses, researchers determined that the modern Gobi Desert erodes at rates between 0.41 to 0.89 mm per year. This erosion rate suggests it would take approximately 80,800 years for the BJD to reach its current dimensions, while the CLP's formation would require an implausibly long 4.5 million years. These findings indicate that the Gobi Desert is a significant sand source for the modern BJD but may have been overestimated as a primary contributor to the loess of the modern CLP, despite its historical importance during the Quaternary period.

Convergent vegetation fog and dew water use in the Namib Desert

Namib Sand Sea — 2019 — WHE9EF4C04976

A first-of-its-kind study reveals that fog and dew significantly boost soil moisture and plant water status in the Namib Desert, with plants showing stronger responses to fog. Among eight common species, seven benefited from these nonrainfall waters, particularly through foliar uptake by Euclea pseudebenus and Faidherbia albida. The research highlights the critical role of concurrent leaf and soil water potential measurements in understanding desert vegetation's reliance on fog and dew, filling a key gap in dryland ecohydrology. Findings also suggest that night fog may not impact plant water potential, underscoring the importance of timing in these processes.

Coral Reef Change Detection in Remote Pacific Islands Using Support Vector Machine Classifiers

Site of Palmyra — 2019 — WHEAAF604554C

A significant decline in coral-dominated benthic cover-type (CDBCTC) has been detected across six remote Pacific islands, with reductions ranging from 25% to 43%. This finding was achieved using a robust machine learning classifier based on support vector machines (SVM), trained and validated with ground truth observations and Landsat imagery. The study introduces a methodology for spatial generalization of coral cover classifiers, demonstrating high accuracy in cross-validation (75.3%) and when tested against new data from neighboring reefs. The research highlights the effectiveness of SVM-based change detection in assessing temporal changes in coral reef ecosystems, providing critical insights for global coral reef monitoring.

Coral Reefs Condition Assessment in East Waters of Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2019 — WHEBB7D57B871

A study assessing coral reef conditions in the east waters of Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, revealed that Station 1 exhibited the highest damage at a depth of 5 meters, with 50% of coral reefs affected. Mortality rates were also notably high at this station, with indices of 0.4 and 0.44 at depths of 5 and 10 meters, respectively. These findings suggest that Station 1 is more susceptible to destructive exploitation compared to previous observations. The research utilized the Line Intercept Transect method for coral cover data collection and the mortality index method for analyzing reef mortality across four stations and two depths.

Corpus Inscriptionum Iudaeae/Palaestinae, vol. 4: Iudaea/Idumaea

Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin in the Judean Lowlands as a Microcosm of the Land of the Caves — 2019 — WHEF790ABC099

A groundbreaking corpus of inscriptions from Judea and Idumea, spanning the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD, reveals significant insights into Second Temple Judaism, Early Christianity, and Hellenistic culture. The volume, featuring over 1,000 previously unpublished inscriptions, includes unique texts such as a Samaritan inscription with an abbreviated Decalogue, Greek graffiti documenting three generations of a family, and a military diploma from Hebron. Notably, it provides evidence of syncretism in Maresha, where Idumean, Nabatean, Phoenician, Egyptian, Greek, and Judean influences coexist. The corpus also sheds light on early Christian practices, including the use of mosaics for salvation, the role of holy Salome, and hermits' spiritual convictions.