World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 16401 – 16420 of 30345 publications

Deterioration of World Heritage Cave Monument of Ajanta, India: Insights to Important Biological Agents and Environment Friendly Solutions

Ajanta Caves — 2019 — WHEF02AAD453E

A light-based approach emerges as a promising, environmentally friendly solution to combat insect pests that are rapidly degrading the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves. This study highlights the significant impact of biological agents, particularly insects and microbes, on cave monuments like Ajanta, which face increasing stress due to anthropogenic pressures and changing climatic conditions. The research emphasizes the need for integrated pest management strategies to protect these invaluable archaeological sites without disrupting surrounding biodiversity or ecosystems. By focusing on light-based interventions, the study offers a novel method to preserve cave paintings and other heritage structures while maintaining ecological balance.

Developing a Monitoring Workflow for the Temples of Java

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2019 — WHE30F003181F

A collaborative effort between TU Wien, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and local authorities has developed a monitoring workflow for the temples of Java using 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. This approach aims to provide reliable and cost-effective continuous observation of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are vulnerable to earthquakes. The study tested this workflow by measuring ten temples, demonstrating its potential for structural stability assessment under local conditions. The findings highlight the importance of advanced surveying techniques in preserving Indonesia's rich cultural heritage, even as Buddhism and Hinduism have faded from everyday life.

Development and Definition of Prambanan Temple Deformation Monitoring Control Points

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2019 — WHED3109A5356

Researchers established eight deformation monitoring control points at the Prambanan Temple Compounds to assess structural stability. Using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) measurements over 24 hours and processed with two strategies—regional binding points (IGS BAKO and JOG2 stations) and global binding points (multiple IGS stations)—the study determined precise coordinates and standard deviations for the control points. The smallest standard deviation was 0.0036 meters on the Z-axis, while the largest was 0.0141 meters on the Y-axis. This work provides a robust framework for long-term monitoring of Prambanan Temple's geometric integrity, critical due to its location in a seismically active area with labile soil conditions.

Development and Sustainable Ethics in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China

Fanjingshan — 2019 — WHE3F4353900C

A shift towards sustainable development in China, marked by the rise of Xi Jinping's presidency and the adoption of environmentally conscious policies, is examined through a decade-long study (2008–2018) at Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve. The research highlights two contrasting development projects—one within the reserve and another outside—revealing divergent outcomes in balancing conservation with local needs. By integrating perspectives from Arturo Escobar, Rosi Braidotti, and Xiaobo Su, the study argues for a sustainable ethics that prioritizes marginalized farmers' voices and local politics amid rapid change. The findings underscore the potential of inclusive, place-based sustainability to mitigate authoritarian environmental policies while fostering circular economic growth.

Development of an Augmented Reality Tour Guide for a Cultural Heritage Site

Hwaseong Fortress — 2019 — WHE1CFECA5906

An augmented reality (AR) mobile application for cultural heritage tourism, tested at UNESCO World Heritage Site Hwaseong Fortress, demonstrates significant potential to enhance visitor engagement and learning. The app integrates navigation, AR visualization of historical details, and interactive serious games, yielding positive user feedback while identifying areas for refinement. This study provides a model for designing AR tour applications that balance usability with immersive experiences, offering valuable insights for future mobile tourism tools.

Development of Educational Enlishment and Pedagogical Activity in Higher Educational Institutions of Ukraine at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the 19th-18th Centuries

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2019 — WHED405BF682F

A significant shift in educational and pedagogical practices at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during the 18th–19th centuries is highlighted, marking a transition from purely religious to more secularized higher education. This evolution was driven by the integration of philosophical and moral theology courses, increased emphasis on pedagogical subjects, and the development of high-quality teaching materials that influenced both contemporary and future generations of educators. The study underscores the Lavra's role as a pioneering center of educational innovation in Ukraine, demonstrating its adaptability and effectiveness even under challenging socio-political conditions. This period saw the establishment of comprehensive educational complexes, including seminaries, libraries, temples, hospitals, and parochial schools, all united by a shared commitment to elevating both spiritual and secular education standards in Central Ukraine.

Development of the system of transboundary protected areas in the Asian part of Russia

Landscapes of Dauria — 2019 — WHED11E1388BE

Five transboundary protected areas have been established in the Asian part of Russia through interstate agreements with Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Landscapes of Dauria. These areas are crucial for preserving biotic and landscape diversity across administrative borders. The study identifies ten additional promising territories for future protection, emphasizing their high environmental significance. Cooperation with neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, North Korea, Japan, and the United States is expected to further expand this network of protected zones.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Conservation State of Mural Paintings in Payathonzu Temple on Bagan Heritage Site in Myanmar

Bagan — 2019 — WHEAAE1B33964

Severe physical damage to murals and structural elements in the Payathonzu Temple at Bagan, Myanmar, was identified through advanced diagnostic techniques. The study revealed critical vulnerabilities, including cracks, delamination, exfoliation, and contamination of mural layers, as well as gaps between base layers and plastered walls, which require urgent conservation intervention. Ultrasonic testing exposed significant degradation in areas with severe cracking and gaps, while moisture measurements highlighted substantial variations linked to environmental humidity. The most pronounced damage was observed in monument 477, necessitating scientific diagnosis-driven conservation efforts to address both structural and aesthetic deterioration.

Diamonds in the Kamchatka Peninsula (Tolbachik and Avacha Volcanoes): Natural Origin or Contamination?

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2019 — WHECF3EF2ED65

A study of diamonds found in the lavas of Kamchatka's Tolbachik and Avacha volcanoes challenges their natural origin, suggesting they may instead be synthetic contaminants. The research, published in Russian Geology and Geophysics, analyzed cubic-octahedral diamonds identical to those produced synthetically, raising concerns about potential contamination from human-made materials. Similar diamonds reported from other geologically distinct regions—such as Europe, China, Mongolia, and the Polar Urals—also exhibit striking similarities to synthetic crystals, further implying that such findings require rigorous verification before being accepted as natural. The authors emphasize the need for independent replication of results, open sampling sites, and exclusion of contamination sources (e.g., cutting tools) in future studies. This work underscores the importance of cautious interpretation when diamonds are discovered in unusual geological settings.

Did the Harappan settlement of Dholavira (India) collapse during the onset of Meghalayan stage drought?

Dholavira: a Harappan City — 2019 — WHEBBE43F64A1

A catastrophic drought at the onset of the Meghalayan stage (~4300–4100 years BP) likely drove the collapse of Dholavira, one of India's largest Harappan settlements. Radiocarbon dating of archaeological carbonates revealed occupation from ~5500 to ~3800 years BP, with rapid expansion during favorable monsoonal conditions. Oxygen isotope (δ18O) sclerochronology of gastropod shells indicated seasonal mixing of river and seawater, suggesting a humid fluvial landscape that shifted due to drought. This study highlights the vulnerability of ancient settlements to climate change, mirroring modern IPCC predictions.

Did We Just Travel to the Past? Building and Evaluating With Cultural Presence Different Modes of VR-Mediated Experiences in Virtual Archaeology

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2019 — WHEC804D0E9E7

A groundbreaking study reveals that virtual reality (VR) can effectively recreate the experience of traveling to the past, particularly when incorporating content meaningfulness, responsive characters, enhanced interaction, and multisensory realism. Researchers built six distinct VR reconstructions of Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in Turkey, and evaluated them using a novel framework based on Cultural Presence. The findings demonstrate that these elements significantly contribute to achieving successful VR-mediated experiences, offering new insights into how virtual archaeology can bridge the gap between past and present.

Die Subskriptionszeichen in den Schreiberzeilen der St. Galler Privaturkunden des frühen Mittelalters: Eine Erstaufnahme

Abbey of St Gall — 2019 — WHE5A5360BC73

Research on the Abbey of St. Gall reveals that over 700 early medieval charters, dating from before 983, feature distinct subscription signs integrated into the scribe's line. These signs exhibit varied forms and show a clear evolutionary pattern from the 8th to the 10th centuries. The study provides an initial comprehensive documentation of these subscription signs, offering insights into their development and use in private charters during this period.

Die Wohnungsfrage abseits der Metropolen: Wohnen in Salzburg zwischen touristischer Nachfrage und Finanzanlagen

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg — 2019 — WHE43F08FEA2A

In Salzburg, financial investments and tourism-induced demand are exacerbating the housing shortage, revealing that such pressures extend beyond metropolitan areas. The study highlights how institutional and private investors leverage real estate for both long-term returns and short-term tourist rentals, while local planning efforts struggle to mitigate these challenges due to existing power dynamics. By analyzing regional housing markets, the research demonstrates that tourism and financialization intersect to intensify housing scarcity, offering new insights into non-metropolitan urban housing crises.

Diet and Foraging Range of Slender-Billed Gulls Chroicocephalus genei Breeding in the Saloum Delta, Senegal

Saloum Delta — 2019 — WHE0DA4A7C2D9

A significant shift in the diet of Slender-billed Gulls (Chroicocephalus genei), a vulnerable species with a restricted breeding range, was observed in the Saloum Delta National Park, Senegal. The study found that while cichlids remained a dominant component, the proportion of mugilid fish in their diet increased markedly between 2000 and 2015. GPS tracking of three individuals in 2014 revealed extensive foraging ranges, with gulls covering up to 96 km daily and utilizing diverse habitats such as mangrove-bordered lagoons, salt pans, creeks, rivers, abandoned rice fields, and the Atlantic coast near a fishing village in The Gambia. Individual foraging behaviors varied significantly, highlighting the need for targeted conservation strategies that account for species-specific ecological requirements.

Diet variability among pre‐Dogon and early Dogon populations (Mali) from stable isotopes and dental diseases

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2019 — WHEB367306F17

A comprehensive bioarcheological study of the Bandiagara Escarpment reveals that diets among pre-Dogon and early Dogon populations (7th–19th century AD) were neither uniform nor continuous over time. Analysis of stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in 175 teeth, alongside dental disease records from 220 crania, shows significant temporal shifts—likely due to dietary diversification—and geographical disparities linked to climate, environment, and culture. The findings challenge previous assumptions about stability in Dogon foodways, highlighting a complex history of settlement and agricultural practices.

Differential response of seven duiker species to human activities in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire

Taï National Park — 2019 — WHED4B3411A73

A study on Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, reveals that seven duiker species exhibit distinct responses to human activities, with some thriving even near illegal human encroachment while others are highly sensitive and avoid such areas. The research used maximum entropy modeling and hierarchical clustering to analyze survey data from 2005–2015, identifying Cephalophus dorsalis and Philantomba maxwellii as the most resilient species, while Cephalophus zebra and Cephalophus sylvicultor showed strong avoidance of human impacts. The findings underscore the need for robust park management to protect this unique duiker community in West Africa.

Differentiated Education and Community-Based Tourism in the Caiçara Territories of Paraty (RJ)

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2019 — WHE8F7A05114E

A differentiated education model implemented in Caiçara communities of Paraty, Brazil, demonstrates potential to enhance community-based tourism by fostering autonomy and belonging. The initiative, launched in 2016, adapts middle school curricula to local realities while addressing the communities' shift toward sustainable tourism development. Through semi-structured interviews, bibliographic research, and event participation, the study reveals that such education can contribute to organizing tourism in ways that prioritize community empowerment. This approach offers a blueprint for integrating educational innovation with ecological and cultural preservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Digital database of the geologic map of the middle east rift geothermal subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2019 — WHED136576782

A comprehensive digital database of the geologic map of the middle East Rift Zone (MERZ) geothermal subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, reveals the distribution and characteristics of 34 late Holocene eruptions over approximately 27 square kilometers. The study provides a detailed framework for understanding lava flow patterns, vent locations, and their relationship to topographic features, with lava flows typically directed northeast or southeast based on vent positioning relative to the rift zone's crest. The database, prepared using ArcGIS and Esri shapefiles, integrates radiocarbon dating, stratigraphic relations, weathering observations, soil development, and vegetative cover to assign numerical ages to rock groups. This resource supports further research into the volcanic processes and geothermal activity of Kīlauea while also offering insights into the tropical rainforest ecosystem's interaction with volcanic terrain.

Digital Survey in Bramante's Masterpieces

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2019 — WHE9B7C5DE052

A digital survey of Bramante's architectural masterpieces within the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie reveals the potential for advanced documentation and virtual reconstruction. The study, focusing on areas such as the Chiostro delle Rane, Old Sacristy, and Chiostro del Priore, employs evolving survey techniques to capture both high-detail and simplified representations. This approach aims to balance thoroughness with efficiency, addressing challenges in documenting complex heritage sites. The research also explores comparisons with other Bramante works and the creation of virtual environments, offering insights into preservation and dissemination strategies for cultural heritage.

Dignity in Death and Life: Negotiating Agaciro for the Nation in Preservation Practice at Nyamata Genocide Memorial, Rwanda

Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero — 2019 — WHE7F443151AC

A study of the Nyamata Genocide Memorial in Rwanda reveals that the concept of 'agaciro' or dignity, central to Rwandan nation-building, is both a powerful material practice and an uncertain principle. The research examines how preservation efforts at the memorial reflect the state's commitment to dignifying genocide victims' remains, which is intricately linked to restoring dignity for living Rwandans and shaping national identity. Through an analysis of a joint Rwandan-American preservation initiative, the study traces historical and contemporary manifestations of this complex relationship, highlighting its implications for the post-genocide nation's engagement with its defining moment.