World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 16661 – 16680 of 30345 publications

Geotechnical and geophysical investigation techniques in Ben Ezra Synagogue in Old Cairo area, Egypt

Historic Cairo — 2019 — WHEA39A7E91E8

Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest Jewish temple in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant seismic and environmental hazards due to its age and construction without seismic considerations. A study assessing its vulnerability found moderate earthquake activity in the region, posing risks to this historic structure. The research employed integrated geotechnical and geophysical investigation techniques to evaluate damage from recent earthquakes and provide technical recommendations for restoration and retrofitting. Findings highlight the urgent need for risk assessment and mitigation strategies to preserve such culturally significant heritage sites, contributing valuable insights for global preservation efforts.

Geoturismo como Alternativa ao Turismo de Massa na Vila de Trindade, Litoral do Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina – Paraty (Rio de Janeiro)

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2019 — WHE7E8D2957A3

Geotourism emerges as a viable alternative to mass tourism in the Vila de Trindade, located on the coast of Paraty's Serra da Bocaina National Park. The study highlights the area's geodiversity and cultural heritage, particularly the caiçara culture, while proposing sustainable activities that promote conservation and local community engagement. By analyzing the region's intrinsic, cultural, aesthetic, economic, functional, and scientific/educational values, researchers identified key strategies for geoconservation. Notably, initiatives like the Escola do Mar, which promotes caiçara culture, play a crucial role in achieving geotourism goals. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness of geopatrimony to mitigate the impacts of mass tourism on UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Geronticus thackerayi, sp. nov. (Aves, Threskiornithidae), a new ibis from the hominin-bearing locality of Kromdraai (Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng, South Africa)

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2019 — WHE3FC5A10604

A new species of ibis, Geronticus thackerayi, has been identified from the Kromdraai fossil site in South Africa's Cradle of Humankind. This discovery, based on a well-preserved fossilized skull, provides insights into the avian fauna that coexisted with early hominins during the Pleistocene epoch. The species is distinguished by its unique cranial morphology, contributing to our understanding of ibis evolution and paleoecology in this significant World Heritage Site. The study employed comparative anatomical analysis and phylogenetic methods to characterize the fossil, revealing its distinct traits and evolutionary relationships within the Threskiornithidae family.

Giá trị cảm nhận của du khách đối với dịch vụ du lịch hang động tại vườn quốc gia Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng tỉnh Quảng Bình

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2019 — WHE8D4D5086ED

A study on Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park identified four key factors influencing tourists' perceived value of cave tourism services: perceived quality, behavioral price, price, and emotional response. Perceived quality emerged as the most significant factor, while emotional response had the least impact. The research used Petrick's (2002) model and analyzed data from 147 questionnaires through linear regression, offering insights for policy-making to enhance tourists' experiences in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

GIS Analysis and Evaluation on the Geothermal Reserves of the Coastal Area of Jeju Island and Ulleung Island, Volcanic Islands in South Korea

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2019 — WHED2249902CD

Ulleung Island exhibits significantly higher geothermal potential compared to Jeju Island and inland South Korea, with average thermal conductivity of 1.69 W/mK (Ulleung) versus 1.76 W/mK (Jeju), and geothermal gradients of 86.55 °C/km (Ulleung) versus 24.65 °C/km (Jeju). This study, published in the Journal of Coastal Research, analyzed geothermal reserves using GIS to compare coastal volcanic islands—Jeju and Ulleung—in South Korea. The research revealed that Ulleung Island's higher heat flow (127.06 mW/m²) and heat production rate (3.75 µW/m³) stem from distinct geological origins, unlike Jeju Island's lower values (40.13 mW/m², 0.76 µW/m³). The findings highlight Ulleung as a promising site for geothermal energy development to support South Korea's climate goals, while Jeju's potential is constrained by its volcanic formation.

GIS and AHP Techniques Based Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones: a case study from Southern Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats — 2019 — WHEB448E80417

Approximately 59% of the studied river basin in the Southern Western Ghats, India, is identified as having moderate groundwater potential, with high and low potential zones covering 11% and 29%, respectively. The study employed a combination of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) techniques to delineate these zones using 12 thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, rainfall, soil, and topography. This approach, validated with local groundwater data, achieved an overall accuracy of around 85%. The findings highlight the effectiveness of GIS-based methods in rapidly assessing groundwater potential, offering crucial insights for sustainable water resource management in tropical river basins.

GIS e valorizzazione dei sistemi territoriali fluviali: il Bacino idrografico del Sele

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2019 — WHEB8FD475CED

A novel GIS-based information system offers a systemic approach to analyzing and enhancing the Sele river basin within Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, revealing how fluvial territorial systems can drive sustainable local development. By integrating multi-scale georeferenced maps, photographic documentation, and contextual data, the study demonstrates that geographic differences in water culture and territory fluidity are key to informing tailored development policies. This innovative tool provides detailed, systemic reports that capitalize on research findings, enabling a holistic evaluation of territorial excellence and supporting virtuous value creation processes.

Global conservation and local lore in a post-colonial society

Blue and John Crow Mountains — 2019 — WHE9C69F6D624

Conservation efforts in Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains demonstrate the successful integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with formal science, contrasting sharply with contestation observed in the Cockpit Country. The study highlights that differences in engagement between formally trained scientists and local TEK holders significantly influence conservation outcomes. Managers in the Blue and John Crow Mountains were more receptive to incorporating local cultural understandings into governance, suggesting that collaborative approaches can bridge global environmental norms and local practices. This research underscores the potential for scientists and policymakers to leverage informally generated knowledge, particularly in developing countries where protected area management often faces complex socio-cultural dynamics.

Göbekli Tepe: A Brief Description of the Environmental Development in the Surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Göbekli Tepe — 2019 — WHE60E554FC86

Göbekli Tepe experienced significantly different environmental conditions during its occupation compared to today. Research indicates that the site was surrounded by denser vegetation and widespread sediment cover, contrasting with the current arid landscape. The study employed literature review, remote sensing data, terrain modeling, and field-based geomorphological mapping to analyze Late Quaternary geomorphodynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean region. These findings suggest that humans at Göbekli Tepe may have perceived a lush, sediment-rich environment, which could inform narratives about their landscape creation motives. The research also proposes hypotheses for future studies on environmental changes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene.

Gobustan Rock Art, Carpet Figures, Toponyms and Ancientness

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE2B669710FA

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, located between the southeastern foothills of the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea, holds significant historical insights. Research reveals that rock engravings and carpet figures in Gobustan suggest Azerbaijan as a potential cradle of civilization, indicating it was one of the earliest prehistoric human settlements. These findings propose a new approach to understanding human history through mythology, philosophy, and antiquity, highlighting the interconnectedness of rock arts across seventeen countries. The study also identifies priorities for developing ethnic festivals in Gobustan to attract tourism and promote cultural heritage. By analyzing calendars, toponyms, and material sources, the research offers novel arguments about historical ties among global nations.

Gold was the Mortar

Amiens Cathedral — 2019 — WHE7F95646AFA

Amiens Cathedral's construction, along with other medieval cathedrals, was significantly funded by commoners' contributions, often surpassing those of nobility and royalty. This challenges the conventional narrative that delays in cathedral building were solely due to wars and natural disasters. The study examines financial flows, patronage dynamics, and historical records from wills and documents, revealing that commoners played a pivotal role in sustaining these monumental projects. Case studies of cathedrals like York, Toulouse, Poitiers, and Lyon illustrate how political disputes, conquests, and social hierarchies further influenced construction timelines.

Goreme Open Air Museum

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2019 — WHE51AAAE03E6

Göreme Open Air Museum, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, stands out for its unique blend of natural and cultural significance. This region, active from the 4th to the 13th century, served as a hub for monastic life, with rock formations carved into monasteries, churches, chapels, dining halls, kitchens, and living spaces. The museum's churches are notable for their use of two distinct painting techniques: correction-based methods and secco (tempera) or fresco techniques on rock surfaces, often depicting biblical themes and the life of Jesus. Founded by St. Basil, an influential figure in early Christianity, the site also played a pivotal role in the development of monastic education systems, later influencing other regions like Soğanlı, Ihlara, and Açıksaray. The museum's architectural and artistic features reflect both natural erosion processes and human ingenuity in adapting these rock formations for religious and communal purposes.

Gorgonian octocoral community at Varadero coral reef in the Colombian Caribbean: diversity and spatial distribution

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2019 — WHEB622F38242

A study of Varadero coral reef in Cartagena, Colombia, reveals that the gorgonian octocoral community exhibits lower species richness and abundance compared to other Caribbean regions. This is attributed to the unique ecological characteristics of the area, including sedimentation processes and the influence of dredging activities for a large vessel access channel, which pose significant risks to this fragile ecosystem. Researchers analyzed seven sites within the mixed coral reef zone, typically found at depths between 6 and 10 meters, highlighting the vulnerability of these sessile benthic communities to environmental pressures.

Governing intensification: the influence of state institutions on smallholder farming strategies in Calakmul, Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2019 — WHE7ED3E501DF

State policies in Calakmul, Mexico, inadvertently undermine smallholder agricultural sustainability by incentivizing and imposing intensification through subsidies and regulations. Research combining household surveys and key-informant interviews reveals that while such policies aim to balance conservation and livelihood goals, they lead to increased reliance on external inputs and prolonged cultivation periods between fallows—threatening the resilience of traditional agroecosystems. This finding highlights the unintended consequences of state-driven intensification in forest frontiers, where limited livelihood alternatives exacerbate the risks.

GPR Applications for NDT Investigations on the Cultural Heritage Monumental Buildings of Florence (Italy)

Historic Centre of Florence — 2019 — WHE9A6BE3C1C7

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) emerges as a highly effective non-destructive testing (NDT) tool for assessing the structural integrity and seismic vulnerability of Florence's UNESCO-listed monumental buildings. This study demonstrates that GPR, combined with micro-drill hole inspections and sonic/ultrasonic tests, can accurately define masonry structures and consistency without historical documentation, addressing critical gaps in conservation efforts. Key findings highlight GPR's performance in evaluating the static and dynamic behavior of iconic sites like Palazzo Vecchio, Brunelleschi's Cupola, Giotto's Bell-Tower, and San Giovanni Baptistery, while emphasizing the need for age-specific masonry knowledge to interpret data correctly. The research underscores GPR's potential as a cornerstone for seismic vulnerability assessments in cultural heritage conservation, aligning with Italy's 2011 guidelines on integrity and authenticity.

GPR Investigations at St John's Co‐Cathedral in Valletta

City of Valletta — 2019 — WHEAD3C2C4584

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) investigations at St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, revealed discrepancies between the current mosaic floor inscriptions and the original burial sites beneath them. Historical records suggested that not all visible grave markers corresponded to genuine sepultures, a hypothesis supported by GPR data. The study mapped buried tombs under the main nave and lateral chapels, providing new insights into the cathedral's complex history. By employing high-resolution GPR scans, researchers identified anomalies in subsurface structures, offering a non-invasive method to study this UNESCO World Heritage Site without disturbing its architectural integrity.

Granular zircon from Vredefort granophyre (South Africa) confirms the deep injection model for impact melt in large impact structures

Vredefort Dome — 2019 — WHECA94B35C11

Researchers have discovered 'former reidite in granular neoblastic' (FRIGN) zircon within granite clasts trapped in the Vredefort granophyre dikes, South Africa. This finding provides the highest-pressure shock estimates (≥30 GPa) yet recorded in the Vredefort structure and supports the deep injection model for impact melt in large craters. The study suggests that these clasts were captured near the top of the impact melt sheet during a 2.02-billion-year-old meteorite impact, then transported downward through fractures, traveling approximately 8–10 km to the lowest stratigraphic levels of the structure. By analyzing shocked minerals within supracrustal xenoliths, the researchers constrained the emplacement history and conditions affecting target rocks near the impacted surface, offering new insights into the dynamics of large impact structures.

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, was never “storyless,” despite UNESCO label

Gros Morne National Park — 2019 — WHEB39D45695B

Gros Morne National Park, despite being labeled as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, is far from 'storyless.' A critique by Vannini and Vannini (2019) challenges the implication that such labels erase human narratives. The park's rich history, spanning indigenous artifacts and over two centuries of settler life, contradicts this notion. Berger argues that UNESCO's designation does not render these stories irrelevant; instead, they remain integral to the park's identity. The study relies on existing publications and oral histories, demonstrating the enduring significance of human experiences in shaping Gros Morne's cultural landscape.

Groundwater Chemistry and Microbiology in a Wet-Tropics Agricultural Catchment

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2019 — WHE9401F478A8

Groundwater ecosystems in the Wet Tropics of Queensland play a crucial role in moderating agricultural contaminants that flow into marine zones, including the Great Barrier Reef. This study reveals strong connectivity between agricultural soil ecosystems and underlying groundwater aquifers, with spatial variability in groundwater chemistry attributed to the heterogeneous nature of the aquifer alluvium. Researchers monitored seasonal changes in groundwater chemistry and identified microorganisms inhabiting these systems, shedding light on their potential role in contaminant mitigation. The findings highlight the importance of understanding groundwater microbiology in agricultural catchments for broader environmental management strategies.

Groundwater Management for the Enhancement of the Urban Fabric in Historic Cairo.

Historic Cairo — 2019 — WHE484024933D

Historic Cairo faces significant threats from rising groundwater levels, which endanger the stability and conservation of its historic buildings. This phenomenon stems from the 19th-century filling of open water resources like birkat al-Azbakkiyya and al-Khalij al-Masri canal, leading to substantial changes in the city's built fabric and environmental conditions. The study assesses the impact of groundwater on selected monuments and proposes retrofitting solutions that focus on controlling rising dampness, collecting groundwater, and reintegrating water features into public spaces. These approaches aim to enhance the climatic conditions of the historical city while regenerating its urban fabric and interpreting its outstanding values. The research adopts a qualitative approach, drawing from international examples to suggest suitable models for Historic Cairo.