World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 17001 – 17020 of 30345 publications

Mirrored interiors of Iran palaces and holy places

Golestan Palace — 2019 — WHE3CA4C9C1F4

Mirrored interiors in Iranian palaces and holy sites from the 18th to early 19th century exhibit unique aesthetic, plastic, architectural, and design features. The study reveals how these spaces integrate mirrored sculptural elements, precious stones, and silver plates into amalgamated glass, creating a distinctive visual and cultural tradition. By analyzing examples such as Golestan and Saadabad royal complexes in Tehran, along with religious sites in Qazvin, Shiraz, and Zanjan, the research clarifies the techniques and significance of these mirrored designs in Persian architecture.

Mismatched canal conservation and the authorized heritage discourse in urban China: a case of the Hangzhou Section of the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal — 2019 — WHE236E12F1FE

Conservation efforts for the Hangzhou Section of China's Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, have been hindered by mismatched approaches that fail to capture its unique values. The study reveals that while Chinese authorities often follow international guidelines—such as those from UNESCO—they lack tailored evaluation systems and principles for this type of heritage asset. This disconnect stems from ideological influences, including the dominance of Western conservation values, and institutional tendencies toward strict government control over projects. Additionally, local governments prioritize economic benefits over sustainable preservation, often sidelining community interests in the process. The research employs an authorized heritage discourse (AHD) framework to analyze these challenges, highlighting how current strategies undermine the Grand Canal's distinct cultural significance.

Missing link in Late Antiquity? A critical examination of Hollstein’s Central European Oak Chronology

Cologne Cathedral — 2019 — WHE99A3DA8D1F

A critical re-evaluation of Ernst Hollstein’s Central European Oak Chronology, a foundational dendrochronological tool for dating in western Germany, confirms its reliability despite past criticisms. The study, involving 62 site chronologies from Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, and northeastern France, strengthened the Late Antiquity bridging period (350–400 CE) by validating Hollstein’s original findings with additional data. Notably, the mean series for Broichweiden was extended to 503 CE, and the new chronology aligned with an independent southern German reference, ensuring robust crossdating thresholds. This validation preserves the integrity of Hollstein’s chronology, allowing absolute dating based on its Roman-era segment to remain scientifically valid.

Mission archéologique « Sanctuaire des divinités chthoniennes d’Agrigente »

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2019 — WHE155288A41D

A groundbreaking archaeological mission at the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Area of Agrigento uncovered significant insights into the 'Sanctuary of Chthonian Divinities,' a lesser-known but historically rich site adjacent to the Valley of the Temples. Conducted in June 2018, this collaborative effort between the University Bordeaux Montaigne (UBM) and the École française de Rome, with additional support from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, employed advanced prospection techniques and drone surveys to map and analyze the sanctuary's eastern terrace. The mission revealed new evidence about the religious practices and architectural evolution of this ancient Greek site, contributing to a deeper understanding of its cultural significance during the classical period. Facilitated by local authorities and leveraging financial support from institutions like the Institut Ausonius, the research also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in preserving and interpreting UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Missionaries in the Early Modern Spanish World

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos — 2019 — WHE7659453A9F

Recent scholarship challenges traditional narratives about missionaries in the early modern Spanish world, revealing that evangelization efforts were not solely led by European mendicants and Jesuits. Studies highlight the significant contributions of Indigenous peoples, lay Europeans, and Creoles who preached Christianity, taught Catholic doctrine, and administered sacraments despite lacking formal theological training or ordination. Additionally, these works emphasize that missionaries focused equally on converting Catholics across ethnicities as they did non-Christians, using similar materials and approaches for both groups. This shift in mission historiography, moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives, provides a more balanced understanding of the global spread of Catholicism during this period.

Mitigasi Bencana Banjir Kawasan Wisata Berkelanjutan (Studi Kasus: Bukit Lawang, Kecamatan Bahorok, Kabupaten Langkat)

Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra — 2019 — WHE26F695E4CB

A combination of structural and non-structural flood mitigation strategies can transform Bukit Lawang, part of the UNESCO-listed Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, into a sustainable tourist destination. The study, based on field surveys, literature reviews, and case analyses, found that while structural measures—such as infrastructure improvements—are effective, their impact is maximized when paired with non-structural approaches like early warning systems and community preparedness. This dual approach not only reduces flood risks but also preserves the site's ecological and cultural integrity, ensuring its long-term viability as both a conservation area and a tourist attraction.

Mitigating simultaneous returning home after large-scale earthquakes: changing tourists’ intentions to stay through public support

Himeji-jo — 2019 — WHEA321827879

A critical factor influencing tourists' decisions to return home or stay during large-scale earthquakes at Himeji Castle is the level of public support, particularly for those traveling from distant areas. The study found that proximity to one's residential area and available transportation significantly impacted behavior when combined with public support. Using decision tree analysis on 467 valid responses, researchers identified that tourists from afar were most strongly affected by public support in their behavioral intentions. This insight highlights the potential for targeted public interventions to mitigate simultaneous returns home during disasters.

Mitogenomes Uncover Extinct Penguin Taxa and Reveal Island Formation as a Key Driver of Speciation

Macquarie Island — 2019 — WHE96D3A6BC4C

A groundbreaking analysis of penguin mitogenomes reveals that island formation has been a pivotal driver of penguin speciation, with multiple recently extinct taxa emerging on geologically young islands. The study identifies two new extinct penguin species from New Zealand's Chatham Islands: Eudyptes warhami and a dwarf subspecies of the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes richdalei), which diverged shortly after the islands' emergence around 3 million years ago. Using fossil-calibrated phylogenies, researchers demonstrate that island-endemic penguins, including those from the Galápagos, Gough, Antipodes, Snares, and Macquarie Islands, underwent rapid diversification during the Plio-Pleistocene. This work underscores the profound impact of island formation on penguin evolution while highlighting the severe consequences of anthropogenic extinctions on isolated archipelagos.

Mobile Phone Imaging for CH Façade Modelling

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2019 — WHE42F8C59B43

Smartphone cameras can provide reliable metric data for architectural analysis and deterioration mapping of historic buildings. This study, focusing on the façade of a church within Rome's Historic Centre, demonstrates that mobile phone imaging is a viable tool for architects and restorers due to its portability, ease of use, and technological advancements. The research employed digital image processing techniques to assess the reliability of data acquired from smartphone images, addressing key questions about their suitability for analysis and representation in the built environment.

Modeling Key Selected Multisensory Dimensions on Place Satisfaction and Place Attachment Among Tourists in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2019 — WHEB82A609C89

A significant positive relationship between multisensory dimensions (sight and sound) and place satisfaction, as well as between place satisfaction and various aspects of place attachment (dependence, identity, affect, and social bonding), was identified among tourists visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The study, involving 151 tourists, confirmed all six hypotheses tested, highlighting the importance of sensory experiences in shaping emotional connections to tourist destinations. This research contributes valuable insights for both academic understanding and practical tourism management, suggesting that enhancing multisensory experiences could strengthen visitor satisfaction and attachment.

Modeling the perception of walking environmental quality in a traffic-free tourist destination

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2019 — WHEC7D850FF94

Tourists' satisfaction with walking environmental quality at Kulangsu, a historic traffic-free international settlement, is significantly influenced by crowding and cleanliness—factors previously overlooked in academic literature. This study employed an ordered probit model to analyze pooled cross-sectional survey data collected during peak (October 2017) and off-peak (February 2018) tourist periods. Findings indicate that while Kulangsu's unique pedestrian-only environment fosters positive perceptions, improvements in managing crowd density and maintaining cleanliness are critical for enhancing overall satisfaction. The research provides actionable policy insights to balance tourism growth with environmental quality preservation at heritage sites.

Modelling Dunes from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Brazil): Largest dune field in South America

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2019 — WHEEAE9230DA3

Researchers have identified a negative volumetric balance of erosion and a dominant wind-driven sediment transport pattern in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. This finding sheds light on the dynamic processes shaping one of South America's largest dune fields, located at the intersection of three major neotropical ecosystems. The study utilized advanced geodetic techniques, including multi-temporal satellite imagery and high-precision GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning, to create a detailed digital elevation model (DEM). Annual surface surveys conducted between 2015 and 2017 revealed the complex dynamics of dune formation, challenging conventional mapping methods due to their limitations in precision and cost-effectiveness. The results provide critical insights into coastal erosion patterns and sediment movement, offering a foundation for further studies on dune evolution in this ecologically significant region.

Modelling Water Use at Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2019 — WHE79C65C20C7

A sophisticated model of water use at Great Zimbabwe reveals that water sources played a pivotal role in shaping the spatial and social dynamics of the ancient capital. By integrating GIS landscape analysis with historical and ethnoarchaeological data, researchers uncovered how residents strategically managed and transported water, influencing both domestic space organization and broader social structures. The study highlights the centrality of water in defining the city's layout and social formations, offering new insights into the ingenuity of ancient water management practices.

Modern Conservation Principles and Their Application in Mediterranean Historic Centers—The Case of Valletta

City of Valletta — 2019 — WHECA86673C0F

A shift towards holistic urban conservation is emerging, recognizing historic cities as layered complexes of architectural, environmental, and cultural significance. This study evaluates the effectiveness of modern conservation principles in Mediterranean historic centers, using Valletta as a case study. It identifies key pillars for successful conservation, including identity preservation through communication strategies, economic growth linked to cultural identity, improved residential quality of life, tourist attractiveness, and sustainable regeneration. The research analyzes diachronic changes in urban conservation planning and policies, assessing their application against these pillars. Findings underscore the need for adaptive management systems that balance cultural diversity with sustainability, addressing both tangible heritage values and intangible meanings tied to natural and metropolitan contexts.

Mohammadamin Emami, Moein Eslami, Hamid Fadaei, Hamid Reza Karami, Kamran Ahmadi. “Mineralogical–geochemical characterization and provenance of the stones used at the Pasargadae Complex in Iran: A new perspective”

Pasargadae — 2019 — WHE9C7105D416

A new perspective on the provenance of stones used in the Pasargadae Complex, Iran, reveals that the construction employed two distinct types of limestone—light and dark—likely sourced from nearby quarries. This bichromatic use of stone was strategically integrated into royal architecture, suggesting a deliberate aesthetic choice by ancient builders. The study employed mineralogical and geochemical analysis to trace the origins of these stones, providing evidence that supports the hypothesis of local quarrying practices. By comparing geological characteristics, researchers identified distinct signatures in the limestone, offering insights into the material sourcing strategies of one of Iran's earliest monumental complexes.

Molecular characterization of organic aerosols in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: insights into primary and secondary sources

Kathmandu Valley — 2019 — WHE28EADB2CCA

A year-long molecular characterization of organic aerosols in the Kathmandu Valley revealed that biomass burning (BB) is the dominant contributor to organic carbon (OC), accounting for 24.9% annually and peaking at 36.3% during the post-monsoon season. The study, conducted from April 2013 to April 2014, identified levoglucosan as the most abundant tracer, with significant seasonal variations in other tracers like isoprene-SOA (I-SOA), phenolic compounds, and resin acids. Anthropogenic and biogenic secondary organic aerosols also contributed notably, while fungal spores and plant debris had smaller but seasonally variable impacts. These findings highlight BB and anthropogenic activities as primary sources of air pollution in the region, offering critical insights for mitigation strategies.

Molecular discrimination and phylogeographic patterns of clones of the parthenogenetic gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris in the Japanese Archipelago

Ogasawara Islands — 2019 — WHE6BB9A9981F

A recent study reveals that the parthenogenetic gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris exhibits remarkable clonal diversity, particularly in Japan's Daito Islands. Researchers identified 17 clones across five island groups using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analyses, with 14 clones endemic to the Daito Islands. Mitochondrial cyt b sequences suggest these clones are closely related and differentiated recently. The study proposes that triploid clones likely arose from hybridization between diploid female and male clones, despite males being unrecorded in the region. This finding sheds light on the rapid clonal diversification in asexual animals, with implications for understanding their evolutionary dynamics.

Monitoring and Detecting Archaeological Features with Multi-Frequency Polarimetric Analysis

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region — 2019 — WHEDDAA222C21

A multi-frequency polarimetric analysis of SAR data reveals promising potential for the automatic detection and monitoring of archaeological features at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, addressing a longstanding gap in remote sensing applications. The study demonstrates that combining dual and fully polarized C-band Sentinel-1, L-band ALOS PALSAR, and RADARSAT-2 datasets can effectively identify both surface and subsurface structures at Gebel Barkal (Sudan). While high-resolution SAR sensors traditionally focus on small-scale topography, this approach leverages multi-incidence angle and temporal data to enhance documentation and threat response for cultural heritage. The integration of historical PALSAR references with recent Sentinel-1 time series and targeted RADARSAT-2 acquisitions provides a robust framework for monitoring vulnerable sites, offering actionable insights for preservation efforts.

Monitoring and Preservation of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Caves

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2019 — WHE3C5A94493A

A comprehensive 3D model of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra caves has been developed to address urgent preservation needs, revealing critical insights into the structural integrity and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed terrestrial laser scanning over 450 meters of tunnels and entrance structures, combined with a spatial underground geodetic network, to create detailed plans, cross-sections, and a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) model. This method provides an unprecedented tool for monitoring the caves' condition, which are currently in a state of emergency, and offers prospective applications for conservation efforts. The findings highlight the importance of advanced geospatial techniques in preserving cultural heritage at risk.

Monitoring Land Cover Change and Disturbance of the Mount Wutai World Cultural Landscape Heritage Protected Area, Based on Remote Sensing Time-Series Images from 1987 to 2018

Mount Wutai — 2019 — WHE91AF99E983

Mount Wutai exhibited remarkable stability in its land cover and disturbance levels from 1987 to 2018 despite significant changes in forest coverage, vegetation conditions, mining areas, and built-up zones. This resilience was quantified using the Comprehensive Heritage Area Threats Index (CHATI), which integrated multi-source remote sensing data to assess threats at both macro and micro levels. The study employed linear regression and F-tests to identify spatial-temporal variations, with field validation confirming the reliability of its findings. While challenges persist, this approach offers a robust tool for raising public awareness and improving governance of World Heritage Areas.