World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 17441 – 17460 of 30345 publications

Study on Temporal Alterations in Land Cover Types in Simien Mountain National Park, Northwest Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2019 — WHE7FA86D6A7C

A dramatic shift in land cover types within Simien Mountain National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia, has been revealed through satellite imagery analysis. While agricultural and barren lands expanded significantly from 1972 to 1994, a reversal occurred between 1994 and 2017, with montane forests and grasslands increasing notably—particularly the latter at an accelerated rate of 260.5 hectares per year. Conversely, agricultural land declined sharply (272.8 ha/year), signaling potential ecosystem restoration. However, intensified grazing remains a critical threat to ecological processes in the park, necessitating long-term strategies for sustainable resource management.

Study on the Composition of Boundary Space in the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, China

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2019 — WHE363F3DAD17

A study of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, China, reveals that boundary spaces are predominantly composed of linear elements and exhibit a prevalence of miniature courtyards (xs) and side courtyards (s), with most featuring trees and stones as key landscape elements. The research analyzed 137 abstract diagrams to identify spatial composition rules, highlighting that the 'paste' space type is most common while S-type and M-type scales dominate courtyard designs. This insight provides a deeper understanding of the architectural and landscaping principles underlying Suzhou's classical gardens.

Study on the Connotation of Holistic Design Associated with De Stiji Architecture and Furniture

Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House) — 2019 — WHEEAD7A73573

A study reveals the intrinsic correlation between furniture and architecture in the Rietveld Schröder House, designed by Gerrit Rietveld, a master of De Stijl. The research finds that the architectural space is constructed based on 'architectural furniture' design vocabulary, while the furniture itself exhibits characteristics of 'furniture building.' By analyzing structural systems rooted in scaffolding principles, spatial ratios derived from golden segmentation, and color systems utilizing primary colors, the study elucidates how these elements integrate seamlessly within the Schröder House. This holistic approach underscores Rietveld's design philosophy and its impact on De Stijl architecture.

Study on the Cultural Value of the World Heritage of Salt Industry

Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines — 2019 — WHE95DDB0FA1E

Salt industry heritage sites, including Poland's Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines, France's Ark-Sennan Royal Saltwork, and Austria's Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, exhibit significant cultural value that aligns with UNESCO World Heritage Assessment Standards. These sites, primarily selected under the cultural heritage criterion (iv), demonstrate authenticity and irreplaceability in their representation of salt culture. The study highlights the importance of integrating these sites more systematically with international standards to better reflect their unique contributions to global heritage. While other countries, such as China, also possess rich salt industry relics, Europe remains a focal point for these World Heritage designations.

Study on Tourists' Perception of the Grand Canal Cultural Heritage Based on Network Travels

The Grand Canal — 2019 — WHE665F2AE474

Tourists exhibit a preference for, yet superficial and comprehensive experience of the Grand Canal's cultural heritage, with room for improvement in their engagement. The study, leveraging Python web crawling and ROST text analysis software, reveals that while tourists appreciate the site's cultural significance, their sentiment and overall image perception need enhancement. This research provides insights into the mechanisms underlying tourist perceptions and proposes strategies to promote deeper cultural heritage engagement, offering clear directions for the Grand Canal's tourism development.

Studying Ancient Water Management in Monte Albán, Mexico, to Solve Water Issues, Improve Urban Living, and Protect Heritage in the Present

Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán — 2019 — WHE0EA3AE263F

Ancient Zapotec water management systems in Monte Albán, Mexico, offer modern solutions to urban water challenges. These systems, used between the 6th century BCE and 9th century CE, included terraces, canals, dams, and wells, which were integral to the Zapotec worldview and rituals. Today, rapid urbanization threatens these remnants, but an interdisciplinary project is revitalizing this lost knowledge by redesigning ancient hydraulic technology. This approach aims to restore natural environments, enhance urban living quality, and protect archaeological heritage. The study combines historical research with modern engineering to create sustainable water management strategies that bridge the past and present.

Studying the Human Scale and Proportionality of Mosque Buildings: some Selected Case Studies in Erbil City

Erbil Citadel — 2019 — WHEDF9EC5A9C0

None of the three selected mosques in Erbil—Great Mosque of Erbil Citadel, Rashad Mufty Mosque, and Madina Mnawara Mosque—fully applied the golden ratio in their designs. The highest adherence was found in Rashad Mufty Mosque (82%), followed by the Great Mosque (74%), while Madina Mnawara Mosque achieved only 61%. This study highlights that historical and contemporary mosque designs in Erbil, despite their spiritual significance, do not consistently prioritize human scale and proportionality. The research used the golden ratio as a measurement tool to assess aesthetic and comfort aspects within prayer halls, offering insights for modern architects to reconsider these principles in future designs.

Style, Aesthetics, and Politics: Polychrome Ceramic Iconography in the Tiwanaku Valley, AD 500-1100

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2019 — WHE83C18A7E50

Polychrome ceramics from the Tiwanaku Valley (AD 500–1100) reveal that aesthetic iconography played distinct roles in shaping political power, social cohesion, and cultural identity. Central to Tiwanaku's statecraft, these artifacts were used to foster solidarity during large-scale feasts, symbolize elite status through intricate tomb vessels, and engage peripheral communities through playful reproductions. The decline of Tiwanaku-style production in the 12th century underscores its integral role in sustaining political authority. This study analyzes motifs across serving wares, combining motif categorization with contextual analysis to demonstrate how visual culture mediated power dynamics—uniting ceremonial centers, elites, and distant regions under a shared symbolic framework.

Suitable climatic habitat changes for Mexican conifers along altitudinal gradients under climatic change scenarios

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2019 — WHE5B17A2AFFB

By 2060, Mexican montane conifers will face significant habitat loss—up to 77%—with the highest elevations hit hardest. Five dominant species, including Abies religiosa (the Monarch butterfly's overwintering host), may need human assistance to migrate upward as their climate niches shift 300–500 meters higher. Using bioclimatic modeling with Random Forests and climate projections from 17 general circulation models under RCP 6.0, researchers found that traditional conservation efforts will be insufficient without active intervention.

Suitable Re-Use of Abandoned Quarries for Restoration and Conservation of the Old City of Salamanca—World Heritage Site

Old City of Salamanca — 2019 — WHE0B007B633E

Abandoned granite quarries near the Old City of Salamanca hold potential for supplying high-quality stone blocks for monument restoration. Research reveals that Martinamor granite outcrops exhibit a dense fracturing pattern with joint spacing less than one meter, making large-scale exploitation impractical. Instead, only small blocks suitable for heritage conservation can be extracted, necessitating the protection of these sites to preserve both historical extraction techniques and geological significance. The study proposes geoconservation strategies to safeguard quarries, ancient mining areas, and their role as a reminder of society's reliance on geological materials.

Superando las Dicotomías: el Qhapaq Ñan como Ejemplo del Patrimonio como Proceso Social

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2019 — WHE5FB6000ED1

Recent academic discourse on heritage management has often framed state-led conservation and community involvement as opposing forces, treating cultural heritage as a static object rather than a dynamic social process. This study challenges such dichotomies by analyzing the Qhapaq Ñan, an Andean road system, to demonstrate how heritage can serve as a space for negotiation and democratic participation. It critiques existing narratives that position scholars or managers as sole interlocutors while sidelining local voices. Instead, it advocates for a model of co-management that prioritizes the agency of all stakeholders, ensuring their active involvement in shaping heritage practices. By reframing the Qhapaq Ñan as a living process rather than a fixed discourse, this approach aims to foster social recomposition and democratize heritage governance.

Surface and Groundwater Hydrochemistry of the Menengai Caldera Geothermal Field and Surrounding Nakuru County, Kenya

Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley — 2019 — WHEB9F077BE69

Groundwater and surface water hydrochemistry around the Menengai Caldera geothermal field, Kenya, reveals significant mixing between meteoric, irrigation, and Lake Nakuru waters. Geothermal wells exhibit high cation/anion concentrations with isotopic signatures indicating a predominantly meteoric origin, though some show evaporitic influences from Lake Nakuru, particularly MW-09, which also displays evidence of water-rock interaction and oxygen isotopic exchange. Seasonal shifts in Lake Nakuru's ionic and isotopic values correlate with reduced water inflow and increased evaporation, further illuminating the hydrological dynamics. This study provides critical insights for assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of geothermal power production in the region.

Survey on Quality of Life Profiling of Frontline Forest Personnel of Manas National Park

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2019 — WHEE50CB98632

A survey of frontline forest personnel in Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Project Tiger reserve, reveals critical insights into their quality of life, workplace conditions, and skill gaps. The study, covering 300+ staff across 60 camps within the park's 500 sq. km area, highlights challenges related to job responsibilities, camp environments, and community interactions in fringe areas. Key findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance the efficiency of conservation efforts while improving the well-being of frontline workers. The research, part of the Manas Tiger Conservation Programme (MTCP), aims to support a 50% increase in tiger population through better protection measures, research, and livelihood initiatives. By addressing gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes, this study provides actionable data for holistic growth and improved conservation outcomes.

Survival costs of reproduction are mediated by parasite infection in wild Soay sheep

St Kilda — 2019 — WHE144D69C6B0

Reproduction in wild Soay sheep carries significant survival costs, mediated by increased parasite infection and reduced body weight. A 20-year study on St. Kilda, Scotland, found that females that gave birth—especially those that successfully weaned lambs—experienced higher faecal egg counts of strongyle nematodes during the lambing season. Structural equation modelling further revealed that these reproductive costs negatively impacted overwinter survival by reducing parasite resistance and body weight. This suggests a trade-off between current reproduction and future fitness, where resource allocation to offspring weakens immune defences against parasites.

Surviving Conquest: From Huacas to Cofradías in 17th Century Cuzco

City of Cuzco — 2019 — WHEC99DBA8747

A parallel culture thrived in Cuzco during the 17th century, blending Inka traditions with colonial Catholicism through cofradías (confraternities). This study reveals that Huaca worship persisted despite Spanish conquest efforts, facilitated by native elites who actively participated in religious festivities like Corpus Christi. Archival research and multidisciplinary analysis demonstrate how Inka practices were subtly integrated into colonial structures, creating a 'Shadow Empire' that endured until the 18th century. The study challenges the narrative of Inka eradication, showing instead a complementary coexistence that allowed Andean culture to adapt and survive.

Susa at the turn of the 4th and 3rd millennia

Susa — 2019 — WHE1C0529B7EB

Archaeological soundings at Susa reveal a significant cultural transition between the 4th and 3rd millennia, marking its shift from Mesopotamian to Proto-Elamite influence. Conducted over four decades by the Susa Mission, these excavations on the Acropole tepe and Ville Royale tepe established a detailed chronological sequence, capturing the period when Susa evolved into a distinct cultural entity within the Iranian Plateau's Bronze Age landscape.

Susa Funerary Texts

Susa — 2019 — WHE90CED87102

A re-examination of the Susa Funerary Texts (SFT), a group of seven late Old Babylonian Akkadian texts discovered in a grave at Susa, reveals that their unusual find spot may be linked to a magical function. The study provides improved readings and translations of these texts, long studied since their 1916 publication by Jean-Vincent Scheil. It also refutes the claim that these texts reflect Mesopotamian belief in psychostasia (the weighing of souls), demonstrating instead their affiliation with personal prayers and reports of oracular visions. The research employs philological analysis to challenge previous interpretations, offering new insights into the cultural and religious context of ancient Mesopotamia.

SUSTAIN drilling at Surtsey volcano, Iceland, tracks hydrothermal and microbiological interactions in basalt 50 years after eruption

Surtsey — 2019 — WHE9EDCD11A23

The SUSTAIN drilling project at Surtsey, Iceland, provides unprecedented insights into the hydrothermal and microbiological changes occurring in basaltic tephra and minor intrusions over 50 years post-eruption. By analyzing two vertical boreholes (152 m and 192 m deep) and an inclined borehole (354 m measured depth), researchers tracked mineralogical, geochemical, and microbiological alterations from 1979 to 2017, revealing temperature-dependent processes ranging from 25–141 °C. The study also identified a diatreme extending at least 100 m beneath the Surtur crater, enhancing understanding of eruption dynamics. Rigorous drilling protocols ensured minimal environmental impact on this UNESCO-listed site.

Sustainable Cultural Heritage Management: Example of Troy Archaeological Site

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2019 — WHEEE5E6FFFC7

A participative management model has been identified as effective for sustaining the cultural heritage values of Troy, an ancient city with significant historical background. This study, conducted through interviews with public institutions, local communities, and NGOs, highlights the need for improved interinstitutional coordination and increased public participation to ensure sustainable management. The research underscores the importance of a comprehensive management plan that integrates these elements to preserve Troy's cultural heritage effectively.

Sustainable Livelihood for the Fringe Dwellers of the Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park — 2019 — WHE540628FA33

A sustainable livelihood approach for fringe dwellers of Kaziranga National Park (KNP), Assam, emphasizes community-driven development by integrating local priorities, assets, and entrepreneurial efforts with professional conservation practices. The strategy aims to enhance community engagement in park-related activities while ensuring equitable benefit-sharing. It proposes nurturing traditional knowledge, scientific biodiversity preservation, and sustainable rehabilitation options for fringe dwellers. This approach not only strengthens the connection between communities and KNP but also empowers locals as key partners in protecting the site from threats. The study highlights the importance of honoring local rights over common property resources while fostering long-term conservation efforts.