World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 17481 – 17500 of 30345 publications

Temporal dynamic analysis of a mountain ecosystem based on multi‐source and multi‐scale remote sensing data

Teide National Park — 2019 — WHE5CF698870D

A multi-source and multi-scale remote sensing analysis reveals contrasting population trends for two keystone vegetation species, Spartocytisus supranubius and Pterocephalus lasiospermus, in Teide National Park. While S. supranubius has declined, P. lasiospermus has increased, providing quantitative data that complements traditional field-based monitoring. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of remote sensing as a tool for classifying, monitoring, and managing large protected areas efficiently. The thematic maps generated offer insights into species coverage at different dates, highlighting the impact of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on this vulnerable ecosystem.

Temporal variation in the vocal behaviour of southern right whales in the Auckland Islands, New Zealand

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2019 — WHE7DE4A003D3

Seasonal variation is the dominant factor influencing the vocal behavior of southern right whales at their main calving ground in New Zealand's Auckland Islands, according to a year-long study using autonomous recorders. Call rates peaked in August and July, with 'upcalls' being the most frequent, suggesting these calls primarily function as contact signals during dusk and night. The research also found that an automated detector designed for North Atlantic right whales accurately identified 80% of upcalls but had high false detection rates, particularly at low call rates. This is the first attempt to monitor southern right whale presence year-round in New Zealand.

Ten thousand years of cultivation at Kuk Swamp in the highlands of Papua New Guinea,

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2019 — WHE2C74FCA370

Archaeological evidence from Kuk Swamp, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Papua New Guinea's highlands, reveals the world's earliest known agricultural practices dating back 10,000 years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the origins of agriculture, suggesting it emerged independently and earlier than thought in other regions. The study employed stratigraphic excavation and radiocarbon dating to analyze sediment layers, uncovering tools, plant remains, and other artifacts that indicate systematic cultivation of taro, yams, and other staples. These findings underscore the significance of Kuk Swamp as a cradle of human innovation, with profound implications for understanding the transition from foraging to farming societies.

Terrace Abandonment Hazards in a Mediterranean Cultural Landscape

Costiera Amalfitana — 2019 — WHE5519E62D24

Abandonment of terraced landscapes, particularly in Mediterranean regions like the Amalfi Coast, poses significant environmental risks, including hydrological instability and increased hazards from extreme rainfall events exacerbated by climate change. This study quantifies potential hazards in Crapolla Fiord, identifying that terrace loss has already heightened risks, with further escalation expected due to agricultural abandonment. The research evaluates flow rates and rain intensity at both mountainside and microbasin scales, demonstrating that targeted interventions—such as soil infiltration enhancement or vegetation regeneration—can mitigate these threats. The findings underscore the urgency of supporting measures in active agricultural areas while advocating for small-scale restorative practices in abandoned terraces to preserve cultural landscapes.

Terraced Landscapes and Hydrogeological Risk. Effects of Land Abandonment in Cinque Terre (Italy) during Severe Rainfall Events

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) — 2019 — WHE450B345049

Abandoned terraced landscapes significantly increase hydrogeological risks, such as landslides and mud flows, during severe rainfall events. This was demonstrated by the extreme damage observed in Monterosso and Vernazza basins of Cinque Terre, Italy, following a 2011 storm. The study highlights that the cessation of maintenance of dry stone terraces—due to the decline of traditional agriculture—was the primary factor contributing to landscape failure. While literature suggests varying effects of vegetation on abandoned terraces, this research compares these findings to propose effective management strategies for preserving cultural heritage and mitigating risks in fragile territories like UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Terracottas in a Domestic Context: The Case of the House of Orpheus in Nea Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos — 2019 — WHEA5AE4AD9FF

A significant assemblage of terracottas from the House of Orpheus in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, spanning the Hellenistic to Roman periods, reveals insights into domestic contexts and social practices during these eras. The study highlights the importance of systematic analysis combining stylistic, compositional, experimental, computational, and theoretical methods to understand the terracotta assemblage's cultural and historical significance. This ongoing project aims to provide a comprehensive overview, contributing valuable data to the understanding of Roman-period terracottas in Cyprus.

Terrakotten aus Pergamon. Tonfiguren und -objekte aus der Wohnstadt am Südhang der Akropolis und von weiteren Fundorten

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE8D04A444F9

Archaeological excavations in Pergamon's residential area, spanning from 1973 to 1993, uncovered approximately 5,400 terracotta fragments, predominantly dating back to the Hellenistic period and Roman Imperial era. These artifacts, primarily serving as household items, offer a glimpse into daily life during these historical periods. A catalog of 1,030 thematically diverse pieces was compiled for this study, providing comprehensive insights into Pergamon's multi-layered cultural landscape. The analysis of these fragments, combined with older and newer data, contributes significantly to the understanding of urban development and material culture in ancient Pergamon.

Testing Self-Determination Theory in Conflict-Affected Areas: A Case Study of Yemeni EFL Students

Historic Town of Zabid — 2019 — WHEC574C32D67

Yemeni EFL students in conflict-affected Zabid exhibit more controlled motivation than autonomous, particularly at advanced academic levels (3 and 4), where prolonged exposure to deteriorating conditions has eroded idealism. This finding challenges the assumption of intrinsic motivation in stable educational settings, highlighting how systemic adversity reshapes psychological drivers in learners. The study employed a mixed-methods approach—questionnaires for 60 students and interviews with five teachers—to assess motivation through Self-Determination Theory (SDT) lenses, revealing nuanced differences across proficiency levels amid Yemen's crisis.

The ‘Living’ Humanized Sacred Place: An Introduction

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya — 2019 — WHE938DAAED22

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya exemplifies the dynamic interplay between human perception and sacredness, revealing how past and present communities shape its significance. This study challenges conventional narratives by documenting local practices that redefine the temple's sacred status, distinguishing long-term ('longue duree') traditions from short-lived ones. It traces the evolutionary history of the Bodhi tree—the most venerated object in the complex—from a humble pavilion to a majestic structure, offering insights into its enduring spiritual and cultural importance. The research employs a deconstructive approach to institutional accounts, focusing on polities and politics to authenticate deep-rooted practices.

The ‘volunteer tourist gaze’: commercial volunteer tourists’ interactions with, and perceptions of, the host community in Cusco, Peru

City of Cuzco — 2019 — WHEBDCAB1125C

Commercial volunteer tourism in Cusco, Peru, perpetuates neo-colonial discourses by emphasizing the divide between volunteers from developed nations and host communities. Despite active engagement and multi-sensory experiences, interactions are limited by language barriers and do little to foster cross-cultural understanding. The study, based on interviews with volunteer tourists and participant observation, reveals that these dynamics reinforce a 'volunteer tourist gaze' characterized by commodification and neo-colonial tendencies.

The “Manueline” Secular Architecture in Portugal: A Distinctive Style in Lisbon in the Context of Italian Tradition

Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon — 2019 — WHEB7F25989DD

A distinctive Renaissance architectural style, known as Manueline, emerged in Portugal during the reign of King Manuel I (1495–1521), blending Gothic, Spanish Plateresque, and Italian Renaissance elements. This study highlights how Manueline architecture, characterized by its whimsical and symbolic motifs—including heraldic and exotic designs influenced by global discoveries—served as a tool for reinforcing national identity and central power in Portugal. The research reconstructs Lisbon's urban ensembles, royal residences, and secular buildings using historical miniatures, maps, and paintings, while contextualizing these structures within North Italian Renaissance traditions. Despite significant losses due to earthquakes from the 16th to 18th centuries, modern scholarly efforts—including those by T. Kaptereva, K. Lawe, L. Fernández-González, and A. Jordan Gschwend—offer new insights into this unique style's evolution and significance.

The “other side” of architectural reconstruction

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2019 — WHED67B1653BC

Architectural reconstructions following armed conflicts, exemplified by the Old Bridge in Mostar, reveal that social and political factors often overshadow professional considerations in monumental preservation. This study challenges the notion of 'identical' restoration, questioning whether an authentic experience can be recreated through simulations of absent original monuments. It evaluates the reconstruction process, highlighting ethical, moral, and historical complexities, particularly concerning the original form and spaces. The research underscores the impact of delayed reconstructions due to political and economic instability, raising critical questions about the authenticity and layering of reconstructed monuments in post-conflict societies.

The 2007 caldera collapse of Piton de la Fournaise volcano: Source process from very-long-period seismic signals

Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island — 2019 — WHE58A2DB54A3

In April 2007, Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Réunion Island experienced its largest caldera collapse in at least 300 years, characterized by a series of 48 subsidence increments with seismic signals equivalent to magnitudes Mw 4.4 to 5.4. Analysis of these very-long-period (VLP) seismic events revealed a piston-like mechanism driven by the contraction of the magma reservoir and the collapse of the overlying rock column. The study found that the collapse dynamics were primarily controlled by rapid magma withdrawal, likely from a bubbly state, leading to an acceleration in subsidence increments—a pattern similar to the 2018 Kīlauea collapse. This suggests that such events are linked to progressive weakening of the volcanic edifice and increasing rates of magma extraction.

The 9th Century Buddhist Sculptures of ‘Disciples of Shinrim (神琳系)’ in Bulguksa Temple

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple — 2019 — WHE728D8B501C

While Bulguksa Temple, founded in 742 CE, lacks its original Buddhist sculptures from the founding era, it preserves two rare and distinctive types of 9th-century Buddhist statues: a set of 'Vairocana and Amitabha Buddha bronze statues' and a 'Lion and Elephant Seated Vairocana Triad.' These statues, particularly the former, are noted for their majestic posture, proportional design, and superior craftsmanship. The latter, though damaged, holds significant cultural value as it represents a unique style found in 9th-century Silla-era Buddhist art. Interestingly, these distinctive features are linked to Shinrim (神琳), a disciple of Uisang, whose influence is evident across multiple temples, including Bulguksa, Biryeosa, and Beoseoksa. The study reveals that the artistic characteristics of these statues, such as the combination of 'Vairocana and Amitabha' or 'Lion and Elephant Seated Vairocana Triad,' are predominantly found in temples associated with Shinrim's lineage, suggesting a strong connection between his disciples and the sculptural traditions of Bulguksa. This insight sheds light on the enduring influence of Shinrim's lineage at Bulguksa Temple, even after the decline of Uisang's Hwaeom school in the 8th century.

The Abandonment of Butrint: From Venetian Enclave to Ottoman Backwater

Butrint — 2019 — WHEBFB04296D3

Butrint's abandonment after the Ottoman sack of 1537 was not due to immediate depopulation but rather a gradual decline exacerbated by environmental adversities, including malaria and emergent wetlands. The site remained economically active and strategically important to Corfu despite being resettled. This study analyzes excavated Venetian houses and later burials at the Roman forum to argue that Butrint's final abandonment was influenced by plague, border-zone dynamics, and state decay, rather than immediate post-sack abandonment. The research focuses on the period from A.D. 1386 to 1928, before archaeological excavations began.

The Activities and Hanging Buddhist Paintings of 17th-century Cheongju Painter Monk Singyeom

Namhansanseong — 2019 — WHEAE1F7E28F4

A study of 17th-century Buddhist hanging paintings by monk Singyeom reveals significant stylistic and compositional shifts across his works, linked to changes in his collaboration with assistant painters. Analyzing three extant Sermon on Vulture Peak paintings—created at Bosalsa (1649), Ansimsa (1653), and Biamsa (1657) temples—researchers found that while the form remained consistent, later works exhibited reduced Buddha imagery, altered color balance, and more pronounced bodily marks. These changes correlated with the transition from assistant Jibyeon to Deokhui, suggesting evolving artistic influences. Additionally, Singyeom’s monastic title indicates his leadership role within Chungcheong Province and Namhansanseong Fortress, highlighting the support structure provided by the Byeogam monastic lineage, which was prominent in the Hoseo region during this period.

The Aegean islands through time

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2019 — WHE751DBED5DB

A significant shift in the perception and exploration of the Aegean Islands occurred from the 18th to the 19th centuries, transitioning from a historic backwater during the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods to a focal point for travelers seeking the archaeological and mythological roots of Classical Greek civilization. This period saw prominent visitors like Wheler, Spon, Tournefort, Murray, and Bent contribute to the growing interest in the region's heritage. The 19th century also marked the beginning of systematic archaeological investigations, with key figures such as Fouqué discovering Akrotiri on Thera and Tsountas excavating numerous Cycladic cemeteries. Foreign schools played a pivotal role in excavating iconic sites like Phylakopi on Melos, Heraion on Samos, and Ayia Irini on Kea, among others. However, the study highlights a persistent issue of looting and forgery, particularly affecting Cycladic marble figurines, many of which lack secure provenance. From the 1970s onward, field surveys became more prevalent, employing both absolute and relative chronologies to date findings.

The Alhambra master plan (2007-2020) as a strategic model of preventive conservation of cultural heritage

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2019 — WHE3A4C1CB417

The Alhambra Master Plan (2007–2020) emerges as a groundbreaking model for preventive conservation, addressing the complex challenges posed by natural and human-induced risks to one of Spain’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Unlike traditional reactive approaches, this plan prioritizes proactive strategies to mitigate deterioration factors, ensuring the stability and sustainable maintenance of fragile materials like plaster, stucco, and stone. Its innovative methodology integrates historical analysis, risk assessment, and adaptive management, tailored to the site's unique vulnerabilities—intensified by mass tourism and environmental stressors. By demonstrating how a comprehensive, long-term framework can balance conservation with visitor access, this study offers a replicable template for preserving cultural heritage in high-pressure environments.

The alpine flora on inselberg summits in the Maloti–Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Maloti-Drakensberg Park — 2019 — WHE01C7FB610C

Inselberg summits within the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, South Africa, host a unique alpine flora that contributes significantly to the biodiversity of the Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC). This study reveals that inselbergs support 7.9% of DAC species, including 114 endemics or near-endemics, and are notably free from human disturbance or alien plant invasion. However, their high vulnerability to climate change underscores their conservation importance as escarpment vegetation faces increasing degradation due to land use pressures. The research, conducted in 2005, compared inselberg flora with the broader DAC and Platberg, identifying distinct family rankings and growth form consistency. Key findings include potential new species, range extensions, and the dominance of families like Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Ericaceae among endemics.

The ancient and medieval garden

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2019 — WHE283C00539B

Gardens played a pivotal role in early globalization, serving as cultural and botanical exchanges between ancient civilizations. This study examines gardens from the Near East to South Asia, including Sigiriya, a Buddhist site in central Sri Lanka, revealing their significance in connecting regions like Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and the Islamic world. It highlights how these gardens facilitated the spread of plants and horticultural practices, bridging distant cultures and contributing to the development of global botanical diversity.