World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 17541 – 17560 of 30345 publications

The Determinants of Value Formation of Heritage Tourists

Hwaseong Fortress — 2019 — WHE92047F57C9

Heritage tourists' perceived value at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is primarily driven by experiential benefits, including recreation, architectural aesthetics, and education, which stem from walking amenities and social bonding opportunities. Structural equation modeling of survey data from 656 tourists revealed that attributes like crowd control and stable pathways enhance these experiences. The study underscores the importance of managing walking infrastructure to foster deeper engagement with heritage sites.

The Difficult Legacy of Mining in Past and Contemporary Potosí and Ouro Preto

City of Potosí — 2019 — WHE72C310A81A

Colonial mining in Potosí (Bolivia) and Ouro Preto (Brazil) left a 'difficult legacy' marked by environmental degradation, racial violence, and exploitation of indigenous and African populations. While these cities symbolize the origins of global capitalism due to their silver and gold wealth, official heritage narratives often omit the atrocities tied to mining. The study reveals that local perceptions and urban spaces still reflect these excluded histories. As Latin America grapples with reinventing national identities without repeating extractivist patterns, accounting for this complex legacy becomes crucial. The research analyzes colonial depictions in heritage policies and contrasts them with contemporary tensions between preservation and ongoing mining activities.

The Discovery of Byzantine Laura of St Mary the Egyptian in Site of Jesus Baptism

Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) — 2019 — WHE850C70CE31

Recent excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)' have uncovered unique archaeological remains linked to St. Mary of Egypt, a revered figure in early Christianity. These discoveries, located near the Church of John the Baptist and close to the eastern bank of the Jordan River, provide tangible evidence of her monastic life and death in this region. The findings shed light on the Byzantine Laura (a monastic community) associated with St. Mary, offering insights into the evolution of early Christian monasticism and its architectural expression. This study bridges archaeological evidence with historical narratives, enhancing our understanding of the site's significance during the formative period of Christianity.

The Disputed Election at Fountains Abbey Revisited

Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey — 2019 — WHECCA6E29D0E

A re-examination of the disputed election at Fountains Abbey reveals that its repercussions extended far beyond the previously documented six-year period, with disruptions to monastic life persisting sporadically for nearly two more decades. This study identifies the two most likely contenders involved in the dispute and examines how rival magnates supported them, shedding light on why one candidate ultimately prevailed. It also demonstrates that the fallout from this incident continued to influence the abbey's dynamics for over half a century, providing new insights into the long-term social and political consequences of monastic leadership disputes.

The double-design dilemma: political science, parliamentary crisis and disciplinary justifications

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2019 — WHE7A675CF433

A design-led approach to political science offers significant potential for theoretically-informed yet solution-focused research, as demonstrated by the case study of the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster. This study highlights how integrating design-thinking can address both the crumbling physical fabric of historic sites like the Palace of Westminster and the methodological challenges faced by political science. While not a panacea for modern democratic governance, this fusion of disciplines provides a promising framework for addressing complex parliamentary crises through innovative, interdisciplinary solutions.

The Early Christians in Ephesus from Paul to Ignatius

Ephesus — 2019 — WHE4AD38583E8

A groundbreaking analysis of early Christian communities in Ephesus reveals significant shifts in religious practices and leadership from the time of Paul to Ignatius. The study identifies a transition from Pauline theology, marked by apostolic authority and missionary zeal, to a more structured ecclesiastical hierarchy under Ignatian influence. This evolution is traced through epistolary evidence and archaeological findings, offering new insights into the institutionalization of Christianity in Asia Minor. By integrating literary analysis with historical context, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how early Christian communities adapted to socio-political changes during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE.

The Early History of Delhi

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi — 2019 — WHEDB66F2C069

Delhi's early history, spanning from the Stone Age to the medieval period, is revealed through archaeological discoveries. Surface finds and excavations at sites like Anangpur show human activity dating back tens of thousands of years. Protohistoric remains unearthed at Bhorgarh and Mandoli, along with Ashoka’s Minor Rock Edict I, indicate Maurya influence in the region as early as the 3rd century BCE. The Qutb complex, a medieval site, preserves enigmatic Gupta-period structures, while Lal Kot provides evidence of Rajput and early Sultanate phases. Despite sparse textual, archaeological, epigraphic, and numismatic records, these findings outline the evolution of Delhi’s rural and urban settlements long before its rise as a significant political center.

The ecology and evolution of seed predation by Darwin's finches on Tribulus cistoides on the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2019 — WHEBF671ED40B

Darwin's finches and the plant species Tribulus cistoides are engaged in an ongoing coevolutionary arms race, with finch seed predation significantly influencing both the ecology and evolution of the plant. The study reveals that seed survival in T. cistoides varies dramatically depending on finch community composition across islands and interannual precipitation fluctuations. Finch beak morphology imposes strong phenotypic selection on fruit traits, favoring smaller, harder fruits with longer or more spines. This selection pressure is further modulated by spatial variation in finch communities, suggesting a dynamic coevolutionary process shaped by both environmental and biotic factors.

The Economic Value of Irrigation Water in Wadi Zabid, Tihama Plain, Yemen

Historic Town of Zabid — 2019 — WHE96014A3C77

Declining groundwater levels significantly reduce the economic value of irrigation water in Wadi Zabid, Yemen. The study found that crops' returns to land and water are highly sensitive to changes in groundwater depth and the availability of spate water. Banana, despite its high irrigation requirement, delivered the highest return to land but a lower return to water compared to mango and food sorghum. This research highlights the economic vulnerability of agricultural systems in the region due to groundwater depletion.

The Effect of Fertilizer Subsidy on Small-Scale Paddy Production in Sri Lanka: A Case in Hinguraggoda Divisional Secretariat Division in Polonnaruwa District

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2019 — WHE9F09BF07B6

Fertilizer subsidies in Sri Lanka significantly boost small-scale paddy production, though with diminishing returns, suggesting policy adjustments could enhance responsiveness. A study in Hinguraggoda, Polonnaruwa District, using econometric modeling, found that while subsidies increase productivity, their impact is highly inelastic. Additionally, farmer education levels positively correlate with farm productivity. The research recommends farm-level experiments—such as soil analysis, technological adaptations, and water management—to optimize subsidy effectiveness. This insight underscores the need for targeted agricultural policies to balance fiscal burden with productivity gains.

The effect of invasive lionfish on reef fish community structure along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2019 — WHE2E3D848C93

A five-year study along the Belize Barrier Reef found no significant impact of invasive lionfish on reef fish community structure, despite their known predatory behavior. Researchers assessed fish abundance, diversity, and composition across 16 reef sites spanning ~250 km, including during the onset of the invasion. While small-scale studies suggest lionfish reduce prey populations, this large-scale analysis indicates current densities in Belize—likely influenced by natural factors and removal efforts—do not affect broader reef fish communities. The findings imply that additional lionfish removal may not be necessary to mitigate ecological impacts.

The effect of personal benefits from, and support of, tourism development: the role of relational quality and quality-of-life

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2019 — WHEA93803B4D5

A study on Kulangsu, a historic international settlement, reveals that personal benefits from tourism significantly influence resident support for its development. By integrating social exchange and relational quality theories, researchers found that higher perceived benefits correlate with stronger backing for tourism initiatives. The investigation also highlights the mediating role of relational quality and quality-of-life in shaping this relationship, offering new insights into how destination management can leverage these factors to enhance local support. Conducted through a stratified random survey of Gulangyu Island residents and structural equation modeling, the findings provide actionable guidance for researchers and officials aiming to foster sustainable tourism development.

The Effect of Trading Lapis Lazuli on the Settlements in the East of Iran's Central Plateau (3rd–4th Mill. BCE)

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2019 — WHE60269AD4F0

Shahr-i Sokhta, located in Sistan and Baluchestan province, emerged as a significant social, political, economic, and cultural hub during the 3rd millennium BCE, largely due to its pivotal role in the trade of lapis lazuli. This precious stone, sourced from mines in Badakhshan (northern Afghanistan), was traded extensively across vast distances, including Central Asia and southern Egypt. The study analyzed recent archaeological evidence to determine that Shahr-i Sokhta became a wealthy production and trading center for lapis lazuli, exporting it as jewelry and ornaments for temples and palaces. This trade not only enriched the settlement but also elevated its status in the region.

The Effectiveness of Environmental Interpretation in Influencing Visitors' Knowledge in Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park — 2019 — WHEF1DCD5784F

Environmental interpretation programs in Kinabalu Park significantly enhance visitors' knowledge of general facts about the site, as demonstrated by increased post-visit awareness. The study compared pre- and post-visit knowledge among participants, revealing that while interpretive efforts effectively convey broad environmental information, they fall short in imparting scientific details. Conducted through a comparative analysis of visitor responses, this research underscores the potential of interpretation to mitigate tourism-related impacts on protected areas by improving public understanding without delving deeply into specialized scientific content.

The Effectiveness of Environmental Interpretation in Influencing Visitors’ Knowledge in Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park — 2019 — WHE1250855BE9

A study assessing the effectiveness of environmental interpretation programs in Kinabalu Park reveals partial success in enhancing visitors' knowledge. While post-visit samples demonstrated improved understanding of general facts, there was no significant difference in scientific knowledge between pre- and post-visit groups. The research compared visitor knowledge through interpretive programs, highlighting their role in mitigating environmental impacts from tourism. This suggests that while interpretation can influence awareness, more targeted approaches are needed to deepen scientific comprehension among visitors.

The Effects of Salinity and pH on Microbial Community Diversity and Distribution Pattern in the Brines of Soda Lakes in Badain Jaran Desert, China

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2019 — WHEAE0A96342D

A groundbreaking study reveals that microbial communities in the soda lakes of Badain Jaran Desert, China, are shaped primarily by pH and salinity. While bacteria dominate low to moderately saline lakes, archaea thrive in hypersaline conditions, indicating a strong correlation between environmental factors and microbial diversity. The research, employing high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes across five lakes with varying salinity (2.1–397.33 g/L) and pH (9.69–10.83), identified distinct microbial distributions: Burkholderia and Halomonas in low-salinity lakes, Spiribacter and Halomonas in moderately saline lakes, and Halohasta and Halosimplex in hypersaline lakes. Notably, some haloalkaliphiles, like Spiribacter and Halomonas, survived beyond their typical pH and salinity limits, suggesting the presence of undiscovered species. This study underscores the resilience and adaptability of microbial life in extreme environments.

The effects of ship wakes in the Venice Lagoon and implications for the sustainability of shipping in coastal waters

Venice and its Lagoon — 2019 — WHEED20977DE9

Large vessels traversing the Venice Lagoon generate significant depression wakes, causing water level drops of up to 2.45 meters at channel margins and accelerating shoreline retreat. This study analyzes approximately 600 wake events using AIS data, revealing that ship-induced solitary waves can profoundly impact lagoon morphology. The research proposes a predictive model for wake amplitude based on ship characteristics, offering insights into the sustainability of coastal shipping. By linking ship motion parameters to environmental effects, the findings highlight the need for mitigating measures to protect vulnerable shallow water habitats in UNESCO-listed sites.

The Effects of the Architectural Lineaments on the Stability of the Interior Design Configuration for the Historical Buildings Across Time An Analytical Study for Samples from Erbil Citadel in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Erbil Citadel — 2019 — WHE05A27D1A36

A novel mathematical framework reveals that the stability of interior design configurations in historical buildings is fundamentally linked to the preservation of architectural lineaments. This study, focusing on samples from Erbil Citadel in Iraq, demonstrates that architectural conservation efforts must account for geometric stability metrics to ensure long-term integrity and authenticity of heritage structures. By analyzing pre- and post-rehabilitation data, researchers established a quantitative relationship between architectural lineaments and interior design stability, addressing a critical gap in heritage preservation methodologies. The findings underscore the importance of integrating mathematical measurements into conservation practices to maintain both structural and aesthetic identity across time.

The Elizabethan House of Commons and St Stephen's Chapel Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2019 — WHE86878A6308

Elizabethan House of Commons meetings, held in the converted St Stephen's Chapel within the Palace of Westminster, were significantly influenced by the chapel's medieval architecture and iconography. This influence extended to parliamentary procedures, culture, ritual, and self-awareness, as demonstrated through an analysis of parliamentary diaries, exchequer records, and digital reconstructions of the Commons chamber. The chamber, likened to a theatre by MP John Hooker, facilitated both structured debate and disruptive behaviors such as scoffing, laughter, and coughing. Iconography, including the royal arms and the mace, symbolized both monarchical power and a culture of counsel. Additionally, the chamber served as a site of political memory.

The environmental information report in the annual accounts: An analysis of the main ports in Spain

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2019 — WHE0A237A07D7

Port Authorities of Cartagena, Castellón, Gijón, and Valencia exhibit significant variation in the clarity and depth of environmental information reported in their annual accounts. While Cartagena stands out for its clear communication, Castellón and Huelva provide less explicit details. The study highlights that Port Authorities should enhance their reporting strategies to better reflect environmental actions, suggesting the integration of additional sources like sustainability reports could improve transparency and decision-making processes.