World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 17701 – 17720 of 30345 publications

To Achieve Real Immersion: the 3D Virtual and Physical Reconstruction of Cave 3 and Cave 12 of Yungang Grottoes

Yungang Grottoes — 2019 — WHEA0AD4AC31A

Researchers successfully achieved the large-scale 3D virtual and physical reconstruction of two caves (Cave 3 and Cave 12) at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yungang Grottoes. This breakthrough addresses longstanding challenges in 3D printing for large objects by developing advanced techniques—cascade Structure-from-Motion (SfM), grouped Multi-View Stereopsis (MVS), and automatic texture mapping—to generate high-definition colored models suitable for fabrication. The team also optimized the 3D printing process, post-processing, installation, lacquering, and painting to produce two 10-meter replicas, which have been well-received by audiences. These innovations bridge the gap between digital visualization (e.g., games or VR) and physical replication, offering new possibilities for preserving and showcasing large-scale cultural heritage sites.

Tomographic Images of Magma Chambers Beneath the Avacha and Koryaksky Volcanoes in Kamchatka

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2019 — WHE062C762E55

A new tomographic model reveals distinct magma reservoirs beneath the Avacha and Koryaksky volcanoes in Kamchatka, with exceptionally high Vp/Vs ratios (up to 2.4) indicating regions of partial melt or fluid accumulation. The study used seismic wave arrival times from nearly 5,000 local events recorded between 2009–2018 to map these anomalies. Beneath Avacha, the magma reservoir is shallower (~2 km depth), connected to the surface by a conduit marked by active seismicity, while beneath Koryaksky, it lies deeper (~7 km) and aligns with a vertical cluster of seismic activity, suggesting fluid ascent pathways. A 2–3 km thick layer of low seismic velocity between the volcanoes is interpreted as volcanoclastic sediments. The findings indicate that upper-crustal magma reservoirs are not interconnected, providing critical insights into volcanic hazards in Kamchatka.

Toponyms’ contribution to identity: The case study of Rabat (Morocco)

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — 2019 — WHEBD77990458

Place names in Rabat, Morocco, serve as powerful symbols that transcend their functional role to shape community identity and convey transgenerational meaning. This study reveals that toponyms are not merely markers of location but act as vectors of imposed identity and ideology, reflecting deeper cultural narratives embedded in the landscape. Through a qualitative case study approach, researchers employed semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to analyze how place names influence self-identification among residents. The findings underscore the symbolic significance of toponymy in constructing collective identities, offering insights into how spatial naming processes reinforce social and historical ideologies.

Tourism and sacred landscape in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2019 — WHEABC5579A1A

Tourism in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park is significantly altering local Sherpa spiritual values and religious practices, despite their efforts to maintain cultural identity. The study reveals that while the Khumbu region remains sacred to the Sherpa community, who view it as a beyul or hidden valley with landscapes inhabited by deities, tourism's growing influence is diminishing traditional religious routines and human-environment relationships. Conducted through 33 interviews with ethnic Sherpas over four months of fieldwork in 2014–2015, this research highlights the tension between tourism development and the preservation of sacred landscape values.

Tourism Development and the New Path of Migration in Sabah, Malaysia

Kinabalu Park — 2019 — WHECAFFCF5351

A significant shift in migration patterns has emerged in Sabah, Malaysia, driven by tourism development and the establishment of Kinabalu National Park. The study reveals that while the park's creation has displaced local Dusun communities from their customary lands, it has also spurred economic opportunities, particularly in tourism, leading to the abandonment of agricultural lands. This shift has facilitated an influx of Indonesian migrant families, predominantly Christian, who now primarily engage in vegetable cultivation. Advanced communication technology further supports these migrants by maintaining family ties across the Sulawesi Sea. The research employed ethnographic methods to explore these transformations, highlighting the complex interplay between tourism, agriculture, and migration dynamics.

Tourism Governance in Komodo National Park, Indonesia: Blessing or Curse?

Komodo National Park — 2019 — WHE61FB5AFA8A

Tourism governance in Komodo National Park (KNP), Indonesia, primarily benefits residents of Komodo Island while excluding those on Rinca Island from socio-economic prosperity. The study reveals that tourism management is largely controlled by KNP officials, with local people confined to roles as naturalist guides. This qualitative research, involving interviews with community leaders, guides, village heads, and tourism managers across two villages, highlights the uneven distribution of tourism's economic advantages within the park's vicinity.

Tourism Impacts Continuity of World Heritage List Inscription and Sustainable Management of Hahoe Village, Korea: A Case Study of Changes in Tourist Perceptions

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2019 — WHE1B25F7365E

The designation of Hahoe Village as a UNESCO World Heritage Site significantly boosted its tourism appeal, with the 'World Heritage' label acting as a powerful brand driver. However, this surge in tourism also created challenges for balancing heritage preservation and visitor convenience, necessitating strategic management to sustain long-term brand equity. The study analyzed changes in tourist perceptions between 2014 and 2018, highlighting the need for adaptive management strategies that address the trade-offs between preserving cultural integrity and enhancing visitor experiences. This research underscores the importance of proactive planning to ensure the sustainable development of World Heritage Sites while maintaining their intrinsic value.

Tourist Motivations and Satisfaction in the Archaeological Ensemble of Madinat Al-Zahra

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2019 — WHEC6831757FD

Tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Caliphate City of Medina Azahara (Madinat Al-Zahra) in Córdoba, Spain, report high satisfaction with both the site and Córdoba as a destination. However, they perceive that this archaeological ensemble is not well-integrated with other city attractions and identify the transport system as a significant weakness. The study used Structural Equation Models to analyze data from 375 tourists, comparing their motivations, expected and perceived value of the destination and monument. Findings highlight the need for improved connectivity and integration of heritage sites within urban tourism strategies.

Tourist Spatial-Temporal Behavior Model in Scenic Spot Based on Social Media Data

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2019 — WHE2CBB14753C

Social media data can effectively model tourist spatial-temporal behavior, revealing key patterns in scenic spot visitation. This study demonstrates that by analyzing posts from platforms like Sina Weibo, researchers can quantify passenger flow heterogeneity, identify popular routes, and assess stay-time intensity—without relying on traditional survey methods. Applied to the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing, the model uncovered uneven distribution of tourist activity across different areas, with some zones experiencing significantly higher foot traffic. The findings suggest that social media-driven analysis offers a scalable, real-time tool for scenic spot planning and management, potentially optimizing visitor experiences while preserving cultural heritage.

Tourists’ Perspective on Products and Services in the Town of Goiás, Goias

Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás — 2019 — WHE4379E7163F

Tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás, Brazil, generally perceive local hospitality as positive and suitable. However, significant challenges persist, particularly regarding lodging availability, payment options (credit/debit cards), and the lack of online information about the city. Conducted through qualitative surveys at key events like the International Environmental Film Festival and Gastronomy Festival, this study highlights the need for improved tourism infrastructure and services to enhance visitor experiences in this historic destination.

Toward a model of destination resident–environment relationship: the case of Gulangyu, China

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2019 — WHE67FFDB9FCE

A groundbreaking study on Gulangyu Island, Chinareveals that residents' environmentally responsible behavior and willingness to sacrifice for the environment are significantly influenced by destination environmental quality and eco-friendly reputation. The research demonstrates that both factors directly impact resident environmental identification and commitment, which in turn shape their behaviors. Notably, environmental identification and commitment fully mediate the effects of environmental quality on these outcomes, while partially mediating the influence of destination reputation. This suggests that fostering a strong sense of environmental belonging among residents is key to promoting sustainable practices in heritage destinations.

Towards a holistic approach to heritage values: a multidisciplinary and cosmopolitan approach

Maloti-Drakensberg Park — 2019 — WHE295AA7837B

A new method for assessing heritage values moves beyond traditional categorical frameworks, offering a multidisciplinary and cosmopolitan approach that aligns with local actors' perspectives. Applied to the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, this method identifies six cross-cultural interest points related to San rock art, demonstrating its potential for global application in heritage management. By integrating diverse disciplines and viewpoints, it aims to create more effective and sustainable management plans that resonate with local communities.

Towards an Operational Framework of Crowd Evacuation Simulation in Historic Bazaars in Fire Disasters

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2019 — WHECEFD6EFF7F

Historic bazaars, such as Tabriz's, face significant fire disaster risks due to their complex physical and social structures that often deviate from modern safety standards. This study proposes an operational framework for crowd evacuation simulation in these settings, emphasizing the need to account for both human behavioral patterns and environmental constraints like bottlenecks and obstacles before simulating fire and smoke spread. The research, based on field studies of Tabriz and Istanbul bazaars alongside library reviews, identifies critical factors including physical environment interactions and human-psychological dynamics that must be integrated into evacuation planning simulations. This framework aims to optimize emergency strategies by addressing practical simulation requirements, ultimately enhancing safety in these culturally significant yet vulnerable spaces.

Towards an Understanding of Spatio‐Temporal Dynamics at Great Zimbabwe: Contributions of the Urban Origins in Eastern and Southern Africa Programme

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2019 — WHE1F424E4C99

A collaborative, large-scale archaeological program revealed significant insights into the spatio-temporal dynamics of Great Zimbabwe and other urban sites in eastern and southern Africa. By adopting a comprehensive approach that mirrors historical human scales, researchers demonstrated the potential of multivariate assessments to analyze spatial distributions across vast regions. This study, part of the Urban Origins programme involving 22 parallel field projects, synthesized scattered data from multiple sources, offering new perspectives on the development and organization of ancient urban centers in Africa.

Towards eradication: The history and management of Bitou Bush on K'gari‐Fraser Island, Australia

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2019 — WHE009E470BFD

Long-term, systematic efforts to control Bitou Bush, a Weed of National Significance, on UNESCO World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, demonstrate that eradication is achievable. The study highlights the success of targeted management strategies, including surveys and treatments, which have significantly reduced Bitou Bush populations. This approach serves as a model for similar conservation projects in the region and beyond, proving that persistence and dedication can lead to meaningful ecological restoration outcomes.

Towards Identifying the Mechanisms of the Modified-Salinity Waterflooding by a Novel Combination of Core flooding and Mathematical Modeling

Stevns Klint — 2019 — WHE969053DEC6

A novel approach to understanding modified-salinity waterflooding in carbonates, particularly in outcrop chalk like Stevns Klint, reveals that wettability changes driven by the adsorption of potential determining ions (PDIs), such as calcium, are critical to oil breakthrough times. Unlike traditional models focusing solely on recovery factors and pressure drops, this study prioritizes matching ion concentrations and oil breakthrough timings, identifying PDI adsorption as a key mechanism. By combining core flooding experiments with advanced mathematical modeling and optimization algorithms, researchers demonstrated that lower salinity brines can also induce wettability changes independently of ionic adsorption. While the approach remains semi-empirical, it provides a foundation for future fundamental studies to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying these processes.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in Amami spiny rat on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHEA337696765

Researchers have identified the first confirmed case of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the endangered Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. The discovery was made through histopathological analysis and genetic sequencing of a deceased specimen, which revealed infections in the liver, lungs, and heart. Using nested or semi-nested PCRs targeting specific genes (B1, SAG3, GRA6, and ROP18), the study detected T. gondii genomic DNA and determined that the strain was related to the type II lineage. This finding sheds light on the potential impact of protozoan infections on this critically endangered rodent species, which is endemic to the island's forests.

Tradice a kulturní hodnoty území v péči UNESCO

Vlkolínec — 2019 — WHE321D81DD5B

UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Vlkolínec in Slovakia and the potential candidate Slovanské hradiště in Mikulčice, Czech Republic, face unique challenges in preserving their traditional natural and cultural values. This study highlights practical tools like territorial plans, management plans, and protective buffer zones to effectively safeguard these sites. It demonstrates how existing frameworks can be leveraged to integrate heritage conservation with community life, ensuring sustainable protection. The research is part of a broader project focusing on the role of UNESCO sites in local communities, offering actionable insights for policymakers and conservationists.

Traditional Sustainable Architecture Techniques and Its Applications in Contemporary Architecture: Case Studies of the Islamic House in Fatimid Cairo and Sana'a, Cities in Egypt and Yemen

Historic Cairo — 2019 — WHE888E311178

Modern sustainable architecture can effectively incorporate traditional techniques from the Arab region, such as courtyards, wind catchers (badgirs), and mashrabiyas, to enhance environmental performance. A comparative study of Islamic houses in Fatimid Cairo, Egypt, and Sana'a, Yemen, demonstrates that low-technology materials like mud bricks and earth resources can achieve sustainability without relying on advanced technology. The research analyzes the environmental relationships and structural elements of these historic designs, proving their adaptability in contemporary contexts.

Transcending the nature/culture dichotomy: Cultivated and cultured world class nature

Wadden Sea — 2019 — WHE89A3A0402C

A nuanced understanding of the relationship between humans and nature, particularly in world-class natural sites like the Wadden Sea, can significantly enhance efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage. This study challenges the traditional dichotomy of 'wild' versus 'cultivated' nature by examining interpretations and appreciations of nature that is not untouched or untamed. Using data from 48 research participants in the Danish part of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, the research highlights subtle distinctions between nature and culture, offering refined conceptualizations that could strengthen global heritage protection efforts.