World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 18021 – 18040 of 30345 publications

Asymmetric Cloud‐Shortwave Radiation‐Sea Surface Temperature Feedback of Ningaloo Niño/Niña

Ningaloo Coast — 2018 — WHEB8FAF9E758

Research on the Ningaloo Coast reveals an asymmetric cloud-shortwave radiation-sea surface temperature (SST) feedback mechanism, where positive SST anomalies trigger a negative feedback due to increased high cloud cover from deep convection, while negative SST anomalies induce a positive feedback linked to low cloud cover under subtropical high influence. This asymmetry arises because the region's relatively high SSTs are near the convective threshold. The study analyzed observational and reanalysis data to uncover this dynamic, shedding light on how cloud-SST interactions differ in eastern boundary regions.

Athenian Moldmade Bowls on Delos: Laumonier’s Sample

Delos — 2018 — WHEBE906E7F47

Research on Athenian moldmade bowls from Delos reveals a previously unknown step in the production process and evidence for the export of molds, suggesting that 'Attic' bowls were produced beyond Athens. Analyzing Laumonier's sample of 2,000+ Hellenistic hemispherical relief bowls, the study identifies all major decorative types, with long-petal bowls being most common. The imagery aligns closely with Athenian bowls, but new stamps and workshop attributions are documented. While some bowls arrived on Delos before 167 BCE, the majority were imported later, possibly impacting Athenian industry development.

Atmospheric Wave Disturbances During the 2017 Kambalniy Volcano Eruption (Kamchatka)

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2018 — WHEC4C222DA12

A rare hydrothermal eruption of Kambalniy Volcano, dormant for 500 years, was characterized by unusual atmospheric wave disturbances and seismic activity. The eruption, lasting from March 24 to April 10, 2017, produced quasi-sinusoidal oscillations with a frequency of 8 Hz (acoustic tremor or AT), detected via an infrasound station IS44 located 208 km away. Three strong seismic signals were simultaneously registered at the eruption's onset, with monitoring from the nearby Pauzhetka seismic station revealing a brief and weak seismic build-up (Kmax = 8.6). The absence of discrete infrasound signals typically associated with explosive eruptions suggests a distinct pattern of ash-and-gas emissions, reinforcing the classification of this event as hydrothermal in nature.

Atmospheric Weathering of Historic Monuments and Their Related Conservation Issues

Nemrut Dağ — 2018 — WHE8BD565018F

Atmospheric weathering significantly impacts the longevity and conservation of historic monuments, with processes driven by temperature fluctuations, humidity, pollutants, and biological agents. The study highlights that successful conservation depends on precise diagnostic assessments to identify decay mechanisms and deterioration factors, ensuring treatments are compatible with both deteriorated and sound materials. Two case studies—marble walls in a polluted urban environment and limestone statues exposed to rural climatic conditions—demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted interventions based on diagnostic research. The findings underscore the importance of minimal intervention strategies to preserve historical integrity while addressing deterioration factors.

Aurelio Galfetti - Castelgrande a Bellinzona: rifondare il senso dei luoghi

Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona — 2018 — WHE37F3096481

Aurelio Galfetti's rehabilitation project for Castelgrande and its surrounding rock in Bellinzona redefines the historical significance of this architectural and geographical ensemble. By focusing on two fundamental human actions—digging and enclosing—the project not only preserves the site but also restores its cultural and spatial meaning, bridging past and present occupation of the landscape. This approach offers a novel perspective on how heritage conservation can revitalize the narrative of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by reinterpreting their historical functions.

Aurora Pețan (România), Cetățile dacice din Munții Orăștiei. Probleme actuale și perspective / Th e Dacian fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains. Current issues and perspectives

Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains — 2018 — WHE27480955EE

The Dacian Fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains, inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1999, face significant challenges including poor conservation, vandalism, and lack of promotion. While only one fortress has a site manager, all six suffer from a complex interplay of factors contributing to their deterioration. This study identifies these issues, providing a foundation for potential solutions and reflecting on the broader implications for heritage management.

Automatic Mosaic Digitalization: a Deep Learning approach to tessera segmentation

Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) — 2018 — WHEB13825D1D2

A deep learning approach successfully automates the segmentation of mosaic tesserae, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy over manual methods. This technique, applied to the mosaic floor of the Church of St. Stephen at Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), demonstrates high reliability in identifying non-homogeneous tesserae, a critical step for digital mosaic analysis. The method enables automatic cataloging, figure extraction, geolocalization, and semantic interpretation, addressing longstanding challenges in mosaic research. Experimental results on the collected dataset validate its effectiveness, offering a robust solution for large-scale mosaic digitization.

Automotive retrofits in historic city centres and their potential effects on their walkability: a comparison of San Luis Obispo, CA, USA and Bath, England, UK

City of Bath — 2018 — WHE358C975740

Historic city centers often face trade-offs between accommodating automotive infrastructure and preserving walkability, with parking retrofits frequently disrupting pedestrian-friendly environments. A comparison of Bath, England, and San Luis Obispo, California, reveals that Bath's stricter limits on surface parking in its historic core yield higher walkability scores than those in San Luis Obispo, where more extensive parking retrofits fragment the relationship between buildings and walkways. The study analyzed case studies, planning documents, preservation literature, and walkability indicators to quantify these effects, demonstrating how urban design choices can either enhance or diminish pedestrian accessibility in heritage areas.

Availability of global and national scale land cover products and their accuracy in mountainous areas of Ethiopia: a review

Bale Mountains National Park — 2018 — WHEE7C4D148F9

A review of global and national-scale land cover products reveals their limited accuracy in complex mountainous terrains, such as Ethiopia's Bale Mountains National Park. Despite the availability of 146 studies—most published since 2013—none utilized pre-existing land use/land cover (LULC) products; instead, they relied on individually computed maps. Validation using 185 ground truth points showed overall accuracy below 50%, highlighting significant challenges in applying these products to local-scale applications in rugged landscapes. The study underscores the need for region-specific LULC products tailored to mountainous areas.

Axum Stele

Aksum — 2018 — WHEB971CB0130

The Axum Stele, a monumental artifact symbolizing Ethiopia's ancient civilization, became central to a complex international restitution process involving Italy, Ethiopia, UNESCO, and the African Union. Its removal during Mussolini’s conquest and subsequent return highlight tensions between colonialism, international law, and cultural heritage politics. This study examines how such objects navigate legal frameworks and domestic significance, revealing the interplay of expert rule, internationalism, and the political uses of repatriated artifacts.

Bagan and the World: Early Myanmar and Its Global Connections eds. by Goh Geok Yian, John N. Miksic, Michael Aung-Thwin

Pyu Ancient Cities — 2018 — WHE2C85CDC27C

A collection of essays challenges the 'splendid isolation' thesis, demonstrating that Myanmar's ancient polities, including Pyu cities and Bagan (11th–14th centuries), were deeply connected to broader regional networks. The study synthesizes findings from historians, art historians, architects, and archaeologists, revealing shared technological advancements—such as true arch and vault construction in Pyu and Bagan architecture—and cultural exchanges with India, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Notable discoveries include Indian influences on Bagan temple designs (e.g., sikkhara decorations) and the role of Mrauk-U depositories in Buddhist literature dissemination. Radiocarbon dating and comparative analysis with Angkor Wat further underscore Myanmar's integrated place within ancient global trade and cultural systems.

Batik as a creative industry

Tsodilo — 2018 — WHEE9CFD61DAA

Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is crucial for preserving diverse heritage values, meanings, and uses at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study examining Tsodilo in Botswana and Great Zimbabwe highlights that prioritizing tangible heritage conservation often overlooks ICH, which is deeply intertwined with local culture and rituals. The research argues that understanding ICH is essential for effective material heritage management, as it can protect and sustain cultural practices tied to these sites. By analyzing the values and challenges associated with safeguarding ICH in southern Africa, the study underscores its role in maintaining the richness of heritage landscapes.

Bâtir sous terre : architectures et techniques des sépultures collectives hypogées de Méditerranée occidentale à la fin de la Préhistoire

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas — 2018 — WHE6B8E99D40C

A groundbreaking analysis of Mediterranean hypogean architecture reveals distinct regional variations in the construction techniques and operational strategies used for collective burial sites during the late prehistoric period. The study, conducted across France's Fontvieille monumental complex and Sardinia's S'elighe Entosu necropolis, employed a tripartite methodology combining technological analysis of excavation tools, photogrammetric examination of wall traces, and experimental validation to test hypotheses about construction processes. Findings indicate that while core techniques were shared, local adaptations reflected cultural priorities and resource availability, challenging assumptions about the uniformity of Mediterranean burial practices. This research not only advances understanding of prehistoric engineering but also sheds light on the social significance of these subterranean structures within communities.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Hungary: an overview of recent and historical occurrence

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2018 — WHE499292834D

A study on the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in Hungary reveals that it threatens amphibian populations, with an overall prevalence of 7.46% across 16 taxa. The research combined recent field sampling and historical data analysis, focusing on two sentinel species—Bombina variegata and the Pelophylax esculentus complex—in core areas like Hortobágy National Park. Notably, juvenile B. variegata showed higher Bd prevalence than adults, while infection intensity in P. esculentus was unaffected by sex, age, or sampling year. Climatic variables, such as monthly mean air temperature, were also linked to Bd prevalence, suggesting environmental factors influence the pathogen's impact. This comprehensive inventory underscores the need for systematic monitoring to mitigate chytridiomycosis in Hungarian amphibians.

Bats and their Bat Flies: Community Composition and Host Specificity on a Pacific Island Archipelago

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2018 — WHE4C640758A2

Coiba National Park, Panama's fourth-largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors remarkable bat diversity with 39 species identified, despite limited study effort. This study reveals that the park's highly preserved forests support one of the highest bat species richness in Panama, with eight new species recorded. The research also documents 22 species of ectoparasitic bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae), all new records for the area, and notes a high host specificity of 98.2% among these parasites. Using mist nets and acoustic monitoring, the study identified 30 bat species from 904 captures and 751 recordings, with Artibeus jamaicensis and Carollia perspicillata being the most abundant, while Myotis nigricans, Saccopteryx leptura, and Molossus bondae were the most frequently recorded aerial insectivores. The findings suggest that Coiba's isolated yet well-preserved ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining high biodiversity.

Beads in the World, by Kazunobu Ikeya (ed.) (2018)

Dholavira: a Harappan City — 2018 — WHE4DE73B34F5

A detailed analysis of Ernestite drills from the Harappan site of Dholavira, India, has significantly advanced our understanding of drill types and subtypes. This study, featured in 'Beads in the World,' employs statistical methods to categorize and analyze a substantial collection of drills, revealing nuanced distinctions in their attributes. The research not only enhances our knowledge of ancient Harappan craftsmanship but also provides insights into the functional diversity and possible uses of these tools during that era.

Beginning of Modernization of Mountain Huts on the Yoshida Trail, Mt. Fuji

Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration — 2018 — WHE75B9AE83F2

Mount Fuji's mountain huts, originally serving pilgrims during the Edo era, underwent significant modernization beginning in the Meiji period (late 19th to early 20th century), transitioning from traditional stone structures to more modern facilities. This study reveals that while some huts retained their historical forms, others, particularly at key trail junctions like the eighth station, were expanded and transformed into lodgings, a post office, and first aid stations, reflecting Japan's shift toward alpinism and international tourism. The research, combining historical analysis, interviews, and field surveys, highlights how government regulations—such as those by Governor Chiyozaburo Takeda—and the influence of local stakeholders, including former oshi (pilgrim guides) and business owners, drove these changes. By the Taisho era, this modernization disrupted the equalities among huts that had existed under Edo-era ownership, marking a pivotal shift in Mt. Fuji's cultural landscape.

Behavior of Organic Micropollutants During River Bank Filtration in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2018 — WHE571181C941

A six-month study in Budapest revealed that river bank filtration significantly reduces concentrations of certain organic micropollutants, with some compounds showing up to 78% removal efficiency. Bisphenol A, carbamazepine, and sulfamethoxazole exhibited minimal reduction (<20%), while others like 1H-benzotriazole and diclofenac demonstrated substantial attenuation during filtration on Szentendre Island and Csepel Island. The research analyzed 36 emerging micropollutants in Danube River water and bank filtrate, highlighting the potential of this natural process to improve water quality by lowering pollutant levels.

Behavioural consequences of human disturbance on subantarctic Yellow-eyed Penguins Megadyptes antipodes

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2018 — WHE4B8802D6A5

Human disturbance significantly impacts the behavior of subantarctic Yellow-eyed Penguins (Megadyptes antipodes), reducing their likelihood of successful transit to or from nests and altering their activity patterns. Research on Enderby Island, part of New Zealand's UNESCO-listed Auckland Islands group, revealed that current tourism guidelines—requiring a minimum 5-meter approach distance—are insufficient to prevent disturbance. The study used controlled approaches and tourist monitoring to document penguin movement and behavior, modeling effective approach distances to predict disturbance probabilities. Findings suggest revising guidelines to better protect this endangered species, with broader implications for wildlife management worldwide.

Belize Barrier Reef System

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2018 — WHEA002008AF6

Belize Barrier Reef System is recognized for its rich biodiversity and critical ecosystem services, including fisheries production, tourism, recreation, and shoreline protection. However, it faces significant threats from overfishing, unsustainable coastal development, uncontrolled tourism, land use practices, and oil exploration. Despite these challenges, Belize has implemented effective management strategies such as integrated coastal zone management plans, managed access fisheries, a ban on oil exploration, and protective fisheries legislation to mitigate impacts on the reef. This chapter focuses on the complexities of tourism use within this system, highlighting both its economic importance and the need for sustainable practices to preserve its ecological integrity.