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Showing 18081 – 18100 of 30345 publications

Carrying capacity and its implications in a Chinese ancient village: the case of Hongcun.

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun — 2018 — WHE44858FC47B

Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Huizhou architecture and annual visitation of 1.6 million, faces significant social carrying capacity challenges due to overcrowding. A spatial model analysis reveals that the village's social limits are being exceeded, impacting resident life. The study suggests two potential futures: either implementing strict visitation quotas to preserve UNESCO status or transforming into a Huizhou culture-themed park to accommodate mass tourism. Survey data from residents underscores the urgency of addressing these issues.

Carrying capacity of Peucang Island for ecotourism management in Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2018 — WHE6F7443F9A5

Peucang Island in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP) supports ecotourism with significant but differentiated carrying capacities. Research reveals that the Karang Copong jungle trail can accommodate 20,000 visitors daily under Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC), 4,838 under Real Carrying Capacity (RCC), and a mere 6 under Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC). Biological observations indicate vegetation damage and altered animal behavior along the trail. Beach suitability assessments classify two sites as suitable and six as highly suitable for tourism, with capacities ranging from 27 to 70 visitors daily. Current visitor numbers exceed ECC thresholds but remain within PCC and RCC limits, highlighting urgent need for sustainable management to preserve ecological integrity.

Case Studies in Large-Scale Archaeological Site Conservation and Management in China: The Liangzhu, Yin Xu, and Han Yangling Sites

Yin Xu — 2018 — WHECCF152946E

China's large-scale archaeological site conservation projects, including those at Yin Xu, demonstrate adaptive governance strategies to address urbanization and natural disaster threats while balancing social, economic, and ecological needs. The study identifies how government agencies restructure existing mechanisms to meet these challenges, highlighting the importance of stakeholder responsibility in local development contexts. Through a combination of literature review and field research, the authors analyze case studies such as Liangzhu, Yin Xu, and Han Yangling to provide insights into effective conservation practices for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Castles by the cathedral

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2018 — WHEF6BBBC229A

Durham Castle and Cathedral present a unique historical anomaly, where the bishop's fortified residence was initially separated from his cathedral, the center of his authority. This separation was later addressed by Bishop Flambard, who cleared surrounding houses to create an open space between the castle and cathedral. A notable feature of Durham Castle is its twelfth-century description in a poem by Prior Laurence, a rare document for any English castle. The study also highlights the historical context of Remigius, who arrived with William the Conqueror in 1066, and Bishop Bloet's construction of a gate around 1110, possibly to control an exit from the castle. This research sheds light on the complex relationship between ecclesiastical authority and military fortification during the medieval period.

Catherine M. Mooney. Clare of Assisi and the Thirteenth-Century Church: Religious Women, Rules, and Resistance.

Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites — 2018 — WHEC41CCB4338

A remarkable textile discovery at the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi reveals that Clare of Assisi, a close follower of St. Francis, mended his worn tunic with patches from her own garment over several years. This interlaced history symbolizes the intricate relationship between Clare and Francis, which has historically overshadowed their individual struggles and contributions. Catherine M. Mooney's study, 'Clare of Assisi and the Thirteenth-Century Church: Religious Women, Rules, and Resistance,' aims to re-examine Clare and her community at San Damiano independently while situating them within the broader networks of religious men and women that shaped the Order of St. Clare. Through a micro-study approach, Mooney explores the contested nature of regulating penitent women in the 13th century, offering new insights into their agency and influence.

Cave Art and the Origins of Language

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2018 — WHE31F4397F89

Cave paintings, a form of parietal art dating back approximately 40,000 years, offer significant insights into the origins of human language. These prehistoric drawings, predominantly found in Eurasia during the Upper Paleolithic period (40,000-10,000 BCE), provide a unique window into the cognitive and symbolic capabilities of early humans. A notable concentration of these paintings is observed in the Franco-Cantabrian region, spanning northern Spain and southern France, with around 350 sites identified across Europe. While much research has focused on the motivations behind cave art, this study shifts attention to its implications for language development. By analyzing the patterns, techniques, and symbolism employed in these paintings, researchers aim to unravel the complexities of early human communication, shedding light on the evolutionary processes that shaped modern language.

Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage: Hirst Wood, Shipley: An Archaeological Woodland Survey

Saltaire — 2018 — WHE30248F60DA

A volunteer-led archaeological survey of Hirst Wood, Shipley, reveals the woodland's layered industrial and historical significance. The study identified remnants of New Hirst Mill (18th century), worker cottages, mineral extraction sites, charcoal burning platforms, and medieval holloways, suggesting a complex history spanning prehistoric settlement, iron working, and the cotton/wool industry. Proximity to intensive stone extraction challenges the classification of a nearby hut circle as prehistoric. The survey's GIS-managed data, though not exhaustive, significantly enhances understanding of Hirst Wood's role in Shipley's industrial narrative. Potential integration with Saltaire's UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal could elevate visitor experience and local heritage awareness.

Centro de Interpretación en Chan Chan

Chan Chan Archaeological Zone — 2018 — WHEE34DE72BE7

A proposed Interpretation Center at the Chan Chan Archaeological Zone aims to preserve and deepen understanding of the Chimor culture, which uniquely emphasized celestial bodies like stars and the moon over solar worship. Unlike other pre-Inca cultures, the Chimor integrated astronomy into their cosmology, social structures, and architecture, yet this aspect remains unexplored in existing archaeological sites or local museums. The center would serve as a complementary educational resource, ensuring the cultural legacy of the Chimor civilization is not overshadowed by competing institutions.

Chaco Rock Art Matters

Chaco Culture — 2018 — WHEF495785B36

Chaco rock art plays a crucial role in understanding the Chaco culture and its regional significance, contrary to its historical neglect. The study argues that integrating rock art into archaeological research can clarify perceptions of Chaco's social affiliations, ideologies, cosmologies, and worldviews. While Chaco is renowned for its monumental architecture—such as great houses built between 900 and 1140 CE—the region's rock art has been overlooked despite its potential to provide insights into cultural dimensions often expressed through visual media. The research emphasizes that rock art, like other material culture elements, can serve as a symbol of group association or sociopolitical affiliation, challenging the traditional focus on architecture alone. By analyzing rock art within Chaco Canyon, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the 'Chaco Phenomenon,' moving beyond speculative models of centralized systems and offering new perspectives on its cultural and political landscape.

Chaetostoma hexapetalum (Microlicieae, Melastomataceae): A New Species from the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2018 — WHE6903CCB713

Scientists have identified Chaetostoma hexapetalum, a new species of plant belonging to the Melastomataceae family, from the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Brazil's Cerrado biome. This discovery is significant as it introduces a unique species characterized by six-petaled flowers, a four-chambered ovary, and distinctive seed structures. The research provides detailed morphological descriptions, supported by scanning electron microscopy images of seeds and field photographs, along with a distribution map. A key to differentiate Chaetostoma species in the region is also included. Due to its limited distribution and specific habitat requirements, C. hexapetalum is classified as endangered, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed protected area.

Challenges in the Management of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Republic of Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2018 — WHE9547D5F388

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's oldest and largest protected area, faces significant challenges despite its high conservation status and UNESCO World Heritage designation. A SWOT analysis reveals that while the park excels in biodiversity conservation, investments, and workforce, it struggles with visitor overload in a small area, lack of management plans for tourism, education, or marketing, and threats like inadequate water supply infrastructure and excessive construction near villages. Opportunities lie in leveraging its protected status and strong financial health to adopt sustainable tourism practices, develop educational programs, and implement long-term management strategies—provided these efforts remain politically neutral and continuous. This study underscores the need for strategic, resilient management to ensure Plitvice Lakes remains a benchmark for conservation and tourism excellence.

Changes in Lightning Fire Incidence in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, 1980–2016

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2018 — WHE124475D53E

A significant increase in lightning-caused fires has been observed in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) since 2000, with no corresponding changes in rainfall, soil dryness, or fuel load. Instead, the variability and mean of the driest conditions have predicted both the number and area of these fires, suggesting that a higher proportion of lightning strikes occurring during drier periods has enhanced ignition efficiency. This shift poses substantial challenges for heritage management, as projected increases in fuel loads and drier climates could further exacerbate fire incidence, threatening the site's globally significant natural and cultural values.

Changes in the Assortment and Species Structure of Timber Harvested from the Polish Managed Part of Białowieża Forest

Białowieża Forest — 2018 — WHE21ED1074CB

A significant increase in timber harvesting from the Polish-managed part of Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most valuable primeval forest remnants, was found to have adverse ecological consequences. Between 2011-2013, harvest volumes were reduced to 48,500 m³ annually due to environmental concerns, but this was later increased to nearly 190,000 m³ in 2017, with 91% of the harvested wood being spruce of inferior technical quality. This change led to a surge in European spruce bark beetle infestations, causing widespread tree mortality. The study, based on data from the State Forests Information System (SILP), Forest Management Plans (PUL), and Nature Conservation Programs (POP), highlights the tension between commercial forestry needs and nature conservation in managed environmentally valuable areas. The EU Court of Justice later ruled that Poland violated EU law by increasing harvest levels, reinforcing the need for balanced management approaches.

Changes in the Long-Term Geophysical Eruptive Precursors at Piton de la Fournaise: Implications for the Response Management

Pitons Management Area — 2018 — WHE18EF73955A

A study of Piton de la Fournaise volcano reveals significant changes in long-term geophysical eruptive precursors, such as seismicity and ground displacements, which occur days to weeks before eruptions. These changes, observed between 1998 and 2017 (43 eruptions), are linked to the pre- and post-summit caldera formation in April 2007 and shifts in deep magma refilling processes since 2016. The research highlights the impact of these variations on early warning systems, leading to false or late alerts. This insight has prompted improvements in alert protocols and more effective communication between scientists and decision-makers, enhancing crisis management at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Changes in vegetation cover of the Pantanal wetland detected by Vegetation Index: a strategy for conservation

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2018 — WHE4318C3AD5F

A concerning trend of increasing short vegetation coverage at the expense of dense, arboreal-shrubby vegetation has been identified in the Pantanal wetland. Analysis of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from 2000 to 2015, combined with projections using DINAMICA EGO modeling, reveals that by 2030, 78% of the Pantanal could be dominated by grasslands or pastures, while only 14% would retain its original dense vegetation. This shift threatens the wetland's hydrological processes and flood pulse dynamics, critical to its ecological function. The study leverages open-source satellite data (MODIS) and transition matrix calculations to provide a data-driven strategy for conservation efforts.

Characterisation of faults as earthquake sources from geomorphic data in the Tongariro Volcanic Complex, New Zealand

Tongariro National Park — 2018 — WHEEE80AA7205

A new assessment of seismic hazards in the Tongariro Volcanic Complex, New Zealand, reveals higher slip-rates (up to 2.6 ± 0.8 mm/yr) and larger potential earthquake magnitudes (M W 7.2 ± 0.1) than previously estimated for the region's faults. The study analyzed geomorphic surface offsets and fault trace geometry along four parallel normal faults—National Park, Waihi, Poutu, and Upper Waikato Stream—which collectively form the Tongariro Graben. While data suggest these faults could rupture as a whole or in shorter segments, the findings significantly elevate the seismic risk for the area, with implications for earthquake preparedness and hazard mitigation strategies.

Characterisation of Treated Wastewater of M’Zab Valley for Reuse in Irrigation (Southern Algeria)

M'Zab Valley — 2018 — WHEA29CBA3E0E

Treated wastewater from the M'Zab Valley, Algeria, shows limited suitability for irrigation despite meeting some national and international standards. The study, conducted over two years (2013-2015), analyzed physical-chemical and bacteriological parameters to assess the effectiveness of a natural lagoon treatment system. While biological treatment reduced pollution, the water was deemed poor quality, only viable for salt-tolerant crops on well-drained soils with additional treatment. This research highlights the challenges of reusing treated wastewater in arid regions like the Sahara, where water scarcity is a critical issue.

Characteristics and Perception of Visitors on Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP)

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2018 — WHE4CD44C6749

A study on Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP) reveals that visitor perceptions of facility completeness, fame of recreational areas, information services, and payment options are generally positive, though facility completeness lags behind. The research, conducted in 2015 with a sample of 150 visitors from 2014, found that the majority were young males aged 21–25, often students or foreign tourists, particularly from Asia, with first-time visitors typically staying over 10 hours. While UKNP is well-regarded for its recreational value and information provision, visitors perceive facilities as insufficient compared to their needs. The study used a descriptive-exploratory method with questionnaire-based data analysis.

Characterization and damage assessment of stones used in the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Achaemenian period

Pasargadae — 2018 — WHED7BDEAD642

Research at Pasargadae, an Achaemenian period UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that the site's architectural stones—previously classified by color (beige, dark-gray, and green-gray)—are distinct limestones with varying textures. Two types exhibit a compact structure, while the third is notably porous. Petrochemical analysis identified dolomite in some beige stone samples, though no salt was detected as a potential decay factor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pinpointed calcite crystal dissolution as a primary cause of deterioration in dark-gray and green-gray stones. These findings provide critical insights for tailoring conservation strategies to preserve Pasargadae's historic integrity.

Characterizing the vulnerability of intertidal organisms in Olympic National Park to ocean acidification

Olympic National Park — 2018 — WHE7D47746E66

Ocean acidification (OA) poses significant threats to marine animals sensitive to carbonate chemistry changes, particularly in coastal upwelling regions like the Northwest coast of North America. A study on Olympic National Park's intertidal zone reveals that pH decline here occurs an order of magnitude faster than predicted models, raising concerns about biodiversity loss. Researchers assessed the sensitivity of over 700 marine invertebrate and algal species to pH changes using experimental evidence and expert opinion, reinforcing known OA vulnerability patterns for carbonate-structure-building taxa while highlighting gaps in data for understudied species. The study also projects potential impacts on rocky intertidal communities at four long-term monitoring sites based on their composition.