World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 18401 – 18420 of 30345 publications

Fluvial-aeolian sedimentary facies, Sossusvlei, Namib Desert

Namib Sand Sea — 2018 — WHEB219BD89F4

Researchers have identified and mapped six distinct sedimentary facies in the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Sand Sea, revealing the complex interplay between fluvial and aeolian processes. This study provides a detailed spatial distribution pattern of these facies using remote sensing combined with ground observations, laboratory spectral measurements, Principal Component Analysis, band ratios, texture, and geomorphologic indices. The supervised classification algorithm, trained by field data, achieved high accuracy in distinguishing modern aeolian sand, deflation surfaces, mud pools/mud drapes, heavy mineral lag, reworked fluvial–aeolian sediments, and fossil dune remnants. The resulting 1:10,000 scale map offers a robust methodology for monitoring desert environments and understanding sediment dynamics in arid landscapes.

Foliar elemental profiles in the ultramafic flora of Kinabalu Park (Sabah, Malaysia)

Kinabalu Park — 2018 — WHECF2EEE863E

Research on the ultramafic flora of Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia, reveals significant hyperaccumulator behavior in numerous plant species. The study identified 38 species accumulating aluminum (Al) at concentrations exceeding 1000 μg g⁻¹, along with notable accumulators of manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). Specifically, 24 species exhibited extreme Ni accumulation (>1000 μg g⁻¹), with a striking phylogenetic pattern where 75% of these Ni hyperaccumulators belonged to the order Malpighiales. This discovery underscores the unique ecological adaptations of Kinabalu's flora, particularly in ultramafic soils. The study analyzed foliar elemental profiles of 594 plant species (1710 samples), comparing ultramafic and non-ultramafic soil types to elucidate element-specific uptake patterns, including exclusion of phytotoxic elements like Ni and Mn.

Food supply system dynamics in the Galapagos Islands: agriculture, livestock and imports

Galápagos Islands — 2018 — WHE913217E9F6

A critical analysis of the Galápagos Islands' food supply system reveals that without intervention, 95% of agricultural food will be imported by 2037, up from 75% in 2017. This shift is driven by rapid population growth—fueled by tourism—and a decline in local agricultural production, which already lags behind mainland Ecuador's consumption levels. Using system dynamics modeling with secondary data, researchers projected future scenarios to highlight the unsustainable trajectory of food dependence. The study underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to bolster local agriculture and align tourism growth with sustainable subsistence strategies.

Foraging Behavior of Endemic Dull-Blue Flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus) in Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Habitats of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2018 — WHE14C6D830BC

The dull-blue flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus) exhibits distinct foraging behaviors across different tropical montane habitats in Sri Lanka, with a significant preference for cloud forests. A two-year study (2015–2017) in Horton Plains National Park revealed that 60.14% of its foraging attempts occurred in intact cloud forest, compared to 34.17% in degraded cloud forest and only 5.7% in grasslands. These differences suggest that habitat degradation significantly impacts the flycatcher's foraging efficiency or resource availability. Researchers used GPS-marked transects and binocular observations to record 1,694 foraging events, providing quantitative evidence of its habitat-specific behavior.

Forecasting Foreign Guest Nights in Ancient Cities of Sri Lanka

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2018 — WHE06092198B5

A robust forecasting model, ARIMA (1,0,1) (1,1,2)6, has been identified as highly effective for predicting foreign guest nights in Sri Lanka's UNESCO-listed ancient cities, including Polonnaruwa. This model, validated through rigorous statistical tests, demonstrates minimal error and accurately captures the seasonal patterns of tourism occupancy. The study highlights the significance of such forecasting in optimizing hotel operations, influencing pricing, staffing, maintenance, and security strategies. While the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model performs well, future research is recommended to explore the Circular Model for potentially improved forecasting accuracy by accounting for both seasonal and cyclical variations.

Forensic Art History: the Ädel Painting Dispute 1839-1841

Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland — 2018 — WHE68A4C25FD5

A multidisciplinary investigation combining forensic art history and scientific analysis has resolved an 180-year-old dispute over the pigments used by 19th-century Swedish painter Anders Erik Ädel. The study, which analyzed judicial protocols alongside non-invasive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and spectroscopic methods, revealed that Ädel indeed used more costly pigments than agreed upon in his contract with client Erik Olofsson. This finding not only validates Ädel's claim from 1839 but also provides unprecedented insights into his painting techniques and materials, contributing to a deeper understanding of his artistic practice. The research underscores the value of integrating historical records with advanced scientific methods to reinterpret art history, particularly for UNESCO-listed sites like Hälsingland's decorated farmhouses.

Forest histories and nuclear futures: mapping resources, value, and change in southern Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve — 2018 — WHE0A04C9BEAD

A critical re-examination of the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania's oldest and largest wilderness area, reveals it not as a primordial forest but as a 'sacrifice zone' shaped by colonial conservation models and extractive ambitions. The study highlights how the heritagization process constructs an idealized past while advancing specific visions for the future, often at odds with local realities. Despite widespread support for the proposed uranium mine, research shows deep uncertainty and ambivalence among neighboring communities about its long-term impacts on wildlife, land, and water resources. The work challenges simplistic narratives opposing conservation and extraction, emphasizing the need to account for intersecting natural resource values across spatial and temporal scales.

Forests of the Iguaçu National Park: Structure, Composition, and Richness

Iguaçu National Park — 2018 — WHE4E569B0434

A phytosociological survey of Iguaçu National Park's arboreal vegetation reveals a rich biodiversity with 218 species across 54 families and 135 genera, highlighting the park's advanced ecological succession. Euterpe edulis Mart. emerged as the most frequent species, alongside Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., defining seasonal forests in central and southern regions. In contrast, the northern region, at 700 meters above sea level, showcased a transitional environment with Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze and Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., blending seasonal and ombrophillous forest characteristics. This study addresses a significant gap in scientific knowledge by characterizing the park's forest ecology after seven and a half decades, providing critical insights for conservation efforts.

Foreword

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2018 — WHED12E9A91E9

The discovery of Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in northeast Thailand in 1966 marked a significant milestone in archaeology, revealing a rich trove of 'idiosyncratic flamboyant Ban Chiang Late Period red-on-buff style pottery.' This pottery, now housed in major museums worldwide, including those in California, New York, Boston, Washington, Cleveland, and Minneapolis, has cemented Ban Chiang's reputation as one of Thailand's most famous archaeological sites. The discovery also highlighted the urgent need for controlled excavations to mitigate looting and preserve the site's historical integrity.

Formes d’ érosion prémégalithiques et postmégalithiques sur les menhirs de calcaire du causse Méjean (Lozère)

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHEDB076A66E0

A novel approach combining archaeological and geomorphological analysis reveals distinct pre- and post-megalithic erosion patterns on limestone menhirs from the Causse Méjean. Pre-megalithic forms—such as lateral basins and grooves—indicate the original outcrop origins of the blocks, while post-megalithic features (e.g., summit basins, rills) provide insights into erosion rates over millennia, with monuments serving as chronological markers. The study identifies karstic and periglacial influences on these forms, demonstrating how such dual methodologies enhance understanding of megalithic landscapes.

Fossil and Archeological Records of the Ryukyu Long-Furred Rat Diplothrix legata (Rodentia, Muridae)

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2018 — WHE16CDCB7496

Fossil and archeological evidence reveals that the Ryukyu long-furred rat (Diplothrix legata), now endangered and confined to three islands (Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, and northern Okinawa Island), historically inhabited a broader range across the central Ryukyu Archipelago. Records indicate its presence on additional islands, including Okinoerabujima, Kumejima, and Miyagijima, with the latter likely due to human introduction. A notable decline in the species' southern Okinawa population during the Gusuku Period (11th–15th centuries CE) suggests significant human impact on its distribution. This study compiles these records to reconstruct the species' distributional history, providing insights into its ecological and anthropogenic drivers of decline.

Fossil mammals from the Gondolin Dump A ex situ hominin deposits, South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2018 — WHE4EA1A9A0D9

A comprehensive analysis of fossil mammals from the Gondolin Dump A ex situ hominin deposits, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa,' reveals a diverse faunal record that includes four novel mammal groups not previously documented in the region. The study processed 15,250 fossil specimens from calcified sediment blocks and naturally decalcified sediments, uncovering representatives from families such as Cercopithecidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, and Giraffidae. While the research clarifies the geological context of the ex situ deposits, it highlights the limitations imposed by the heterogeneous nature of the dump, which aggregates materials from across the Gondolin sedimentary deposits. This study underscores the ongoing challenges posed by mining-mediated obliteration of palaeokarstic deposits, obstructing clear associations between the hominins and in situ samples.

Framing glorious spaces in the monastery of Hosios Loukas

Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios — 2018 — WHE165F2411B7

Byzantine canopies functioned as architectural and conceptual frames, delineating sacred spaces where divine and earthly entities coexisted while retaining their true natures. Bogdanović's analysis of the monastery of Hosios Loukas reveals that these structures preserved the distinct properties of both realms, even within overlapping liminal spaces. The study bridges Byzantine theological texts with contemporary theoretical discussions to elucidate how framing created a 'being-place' where sacred figures and spaces remained interconnected. This approach offers new insights into the spatial and symbolic organization of Byzantine monastic architecture.

France and Elam

Tchogha Zanbil — 2018 — WHEA824C26351

A key insight from France's archaeological efforts in Persia, particularly at Susa and Chogha Zanbil, is the reconstruction of Elamite civilization before the rise of the Achaemenid Empire. The Délégation scientifique française en Perse, established in 1897 under Jacques de Morgan, shifted focus from Dieulafoy’s Achaemenid-centric research to uncovering earlier layers of Elamite history. Successive directors—Roland de Mecquenem, Roman Ghirshman (who also explored Chogha Zanbil), and Jean Perrot—pursued this goal, aiming to illuminate Persia's pre-Persian past through systematic excavations and stratigraphic analysis. Their work laid foundational knowledge for understanding Elamite culture, politics, and material remains.

Frederick II and the Sixth Crusade

Aachen Cathedral — 2018 — WHED0561529A5

Aachen Cathedral played a pivotal role in the political and religious narrative of Frederick II's Sixth Crusade. The study reveals that Frederick II's commitment to the crusade was not merely driven by religious fervor but also by strategic statesmanship, challenging traditional views on papal influence over crusading movements. His coronation in Aachen in 1215 marked a significant moment where he exhorted his followers to join the crusade, despite lacking papal approval. This act underscored his independent leadership style and his disregard for papal control. The research examines Frederick's delayed departure due to political concerns, his interactions with popes Innocent III and Honorius III, and the eventual loss of Damietta in 1221, which led to an eight-year truce. Additionally, it highlights the troubadour Peirol's pilgrimage to Jerusalem, providing a unique literary perspective on the crusade's aftermath.

Fresco “Saint Mary of Blachernae with Archangels” in the 1502 Wall-Painting of the Cathedral Church of Ferapontov Monastery. Interpretation and Symbolism

Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery — 2018 — WHE6ADEF29DA5

A novel interpretation of the 1502 fresco 'Saint Mary of Blachernae with Archangels' from Ferapontov Monastery, attributed to Dionisy, reveals it as a representation of the 'Synaxis of the Archangel Michael.' This study provides the first iconographic analysis linking the inscription on the icon to the liturgical text of the 'Lifting of the Panagia' rite, offering insights into its symbolic significance. The research suggests that this interpretation influenced Russian iconographic tradition, both during Dionisy's time and in earlier periods.

From ‘Sustaining heritage’ to ‘Heritage sustaining broader societal wellbeing and benefits’

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia — 2018 — WHE5ED47A2F1F

The Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC) exemplifies how heritage can sustain broader societal wellbeing and benefits, moving beyond traditional conservation models. This study highlights the site's exceptional status as a living, productive agricultural landscape with robust legal protections, including land use management and denomination of origin instruments. The Management Plan is structured around values that contribute to Outstanding Universal Value, addressing sustainability challenges through a cultural landscape model. Risk-related changes in agricultural land use are mitigated by integrating conservation agriculture into national food security policies, such as CONPES. This approach demonstrates the potential for heritage sites to drive societal benefits while ensuring long-term sustainability.

From “Green” to “Brown”

Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — 2018 — WHE5AE1266822

A detailed reconstruction of the Holocene climate sequence and cultural phases in the Tadrart Acacus and Messak massifs, southwestern Libya, reveals that hunter-gatherer clans coexisted with herders for thousands of years, maintaining their traditions while potentially undergoing encapsulation processes. Radiocarbon dating indicates that domestic fauna in North Africa's northeastern quadrant dates back to the earliest periods, suggesting an introduction from southwestern Asia. The study also highlights how geographical and geomorphological features influenced the transition from the African Humid Period to arid conditions, either abruptly or gradually. This research combines environmental analysis with archaeological evidence to provide insights into past human adaptation and climate change in North Africa.

From a pile of stones to a national symbol

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2018 — WHE21B3B883BA

Prince Norodom Sihanouk's strategic investment in the Temple of Preah Vihear transformed it from an obscure border site into a powerful symbol of Cambodian nationalism, serving his broader political objectives during postcolonial nation-building. This study reveals how Sihanouk leveraged the temple and the ensuing conflict with Thailand as a resource to strengthen Cambodia’s national identity, linking its rise to his political ambitions. By analyzing stakeholders, contexts, and specific political situations, the research demonstrates Preah Vihear's pivotal role in Cambodian nationalist discourse, offering new insights into the intersection of heritage, politics, and nation-building.

From Architectural Photogrammetry Toward Digital Architectural Heritage Education

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2018 — WHE73C46603A9

A novel integration of close-range photogrammetry and architectural heritage education demonstrates the potential to enhance digital documentation skills while deepening students' understanding of historical buildings. This study introduces a teaching approach that leverages 3-D modeling and visualization techniques, specifically Architectural Photogrammetry, to create semantically rich models of heritage structures in Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Unlike traditional architectural education methods, this framework emphasizes hands-on learning of digital documentation principles, combining technical skills with historical context. The research suggests that such integrated educational experiments can bridge the gap between advanced technology and traditional teaching, offering a more effective way to engage students in both engineering and heritage preservation disciplines.