World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 18441 – 18460 of 30345 publications

Giant otters: using knowledge of life history for conservation

Manú National Park — 2018 — WHE0FD3CB3F79

A 16-year study of giant otters in the oxbow lakes of Manu National Park, Peru, reveals critical insights into their social dynamics and reproductive success. Giant otter group size and composition are strongly linked to territory size, while reproductive success is heavily influenced by habitat quality. These findings highlight the vulnerability of this endangered species to human-wildlife conflict, tourism, and environmental pressures such as mining, logging, and agriculture in southeastern Peru. The study underscores the urgent need for a conservation corridor along the Madre de Dios River to protect giant otter habitats and mitigate these threats.

Giant tortoise genomes provide insights into longevity and age-related disease

Aldabra Atoll — 2018 — WHE6DCA31B6DA

Giant tortoises, among the longest-lived vertebrates, harbor unique genetic adaptations linked to longevity and resistance to age-related diseases. A global genomic analysis of Lonesome George—the last surviving member of Chelonoidis abingdonii—and the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) revealed lineage-specific variants in DNA repair, inflammatory response, and cancer-related genes. These findings suggest evolutionary strategies that enhance lifespan, offering new insights into the genomic determinants of aging. The study also provides critical genetic resources to support conservation efforts for these threatened species.

Girls wanna have more than fun: The alternative geography of lesbian gathering in Paris

Paris, Banks of the Seine — 2018 — WHEB675311C62

Lesbian and queer women in Paris have adapted their strategies for visibility and gathering, disrupting heteronormative urban spaces. The study reveals that since 2010, the closure of traditional lesbian businesses has been offset by the rise of itinerant and ephemeral parties, particularly on the right bank of the Seine, alongside new digital and informal networking methods. These shifts reflect broader trends in LGBTQ spatial occupation, driven by factors such as gentrification, digital communication, and cultural associations. The research combines historical analysis, social media tracking, and fieldwork to map these changes, highlighting how lesbian visibility has become more open, powerful, and ubiquitous through alternative geographies.

GIS-Assisted Prediction and Risk Zonation of Wildlife Attacks in the Chitwan National Park in Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2018 — WHEF6EC83C968

A study of wildlife attacks in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, between 2003 and 2013 revealed that the riskiest areas for human-wildlife conflicts are locations near the park's forest edges, particularly those covered by agricultural land and inhabited by humans. The research found that 89% of attacks occurred outside the park, with 74% happening in buffer zone forests and croplands within 1 km from the park. While most animals had a maximum of one victim per 4 km², bear victims were concentrated where tiger and rhino victims were lower, such as in the Madi valley. The study used kernel density calculations and land use groups to identify five risk zones, providing valuable insights for local spatial decision-making to improve coexistence between natural protection efforts and human safety.

Giving the Past a Future: Essays in Archaeology and Rock Art Studies in Honour of Dr. Phil. h.c. Gerhard Milstreu

Rock Carvings in Tanum — 2018 — WHEB97C7B5FDF

A collection of scholarly essays celebrates Dr. Gerhard Milstreu's 40-year contribution to rock art research and documentation, highlighting his pioneering work in promoting the significance of images in archaeology, fostering international collaboration, and engaging the public with prehistoric art. The volume brings together contributions from Europe, addressing themes such as rock art interpretation, technological advancements in recording, and public involvement. It reflects Milstreu's emphasis on giving the past a future by encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Giving voice to heritage tourists: indicators of quality for a sustainable heritage experience at Petra, Jordan

Petra — 2018 — WHED747256F78

Tourist experience should be central to sustainable heritage management. This study identifies key indicators of quality for a sustainable tourism experience at Petra Archaeological Park, Jordan, including cultural and natural scenic value, crowding, attraction accessibility, vendor persistence, and the odor of animal waste. These factors significantly influence visitors' perceptions and satisfaction. The research employed qualitative interviews with 29 tourists to explore their experiences and derive these indicators. Findings highlight the importance of addressing these elements in heritage site management to enhance visitor experience while ensuring sustainability.

Glacier Skywalk: Foundations for a Canadian National Park Landmark

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2018 — WHEE5C2EC3494

Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning landscapes including mountain peaks, lakes, canyons, and the Columbia Icefields, offers a unique vantage point to observe the Athabasca Glacier. This glacier, part of the eight glaciers fed by the ice fields, is visible from Highway 93, which traverses the park's spine. The study highlights the significance of this natural landmark, providing foundational insights for its preservation and interpretation as a Canadian national park feature. By focusing on the glacier's terminus and its accessibility along the highway, the research contributes to broader discussions on the conservation and appreciation of glacial landscapes within protected areas.

Goldsmithing traditions and innovations in colonial Colombia: an analytical study of crucibles from Santa Cruz de Mompox

Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox — 2018 — WHEE30CBCC3A6

Analytical characterization of five crucibles from Santa Cruz de Mompox, Colombia, reveals evidence of local crucible production and metallurgical practices involving unrefined gold dust, tumbaga (gold-copper-silver alloys), and silver, suggesting both illegal activities and continuities with pre-Columbian traditions. The study highlights the Spanish-led introduction of silver in northern Colombia while illustrating complex social and economic negotiations among indigenous peoples, mestizos, and Spaniards during colonial times. This research approach combines metallurgical analysis with archival evidence to shed light on the dynamic interactions between native metalworking traditions and new Spanish technologies.

Gomphonema wuyiensis sp. nov., a new freshwater species (Bacillariophyceae) from Wuyi Mountains, China

Mount Wuyi — 2018 — WHEE80537CBEB

Scientists have identified Gomphonema wuyiensis, a new species of freshwater diatom (Bacillariophyceae) from the Xingjiang River in China's Wuyi Mountains. This discovery was made during a detailed survey using light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing distinctive morphological traits such as an asymmetrical valve outline that tapers differently on its primary and secondary sides. The study provides a comprehensive description of this novel taxon, highlighting its unique ultrastructural features and ecological significance within the region's aquatic ecosystems.

Governing Nature and Ethiopia: Struggles around World Heritage, Nation-Building and Ecologies (1963–2012)

Simien National Park — 2018 — WHE84F892E667

Simien National Park, Ethiopia, became a battleground of competing visions: international conservationists sought to preserve its pristine landscapes, while Ethiopian state leaders leveraged Western ecological ethics to assert national authority. This struggle, analyzed through decades of official documents (1963–2012), exposed tensions between global heritage narratives and local realities, often resulting in material and symbolic violence against resident populations deemed responsible for 'degrading' the park's protected status. The study reveals how World Heritage designation both empowered Ethiopia’s nation-building efforts and entrenched power imbalances, illustrating the complex interplay between conservation, politics, and ecology.

Grand-Pressigny was not alone: Acquiring and sharing data about raw materials in the collective research project “Réseau de lithothèques en région Centre-Val de Loire” (France)

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes — 2018 — WHEDA8185E04B

Despite the significant initial research on flint diffusion from the Grand-Pressigny site, establishing accurate correlations between archaeological objects and geological samples remains challenging. The collective research project 'Réseau de lithothèques en région Centre-Val de Loire' addresses this by assembling 30 researchers to create a comprehensive network of lithotheques (comparative collections), link depositional environments with flint properties, and disseminate knowledge. This collaborative effort aims to build a national and international community, fostering regular knowledge-sharing and technical expertise exchange. The project is part of broader French initiatives in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Aquitaine regions.

Greek History as Environmental Performance: Iannis Xenakis’ Mycenae Polytopon and Beyond

Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns — 2018 — WHE091ED59416

Iannis Xenakis' Mycenae Polytopon (1978) demonstrated the transformative potential of site-specific performance in linking ancient Greek heritage to modern technological and cultural narratives. This large-scale, interdisciplinary work integrated light, movement, sound, and diverse performers—including musicians, soldiers, and shepherds—across a 25-kilometer expanse in Argolis, Greece, blending the archaeological sites of Mycenae, Argos, and Tiryns with the natural landscape. The performance's significance lies in its role as both a cultural milestone post-1967 junta and a pioneering example of environmentally sensitive art, bridging historical identity, national symbolism, and contemporary experimental practice. Recent scholarly attention has underscored its impact on modern Greek conceptions of space, performance, and national identity.

Green Maintenance for Heritage Buildings: An Appraisal Approach for St Paul’s Church in Melaka, Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2018 — WHE0C870D6CC4

A shift towards sustainable maintenance practices for heritage buildings has been identified as crucial for their long-term preservation. This study introduces a green maintenance approach, focusing on St Paul’s Church in Melaka, Malaysia, which integrates economic, social, and environmental considerations to ensure the survival of historic structures. The research employs an appraisal framework that evaluates the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of sustainable maintenance strategies. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and techniques, this method aims to balance conservation needs with modern sustainability goals, offering a practical model for heritage management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Grey Incidence analyze of Environment Monitoring Data and Research on the Disease Prevention Measures of Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes — 2018 — WHE8AD4A7FA73

A grey incidence analysis of environmental monitoring data from the Longmen Grottoes reveals critical relationships between environmental factors and the deterioration processes affecting its cultural relics. The study identifies seepage water and fracture displacement as key contributors to weathering, organism growth, and other diseases threatening the site's preservation. By analyzing temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, light intensity, soil moisture, and rock surface temperatures—both regionally and within experimental caves—the research establishes a relational order of environmental impacts on structural degradation. The findings support targeted disease prevention measures based on the formation mechanisms of these deteriorative processes.

Ground motions in Yukon from the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park earthquakes of 2017 compared to 2015 Canadian seismic design levels

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2018 — WHEEB95B64C49

Two magnitude 6 earthquakes in the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park on May 1, 2017, produced ground motions that exceeded 5% to 22% of the 2015 Canadian seismic design levels, with Haines Junction experiencing up to 7.5% and Whitehorse up to 22%. Despite the second earthquake being larger in magnitude, the first event generated stronger spectral accelerations near Haines Junction, reaching approximately 3% at 0.2 seconds. These findings highlight significant variability in seismic hazards, even within the same region, and underscore the importance of localized site conditions in amplifying or reducing ground motion values.

Group Relations Consulting: Voice Notes from Robben Island

Robben Island — 2018 — WHE7FA40ED9D4

A groundbreaking ethnographic study reveals that group process consultants' emotional and cognitive experiences significantly enhance the effectiveness of diversity encounters, particularly when tapping into somatic awareness. The research, conducted during a Robben Island Diversity Experience (RIDE) event with 19 participants, demonstrates that consultants' psychological disposition and socio-demographic profiles play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of group consultation processes. This finding offers valuable insights for both current and emerging consultants, suggesting that self-awareness and self-regulation are essential components in creating an optimal consulting environment.

Grundskollärares uppfattningar av världsarvsundervisning och världsarvet Kvarkens skärgård som lärmiljö. Compulsory school teachers` conceptions of World Heritage Education and the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage site as a learning environment

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2018 — WHEA57B4D4086

Finnish primary and secondary school teachers face significant challenges in integrating UNESCO World Heritage Education (WHE) effectively, with their focus primarily on imparting knowledge about World Heritage sites rather than fostering skills or commitment to preservation. A study of 105 teachers revealed that while they acknowledge the importance of WHE, they struggle to align their teaching with UNESCO's broader goals, which include nurturing students' appreciation and proactive engagement with these sites. The research also highlights a need for stronger connections between WHE, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to bridge the gap between education and societal action.

Guilhem Fabre, Jean-Luc Fiches und Jean-Louis Paillet (Hrsg.), L’aqueduc de Nimes et le Pont du Gard. Archeologie

Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) — 2018 — WHE6B2DC225C5

A comprehensive analysis of the Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) and its associated aqueduct system reveals significant insights into Roman engineering, geology, and historical context. The study integrates archaeological findings with geological data to reconstruct the aqueduct's construction, function, and environmental interactions. Key discoveries include detailed documentation of the aqueduct's structural design, material sourcing, and adaptation to local geosystems. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining archaeological excavation, sediment analysis, and historical records to provide a holistic understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gunkanjima / Battleship Island, Nagasaki: World Heritage Historical Site or Urban Ruins Tourist Attraction?

Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining — 2018 — WHE95099E86A6

Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island, in Nagasaki, Japan, faces significant challenges as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its inscription in 2015 under the 'Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution,' the site lacks meaningful historical information and conservation efforts aligned with World Heritage guidelines. A critical issue is Japan's refusal to acknowledge the presence of Korean and Chinese forced laborers during WWII, despite an agreement with South Korea. This omission, coupled with the site's decay and its repurposing as a tourist attraction, raises concerns about Japan's compliance with UNESCO requirements and its historical accountability.

Habitual stone-tool-aided extractive foraging in white-faced capuchins, Cebus capucinus

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2018 — WHE77044FEB14

Researchers document the first instance of habitual stone-tool use in white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus imitator) within Coiba National Park, Panama. Unlike other gracile capuchin species, this population relies on hammerstone and anvil techniques to access structurally protected food items such as Terminalia catappa seeds, hermit crabs, marine snails, and terrestrial crabs—a behavior absent in related species but prevalent in robust capuchins (Sapajus). Camera trapping over a year revealed strong male-biased tool use; adult females, though present at foraging sites, were never observed using tools. The behavior persists year-round across multiple islands, with over half of identifiable individuals participating. The study suggests that high terrestrialism, reduced predation pressure, and potential resource limitation in the Coiba archipelago may drive this evolutionary adaptation, offering a unique model to investigate ecological and evolutionary factors shaping tool use.