World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 18981 – 19000 of 30345 publications

Responses of Sap Flow of Deciduous and Conifer Trees to Soil Drying in a Subalpine Forest

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2018 — WHEA6B08BB806

Research in Jiuzhaigou Valley's subalpine forest reveals distinct water-use strategies between co-occurring deciduous (Betula albosinensis) and coniferous (Pinus tabuliformis) trees. While B. albosinensis maintained high transpiration late into the season, regardless of soil moisture, P. tabuliformis showed a continuous decline in response to seasonal drying. Sap flow for both species exhibited hysteresis linked to meteorological factors and soil-water status, particularly in afternoons. Notably, B. albosinensis demonstrated conservative water management under varying conditions, unlike P. tabuliformis, which was highly sensitive to soil moisture. These findings highlight species-specific adaptations to limited water resources, offering insights for reforestation practices in subalpine ecosystems.

Restoration and Strengthening Techniques for Ancient-Greek Monuments

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2018 — WHE2014D24A65

Multi-disciplinary restoration projects on ancient Greek monuments, including those at Olympia, have successfully introduced innovative techniques for preserving and strengthening dry-stone structures. These interventions, conducted by teams comprising archaeologists, architects, engineers, conservators, and stone-masons, prioritize the preservation of original structural systems while leveraging collective expertise to develop effective methods applicable to a broader range of historical sites. The study highlights two key principles underlying these projects: the collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach and the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the monuments' original designs.

Restoration of an abandoned cultural landscape in a world heritage site – management of semi-natural hay meadows in the Vega Archipelago, Northern Norway

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2018 — WHE16002536E6

Trapping water voles (Arvicola amphibius) proved to be the most effective immediate measure for halting soil erosion and restoring vegetation cover in abandoned hay meadows of the UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago, Northern Norway. The study identified that overgrowth—particularly by Filipendula ulmaria—and water vole activity accelerate erosion by exposing soil to wind, precipitation, and digging, respectively. To address this, researchers introduced a salt-tolerant seed mixture combined with seaweed-based soil improvement while trapping voles to protect plant establishment. Ongoing vegetation surveys suggest that while soil stabilization is time-consuming, it is critical for fostering species-rich meadows. This work bridges traditional land management knowledge with modern conservation practices, offering actionable insights for stakeholders in similar semi-natural habitats.

Restoration of the monumental sculpture of Madonna in the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork (Marienburg)

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2018 — WHE91E17C43D8

The monumental Madonna sculpture, once the largest medieval artwork in Europe and a defining symbol of Malbork Castle, was nearly entirely destroyed during World War II. Restoration efforts have since focused on reconstructing the 8-meter-tall mosaic-covered figure, known as the Malbork Colossus, from its surviving fragments and thousands of tesserae. While the castle underwent post-war reconstruction, the Madonna's restoration remained delayed, highlighting the challenges of preserving such iconic historical artifacts. This study underscores the significance of the sculpture not only as a work of art but also as a cultural symbol representing the Teutonic Order's legacy in Prussia.

Restoring or Re-storying the Lake District: Applying Responsive Cohesion to a Current Problem Situation

The English Lake District — 2018 — WHEEDA5D0BAC9

Ethical frameworks can effectively navigate the tension between preserving cultural narratives and promoting ecological rewilding in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study applies responsive cohesion theory to the English Lake District, demonstrating its potential as a tool for balancing these competing demands. By juxtaposing the need to retain rich cultural heritage with the goals of increasing biological diversity through rewilding, the research highlights how ethical reasoning can guide restoration efforts. The approach offers a nuanced solution that respects both ecological and cultural values, providing a model for similar challenges in other protected landscapes.

Results of diagnostic campaign promoted by AIAr in the deposits of the Archaeological Museum of Paestum

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2018 — WHEC3D3D3F158

A multi-analytic diagnostic campaign on 30 artifacts from the Archaeological Park of Paestum revealed significant insights into both ancient Greek technology and contemporary forgery techniques. Conducted during the 2016 exhibition 'Possessione: Trafugamenti e falsi di antichità a Paestum,' the study utilized advanced scientific techniques to identify counterfeit items, providing a deeper understanding of their composition and craftsmanship. The findings bridge ancient and modern methodologies, offering valuable data for archaeological conservation and authentication practices.

Resurgence of Ethno-Religious Sentiment against Muslims in Sri Lanka: Recent Anti-Muslim Violence in Ampara and Kandy

Sacred City of Kandy — 2018 — WHE969C9C0A0A

Recent anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka, particularly in Ampara and Kandy, has been linked to deep-seated ethno-religious tensions fueled by Sinhala Buddhist hardliners. The study identifies key root causes: fear of Muslim demographic growth, myths surrounding sterilization pills, and economic rivalry between Muslims and Sinhalese. This violence, often with complicity from law enforcement, resulted in significant damage to mosques, businesses, and properties belonging to the Muslim community. The research highlights an urgent need for improved social security measures to protect ethno-religious minorities in Sri Lanka. The analysis relies on secondary data and employs a descriptive-interpretative approach.

Rethinking Dismantlement Through the Case Study of the Church of the Transfiguration at Kizhi Pogost, Russia

Kizhi Pogost — 2018 — WHE33A9B5A32F

A novel approach to restoring historic timber structures, involving complete dismantlement and tier-by-tier reconstruction, has been successfully demonstrated at the Church of the Transfiguration in Kizhi Pogost, Russia. This method, while established in Japan for framed timber structures, presents unique challenges and opportunities when applied to non-framed timber buildings like those found in Europe. The study evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, and special conditions of this restoration technique, offering insights into its potential broader application. By analyzing the process from lifting the structure to restoring tiers from bottom to top, researchers provide a critical re-evaluation of dismantlement as a viable conservation strategy for complex historic timber architecture.

Review of environment responsiveness of building regulations in Jaipur

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2018 — WHE3B6A8F7111

Building regulations in Jaipur, India, are found to be inadequately responsive to the city's unique geo-climatic and socioeconomic conditions, which pose significant challenges for sustainable urban development. The study highlights a general lack of tailored regulatory interventions that address the specific environmental demands of Jaipur's diverse climate zones and resource availability. Researchers analyzed existing building codes and by-laws, revealing a prototypic approach to urban planning in India that often overlooks local ecological and socioeconomic nuances. The findings underscore the need for context-specific regulations to ensure resilience and sustainability in urban landscapes.

Review: Delhi's Qutb Complex: The Minar, Mosque and Mehrauli, by Catherine B. Asher

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi — 2018 — WHEE541972E01

Catherine B. Asher's book, 'Delhi's Qutb Complex: The Minar, Mosque and Mehrauli,' provides a comprehensive, long-term history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning from its origins in the late 12th century to its evolution through the 13th century and beyond into early modern and colonial periods. The work highlights the Qutb Minar's architectural significance while also addressing the often-overlooked smaller structures within the complex, offering a nuanced perspective on its development. Asher synthesizes extensive academic literature, aiming to contextualize contemporary debates, particularly those involving Hindutva nationalists who interpret certain elements of the mosque as evidence of violent subjugation. The book's rich illustrations and broad appeal make it a valuable resource for both scholars and the general public.

Revision of Cephennomicrus of Australia (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)

Lord Howe Island Group — 2018 — WHEE7CEA45C49

A comprehensive taxonomic revision identifies and describes 20 species of the tiny beetle genus Cephennomicrus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) across Australia, including Lord Howe Island. This includes 17 newly discovered species, expanding the known diversity of this group by nearly 85%. The study also designates a lectotype for one previously described species and proposes a working classification system for Australian Cephennomicrus, organizing them into five distinct species groups. Distribution patterns across the continent are summarized, providing critical baseline data for biodiversity studies in Australia's unique ecosystems.

Revision of the Mesoamerican species of Calolydella Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) and description of twenty-three new species reared from caterpillars in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2018 — WHE7F9252DC44

A groundbreaking study identifies and describes 23 new species of the fly genus Calolydella, all reared from caterpillars across diverse lepidopteran families within the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. This research significantly expands the known biodiversity of Mesoamerican tachinid flies by integrating morphological, life history, and molecular data, alongside photographic documentation. Additionally, it provides a revised generic redescription and key for species identification, while proposing Lydella frugale as a new synonym under Calolydella, enhancing taxonomic clarity. The study underscores the ACG's ecological importance as a hotspot for insect diversity and host-parasite interactions.

Revisiting Sun Pyramid Ceramic and Radiocarbon Dates from Teotihuacan: Comment on SLOAD

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2018 — WHE87AC9F9784

A re-evaluation of ceramic and radiocarbon dates from the Sun Pyramid at Teotihuacan challenges previous interpretations, particularly those by Sload (2015), by incorporating stratigraphic data to refine the site's chronology. The study argues that Sload's dismissal of stratigraphic context led to misinterpretations of the radiocarbon results, which are critical for understanding the timeline and development of Teotihuacan's pre-Hispanic city. By carefully analyzing stratigraphy alongside radiocarbon dating, this research provides a more accurate framework for ceramic chronology, contributing to broader debates on the site's history.

Revisiting Taxila: A new approach to the Greco-Buddhist archaeological record

Taxila — 2018 — WHE2C0FAB9D23

A new analysis of Taxila's archaeological record challenges traditional categorizations of Greco-Buddhist artifacts, revealing complex cultural interactions in ancient Central Asia. By focusing on objects and their historical context rather than ethnic or cultural labels, this study provides a more accurate understanding of the site's significance as a crossroads between East and West. The research employs object-centered analysis to reinterpret the data, offering fresh insights into the dynamics of cultural exchange during Taxila's heyday.

Reviving the heritage of the old city of Sana'a in the shop design

Old City of Sana'a — 2018 — WHEFA43707D19

The Old City of Sana'a, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, faces significant challenges due to architectural and design irregularities that threaten its heritage status. A study by Imam et al. (2018) highlights the urgent need for reviving traditional shop designs within the city to preserve its unique character. The research focuses on integrating modern commercial practices with historical aesthetics, aiming to restore the city's original charm while addressing contemporary demands. Using a combination of architectural analysis and design interventions, the study proposes innovative solutions to maintain Sana'a's cultural identity, ensuring it meets UNESCO's criteria for heritage conservation. This approach balances functionality with authenticity, offering a model for other historic urban centers.

Rewilding in the English uplands: Policy and practice

The English Lake District — 2018 — WHE4E52AEA48C

Rewilding, while gaining traction as a strategy for biodiversity restoration and ecosystem service delivery, remains controversial due to its lack of clear definition and limited empirical support. A case study of England's uplands—particularly the Lake District—highlights seven distinct approaches to rewilding, ranging from passive land abandonment to active species reintroduction, such as Eurasian lynx or beaver translocations. These approaches vary in perceived risks and opportunities, with process-based habitat restoration offering the best risk-to-opportunity ratio, while species translocation carries higher risks, including human-wildlife conflict. Key barriers to rewilding include inflexible policies, stakeholder resistance, and economic factors tied to agricultural subsidies. The study underscores that rewilding must be context-specific, carefully monitored, and aligned with local ecological and socio-economic conditions to deliver net benefits for biodiversity and society.

Rice Pricing during Organic Conversion of the Honghe Hani Rice Terrace System in China

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2018 — WHE6AF74470D6

A protective purchasing price of 6.93 CNY/kg for rice ensures stable farmer income during the organic conversion period, addressing a key bottleneck in heritage conservation efforts for the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. The study, conducted by Liu et al., compared traditional and modern agricultural systems during this transition phase, developing a method to calculate opportunity costs of production. By leveraging organic certification—rooted in environmentally friendly, traditional practices—the research aims to balance economic stability with the preservation of culturally significant agricultural landscapes. This approach supports the dynamic conservation of Globally Important Agriculture Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiatives, as outlined by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Rising water flow as a factor of organic material importation into caves

Peruaçu River Canyon — 2018 — WHECBB6C96D5D

Research at Carlúcio Cave, situated in the Peruaçu River Canyon within Brazil's semiarid Minas Gerais region, reveals that episodic rises in river water levels—triggered by natural barriers—facilitate the transport and accumulation of organic material into caves. The study identified at least four Holocene flood events responsible for depositing 1,399 mollusk shells (70% Drymaeus sp.), bones, plant remains, charcoals, a palm fruit, and a corncob in the cave. Using carbon-14 and uranium-series dating, along with taphonomic analysis, scientists established the deposit's chronology and demonstrated that material was carried upward by flooding waters before being retained as water levels receded. This mechanism challenges traditional assumptions about cave sediment deposition and sheds light on fluvial geomorphological processes in arid environments.

Rites and rituals of ancient turkic period by the written sources

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2018 — WHE1029155919

A comprehensive reconstruction of ancient Turkic rituals and their reflection in steppe Eurasian architecture emerges from cross-linguistic analysis of diverse written sources. By synthesizing chronicles, runic texts, and annals—including Chinese, Arabic-Persian, European, and Orkhon inscriptions—the study reveals a structured worldview centered on sacred landscapes (open areas, elevations, groves) for ceremonies and urban temples for annual festivities. The Bozok microdistrict is identified as a key medieval cult center within Saryarka. This approach bridges archaeological reconstructions with narrative evidence, offering unprecedented insight into the ritual practices of pre-Islamic Turkic societies.

Ritual anti-structure as an alternate pathway to social complexity? The case of ancient Teotihuacan, Central Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2018 — WHEAB8DF35D31

Ancient Teotihuacan, one of the most influential cities in Mesoamerica, challenges traditional narratives of social complexity by suggesting that ritual anti-structures—spaces and practices that subvert or complement hierarchical power—played a pivotal role in its rise. This study proposes that rather than relying solely on political centralization, Teotihuacan's social organization thrived through the interplay between structured authority and ritualized dissent, creating a dynamic balance that sustained its unprecedented scale and influence. The research employs archaeological evidence, including spatial analysis of ceremonial structures and material culture, to argue for an alternative pathway to complexity rooted in the tension between order and anti-structure.