World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 19061 – 19080 of 30345 publications

Silencing Genocide: The Jesuit Ministry in Colonial Cartagena de Indias and its Legacy

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2018 — WHE23F9B9587F

Colonial Cartagena de Indias, a pivotal port in the transatlantic slave trade, was home to a Jesuit ministry that both ministered to enslaved Africans and perpetuated the destruction of African life through colonization and enslavement. This study reveals how the historical legacy of this ministry has contributed to the silencing of the atrocities committed during the slave trade, leading to a distorted understanding of the Catholic Church's and Jesuits' role in these destructive processes. The research focuses on key figures like Saint Peter Claver and Alonso de Sandoval, whose works have shaped scholarly narratives but also obscured the genocidal impact of enslavement. By analyzing primary sources and historical records, the study argues that the ministry's legacy continues to influence contemporary perceptions, reinforcing a narrative that downplays the Church's complicity in systemic violence.

Silent killer: black reefs in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2018 — WHE7F0FDB666B

Black reefs in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, characterized by degraded coral ecosystems, show no signs of recovery despite being observed over a 12-year period from 2003 to 2015. The study links this degradation to the introduction of iron from shipwrecks, which promotes the proliferation of turf algae and cyanobacterial mats in an otherwise iron-poor equatorial Pacific environment. Researchers analyzed these black reefs to understand their formation and persistence, revealing a silent ecological threat that undermines conservation efforts in protected areas.

Silica-Scaled Chrysophytes in Large Tributaries of Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal — 2018 — WHE352CB144E0

A recent study identified Lake Baikal's large tributaries, particularly the Barguzin River mouth and Selenga River delta, as significant 'hotspots' for silica-scaled chrysophytes. Researchers recorded 66 species and intra-specific taxa, including eight previously unrecorded in Russia, such as Chrysosphaerella rotundata and Synura laticarina. The study also noted morphological changes in Mallomonas striata scales during May. Notably, the Barguzin River mouth exhibited higher diversity (35 species) compared to the Selenga River delta (52 species), suggesting these tributaries diversify chrysophyte flora in Lake Baikal's southern and central basins. Combined with three global hotspots, this region expands our understanding of silica-scaled chrysophyte biodiversity.

Site Suitability Analysis for Local Airport Using Geographic Information System

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2018 — WHE8BDB48D32D

Geographic Information System (GIS) tools effectively identify areas unsuitable for local airport development by overlaying constraints such as forest areas, tanks, airborne restricted zones, and streams. This study demonstrates that GIS can systematically analyze site suitability factors, particularly in Sri Lanka, where Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts are key tourist destinations. By applying the Erase tool to exclude non-suitable regions, the research highlights potential airport locations while considering land use patterns, road networks, and railway systems. The findings underscore GIS's utility in regional planning, offering a data-driven approach to balancing infrastructure development with environmental and operational considerations.

Sites of Grave Meaning: The Heritage of Human Remains on the Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal — 2018 — WHE4C1C0B57AE

Human remains from laborers who built the Rideau Canal contribute significantly to its heritage value, yet these cemeteries are excluded from official narratives due to historical gaps and policy limitations. This study challenges such omissions by demonstrating that the bodies of canal laborers enrich both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, advocating for a new discourse that recognizes their role in local communities. The research relies on community expertise and archaeological insights, particularly from Ken Watson, Neil Patterson, and Sue Warren, to address misconceptions about 'unmarked' cemeteries. It underscores the need for policy adjustments to acknowledge human remains as part of heritage preservation.

Situating architectural performance: ‘star architecture’ and its roles in repositioning the cities of Graz, Lucerne and Wolfsburg

City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg — 2018 — WHED4F049E6B7

Star architecture, often associated with the Bilbao effect, does not universally follow the logic of international economic competition. Instead, medium-sized cities like Graz, Lucerne, and Wolfsburg employ such structures for socio-cultural distinction and internal reinvention, emphasizing expressive and symbolic roles over purely instrumental ones. This study challenges the assumption of replicability by juxtaposing three empirical cases—Kunsthaus in Graz, Culture and Congress Centre in Lucerne, and Phaeno Science Centre in Wolfsburg—to demonstrate that urban repositioning can be a complex socio-cultural performance rather than a straightforward economic investment.

SKA telescope manager: a status update

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2018 — WHE707D4EC106

The international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, nearing the end of its design phase and poised for construction, introduces a sophisticated Telescope Manager (TM) software system to oversee operations. This distributed Observatory will integrate two radio interferometers—one in Western Australia (SKA-Low) and another in South Africa (SKA-Mid)—operating as a unified entity with global headquarters at Jodrell Bank, UK. The TM software is designed to streamline proposal submissions, subsystem coordination, and real-time monitoring while ensuring reliability across domains. A key innovation is the adoption of the Software Engineering Institute's architecture design processes, enhancing documentation and review protocols. This adaptive approach addresses complex challenges in managing a global observatory, setting a precedent for large-scale astronomical infrastructure.

Small coastal lagoons under human pressure

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2018 — WHEEF6D52A708

A critical threshold for the Kvarken Archipelago's flad ecosystems is approaching, where sea level rise (9 mm/year) may outpace land uplift, halting new land formation and endangering these fragile coastal lagoons. To mitigate this, researchers are mapping 52 flads across Finland and Sweden to assess their ecological functions as fish reproduction sites, using biological, physicochemical, and vegetational data. By modeling these findings, the study aims to quantify ecosystem services and human impacts on these vital habitats.

Social and ecological correlates of space use patterns in Bwindi mountain gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2018 — WHE18E5F0F728

A novel study reveals that between-group competition significantly influences space use patterns in non-territorial mountain gorillas, challenging the traditional view of territoriality in these species. Researchers analyzed 13 gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, finding that increased local population density and intergroup encounters led to smaller home range sizes and longer daily travel distances. Within-group competition, driven by larger group sizes, also reduced revisits to specific areas. Food availability further shaped spacing patterns, with herbaceous food abundance decreasing home range size and frugivory increasing travel distance. The findings suggest a gradient of between-group competition in non-territorial species, offering new insights into the adaptive strategies of mountain gorillas.

Social behavior and changes in foraging behavior in a gregarious ungulate

Redwood National and State Parks — 2018 — WHE5FA6B6E40B

Male Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) in Redwood National and State Parks exhibit disrupted foraging efficiency when interacting socially with females, spending more time with their heads up compared to when aggregating solely with other males. This social behavior, characterized by proximity to conspecifics, affects males more than females, suggesting sex-specific ecological differences. The study analyzed 547 focal observations of 4–15 minutes each, measuring head-up time, step length, and foraging path tortuosity in a nonmigratory elk population. While social behavior did not influence step length or path tortuosity, it significantly impacted feeding time, highlighting the complex interplay between social dynamics and foraging efficiency in size-dimorphic ungulates.

Social-ecological dynamics of the small scale fisheries in Sundarban Mangrove Forest, Bangladesh

The Sundarbans — 2018 — WHE4452FF6C83

Small-scale fisheries in the Sundarban Mangrove Forest (SMF), a critical ecosystem for Bangladesh, are under severe threat due to mangrove degradation driven by deforestation, illegal logging, and environmental stressors. Despite diversification efforts, artisanal fishers' livelihoods remain intricately linked to the forest's health. The study reveals that these fishers face multiple risks—including tiger attacks, corruption, and natural disasters—which have compelled them to adopt adaptive strategies such as illegal fishing practices, migration, and reliance on women for household tasks. These coping mechanisms, while necessary, further strain the already fragile social-ecological system (SES). The research highlights urgent policy gaps in managing the SMF, emphasizing the need for sustainable resource utilization to protect both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of its dependent communities.

Society in Qatar before the Oil Industry in Light of Archaeological Evidence

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site — 2018 — WHE9B237E0894

Archaeological excavations in Qatar have uncovered significant remains of towns and villages from the 18th to early 20th centuries, providing unprecedented insights into pre-oil industrial society. The study focuses on two key sites: al-Zubarah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, and Ra’s ‘Ushayrig, along with adjacent settlements like al-Ruwaydah and al-Burayqa. Analysis of architectural structures, material culture such as vessels and tools, and other artifacts reveals the communal identity and micro-history of Qatar during this period. The research highlights the importance of these sites in reconstructing the social fabric and cultural dynamics of Qatar before the oil industry's influence.

Socio-economic and environmental impacts of invasive plant species in selected districts of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2018 — WHE2802D2E5B4

A study on the Bale Mountains National Park identifies 12 invasive plant species, with Parthenium hysterophorus, Xanthium strumarium, and others notably widespread. These species significantly impact biodiversity, ecosystems, livestock, crops, and human health, while also posing threats to the park's susceptible areas. Local communities employ chemical, mechanical, and biological control methods, though their efforts are limited. The research highlights an urgent need for sustainable strategies to mitigate the spreading menace of these invasive plants, which is escalating at an alarming rate in the region.

Socio-Economic Conditions of the Fringe Villagers of Kaziranga National Park (KNP), Assam

Kaziranga National Park — 2018 — WHEF74E4997A5

A survey of 100 fringe villagers around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, revealed that these communities rely primarily on agriculture and animal husbandry for livelihood, with small landholdings (up to 5 bighas) and medium herd sizes (3.08–5.24 cattle units). Most respondents were middle-aged (31–47 years), belonged to scheduled tribes (32%), and had nuclear families of average size (five members). Educational attainment was limited, with primary school being the highest level for many, while social participation was notably low at 8%. The study also found a medium level of experience in agriculture and livestock but a low exposure to mass media (48%). Annual income from all sources and livestock was moderate. This research highlights the socio-economic challenges faced by fringe villagers, including limited education, low social engagement, and dependence on traditional livelihoods, which may impact conservation efforts in UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park.

Soil Moisture and Irrigation Mapping in A Semi-Arid Region, Based on the Synergetic Use of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data

Kairouan — 2018 — WHE18084871BE

A novel technique for mapping soil moisture and irrigation at the scale of agricultural fields has been developed, achieving high accuracy with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of less than 5%. This approach combines multi-temporal optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 satellites. The method was tested in the Kairouan plain, a semi-arid region in Tunisia, using an algorithm based on the Water Cloud Model (WCM) for soil water content spatialization between 2015 and 2017. Validation through ground measurements and neural networks confirmed the accuracy of the retrieved soil moisture products. The study further classified irrigated and rainfed areas by analyzing soil moisture and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series, producing irrigation maps at the field scale with an accuracy of 77% when using soil moisture indices alone.

Solos Frágeis do Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara, Piauí

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2018 — WHEEE0D23FBCB

Fragile soils in Serra da Capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its significant archaeological sites, exhibit high susceptibility to erosion due to their incipient development and the sparse, deciduous caatinga vegetation. The study identified seven soil profiles, primarily classified as Entisols or Inceptisols, with marked variations in morphological, chemical, and granulometric attributes reflecting diverse geological origins. Five of these profiles are particularly vulnerable to degradation, especially those derived from pelitic rocks of the Pimenteiras Formation, which show exposed bedrock and severe erosion. These findings underscore the urgent need for specialized soil management practices to mitigate environmental degradation in this semi-arid tropical region.

Solutions for Enhanced Commercial Logistics in Cities – A Case Study of Two Different Zones in Quito – Ecuador

City of Quito — 2018 — WHEF46D2FBDFA

A study on Quito's Historic Center and La Mariscal zones reveals that optimizing the number and location of loading and unloading bays can significantly enhance commercial logistics. The research, conducted by Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in collaboration with MIT's Megacity Logistics Lab, proposes a solution to minimize delivery time and distance, improve urban freight transportation, and reduce traffic congestion. By analyzing actual commercial activity data through surveys on delivery frequency and quantity, the study developed an optimization model to determine the optimal number of bays—75 for the Historic Center and 98 for La Mariscal per square kilometer. This approach aims to serve as a baseline for further urban logistics research in Latin America, where such studies remain underdeveloped.

Some laser-scanner applications in structural analysis

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2018 — WHE592D1D450B

Laser scanning emerges as a powerful tool for structural analysis of historical buildings, offering non-destructive insights into their integrity. This study demonstrates its application to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehemrevealing subtle structural behaviors and damage patterns without physical intervention. By focusing on data acquisition rather than geometric representation, researchers captured critical details that could inform conservation efforts. The approach was also validated through additional case studies, including Renaissance architecture and historical masonry, highlighting its broader utility. Open challenges in the field remain, but this work underscores laser scanning's potential to deepen our understanding of heritage structures while preserving their cultural significance.

Some monogenetic trematodes from the Galapagos Islands and the neighboring Pacific

Galápagos Islands — 2018 — WHEE53F5AF9A7

This study describes twenty-two species of monogenetic trematodes, including twenty new species, collected from marine fish gills across the Galápagos Islands and neighboring Pacific regions. Notably, two new genera, Pseudomicrocotyle and Acanthocolpa, were proposed, with the former reclassifying Microcotyle acanthurum. The research also corrected MacCallum's measurements of Protomicrocotyle mirabile and expanded its genus description. Additionally, previously undescribed structures surrounding the genital pore in Acanthocolpa species were identified and named 'giant cells,' highlighting their taxonomic significance. The study underscores the specificity of trematode-host relationships, with each described species found on only one specific host despite examining over 500 fish from approximately 100 species.

South Africa: The Art of a Nation

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHED5DD0E2A19

South Africa: The Art of a Nation offers a groundbreaking, coherent history of South African art from 3 million years ago to the present, challenging Eurocentric narratives and asserting the depth and continuity of indigenous artistic traditions. By structuring its analysis thematically across seven chapters—ranging from early human artifacts like the Makapansgat Pebble and Blombos Cave beads to contemporary works—the monograph refutes claims of white supremacy while tracing the evolution of aesthetic expression, symbolism, and resistance. The research approach combines chronological progression with thematic 'call-and-response' comparisons between ancient and modern art, integrating archaeological evidence, colonial-era artifacts, and post-apartheid works. Highlighting objects such as the Mapungubwe Rhinoceros and Karel Nel's Taung/Piltdown (2011), it exposes the legacy of colonialism and racial bias in European collecting practices while celebrating indigenous creativity. The study serves as a foundational text, enriching scholarly debates on South African art history with high-quality reproductions and nuanced analyses.