Climate Change vs Cultural Heritage: An Adaptation Strategy for the Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene

This article examines the effects of climate change on archaeological sites, using as a case study the archaeological site of Ancient Messene in Greece, and proposes an integrated adaptation strategy. In order to determine the site’s most significant risks, a climate data analysis was conducted, taking into account three different climate emission scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways) and two future periods (2031-2060, 2071-2100). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) vulnerability assessment methodology was adopted to assess the vulnerability of the archaeological site to the effects of climate change. This is the first time such a methodology has been followed in Greece. The analysis revealed that the site’s critical hazards are fire, desertification, and flooding. The geographical location of the site in an intensely dry microclimate and the lack of safe and functional electromechanical and road infrastructure increase its vulnerability. The materials of the monuments are indirectly and directly impacted by climate change, whereas the vegetation is negatively impacted by the frequency of extreme events, especially wildfires. Based on the analysis results, a five-axis adaptation strategy was developed.

Spatial Distribution and Inscribed Criteria of Cultural Landscape World Heritage Sites

As an important type of world heritage sites,cultural landscape has always been an important research subject.In order to explore the spatial distribution and evolution mode of cultural landscape all over the world,the paper systematically elaborated the historical context of cultural landscape.The distribution characteristics were analyzed by statistical methods,and the connotation and evolution law represented by cultural landscape in different regions were expounded.The word frequency of regional heritage criteria was analyzed,and the local characteristics of each case were discussed.The research shows that the spatial distribution of global cultural landscape is unbalanced,mainly concentrated in Europe,and the spatial distribution characteristics are closely related to geographical environment,social history,economic development level and many other factors.In terms of inscribed criteria for world heritage sites,most cultural landscapes are mainly based on cultural criteria,but also involve natural criteria.The recognition and protection of cultural landscapes that simultaneously meet multiple criteria will become the focus in the future.

Protecting the national parks and the world heritage sites in China: challenge and strategy

About 70% of its land area as mountains and plateaus, China is the largest mountain country in the world. Thanks to its vast territory (9.6 million km2), outstanding relief and varied climates, China boasts extremely plenty of ecosystems and landscapes. From south to north, it traverses almost all the temporal zones from tropical rainforest in the southernmost to frigid-temperate needle-leaved forest in the northernmost; from east to west, it sees a gradual transition fro humid forest landscape to extremely arid desert landscape; vertical change of landscapes is most striking owing to the existence of many high mountains (above 6000-7000 m, e.g., the Himalayas, the Kunlun, the Tianshan, the Hengduan, etc.) and plateaus, especially the immense Tibetan Plateau (averagely 4500 m above sea level). All of this give rise to the richness and diversity of ecosystems and landscape in China. Some of the ecosystems are endemic to China, e.g., alpine desert and alpine steppe in the Tibetan Plateau. As a result, China bears a great responsibility in the protection of global ecosystems and landscape.

Ecological Risk Assessment of World Heritage Sites Using RS and GIS:A Case Study of Huangshan Mountain, China

Ecological risk assessment(ERA) is an indispensable method for systematic monitoring of World Heritage Sites(WHSs) exposed to various anthropogenic factors and natural disasters. Remote sensing(RS) and geographical information systems(GIS) can eliminate many limitations in traditional ERA methods. In this study, changes in ecological risk at Huangshan Mountain, the first mixed WHS in China, over the period of 1984–2019 were explored using remote sensing images and products by considering both natural disasters and human disturbance. Results show that of the four land cover types in Huangshan Mountain, namely water, forest, building and farmland, the main land cover type is forest. During the 35 yr, lands categorised at low or relatively low ecological risk levels are dominant in Huangshan Mountain, with the lowest and highest ERIs(ecological risk index) in 1990 and 2010, respectively. The areas at the five ecological risk levels have declined as follows: relatively low > low > medium > relatively high > high. Changes in ecological risks are closely related to changes in land cover and natural disasters. Even though major natural disasters may affect the ecological risk level in the whole region, changes in land cover caused by human activities will shift the ecological risk level in some areas. Our attempts can be modified and applied to other sites, and offer policy implications for protection and preservation of WHSs.

Modern Heritage Investigation and Conservation: A Case Study of Taiyanggou Block and Lvshun Industrial School Site

Modern buildings and blocks in open port city, which are an essential part of the urban context, possess unspoken values of material properties and cultural resources for the urban future. According to the investigation of Taiyanggou Block and Lvshun Industrial School Site in Lvshun (China), this paper aims to discuss the understanding and conservation of modern heritage. Firstly, it interprets the opening of modern Lvshun and the formation of Taiyanggou Block to provide the fundamental knowledge. After a brief introduction of Lvshun Industrial School Site, the paper analyzes the problems in conservation practice and proposes countermeasures on heritage management and reuse strategy. Finally, it indicates that to conserve modern heritage means to preserve and to enhance their integrated values of space and culture in the framework of local development.

Assessment of prospective hazards resulting from the 2017 earthquake at the world heritage site Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan, China

On August 8, 2017, a Ms = 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Jiuzhaigou Valley, in Sichuan Province, China(N: 33.20°, E: 103.82°). Jiuzhaigou Valley is an area recognized and listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1992. Data analysis and field survey were conducted on the landslide, collapse, and debris flow gully, to assess the coseismic geological hazards generated by the earthquake using an unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV), remote-sensing imaging, laser range finders, geological radars, and cameras. The results highlighted the occurrence of 13 landslides, 70 collapses, and 25 potential debris flow gullies following the earthquake. The hazards were classified on the basis of their size and the potential property loss attributable to them. Consequently, 14 large-scale hazards, 30 medium-sized hazards, and 64 small hazards accounting for 13%, 28%, and 59% of the total hazards, respectively, were identified. Based on the variation tendency of the geological hazards that ensued in areas affected by the Kanto earthquake(Japan), Chi-chi earthquake(Taiwan China), and Wenchuan earthquake(Sichuan China), the study predicts that, depending on the rain intensity cycle, the duration of geological hazard activities in the Jiuzhaigou Valley may last over ten years and will gradually decrease for the following five to ten yearsbefore returning to pre-earthquake levels. Thus,necessary monitoring and early warning systems must be implemented to ensure the safety of residents,workers and tourists during the construction of engineering projects and reopening of scenic sites to the public.

Landscape Renovation and Renewal Design of Nanchang Industrial Heritage Site Under the Background of Creative Industry: A Case Study of Camphor Grove and 699 Cultural and Creative Parks

Camphor Grove Cultural Life Park and 699 Cultural and Creative Park are taken as research objects, and on-the-spot investigation and literature search are conducted. Protection and reuse of the park landscape are analyzed and studied, and the design model of landscape renewal with certain reference value based on creative industry is analyzed and summarized. Moreover, some suggestions are put forward to improve the existing problems in the transformation of industrial heritage in Nanchang City.

Analysis on Driving Forces behind Community Participation in Heritage Site Protection and Tourism Development

This paper applied literature research, model analysis, considered current community-participated tourism development, established a four driving forces model on the basis of analyzing the driving forces for community participation in heritage site protection and tourism development. The driving forces and applicability of community participation in heritage site protection and tourism development from the perspectives of interests drive, government pushing, tourism development attraction and environmental protection pressure.

Sustainable tourism development of globally important agricultural heritage sites:a case study of "traditional rice-fish agriculture system"

Traditional rice-fish agricultural heritage site in Qingtian County, China, one of the pilot sites of Glob-ally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), is of great value in tourism development. This paper aims to explore how to realize sustainable tourism development in agricultural heritage site through identifying current problems in GIAHS site, and making constructive recommendations for coupled development of heritage preserva-tion and economic development. Field survey was carried out and data was collected through fi eld questionnaire surveys of tourists and residents in Longxian Village of Qingtian County, as well as interviews of residents with semi-structured questionnaires for their perceptions and attitudes to tourism development. The following results are got: (1) the tourism industry is still at its early state of Nongjiale tourism (enjoy and experience authentic country life-style), under very limited administrative management; (2) what attracts visitors most are delicious f ish and beautiful natural environment, but not agricultural heritage itself; (3) most tourists come from adjacent areas and stay only half a day, many of whom pay their visits twice or more; (4) a few local residents take part in the activities of tourism industry, but in very limited manners even if they do. Current patterns of tourism development are casting negative impacts on agricultural heritage. Conservation of agricultural heritage should be put in the fi rst place for sustainable tourism development. Agricultural heritage, as a key attraction, should be taken as the focus for tourism development. The important thing is to change the present Nongjiale tourism into real heritage tourism, to establish a cooperative mechanism among different stakeholders, and to increase local residents' income through engaging in tourism industry.

Economic Value and Historical Scenic Beauty: The Case of Chinampas (Raised Beds) in Xochimilco, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mexico

This article estimates the historical scenic beauty’s economic value that tourists do have to preserve a pre-Hispanic farm production system dating from XIV to XVI century to be known as chinampas (raised beds) and is located in Mexico City. Therefore, in order to do this, surveys are performed and by contingent valuation (CV), the willingness-to-pay (WTP) is estimated. The best estimation points out that tourists are willing to pay 24.4 dollars around each year, and by means of such estimation, it is estimated that the cultural service’s economic value to preserve raised beds is between US$ 3000 and US$ 3700 per hectare. Such found value must be used as another input for decision makers when dealing with projects and/or policies facing contrary purposes. The analysis is innovative in the sense that there is almost no CV literature to estimate the economic value of historical scenic beauty.

Resident Relocation of Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage Site Based on Community Participation Theory

Migrant relocation is an important measure for the scenic spot to effectively protect the ecological environment.The problem of migrant relocation of Wulingyuan World Heritage Site is the most serious and difficult problem in the development of Wulingyuan,and it is a very representative case of migrant relocation in tourist attractions of China.Based on the community participation theory,this paper made a detailed analysis of the panel data on the relocation of residents in Wulingyuan World Heritage Site.Combining the first-hand information obtained from the field interviews,starting from the reasons for the relocation,the resettlement plan,and the effects of the relocation,it also analyzed the problems existing in the relocation of residents in Wulingyuan World Heritage Site.Finally,it came up with recommendations in line with the interests of residents from the perspective of community participation.

Green Energy: Examining Their Effects on Heritage Sites and Climate Change Mitigation

The damage which is brought about by global warming and climate change to heritage sites is more or less immutable. However, further deterioration could be slowed, if not stopped, with the patronization of green energy. Three sources of green energy, namely solar power, wind power, and hydropower were discussed in this research. Their indirect roles in preserving heritage sites were examined and their cumulative effects on mitigating climate change were also cited. Results showed that the climate might have been continually changing for the past thousands of years. The effects of climate change and global warming on the arctic ice, carbon dioxide concentration, sea levels, global surface temperature and land ice status were undeniable. These factors greatly contributed to the deterioration of the preservation of world heritage sites.

Temporal and Spatial Differentiation of Cultural Heritage in Jingzhou Area of National Great Site Protection and Its Influencing Factors

In the context of territorial spatial planning,the overall coordinated protection has become a consensus in the field of cultural heritage protection,and the study on the spatial and temporal pattern of trans-regional cultural heritage is of great significance to the overall protection.Based on the cultural relics protection units in Jingzhou area of national great site protection,the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of cultural heritage resources were studied with the help of ArcGIS.The data show that on the whole,the cultural heritage in Jingzhou area of national great site protection presented the time series of “a large span,more at two ends” and the spatial distribution pattern of “one main,two secondary and three cores”.Cultural heritage in different historical periods had the characteristics of differentiated regional aggregation.The formation of the spatial pattern of different types of cultural heritage was closely related to the local historical and cultural background.Cultural heritage was affected by rivers,terrain,transportation,land,culture and other factors.It was mainly distributed along rivers in areas with little topographic fluctuation and low altitudes.The development and construction of cultural heritage sites were weak,and the ecological foundation was poor.However,the traffic accessibility was good,and the cultural heritage was deep.The research results are expected to provide a scientific basis for guiding the large site protection area to strengthen the integrated protection of cultural resources.

Management of World Heritage Sites from the Perspective of Administrative Division Adjustment: A Case Study of Lushan,Jiangxi Province

The protection and management of world heritage has always been a hot topic in academic circles. In recent years,the number of linear heritage has increased significantly,which brings a new challenge to the monitoring and management of heritage sites. From the perspective of administrative division adjustment,and taking Lushan of Jiangxi Province as an example,it may be a feasible attempt to manage linear heritage and similar heritage sites with multiple points of distribution.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Investigations for Architectural Heritage Preservation: The Case of Habib Sakakini Palace, Cairo, Egypt

A comprehensive Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) investigations and hazard assessment for the rehabilitation and strengthening of Habib Sakakini’s Palace in Cairo is presented herein, which is considered one of the most significant architectural heritage sites in Egypt. The palace located on an ancient water pond at the eastern side of Egyptian gulf besiding Sultan Bebris Al-Bondoqdary mosque is a place also called “Prince Qraja al-Turkumany pond”. That pond had been filled down by Habib Sakakini at 1892 to construct his famous palace in 1897. The integrated geophysical survey of the palace allowed the identification of several targets of potential archaeological and geotechnical engineering interest buried in fill and silty clay in the depth range between 100 - 700 cm. the methodological development focused on Multi-Fold (MF) Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) imaging and subsurface characterization based on integrated velocity and attenuation analysis. Eight hundred sqm of Ground penetration Radar (GPR) profiling have been conducted to monitor the subsurface conditions. 600 meters are made in the surrounding area of the Palace and 200 sqm at the basement. The aim is to monitor the soil conditions beneath and around the Palace and to identify potential geological discontinuities, or the presence of faults and cavities. A suitable single and dual antenna are used (500 - 100 MHZ) is used to penetrate the desired depth of 7 meters (ASTM D6432). The GPR is used also detect the water table. At the building basement the GPR is used to identify the foundation thickness and soil-basement interface. As well as the inspection of cracks in some supporting columns, piers and masonry walls. The GPR also was used to investigate the floors and ceilings conditions and structural mapping. The results were validated by the geotechnical and structural surveys. All these results together with the seismic hazard analysis will be used for the complete analysis of the palace in the framework of the rehabilitation and strengthening works foreseen in a second stage.