World Natural Heritage Site Research Articles

Linguistic diversity of natural UNESCO world heritage sites: bridging the gap between nature and culture

UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites (WHSs) are some of the most important biophysical and geological places on Earth, yet nearly half are endangered or face considerable risks from ever-expanding human impacts. Often sites have people living within or nearby who speak different languages, many of which are unique and similarly endangered. Here we examine the co-occurrence of Natural WHSs with languages, as a key index of cultural diversity, to identify locations for integrative conservation opportunities aimed at protecting human and non-human diversity. Our analysis reveals many WHSs with high linguistic diversity, as well as endangered sites with associated indigenous languages and endangered languages that intersect Natural WHSs. Results identify Australia as the continent which has the greatest number of Natural WHSs, many co-occurring with highly endangered languages. Engaging speakers of indigenous languages often can help maintain nature, while efforts to conserve Natural WHSs can help preserve settings that enabled indigenous languages and cultures to emerge and persist.

From Geopark to Sustainable Development: Heritage Conservation and Geotourism Promotion in the Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark (China)

Mt. Huangshan was ratified as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site and UNESCO Global Geopark in 1990 and 2004, respectively. The Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark (HUGG) is characterized by peak-valley granite landscape as well as other granite landscapes. Quaternary glacial relics and hydrogeological sites are also found in the geopark. The extraordinary geodiversity together with the ecological resources and profound cultural heritages provides a valuable base for geotourism and geopark development. In the past decade, the geopark has been pursuing efficient management approaches to protect natural and cultural resources and to promote geotourism. As a result, the general public know more about the geopark and the income of local communities is increased. This paper introduces the geoheritage and other resources in the HUGG. It also reviews the conservation measures for different resources. Finally, it summarizes the way by which the geopark popularization was carried out.

A Quality Assessment of Tourist Information: the Case of Nautical Tourism at Shiretoko Peninsula

The success of tourism promotion in a destination partially depends on the extent to which it successfully links varied products catering to a heterogeneous group of visitors in a multi-client system. In contemporary destination marketing, communication between the service providers at the destination and the (prospective) tourists has become increasingly important as a result of the rise in informal communication channels and social media. This paper focuses on the effect of using different information sources when booking a cruise tour in Shiretoko Peninsula (a natural World Heritage Site) by employing a multi-group structural model. Our findings revealed that a mismatch between the expectation created by the visitors based on the information about the site and the satisfaction they experience when visiting the place can be a strong factor of dissatisfaction, with negative implications on the possible recommendations and loyalty. Additionally, it was possible to conclude that information available on the internet and via guidebooks seems to negatively affect satisfaction on certain elements and routes, while local information from tourist offices, hotels and local shops was found less problematic.

The birth of two new national parks on the Central Ryukyus in the Ryukyu Chain and the task of a World Natural Heritage Site

The birth of two new national parks on the Central Ryukyus in the Ryukyu Chain and the task of a World Natural Heritage Site

A catalogue of animal type specimens from the Shennongjia World Natural Heritage Site, China

A catalogue of animal type specimens from the Shennongjia World Natural Heritage Site, China

The outstanding universal value and conservation of the Shennongjia World Natural Heritage Site

The outstanding universal value and conservation of the Shennongjia World Natural Heritage Site

Diversity and representativeness of deciduous woody plants in Shennongjia World Natural Heritage Site, China

Diversity and representativeness of deciduous woody plants in Shennongjia World Natural Heritage Site, China

西表島における1960 年代以降の土地利用の変遷とその社会文化的背景

Iriomote Island in Okinawa is now receiving a lot of attention because the National Park area was recently expanded to cover almost the entire island. Being the next promising candidate for a World Natural Heritage Site title, an investigation was conducted. The purpose of this study is to investigate the history of land use in Iriomote from the 1960s and analyze the transition as well as its sociocultural backgrounds to extract the factors that may affect land use. Land use analysis and a field research were conducted, the former was conducted by analyzing topographical map with scale 1/50,000 and aerial photographs, and the latter was conducted to obtain actual land use data. Interviews were also used to reveal historical backgrounds. The results show that the changes in land use have been mainly affected by demographic changes, this is closely related to the changes in lifestyle and culture. Significant differences found in land use between the western and the eastern parts of the island were attributed to the history of the villages.

Recent increases in human pressure and forest loss threaten many Natural World Heritage Sites

Natural World Heritage Sites (NWHS), via their formal designation through the United Nations, are globally recognized as containing some of the Earth's most valuable natural assets. Understanding changes in their ecological condition is essential for their ongoing preservation. Here we use two newly available globally consistent data sets that assess changes in human pressure (Human Footprint) and forest loss (Global Forest Watch) over time across the global network of terrestrial NWHS. We show that human pressure has increased in 63% of NWHS since 1993 and across all continents except Europe. The largest increases in pressure occurred in Asian NWHS, many of which were substantially damaged such as ManasWildlifeSanctuary. Forest loss occurred in 91% of NWHS that contain forests, with a global mean loss of 1.5% per site since 2000, with the largest areas of forest lost occurring in the Americas. For example WoodBuffaloNationalPark and RíoPlátanoBiosphereReserve lost 2581km2 (11.7%) and 365km2 (8.5%) of their forest respectively. We found that on average human pressure increased faster and more forest loss occurred in areas surrounding NWHS, suggesting they are becoming increasingly isolated and are under threat from processes occurring outside their borders. While some NWHS such as the SinharajaForestReserve and ManaPoolsNationalPark showed minimal change in forest loss or human pressure, they are in the minority and our results also suggest many NWHS are rapidly deteriorating and are more threatened than previously thought.

Car Tourism in Xinjiang: The Mediation Effect of Perceived Value and Tourist Satisfaction on the Relationship between Destination Image and Loyalty

This study aims to test a model linking destination image, perceived value, tourist satisfaction, and tourist loyalty. Based on a sample of 300 tourists travelling by car from the World Natural Heritage Site of Tianchi, China, a new model of destination image was explored and data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results show that perceived value and satisfaction are direct antecedents of destination loyalty. Above all, perceived value and tourist satisfaction mediate the relationship between destination image and loyalty. Finally, this study discusses the theoretical and management implications of the findings in order to boost the tourism industry in the context of car trips.

Palaeoamyda messeliana nov. comb. (Testudines, Pan-Trionychidae) from the Eocene Messel Pit and Geiseltal localities, Germany, taxonomic and phylogenetic insights.

BackgroundAbundant pan-trionychid (soft-shell) turtles specimens have been found in Eocene sequences of central Europe, particularly from two localities in Germany, the Messel Pit (a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site) and Geiseltal, traditionally attributed to Trionyx messelianus or Rafetoides austriacus. Over the last two decades new specimens of this taxon from these two localities have been discovered and fully prepared. However, they have remained unstudied, as well as their phylogenetic position inside Pan-Trionychidae is unknown.ResultsFive new specimens of Palaeoamyda messeliana nov. comb. from Messel Pit and Geiseltal localities are fully described here. A revised diagnosis for the species is also presented here, together with its inclusion in a phylogenetic analysis of Pan-Trionychidae that shows that this species is sister to the extant Amyda cartilaginea, one of the most abundant pan-trionychid (soft-shell) turtles from Asia, both members of the clade Chitrini. The specimens described in here are among the best and most complete fossil pan-trionychid skeletons so far known.

Multigene phylogeny and morphology reveal a new species, Ophiocordyceps tettigonia, from Guizhou Province, China

A species of Cordyceps sensu lato associated with an adult of Tettigonia was collected in Chishui Danxia natural world heritage site, Guizhou Province, China. Following morpho-phylogenetic studies it was found to be a new species and is described as Ophiocordyceps tettigonia sp. nov. It differs from similar Ophiocordyceps species in having a unique host insect, and wide secondary ascospores. Combined sequence data from the ITS, SSU, TEF, and RPB1 gene loci also confirmed the distinctiveness of this new species.

Perspectivas de ecodesenvolvimento: o caso de Guaraqueçaba-PR

A região de Guaraqueçaba, no litoral paranaense, reconhecida mundialmente pelos exuberantes atrativos naturais que a configuram como Reserva da Biosfera, Patrimônio Natural da Humanidade, e exibindo características do patrimônio cultural brasileiro, essa região, enfim, enfrenta, há décadas, sérias restrições em termos sociais, que a marcam com um dos menores Índices de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) do Estado do Paraná. Aproveitando-se deste cenário, frequentemente, são fortalecidas e enfatizadas discussões referentes ao desenvolvimento da região. O presente artigo procurou identificar, em Guaraqueçaba, no plano de governo da Gestão Municipal 2012-2016, propostas que contemplassem o desenvolvimento da região, com base nos pressupostos do ecodesenvolvimento. Os resultados indicam um conjunto de ações que contribuiriam para a redução das desigualdades sociais e a manutenção da cultura local, aliados à conservação dos recursos naturais do território, ações que podem ser financiadas com recursos oriundos do ICMS Ecológico.Código JEL | O15; Q56; R59.

Evaluation of sediment solidification ability using in situ microbial functions in Ichkeul Lake, Tunisia

The merit of exploiting ecosystems is debated globally. There have been harmful effects due to water resource management of the world natural heritage site at Lake Ichkeul, Tunisia. These concerns have increased the interest in the production of natural minerals. Natural minerals, such as calcite, are produced from in situ microorganisms and are categorized as construction materials. They are considered to be a viable alternative new resource. This study focused on the physical and biological properties of sediments from Ichkeul Lake and the potential of calcite precipitation from in situ microorganisms in these sediments. The results of field investigations focused on high-salinity aquatic plants (Ruppia cirrhosa) that were distributed in the eastern portion of the lake. These results show that the area around the Tinja channel had increased salinity in the dry season. The element contents were measured with portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Ichkeul Lake sediments had higher calcium content than standard Japanese samples. This suggests that microbial carbonate precipitation is applicable to Ichkeul Lake. Calcite precipitation techniques, such as acceleration of urease-producing bacteria, were studied. Pre-cultivation tests focused on increasing urease activity rates from in situ bacteria. Solidification of sediment resulting from enhanced calcite precipitation rates through use of urease-producing bacteria was examined. All of the sediment samples from Ichkeul Lake were able to precipitate calcite. The results of the field investigation and laboratory tests indicated that the area around the mouth of the Joumine River showed an enhanced calcite precipitation rate after a cultivation period of 1 month under high-salinity conditions.

Surveys of the ant faunas at ports of Tokyo Bay and the Ogasawara Islands

Species native to oceanic islands are highly sensitive to the ecological impacts of invasive alien species, especially ants. The Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands are located approximately 1000 km south of mainland Japan and have a characteristic insular ecosystem. The risk of ecological harm via human and cargo transportation has increased as the number of tourists visiting the islands has grown since their designation as a World Natural Heritage Site. To evaluate the risk of biological invasion, we surveyed the ant faunas at ports of Tokyo Bay on the Japanese mainland and the Ogasawara Islands using sticky traps baited with honey and tuna. Our findings indicated that ant species composition was remarkably different between the ports of Tokyo and Ogasawara, and potential alien species were detected in both areas. The baited traps were likely to be more attractive than the non-baited traps, but need to be improved in future research. In particular, this is the first study to detect the invasive big-headed ant Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius) in mainland Japan, which likely arrived from Ogasawara via an ocean liner. Our study demonstrates the importance of periodically monitoring around ports to detect alien ants during the early invasion stage, when control and eradication methods are more effective.

Stone pillar rockfall in Danxia landform area, Mt. Langshan, Hunan Province, China

A typical Danxia stone pillar, Leipishi I, in the World Natural Heritage site at Mt. Langshan, China, collapsed on 2 November 2009. To understand the mechanism controlling this rockfall event, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, resistance against sulfuric acid, and freezing and thawing properties were analyzed from 44 sandstone and conglomerate cores collected from the Lanlong Formation, the only exposed formation on Mt. Langshan. In addition, four rock slices were created for analysis under a polarizing microscope. A detailed reconstruction of the geometry and restraint conditions of the stone pillar in place before the rockfall occurred permitted an estimation of the stress state before collapse using 3D finite-element code. The results show that the rapid retreat of soft, intercalated rock layers due to weathering can profoundly change the stress state within the rock body, causing compressive or tensile stresses to rise above compressive or tensile strengths in specific sections of a rock body, and causing partial or complete collapse.

Tourists' perceptions of responsibility: an application of norm-activation theory

ABSTRACTDrawing on norm-activation theory, this study explores the link between tourists' perceptions of the negative impacts of tourism and their perceived responsibility. A proposed theoretical framework was examined and verified through exploratory and confirmatory research processes. Self-administered questionnaires were collected at two UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites in China. The findings of this research suggest that tourists' perceptions of the negative impacts of tourism positively affect their ascription of responsibility, which positively influences tourists' perceptions of responsibility. Nevertheless, the accessibility of information about tourism impacts is far from enough to foster in tourists a sense of responsibility, which is important for the promotion of responsible behaviours. Several practical implications are provided to address tourists' sense of responsibility, including enhancing tourists' awareness of negative tourism impacts, increasing the availability and accessibility of information about tourism impacts, and recommending behaviours for tourists to make a positive difference to destinations.

Ecotourism and World Natural Heritage: Its influence on islands in Japan

Abstract The article discusses the influence of World Natural Heritage registration on ecotourism by looking at the cases of Yakushima as the first World Natural Heritage site and Ogasawara as an advanced region of ecotourism in Japan, and also the Amami Islands and Iriomote Islands where various efforts have been taken toward the registration of World Natural Heritage.

Monitoring Natural World Heritage Sites: optimization of the monitoring system in Bogda with GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis

Natural World Heritage Sites (NWHSs) are invaluable treasure due to the uniqueness of each site. Proper monitoring and management can guarantee their protection from multiple threats. In this study, geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA) was used to assess criteria layers acquired from the data available in the literature. A conceptual model for determining the priority area for monitoring in Bogda, China, was created based on outstanding universal values (OUV) and expert knowledge. Weights were assigned to each layer using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based on group decisions, encompassing three experts: one being a heritage site expert, another a forest ranger, and the other a heritage site manager. Subsequently, evaluation layers and constraint layers were used to generate a priority map and to determine the feasibility of monitoring in Bogda. Finally, a monitoring suitability map of Bogda was obtained by referencing priority and feasibility maps.The high-priority monitoring area is located in the montane forest belt, which exhibits high biodiversity and is the main tourist area of Bogda. The northern buffer zone of Bogda comprises the concentrated feasible monitoring areas, and the area closest to roads and monitoring facilities is highly feasible for NWHS monitoring. The suitability of an area in terms of monitoring is largely determined by the monitoring priority in that particular area. The majority of planned monitoring facilities are well distributed in both suitable and less suitable areas. Analysis results indicate that the protection of Bogda will be more scientifically based due to its effective and all-around planned monitoring system proposed by the declaration text of Xinjiang Tianshan, which is the essential file submitted to World Heritage Centre to inscribe as a NWHS.

메시지 프레이밍이 환경적으로 책임 있는 방문객 행동에 미치는 영향

This study examines the message framing effects on visitors’ environmentally responsible behavior(ERB) focusing on the regulatory focus. A lot of studies have conducted research on the message framing effects but the results have not been consistent. As the main cause of inconsistency, the individual characteristics of the message recipients have been suggested. This paper investigated the role of the regulatory focus as an individual characteristic on the message framing effects of the visitors’ ERB. Based on relevant theories and literature, this study proposed two hypotheses. To test the hypotheses, a 2 x 2 factorial design was used. Hallasan National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, was selected as an experiment site. Two experiments, using a gain and loss frame, were made. The test was conducted in a laboratory of 402 college students, assuming that they had visited Hallasan National Park. Two-way ANOVA was used to test this study. The results of the tests showed that 2 Hypotheses were generally supported. In this study, the results of the test were interpreted and future research tasks were suggested.