World Heritage Resource Library
[Papers] [Books] [Websites]Papers
Stonehenge, Avebury and Other Landscapes in The World
By Peter Fowler (2006)
http://www.britarch.ac.uk/cba/weekend/Fowler_de%20_Cardi_lecture20061006.pdf
The Beatrice de Cardi Lecture by Peter Fowler, an expert advising to UNESCO and ICOMOS on the subject of cultural landscapes and World Heritage.
The Politics of World Heritage: Negotiating Tourism and Conservation
By David Harrison, Michael Hitchcock (2005)
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=xPcaVQzso58C
This collection of papers focuses on the contested nature of World Heritage at sites as diverse as The Netherlands, Ellis Island (USA), post-colonial Mesoamerica, Cambodia, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, and Vietnam. In addition, eight research notes explore heritage interpretation in the USA, Lebanon, Peru, Indonesia, Singapore, Tasmania and India.
Preserving the heritage of humanity? Obtaining world heritage status and the impacts of listing
By Aa, Bart J.M. van der (2005)
http://dissertations.ub.rug.nl/faculties/rw/2005/b.j.m.van.der.aa/
The 1972 UNESCO world heritage convention was established to better preserve the world's 'most outstanding' natural and cultural world heritage sites. This research tries to answer the question of whether or not the convention has been an effective tool to better preserve these heritage sites. Does the world heritage list include all the 'best' heritage sites? And does inscription raise the level of preservation? Or does tourism endanger the site after its selection on the list?
Filling the gaps - an action plan for the future of the World Heritage List
By ICOMOS study compiled by Jukka Jokilehto (2005)
http://www.international.icomos.org/world_heritage/whlgaps.htm.
This ICOMOS analysis on the World Heritage List and Tentative Lists should be seen as a contribution to the further development of the Global Strategy for a credible, representative and balanced World Heritage List. This analysis is a response to the invitation by the World Heritage Committee at its 24th Session in Cairns (2000) to: "proceed with an analysis of sites inscribed on the World Heritage List and the Tentative List on a regional, chronological, geographical and thematic basis". The proposed scope of the analysis was to "provide States Parties with a clear overview of the present situation, and likely trends in the short- to medium- term with a view to identifying under-represented categories"
World Heritage as NIMBY? The Case of the Dutch part of the Wadden Sea
By Bart J.M. van der Aa, Peter D. Groote and Paulus P (2002)
http://www.multilingual-matters.net/cit/007/0291/cit0070291.pdf
Acquiring the world heritage label, a reward for establishing and preserving an outstanding environment, is often assumed to be an honour for the local population and a useful leverage for the tourist and environmental organisations. However, the case of the Wadden Sea, a trilateral nomination by Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands, makes clear that this is not always true, and public consultation in The Netherlands has revealed that these local stakeholders do not support such a nomination. I seems they epitomise a 'Not in my back yard' (NIMBY) approach to World Heritage listing. This discussion paper examines the factors that complicate the nomination process. Contrary to common expectation, why do critical stakeholders, like the tourism industry, local inhabitants and environmental organisations become opponents? What are the interests at stake that subvert the balance of benefits and costs of the world heritage status to the extent that nomination is suspended? Is this phenomenon an exception, or an indication that obtaining the accolade is increasingly assessed from a rational rather than an emotional viewpoint, and that 30 years after the convention which created it the world heritage stamp has lost its uniqueness?
Books
Landscapes of the World : Conserving a global Heritage
By P. Fowler (Windgather press (2004) isbn 095455759X)
235pp paperback. (9.7x7.3)"The best of the world's cultural landscapes - the results of humanity's interaction with the environment over millennia - are a legacy of enormous importance, comparable with great archaeological monuments and works of art. Since 1992 the international community has begun to define, identify, designate and protect these special places, through UNESCO's World Heritage Programme, which now inscribes World Heritage landscapes as well as World Heritage sites. This book provides an accessible introduction to these globally significant landscapes. Peter Fowler asks why these places matter to all of us. In this book he explores the ideas, iconography and values which have inspired the UNESCO programme; visits all of the 38 landscapes designated in the period 1992-2003: places such as the Tongariro volcano in New Zealand, the Portuguese port wine region of Alto Douro and the rice-growing Cordilleras in the Philippines; explores the complex politics involved in designation; places Britain's landscape heritage in its global context. Two World Heritage landscapes have been designated so far in Britain - Blaenavon and Kew Gardens. St Kilda and the Lake District are under consideration; and provides, with its discussion of landscape management issues, an essential text for heritage and nature conservation practitioners and students."
Ancient Civilizations: World Heritage Sites
By Cattaneo ((Rizzoli) White star (2004) isbn 88-5440-007-6)
400pp (14.2x10.3) "Archaeology and anthropology are progressively reconstructing humanity's cultural history. This volume illustrates the World Heritage List, from Lascaux to the enormous artistic and cultural legacies of Angkor and Machu Picchu." "This volume is the last in a three part series dedicated to UNESCO's campaign to safeguard and increase awareness of Man's cultural and natural heritage. It describes 100 of the world's most important archaeological sites, all of which are invaluable treasures of history and civilization."
The World Heritage: Poland on the UNESCO List
By Bujak (Biay Kruk (2004) isbn 8388918435)
317pp Hardcover
Vienna; A guide to the World Heritage Sites
By Wehdorn et al (Springer (2004) isbn 3211408630)
225 pp Paperback. (7.6x4.7")The historical center of Vienna was named a UNESCO World Heritage landmark in December 2001. The criteria for this selection were the variety and quality of the architecture and urban construction in Vienna, which comprises the middle ages, the Baroque period, the end of the eighteenth century and the beginnings of Modernism. These styles still characterize the city today. Manfred Wehdorn’s city guide takes the visitor on a tour of historical Viennese streets and squares, but also to hidden locations in Viennese courtyards. Vienna’s history comes to life as the connections between the buildings and palaces and their builders, architects and inhabitants are revealed. The city guide is a systematic compendium containing fifty city maps to make orientation within the city and locating the individual sights easier.
Treasury of World Culture Vol 1 Arch Sites + Urban Centres
By Terraroli ((Rizzoli) Skira (2003) isbn 88-8491-393-4)
384pp (11.4 x9.7) "That tour begins here, in the first of the three-volume UNESCO World Heritage series: 46 living and archeological built environments from continuously-occupied cities such as Crakow and old Havana to archeological treasures such as Macchu Picchu (Peru) and Angkor Wat (Cambodia); Petra (Jordan); the Imperial Forums (Italy); the Casbah of Algiers; Teotihuacan (Mexico)-and discoveries that make a full spectrum of world cultures. Each site is presented up close with color reproductions and a rich explanatory text. The volume is completed by the charter map of the World Heritage Foundation and includes UNESCO's standards for designation. With this particularly rich selection of images, places distant in time and space can be seen as connected in a singular and fascinating way: the true heritage of every nation and every individual."
Treasury of World Culture Vol 2 Monumental sites
By Terraroli ((Rizzoli) Skira (2003) isbn 88-8491-557-0)
384pp (11.2x9.7)"This second of the three-volume UNESCO World Heritage series examines "monument structures" sites that can be seen as an essence of their cultures. The UNESCO World Heritage program selected 47 monuments based on historical importance and stylistic variations employed for the exercise of political power, social prestige, luxury, religious worship, and collective memory. The panorama includes the Taj Mahal of Agra, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Temple of Borobudur, the Alhambra, the Kremlin, the Pueblo of Taos, and one of the most recognized monuments to a historical moment-the Statue of Liberty. Taken together, these sites are a timeline of civilization that range from the pyramids at Giza to the modernist buildings designed by Victor Horta in Brussels." (Nb 3rd volume not yet published as of Jul 05)
World Heritage Sites; Nature Sanctuaries
By Cattaneo ((Rizzoli) White star (2003) isbn 8880959891)
400pp "This is a "coffee-table" sized book with magnificent photography. It is dedicated to the most important protected habitats on earth. Superb pictures and detailed maps accompany clear texts that describe the history, natural events and biological patrimony of each site." "This volume is the last in a three part series dedicated to UNESCO's campaign to safeguard and increase awareness of Man's cultural and natural heritage. It describes 100 of the world's most important archaeological sites, all of which are invaluable treasures of history and civilization."
Our Magnificent Wilderness; 40 of the world's most beautiful places selected by UNESCO
By Grundsten + Hanneberg (Lyons Press (2002) isbn 1-58574-635-5)
228pp. Hardcover 224 col photos. (11.6"x10.2") "In Our Magnificent Wilderness, Claes Grundsten and Peter Hanneberg are our personal guides, taking us on a journey to some of the most spectacular and precious places on Earth. Through their words and pictures, we experience the best of our awe-inspiring natural heritage sites. The authors' selection spans six continents and includes the great landscapes of North America, such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Everglades National Parks; stunning sites in Africa, from the endless savanna of the Serengeti, with its herds of migratory mammals, to the peaks of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, which both offer the extraordinary spectacle of snow at the Equator; and the breathtaking beauty of Central and South America, from the neotropical dry forest of Costa Rica in the north to Argentina in the south, with its extensive waterfalls and windswept, sun-parched salt lakes. Also featured are some of the finest mountain regions of Europe and Asia, many of them containing significant populations of endangered wildlife. And within the expanse of Oceania exists a rich variety of flora, fauna, and marvelous landscape features, including the haunting presence of Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayer's Rock) in Australia's "red center."
World Heritage Sites of UNESCO: Treasures of Art (or incorrectly "Legacy of Art")
By Cattaneo ((Rizzoli) White star (2002) isbn 88-8095-829-1)
432pp "This volume, the first in a series of three dedicated to UNESCO's task of safeguarding world heritage sites, introduces the reader to one hundred of the most interesting locations from an artistic or architectural standpoint, from the art centers of Europe to the baroque cathedrals of South America"
Speaking Stones: World Cultural Heritage Sites in India
By Mitra (Eicher Goodearth (2001) isbn 81-8778-000-2)
264pp Softback. "The first comprehensive guidebook which threads the 17 UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage Sites in India as a tourist circuit. These include the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves and the Churches of Goa. With extensive research in historical as well as architectural details, this is an invaluable companion not only for the tourist but also the armchair traveller. Over 200 specially commissioned photographs and easy-to-follow site maps make this illustrated exploration of India's living past a visual delight. As the sites are scattered across the country, often far removed from the beaten path, we have given comprehensive and up-to-date information to make these sites easily accessible. Details of visa formalities, transportation, tourist information offices and hotels have been provided to make the traveller's journey as comfortable as possible."
World Heritages under the protection of UNESCO: Germany, Austria and Switzerland
By Thomas Starke (Schmid verlag (2001) isbn 3930572486)
141pp (9.75"x12")
Encyclopedia of Sacred Places
By Norbert C Brockman (Oxford University Press (1999) isbn 0-19-512739-0)
368pp paperback (9.3x6.1) Not strictly about WHS but app C contains a list of all WHS Cultural sites, many of which are described in the book. "In traditions as old as the henges of Stone Age Britain and as new as Himmler's Nazi antishrine at Verden, in spots as inaccessible as the hermit caves dug into the high cliffs at Meteora and as crowded as downtown Bangkok, humans have sought ways to honor the sacred. The Encyclopedia of Sacred Places records the rich and varied legacy of this quest. In over 200 articles, author Norbert Brockman accompanies the reader on a Grand Pilgrimage to the world's most important holy places--ancient and modern, grand and modest, natural and man-made. Readers will visit sacred rivers, mountains, and springs; altars where mysterious prehistoric rites and sacrifices were performed; sites of miracles; tombs of saints; shrines for holy relics; and memorials to victims of the Holocaust, the atom bomb, and the slave trade. In A-to-Z format, the Encyclopedia describes not only these places themselves but important related concepts such as pilgrimage, relic, and ex-voto. Each article examines the origin of a site, its history, and its meaning to the religious tradition involved. In addition to a physical description, each article provides details of a site's construction, its place in larger pilgrimage routes, and any difficulties a traveler might experience in reaching the site. Every article is followed by an up-to-date list of resources for further study, as well as cross references that direct the reader to related entries. A glossary defines technical terms specific to particular traditions".
World Heritage Sites in Cyprus
By Loria Markedes (ed) (Cyprus Nat Comm of UNESCO (1999) isbn 9963560369)
In English + Greek
World Heritage Forests: The WH convention as a mechanism for conserving tropical forest biodiversity
By Ishwaran ( (1999) isbn 9798764234)
54 pp. Softcover."Brief overview of the objectives of the World Heritage Convention’s tropical forest conservation program with recommendations and a tentative list of tropical forests suitable for World Heritage designation. 24 color photos, line illustrations, 3 color maps, two supplemental lists of conference participants and other interested parties"
Visitor management; Case Studies from World Heritage sites
By Shackley (Butterworth- Heineman (1998) isbn 750647833)
250pp Paper and hardback. (9.7x7.5) "Visitor Management' is an innovative collection of case studies taken from cultural World Heritage Sites. Using examples from the world's most significant archaeological and architectural legacies this book identifies the problems involved with site management. Cultural World Heritage Sites are extremely attractive to contemporary visitors. This poses many problems for site management, notably the need to preserve a delicate balance between interpretation, conservation and the provision of visitor facilities. This contributed title takes examples from a range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and shows models of good practice looking at the functions of the different organizations involved and the range of variation among sites. The contributors have international expertise and draw on first-hand knowledge at a practical level."
Our Nordic Heritage: World Heritage sites in the Nordic Countries
By Anker + Snitt (KOM Forlag AS (1998) isbn 8290823363)
256pp Hardback. (12"x 9.5") "Our Nordic Heritage presents the 18 sites in the Nordic countries which have been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List - the cultural and natural heritage of mankind. Areas with this status represent outstanding and irreplaceable cultural and natural treasures. They are important to us as sources of experience and understanding of our manifold historical, cultural and natural background. The 18 Nordic Areas on the World Heritage List span a period of more than 6000 years - from the first rock carvings in Alta to the Woodland Cemetery in Stockholm, which was completed in 1961. Our Nordic Heritage presents important pictures of the changing living conditions and historical events which have shaped the Nordic countries."
England's World Heritage
By John Hedgecoe (English Heritage (1997) isbn 1855854880)
96 pp 8 1/2 x 11. 200 color photos. A lavish pictorial survey of the eleven most spectacular historic sites in England, featuring 200 color images by renowned photographer John Hedgecoe. From the ancient world of Stonehenge and Hadrian's Wall to the glory and grandeur of Blenheim Palace, from prehistory to the Industrial Revolution, here are England's greatest historical sites. Celebrated photographer John Hedgecoe takes us to places steeped in history, among them Bath, Canterbury, the Tower of London, and Westminster. Accompanying the 200 color photographs, David Souden's engaging text reveals each site's story and historical significance. John Hedgecoe is Professor Emeritus at the Royal College of Art in London. He previous books include The Spirit of the Garden and the award-winning Henry Moore; his series on practical photography have become standard works.
Our North American World Heritage
By Mark Swadling (Harper-Macrae (1997) isbn 1-57769-004-4)
353pp. Hardcover (9"x12"). "Magnificent volume showcases 46 natural and cultural heritage sites in Canada and the U.S., from the towering rock faces in Yosemite Park to a herd of migrating caribou in Labrador. A descriptive essay highlights the significance of each wonder. Well illustrated in color".
Australia's World Heritage
By Jim Thorsell + Tom Duffy (eds) (Or Robert Osborne? (Readers Digest/ WH Pub Pty (1997) isbn 1-57769-007-9)
320pp (9"x12") "Lavish volume illuminates the most valuable natural and cultural treasures to be found in all corners of the continent, from the world's largest fish in Shark's Bay to Aboriginal art carvings in rock in Ubirr"
World Heritage Rainforest Australia
By Peter Lik + M Prokiv (Wilderness Press (1996) isbn 646279688)
Hardcover 64pp
Nordic World Heritage: Proposals for new areas for the UNESCO World Heritage list
By Suul ( (1996) isbn 9291209570)
217pp
Paradise on Earth: The Natural World Heritage List
By Swadling et al (Harper Macrae/JIDD/IUCN (1995) isbn 064619397X)
336pp. Hardback (9" x 12"). "More than 100 natural sites around the world have been chosen by the United Nations' World Heritage Committee for their beauty and natural significance. This book is the only photographic and descriptive collection of these sites. The spectacular color photos depict the world's most awe-inspiring natural sites, including the Grand Canyon, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Virunga's mountain gorilla habitat, and the Galapagos Islands. The rare and exotic animals, as well as the old favorites, make this an ideal family book and one that will be a great asset to school science projects."
Masterworks of Man + Nature
By Mark Swadling + Tim Baker (Harper-Macrae (also Stackpole) (1992) isbn 0-646-05376-0 and 1577690095)
449pp "A compendium of the most important natural and cultural sites in the world as designated by their inclusion on the United Nations' World Heritage List. Covering more than 360 sites, this book contains a brief description of each site and its significance. The beautiful photographs are supported by insightful text from some of the world's most prominent conservationists and statespeople, including H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip; US Vice President Al Gore; and Gilbert Grosvenor, National Geographic President."
Our World's Heritage
By Carol Lutyk (National Geographic (1987) isbn 870446983)
312pp (9.75"x12"). Covers 247 sites "This beautifully illustrated book provides a very useful overview of the objectives and impacts of the 1972 Convention for the safeguarding of the World Heritage. It covers not only present sites but also sites which may be inscribed on the World Heritage List in the future, such as NamibNaukluft Park in Namibia (not yet a State Party to the Convention), Easter Island, in Chile, or the Fushimi-Inari Shrine and the Moss Garden, in Kyoto, Japan. The book is a compilation of studies of vanished civilizations, urban landscapes and other themes touching on our common inheritance, all illustrated by pictures of the most outstanding sites."
Forests, Fjords + Glaciers NZ's WH ; The case for a SW NZ WHS
By G Hutching + C Potton (NZ Royal Forest and Bird Prot Soc (1987) isbn 959785108)
112pp
Australia's World Heritage Sites The Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, Western Tasmania Wild
By Serventy (Macmillan (1986) isbn 0333401417)
124pp
A Legacy for All
By UNESCO (UNESCO (1980) isbn 92-3-102025-0)
137pp. Covers all 57 sites as of 1980 with 2 pages per site of which 1 is usually a full page photo and the other usually contains some smaller photos. Short description of each site plus introduction by the then UNESCO Director M'bow.
Wasteland to World heritage preserving Australia's Heritage
By Colin Hall (Melbourne Univ Press (0) isbn 522844960)
289pp Paperback "Comprehensive history of wilderness preservation in Australia"
Monumental Legacy (series)
By ? (Oxford University press (India) (0) isbn )
Khajuraho, Ellora, Pattadakal, Goa, Sanchi, Konarak, Hampi (may be others?). All around 100pp."Part of the Monumental Legacy series, this well illustrated and well informed book explains in lucid language the historical background and architecture of the Buddhist monuments of Sanchi. This book, with its section on practical information, is a comprehensive guide for the discerning tourist as well as scholars."
Heritage of Mankind in Spain
By Carme Polo (UNESCO (0) isbn 8492057300)
A World Heritage, UNESCO publication. 263 pages. Numerous colour photographs by Man Costas of Spain's 21 World Heritage sites. Foreword by Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Director General of UNESCO.
Websites
Coastal county says no to the U.N.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-carrizo31mar31,1,7555405.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california
County rejects U.N. listing for Carrizo Plain: designation of Carrizo Plain near San Luis Obispo as a World Heritage site may have brought tourism dollars but residents are leery.
ICOMOS
http://www.icomos.org/
ICOMOS is an international non-governmental organization of professionals, dedicated to the conservation of the world's historic monuments and sites. It is one of the Advisory Bodies to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee
IUCN
http://cms.iucn.org/
IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is one of the Advisory Bodies to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee
Our Place - A Photographic Celebration of the Worlds Heritage
http://www.ourplaceworldheritage.com/index.cfm
"The photographers who work on assignment for the OUR PLACE World Heritage project have a proven track record in documenting Cultural and Natural locations around the world. Our team of International photographers endeavors to capture the "human dimension" of a site as well as its important physical elements and have worked in a large variety of cultures and geographical locations. We have photographed over 200 sites in over 60 countries and the OUR PLACE World Heritage Collection is the "….the first official World Heritage Photographic databank…."
The Salmons' World Heritage website
http://www.thesalmons.org/lynn/world.heritage.html
The World Heritage website of Lynn & John Salmon contains an extensive list of links for all WHS and their own travel experiences.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Official Site
http://whc.unesco.org/
Official website from UNESCO explaining the choice of certain buildings and sites as World Heritage. List with pictures and information available on each.
WHTour.org : UNESCO World Heritage sites in panography - 360 degree imaging
http://www.world-heritage-tour.org/
World Cultural Heritage - as seen through postage stamps
http://worldheritage.heindorffhus.dk/
This web site contains 8200+ stamps and other images.