Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World heritage site in Indonesia which in 1980 was created by the Indonesian government in order to protect the komodo dragon (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2010). Komodo national park has over 1,000 species of tropical fish and notably around 5,700 komodo dragons who roam across the island. The Komodo national park utilises technology, notably a SMART system which enabled for increasing data collection and expanded patrol coverage. Subsequently, this resulted in greater wildlife monitoring meaning for effective conservation of species on the island (World, 2022). Moreover, surveillance cameras are utilised on the island to prevent the poaching of species, in particular to komodo dragon (Park, 2023). In relation to the United Nations sustainable development goals, Komodo National Park aligns with the goals of Goal 8: Life on Land as the park has wildlife monitoring tools such as SMART and GPS-enabled devices to aid the conservation of the komodo dragon. Moreover, it aligns with Goal 14 Life below water as patrolling teams cover marine areas and can monitor boats entering the Komodo National Park marine zone both fishing and tourist boats (World, 2022b). Moreover, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth is another goal the park meets as park rangers promote sustainable tourism and bolster local employment opportunities and with visitors set to reach more than 1 million in 2025 the economic growth from visitors is positive alongside a new (Cosmos, 2024).
Movable Cultural Heritage,Intangible Heritage
The use of neon signs as an advertising method for shops increased post-war in the 1950s, alongside a boom in incoming migration and setting up of shops and stores. As business owners typically planned for their businesses to be passed on through generations, they were known to ‘invest a lot in getting a sign commissioned’ as it carried a lot of significance and identity. As the economy prospered in the later half of the 20th century, the signs became de rigueur in the urban cityscape – an icon in its own right, and inspiring many cultural references in movies and media. The above neon sign is for the restaurant chain "新英記 Sun Ying Kee", and is located in Causeway Bay.
The Terracotta Army is a collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Discovered in 1974 near Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, this archaeological marvel dates to 210-209 BCE and was created as funerary art to protect the emperor in his afterlife. The site contains thousands of individually crafted warriors, each with unique facial features, expressions, and attire, alongside chariots, horses, and weapons. The remarkable craftsmanship demonstrates the advanced artistic and military organization of the Qin Dynasty. The warriors are part of a larger imperial mausoleum complex that remains largely unexplored. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides invaluable insights into ancient Chinese history, culture, and artistry while continuing to attract researchers and visitors from around the world.
Overlooking the North Sea, this castle has had its fair share of battles throughout British history. Previously seating Northumbrian kinds, the castle was invaded by Vikings and endured shifts in British political history as a significant stronghold of the North. Bamburgh Castle still houses impressive collections of arms, artefacts and armour, which recall the stories of Britain's power struggle throughout time. Bamburgh is quintessential to England's cultural background, being a popular tourist site due to hit Vikings shows on Netflix being based on the castle. By digitising this structure, we achieve UN SDG Goal 4 of Quality Education by giving virtual tours of the castle with digital artefacts to explore and broaden the educational reach while preserving history.
An iconic Roman amphitheatre and revolutionary for its time. Capable of housing over 50,000 onlookers at its peak, it was known for bloody gladiatorial contests, spectacles and naval battles. Throughout time, the Colosseum has been affected by earthquakes, overtourism, climate change, looting and vandalism, and has endured the test of time as a symbol of Rome's genius and power. Digital representations will help make progress towards UN SDG goal 11 of Sustainable Cities and Communities in order to ensure responsible and sustainable tourism.
A photograph showing the whole of the Forth Bridge from a diagonal onlook position on the banks of the Forth of Firth, on a sunny but mildly cloudy day.
A black and white photo from the late 1800s showing the Forth Bridge under construction.
The Forth Bridge is a railway cantilever bridge across the Firth of Forth, west of Edinburgh. It is a piece of tangible, immovable heritage and represents a huge achievement in human engineering, while also being an important part of the rail network, as it has been since it was opened on the 4th of March 1890. Designed by engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, it is 2.5km long including the approaches and contains 3 separate cantilever structures holding 2 spans of 520m each. Upon opening, this was the longest span of a cantilever design and remains the second longest span today. It was the first major structure in Britain to be built of steel and was named as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2015. 78 people are known to have died working on the construction of the bridge and the Briggers Memorial remembers them with a monument at both ends of the bridge. Digital interpretation of the Forth Bridge will aid the protection of the heritage surrounding it, contributing to Goal 11 (11.4) through the strengthening of cultural heritage. It also supports 11.2 through promotion of public transport as it is a key part of rail infrastructure.
A photograph showing an overhead view of the entirety of Robben Island, with mainland in the background.
A photograph showing the entrance to Robben Island.
Robben Island is a UNESCO world heritage site due to the intangible heritage that the site represents. It served as a political prison for the Apartheid government of South Africa, where they held numerous people who fought against their regime. The most notable prisoner is Nelson Mandela who spent 18 years on the island through his 27 years of imprisonment by the Apartheid government. He then became the first President of a post-Apartheid South Africa. While most known for its Apartheid-era usage, it has been used a political prison since the 1600s, where Dutch colonialists imprisoned indigenous tribal leaders, opposition colonial leaders as well as the leaders of a mutiny on a slave ship, the Meermin. It also holds natural value, for example, scientists study the population of penguins resident on the island. Digital interpretation of Robben Island contributes to Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as it will allow promotion of justice, by teaching about prior injustice. This also links to Goal 10, reducing inequalities. Furthermore, it will contribute to Goal 11.4 through the strengthening of Cultural Heritage as it represents a key site for the story of the fight against Apartheid.
A photograph showing the Berlin Wall in 1986.
A photograph showing a remaining Berlin Wall section at Niederkirchnerstraße
In the Post-WW2, Cold War era, Germany was divided amongst the Allies and the Soviet Union. As the capital city, Berlin was also divided. The Soviets built the Berlin Wall to prevent migration between the sides. While today what remains is a physical concrete wall, this only represents part of the infrastructure, which included another wall on the Soviet side, an area of no-mans-land known as the death strip, and guard towers. In 1989, the border was opened, and the wall began to be brought down. Major governmental work was required to reunite the country and today, the main remnants are parts of the concrete wall. Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals is regarding Quality Education. Digital representations of the Berlin Wall would allow for increased education about the wall and the history leading up to its creation, enabling more people to learn about it, and promote Goal 16, promoting peace, by understanding past global conflicts. Furthermore, it contributes to Goal 11.4 of strengthening global cultural heritage.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters above sea level. Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, the site remained unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, terraces, and panoramic mountain views. Machu Picchu is a symbol of Inca engineering and cultural achievement, offering insight into pre-Columbian civilization. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws millions of visitors annually and faces preservation challenges due to tourism and climate change.
Protective Town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco
The Protective Town of San Miguel de Allende and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco represent exceptional examples of 18th-century Mexican Baroque architecture and cultural fusion. Established in the 16th century along the Royal Route, San Miguel reached its zenith in the 18th century when its distinctive religious and civic buildings were constructed. Located 14 kilometers from the town, the Jesuit sanctuary of Atotonilco showcases remarkable Baroque art including oil paintings by Rodriguez Juárez and murals by Miguel Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre. The site embodies the cultural exchange between European and Latin American traditions, particularly reflecting the influence of Saint Ignacio de Loyola's doctrine. The architectural ensemble demonstrates the transition from Baroque to neoclassical styles while preserving the colonial urban layout. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to serve as a living example of Spanish colonial influence and Mexican cultural identity.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is located within Sichuan Province, China, and has gained a widespread reputation for its unparalleled natural scenery. Here, there are colorful lakes, multi-layered waterfalls with a well-arranged layout, and unique limestone terraces. Its distinctive karst landform and rich biodiversity led to its inclusion in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1992. As a habitat for endangered species such as giant pandas and takins, Jiuzhaigou is also a vital nature reserve. In addition, the Qiang and Tibetan ethnic groups live in this valley, and their inherited cultural traditions have added profound historical significance to this area. In order to properly protect the natural and cultural resources of Jiuzhaigou and promote the steady development of tourism, Jiuzhaigou National Park has established an official website. Through digital forms such as pictures and videos, it promotes Jiuzhaigou, helping people from all over the world to recognize Jiuzhaigou. By popularizing the unique natural landscapes and cultural customs of Jiuzhaigou, tourists can have a deeper understanding of the local history and respect the local customs, thus enhancing the harmonious relationship between tourists and local residents and strongly promoting the sustainable development of tourism. These measures are highly consistent with the requirements of SDG 15, SDG 12, and SDG 11.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established as the first national park in the world in 1872, remains a vital representation of natural preservation. The park’s boundaries span the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho and has become an emblem of environmental conservation.
This mural is a replica exhibit based on the original Buddhist wall paintings found in the Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, located near Dunhuang, China. The original murals were created between the 4th and 14th centuries, featuring rich iconography of Buddhist narratives, devotional figures, and multicultural artistic influences from the Silk Road. This replica was produced for educational and exhibition purposes to promote awareness of Dunhuang’s cultural significance. While the physical replica is movable, the original artworks are considered immovable cultural heritage and are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Generations of Buddhist monks and artisans along the Silk Road
Located in the center of Beijing, China, the Palace Museum was built in 1420. It was the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex in the world. The Palace Museum not only has a spectacular royal complex, but also has more than 1.8 million precious collections, which contain China's rich historical and cultural connotations and craftsmanship wisdom. The application of digital technology, such as virtual reality guided tours, online museums and 3D cultural relics scanning, helps to improve the public's understanding of cultural heritage and strengthen cultural inheritance.
Night view of a street adorned with neon signs in Hong Kong
The use of neon signs as an advertising method for shops increased post-war in the 1950s, alongside a boom in incoming migration and setting up of shops and stores. As business owners typically planned for their businesses to be passed on through generations, they were known to ‘invest a lot in getting a sign commissioned’ as it carried a lot of significance and identity. As the economy prospered in the later half of the 20th century, the signs became de rigueur in the urban cityscape – an icon in its own right, and inspiring many cultural references in movies and media. In the above image, neon signs adorn a street (Portland Street) in Hong Kong.
The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary is located in Sichuan Province, China, and includes the Wolong, Siguniang Mountain and Jiajin Mountain areas. This area is ecologically diverse and is one of the largest and most important giant panda habitats in the world. This area is of great significance to maintaining global biodiversity and environmental stability. Through digital monitoring, intelligent wildlife tracking and data analysis, we can more effectively protect endangered species and the ecological environment and enhance the public's ecological awareness.
The Palace Museum was built in 1420 as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the largest and most complete imperial wooden structure complex in the world, housing more than 1.8 million precious cultural relics and an important symbol of Chinese culture. Goal 11: Build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements
The Palace Museum is located in the center of Beijing, China. It was built in 1420 and was the royal palace of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also the largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex in the world. Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
The Palace Museum is located in the center of Beijing, China. It was built in 1420. It is the royal palace of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is also the largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex in the world. The Palace Museum not only has a spectacular royal building complex, but also has more than 1.8 million precious collections, which contain rich historical and cultural connotations and craftsmanship wisdom. Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 11: Build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements Goal 4: Quality education
The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary is located in Sichuan Province, China, including Wolong, Siguniang Mountain and Jiajin Mountain. This area has a diverse ecosystem and has the largest population of giant pandas in the world and many rare animal and plant species. Protecting giant pandas and their habitats is essential for global biodiversity conservation and environmental balance. Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests, combat desertification, curb land degradation and halt biodiversity loss Goal 13: Address climate change and its impacts
Virupaksha Temple: A 7th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, distinguished by its impressive 50-meter-high tower, which serves as a gateway to this sacred site.
Hampi, Karnataka, India. One of the many Vijayanagara market ruins in the boulder strewn landscape, with Tungabhadra River in the background
Yoga-Narasimha monolith carved in-situ at the Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India
The Garuda shrine in the form of stone chariot at Vitthala temple
The sacred pushkarani, or tank, located on the eastern side of Krishna temple in Hampi, India, seen in early morning light. An example of water tank design of the Vijayanagar Empire.
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
West Lake, also known as Qiantang Lake, is located at No.1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. On June 24, 2011, the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou was inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is one of the first nationally designated key scenic spots in mainland China. It is also one of China’s major freshwater lakes. The West Lake combines natural and humanistic aesthetics. Since the 9th century, West Lake has been an inspiration for Chinese poets, painters, and philosophers. Mythological novels around the West Lake have also emerged in an endless stream, the most famous is the legend of the White Snake, which adds a different kind of mysterious color to the West Lake. At present, SDG goals have been achieved through relevant digital technologies for Sustainable Cities and Communities. For example, the West Lake Scenic Area has built a tourist flow monitoring system, which utilizes technologies such as real-time monitoring systems and infrared sensing. The sustainable development of the scenic spot is guaranteed. At the same time, through high-precision 3D scanning and modeling technology, the historic buildings and cultural landscapes of the West Lake are digitally archived, providing detailed data support for the restoration and research of cultural relics.
The Sichuan giant panda habitat(The Wolong National Nature Reserve)
The Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat consists of seven nature reserves and nine scenic parks in Sichuan Province, China. Wolong National Nature Reserve, located in Wenchuan County, is one of them. It was established in 1963 to protect giant pandas and forest ecosystems. The Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site on July 12, 2006. More than 30% of the world’s wild giant pandas live here, and the region boasts rich biodiversity — not only giant pandas, but also Sichuan golden monkeys, snow leopards, and other endangered species. In the Sichuan panda habitat, digital technology has been widely applied to support biodiversity conservation, contributing to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. The Sichuan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, together with Huawei and other partners, has developed a real-time forest and grassland fire monitoring system based on the Huawei Cloud platform. This system covers the province’s forest ecosystem, including the Giant Panda National Park. It has significantly improved the accuracy of fire warnings and monitoring, playing a vital role in protecting the panda habitat.