Batik, an art of centuries-old textile design known to have come from Indonesia, is identified with the complex designs and patterns developed on the cloth using wax and dye. Besides its aesthetics, the art form has had great significance in Indonesian culture and history. Designs such as Tumpal perfectly symbolize the collective heritage of the Indonesians, with artistic expression, craftsmanship, and the cultural identity of the Indonesian people.
Western Ghats is a long mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India. Their abundant endemic species of both flora and fauna contribute to their rich biodiversity. In addition to water supply and soil retention, other ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, benefit millions of people. Another cultural element of the Ghats is the indigenous societies living within the mountain ranges, with their traditions and knowledge base profoundly rooted in the ecology and landscapes of the region.
Western Ghats form a continuous chain of mountains
Angkor Wat, located in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia, is one of the world's largest religious monuments and cultural heritage sites. It was constructed in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire and utilised as a Hindu temple followed by its utilisation as a Buddhist monastery. The temple structure spans over 400 square kilometers, showcasing magnicent architecture, detailed carvings, and deep connections to art, history and religion. Beyond its enormous physical structure, Angkor Wat incorporates significant cultural, spiritual, and archaeological value. In addition to its reputation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it also holds great spiritual and cultural signicance for the people of the country and across the world.
The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic example of natural heritage, with it's unique chalk cliffs and beautiful view over the coastline facing France across the Channel. They have significant historical, cultural, and ecological value which makes them an essential component of natural heritage in the United Kingdom. However, the Cliffs are being significantly affected by climate change. With reference to the UN's sustainable development goals, this have particular connection to SDG13: Climate Action, due to the increasing erosion and rising sea levels causing the gradual deterioration and destabilisation of the cliffs. Moerover, it is also connected to SDG14: Life Below Water, as gradual changes in temperate has profound impact on the fauna, birds, and fish that inhabit the surrounding area.
The Herculaneum Scrolls are ancient scrolls discovered in Herculaneum in the 18th century AD. The scrolls were buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. Now these ancient scrolls have been severely carbonized and are very fragile. If they are not careful, they will be completely broken, making it difficult for people to open these scrolls. In the early days, the scrolls were even thought to be carbonized tree branches and were abandoned or even burned. Currently, researchers are using a variety of methods to try to unfold The Herculaneum Scrolls, even using the latest three-dimensional scanning technology and artificial intelligence algorithms, and have made a lot of progress. Years of research revealed that the scrolls came from ancient libraries and contained many ancient Greek philosophical texts, including the works of ancient Greek philosophers and poets.Preserving The Herculaneum Scrolls can provide researchers and the public with an important resource for learning about ancient cultures and languages, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG 4 quality education and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The Aletsch Glacier is a major tourist attraction, and an example of natural heritage, located in Switzlerland. It is home to various rare animal and plant species, offering breathtaking views of the ice formations in the surrounding landscapes. Moreover, it is part of a protected area which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it holds significant cultural and economic value. For example, many communities rely on the water from the glacier for their livelihoods; i.e. drinking and agriculture, while it is also essential for creating liveable habitats for the high number of rare species in the ecosystem. Climate change is, however, causing the glacier to gradually melt which is having profoundly negative impacts on the ecosystem and culture. Digital interpretations of the Aletsch Glacier can help raise awareness for - and study - climate change. By allowing users to observe the gradual deterioration of the glacier over time, they can perhaps realise the extent of the damage that climate change can have. It is something that can be seen as a way to 'experience' climate change; comparing the glacier from thousands of years ago to the modern day provides irrefutable evidence for global warming.