The Morin Khuur, Mongolia's traditional bowstring instrument, holds deep cultural significance,symbolizing the nation and recognized as vital intangible heritage by UNESCO. Its name originates from the horse's head shaped engraving at the head of the instrument. Crafted from wood and strung with horsetail or ox tendon, the Morin Khuur's tones are produced by the artist's skillful manipulation of tension and vibration patterns while playing with a bow.This unique instrument plays a pivotal role in Mongolian and Tuvan cult ures, frequently featured in folk performances and rituals.
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 signicant 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.
Casa Batlló is a building in the center of Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, and is considered one of his masterpieces. A remodel of a previously built house, it was redesigned in 1904 by Gaudí and has been refurbished several times after that. (Wikipedia)
The Morin Khuur, Mongolia's traditional bowstring instrument, holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing the nation and recognized as vital intangible heritage by UNESCO. Its name originates from the horse's head shaped engraving at the head of the instrument. Crafted from wood and strung with horsetail or ox tendon, the Morin Khuur's tones are produced by the artist's skillful manipulation of tension and vibration patterns while playing with a bow.This unique instrument plays a pivotal role in Mongolian and Tuvan cult ures, frequently featured in folk performances and rituals.
Kai Tak Airport was Hong Kong's international airport from 1925 to 1998. It was surrounded by apartment complexes, mountains, and water such that only the most experienced pilots were allowed to land there (Villamizar, 2023). Upon approach, the pilot had to spot Checkboard Hill, before making a sharp 47-degree right turn above the Kowloon City district and touching down at the first section of the runway to avoid Victoria Harbour. This approach was one of the world’s last landing spots in which automated aircraft instruments could not fly and instead, relied on the pilot’s visual judgement. Online archives of photographs depicting the approach along with documentaries on its history preserve the legacy of Kai Tak. Enthusiasts can also recreate the landing in flight simulator programs (i.e. Microsoft Flight Simulator, 2020) at home. Although the airport is no longer operational, the redevelopment of its former site into a mixed-use district promotes compact, integrated, and resilient urban living - thus contributing to Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Likewise, the digital preservation of the heritage can address Target 11.3 as urban planners can learn from the challenges and successes of Kai Tak's operation to enhance the sustainability and inclusivity of future urban developments.
Located in Barcelona, Casa Batlló showcases Gaudí’s unique curves and modernist style. The building incorporates augmented reality (AR) technology for guided tours, enhancing interactivity and engagement with the architecture through provided devices within the building. Sustainable development target: • SDG 4 (Quality Education), target 4.7 (equip learners with knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity and culture’s contribution to SDGs) Empowering learners with knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity. Using digitised cultural materials at Casa Batlló ensures students gain insights into the broader cultural context, fostering a global perspective.
The Way of Saint James is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, traditionally believed to be the burial site of the apostle Saint James. This pilgrimage tradition has been practiced for centuries, fostering cultural exchange and spiritual exploration.
Gagaku, meaning "elegant music," is a traditional form of Japanese court music and dance with a rich history dating back centuries. This ancient art form encompasses a diverse range of instruments, dance styles, and repertoire, reflecting the cultural influences that shaped Japan throughout its history. Gagaku performances combine music played on instruments like the sho (bamboo flute) and hichiriki (oboe) with elegant, restrained dance movements. The costumes, often vibrant and elaborately decorated, further enhance the visual spectacle. Traditionally performed for the Imperial Court, Gagaku is now also presented in concert halls and festivals, offering a glimpse into Japan's refined cultural heritage.
Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Tourism
By ChristianSchd - This file was derived from: Casa Batllo Overview Barcelona Spain.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41698940
Casa Batllo Overview Barcelona Spain (23/24)
By Fred Romero - https://www.flickr.com/photos/129231073@N06/36949300460/in/album-72157686935057113/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76734067
Casa Batlló is a house designed by Antoni Gaudí, situated at 43 Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona, Spain. It is one of seven of Gaudí’s buildings to be on a UNESCO World Heritage site. Casa Batlló was originally built in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortés, and purchased in 1907 by Josep Batlló y Casanovas. Batlló offered architect Antoni Gaudí complete creative freedom to re-design the house. The house comprises of seven floors, including a basement and noble floor, a loft, roof terrace, atrium and garden. The house features Gaudí’s distinct style blending traditional Catalan motifs and inspirations from the Arts and Crafts movement, Symbolism, and Art Nouveau. The colourful facade has balconies and a tilled roof, made using stone, glass and ceramics. Gaudí worked with artisan to build and furnish the interior of the house, with works in wrought iron, wood, stained glass, ceramic and stone. Digital interpretations from Casa Batlló include augmented reality, digital artworks and display, and an online 360 tour. These interpretations contributes to SDG11: Sustainable Cities, target 11.4, for its efforts to “protect and safeguard the world’s cultural (...) heritage.”
Fachada do Obradoiro e parte traseira do Pazo de Raxoi Santiago de Compostela (23/24)
By Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26084647
Monasterio de San Martín, Santiago de Compostela
By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43803833
By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43803827
Routes of Santiago de Compostella (23/24)
The Route of Santiago de Compostela are a network of Christian Pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Both French and Spanish portions of the Route are UNESCO world heritage sites. Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela started in the 9th century after the discovery of the Apostle James the Greater’s tomb in the Spanish city. Across their 12 centuries of history, the pilgrimage routes of Santiago de Compostela have become a fruitful place for cultural exchange, and the union of multiple forms of heritage. The pilgrimage routes feature a range of immovable cultural heritage sites, including churches, cathedrals, and sites related to the practice of pilgrimage. The routes are also a natural heritage of Southern Europe, with routes going through France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. The routes are not represented by a singular body, though many organisations are dedicated to it. Digital interpretations include online photographic galleries, blogs and forums, 360 and Virtual Reality tours, interactive games and apps. These interpretations contribute to SDG11: Sustainable Cities, target 11.4, through their effort to preserve the “world’s cultural and natural heritage."
Hong Kong-style milk tea consists of Ceylon black tea, evaporated milk, and sugar. During the British colonial rule of Hong Kong, English-style tea was expensive and served exclusively in upscale establishments (Chan, 2018). After the Second World War, tea houses began adapting the recipe to better cater to local tastes. Namely, a stronger blend of Ceylon tea leaves was created. Following infusion, the tea is poured from pot to pot and filtered through a sackcloth bag four times to achieve the optimal aroma, colour, and flavour. Evaporated milk is then added instead of regular milk for its affordability and smoother taste. This beverage is deeply ingrained in the identity of Hong Kong and symbolises the fusion of Cantonese and British cultures characteristic of the region. Simplified recipes for Hong Kong-style milk tea are available across social media and its unique brewing process is also chronicled through online short documentaries and interviews with tea masters. Such digital interpretations increase awareness which can drive tourism to the area. The preparation and sale of Hong Kong-style milk tea can support employment opportunities to contribute to Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Specifically, Target 8.3 can be addressed as this increased demand can lead to the expansion of tea houses, entrepreneurship opportunities, and preservation of traditional tea-making techniques.
Hong Kong-style milk tea consists of Ceylon black tea, evaporated milk, and sugar. During the British colonial rule of Hong Kong, English-style tea was expensive and served exclusively in upscale establishments (Chan, 2018). After the Second World War, tea houses began adapting the recipe to better cater to local tastes. Namely, a stronger blend of Ceylon tea leaves was created. Following infusion, the tea is poured from pot to pot and filtered through a sackcloth bag four times to achieve the optimal aroma, colour, and flavour - speed, force, and drop height are crucial factors during this process. Evaporated milk is then added instead of regular milk for its affordability and smoother taste. This beverage is deeply ingrained in the identity of Hong Kong and symbolises the fusion of Cantonese and British cultures characteristic of the region. Its popularity evokes a sense of nostalgia and belonging among locals and serves as an ambassador for Hong Kong's culinary heritage worldwide (Mak, 2021). Simplified recipes for Hong Kong-style milk tea are available across social media, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to make it at home. Its unique brewing process is also chronicled through online short documentaries and interviews with tea masters. Such digital interpretations increase awareness which can drive tourism to the area. In turn, by supporting local tea houses and businesses that serve this beverage, economic opportunities are created to help address Goal 1: No Poverty.
A cup of milk tea in cha chaan teng of Hong Kong
Image depicting the preparation technique of Hong Kong-style milk tea using the sackcloth bag.
Former Yamen Building of Kowloon Walled City, Kowloon Walled City Park (Hong Kong)
The restored former yamen building of Kowloon Walled City in Kowloon Walled City Park, Hong Kong.
Photo of Korean Air Cargo Boeing airplane turning with Checkboard hill in the background in 1995
Kai Tak Airport was Hong Kong's international airport from 1925 to 1998. It was surrounded by apartment complexes, mountains, and water such that only the most experienced pilots were allowed to land there (Villamizar, 2023). Upon approach, the pilot had to spot Checkboard Hill, before making a sharp 47-degree right turn above the Kowloon City district and touching down at the first section of the runway to avoid Victoria Harbour. This approach was one of the world’s last landing spots in which automated aircraft instruments could not fly and instead, relied on the pilot’s visual judgement. Online archives of photographs depicting the approach along with documentaries on its history preserve the legacy of Kai Tak. Enthusiasts can also recreate the landing in flight simulator programs (i.e. Microsoft Flight Simulator, 2020) at home. Although the airport is no longer operational, the redevelopment of its former site into a mixed-use district promotes compact, integrated, and resilient urban living - thus addressing Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Kowloon Walled City was an ungoverned settlement in British-occupied Hong Kong. It evolved from a Chinese military output during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) into a densely populated urban enclave due to ambiguous jurisdictional boundaries after the Second World War. Without effective governance from China or Britain, the Walled City developed organically, with buildings constructed without official permits and businesses operating independently. By the late 1980s, it housed over 50,000 in a labyrinthine network of high-rise buildings characterised by poverty and crime (Fraser & Cheuk-Yin Li, 2017). It was demolished in 1993. The Walled City is portrayed in various video games such as Stray (2022) and Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010). Moreover, online archives of photographs and illustrations along with 3D digital reconstructions and animations continue to preserve its unique cultural legacy for audiences worldwide. Studying the social structures and informal governance systems within Kowloon Walled City can shed light on addressing inequalities and promoting inclusion in urban settings to address Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
The historic center of Macau perfectly showcases the fruits of centuries of integration and coexistence between Chinese and Western cultures. From the mid-16th century until 1999, Macau remained under Portuguese rule, leaving behind a rich legacy of Sino-Portuguese architecture, including streets, residences, religious, and public buildings. These structures not only bear witness to the exchange of aesthetics, culture, architecture, and technology between the East and the West but also demonstrate their fusion. Digital technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), have opened up new pathways for the preservation and promotion of Macau's cultural heritage. Through these technologies, audiences from around the world can embark on virtual journeys across different cultural backgrounds, thus gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Macau's unique history and cultural heritage. The conservation and revitalization efforts of the historic center of Macau play a significant role in achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): • SDG 4 Quality Education • SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth • SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure • SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities Echoes Of Heritage: Preserving Macao In The Climate Era https://stage.openvirtualworlds.org/worldheritage2024/historic-centre-of-macao/
Ruins of Saint Paul's (Ruínas de São Paulo) , Macau
The Chengjiang Fossil Site World Natural Heritage Museum in Chengjiang, Yunnan Province, China. The museum is also known as the Yunnan Natural History Museum.
The Chengjiang Fossil Site in Yunnan Province is a renowned location for early Cambrian marine life fossils. These fossils, dating back approximately 530 million years, are key evidence for understanding the rapid diversification of life. The site exhibits fossils of up to 196 species spanning at least 16 categories, ranging from algae to primitive chordates, encompassing almost all major animal groups' origins. To protect and study these valuable fossils, the local government established the Chengjiang Fossil Natural History Museum. The museum features an online digital exhibition hall, with over 200 video clips narrating the stories of fossil discoveries and life evolution for the public. The research conducted at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has significantly contributed to enhancing our understanding of early life development while also contributing significantly to achieving the SDGs. Specifically, it supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 15 (Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation) by emphasizing the importance of preserving Earth's biodiversity through educational and research activities.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, located in Yunnan Province, China, are a spectacular landscape meticulously carved by the Hani people over more than 1300 years. These terraces sprawl across the slopes of the Ailao Mountains, covering an area of 17,000 hectares. In 2013, this unique agricultural cultural landscape was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, serving as a model of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The presence and sustainable development of the Terraces are of great significance for achieving the SDGs. They not only contribute to ecosystem and biodiversity conservation (SDG 15) but also directly relate to achieving zero hunger and food security (SDG 2) and ensuring sustainable management of water resources and sanitation facilities (SDG 6).
The Chengjiang Fossil Site in Yunnan Province is a renowned location for early Cambrian marine life fossils. These fossils, dating back approximately 530 million years, are key evidence for understanding the rapid diversification of life. The site exhibits fossils of up to 196 species spanning at least 16 categories, ranging from algae to primitive chordates, encompassing almost all major animal groups' origins. The research conducted at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has significantly contributed to enhancing our understanding of early life development while also contributing significantly to achieving the SDGs. Specifically, it supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 15 (Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation) by emphasizing the importance of preserving Earth's biodiversity through educational and research activities.
(Honghe Hani Rice Terraces) in Yunnan Province, China.
The Apidima cave is located in Southern Greece and was discovered in the 1970s. Since 2019, the site has gained a lot of significance due to its contribution in world history. More specifically, human skulls that were found in the cave have indicated that human populations arrived in Eurasia much earlier that originally hypothesized, a difference of around 150,00 years. New age technologies were used to date these findings, such as extremely accurate radiometric dating techniques. Taking this into account, this site makes significant contributions of the UN's 4th sustainable development goal, "Quality Education". The site has helped deepen our understanding of our world history and has been a tremendous addition to world education.
A picture of the location where the prehistoric skulls were found.
Acheron River holds significant cultural value in Greece. Starting from the top of Tomaros Mountains in Ioannina and ending in the Ionian Sea, in Homer's Odyssey, it was the river used to travel to the underworld. Due to this nature of the river, the Nekromanteion is also located in the area, which is an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Hades (the god of death) and Persephone (his wife). The river is also well-known for its unique ecosystem, which is home to endangered flora and fauna, which attracts tourists from all over the world. All of these attributes denote the site's contribution to many of the UN's sustainable development goals. Namely, goal number 4, Quality Education, since preserving the site provides a unique opportunity for its visitors to understand Greek culture and its mythology. Goals eight, fourteen and fifteen are also relevant to the site, due to its environment (being able to preserve it and allow it to flourish), but also its ability to attract tourism.
A picture of walkable portion of the Acheron river.
The Alonissos underwater museum is a spectacular underwater site, accessible via scuba diving, where divers can experience the shipwreck of Peristera. The wreck is dated over 2000 years old, and while after its discovery it was only open to archeologists, in 2020 it was opened up to the public. This has brought a surge of tourism to the island of Alonissos, which has helped its economy tremendously. The site tremendously contributes to the UN's sustainable development goal #4, Quality education, by providing a great opportunity of seeing a shipwreck up close and how the sea has affected it. In addition, goals #8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and #14 (Life Below Water) are furthered, by increasing tourism and spreading awareness to divers of how to be respectful while visiting underwater sites.
The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang are a world-renowned holy site of Buddhist art, located under the Mingsha Mountain in the southeast of Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, China. As one of China's four great grottoes, Mogao Grottoes are renowned for their exquisite murals and sculptures, and are a treasure of ancient Chinese Buddhist culture. However, this thousand-year-old cultural heritage is facing unprecedented threats from climate change. Rising temperatures and frequent extreme weather events due to climate change have had both direct and indirect impacts on the Mogao Grottoes. Rising temperatures accelerate the weathering process of the murals, putting these precious works of art at risk of fading and flaking. At the same time, extreme weather events such as heavy rains and sandstorms also pose a threat to the structural safety of the Mogao Caves. Heavy rains may cause the humidity inside the caves to rise, further affecting the state of preservation of the murals. On the other hand, sand and dust storms may erode the external structures of the caves, causing physical damage to the sculptures and murals. In addition, climate change may exacerbate regional water stress, affecting the groundwater system on which the Mogao Grottoes depend, and in turn affecting the stability of humidity and temperature inside the caves, which would be extremely detrimental to the long-term conservation of the murals and sculptures.
The Glasgow Seed Library (GSL) is an open-access community-run seed library hosted by the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow, UK. GSL catalogues and lends seeds for vegetable, herbs and flowers that can be cultivated in Scotland. GSL also runs free workshops, talks and events throughout the year, on topics such as seed conservation, seed growing, food sovereignty and climate change. They use social media channel to share information about their programme, current library provision, and create dedicated content to engage audiences further with issues surrounding food access and climate change. GSL have outlined a ten years goals which includes the creation a Scottish network of seed libraries. Digital interpretations from GSL address SDG4: Quality Education, target 4.7, as they provide “knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.” They also address SDG13: Climate Action, target 13.3, which seeks to provide “education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change.”
Image copyright: Rowan Lear, courtesy of Glasgow Seed Library
Image obtained from Rowan Lear at the Glasgow Seed Library for completion of Practical 2, for the class IS51100 at the University of St Andrews, 2023/24.
Located beneath the Mingsha Mountains in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China, the Mogao Caves are a testament to ancient Chinese Buddhist art and are home to spectacular murals and sculptures. However, these millennia-old cultural treasures are threatened by climate change. Rising temperatures are accelerating the degradation of the exquisite murals, while weather extremes such as heavy rainfall and sandstorms jeopardize the structural integrity of the grottoes. Increased humidity caused by rainfall threatens the preservation of works of art, while sandstorms can cause physical damage to external structures. In addition, climate change-induced water stresses may disrupt the grotto's groundwater system, which is critical to maintaining stable humidity and temperature conditions inside the grotto, posing a significant risk to the long-term preservation of these valuable artistic and historical artifacts.
The Terracotta Warriors, a stunning group of life-size sculptures located in Xi'an, China, is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Made more than 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of China's Qin Shi Huang, these sculptures have stood the test of time, immortalized over millennia. However, they now face a modern threat: climate change. Increasingly extreme weather patterns, such as increased rainfall, fluctuating temperatures and rising humidity, pose significant risks to the preservation of these ancient artifacts. These climate changes have accelerated the aging of the Terracotta Warriors, leading to problems such as color fading, material erosion, and potential structural damage. Conservation efforts are being continuously adapted to mitigate these effects, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable measures to protect this valuable human heritage in order to meet the continuing challenges posed by climate change.
Pit one, which is 230 metres (750 ft) long and 62 metres (203 ft) wide,[30] contains the main army of more than 6,000 figures.[31] Pit one has 11 corridors, most of which are more than 3 metres (9.8 ft) wide and paved with small bricks with a wooden ceiling supported by large beams and posts. This design was also used for the tombs of nobles and would have resembled palace hallways when built. The wooden ceilings were covered with reed mats and layers of clay for waterproofing, and then mounded with more soil raising them about 2 to 3 metres (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in) above the surrounding ground level when completed. (cc) Wikipedia