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.
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.
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.
Western Ghats form a continuous chain of mountains
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.
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.
Notre Dame de Paris is a famous tourist attraction in France and a milestone in the history of European architecture. This is a typical Gothic church building located on the Seine River in the center of Paris. It was started in 1163 and completed in 1345. It is one of the most representative monuments in France. Notre Dame de Paris is a representative of early European Gothic architecture and sculpture art. In recent years, approximately 12 million tourists have visited Notre Dame every year, making it the most visited attraction in France.Notre Dame de Paris is located in a temperate maritime climate. The average temperature in summer is between 15 and 25 degrees. In winter, it rains a lot and is often foggy. Restoring Notre Dame will require consideration of climate change and its impacts, as well as the use of sustainable building materials and technologies. This can contribute to SDG 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Restoring Notre Dame will provide the public with research and learning opportunities that advance SDG 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sanxingdui (Sanctuary of the Three Gorges) Museum
Sanxingdui, located near the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, is an archaeological site containing the ruins of a mysterious ancient civilization dating back over 3,000 years. Excavations at Sanxingdui have unearthed remarkable bronze masks, sculptures, and artifacts, shedding light on a sophisticated culture previously unknown to historians. The site's significance lies in its contribution to understanding the early history of China and the development of ancient civilizations in the region.
The Suzhou Classical Gardens are a series of meticulously designed gardens dating back to the 11th century, showcasing the traditional Chinese art of garden design. These gardens are renowned for their harmonious blend of natural elements, architecture, and poetic symbolism, reflecting the philosophical principles of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Each garden within the Suzhou complex, such as the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden, offers a unique interpretation of classical Chinese landscape aesthetics, featuring pavilions, bridges, rockeries, and water features that evoke a sense of serenity and tranquility.