Works of Antoni Gaudí
—
2017 —
WHECF8E20D6B0
A significant discovery from the restoration of Antoni Gaudí's Casa Batlló reveals that one of its apartments remains unchanged since its original design by Gaudí. This finding emerged during the development of a comprehensive Restoration Master Plan, which aimed to balance tourist expectations with the preservation of the building's historical integrity. The study involved rigorous investigation, uncovering previously unknown data and establishing restoration criteria that prioritize safety, accessibility, and cultural heritage protection. The plan addresses modern needs such as fire safety and universal access while ensuring the monument's authenticity is preserved for future generations.
Simien National Park
—
2017 —
WHE419B6E651F
Geladas (<em>Theropithecus gelada</em>) in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, exhibit a population structure dominated by a single reproductive male per band, accompanied by multiple females and offspring. A study counting 397 individuals over 18 months revealed a significant sex ratio skew (1:1.25 adult males to females) and distinct age-class distributions, with juveniles and infants comprising a substantial portion of the population. Fission-fusion dynamics were observed among bands, suggesting flexible social organization. However, geladas at Chenek face competition for food, including theft from locals and tourists, indicating human-wildlife conflict. The research highlights the need to minimize anthropogenic disturbances to preserve this species' natural behavior and habitat within UNESCO-listed Simien National Park.
Ivindo National Park
—
2017 —
WHEDAA590932E
A new species of freshwater crab, Potamonautes nheenae, has been discovered in Ivindo National Park, Gabon. This crab is distinguished by unique morphological traits, including its male first gonopod, anterior sternum, mouthparts, and major cheliped, setting it apart from other species in the region. It is closely related to Potamonautes paecilei from the Lower Congo River basin. Additionally, the study provides the first detailed illustration of a male specimen of Erimetopus brazzae, a rare freshwater crab species from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, since its original description in 1886.
Rideau Canal
—
2017 —
WHE73BA07CA46
The construction of the Rideau Canal, often perceived as a British military engineering project, revealed systemic challenges for workers despite its strategic importance. Despite the involvement of the military, workers faced harsh conditions with little distinction from other public works projects. The study estimates that workers were primarily hired monthly or daily, with minimal piecework opportunities, and engaged in tasks such as excavation, masonry, and construction of wooden structures. The research highlights the lack of detailed records, making precise worker counts difficult, but underscores the prevalence of poverty, distress, and disease among laborers during this period (1826-1832).
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
—
2017 —
WHE02B680DE2E
Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, faces severe air pollution challenges that pose risks to public health and heritage preservation. A study conducted during the pre-monsoon season (April–June 2013) revealed alarmingly high levels of key pollutants—PM1, PM2.5, PM10, black carbon (BC), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO)—comparable to other heavily polluted South Asian sites. Notably, coarse-mode particulate matter dominated, and emissions from both residential and transportation sectors significantly contributed to pollution, with fossil fuel combustion accounting for over half of BC concentrations. The study also identified agro-residue burning and regional forest fires, exacerbated by meteorological conditions, as primary drivers of severe air quality episodes. While a regional chemical transport model (WRF-STEM) underestimated observed pollutant levels, it highlighted the Ganges Valley as a major source of CO. The findings underscore an urgent need for long-term air quality monitoring in Lumbini to mitigate health risks and protect cultural heritage.
My Son Sanctuary
—
2017 —
WHEE8FD09B45B
A study of the zooplankton composition in the Khe The Stream, My Son Sanctuary, revealed 36 species, with Rotatoria dominating at 55.6% and Arthropoda accounting for 44.4%. Zooplankton density varied significantly between seasons, averaging 11,945 individuals/m³ during the dry season (ranging from 5,000 to 25,000) and 8,500 individuals/m³ in the rainy season (ranging from 5,000 to 16,667). The Shannon-Weiner diversity index also showed seasonal variation, averaging 1.84 in the dry season and 1.66 in the rainy season. The research, conducted over two periods in 2016, provides preliminary data on the biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's aquatic ecosystem.
Lord Howe Island Group
—
2017 —
WHEF2513D2D94
A significant population of the endangered Lord Howe Island cockroach (<em>Panesthia lata</em>) persists on Blackburn and Roach islands, with estimates of 10,000 and 3,500 individuals respectively. The species exhibits a preference for sheltering within specific microenvironments, such as beneath the Banyan tree on Blackburn Island or in Leafy Flat Sedge habitat on Roach Island, rather than foraging openly. This behavior suggests that surface counts underestimate population sizes, while novel attraction stations show potential for more accurate monitoring without disturbing habitats. The cockroach appears to play a role in soil conditioning and nutrient cycling, feeding primarily on dead vegetation. Maintaining rodent-free status on these islands is critical for the species' survival, offering hope for reintroduction efforts once eradication programs are completed.
City of Valletta
—
2017 —
WHE496B5AC152
The Lower Globigerina Limestone of the Maltese Islands is proposed as a 'Global Heritage Stone Resource' due to its 6000-year history of use in building and sculpture, significant cultural and economic importance, and its role in UNESCO-listed sites such as Valletta and the Prehistoric Megalithic Temples. This soft limestone has been the primary material for architectural heritage across Malta, including fortified cities like Valletta and Mdina, as well as vernacular structures. Its export during the early 20th century further underscores its global significance. The study highlights its continued use in restoration and new construction, cementing its role in the Maltese economy.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
—
2017 —
WHEE42624172D
A coordinated digital information system is essential for the management and conservation of Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road System inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. This ancient infrastructure network, spanning six countries, facilitated social and economic exchanges before the Inca Empire's expansion and continues to shape cultural traditions. While some Latin American nations have adopted digital tools for its preservation, gaps remain in integrated management. The study advocates for an Integrated Digital Model to address these challenges, ensuring unified protection efforts across the region.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
—
2017 —
WHE2D11C53670
A proposed didactic sequence integrating digital technologies at Sítio Roberto Burle Marx demonstrates potential to foster scientific literacy among students, particularly in non-formal learning environments. The approach combines field research with two technological tools, aiming to encourage critical reflection and democratic engagement with environmental issues. By grounding the sequence in scientific inquiry and leveraging digital resources, it offers a practical pathway for schools to develop scientifically literate learners who can analyze contemporary problems through an informed, analytical lens.
W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
—
2017 —
WHEBE5295E882
A key transboundary protected area complex in West Africa, the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, shows significant spatial heterogeneity in anthropogenic pressure, with high protection status areas more effective at preventing land conversion. The study, using a novel methodology to compare land cover change across large remote areas, found widespread agricultural expansion outside protected areas over 13 years. Differences in cropland expansion rates between countries suggest a link to rural population growth. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessments that leverage remote sensing data to better understand and monitor the ecological outcomes of transboundary conservation efforts.
Angkor
—
2017 —
WHE1CAD0A95BB
A groundbreaking study leverages radar interferometry to uncover critical threats facing the Angkor site, offering new insights that could inform sustainable conservation strategies for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By analyzing subtle ground deformations over time, researchers identified patterns of subsidence and structural instability, which are not easily detectable through conventional methods. This approach provides a more precise understanding of environmental and anthropogenic pressures affecting the site, such as groundwater extraction and urban development. The findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced remote sensing techniques into conservation planning to mitigate risks and ensure long-term preservation.
Fatehpur Sikri
—
2017 —
WHE8404080C33
Fatehpur Sikri, once the seat of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, is celebrated not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its rich musical heritage. The study 'Ragatime: Glimpses of Akbar’s Court at Fatehpur Sikri' presents a unique interpretation of Raga Bilaskhani Todi, encapsulating the principles of dhrupad, a genre of Hindustani classical music developed by Akbar's court musician Mian Tansen. The piece, 'Ragatime,' begins with an alap setting the emotional tone and transitions into an extended improvisation (gat) marked by rhythmic drumming, showcasing subtle musical nuances that distinguish one raga from another. This work underscores the enduring relevance of Tansen’s compositions, which remain influential among contemporary raga performers. By blending traditional musical elements with modern interpretation, 'Ragatime' offers a glimpse into the flourishing music culture at Fatehpur Sikri during Akbar's reign.
Kathmandu Valley
—
2017 —
WHE3571713ECE
Between 1989 and 2016, the urban area of the Kathmandu Valley expanded by 412%, driven primarily by the conversion of agricultural land. This rapid urban growth, analyzed through a pixel-based hybrid classification of Landsat imagery, reveals a concentric expansion pattern along major roads, significantly altering the valley's cityscape. The study identifies rural-to-urban migration and the centrality of Kathmandu as key proximate causes behind this transformation. While most expansion occurred between 1989 and 2009, urban growth continues, underscoring the need for systematic monitoring of land use and land cover changes in this Himalayan metropolitan valley.
Site of Palmyra
—
2017 —
WHE65DD8ADB9E
Digital reconstruction techniques have successfully revived the lost grandeur of Palmyra, Syria which was extensively destroyed by conflict and vandalism. This study presents 3D models of key structures such as the Temple of Bel, Temple of Baalshamin, Grand Colonnaded Street, and the theatre, offering 'ghost images' that accurately depict their former glory during the Greco-Roman period. By leveraging digital tools, researchers have preserved Palmyra's cultural heritage in virtual space, countering its physical erasure and reviving its historical significance in collective memory.
Historic Centre of Macao
—
2017 —
WHE1A7D52AD33
Rapid tourism growth in Macao's historic centre has exacerbated traffic congestion and pollution, particularly along narrow streets like San Ma Lou Avenue, where tall buildings trap particulate matter. This study identifies the urban design flaws contributing to these issues and proposes green solutions that could mitigate environmental impacts while preserving the area's historic integrity. Drawing on experiences from other global tourist cities, the research advocates for interventions that enhance liveability for residents and visitor experience without compromising the built environment.
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
—
2017 —
WHE92600172FA
Frugivores, crucial to Neotropical forest ecosystems, face significant threats from human activities. This study reveals that anthropogenic landscape characteristics—such as human accessibility, proximity to reserves, and forest cover—are the primary determinants of occupancy for frugivorous species like the paca (Cuniculus paca), brocket deer (Mazama sp.), and collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) in the Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves. Environmental and geomorphometric variables played a weaker role, while weather, season, and habitat factors influenced detection probability. The research employed camera traps and call surveys across 45 sites over a year, analyzing landscape metrics at three spatial scales (200, 500, and 1000 meters) using multi-season occupancy modeling. Findings underscore the need for a multi-taxa and multi-scale approach to conservation planning, as different frugivore species respond variably to landscape attributes depending on their perceptual scale.
Shiretoko
—
2017 —
WHEA423B1AD8D
Brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) in the Rusha area of Shiretoko, Hokkaido, Japan, exhibit among the highest reproductive rates globally, with females producing 0.70 to 0.76 young per year. A long-term study (2006–2016) tracking 15 philopatric females revealed key parameters: mean age of first reproduction at 5.3 years, litter sizes averaging 1.76 cubs, and inter-birth intervals of 2.43 to 2.53 years. Cub survival rates (60–73%) peaked in mortality during summer (July–August), likely due to nutritional stress. These findings align with global trends but highlight Shiretoko's unique demographic dynamics, offering critical insights for conservation strategies.
Historic City of Meknes
—
2017 —
WHE506C68A4A4
In contemporary Morocco, reptiles are extensively traded for medicinal purposes despite legal protections, with an estimated annual turnover of 1,520 Mediterranean chameleons and 775 Bell's Dabb lizards. A survey conducted in 49 wildlife markets across 20 Moroccan towns and two Spanish exclaves between 2013-2014 identified at least nine reptile species, including the Mediterranean chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) and Bell's Dabb lizard (Uromastyx acanthinura), with a combined value of approximately US $100,000. The study found that markets in Marrakesh, Meknes, Casablanca, and Fez were the most prominent, with significant trade in both dried and live specimens. Notably, over 200 African rock python (Python sebae) skins were identified, suggesting potential illicit imports from other parts of Africa. Despite regulations under CITES, traders often do not disclose the legal status or restrictions on these species, highlighting the need for increased enforcement to prevent further exploitation and its impact on imperiled species.
Purnululu National Park
—
2017 —
WHE57429EC711
A novel framework for assessing the interactions between protected areas, tourism, and surrounding communities has been developed, offering a multi-scalar approach that accounts for system dynamics across different scales and timeframes. This framework provides an alternative to linear sustainability assessments and highlights potential interventions for long-term resilience. Applied in a case study of Purnululu National Park, Australia's World Heritage-listed site, the framework integrates local input with broader stakeholder views to construct a comprehensive understanding of social interactions within protected area tourism systems.
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
—
2017 —
WHE4328C460C9
A compatible mortar formulation for the restoration of Volubilis' calcarenite stone, a key material at Morocco's UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been identified. The study found that incorporating brick dust as a lime substitute in aerial lime-based mortars significantly enhances compressive strength while reducing porosity and capillary absorption—critical properties for preservation. Conversely, using brick dust as an aggregate increases these undesirable traits. Regional materials like washed dolomitic sand were also integrated into nine mortar mixes, which underwent physical and mechanical testing after one month of maturation. The research confirms the pozzolanicity of brick dust, offering a promising approach to balancing durability with material compatibility for future conservation efforts at Volubilis.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
—
2017 —
WHE6E18E44964
A groundbreaking study reveals the diversity of Lytopylus wasps (Agathidinae) in Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste, describing 32 new species. This revision provides detailed morphological descriptions and an interactive key for identification, alongside comprehensive ecological data linking these wasps to their host caterpillars and food plants. Genetic analysis using mitochondrial COI barcodes supported species delimitation, offering a robust taxonomic framework. The findings significantly advance our understanding of wasp biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed region, highlighting the importance of integrating molecular and ecological approaches in systematics.
Kaziranga National Park
—
2017 —
WHEBCB8EBBC3A
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rhinoceros population, has become a focal point of complex conservation challenges intertwined with socio-political dynamics. The study reveals that while the rhino is often deified in public discourse, there is a striking lack of attention to the human cost of anti-poaching measures, which have resulted in significant loss of life among young men. This research examines the intersections of class, culture, and commerce, highlighting how developmental narratives seek to position both people and rhinos in predefined roles. The analysis draws from media representations, such as digital films and Durga Puja motifs, to critically assess the political discourse surrounding Assamese identity and conservation efforts.
Rock Art of Alta
—
2017 —
WHEFB30C02132
Rock art from the Mesolithic era in Scandinavian World Heritage Sites, such as Alta, reveals a transition from animism to totemism, reflecting evolving human societal structures. The study identifies recurring visual motifs ('motemes') that depict humans and big game animals in dynamic interactions, suggesting these were products of a complex 'wild mind' at work. By analyzing repetitions, variations, and transformations of these motemes, the research demonstrates how totemic art became more prevalent during the Late Mesolithic, indicating an increasing focus on human society. This shift is interpreted as part of broader social development in northern Europe, offering insights into the cognitive and cultural evolution of prehistoric hunter-gatherers.
Landscapes of Dauria
—
2017 —
WHE5A0880B233
In 2017, the transboundary area 'Landscapes of Dauria,' shared between Mongolia and Russia, was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing its significant ecological value. This designation followed Russia's proactive environmental initiatives, including the establishment of 24 strict natural reserves and proposals to expand protected areas under the Year of Ecology plan. Additionally, three Russian wetlands were proposed for inclusion in the Ramsar Convention list, while the Man and the Biosphere Program extended and renamed twelve existing biosphere reserves. These actions underscore Russia's commitment to global conservation efforts, aligning with its obligations under international environmental conventions.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
—
2017 —
WHECA18B977DB
Sambor Prei Kuk, a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia, faces risks of marginalizing local farming communities and religious practices, mirroring issues seen at Angkor Wat. The study proposes an equitable rights-based framework to protect religious heritage, contrasting it with hierarchical approaches. It highlights the need for balanced policies that integrate human rights with cultural preservation, ensuring sustainable protection for both communities and traditions.
Naumburg Cathedral
—
2017 —
WHEA35E5C10B8
Feudal powers, including princes and ecclesiastical leaders, were pivotal in driving the urbanization of central Europe during the Middle Ages. A key example is Naumburg Cathedral, where seigneurial power closely intertwined with the merchant class to shape early town development. The study reveals that medieval town laws evolved through statutes issued by town councils, interpretations by judges, and later by Roman law-trained lawyers. This dynamic process reflected broader territorial competition among princes, dynasts, bishops, and abbots in the Holy Roman Empire, highlighting the complex interplay between political power and urban growth.
Purnululu National Park
—
2017 —
WHED597729F23
A new landscape management model integrating Culture, Nature, and Art (CNA) is proposed to address the ineffectiveness of current Western dualist approaches that separate cultural and natural heritage management. This model shifts towards a holistic Aboriginal perspective of 'Country,' emphasizing the symbiosis between culture and nature. The research, conducted across three Australian UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Purnululu National Park, and the Tasmanian Wilderness—theoretically grounds intangible heritage as the primary driver for policy development and management delivery. It also explores negotiation processes through sense of place, providing qualitative insights to inform landscape management priorities.
Škocjan Caves
—
2017 —
WHED16359C2C5
Škocjan Caves, Slovenia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, exemplify the integration of natural conservation with sustainable tourism. The site's unique underground canyon, archaeological significance, and biodiversity necessitate a multifaceted management approach to preserve its outstanding universal value. This study highlights the effectiveness of combining international guidelines, national legislation (e.g., the Škocjan Caves Regional Park Act), and localized management plans to protect the caves' microclimate, water quality, and habitats. Key strategies include monitoring radon levels for safety, tracking tourism impacts on cave environments, and implementing educational initiatives. The research underscores the importance of balancing ecological preservation with responsible visitation, ensuring long-term sustainability for both the site's natural features and its cultural heritage.
Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
—
2017 —
WHEC3F842A281
Rock art tourism, while reinforcing social values tied to heritage sites, can also diminish local communities' emotional attachment due to undesired consequences of World Heritage designation efforts. A study focusing on the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape in China—China's first rock art site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016—reveals that tourism promotion initiatives, driven by authorities, have paradoxically both strengthened and weakened local social values. The research, employing ethnographic methods, highlights the need for a critical reassessment of global and Chinese rock art heritage management strategies to balance preservation, cultural significance, and community impact.
Monastery of Alcobaça
—
2017 —
WHEE1A6F4E071
A significant medieval Latin-Portuguese grammatical treatise, known as the <em>Notabilia</em> (1427), has been identified within the Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaça's collection, housed in the Portuguese National Library. This elaborate manuscript, comprising 31 chapters and potentially copied by two scribes, remains unpublished despite its complexity and historical importance. The study reveals that the <em>Notabilia</em> draws from multiple influential sources, including Donatus (mid-4th century), Priscian (late 5th to early 6th century), Alexander of Villa Dei (c.1170–c.1250), Giovanni Balbi de Genova (fl.1286–1298), and two pre-modist grammarians, Petrus Helias (c.1100–post-1166) and Robert Kilwardby (c.1215–1279). The treatise may also reference lesser-known works such as the Catalan-Aragonese <em>grammaticae proverbiandi</em> or Giovanni da Soncino's Italian <em>Notabilia</em>. This analysis sheds light on the intellectual and linguistic exchanges of the time, particularly within monastic and academic circles.
Vilnius Historic Centre
—
2017 —
WHEFC7EC470CB
Soviet modernism significantly altered the historic contexts of Lithuanian city centers, particularly in Vilnius and Panevėžys, during the 1960s to 1990s. The study reveals that architectural changes varied across decades, reflecting distinct approaches to integrating new construction with historical settings. This period marked a transition in building practices, often compromising the individuality and singularity of historic centers. By analyzing distinctive buildings in these cities, the research demonstrates how Soviet modernism both advanced urban development while challenging the preservation of cultural heritage.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
—
2017 —
WHE845B8CCE86
A critical gap in understanding the health effects of gradual, low-dose radiation exposure has been addressed through the Million Person Study (MPS), the largest study of its kind. This study, involving over 360,000 U.S. Department of Energy workers and other exposed individuals, provides substantial statistical power to quantify risks associated with prolonged, low-dose radiation exposure. Unlike terrestrial-based organizations that rely on dose limits, NASA employs an individual risk-based system for astronauts, allowing a 3% risk of exposure-induced death (REID) from cancer. The MPS aims to reduce uncertainty in risk estimates, enabling longer space missions by narrowing the 95% confidence interval. Additionally, it offers insights into gender differences in radiation response and evaluates non-cancer outcomes such as neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Škocjan Caves
—
2017 —
WHE55FFF844AE
A strong positive correlation exists between tourist numbers and the concentration of airborne bacteria in the Škocjan Caves, with bacterial levels rising significantly during periods of high river discharge. The study, conducted using MALDI-TOF MS to identify cultivable airborne bacteria, found a mix of human-associated and natural habitat bacteria, including some from Risk Group 2. Despite dynamic cave climate conditions, large chambers did not show enhanced bacterial concentrations. This research highlights the impact of tourism on cave microbiota and underscores the complexity of microbial dynamics in visited caves.
Historic City of Toledo
—
2017 —
WHE90FE236D42
Heritage buildings and street network properties significantly influence the spatial distribution of economic activities in historic cities. Using Toledo, Spain, as a case study, researchers found that the presence of heritage sites like cathedrals and town halls, combined with two key urban design metrics—spatial integration (how connected a street segment is to the city) and spatial choice (its prominence or visibility)—can accurately predict where economic activity, particularly tourism-related, thrives. The study employed street audits to map ground-floor activities, Space Syntax analysis to measure integration and choice at neighborhood and city-wide scales, and GIS tools to assess proximity to heritage buildings. Statistical modeling confirmed that these three variables—heritage intensity, spatial integration, and spatial choice—collectively explain the distribution of economic activity in Toledo's historic center.
Sacred City of Kandy
—
2017 —
WHEC2D88C4E94
A comprehensive 3D documentation of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal Buddhist pilgrimage destination, has been successfully achieved through advanced scanning techniques. This research utilized Terrestrial-Laser-Scanning (TLS) and Structured-Light-Scanning (SLS) to capture detailed architectural data, including high-resolution details of the temple's rich decorations. The digital archive created from this project not only serves as a vital resource for preserving cultural heritage but also facilitates site monitoring, particularly for detecting structural issues such as cracks. Additionally, the study emphasizes knowledge transfer, aiming to empower local specialists with the skills needed for future analysis of scan data.
Derwent Valley Mills
—
2017 —
WHEAADEF87230
The Derwent Valley Mills showcases the innovative yet traditional influences on cotton workers' housing during the late 18th century. This study reveals that the accommodation built by three mill-owning families across Cromford, Belper, Milford, and Darley Abbey was a nuanced blend of experimental and conventional designs, reflecting the evolving needs of both occupants and patrons. By analyzing historic building fabric, researchers demonstrated that these houses were not uniform but varied significantly, embodying the complex dynamics of early industrialization. This buildings-led approach highlights the interplay between architectural innovation and traditional practices, offering insights into the social and economic forces shaping industrial communities during this pivotal period.
Struve Geodetic Arc
—
2017 —
WHE09C1273D97
A groundbreaking geodetic project spanning the 19th century, the Struve Geodetic Arc, stands as one of the most precise meridian arc measurements of its time. Stretching 2820 km from the Danube mouth to the Arctic Ocean, this network of triangulation points was established between 1816 and 1852 by scientists from modern-day Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and Russia. The data collected during this period were remarkably accurate for the era, contributing significantly to the computation and refinement of Earth's ellipsoid parameters throughout the century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, three points in Lithuania—Meškonys, Paliepiukai, and Gireišiai—were commemorated. This publication highlights the preservation challenges and best practices for maintaining such heritage sites, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, public awareness, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Monastery of Horezu
—
2017 —
WHECCEF3E0A7D
Horezu pottery, recognized as part of Romania's immaterial cultural patrimony since 2012, faces limited promotion despite its widespread presence in handicraft stores. This study proposes sustainable strategies to enhance the visibility and appreciation of Horezu pottery while preserving its cultural significance. It highlights the need for comprehensive promotion, including information on geographical context, historical background, artistic evolution, decorative motifs, and local gastronomy traditions. The research aims to balance increased tourism with sustainability, ensuring that the pottery's unique heritage is both accessible and protected. By integrating these elements, the study offers a model for sustainable cultural promotion that can be applied to other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sangiran Early Man Site
—
2017 —
WHE94FFBF67BB
Archaeological evidence from the Sangiran Early Man Site reveals post-Pleistocene human activity, challenging the site's traditional perception as solely a prehistoric settlement. Pottery fragments discovered by the Indonesian National Center for Archaeological Research (2013) and the Sangiran Conservation Office (2015) suggest a farming community. Analysis identified a pot and a water-drawing tool, indicating agricultural practices likely dating to the post-Pleistocene period. This study provides critical insights into the transition from early human settlements to more complex societal structures in the region.
Cologne Cathedral
—
2017 —
WHE17CD9B7AE0
Terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetric imaging systems offer a precise, objective method for documenting complex heritage structures, enabling digital preservation and aiding conservation efforts. The Cologne Cathedral documentation project, a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, and the Metropolitankapitel der Hohen Domkirche Köln Dombauhütte, demonstrates the effectiveness of these technologies in capturing detailed 3D representations of culturally significant sites like the Gothic masterpiece. This digital record serves as a timeless virtual archive, supporting educational and scholarly use while providing critical data for structural analysis and repair. The project highlights the potential of advanced scanning techniques to revolutionize heritage conservation by offering high-resolution, non-invasive documentation.
Virunga National Park
—
2017 —
WHE8331EB85D8
Development aid from the European Commission (EC) to Virunga National Park, DR Congo, is found to contribute to 'green militarisation'—a process where conservation efforts are intertwined with paramilitary practices. The EC funds salaries and training for park guards while supporting mixed patrols with the Congolese army, framing violent conflicts around the park as economic rather than political issues. This approach allows policymakers to avoid public scrutiny over the use of aid for (para)military purposes. Unlike prior studies that focus on securitised discourses, this research highlights mundane practices within international organisations that facilitate militarisation in conservation. The findings underscore the need to examine how institutional norms and networks obscure the political dimensions of conservation-related violence.
Land of Frankincense
—
2017 —
WHE63D85E3234
A novel restoration approach, termed the 'Triple R' method—recognizable, reversible, and respectful—was successfully applied to preserve the archaeological dry stone city walls of Al-Baleed, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oman's Land of Frankincense. This innovative technique, adapted to the monsoon-affected climate of the Indian Ocean region, ensured the conservation of the site's original architectural features using locally sourced stones and materials. The method included procedures for consolidating walls, gates, foundations, and sloping surfaces while incorporating simple on-site mechanical tests to assess the safety of restored structures. These efforts facilitated further archaeological excavations, leading to new findings that shed light on the city's evolution from its 9th-century origins over five centuries.
Town of Luang Prabang
—
2017 —
WHE718908C1B4
Two festivals in Luang Prabang, Laos—a centuries-old tradition and a recent innovation—reveal that place-making is not static but a dynamic interplay of past, present, and future. The study challenges the separation of 'events' from 'place,' arguing this dichotomy undermines both lived experience and analytical depth. Through fieldwork spanning 2008–2016, including interviews, observations, and participation in Lai Heua Fai (2013) and the Luang Prabang Film Festival (2015), researchers demonstrate how these events spatially construct identity, blending tradition with contemporary markers of place attachment. This work redefines place-making as an ongoing process where 'old' and 'new' are continuously reconstituted, offering new perspectives on heritage site evolution in a globalized world.
Site of Xanadu
—
2017 —
WHE05CF18747F
Xanadu, Kublai Khan's imperial summer capital during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), was designed with feng-shui principles that harmonized it with natural forces. A key discovery reveals that celestial alignments played a significant role in achieving this harmony, integrating visible and invisible elements of earth, sky, and water. The study combines archaeoastronomy and feng shui analysis to demonstrate how Xanadu's layout reflected sophisticated understanding of cosmic and terrestrial dynamics, offering new insights into the architectural and cultural sophistication of Mongolian imperial design.
Tipasa
—
2017 —
WHE82B7660D34
UNESCO's conditional listing of the archaeological site of Tipasa, Algeria, on its World Heritage list hinges on the implementation of a robust management plan. A study by Benali Aoudia and Chennaoui (2017) addresses this critical requirement by translating the prescriptions of the Protection and Enhancement Plan of Archaeological Sites (PPMVSA), approved in 2012, into a comprehensive long-term strategy. This approach ensures the preservation and enhancement of Tipasa while fostering socio-economic development in its region. The research employs a systemic analysis and ex ante evaluation of the site's dynamics, proposing five strategic visions and seven action plans to meet UNESCO's demands effectively.
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station
—
2017 —
WHE021CDD85CC
Historical archaeology has significantly revised traditional narratives of early modern Newfoundland, particularly challenging the notion of colonial failure. Key excavations at Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, L’Anse aux Meadows, and seventeenth-century colonial sites in Cupids and Ferryland have uncovered critical traces of European transatlantic expansion. These findings, alongside research on the French colony of Plaisance and the ethnohistory of the Beothuk people, highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of early modern settlement and migration in the region.
Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
—
2017 —
WHE12E49EC96C
Research on the East Asian Cabinets at Schönbrunn Palace reveals significant gaps and breakthroughs in their documented history. While records from 1740 to 1772 are fragmented, allowing only scattered insights into the cabinets' creation in 1760, later inventories (1803, 1812) and detailed archives from the Palace Department Schönbrunn (starting 1779) provide a precise account of their restoration history and subsequent decorative changes. The study highlights the role of the Obersthofmeisteramt, which approved all requests related to the cabinets, offering a nuanced understanding of their evolution and maintenance over centuries.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
—
2017 —
WHE7AAAB8FC12
Investing in cultural tourism yields substantial economic benefits, significantly boosting economic growth and household well-being while avoiding negative consequences such as reduced output, employment, and terms of trade. A study applying a novel framework to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonial City of Santo Domingo, demonstrates that a hypothetical US$90 million investment in cultural tourism could generate these positive outcomes. The research integrates quantitative methodologies from environmental and tourism economics, highlighting that indirect and induced benefits often overlooked in traditional cost-benefit analyses can lead to substantial undervaluation of returns on investment. Conversely, disinvestment in cultural tourism was shown to have detrimental effects on the economy, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in preserving and promoting cultural heritage for sustainable development.
Hortobágy National Park - the <i>Puszta</i>
—
2017 —
WHEAAF1E97786
Grazing by both extensive (Hungarian Grey) and intensive cattle breeds can effectively manage alkali grasslands, preserving species richness while influencing vegetation structure. The study found that moderate to intensive grazing in 2015 supported the highest number of plant species (14.3 per m²), though this decreased slightly with more intense grazing in 2016. Drier salt meadows hosted greater biodiversity (16.2 species/m²) compared to wetter areas (11.2 species/m²). Extensive cattle grazing maintained higher species diversity and weed cover, while intensive grazing increased grass dominance. These findings suggest that controlled grazing is a viable tool for conserving alkali grassland ecosystems in Hortobágy National Park.
