Ajanta Caves
—
2019 —
WHEF02AAD453E
A light-based approach emerges as a promising, environmentally friendly solution to combat insect pests that are rapidly degrading the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves. This study highlights the significant impact of biological agents, particularly insects and microbes, on cave monuments like Ajanta, which face increasing stress due to anthropogenic pressures and changing climatic conditions. The research emphasizes the need for integrated pest management strategies to protect these invaluable archaeological sites without disrupting surrounding biodiversity or ecosystems. By focusing on light-based interventions, the study offers a novel method to preserve cave paintings and other heritage structures while maintaining ecological balance.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
—
2019 —
WHE30F003181F
A collaborative effort between TU Wien, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and local authorities has developed a monitoring workflow for the temples of Java using 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. This approach aims to provide reliable and cost-effective continuous observation of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are vulnerable to earthquakes. The study tested this workflow by measuring ten temples, demonstrating its potential for structural stability assessment under local conditions. The findings highlight the importance of advanced surveying techniques in preserving Indonesia's rich cultural heritage, even as Buddhism and Hinduism have faded from everyday life.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
—
2019 —
WHED3109A5356
Researchers established eight deformation monitoring control points at the Prambanan Temple Compounds to assess structural stability. Using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) measurements over 24 hours and processed with two strategies—regional binding points (IGS BAKO and JOG2 stations) and global binding points (multiple IGS stations)—the study determined precise coordinates and standard deviations for the control points. The smallest standard deviation was 0.0036 meters on the Z-axis, while the largest was 0.0141 meters on the Y-axis. This work provides a robust framework for long-term monitoring of Prambanan Temple's geometric integrity, critical due to its location in a seismically active area with labile soil conditions.
Fanjingshan
—
2019 —
WHE3F4353900C
A shift towards sustainable development in China, marked by the rise of Xi Jinping's presidency and the adoption of environmentally conscious policies, is examined through a decade-long study (2008–2018) at Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve. The research highlights two contrasting development projects—one within the reserve and another outside—revealing divergent outcomes in balancing conservation with local needs. By integrating perspectives from Arturo Escobar, Rosi Braidotti, and Xiaobo Su, the study argues for a sustainable ethics that prioritizes marginalized farmers' voices and local politics amid rapid change. The findings underscore the potential of inclusive, place-based sustainability to mitigate authoritarian environmental policies while fostering circular economic growth.
Hwaseong Fortress
—
2019 —
WHE1CFECA5906
An augmented reality (AR) mobile application for cultural heritage tourism, tested at UNESCO World Heritage Site Hwaseong Fortress, demonstrates significant potential to enhance visitor engagement and learning. The app integrates navigation, AR visualization of historical details, and interactive serious games, yielding positive user feedback while identifying areas for refinement. This study provides a model for designing AR tour applications that balance usability with immersive experiences, offering valuable insights for future mobile tourism tools.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
—
2019 —
WHED405BF682F
A significant shift in educational and pedagogical practices at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during the 18th–19th centuries is highlighted, marking a transition from purely religious to more secularized higher education. This evolution was driven by the integration of philosophical and moral theology courses, increased emphasis on pedagogical subjects, and the development of high-quality teaching materials that influenced both contemporary and future generations of educators. The study underscores the Lavra's role as a pioneering center of educational innovation in Ukraine, demonstrating its adaptability and effectiveness even under challenging socio-political conditions. This period saw the establishment of comprehensive educational complexes, including seminaries, libraries, temples, hospitals, and parochial schools, all united by a shared commitment to elevating both spiritual and secular education standards in Central Ukraine.
Landscapes of Dauria
—
2019 —
WHED11E1388BE
Five transboundary protected areas have been established in the Asian part of Russia through interstate agreements with Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Landscapes of Dauria. These areas are crucial for preserving biotic and landscape diversity across administrative borders. The study identifies ten additional promising territories for future protection, emphasizing their high environmental significance. Cooperation with neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, North Korea, Japan, and the United States is expected to further expand this network of protected zones.
Bagan
—
2019 —
WHEAAE1B33964
Severe physical damage to murals and structural elements in the Payathonzu Temple at Bagan, Myanmar, was identified through advanced diagnostic techniques. The study revealed critical vulnerabilities, including cracks, delamination, exfoliation, and contamination of mural layers, as well as gaps between base layers and plastered walls, which require urgent conservation intervention. Ultrasonic testing exposed significant degradation in areas with severe cracking and gaps, while moisture measurements highlighted substantial variations linked to environmental humidity. The most pronounced damage was observed in monument 477, necessitating scientific diagnosis-driven conservation efforts to address both structural and aesthetic deterioration.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
—
2019 —
WHECF3EF2ED65
A study of diamonds found in the lavas of Kamchatka's Tolbachik and Avacha volcanoes challenges their natural origin, suggesting they may instead be synthetic contaminants. The research, published in <em>Russian Geology and Geophysics</em>, analyzed cubic-octahedral diamonds identical to those produced synthetically, raising concerns about potential contamination from human-made materials. Similar diamonds reported from other geologically distinct regions—such as Europe, China, Mongolia, and the Polar Urals—also exhibit striking similarities to synthetic crystals, further implying that such findings require rigorous verification before being accepted as natural. The authors emphasize the need for independent replication of results, open sampling sites, and exclusion of contamination sources (e.g., cutting tools) in future studies. This work underscores the importance of cautious interpretation when diamonds are discovered in unusual geological settings.
Dholavira: a Harappan City
—
2019 —
WHEBBE43F64A1
A catastrophic drought at the onset of the Meghalayan stage (~4300–4100 years BP) likely drove the collapse of Dholavira, one of India's largest Harappan settlements. Radiocarbon dating of archaeological carbonates revealed occupation from ~5500 to ~3800 years BP, with rapid expansion during favorable monsoonal conditions. Oxygen isotope (δ18O) sclerochronology of gastropod shells indicated seasonal mixing of river and seawater, suggesting a humid fluvial landscape that shifted due to drought. This study highlights the vulnerability of ancient settlements to climate change, mirroring modern IPCC predictions.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
—
2019 —
WHEC804D0E9E7
A groundbreaking study reveals that virtual reality (VR) can effectively recreate the experience of traveling to the past, particularly when incorporating content meaningfulness, responsive characters, enhanced interaction, and multisensory realism. Researchers built six distinct VR reconstructions of Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in Turkey, and evaluated them using a novel framework based on Cultural Presence. The findings demonstrate that these elements significantly contribute to achieving successful VR-mediated experiences, offering new insights into how virtual archaeology can bridge the gap between past and present.
Abbey of St Gall
—
2019 —
WHE5A5360BC73
Research on the Abbey of St. Gall reveals that over 700 early medieval charters, dating from before 983, feature distinct subscription signs integrated into the scribe's line. These signs exhibit varied forms and show a clear evolutionary pattern from the 8th to the 10th centuries. The study provides an initial comprehensive documentation of these subscription signs, offering insights into their development and use in private charters during this period.
Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
—
2019 —
WHE43F08FEA2A
In Salzburg, financial investments and tourism-induced demand are exacerbating the housing shortage, revealing that such pressures extend beyond metropolitan areas. The study highlights how institutional and private investors leverage real estate for both long-term returns and short-term tourist rentals, while local planning efforts struggle to mitigate these challenges due to existing power dynamics. By analyzing regional housing markets, the research demonstrates that tourism and financialization intersect to intensify housing scarcity, offering new insights into non-metropolitan urban housing crises.
Saloum Delta
—
2019 —
WHE0DA4A7C2D9
A significant shift in the diet of Slender-billed Gulls (Chroicocephalus genei), a vulnerable species with a restricted breeding range, was observed in the Saloum Delta National Park, Senegal. The study found that while cichlids remained a dominant component, the proportion of mugilid fish in their diet increased markedly between 2000 and 2015. GPS tracking of three individuals in 2014 revealed extensive foraging ranges, with gulls covering up to 96 km daily and utilizing diverse habitats such as mangrove-bordered lagoons, salt pans, creeks, rivers, abandoned rice fields, and the Atlantic coast near a fishing village in The Gambia. Individual foraging behaviors varied significantly, highlighting the need for targeted conservation strategies that account for species-specific ecological requirements.
Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
—
2019 —
WHEB367306F17
A comprehensive bioarcheological study of the Bandiagara Escarpment reveals that diets among pre-Dogon and early Dogon populations (7th–19th century AD) were neither uniform nor continuous over time. Analysis of stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in 175 teeth, alongside dental disease records from 220 crania, shows significant temporal shifts—likely due to dietary diversification—and geographical disparities linked to climate, environment, and culture. The findings challenge previous assumptions about stability in Dogon foodways, highlighting a complex history of settlement and agricultural practices.
Taï National Park
—
2019 —
WHED4B3411A73
A study on Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, reveals that seven duiker species exhibit distinct responses to human activities, with some thriving even near illegal human encroachment while others are highly sensitive and avoid such areas. The research used maximum entropy modeling and hierarchical clustering to analyze survey data from 2005–2015, identifying Cephalophus dorsalis and Philantomba maxwellii as the most resilient species, while Cephalophus zebra and Cephalophus sylvicultor showed strong avoidance of human impacts. The findings underscore the need for robust park management to protect this unique duiker community in West Africa.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
—
2019 —
WHE8F7A05114E
A differentiated education model implemented in Caiçara communities of Paraty, Brazil, demonstrates potential to enhance community-based tourism by fostering autonomy and belonging. The initiative, launched in 2016, adapts middle school curricula to local realities while addressing the communities' shift toward sustainable tourism development. Through semi-structured interviews, bibliographic research, and event participation, the study reveals that such education can contribute to organizing tourism in ways that prioritize community empowerment. This approach offers a blueprint for integrating educational innovation with ecological and cultural preservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
—
2019 —
WHED136576782
A comprehensive digital database of the geologic map of the middle East Rift Zone (MERZ) geothermal subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, reveals the distribution and characteristics of 34 late Holocene eruptions over approximately 27 square kilometers. The study provides a detailed framework for understanding lava flow patterns, vent locations, and their relationship to topographic features, with lava flows typically directed northeast or southeast based on vent positioning relative to the rift zone's crest. The database, prepared using ArcGIS and Esri shapefiles, integrates radiocarbon dating, stratigraphic relations, weathering observations, soil development, and vegetative cover to assign numerical ages to rock groups. This resource supports further research into the volcanic processes and geothermal activity of Kīlauea while also offering insights into the tropical rainforest ecosystem's interaction with volcanic terrain.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
—
2019 —
WHE9B7C5DE052
A digital survey of Bramante's architectural masterpieces within the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie reveals the potential for advanced documentation and virtual reconstruction. The study, focusing on areas such as the Chiostro delle Rane, Old Sacristy, and Chiostro del Priore, employs evolving survey techniques to capture both high-detail and simplified representations. This approach aims to balance thoroughness with efficiency, addressing challenges in documenting complex heritage sites. The research also explores comparisons with other Bramante works and the creation of virtual environments, offering insights into preservation and dissemination strategies for cultural heritage.
Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
—
2019 —
WHE7F443151AC
A study of the Nyamata Genocide Memorial in Rwanda reveals that the concept of 'agaciro' or dignity, central to Rwandan nation-building, is both a powerful material practice and an uncertain principle. The research examines how preservation efforts at the memorial reflect the state's commitment to dignifying genocide victims' remains, which is intricately linked to restoring dignity for living Rwandans and shaping national identity. Through an analysis of a joint Rwandan-American preservation initiative, the study traces historical and contemporary manifestations of this complex relationship, highlighting its implications for the post-genocide nation's engagement with its defining moment.
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
—
2019 —
WHE34DBBB23F5
A pilot project in Tramonti, Italy, demonstrates that transitioning from traditional low-growing vineyards to higher cultivation methods can effectively revive abandoned terraced landscapes while preserving their cultural heritage. The study, conducted within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto Venere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands, found that adopting 'high' viticulture techniques—allowing for controlled mowing around root systems—can balance landscape requalification with the conservation of historical practices. This approach addresses the challenges posed by difficult environmental conditions while offering a sustainable solution to the abandonment of terraced vineyards. The project, led by La Spezia municipality and involving a 20-year concession to an association for maintenance and cultivation, presents a pragmatic alternative to the near-impossible preservation of traditional 'low' viticulture methods.
Virgin Komi Forests
—
2019 —
WHEC5AEFBF72A
A new understanding of postfire pine stand dynamics in middle taiga ecosystems emerges from this study, revealing that both stepwise-different-aged and conditionally different-aged stands form under pyrogenic influence. The research demonstrates that while tree distribution is largely random, weak aggregation of young trees occurs at distances of 2–6 meters, with undergrowth and self-sowing exhibiting group distribution at smaller scales (1–2 meters). Notably, the study identifies a shift in crown space towards maximum solar radiation in thinned, high-age stands—a phenomenon absent in other pine forest types. Additionally, young trees show a 'convergence' effect due to snow pressure-induced trunk inclination, leading to denser crown distribution compared to their base positions. These findings were derived from detailed morphometric and spatial analyses of virgin monodominant pine communities with fire histories ranging from 5 to 130 years.
Mount Etna
—
2019 —
WHE96902721F5
A dike intrusion during the December 2018 eruption of Mount Etna triggered the opening of eruptive fissures and activated shallow volcano-tectonic faults, including the Fiandaca Fault, which experienced the strongest seismic event (ML 4.8) on December 26. The study combines DInSAR measurements from Sentinel-1 satellite data with analytical modeling to reveal that fault activation was a response to deformations caused by magma injection. This finding sheds light on the complex interactions between magma intrusion and tectonic structures, offering insights into the dynamics of volcanic crises.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
—
2019 —
WHEA769BD3E08
Cyclone Pam (2015) exposed both risks and opportunities for cultural heritage transmission at Chief Roi Mata’s Domain (CRMD), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vanuatu. The study reveals that while disasters often threaten tangible and intangible heritage, they can also catalyze its redefinition and renewal. By analyzing the disaster's impact through a 'disaster biography' framework, researchers found that repetitive natural hazards reshape cultural practices and heritage narratives, blending destruction with creative adaptation. This approach shifts focus from loss to opportunity, demonstrating how post-disaster cultural reworkings can preserve or transform heritage in dynamic ways.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
—
2019 —
WHEF936B71CBB
Research by Immanuel Koh challenges traditional architectural design paradigms by demonstrating that iconic structures, including Walter Gropius's Bauhaus building and Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion, can be digitally decomposed into discrete figure-and-ground cells. These cells, when reconfigured, retain the spatial features of the original designs without adhering to conventional object-field distinctions. Koh's approach leverages statistical digital patterns to generate new configurations, offering a novel perspective on architectural design and its future possibilities.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
—
2019 —
WHED25A31D698
A novel application of three-dimensional terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) demonstrates its potential to advance the restoration and preservation of damaged UNESCO World Heritage Sites, specifically showcased through a case study of Qiwang Hall in Beijing's Summer Palace. This method enables precise documentation of structural degradation, filling critical gaps in historical records by integrating TLS data with archival research. The approach not only provides a detailed baseline for site protection but also offers a scalable model for restoring and understanding the value of heritage sites that have suffered significant deterioration. By bridging technological innovation with traditional conservation practices, this study sets a precedent for future restoration efforts, ensuring more accurate reconstructions and deeper historical insights.
Mogao Caves
—
2019 —
WHE756743C3EE
A novel approach to 'digital recovery' enables the reconstruction and systematic publication of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes texts, many lost overseas for over a century. By leveraging shared digital platforms and advanced textual research methods, this study proposes a collaborative model that facilitates access and analysis for Tunhuangology scholars and the public. The framework aims to preserve and promote these cultural heritage resources, offering an efficient means for international experts to engage with the materials. This initiative not only advances academic research but also ensures broader dissemination of this precious historical legacy.
City of Verona
—
2019 —
WHE6740823A20
Border enforcement along the Brenner route, marking the Italy-Austria border, has transformed transit areas into internal hotspots, significantly impacting migrants' rights and experiences. A comparative analysis of reception systems in Verona, Trento, and Bolzano reveals varying approaches to accommodating transiting migrants, influenced by factors such as geographical proximity and policy restrictions. The study employs qualitative data analysis, including legal reviews of policy documents, interviews, and newspaper content, to assess how local governance structures cater to migrants' needs despite increasing border controls. Findings highlight the emergence of 'spaces of transit' where both public and humanitarian actors are compelled to address migrant challenges, underscoring the complex dynamics of dispersal and reception in northern Italy.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
—
2019 —
WHE606FBC9AAD
Research on male mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, reveals that at least 25% of dispersing males eventually form new social groups, challenging previous assumptions about their reproductive success. The study, spanning 1993 to 2017, also documents rare cases of dispersal by immature and old males, as well as the only known instance of a fully mature male immigrating into a breeding group. Using genetic tracking, scientists found no significant differences between Bwindi and Virunga populations in terms of dispersal age, proportion of dispersing males, or dominance tenure length, suggesting ecological variability does not lead to life history differences. Male gorillas employ varied strategies—such as solitary dispersal, group fissioning, usurping alpha males, or inheritance—to attain alpha status, contributing to the mixed one-male and multimale social structure observed in both populations.
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
—
2019 —
WHE3066B15CFB
A long-term analysis of territorial disputes in the Tierradentro subregion reveals complex social dynamics and power struggles that have shaped the landscape over centuries. The study, conducted by Sebastián Levalle, employs a multi-scalar approach to examine how different groups—including indigenous communities, colonial authorities, and modern states—have contested control over land and resources. By integrating archaeological evidence with historical records, the research highlights the enduring nature of these disputes, which persist despite shifts in political and economic contexts. This work contributes to our understanding of how territorial conflicts evolve and adapt over time, offering insights relevant to both academic discourse and contemporary heritage management.
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
—
2019 —
WHE21272C58EF
A GIS-based StoryMap for Chan Chan, Peru, demonstrates the potential of integrating geographic information systems with storytelling to disseminate both tangible and intangible heritage. This innovative approach leverages interoperable data structures to create an accessible, updatable, and user-friendly web tool that preserves the universal value of one of Latin America's largest mud-brick archaeological sites (14 km²). The system consolidates archival research, field surveys, and planning into a single platform, enabling non-expert users to query complex, heterogeneous data. This methodology serves as a scalable model for heritage management and cultural dissemination, offering practical guidelines for researchers and practitioners aiming to share ancient testimonies globally.
Tchogha Zanbil
—
2019 —
WHE9DDEF26DD7
A revised set of guidelines for high-quality image acquisition using Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry enables local communities to conduct 3D modeling of archaeological sites in remote regions, such as the Ziggurat Chogha Zanbil in Iran. The study adapts the '3×3 Rules' from 1994 to modern SfM techniques, addressing geometry, imaging, and organizational aspects to ensure accurate data capture with low-cost cameras. This approach overcomes logistical challenges by decentralizing the critical image acquisition phase while maintaining photogrammetric output quality.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
—
2019 —
WHE4324A99AF0
A 31-year mark-recapture study of juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil, revealed critical insights into their growth rates and demographic parameters. Turtles exhibited site fidelity within the archipelago, with a median minimum residence time of 3.2 years and some individuals remaining for up to 14 years. Growth rates averaged 3.4 cm per year, decreasing monotonically with size, suggesting that turtles require approximately 14-18 years to reach minimum adult breeding size (~74 cm CCL). This long-term study provides essential data for the conservation of this endangered species, highlighting the importance of neritic foraging grounds in their life history.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
—
2019 —
WHEA3C866749A
Volcanic ash soils on Jeju Island, particularly Andisols, exhibit significantly higher available silicon (Si) content compared to non-Andisols, with subsoil Si levels up to 10 times greater than those in mainland Korea. This study reveals that weathering of Andisols on Jeju Island contributes substantially to elevated dissolved Si concentrations in groundwater, a process influenced by elevation and soil chemical properties such as oxalate-extractable Al and Fe. The research analyzed 290 topsoil samples using 1 M sodium acetate buffer extraction (pH 4.0) and compared available Si content across typifying pedons of Jeju Island and mainland Korea, highlighting the unique pedogenic processes shaping Si distribution in these volcanic soils.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
—
2019 —
WHE7319CA9569
Recent transport policies in Rio de Janeiro, aimed at preparing for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, have exacerbated socio-spatial inequalities rather than reduced them. Despite substantial investments in public transport infrastructure, cuts in service levels subsequently offset accessibility benefits, particularly penalizing lower-income groups. The study reveals that even without these cuts, higher-income groups would still have seen greater gains in access to schools and jobs. This challenges Brazil's official discourse on the positive legacy of transport policies. The research also highlights the influence of the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) on equity assessments, suggesting that future studies should address this issue for more robust evaluations.
Galápagos Islands
—
2019 —
WHE6FDA4C3DB6
Wild tomato species endemic to the Galápagos Islands exhibit remarkable salinity tolerance, outperforming commercial tomato lines under high-salt conditions. This resilience, likely due to natural selection in their saline coastal habitats, positions them as a valuable genetic resource for enhancing salt tolerance in cultivated tomatoes. Researchers analyzed over 20 traits related to growth, physiology, and ion content in 67 accessions of <em>Solanum cheesmaniae</em> and <em>Solanum galapagense</em>, alongside two commercial lines (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em>), using a 10-day hydroponic salt treatment. The study identified specific accessions (LA0317, LA1449, LA1403) with exceptionally high tolerance, suggesting potential for breeding programs. Publicly available data and tools further support the exploration of these traits to improve crop resilience.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
—
2019 —
WHE7045891057
A study conducted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Calakmul, Mexico, reveals that land-use changes significantly influence bird communities. The research found that bird diversity was highest in conserved areas like the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (D1=36.38), while agricultural and cattle sites showed lower diversity (D2=3.88). Seed-dispersing birds and generalist species were more abundant in cattle pastures, highlighting the impact of land-use on ecosystem functions. The study also underscores the importance of secondary forests ('acahuales') as transitional habitats that support species found in mature forests, including those at risk. Conducted between February and June 2017 using mist nets across four sites with distinct land uses, this work provides critical insights for conservation strategies, emphasizing the role of vegetation type in shaping bird communities (Dev=373.1, p=0.001).
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
—
2019 —
WHE678D2BBE79
A comprehensive study of amphibian diversity in the eastern and southern parts of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka, reveals that 24 species were identified, with a striking 92% (22 species) being endemic to the region. Notably, sub-montane forests exhibited higher diversity, including endangered and critically endangered species, compared to lowland rain forests. The research, employing quantitative deductive methodology with line transects and quadrate samples, highlights significant threats such as biopiracy, illegal forest utilization, gem mining, encroachments, and unethical tourism. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts by authorities to mitigate human impacts on this biologically unique and vulnerable ecosystem.
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
—
2019 —
WHEC88F674416
Motivations significantly influence local residents' engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, both directly and indirectly through their relationship with the destination. A study of 566 residents in Xidi and Hongcun, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southern Anhui, found that egoistic and altruistic motivations enhance pro-environmental actions when coupled with strong pro-environmental identification and commitment. Additionally, a supportive pro-environmental climate strengthens these direct effects, acting as a boundary condition. This research clarifies the mechanisms by which motivations drive sustainable behaviors, offering practical insights for tourism management in heritage sites.
Paphos
—
2019 —
WHE62CBA0200D
A comprehensive documentation project of Nea Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its significant mosaic pavements, has been conducted to support conservation and management efforts. The study, led by the Getty Conservation Institute in collaboration with Cypriot authorities and experts, employed advanced digital workflows including field measurements, data processing, GIS integration, and external data synthesis. This rigorous approach not only aids custodians, managers, and conservators in decision-making but also serves as a long-term archival and monitoring record. The project's deliverables, produced using cutting-edge technology and equipment, provide a robust framework for interpreting the site and preserving it for future generations, even in the event of catastrophic or gradual loss.
Ogasawara Islands
—
2019 —
WHEDEDCD830FA
A double seismic zone, characterized by two distinct planes separated by approximately 30–35 km within the subducting Pacific slab beneath the Ogasawara Islands, has been identified through a temporary ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) network deployed from July to October 2015. This finding aligns with similar observations at other trenches like Japan and Mariana, suggesting consistent geological structures in subduction zones. Additionally, the study revealed unusual seismicity in the mantle wedge at depths of 20–50 km beneath the Ogasawara trough, potentially linked to structural formations at the onset of oceanic slab subduction. The OBS network provided more precise hypocenter locations, horizontally separated by tens of kilometers from previously published data, including those from the Seismological Bulletin of Japan and USGS, which were found to be offset westward by about 30 km.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
—
2019 —
WHE4E674065CB
A study on the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves reveals two distinct forest compositional zones—lowland (430–1,120 m asl) and montane (>2,150 m asl)—with a transitional zone (1,400–1,600 m asl) where lowland tropical and montane holarctic species coexist. Montane forests exhibit significantly lower alpha diversity, strongly influenced by altitude, soil, and spatial factors. Researchers analyzed 32 undisturbed rainforest plots using NMS ordination and linear regressions to assess the relationship between forest composition, alpha diversity metrics, and environmental variables. The findings suggest that vegetation and soil respond to altitude as an integrated system, challenging niche assembly models.
Okavango Delta
—
2019 —
WHE7FDEA6ACE8
A drone-based method proved more effective and accurate than traditional land counts for estimating hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) numbers and age classes in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Drone surveys at 40 meters altitude yielded counts 10.6% higher than land counts and 17.6% higher than drone counts at greater heights, with early morning being the least effective time due to hippo activity and submersion. While age classification from drones was comparable to land counts, land-based methods slightly outperformed drones in identifying juveniles and subadults, particularly at higher altitudes or during active periods. This low-cost, repeatable approach offers a rigorous alternative for monitoring hippo populations, addressing the challenges posed by their aggressive behavior and amphibious lifestyle.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
—
2019 —
WHE079428D0EC
Korean satellite KOMPSAT-3 demonstrates superior digital surface model (DSM) quality compared to AW3D30 and Sentinel-1A, as shown by a comprehensive analysis of accuracy and morphological detail in Istanbul's historic peninsula. Using airborne laser scanning (ALS) DSM as a reference, the study evaluated absolute and relative accuracies, revealing that KOMPSAT-3's 5 m spacing DSM outperformed the other datasets in both precision metrics—standard deviation (SZ) and normalized median absolute deviation (NMAD)—and detailed terrain representation. Launched in 2012 with a ground sampling distance of 0.7 m, KOMPSAT-3's stereo imaging capability enables high-resolution 3D earth data, offering significant advantages for large-scale modeling and heritage site analysis.
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
—
2019 —
WHEC7F46AF761
Recent research reveals that the origins of Carcassonne's medieval castle trace back to the early Middle Ages, serving as the capital of a Carolingian pagus. While the earliest comtal phase remains poorly understood, significant transformations occurred under the Trencavel family in the 12th century, strategically positioning the fortress against rival powers. The castle's strategic importance peaked during the royal phase post-Crusade, becoming a key administrative seat until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 diminished its role. From the 19th century onward, it transitioned into a Monument historique, undergoing extensive restoration by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and successors.
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
—
2019 —
WHE0508D57E10
Graphisoft Park, a former industrial site transformed into a business park and university campus, exemplifies forward-thinking urban development in Budapest. The project, initiated by Graphisoft, the creator of ArchiCAD® software, showcases high-quality contemporary Hungarian architecture deeply rooted in the site's built and natural heritage. Unlike traditional private real estate developments, this 25-year evolution demonstrates a dynamic adaptation to its urban surroundings, initially oriented towards the Danube but later integrating with adjacent areas. The study highlights the park's strategic development process, illustrating how private investment can harmonize with historical context while responding to future urban needs.
Pantanal Conservation Area
—
2019 —
WHEBCB511CF4B
A study on the Pantanal Conservation Area reveals that cattle grazing does not significantly impact dung beetle diversity or their ecological functions, such as dung removal and soil bioturbation. Despite differences in species composition and functional groups between grazed and ungrazed grasslands, the research found no major impacts on overall abundance, richness, or biomass of dung beetles. Specifically, large roller beetles were absent from non-cattle areas, while medium rollers showed higher abundance in grazed systems. The study suggests that density compensation among functional groups may conserve ecological functions, implying that livestock production can coexist with the conservation of dung beetle communities in the Pantanal wetlands.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
—
2019 —
WHE86423F84C2
Durham Cathedral, often perceived as having played a marginal role during the English Reformation, was instead actively engaged in diocesan matters under Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall's conservative yet reform-oriented leadership (1530–1559). This study challenges the notion that cathedrals were irrelevant institutions by demonstrating their potential as tools for ecclesiastical reform. It reveals that both Tunstall and his evangelical successors recognized the cathedral's strategic value in reshaping diocesan governance, bridging the emerging confessional divide. The research employs historical analysis of diocesan records and episcopal correspondence to illustrate the cathedral's dynamic involvement in Reformation-era changes, offering new insights into its adaptive role during a pivotal period of religious transformation.
Abu Mena
—
2019 —
WHE9AB0ED2FD9
Late Antiquity saw many women travel as pilgrims with greater freedom and mobility than previously recognized, often independent of marital or sexual status. This study reveals how shrines like Abu Mena (Saint Menas), Qal'at Sem'an (Saint Simeon the Stylite the Elder), and Seleucia (Saint Thecla) catered specifically to female pilgrims through segregated spaces, gender-specific narratives about pilgrimage dangers, and products designed for women. By integrating textual and material evidence from these sites, researchers demonstrate that while elite female pilgrims like Egeria or Paula have dominated historical accounts, ordinary women constituted the majority of pilgrims and played a significant role in shaping pilgrimage practices.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
—
2019 —
WHE02F8F1B0F3
Excavations at the Early–Middle Formative period site of Altica in the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico, reveal critical insights into early agriculture and plant use during a transitional phase in the region's subsistence economy. Macro- and microbotanical evidence indicates that maize cultivation became firmly established by the end of the Early Formative period, marking a shift from earlier agricultural practices in the southern Basin of Mexico to more intensive farming in the semiarid northern sector. This transition likely set the stage for increased population density and social complexity. Altica stands out as one of the few surviving rural communities from this pivotal period, offering rare pre-Hispanic plant remains that shed light on subsistence strategies prior to broader agricultural diversification.
