City of Quito
—
2019 —
WHECDEAEEEAFE
A study on natural illumination (NI) in Quito, Ecuador, reveals that architectural designs in the city often overlook technical aspects of NI despite its potential to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption. The research introduces a methodology for teaching and applying bioclimatic principles to determine optimal window sizes and orientations for maximizing NI, considering Quito's unique conditions at latitude zero with dynamic cloud cover. Using a simplified modifiable application, students analyzed variables such as space use, orientation, and time of day to predict lighting conditions like penumbra, comfort, or glare. The findings underscore the importance of integrating NI considerations into architectural norms for Quito, identifying favorable orientations and periods of solar radiation incidence.
Henderson Island
—
2019 —
WHE61245E082F
Plastic debris on Henderson Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands poses a severe threat to strawberry hermit crabs, with an estimated 61,000 and 508,000 crabs becoming entrapped annually on these islands. The study highlights that beach debris creates significant barriers for crabs during their daily activities, leading to mass mortality. This research underscores the urgent need to understand the link between debris interactions and population persistence, as hermit crabs play a crucial role in maintaining tropical ecosystems. The findings suggest that accumulating plastic debris could seriously impact crab populations globally, with implications for countless other islands where crabs and debris overlap.
Península Valdés
—
2019 —
WHEDA9F4C3A02
Archaeological research at the Fuerte San José site on Península Valdés, Chubut, reveals insights into the spatial organization and habitation patterns of a colonial settlement. Unlike typical archaeological sites, this location presents unique challenges due to fragmented historical records and subtle archaeological traces, making it a complex case for study. The study integrates historical documentation, cartographic analysis, and findings from three field campaigns to reconstruct how space was structured and used in the former stronghold. This methodological approach addresses the site's formation processes, their impact on the archaeological record, and implications for local heritage preservation.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
—
2019 —
WHEC292DE7949
Entrepreneurial identity development through digital media reveals three distinct identity types—solution-driven, purpose-driven, and lifestyle-driven—that emerge from strategic interactions and brand co-creation practices. The study highlights how entrepreneurs shape their identities by reflecting on communication with audiences via digital platforms, ultimately framing media management as a practice of self-development. Conducted through 29 qualitative interviews and observations at the neudeli startup incubator in Weimar, this research provides insight into the nuanced ways digital media facilitates entrepreneurial identity formation, offering a new lens to understand strategic sparring and brand co-creation in startup ecosystems.
Western Caucasus
—
2019 —
WHECC7CE17E71
Viewpoint geosites, which offer panoramic views of unique geological features and landscapes, are significantly influenced by their environmental context. This study introduces a new framework to evaluate the environment of such sites using three components: standpoint environment, transitional environment, and target environment. Each component is assessed based on criteria like the presence of geological elements, vegetation cover, anthropogenic intervention, fragmentation, and contrast. Analyzing three geosites in the Western Caucasus, researchers found that environmental differences between these sites had a more substantial impact than variations in their displayed geoheritage features. This innovative approach to evaluating viewpoint geosites provides a broader application and justification for future environmental assessments.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
—
2019 —
WHEA2EF176DA1
A significant archaeological discovery in the baptistery of the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, reveals a sixth-century basin, likely dating back to the Byzantine era. This finding was made possible due to unprecedented restoration efforts initiated by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), which facilitated dialogue among diverse Christian communities within the church for the first time in over 150 years. The discovery underscores the intersection of environmental preservation, democratic governance, and religious coexistence in the Levant, highlighting how political and cultural dynamics can shape historical research. The basin's uncovering on June 21, 2019, marks a rare instance where ongoing regional turmoil has enabled scholarly breakthroughs, bridging art history with broader societal contexts.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
—
2019 —
WHE7DFD537736
A comprehensive inventory of tardigrades in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park revealed that sulfur oxide (SOx) deposition is the primary environmental factor influencing species richness and evenness in moss-dwelling tardigrades, while forest disturbance regimes significantly impact lichen-associated communities. The study analyzed 365 samples from mosses and lichens, identifying 57 tardigrade species, with 11 uniquely found on rock habitats. Unlike soil tardigrade communities, which were distinct, no significant differences were observed between moss and lichen substrates or sampling heights. Environmental variables, including SOx deposition and disturbance regimes, were key drivers of community structure, providing critical insights into the ecological dynamics of these microscopic organisms in one of the world's most biodiverse UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lower Valley of the Omo
—
2019 —
WHED8422E76B4
Human activities such as open field defecation, livestock grazing, farming, and swimming significantly influence the distribution and infection rates of freshwater snails with trematodes in the Omo-Gibe River Basin. The study found that Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the most abundant snail species, accounted for 85% of trematode infections, with eight distinct cercarial types identified, including Echinostoma and brevifurcate apharyngeate distome cercariae being the most prevalent. Environmental factors like water conductivity and biological oxygen demand, along with sanitation practices, were also critical predictors of snail-borne disease transmission. The research highlights the need for awareness campaigns to mitigate disease spread by reducing human and animal contact with contaminated waters.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
—
2019 —
WHED83C652D45
A groundbreaking environmental health education initiative in Casale Monferrato, Italy, demonstrates the power of youth engagement in mitigating asbestos-related risks. Over a four-year period, 185 high school students and teachers trained through the Asbestos Classroom reached 3,241 visitors, showcasing the effectiveness of peer education in fostering collective awareness about environmental hazards. This participatory approach, which involved students in curriculum development and knowledge dissemination, significantly contributed to reducing asbestos exposure risks in a community heavily impacted by industrial contamination. The study underscores the potential for such initiatives to be replicated globally, offering a scalable model for addressing asbestos-related diseases in both banned and non-prohibited regions.
Nyungwe National Park
—
2019 —
WHE58DA739B31
A case study of the Kitabi Women Handcrafts Cooperative in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, reveals significant strides in women's economic and social empowerment while highlighting persistent challenges in environmental justice. The cooperative, established in 2011 to shift former hunters' wives away from reliance on natural resources, demonstrates measurable progress through access to financial loans, savings, employment, and income-generating projects. Socially, members report improved capacity building and family relations. However, procedural justice remains limited due to a dominant top-down approach that marginalizes women's voices in decision-making processes. Challenges such as crop raiding, slow compensation processes, high-interest rates, and inadequate communication hinder further empowerment. The study recommends adopting a partnership approach to better integrate women's needs and perspectives into conservation policies.
City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
—
2019 —
WHEC873A88650
A novel index, the Heritage Indoor Microclimate Risk (HMR), has been developed to assess and quantify the risk of damage to both historic buildings and their interiors based on indoor microclimatic factors. This approach goes beyond traditional artifact-focused evaluations by considering the entire environment. Applied to Villa Barbaro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Andrea Palladio in 1554–1560, the study combines on-site monitoring of parameters like temperature and humidity with virtual building modeling to validate scenarios for conservation and occupant comfort. The methodology leverages simulated data to determine the degree of microclimatic aggression through a single risk index, offering a holistic framework for managing heritage sites.
Historic Centre of Naples
—
2019 —
WHE6AA484FB75
A comprehensive approach to rehabilitating the Historic Centre of Naples has yielded practical guidelines for sustainable urban interventions. The project focuses on enhancing public spaces, roads, walkways, and squares while addressing complex urban challenges in large cities with EU funding. By adopting a multidisciplinary strategy, it provides actionable insights into strategic planning and process management for similar heritage conservation efforts. These guidelines aim to balance preservation with modern functionality, offering a model for sustainable urban development in historic contexts.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
—
2019 —
WHE473564B0F4
Researchers discovered that the chemical composition of sediments in groundwater-recharged lakes within the Badain Jaran Desert can serve as proxies for environmental characteristics. Specifically, the SiO2/Ti ratio reflects lake area, while the Na2O/K2O ratio more effectively indicates total dissolved solids (TDS) than the Rb/Sr ratio. The study analyzed 100 sediment samples from five lakes, examining major, trace, and rare earth elements, as well as mineral assemblages. Findings revealed that eolian sands dominate immobile elements, while authigenic minerals influence mobile ones, with sediment sorting contributing to spatial variations in chemical composition. However, the mechanisms governing sediment chemistry vary among lakes with different TDS levels, necessitating careful interpretation of environmental proxies.
Landscapes of Dauria
—
2019 —
WHE4D136C1AAD
Transboundary specially protected natural areas (TSPNAs) offer a unique solution for preserving biotic and landscape diversity by minimizing economic activity near borders. Five TSPNAs, including Dauria, have been established through interstate agreements to date, with additional potential sites like the Amur Tiger and Leopard region being considered. Effective functioning of these areas requires bilateral or multilateral agreements to facilitate joint scientific and tourist programs while reducing border control. The study highlights the theoretical and practical aspects of establishing TSPNAs in Siberia and the Far East, emphasizing their role in conservation efforts.
Taï National Park
—
2019 —
WHE9EA12D5294
A previously unknown bacterium, Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva), has been identified as a significant cause of lethal infections among large mammals, including chimpanzees and gorillas, in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. This pathogen combines the genetic background of Bacillus cereus with the virulence plasmids of Bacillus anthracis, demonstrating comparable virulence in small animal models. Through comprehensive genomic analysis of 178 Bcbva isolates spanning 1996 to 2014, researchers determined that Bcbva has been present in sub-Saharan Africa for millennia and exhibits localized transmission chains within the park. The study also revealed that carrion flies play a role in disease spread, with Bcbva isolated from flies up to 25 meters high in the rainforest canopy. Serological data indicated that infections are often lethal across multiple wildlife species, highlighting the substantial threat posed by this pathogen.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
—
2019 —
WHE8AF8AFC3C0
A survey of vascular epiphytes in the restinga forest of Praia do Sul, Ilha Grande, Brazil, revealed 31 species, including nine new records for the island. The study, conducted across 52 subplots in the Reserva Biológica Estadual da Praia do Sul, identified a dominance of angiosperms (80.6%) and holoepiphytes (74.2%), with Araceae and Philodendron being the most species-rich family and genus, respectively. Most species are endemic to the Atlantic Forest (63%) and have unknown conservation statuses (74%). The findings underscore the ecological significance of Ilha Grande's restinga forests for epiphyte biodiversity and highlight urgent conservation needs.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
—
2019 —
WHE7B3F47A5A2
A closer examination of Zosimus’ Epistula 7 reveals that the letter, which seemingly upholds ecclesiastical judicial procedures and Patroclus' authority as bishop of Arles, actually masks a contentious dispute. By contextualizing this letter within other correspondence from September 417 in Liber auctoritatem ecclesiae Arelatensis, researchers demonstrate how both Zosimus and the church of Arles engaged in diplomatic manipulation to fabricate a false historical narrative about the church's authority in southern Gaul. This analysis highlights the complexities of ecclesiastical politics during this period and challenges the perceived neutrality of official records.
Town of Luang Prabang
—
2019 —
WHEE9FB473F33
Heritage development often involves erasures that reciprocally link to new appearances, shaping urban landscapes. This study introduces the Erasure–Appearance Dyad (EAD) framework to analyze how heritage management practices—descriptions, prescriptions, and proscriptions—influence urban heritage in Asia-Pacific sites. By examining UNESCO-listed towns Luang Prabang and Hoi An, alongside tentative-list sites Zhouzhuang and Chiang Mai, the research reveals explicit and implicit dimensions of these processes. The findings suggest that recognizing EAD can foster multiple heritage narratives, enriching 'heritage-scapes' for both residents and visitors. This approach offers a lens to balance development with cultural preservation in urban contexts.
Great Barrier Reef
—
2019 —
WHE1A83CDACE5
eReefs is an innovative, interoperable information platform designed to enhance environmental intelligence for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), enabling stakeholders to evaluate past, present, and future conditions while supporting management decisions. By integrating data models, visualization tools, and decision-support systems across the entire GBR, eReefs provides a comprehensive framework to mitigate risks from competing uses of the reef. The platform has already demonstrated its utility in informing policy and management strategies, offering actionable insights for conservation efforts. Challenges and future developments are also discussed, highlighting opportunities for further refinement and expansion.
Asmara: A Modernist African City
—
2019 —
WHE9AA5AD9794
Eritrea's new heritage law, the Cultural and Natural Heritage Proclamation of Eritrea (2015), represents a significant milestone in safeguarding both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including the modernist architecture of Asmara that led to its UNESCO World Heritage inscription. The study, authored by the Proclamation's main drafter, provides an insider perspective on the drafting process, highlighting key debates and implementation challenges. It offers practical recommendations for future heritage governance in Eritrea, balancing legal frameworks with effective preservation practices.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
—
2019 —
WHEA1EABB53D5
A rapid increase in human-wildlife conflict (HWC) has been observed in the Wolong Nature Reserve, China, paradoxically linked to successful biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration efforts. Nearly all local households reported financial losses due to wildlife damage, yet inadequate compensation schemes exacerbate the issue. The study, conducted through semi-structured interviews with 201 households in 2016, highlights the need for integrated compensation plans that also promote alternative livelihoods, such as ecotourism and off-farm employment, to reduce dependence on agriculture and mitigate HWC.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
—
2019 —
WHE7D6EF386D3
Cartographic representations of Colombia's Coffee Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, reveal complex exchanges between heritage practices and local interpretations. This study highlights how mapping processes during the site's inscription process shaped its spatial boundaries and meanings, encompassing four departments and fifty-one municipalities in the Colombian Andes. Using an ethnographic approach, researchers uncovered disputes over interpretative models of space among stakeholders and documented post-inscription local reinterpretations, offering insights into the dynamics of heritage representation.
Las Médulas
—
2019 —
WHEBF556F719C
Las Médulas faces significant challenges due to its status as a space of multiple interventions. The implementation of the Tourist Dynamics Plan for Las Médulas has exposed latent conflicts related to cultural and tourist functionality within the Archaeological Zone, disagreements among local actors, and mismanagement by the Plan's governance. These issues are exacerbated by overlapping sectoral protection figures, leading to complex territorial management problems. While efforts towards integral valorization and ordering instruments have been delayed, establishing a dedicated management body for Las Médulas could address these challenges effectively.
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
—
2019 —
WHEF5D2137F5B
Research reveals how white identity is constructed through racial segregation in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, serving as a social distinction mechanism for the middle classes. The study highlights that proximity to whiteness grants privileged access to resources and goods, reinforcing social hierarchies. Conducted in Loteamento Aquarius, an upper-middle-class neighborhood in Pituba, the research uses secondary data on urban space occupation alongside primary data from semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations, and autoethnography with residents. This approach uncovers daily processes of 'whiteness' production, demonstrating how segregated cities shape social subjects and, reciprocally, how these subjects influence urban development.
Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels)
—
2019 —
WHEA371F7A432
The essay 'Made of Antique Glass' explores the significance of Victor Horta's architectural work, particularly his Horta Museum in Brussels, as a symbol of Art Nouveau's synthesis of art and craft. The narrative reflects on personal experiences within the museum, emphasizing its flowing shapes and interdisciplinary influence across media such as glass, metal, stone, and fabric. It contrasts the comfort and luxury of Brussels with the challenges faced elsewhere, highlighting how Horta's designs evoke natural forms like flowers while embodying the movement's ethos. The essay also touches on the transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, marking a shift in aesthetic preferences by World War I.
Tusi Sites
—
2019 —
WHE1CC5AAD552
A neural network-based system demonstrates significant potential for optimizing resource allocation and management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly for cultural sites like the Hailongtun Tusi Site in Guizhou, China. The study leverages artificial intelligence to address complex calculations related to tourism resource parameters, such as face detection and recognition, while integrating creative computing methods to bridge tourism and computer science domains. This approach aims to enhance protection efforts and improve visitor services by achieving a more effective and reasonable distribution of resources. The case study highlights the system's applicability in real-world scenarios, offering a scalable solution for heritage site management.
Grand Canyon National Park
—
2019 —
WHEF3DD96793F
A successful translocation effort has established a reproducing population of endangered Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) in Havasu Creek, Grand Canyon National Park. The study, conducted from 2010 to 2018, involved annually relocating 243–509 juvenile Humpback Chub—reared in a hatchery for 8–12 months—to this Colorado River tributary. Mark-recapture sampling revealed that the translocated fish exhibited survival and growth rates comparable to or exceeding those of the established population in the Little Colorado River (LCR). Reproductive maturity was observed as early as May 2012, with untagged juveniles appearing annually thereafter, indicating successful in situ reproduction. By 2016, recruitment to maturity from locally produced fish was evident, and population abundance continued to grow through 2018. This study demonstrates the potential for tributaries to play a critical role in the recovery of large-river fishes, offering valuable insights for future conservation strategies.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
—
2019 —
WHE82CCBF7941
Analysis of brick composition and size at the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk reveals a more complex construction timeline for its major shrines than previously assumed. The study, which examined 59 well-preserved brick structures in the archaeological site of ancient Ishanapura (capital of the Chenla Dynasty), identified distinct groups corresponding to different construction stages. This challenges earlier dating based on epigraphy and decorative styles, suggesting that individual shrines within temple complexes were built through a nuanced, multi-phase process rather than as simple, sequential additions.
City of Quito
—
2019 —
WHE9F82C913CD
A novel mathematical model using Bayesian inference and Monte Carlo simulations successfully estimates people flow in Quito's South-Eastern public transportation corridor. The study leverages Origin-Destination Matrices (ODM) derived from passenger boarding and alighting data, applying the Metropolis-Hastings criterion to validate results. Key findings include the convergence of estimated flows, consistent origin-destination behavior patterns, and robustness against link variations. This approach offers a scalable solution for smart city planning, demonstrated through its application in Quito's transportation network.
The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa
—
2019 —
WHED1A9479E88
Klasies River, a significant archaeological site in South Africa's southern Cape coast, reveals a continuous human occupation from the Middle to Late Pleistocene and into the Holocene. Ethnobotanical research here shows that 84% of plants used today by local participants align with historical Khoi and San indigenous knowledge, while 42% also appear in archaeological records, indicating enduring plant-human interactions across millennia. This study underscores the importance of systematic ethnobotanical data collection, particularly from Khoi and San descendants, to better understand adaptive human-plant relationships shaped by intergenerational learning. The research employed semi-structured interviews and field walks with six local experts, using an interdisciplinary, abductive grounded theory approach.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
—
2019 —
WHE04A0775B1E
An ethnobotanical study on Djerba Island, Tunisia, identifies 86 medicinal plants with significant traditional pharmacopoeia uses, primarily from the Asteraceae family. The research documents diverse plant applications, with leaves being the most utilized part (59%) and decoction as the predominant preparation method. This cataloguing effort highlights the island's rich botanical heritage, offering a valuable database for future scientific exploration of natural substances. The study employed semi-structured interviews and direct observations over one year, engaging both local residents and non-residents to capture comprehensive traditional knowledge.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
—
2019 —
WHEEB8FF08F9E
Neanderthals at the Pradayrol site (Caniac-du-Causse, France) demonstrated sophisticated adaptation to local lithic resources during the late Middle Paleolithic. Analysis of a quartz-dominated assemblage revealed distinct operational chains tailored to material properties—bipolar on-anvil debitage for quartz cobbles and discoidal flaking for both quartz and nearby flint. Imported Périgord flint exhibited a fragmented, ramified Levallois chain, contrasting with local methods. These findings highlight a strategic balance between technical expertise and environmental constraints, aligning Pradayrol with other Quercy sites of the period. The study combines technological analysis with economic insights to illuminate Neanderthal resource management strategies.
Western Tien-Shan
—
2019 —
WHE94D0EE6C95
Scientists have identified Euphorbia talassica, a new species of leafy spurge (Euphorbiaceae) in the Western Tian-Shan region of Central Asia. This discovery expands the known diversity of Euphorbia sect. Esula and highlights its distinct morphological traits, including a slender and spreading rootstock and incrassate leaves, which differentiate it from its closest relative, E. irgisensis. The species thrives at higher elevations than related taxa and is found in the Talas Mountain Range spanning Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The study also provides an overview of Euphorbia ser. Andrachnoides in Central Asia, mapping seven species within this group.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
—
2019 —
WHEA2EA46429E
New evidence from numismatic findings and recent excavations in the Old City of Jerusalem challenges the traditional timeline for the founding of Aelia Capitolina, suggesting that preparatory work began under Emperor Hadrian's rule as early as the 120s—over a decade before the Bar Kokhba war. This contradicts the account provided by Eusebius, whose narrative likely stems from sources like Ariston of Pella and reflects his own theological interpretation of Jewish history rather than historical accuracy.
City of Quito
—
2019 —
WHE11E43A7741
Tourists visiting Quito's historic center predominantly perceive mild to moderate congestion, according to a study that innovatively links motivational, emotional, and behavioral variables. This research addresses a notable gap in Latin American tourism studies, which have largely overlooked crowding perceptions from visitors' perspectives. By employing a methodological approach that integrates these multifaceted factors, the study provides valuable insights into how tourists experience and interpret congestion in heritage cities. The findings suggest that while congestion is a concern for destination managers, its impact on tourist perception may be less severe than previously assumed.
Coro and its Port
—
2019 —
WHE63C69845A0
A study of indoor air quality in three UNESCO World Heritage Site museums in Coro, Venezuela, revealed that microbial levels—including bacteria and fungi—were consistently medium to high according to WHO standards. The research found an inverse correlation between relative humidity (HR) and temperature, with bacterial counts slightly exceeding fungal counts. Microbial identification included Gram-positive streptococci, staphylococci, bacilli, and filamentous forms, as well as Aspergillus, Mucor, and Penicillium species. The findings highlight potential conservation risks for cultural heritage sites due to elevated microbial exposure.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
—
2019 —
WHE3155FD6232
A study of Wulingyuan, China's UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that its vegetation has shown significant improvement over the past 18 years, with a high vegetation index and productivity. The research, utilizing long-term MODIS data, found that 71% of the area exhibited increased vegetation, particularly in buffer zones, while only a small portion in development regions showed decline. Although correlations were observed between vegetation changes and environmental factors like temperature and precipitation, these did not reach statistical significance. The study suggests that policies such as establishing national scenic areas and enhancing woodland protection plans have positively influenced vegetation dynamics, aligning with the World Heritage Convention's sustainable development goals.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
—
2019 —
WHE03A2579246
A study of elbow osteoarthritis (OA) in the prehistoric Tiwanaku state (AD 500–1,100) reveals significant differences between core and colony populations, with specific articular surfaces showing OA patterns. Using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), researchers analyzed 1,195 adults, linking articular surfaces within individuals to maximize dataset size while maintaining data independence. Findings suggest distinct movement patterns in core Tiwanaku people, highlighting GEE's effectiveness in addressing scalar issues in bioarchaeological studies and retaining comprehensive pathology data.
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
—
2019 —
WHE7DCA2E5BE6
A strategy prioritizing community interests emerged as the most effective approach to reduce fire danger and address stakeholder needs across Mount Kenya Forest Reserve and National Park (MKFRNP). Using a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) framework, researchers evaluated seven management strategies—spanning climate change mitigation, water catchment protection, education, biodiversity conservation, timber production, and community engagement—across forest stations with varying fire risks. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) revealed that integrating community interests improved outcomes regardless of fire danger levels, while also highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation for long-term benefits. This study demonstrates how stakeholder-driven management can enhance ecological resilience and social equity in protected areas.
Hyrcanian Forests
—
2019 —
WHE8AC19878C7
IRS-Pansharpened satellite imagery outperformed Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 data in classifying tree species within Iran's Hyrcanian forests, achieving the highest accuracy (84.9% Overall Accuracy) using Random Forest algorithms. The study identified the near-infrared spectral band as most critical for distinguishing among Pinus taeda, Alnus spp., and Populus spp. These findings offer a robust tool for forest managers and conservationists to monitor tree species composition, supporting sustainable management of this UNESCO-listed ecosystem.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
—
2019 —
WHE1F591A8E00
Over 85% of sustainable architecture indicators related to human interaction with contemporaries significantly influence the perception of sustainability in Tabriz Grand Bazaar, highlighting its strong alignment with global standards like LEED. The study, using qualitative content analysis and quantitative data from 320 questionnaires, found that public involvement and vitality of bazar spaces were key factors in shaping this understanding. This suggests that the bazar's design effectively integrates sustainable principles while fostering community engagement.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
—
2019 —
WHECC9A16ABBB
A novel evaluation model integrating space syntax and neural network methods reveals critical insights into pedestrian movement patterns and tourism congestion within Kulangsu, a historic international settlement. The model identifies conflicts between road choices and pedestrian flows, as well as the pressure on key attractions, offering a data-driven assessment of current conditions. This approach provides actionable recommendations for balancing historical preservation with sustainable tourism development, addressing long-standing challenges in urban planning.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
—
2019 —
WHE572D1E9FED
Sentinel-2 time-series data significantly enhances the accuracy of mapping floodplain grassland plant communities compared to single-date or single-band imagery. A study at Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, France, demonstrated that using a full annual Sentinel-2 time-series with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier achieved an overall accuracy of 0.78, outperforming random forest (RF) classifiers and single-date/single-band datasets. The findings highlight the importance of temporal resolution in discriminating plant communities, as accuracy dropped by 34% when using single-date images and 12% with single-band data. This research underscores the potential of Sentinel-2 for biodiversity monitoring in temperate floodplains.
Kasbah of Algiers
—
2019 —
WHECAA0432ECB
The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Casbah of Algiers faces significant inconsistencies in its current protection zone, which undermines its cultural value and structural integrity. A study evaluating the buffer zone around the historic site reveals that the delineation criteria for protection are misaligned with the dynamic urban context, leading to a loss of visual and contextual coherence. The research suggests revising the perimeter to better integrate the old with the new while preserving the site's exceptional value. This case study challenges traditional approaches to buffer zone establishment by emphasizing the need for adaptive protection that balances heritage conservation with urban development.
Phoenix Islands Protected Area
—
2019 —
WHE6ABCE37B0A
Research confirms that the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), one of the world's largest marine protected areas, serves as a critical spawning ground for skipjack, bigeye, and yellowfin tunas. This discovery underscores PIPA's ecological significance in sustaining tuna populations, which are vital to Kiribati's economy through foreign fishing licenses. The study, conducted from 2015 to 2017, employed larval sampling and a biological-physical model to map spawning locations. Findings revealed that skipjack larvae were more abundant near PIPA's northeast corner, while bigeye and yellowfin larvae showed lower but even distributions. Genetic barcoding verified the presence of these tuna species within PIPA. Model simulations indicated that most larvae collected in 2015 originated inside PIPA, whereas stronger currents in 2016 transported more larvae beyond its boundaries. Despite varying environmental conditions due to ENSO states, PIPA consistently supported tuna spawning, highlighting its role as a protected breeding habitat.
Studenica Monastery
—
2019 —
WHEC4B84F6B2D
A comprehensive analysis of pottery shards from the Studenica Monastery, Serbiareveals continuous production during the late Byzantine period (13th to 15th century). Using advanced techniques like spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, researchers found no significant differences in mineralogical or chemical composition between samples from two distinct cultural strata, indicating sustained craftsmanship. The pottery was made from non-calcareous clay, glazed with lead-based coatings, and colored with copper and iron, fired at temperatures ranging from 600–700 °C for cookware to 800–1000 °C for tableware. A clay rod with glaze traces, likely from a kiln, further supports the site's role in pottery production during this period.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
—
2019 —
WHE90B3B20B53
A genetic study of the Purana population, residing in the suburbs of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, reveals restricted maternal gene flow between them and other present-day Sri Lankans. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 46 individuals showed a higher genetic dissimilarity (2.81%) when comparing the Purana to modern Sri Lankans than when grouped by ethnicity, indicating maternal isolation since at least 1,450 years ago. Phylogenetic analysis further suggests that the Purana are maternally more closely related to Sri Lankan Tamils than to other Sri Lankan groups. This finding supports historical records linking the Purana's ancestry to the Sinhalese Kings of the 5th century A.D., providing genetic evidence for their distinct maternal lineage.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
—
2019 —
WHEF5A2B8A6B9
A dynamic shelly beach ridge system along the southern coast of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, NW France, exhibits alternating erosion and accretion patterns influenced by tidal cycles and human activities. The study reveals that these ridges, formed from mollusk shells, are more prominent in erosional bands shaped by wave and current dynamics, potentially driven by shellfish farms, tidal channels, and reefs. Decadal-scale behavior is linked to the 18.6-year nodal tidal cycle, with periods of landward migration during peaks and stability at troughs, further complicated by storm events. Notably, no beach ridges older than the 19th century survive in front of the Medieval dike, suggesting reworking due to Little Ice Age storminess. Shellfish farming has also stabilized the system by altering shell composition. The research combines aerial photographs (1947–present), sediment cores, ground-penetrating radar, and digital elevation models to unravel these processes.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
—
2019 —
WHE70B6EB1711
A comprehensive analysis of ancient water harvesting and management systems in Sri Lanka's dry zone during the Anuradhapura Kingdom (5th century BCE to 10th century CE) reveals significant insights into their spatial-temporal evolution. By systematically assessing 837 records from inscriptions and chronicles, the study identifies a peak in activity around the second century CE, with Anuradhapura district showing the highest density of information. The analysis highlights that 43.2% of records mention tanks or their construction, while grants of irrigation and irrigation incomes account for 33% and 9%, respectively. Geocoding was successful for 40 records, and 173 text passages were linked to specific kings' reigns. This study underscores the potential of ancient written sources in reconstructing the administrative and spatial development of historical water management systems.
Mount Wuyi
—
2019 —
WHE2AAE9F6199
A study on the Wuyi Mountains National Nature Reserve reveals that vegetation coverage in this high-latitude northern Chinese region has significantly declined during periods of abrupt climate change, particularly from 1980 to 1995. This period saw a warming and drying trend, with annual mean temperature rising by 0.557°C per decade and precipitation decreasing slightly. The research used MODIS-NDVI data, TM/ETM+ imagery, and 62 years of meteorological observations, combined with statistical analyses like the Mann-Kendall test and sliding T-test, to assess vegetation changes from 1975 to 2016. Key findings include a notable decline in NDVI (a measure of vegetation health) during the climate transition period, with mixed forests showing the most significant degradation, followed by grasslands, coniferous forests, arable land, and wetlands. Temperature was identified as the dominant factor influencing vegetation decline, with spatial variations in its impact. The study highlights the vulnerability of high-vegetation coverage areas to climate-driven degradation.
