Ogasawara Islands
—
2016 —
WHE5EE89C0538
Invasive ant species Pheidole megacephala significantly impacts endemic achatinellid snails, contributing to their decline in the Ogasawara Islands. Research shows that where the ant is present, 49% of surveyed sites lack these snails, and laboratory experiments confirm predation behavior. Despite its ecological impact, P. megacephala remains unlisted as an invasive species, highlighting gaps in official conservation frameworks. The study compared snail distribution and density between 2005 and 2015, revealing a stark contrast in areas affected by the ant's presence.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
—
2016 —
WHE13B19CD9E4
Musk deer (Moschus spp.) abundance is significantly higher in Tibetan settlements compared to Lisu regions, with no adverse effects from traditional gathering and transhumance practices. Hunting pressure varies notably among ethnic groups, being 7.1 times greater near Lisu settlements than Tibetan ones, indicating that protected areas alone are ineffective against human disturbance from cultural activities. The study suggests integrating indigenous practices into conservation strategies to enhance biodiversity protection in unprotected lands. Researchers used predictive models to analyze musk deer abundance indices, incorporating ethnicity, conservation status, and poaching pressure data from northwest Yunnan, China.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
—
2016 —
WHE208720E953
A patch-burning management system could significantly enhance optimal habitat availability for great bustards (Otis tarda) by increasing the area burnt annually while maintaining a spatially mosaic structure. This finding stems from a 31-year study in Hortobágy National Park, East-Hungary, where researchers analyzed the effects of land use and wildfires on the spatial distribution of bustard lekking sites. The study, one of the largest datasets on this species, observed 10,118 individuals at 639 points, revealing that increased habitat diversity positively influenced female numbers while the area burnt in previous years was a critical predictor for total bird and male counts. The research suggests that strategic burning practices could serve as an effective conservation tool to support bustard populations.
Mount Wuyi
—
2016 —
WHE8F24D4EB4B
Research on Mount Wuyi, China, reveals that tannin content in leaf litter significantly influences soil nitrogen (N) dynamics, particularly reducing inorganic N levels more rapidly for ammonium (NH4+-N) than nitrate (NO3−-N). The study found that microbial immobilization alone does not fully explain the observed decline in N, suggesting complex interactions between litter decomposition stages and soil types. Conducted through an incubation experiment using two forest soils (Hapludults and Haplohumults), the findings highlight how plant litter quality affects nitrification and N immobilization, advancing understanding of subtropical acidic forest ecosystems.
Yosemite National Park
—
2016 —
WHEE13764E461
Between 1864 and 2014, Yosemite National Park experienced significant habitat fragmentation due to protected area downsizing. The study found that reductions in park boundaries led to increased isolation of ecosystems, particularly in meadows and old-growth forests, which are critical for biodiversity conservation. Researchers analyzed historical land-use changes using GIS mapping and landscape metrics to quantify fragmentation patterns over time. This work highlights the long-term ecological consequences of political or administrative decisions on protected areas, emphasizing the need for proactive management strategies to mitigate habitat loss.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain
—
2016 —
WHE13224868DB
Pena Godón's historical evolution mirrors that of monasteries and religious-military authorities, revealing their ties to nobility, agrarian exploitation systems, and peasant life impacts. This study deciphers how these dynamics shaped the landscape along the Camino Francés, particularly focusing on the history of hospitals and institutions in this forgotten settlement. By analyzing archival records and historical documentation, the research reconstructs Pena Godón's past, offering insights into its role as a crossroads of power, religion, and rural life during medieval times.
Stevns Klint
—
2016 —
WHED4FCE3E46C
A comparative study of carbonate rocks reveals that surface charge behavior is consistent across different rock types, with ζ-potential becoming more negative as brine salinity decreases. This finding suggests that low-salinity waterflooding can alter wettability in carbonate reservoirs, reducing oil-wetting tendencies. The research used Iceland spar calcite and three reservoir-related rocks—Middle Eastern limestone, Stevns Klint chalk, and Silurian dolomite—to measure ζ-potential across a range of salinities, brine compositions, and pH values. A new surface-complexation model (SCM) was developed to explain the observed increase in ζ-potential with pH, highlighting the influence of surface species like >CaSO4−, >CO3Ca+, and >CO3Mg+. Notably, chalk particles exhibited the most negative surface charges and highest reactivity to changes in pH and salinity, while dolomite showed the least.
Hyrcanian Forests
—
2016 —
WHEEE77A6787F
A study of the central Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot along the southern Caspian Sea, reveals that elevation, annual precipitation, and mean temperature are the primary drivers of plant diversity and vegetation composition. Using 226 vegetation plots across two altitudinal transects (100–2000 m a.s.l.), researchers identified four distinct vegetation types through gradient analyses. While soil properties played a secondary role, topographic features like slope inclination and heat index significantly influenced floristic patterns within elevation zones. These findings provide critical insights for conservation and forest management in this unique ecosystem, characterized by its rich and diverse flora.
City of Cuzco
—
2016 —
WHE5E4174A9D5
Between 2000 and 2013, Peru experienced significant fiscal growth, which reshaped regional elites in Arequipa, Cusco, Piura, and San Martín. This study reveals that economic booms altered the composition of political and business elites, with notable shifts in their organization and influence. While political elites remained dominant, business elites gained prominence due to increased economic activity, particularly in extractive industries. The research compares how these elites interacted across regions, highlighting disparities in their capacity to contribute to regional development. Methodologically, the study combines conceptual analysis of elite behavior with empirical data on economic and institutional changes during this period.
Maya Site of Copan
—
2016 —
WHEBD16EDB283
Temple 18 at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán, a late Classic Maya funerary crypt, serves as a powerful extension of the kingly persona, legitimizing the rule of Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat and memorializing his presence in the site's landscape. This study reveals that the temple, Copán's final construction, reflects the political turmoil of its time while embedding military and maize iconography to convey historical and mythical messages. Through iconographic analysis, spatial analysis, and archaeological and epigraphic data, researchers deciphered Temple 18's role in reinforcing royal authority, offering new insights into Maya kingship and funerary practices.
Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
—
2016 —
WHE6DF1736171
LiDAR/airborne laser scanning (ALS) is transforming archaeological heritage management by revealing previously undiscovered sites and enhancing the documentation of World Heritage Sites (WHS). This technology provides unprecedented detail, strengthening nomination dossiers by emphasizing outstanding universal value, delineating site boundaries for legal protection, and offering deeper context to landscapes. Case studies from Brú na Bóinne (Ireland), Angkor (Cambodia), Poverty Point (USA), and Orheiul Vechi (Moldova) demonstrate ALS's efficacy in prospection, demarcation, and viewshed analysis. The method is particularly valuable for large or challenging terrains, offering practical benefits for long-term site management while addressing logistical considerations such as access and training.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
—
2016 —
WHE63E9D86DDA
Korean tidal flats receive environmental emergy inputs worth $4.98×10^21 sej/yr, equivalent to 1.14 trillion won annually, forming the foundation for ecosystem services like fishery production. Regional analysis revealed higher emergy inputs per hectare in the Incheon-Gyeonggi region compared to Busan, reflecting tidal range patterns along the Korean coast. While no clear correlation was found between emergy input and fishery production across all regions, western coastal tidal flats with greater emergy inputs produced more fishery products than southern counterparts, suggesting emergy valuation as a rapid tool for assessing ecosystem service potential. The study employed emergy analysis to quantify environmental energy contributions (sunlight, wind, waves, precipitation, tides) sustaining tidal flat ecosystems.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
—
2016 —
WHE694DD79716
A new analysis of the icon of Santa Maria in Trastevere reveals that its depiction of the Virgin as Empress, known as 'Maria Regina,' reflects broader early Byzantine influences rather than solely Roman ones. The icon, dated to the late 6th to early 8th century using encaustic technique and stylistic characteristics, challenges the traditional view that this imagery originated exclusively from papal political aspirations in Rome. Instead, it suggests a shared religious heritage across the Christian world shaped its portrayal of the Mother of God as Empress, Virgin, and Ecclesia. This study recontextualizes the icon by examining contemporary female imagery and Marian theology, providing insight into the cultural and theological currents that influenced early medieval art.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
—
2016 —
WHEDC7922A9B9
Research reveals that the helminth fauna of freshwater fishes in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, is notably limited compared to other water bodies in Central Mexico. The study identified five helminth species across eight introduced and one native fish species, including a tapeworm (Schyzocotyle acheilognathi) recorded for the first time in Pseudoxiphophorus jonesii, and metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum minimum and Tylodelphys aztecae, which exhibited the highest prevalence. The goodeid G. atripinnis displayed the richest helminth fauna among the analyzed species. The study hypothesizes that this low diversity may stem from the lake's biotic and abiotic conditions, influenced by pollution, or the relatively recent introduction of fish species, limiting the establishment of additional helminths.
Roman Walls of Lugo
—
2016 —
WHEA7D0140716
The Roman Walls of Lugo, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain with a dedicated maintenance plan, demonstrate how systematic conservation can ensure long-term preservation and public enjoyment. This study highlights that the walls, added to the World Heritage List in 2000, benefit from a structured approach combining regular inspections, data management tools, and allocated human and financial resources. Unlike other Spanish UNESCO sites, this model guarantees efficient and safe use of the ancient structure while integrating it as a beloved urban park. The research underscores that planned maintenance not only preserves heritage but also enhances its value for future generations.
Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region
—
2016 —
WHE8483038F90
Archaeological and skeletal evidence reveals that the ancient Nubian Napatan polity, which ruled as Egypt's 25th Dynasty (ca. 750–656 B.C.E.), was significantly shaped by cultural entanglement between Nubian and Egyptian communities established during colonial times. This study challenges traditional narratives by emphasizing independent power formation in Nubia alongside its long-standing local institutions, rather than viewing it solely through an Egyptian lens. Using data from Tombos in Upper Nubia, researchers analyzed mortuary practices, biological interactions, and geographic movements to demonstrate how these entangled communities influenced the political, social, and cultural trajectories of the region. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing both external and internal factors in the formation of complex societies along the ancient Nile Valley.
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
—
2016 —
WHE6A63595825
The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a historic route central to the communication and commerce of New Spain for over three centuries, has transitioned from being a subject of historical interest to gaining international recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study analyzes this shift by examining diverse perspectives from historians, archaeologists, and conservationists, alongside key documents from UNESCO and ICOMOS that highlight global interest in preserving the route. The research reveals how the Camino Real's significance has evolved, from its role in colonial-era connectivity to its current status as a symbol of cultural heritage requiring protection and sustainable management.
Butrint
—
2016 —
WHEB4FA10F646
A multiproxy analysis of sediments from Butrint lagoon, Albania, reveals that periods of increased farming and siltation (AD 400–600 and 700–900) coincided with wetter conditions in the region. This environmental shift aligns with the territorial and economic expansion of the Byzantine Empire, suggesting trade played a pivotal role in altering land use during this era. The study combines sedimentology, geochemistry, and pollen analysis to reconstruct these changes, providing insights into the interplay between climate, environment, and societal development in Roman and Byzantine Butrint.
Brasilia
—
2016 —
WHEB7E78FB61D
Replacing urban buses with Light Rail Vehicles (VLTs) in Brasília significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, offering substantial environmental benefits. A case study along Via W-3 South demonstrated measurable reductions in atmospheric CO₂, converted into carbon credits to quantify economic value. The research applied the Theory of Externalities and a Top-Down method to assess direct emissions, revealing the positive impact of modal shifts on urban sustainability.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
—
2016 —
WHE419951A17A
Research at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, reveals significant insights into the winter flight energetics of bats. The study found that big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and Myotis species can fly in temperatures as low as -10.4 °C, with temperature and wind being key predictors of their activity. Myotis also appears to use barometric pressure changes as a cue for activity. Energy expenditure estimates suggest winter flight consumes considerable fat stores, potentially mitigated by flight thermogenesis (20% or more). Interspecific differences in activity are linked to heat loss and thermoregulatory adaptations, highlighting the complex relationship between environmental factors and bat energetics.
The English Lake District
—
2016 —
WHE37A76C75B1
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding emerges as a powerful tool for accurately reflecting fish community composition and abundance in large lakes, outperforming traditional survey methods. A study comparing eDNA data from three deep lakes in the English Lake District—Windermere, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Derwent Water—to established gill-net surveys revealed that eDNA detected 14 of the 16 historically recorded fish species in Windermere, compared to just four species identified by gill-netting. Using sequence reads per species and site occupancy as proxies for abundance, the study found strong correlations with rank abundance estimates from conventional methods, demonstrating eDNA's potential as a complementary or alternative approach for biodiversity monitoring. This method leverages DNA shed by organisms into their environment, offering a non-invasive and highly sensitive means to assess ecological communities.
Ichkeul National Park
—
2016 —
WHE45C079101D
Herons in Ichkeul National Park, Tunisia, adjust their foraging behavior based on environmental factors. Grey Herons predominantly employ the 'standing and wait' strategy, while Great and Little Egrets favor a more active approach like 'walking slowly,' with variations depending on water depth. High temperatures and wind velocities encourage Little Egrets to adopt a quicker hunting technique, whereas high light intensity promotes less active behaviors. This study, conducted over 2009 and 2010, highlights the adaptability of heron foraging strategies in response to environmental conditions.
Okavango Delta
—
2016 —
WHEBA257ABB25
The Okavango Delta, Botswana, acts as a regional hydro-refugium, buffering vegetation response to decadal climate shifts due to its unique geohydrology. This is demonstrated through the stability of vegetation vigour within the delta compared to surrounding areas, using time-series data from MODIS images. The study highlights how rift basins with appropriate hydrological conditions can mitigate environmental impacts, offering insights into regional climate resilience and attracting fauna, including early human ancestors. This work underscores the unique properties of such basins in regions like eastern Africa, providing a new perspective on their ecological significance.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
—
2016 —
WHEC0E972C903
A study of Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, reveals significant environmental pressures shaping the growth and morphology of living stromatolites. The research identifies regional trends of increasing salinity, greater temperature range, and decreasing energy moving southward from Faure Sill to the Nilemah Embayment, alongside seasonal paradoxes where salinities rise in wet winter months and drop in dry summer months. These patterns suggest groundwater influx along the Hamelin Pool shelf, potentially influencing stromatolite morphology, internal fabric, and microbial communities. The findings provide a framework for understanding extrinsic factors affecting stromatolites, offering insights into their development throughout Earth's history.
Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops
—
2016 —
WHE20DBE20D28
A study on environmental literacy among students aged 12–15 in Žatec, Czech Republic, found that while attitudes toward the environment remained consistent across age groups, older students demonstrated a notable decline in both their intention to engage in pro-environmental behavior and their actual participation. The research, conducted with 67 respondents from Classes 6 to 9, used adapted questionnaires to assess environmental attitudes, commitment to behavior, and real-life actions. No significant gender differences were observed, nor was there a proven link between attitudes and behavior—either intended or actual.
Tsodilo
—
2016 —
WHED0970B0E67
A groundbreaking exploration of landscapes as dynamic cultural and historical entities, 'Envisioning Landscape' reveals how archaeology and community perspectives intersect to shape our understanding of World Heritage Sites. The edited volume demonstrates that landscape is not merely a static backdrop but an evolving narrative influenced by power, materiality, and local communities. Through case studies spanning Northern Ireland, East Africa, New York City, and Botswana's Tsodilo Hills, the research employs innovative methodological approaches to uncover the layered histories embedded in landscapes. Notably, it highlights how local communities contribute to the preservation and interpretation of World Heritage Sites, offering a nuanced perspective on cultural heritage that bridges academic rigor with grassroots engagement.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
—
2016 —
WHEDB11CAB94E
A study of the Qinghai Hoh Xil site reveals that crustal shortening in the northern Tibetan Plateau began in the mid-Eocene and continued until at least 34 million years ago, ceasing by 27 million years ago. The research integrates fault gouge geochronology, low-temperature thermochronology, geologic mapping, and balanced cross sections to determine that upper crustal shortening amounted to 34 ± 12 km (24 ± 9%). Findings suggest that this shortening alone cannot explain the modern elevation or lithospheric thickness without additional processes such as mantle removal or lower crustal material influx. The study also raises questions about how remaining Indo-Asian convergence was accommodated prior to late Miocene deformation patterns.
Ephesus
—
2016 —
WHEA2DEEC6E5E
Ephesus emerged as a significant religious center during the Roman Principate, marked by its diverse cultic landscape and syncretism. The study reveals that the city's religious identity was shaped by a blend of local traditions and imperial worship, with prominent temples like the Artemisium serving as focal points for both civic and provincial devotion. Archaeological analysis of inscriptions, architectural remains, and ritual artifacts provides evidence of this religious dynamism, illustrating how Ephesus adapted to and integrated Roman cultural and political norms while maintaining its own distinct religious heritage.
Western Tien-Shan
—
2016 —
WHE646FE2E5EB
A new epiphytic moss association, Orthotrichetum crenulati, was identified for the first time in the Western Tian-Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan. The study, conducted across 115 sites with varying tree densities, documented 21 moss species that form distinct community combinations. Numerical analyses revealed three groups of samples corresponding to seven associations and one community within two alliances: Ulotion crispae, Syntrichion laevipilae (Frullanio dilatatae-Leucodontetea sciuroidis class), and Neckerion complanatae (Neckeretea complanatae class). Additionally, two moss species, Orthotrichum crenulatum and O. pallens, were recorded for the first time in Kyrgyzstan. This research contributes to the understanding of bryosociological patterns in open habitats of the Western Tian-Shan.
Pasargadae
—
2016 —
WHE3E61DAD055
A joint Iranian-Italian archaeological mission at Pasargadae revealed that pottery recovered from the 2012 excavation spans the 9th to 12th centuries, corresponding to key occupation phases. Using archaeometry, researchers distinguished between locally manufactured and imported wares, providing new insights into trade and craftsmanship during this period. This study highlights the significance of Pasargadae as a cultural hub with diverse ceramic traditions.
Kakadu National Park
—
2016 —
WHE3D3602FD17
A long-term study on nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus) in Kakadu National Park, Australia, revealed stable population trends from 2002 to 2013. The research used capture-mark-recapture techniques and modeling (CJS and Horvitz-Thompson estimators) to estimate apparent survival at 97% annually, influenced by body size, and recapture probability at 38%, affected by climatic variability. The population size on Field Island ranged from 97 to 183 individuals, with no significant long-term decline observed. This study highlights the importance of understanding population dynamics for the conservation of at-risk marine turtle species in World Heritage Areas.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
—
2016 —
WHE035848C48C
A study reveals that the distribution of the endangered seagrass Enhalus acroides, known as Umishoubu, is significantly influenced by external forces such as wave conditions and currents. By analyzing data from 2013 and comparing it with wave models from 2015, researchers found that while calm conditions in June overestimated potential distribution areas, incorporating data from typhoon events or high-wave periods during winter reduced errors in distribution predictions. Longitudinal comparisons between 1989 and 2013 showed that seagrass beds had disappeared at the outer edges of these external force influences.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
—
2016 —
WHE872D765285
Recent archaeological and historical evidence has redefined the chronology of sulphur extraction and refinement in the Agrigento region, Sicily, dating its peak activity between the late 4th and 6th centuries AD. This period saw significant sulphur production, primarily for agricultural use, particularly in viticulture to combat fungal diseases, which strengthened economic ties with Rome and other Mediterranean regions. The study highlights the transformation of mining landscapes during Late Antiquity and the Byzantine era, suggesting that Agrigento's role as a fiscal center may have diminished due to the rise of other centers. By analyzing historical sources like the Tabulae sulphuris and archaeological remains, researchers provide new insights into the commercial and cultural exchanges linked to Sicily's 'solfifera' area, emphasizing its broader significance in ancient trade networks.
Upper Svaneti
—
2016 —
WHE0B5A5B7617
A comparative analysis of the Skhalta Gorge and Upper Svaneti, two high mountain regions in Georgia, reveals that rapid depopulation can lead to ecological degradation if local culture and traditions are not actively preserved. The study demonstrates that sustainable development requires intervention rather than abstention, with tourism emerging as a key mechanism for restoring ethno-ecological balance by supporting traditional agriculture. This research leverages political ecology and the concept of socio-ecological systems (SES) to highlight the interplay between social and ecological dynamics under varying historical, political, and climatic conditions.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
—
2016 —
WHE9C8453F0C1
A comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia) reveals a rich cosmetopoeia comprising 79 plant taxa, with introduced species dominating but endemic plants requiring conservation attention. The study identified over 500 cosmetic recipes, highlighting Calophyllum inophyllum and Cocos nucifera as key ingredients, particularly for perfumed coconut oil (monoi). Semi-directive interviews with 28 informants across five islands uncovered diverse uses, including skin hydration, medicinal care, and perfume, with fidelity levels pinpointing the most culturally significant plants. The findings underscore the importance of managing rare endemic species while acknowledging the prevalence of introduced, often weedy, plants in traditional cosmetic practices.
Western Ghats
—
2016 —
WHEFCF3B10D2C
A comprehensive ethnomedicinal assessment of the Irula tribes in the Walayar valley, Southern Western Ghats, India, reveals 146 plant species with medicinal properties, including 26 new claims. The study highlights that Acorus calamus is predominantly used for treating coughs, while Canarium strictum and Melia dubia show high consensus (factor of 1.0) as insecticides. Leaves are the most utilized plant part (38%), followed by multiple parts (12%). Decoctions (63%) are the primary method of preparation. The findings underscore the need for further pharmacological and phytochemical studies to validate traditional knowledge, emphasizing the rich ethnobotanical heritage of this region.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
—
2016 —
WHE5DAFA9EC97
A soil and phytosociological study of two ponds, Nianaka and Dalafourounté, in Niokolo-Koba National Park reveals that the invasive species <em>Mimosa pigra</em> thrives on heavy clay soils with adequate mineral nutrition. The research finds that while <em>Mimosa pigra</em> is exclusively invasive at Nianaka, its presence varies around Dalafourounté. The flora analysis shows a higher diversity of dicotyledons (91.4%) compared to monocotyledons (8.6%) at Dalafourounté, with both ponds dominated by Combretaceae and Mimosaceae families. The study suggests that the relief and water levels of the ponds may contribute to the invasive behavior of <em>Mimosa pigra</em>. This research provides insights into the ecological factors influencing biological invasions in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Robben Island
—
2016 —
WHE9A81B66BB5
A rare sighting of six European Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) on Robben Island, South Africa, was documented on December 29, 2016. This observation marks the first recorded instance of this species on the island in the 21st century, contributing to a total of 133 bird species identified there during this period. The study, published in <em>Biodiversity Observations</em>, highlights the significance of Robben Island as a biodiversity hotspot within Table Bay. While the research primarily focuses on documenting the occurrence, it underscores the importance of monitoring and conserving such unique avian records for ecological insights.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
—
2016 —
WHEB21E7F15C5
A study of the beetle fauna (Scarabaeoidea) in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche, Mexico, identified 62 species across eight subfamilies, with 30 recorded for the first time in the state. The most abundant species included Canthon vazquezae and Phyllophaga pallidicornis, while seasonal abundance peaked between May and August. The study found strong ecological similarities between Calakmul's fauna and those of Tzucacab-Conkal (Yucatán) and Los Tuxtlas (Veracruz), suggesting regional patterns in tropical beetle communities. Researchers collected 1,212 specimens over 18 months to assess biodiversity, abundance, and seasonal distribution.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
—
2016 —
WHED1E7011245
Accurate mineral identification and mapping using airborne imaging spectrometer data are significantly hindered by calibration inaccuracies, particularly in variables such as wavelength position, bandpass, radiometric accuracy, and atmospheric correction. A study using HyMap data from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska, demonstrated that even minor discrepancies in these parameters can reduce the ability to distinguish between critical minerals like carbonates, serpentines, chlorites, and amphiboles. The research also highlighted challenges in atmospherically correcting data over steep terrains at high latitudes, comparing a simple correction method with one accounting for pixel-by-pixel variations in elevation and sensor geometry. This work underscores the importance of precise calibration to ensure reliable mineral mapping, particularly in complex geological environments like those found in Alaska's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Costiera Amalfitana
—
2016 —
WHEEC1EE038F9
A novel approach to evaluating and mapping cultural services in terraced landscapes, using the Amalfi Coast as a case study, reveals that these landscapes provide significant socio-economic and ecological benefits. The research identifies complex values and services through ecosystem service theory, integrating multi-criteria evaluation with spatial analysis in GIS. Community engagement via semi-structured questionnaires and collaborative mapping tools (VGI) highlights the interrelationship between local communities and their terraced environments. This method offers a practical framework for conserving and managing these evolving landscapes, which are at risk due to changing socio-economic conditions.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
—
2016 —
WHE0B01BF4EBB
A significant portion of agro-wells in Malwathu Oya Cascade-I, Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka, exhibit high salinity with low sodium hazard, rendering them suitable for irrigation with adequate drainage and special measures. The study, conducted from June 2012 to May 2013, assessed groundwater quality using vital parameters such as electrical conductivity, pH, and concentrations of various ions and metals. It found that 60% of the wells had high salinity but low sodium hazard (C3S1), while 5% had low salinity and low sodium (C1S1). The research also revealed that almost all chemical parameters tend to concentrate towards the lower part of the cascade during the pre-monsoon period. Spatial distribution maps were generated using GIS, providing insights into groundwater potential for agriculture.
Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago
—
2016 —
WHE29CDBCD149
UNESCO's designation of the Vega Archipelago as a World Heritage Site in 2004 has significantly transformed local heritage perception and land-use practices. The recognition, primarily for its nearly extinct eider down production tradition—rooted in sustainable fisher-farmer lifestyles spanning 1,500 years—has spurred renewed interest in this 'living tradition,' despite limited prior knowledge among locals. This shift has not only fostered tourist initiatives but also reshaped cultural preservation policies and land management regimes, illustrating the profound impact of heritage status on both local communities and broader conservation efforts.
Group of Monuments at Hampi
—
2016 —
WHE2933DDC7F4
A study reveals that the Hampi UNESCO World Heritage Site, once home to a thriving community of farmers-turned-entrepreneurs, has undergone significant spatial cleansing since 2011. This process, driven by postcolonial authorities' hegemonic approach to material heritage, has led to the eviction of residents and demolition of their homes and businesses, portraying them as 'illegal encroachers.' The research employs an anthropological framework to analyze these events through the lens of colonial legacies and mimicry. It also highlights how villagers countered the state's view of Hampi as an outdoor museum by advocating for a concept of living heritage. However, their claims were largely unsuccessful due to perceptions that they were neither native nor traditional enough.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
—
2016 —
WHE2E5A3D32BF
A groundbreaking study reveals the existence of three previously undescribed species of bent-toed geckos (Cyrtodactylus) within the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park in Laos, alongside a new country record for Laos. These cryptic species, identified through an integrative approach combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data, highlight the significant biodiversity harbored by the Truong Son Range's karst massifs. The research underscores the importance of such methods in resolving complex species groups and contributes to our understanding of the region's evolutionary history.
Putorana Plateau
—
2016 —
WHE56E924E744
A comprehensive analysis of the Putorana Plateau reveals no evidence of biotic crisis despite its complex volcanic history. The study, focusing on the Middle Siberian Trappan Plateau, examines its paleoecological environments, which span from the Severodvinian (Vishkilian) Age to the Triassic period. The research correlates sedimentary units with global stratigraphic markers, such as the Goudikeng Formation in China, and identifies distinct ecological zones, including the Quadrocladus pachyphyllus ... Echinolimnadia mattoxi Zone and the Elatocladus linearis ... Cornia vosini Ecozone. These findings challenge the assumption of a biotic crisis during this period, providing new insights into the resilience of ecosystems during significant volcanic events.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
—
2016 —
WHE760D897944
Durham Cathedral, a masterpiece of sacred architecture, continues to evoke profound experiences even in a secular age. This study shifts focus from traditional art historical analysis to explore the emotional and psychological impact the cathedral has on visitors. By examining personal accounts and architectural elements—such as its leonine walls and setting—it reveals how the building's design and history shape human perception. The research avoids conventional hermeneutic or positivist frameworks, instead prioritizing subjective experiences over objective analysis. This approach offers a unique lens to understand how monumental architecture influences individuals in modern society.
Himeji-jo
—
2016 —
WHE3BD2A32ACD
A key finding from this study is that the mechanical strength of ceilings in historical architectures, such as Himeji Castleis influenced by plaster density and carbonation conditions when natural plant fibers are incorporated. The research investigated how varying mix proportions of water, plaster, sand, and plant fiber affect the fundamental properties of plaster finishing materials (Shikkui), which are commonly used in Japanese historical structures. By conducting detailed experiments on plaster specimens, the study revealed that optimizing the use ratio of these materials can enhance durability while preserving authenticity. This insight is critical for conservation efforts, particularly in harsh environments or disaster-prone areas where such structures face significant risks.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
—
2016 —
WHED105671C72
A critical reassessment of Herculaneum's excavation archives reveals that the site's historical documentation, long dominated by A. Maiuri's synthesis, is fragmentary and subjective. By analyzing daybooks (Giornale degli scavi di Ercolano) from 1927 to 1961, researchers S. Mols and others uncovered a more nuanced understanding of the site, moving beyond Maiuri's narrative. This approach highlights the challenges and potential of using archival materials to reconstruct archaeological contexts, offering a method for reinterpreting previously excavated sites with greater objectivity.
Medina of Tunis
—
2016 —
WHE23D0A1E4DF
Traditional medinas in North Africa, such as Tripoli, Tunis, and Fez, retain unique urban characteristics that offer valuable lessons for contemporary urban planning. These historical cities, shaped by distinct visual forms, urban patterns, and land-use practices, provide principles for preserving cultural identity amid globalization-driven transformations. The study compares these medinas to derive key contextual insights that could enhance modern built environments while safeguarding their essence. Challenges for decision-makers and designers in integrating traditional elements into contemporary urban forms are also highlighted.
