World Heritage Research: Browse Publications: Page 55

Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle and their relationship with soil type

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHEC35F9EA882

A significant correlation between soil characteristics and plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) diversity was identified in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Sandy soils with moderate organic matter levels were found to support higher PPN diversity, while high salinity suppressed it. Four dominant PPN genera—Tylenchulus semipenetrans, Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, and Xiphinema—were prevalent in Hasawi Lumi (Citrus aurantiifolia) orchards, with T. semipenetrans being the most widespread (52%). This study marks the first comprehensive assessment of PPNs in this region, offering critical insights for improving citrus productivity through targeted soil management strategies.

Plantaciones de Palmeras de Elche: Arte, Agricultura, Sociedad

Palmeral of Elche — 2025 — WHE0D064E699A

Despite decades of legislative protection, the historic date palm plantations (Palmeral) of Elche, Spain, face severe decline due to urban encroachment and loss of traditional agricultural practices. A century-long corpus of laws—from 1933’s prohibition on felling living palms to UNESCO’s 2000 World Heritage designation—has failed to preserve the site's ecological and cultural integrity. While these measures aimed to safeguard the palm groves, urban development, including infrastructure like schools and hospitals, fragmented the landscape, eroding its structure without adequate enforcement. The study reveals that bureaucratic plans and symbolic recognition, such as UNESCO’s status, have had minimal practical impact on conservation, leaving the Palmeral in a state of ruin. Key challenges include the loss of traditional irrigation methods and the lack of effective urban planning to balance development with heritage preservation.

Poaceae Species Suitable for Andean Livestock Farming in the Peruvian Andes Reported in GBIF and Local Studies

Huascarán National Park — 2025 — WHE2D40FE8117

Research identifies 63 Poaceae species suitable for Andean livestock farming, including genera such as Agrostis, Bromus, and Festuca, with only 52 recorded in GBIF. The study highlights significant gaps in spatial coverage of biodiversity data, particularly in Peru's Sierra region, where records are concentrated in high-tourist areas like Huascarán National Park. This underscores the urgent need for improved monitoring strategies to support conservation efforts and sustainable livestock farming practices amidst ongoing ecosystem degradation.

Policing an Empire at War

Kasbah of Algiers — 2025 — WHEB3B42FE630

World War II significantly intensified colonial policing in Marseille and Algiers, reshaping the relationship between police and North Africans. The study reveals that wartime economic pressures, rather than Vichy policy alone, drove increased surveillance, racial profiling, and the creation of transit camps to control labor and movement. In Algiers, divisions between Algerians and Europeans deepened as competition for resources and public space escalated. Notably, the Vichy regime extended its racialized policing tactics to North African Jews, borrowing methods previously used against Muslims. This research highlights how daily policing practices in intimate settings—streets, markets, and neighborhoods—became central to managing scarcity and production demands during the war.

Política y defensa en el suroriente cubano: el castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, 1635-1800

San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba — 2025 — WHE6BB05C838B

San Pedro de la Roca Castle, a key UNESCO World Heritage Site in Santiago de Cuba, played a pivotal role in the defensive strategy of the Spanish Empire in the Caribbean from 1635 to 1800. The study reveals how the castle's fortification system evolved in response to imperial political shifts and military engineering advancements, reflecting broader trends in colonial defense architecture. By analyzing archival records—including reports, inventories, and projects—researchers traced the transformation of the castle from its early 17th-century origins through the 18th century, highlighting its strategic significance in the region's geopolitical landscape.

Political Conditions in the Northern Arabian Peninsula and its Influence on the Trade of the ancient Yemen from the (4th Century BC – 2nd Century AD)

Land of Frankincense — 2025 — WHE868B1B13E3

A shift from land to maritime trade routes via the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf marked a significant transformation in ancient Yemen's economic foundations, driven by political instability in the northern Arabian Peninsula. This study reveals that the region's strategic location at the crossroads of ancient trade networks led to successive dominance by empires like the Seleucids, Ptolemies, Romans, Parthians, and Nabataeans, culminating in the Taurus dynasty's control. However, political deterioration and the rise of pomegranate control accelerated the transition to maritime routes, capitalizing on monsoon winds and reshaping Yemeni trade. The research employed historical methods to analyze these conditions, highlighting how frankincense-based economies pivoted toward agriculture due to this shift.

Politics from Law or Law as Politics? Hugh of Poitiers’s Chronica and the Politics of ius in the Mid-twelfth Century

Vézelay, Church and Hill — 2025 — WHEEDC2A93039

A twelfth-century legal conflict over Vézelay Abbey, documented by monk Hugh of Poitiers, reveals that the concept of ius ('law, right') was intrinsically political. This study demonstrates that such conflicts were not merely about jurisprudential norms but about defining a just societal order. By analyzing Hugh's Chronica, written between 1140s and 1160s, the research challenges modern distinctions between legal and political aims in jurisdictional disputes of the mid-twelfth century. The findings underscore that competing understandings of ius shaped contemporary legal actors' arguments, forcing a reevaluation of how law and politics intertwined during this period.

Population Dynamics and Feeding Behavior of Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) in Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2025 — WHE79CC380EE4

Gelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada), Ethiopia's only endemic primate, face significant population decline despite their adaptability to Afroalpine and sub-Afroalpine ecosystems. A synthesis of 13 studies reveals a total Ethiopian population of approximately 29,969 individuals, with 62.9% concentrated in the Simien Mountains National Park. The species exhibits complex social structures and a diverse diet, varying by habitat type, but is threatened by multiple factors. While most populations (76.32%) reside in protected areas, 23.68% inhabit unprotected regions, underscoring the need for integrated conservation strategies to ensure long-term survival.

Population Dynamics and Survival Strategies of Two Endangered Ungulates in a Low Water-Availability Site of the Maya Forest of Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2025 — WHE4A95DA61F5

Research reveals distinct survival strategies among two endangered ungulates—the white-lipped peccary and the tapir—in the water-scarce Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. While the peccary population fluctuated dramatically, disappearing during dry periods before reappearing near scarce water sources, the tapir maintained stable occupancy across nearly all ephemeral ponds over a decade. This study, analyzing 10 years of camera-trap and radiotelemetry data from 18 ponds, highlights their contrasting resilience to arid conditions, offering critical insights into conservation strategies for these rapidly declining species in Mesoamerican forests.

Population genomics of rainforest mountain frogs (Anura: Limnodynastidae: Philoria) severely impacted by the Australian megafires

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2025 — WHEE815700E0A

The Australian megafires of 2019/20 severely impacted six of seven montane frog species in the genus Philoria, which are endemic to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Population genomics analysis revealed that narrow-range species can be managed as single populations, while P. kundagungan, P. loveridgei, and P. sphagnicolus exhibit strong genetic differentiation between mountaintop populations, indicating limited natural dispersal. Fire-impacted populations, such as P. pughi and P. knowlesi, may face long-term threats due to reduced adaptive capacity. The study recommends prioritizing in situ conservation, genetic rescue, and translocation efforts to enhance resilience in these isolated, ancient frogs, emphasizing the need for updated fire buffer management in a changing climate.

Population Patterns and Environmental Determinants of Warburgia ugandensis (Sprague) in Northern Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2025 — WHE890FBDE7C5

Warburgia ugandensis, a medicinal tree native to East Africa, faces declining populations due to unsustainable harvesting and habitat degradation. A study across northern Tanzania's mountainous regions revealed that its population density varies significantly with land use and elevation, with forest reserves and higher elevations (2001–2500 m a.s.l) supporting the highest densities. Environmental factors such as temperature, soil organic carbon, pH, and nitrogen were found to be critical determinants of its distribution. Spatial mapping identified population hotspots around Mt. Kitumbeine and Mt. Kilimanjaro, emphasizing these areas as priorities for conservation. The findings underscore the need for targeted management strategies that consider both environmental parameters and land-use types.

Population size, habitat preference, and feeding ecology of the common bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus decula) in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2025 — WHE51A78A8EDD

A stable population of common bushbucks (Tragelaphus scriptus decula) was observed in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, with no significant seasonal variation between wet and dry seasons. The study, conducted from August 2018 to March 2019, documented a total of 99 and 102 individuals during the wet and dry seasons, respectively, with adults constituting 64.5% of the population. Feeding ecology analysis revealed a preference for 37 plant species, predominantly herbs (62%), followed by shrubs (16.2%) and trees (13.5%). Cyanotis barbata and Alchmila pedata were the most consumed species, while Gladiolus abyssinicus and Pterocephalus frutescens were least preferred. The study also found a significant difference in plant part consumption between seasons, with young leaves and shoots being the primary diet. Recommendations include long-term habitat and population monitoring to inform broader ecosystem management and biodiversity protection.

Population trends of jaguars in a tropical forest in southern Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2025 — WHE47490C8730

Research reveals that jaguar population density in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR), southern Mexico, stands at 1.03 individuals per 100 km², with males (0.59) and females (0.44) showing distinct detection patterns likely due to trail usage. The study used sex-structured open capture–recapture models to analyze spatiotemporal trends, finding that jaguar activity centers remain stable despite temporal variations. Key findings include a negative correlation between road proximity and detection rates, net primary productivity influencing movement, and border distance affecting population density. Jaguars exhibit low circadian overlap, slightly higher during the rainy season, indicating spatial segregation. The CBR's continuous habitat is critical in mitigating edge effects, underscoring its importance for jaguar conservation.

Possibilities and Challenges of Utilizing World Heritage Site Himeji Castle from the Perspective of Unique Venues

Himeji-jo — 2025 — WHE918D4DED96

A new approach to utilizing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Himeji Castle (Himeji-jo), has been identified through the 'UV HIMEJI Plan,' which balances preservation with innovative use. The study found that current utilization methods preserve the site's cultural value while providing unique venue experiences. However, risks include potential degradation of heritage significance and loss of uniqueness if usage increases significantly. Future considerations must focus on carefully selecting content to mitigate these risks.

Post-1979 Montenegro Earthquake Retrofitting of Rector's Palace in Dubrovnik’s Old City: Preserving Architectural and Sculptural Heritage

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2025 — WHE6B1655A309

Retrofitting efforts for the Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik’s Old City, a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, have demonstrated effective preservation of its architectural and sculptural heritage against modern earthquake design-level shaking. The study highlights that two retrofitting phases—1982-1984 and 2015-2018—significantly mitigated seismic risk while maintaining the building's structural integrity, particularly in vulnerable areas like the atrium and arcades. This research builds on lessons from past earthquakes, including the 1979 Montenegro earthquake (ML7.2), which prompted the development of seismic regulations in Croatia. The findings offer practical recommendations for balancing heritage conservation with cost-effective earthquake protection, ensuring sustainable preservation without irretrievable damage.

Post-COVID-19 Review: Challenges and Determinants of E-Learning Adoption with a Focus on Heritage-Based Curriculum in Victoria Falls Cluster, Hwange District Secondary Schools, Zimbabwe

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2025 — WHECF38DBEDCD

A post-COVID-19 analysis of e-learning adoption in Victoria Falls Cluster schools in Zimbabwe reveals significant barriers hindering effective implementation, including inadequate teacher training, lack of resources, and negative attitudes from both teachers and students. The study, involving 85 respondents (5 head teachers, 65 teachers, and 201 students), highlights the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address these challenges through in-service training, increased resource provision, and curriculum adjustments. Aligning with Education 5.0 principles, the research advocates for integrating indigenous knowledge and technology to foster self-reliance in education. This study provides critical insights into e-learning dynamics in resource-constrained settings, offering a foundation for future educational resilience.

Postcolonial Marrakesh

Medina of Marrakesh — 2025 — WHE944A05D9CF

Marrakesh's medina is perceived differently by government officials and local residents. Officials use it as a tool to shape national identity, either embracing or contrasting colonial legacies, while locals view it as an integral part of their daily lives—a place for residence, work, and leisure. Assia Lamzah's study reveals this dual perception, highlighting the medina's role in postcolonial Morocco beyond its heritage significance.

Postcolonial Provenance Research, Transcultural Cooperation, and Restitution Practices: Lessons Learnt from the Humboldt Forum

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2025 — WHEF78A4B0C13

Postcolonial provenance research and restitution practices, as demonstrated by the Humboldt Forum on Museum Island in Berlin, reveal that restitution is not the conclusion but the initiation of a transformative process. This approach, involving transcultural cooperation with Indigenous communities and institutions from the Global South, fosters trust, participation, and mutual learning. The study highlights successful strategies for addressing colonial-era looted artworks through collaborative efforts, setting a precedent for redefining museum relations with non-European cultures. Key lessons emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogue and shared ownership in cultural heritage, offering a model for future restitution practices that bridge historical injustices and pave the way for equitable partnerships.

Postmodern Expression of Gaudí's Architecture and Its Inspiration to Contemporary Design

Works of Antoni Gaudí — 2025 — WHE1BE0ACC41F

Antoni Gaudí's architecture, celebrated for its imaginative and eclectic style, blends Art Nouveau, Moorish, naturalistic, Gothic, and Baroque elements into a unique postmodern expression. This study analyzes the evolution of Gaudí’s creative stages to highlight his distinctive design language, which continues to inspire contemporary designers. By categorizing his works, the research offers fresh perspectives on innovative design, bridging historical architectural styles with modern aesthetic and functional approaches.

Potential predation of a mud turtle by a jaguar (Panthera onca): evidence from camera traps in the Mexican Maya Forest

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2025 — WHE5933F65CD2

A rare instance of potential predation of a mud turtle by a jaguar (Panthera onca) was captured using camera traps within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. This observation contributes to the limited documentation of reptile consumption in jaguars' diets, particularly in Mexico. The study employed 4,705 trap-nights over two years to monitor vertebrate communities in the Maya Forest, revealing a subadult jaguar holding an unidentified mud turtle (Kinosternon sp.) in its jaws in November 2023. This finding underscores the dietary flexibility of jaguars and highlights the utility of camera traps in studying predator-prey interactions in tropical ecosystems.

Pots, People, Place : investigating the use of ceramics in Late Neolithic, Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2025 — WHE646FD30250

Remarkably well-preserved lipids from Grooved Ware ceramics at the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney, reveal intensified ruminant meat exploitation and dairy product processing during the Late Neolithic. This study combines organic residue analysis (ORA) with lipid biomarkers, isotopic measurements, Bayesian statistics, scanning electron microscopy, and ceramic technology to reconstruct vessel use, dietary practices, and subsistence strategies. Unlike previous limited analyses, this multidisciplinary approach demonstrates dynamic changes in site occupation over time, providing new insights into complex culinary practices and the evolution of Neolithic communities in Orkney.

Power of Publishing in Early Modern Tibetan Buddhism

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2025 — WHEF7AD605370

Tibetan woodblock publishing reached its peak during the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, significantly shaping the religious and political landscapes of Tibet, Mongolia, and China. This 'golden age' of Tibetan printing was driven by Mahayana Buddhist ideas and facilitated the circulation of books for scholarship, exchange, ritual, and diverse reading practices. The study traces the publication and dissemination of Tibetan texts from the Potala Palace in Lhasa to cosmopolitan Qing Beijing and monastic colleges along the Sino-Tibetan borderlands, demonstrating its enduring influence into the twentieth century.

Predation of Endangered crowned river turtles Hardella thurjii by golden jackals Canis aureus in Keoladeo National Park, India

Keoladeo National Park — 2025 — WHE9DA9053CE4

Research at Keoladeo National Park reveals significant predation pressure on the endangered crowned river turtle (Hardella thurjii) by golden jackals (Canis aureus), with 48 documented instances over five months, particularly targeting gravid females during breeding season. The clustering of carcasses along turtle trails suggests localized hotspots that could pose demographic threats to the species. To mitigate these losses, the study proposes conservation strategies such as monitoring jackal movement patterns, installing physical barricades in high-risk areas, and implementing rescue protocols for injured turtles.

Predicting carbon storage in North American maritime boreal forests under combined disturbances

Gros Morne National Park — 2025 — WHEDE2D621865

A reduction of up to 13 megatonnes, or 40% of the predicted carbon storage, can occur in maritime boreal forests following disturbances like fire and moose herbivory. This finding comes from a study that combined field measurements with remotely sensed data to predict carbon stocks and identify open forest patches in Gros Morne and Terra Nova National Parks. The research highlights the significant impact of herbivory on post-disturbance forest recovery, emphasizing its role in limiting carbon storage potential. By integrating variables such as forest height and productivity, the study provides a robust framework for assessing disturbance effects and offers insights to optimize boreal forest management for enhanced carbon sequestration.

Predicting Landslide Susceptibility based on Naïve Bayes and Information Value Models in Shibam and AL-Taweelah District, Yemen

Old Walled City of Shibam — 2025 — WHE47C9F2EB4F

A study assessing landslide susceptibility in Shibam and Al-Taweelah districts, Yemen, reveals that the northern and northeastern regions are particularly vulnerable. Using machine learning (Naïve Bayes) and statistical models (Information Value), researchers analyzed 98 landslide events, achieving higher predictive accuracy with Naïve Bayes (AUC = 0.785) compared to Information Value (AUC = 0.674). This research provides critical insights for risk mitigation, construction planning, and disaster prevention in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Walled City of Shibam.

Prediction of moisture content of brick walls of historical buildings in southern Fujian based on neural network

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2025 — WHEF7FE050B54

A high-accuracy neural network model successfully predicts moisture content in brick walls of historical buildings on Gulangsu Island. The model, trained and validated with field data from eight red-brick structures, demonstrated strong generalization (R² values) across training, testing, and verification phases. This approach offers a reliable method for assessing moisture levels in similar heritage sites in southern Fujian, aiding conservation efforts by providing precise predictions without destructive sampling.

Preliminary Fragility Assessment of a 19th-Century Baroque Church Bell Tower Using Multiple Time History Analyses

Baroque Churches of the Philippines — 2025 — WHE2AE457A87D

A preliminary fragility assessment reveals that the 19th-century Baroque bell tower of Pulilan, Bulacan’s Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Isidro Labrador is highly vulnerable to seismic damage. Using Linear Time History Analysis (LTHA) with scaled ground motion records, researchers found that even moderate peak ground accelerations (PGAs) could lead to structural compromise, surpassing the 50% probability threshold at the Life Safety limit. The study integrated material properties of concrete and adobe into a 3D structural model in Midas Gen, providing critical insights for heritage preservation. These findings underscore the need for retrofitting measures to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site from potential seismic threats.

Presence of Servals (Leptailurus serval) in a Mature, Closed‐Canopy Tropical Moist Montane Rainforest Ecosystem Challenges Conventional Range Maps

Nyungwe National Park — 2025 — WHE31B0FDF060

A groundbreaking study challenges conventional wisdom about the serval's habitat preferences, revealing that these elusive cats thrive in mature, closed-canopy tropical moist montane rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This finding contradicts the long-held belief that servals are savanna specialists and absent from dense rainforest ecosystems (IUCN habitat class 1.9). Researchers used multi-year field observations to document serval presence in this understudied region, highlighting a significant gap in current IUCN range maps for Central and Western Africa. The study underscores the urgent need for increased research efforts in these areas to better understand species distribution and ecology, ensuring more accurate conservation strategies.

Preserving and Creating Urban Heritage in 20th-Century Lithuania

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2025 — WHE92C8E5A4EE

A significant shift in Lithuanian urban heritage protection occurred during the second half of the 20th century, transitioning from preserving historical sites to recognizing Soviet modernism as cultural heritage. The study highlights how post-1956 reconstruction efforts in Vilnius established a dual-tiered protection system and institutional framework, achieving both local and international recognition by the mid-1980s. However, the collapse of the Soviet state in the 1990s posed challenges, forcing a transition from state-controlled regeneration to private property regulations while questioning the long-term success of these efforts.

Preserving Historic Architecture, Mitigating Climate Change: Life Cycle Carbon Footprint and Sustainability Insights From World Heritage Fujian Tulou

Fujian Tulou — 2025 — WHE6FDC2672C1

A novel framework, HBIM-LCCO2e, quantifies the life cycle carbon performance of historic architecture, demonstrating that adaptive reuse can significantly reduce per capita emissions while preserving cultural heritage. Applied to Fujian Tulou this approach reveals the interplay between embodied and operational carbon, driven by material choice and wall thickness. The framework offers a robust, data-efficient method for sustainable decision-making in historic preservation, addressing climate action (SDG 13) and equitable conservation (SDG 10). It provides quantifiable guidance to mitigate irreversible damage from high-carbon modern replacements, bridging the gap between Eurocentric conservation paradigms and vernacular architecture in developing regions.

Preserving the Past to Shape the Future: The Evolution of Office Spaces Through Historic Building Adaptation

Erbil Citadel — 2025 — WHE225AA29639

Adaptive reuse of historic buildings into modern office spaces can successfully balance cultural heritage preservation with contemporary workplace needs, enhancing employee satisfaction and creativity. A study focusing on Erbil Citadel houses found that integrating historical features—such as aesthetics, natural light, and airflow—into office environments fosters a sustainable and functional work setting. Survey data from 60 respondents revealed strong preferences for spaces that blend tradition with modern functionality, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and technological integration in shared areas. The research highlights the need for decision-makers to adopt culturally attuned strategies that align heritage conservation with community requirements, offering a framework for reconciling historical narratives with modern office demands.

Preserving Underground Premises of Architectural Monuments:The Castles of Špilberk in Brno and Oświęcim

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2025 — WHE8D183BFF29

A comparative analysis of underground spaces in architectural monuments—Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Ukraine), Špilberk Castle (Czech Republic), and Oświęcim Castle (Poland)—reveals common preservation challenges despite their distinct historical functions and regional contexts. The study identifies a set of measures to address structural deterioration and proposes sustainable solutions for modern reuse, ensuring the long-term viability of these heritage sites. By examining shared issues in conservation, restoration, and adaptive repurposing, the research offers actionable strategies to mitigate emergency conditions in underground premises while balancing historical integrity with contemporary utility.

Previously unnoticed depictions of Comets in Italian Renaissance Art of the Sixteenth century

Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany — 2025 — WHE93902CA277

A groundbreaking discovery reveals three previously unnoticed depictions of historical comets in Italian Renaissance art from the sixteenth century, highlighting artists' engagement with celestial phenomena during this period. The findings include a 1565 painting by Prospero Fontana, likely representing the Halley comet's 1531 passage; a fresco at Palazzo del Commendatore in Rome, depicting Tycho Brahe’s famous 1577 comet; and an eight-pointed star on the eastern façade of Villa Medici, possibly symbolizing the 1585 comet linked to astrological predictions of a new golden age for the Medici family. The study employs close analysis of visual artworks, contextual historical records, and astronomical data to identify these celestial representations, offering new insights into Renaissance artists' fascination with comets and their cultural significance.

Primates in Burrows: A Cause for Concern? Observations From a One Health Perspective at Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2025 — WHE758F1A4E9F

A novel observation at Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, reveals that three primate species frequently visit burrows, with some entering them, potentially increasing disease transmission risk. This behavior suggests burrows as critical 'One Health hotspots' where primates may interact with bats and other taxa known to carry zoonoses. The study highlights the need for monitoring these areas, particularly in regions frequented by rangers or tourists, to mitigate potential health risks. The research employs a descriptive approach, documenting primate-burrow interactions and their implications for disease dynamics.

Primer registro morfométrico y de salud de tortuga carey (Eretmochelys imbricata) en el Parque Nacional Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, México

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2025 — WHEDD08A91145

A juvenile hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), a critically endangered species, was recorded for the first time in the Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park, Mexico. The discovery underscores Socorro Island as a vital refuge and feeding habitat for this species, which has experienced significant population decline in the Eastern Pacific. Researchers captured, measured, tagged, and conducted a comprehensive health assessment of the turtle, including hematological analysis, blood biometry, clinical biochemistry, and clinicopathological evaluation. Results confirmed the turtle's healthy condition, providing critical insights into its distribution and conservation status. This study highlights the importance of Socorro Island for the preservation of hawksbill sea turtles in the region.

Principles of Exterior Artificial Lighting of Architectural Heritage Facades

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2025 — WHE1B4382ACE0

Properly designed exterior artificial lighting of architectural heritage facades significantly enhances the aesthetic value, visibility, and integration of historic sites into modern urban environments while preserving their authenticity. The study identifies key principles for effective illumination, including energy-efficient technologies, dynamic lighting scenarios, and solutions that minimize harm to historical building materials from heat and ultraviolet radiation. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, historians, and conservation specialists. Global case studies—such as Notre-Dame Cathedral in France, the Colosseum in Italy, and the Brandenburg Gate in Germany—as well as successful Ukrainian projects like Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, demonstrate innovative lighting designs that align with heritage conservation standards. The research emphasizes smart lighting control systems and their role in tourism and urban navigation infrastructure.

Prioritizing risk for cultural heritage through social value: a participatory framework

Historic Centre of Florence — 2025 — WHE58EA618F6E

A novel participatory framework reveals that social value significantly influences risk prioritization for cultural heritage, with UNESCO-listed sites in Florence assigned up to 30 times higher value than nationally listed buildings. Museums emerged as the highest-valued sites, strongly correlated with ticket price (r=0.68) and visitor numbers. Canonical correlation analysis (r=0.75) identified ticket price and museum status as key drivers of social value. This approach shifts flood risk mapping away from rivers, emphasizing the critical role of intangible cultural values in disaster risk assessment. The study combines pairwise comparison surveys with quantitative analysis to provide a robust method for integrating community perceptions into heritage conservation strategies.

Problems of the urban structure of small towns in the vicinity of Polish Warsaw and Ukrainian Lviv

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2025 — WHED964DD708F

Small towns in Poland and Ukraine, often referred to as 'post-socialist,' share similar challenges in preserving their historical urban structures despite experiencing distinct political trajectories. Both regions have faced degradation of historic town centers, but many preserved elements of spatial arrangements offer potential for urban renewal. The study analyzed 9 Polish and 23 Ukrainian towns over the past 30 years, focusing on post-socialist transformations, EU accession impacts in Poland, and Ukraine's independence restoration. It highlights methods to assess what should be protected to maintain cultural identity while addressing spatial chaos and societal attitudes. Key findings emphasize the need for interpretative approaches to urban heritage conservation, leveraging remaining historical relics for sustainable renewal.

Procedural interplay of art and technology in Seljuk mausoleum across empire phases: a chronological and comparative analysis

Gonbad-e Qābus — 2025 — WHED5E74A7F90

Seljuk mausoleum architecture evolved through a dynamic interplay of art and technology, revealing distinct phases marked by material-driven ornamentation in the Early phase (1037–1063 CE), advanced craft-based techniques in the Middle phase (1063–1100 CE), and a complex synthesis of form and decoration in the Late phase (1100–1194 CE). This evolution, shaped by cross-cultural influences from Persian, Byzantine, Armenian, Central Asian, and Turkic traditions, defined Seljuk architectural innovation. The study's chronological and comparative analysis of key examples—including Gonbad-e Qabus, Kharāqan Towers, and Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar—demonstrates how ornamentation and structure were interdependent elements, offering a framework for analyzing integrated design in broader architectural contexts.

Processing of Pueraria montana var. lobata (kudzu bean) and Colocasia esculenta (Taro ) during the early holocene at kuk swamp in the papua new guinea highlands

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2025 — WHE0C7055C908

A groundbreaking analysis of stone artefacts from Kuk Swamp, Papua New Guinea, reveals the earliest use of kudzu bean (Pueraria montana var. lobata) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) in the highlands during the Early Holocene (c. 10,000 years ago). The study employed robust statistical methods, categorical attributes, and expert input to identify these plants from starch grains on a flaked stone tool (K/76/S29B), addressing long-standing challenges in attributing unknown residues to specific plant taxa. Notably, the research found that taro and Dioscorea esculenta share indistinguishable starch grain morphologies, necessitating additional distinguishing features such as cultural use, growing requirements, and sedimentary context for accurate identification. This work underscores the significance of integrating multiple lines of evidence in reconstructing ancient plant exploitation, offering new insights into the dietary practices of early highland communities.

Promoting normalcy: the Amsterdam tourist association VVV during World War II

Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht — 2025 — WHE75EC6005F6

During World War II, the Amsterdam tourist association VVV played a pivotal role in promoting 'normalcy' and acceptance of a new normal in the Dutch capital. Despite the German occupation obstructing foreign tourism, the VVV continued its promotional activities, serving as an institutional nexus between German-controlled authorities, local entrepreneurs, tourists, and citizens. The study reveals that the VVV encouraged domestic tourism and public life centered around amusement, cultural enrichment, and identification with local heritage, largely ignoring the exclusion of Jews. This research highlights the VVV's significant impact on maintaining a sense of normalcy during a turbulent period in Amsterdam's history.

Promoting responsible visitor behavior through green tourism initiatives: Willingness to pay for support scenarios in Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo National Park — 2025 — WHEEDC60F3605

Visitors to Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park (KNP) show strong willingness to pay for green tourism initiatives that prioritize eco-friendly accommodations, sustainable transportation, locally sourced products, environmental footprint reduction, and local engagement. A choice experiment involving 600 visitors revealed significant support for programs like green hotels, public transport, local food, and improved waste management, with a notable emphasis on enhancing awareness about Komodo dragon and marine ecosystem conservation. This study quantifies visitor preferences in biodiversity-rich areas, offering valuable insights for designing policies that balance environmental sustainability with tourism growth.

Proposed Marine Low-stand Depocenter as a Contributor to the Development of the Namib Sand Sea or Namib Pleistocene Coastal Dune Sheet, Namibia

Namib Sand Sea — 2025 — WHE1499D73E7A

Research identifies two mid-shelf paleo-headlands—one extending 28 km offshore and another 14 km—as potential contributors to the formation of the Namib Sand Sea and smaller dune complexes along Namibia's coast. These submerged features, corresponding to areas of localized sand entrapment during Pleistocene marine low-stands, may have facilitated across-shelf sand transport via eolian and wave processes. The study analyzed 31 transects to test regional factors like shelf width, coastline orientation, and elevation, but found no direct correlation with the dune complexes. Instead, it proposes that these paleo-headlands, combined with alongshore sand supply from deflation corridors, created a low-stand depocenter that likely influenced dune sheet development. This finding offers new insights into the geological processes shaping coastal dune systems.

Prospecting on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gelati, Georgia

Gelati Monastery — 2025 — WHE728C4C5A57

Recent archaeo-geophysical prospecting around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gelati Monastery, Georgia, has uncovered new discoveries that promise to deepen our understanding of the site's historical and cultural significance. The study employed advanced geophysical techniques to explore subsurface structures, revealing potential hidden features that could include ancient foundations or buried artifacts. This approach combines ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and magnetic surveys to create a comprehensive subsurface map. Such integrated methods enhance the precision of archaeological investigations while minimizing invasive excavation, thereby preserving the integrity of the site. The findings highlight the potential for non-invasive prospecting to uncover significant historical insights in protected areas like Gelati.

Protected Area-Based Tourism as a Catalyst for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Lake Malawi National Park — 2025 — WHE2B77D0AA94

Protected area-based tourism emerges as a powerful catalyst for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in southern Africa. A study focusing on Lake Malawi National Park and Etosha National Park demonstrates how such tourism supports SDG 1, 8, and 10 by generating employment and removing socio-economic barriers while advancing SDG 4, 5, 11, 13, 14, and 15 through biodiversity conservation, skills training, gender equality, and sustainable practices. Community participation was identified as central to equitable benefit-sharing and conservation success. The research employed a qualitative exploratory design with in-depth interviews and observations across diverse stakeholder groups, revealing the potential of tourism to promote integrated environmental, social, and economic sustainability when supported by strong community engagement, inclusive strategies, and sustained investment.

Protected Areas and Biodiversity Conservation in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2025 — WHE86F8FB08DE

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, critical biodiversity hotspots within the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges, face significant conservation challenges despite their rich species diversity, including endemics and wild crop relatives vital for global food security. A comparative study reveals stark differences in their protected area strategies: Tajikistan safeguards 25% of its land, with a strong focus on large-scale in situ protection exemplified by the vast Tajik National Park, while Kyrgyzstan protects only 6-10%, yet is rapidly expanding its network through ecological corridors and community-based conservation. Both nations grapple with shared threats—climate change, overgrazing, and habitat fragmentation—but Kyrgyzstan’s participatory approach shows promise in mitigating these issues. The study underscores the urgent need for transboundary collaboration to address environmental challenges like glacial melt and river basin ecosystems, aiming to bolster ecological resilience and meet global biodiversity targets.

Protecting forests, losing trees: the role of community involvement

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2025 — WHE5086353A78

Despite its protected status, nearly half of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) experienced forest degradation after conservation decrees, with pre-emptive clearing by communities contributing to deforestation. However, later periods saw forest recovery driven by payment for environmental services and community participation. The study, using multi-temporal data including aerial photographs and satellite imagery, found that illegal logging reduced essential fir forests by 43.3%, highlighting the critical role of community involvement in mitigating environmental impacts and ensuring conservation success.

Protection and inheritance of Beijing Central Axis from the perspective of spatial production

Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital — 2025 — WHE3A0DF1EE9B

Beijing's Central Axis, a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site spanning 7.8 km, serves as a dynamic space that integrates material and intangible elements to reflect the ideal order of Chinese capital city planning. Research reveals that government-driven conservation efforts and tourism practices have reshaped this heritage space, creating a complex social structure that balances physical restoration with cultural transmission and innovation. However, challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies in management, limited innovative interpretation of heritage values, and imbalances between tourist and heritage spaces persist. To address these issues, the study recommends streamlining management systems, leveraging digital technologies for broader heritage engagement, and enhancing public participation through community activities and educational initiatives to foster cultural identity.

Protocol for assessing and managing radon gas exposure risks in caves: A case study of Altaomira and Paleolithic cave art of Northern Spain World Heritage Site

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2025 — WHE76F3CB015B

A significant health risk for workers and researchers in tourist caves, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Altamira, stems from exposure to radon gas. This study reveals that radon levels fluctuate substantially due to seasonal ventilation patterns driven by thermal gradients between the cave and external atmosphere. Using International Commission on Radiological Protection guidelines, it calculates the maximum allowable working hours to comply with European and Spanish regulations, which set an annual dose limit of 20 mSv for occupational exposure. The research underscores the need for continuous radon monitoring and tailored management strategies, such as adjusting work schedules and restricting access during high-radon periods. It also highlights the limitations of passive radon detectors, which tend to underestimate actual radon levels compared to continuous monitoring. The study provides a protocol for managing radon exposure in culturally significant caves while ensuring worker and visitor safety.

Provenance analysis of stone artefact assemblages using petrography and pXRF at Murujuga (the Dampier Archipelago), Western Australia

Murujuga Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE43F294D9EB

Over half of the stone artefacts at Nganjarli (Deep Gorge) on Murujuga, Western Australia, were sourced from non-local outcrops, a finding that highlights complex human mobility patterns in this culturally significant landscape. Researchers used petrography and portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to analyze artefact assemblages across four sites, demonstrating the technique's effectiveness for in situ provenance analysis. By distinguishing local rock types using geochemical markers like zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti), the study revealed that most artefacts at other sites were locally sourced. This approach enhances understanding of landscape attachment and mobility in a region rich in tool-stone resources.