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Showing 181 – 200 of 15962 publications

Biological contributions to manganese oxides in rock varnish at Murujuga (Western Australia)

Murujuga Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHEAA0D8AA8DB

Rock varnish at Murujuga, Western Australia, contains a high concentration of manganese (Mn) oxides, predominantly in amorphous to poorly crystalline phases that evade traditional detection methods. Nanoscale analysis reveals biogenic Mn oxide structures, supported by metagenomic evidence showing dominance of Chroococcidiopsidaceae and Rubrobacter_F, known for intracellular Mn accumulation. Functional annotation confirms a community-level genomic potential for biologically influenced Mn utilization, suggesting ongoing biomineralization driven by environmental stressors. This process holds significant potential as a long-term paleoenvironmental and climate proxy, marking the first microbiomic characterization of rock varnish in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bird community composition across a land use gradient in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Okapi Wildlife Reserve — 2026 — WHE4F7EF17B1B

A study reveals significant differences in bird community composition between the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) and surrounding agroforestry areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. While cocoa farms exhibited higher species richness, primary forests demonstrated the highest diversity and evenness, with annual cultures showing the most balanced communities. Eighteen bird species were strongly associated with specific habitats. The research, combining mist netting and passive acoustic monitoring across 19 sites, underscores the importance of protected areas like OWR for sustaining avian biodiversity while highlighting the potential benefits of structurally complex agroforestry landscapes for certain forest bird subsets.

Birds of Oeno Atoll, Pitcairn Islands, in September 2025

Henderson Island — 2026 — WHEE39EDCB568

A 2025 survey of Oeno Atoll, Pitcairn Islands, reveals significant seabird population recovery following the eradication of invasive Polynesian rats in 1997. The study highlights asynchronous breeding patterns and high reproductive success across multiple species, with colony sizes surpassing pre-eradication estimates. In contrast, Henderson Island's ground-nesting seabirds continue to face predation pressures. The research emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring to understand breeding phenology and population trends, underscoring Oeno Atoll's role as a critical seabird stronghold in recovery.

Black African migrant women in the state of Rio de Janeiro: From diaspora to resistance, from social hope to the rewriting of their territory (19th–21st centuries)

Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site — 2026 — WHE2C5C681A5E

Black African migrant women in Rio de Janeiro have been pivotal in transforming spaces of trauma into territories of identity and plural futures through resistance, spirituality, cuisine, art, and community organization. This long-term analysis (19th–21st centuries) reveals that their agency, rooted in diasporic experiences and social hope, challenges structural violence while reshaping cultural landscapes. The study examines four key axes: 1) the recreation of transethnic identities in the 19th century; 2) the political re-signification of Valongo Wharf; 3) strategies of resistance within the Cabinda diaspora; and 4) the protagonism of these women, from historic 'Bahian aunts' to contemporary entrepreneurs. Anchored in decolonial feminism and Freire's pedagogy, the research positions these women as epistemic subjects whose actions rewrite their territories, offering a model for reclaiming narratives and spaces.

Black pottery production and distribution in the Late Neolithic Liangzhu Site Complex (2850–2600 BCE) in the Yangzi Delta (China): A multi-scalar ceramic analysis

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2026 — WHEF513594DFB

Contrary to the long-held assumption that black pottery production during the Late Neolithic Liangzhu Site Complex (2850–2600 BCE) was tightly controlled by a centralized elite, this study reveals no clear evidence of standardized or specialized craftsmanship. Through multi-scalar analysis—combining macro-, meso-, and micro-level examinations of pottery—researchers found that black and non-black pottery shared equally diverse production traditions. Compositional data from portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and clustering analysis showed that compositional groups were distributed across multiple settlement zones, not concentrated in central locations, challenging the model of elite-controlled redistribution. This suggests a more decentralized and complex political economy than previously thought.

Book 89-90 - BRm Ecological Rupture Model - Algeria Tell & Saharan Atlas - V90 Corrected and Reproducible

Tassili n'Ajjer — 2026 — WHE662D981B4D

A revised and automated ecological assessment of Algeria's Tell and Saharan Atlas regions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tassili n'Ajjer, reveals significant variations in ecological resilience under anthropic pressure. The corrected BRm Ecological Rupture Model (V90) recalculates and cross-checks 10 sites, identifying Tassili n'Ajjer as having a notably low vulnerability score of 0.21, indicating high resilience. This update addresses prior errors in the model (V89), ensuring reproducibility through automated verification. The study highlights the model's utility in quantifying ecological disruption across diverse landscapes, from the Djurdjura mountains to the Ahaggar Central region.

Border Heritage Cultures and the Continuing Politics of Legacy

Rideau Canal — 2026 — WHEB8FBC10A0C

Borders shape distinct heritage cultures that persist despite geopolitical contestations, as demonstrated by the Rideau Canal and other global sites. The study defines border heritage cultures—where borders and heritage intersect—and illustrates their endurance through case studies, including the Basque region (Spain/France) and Karelia (Russia/Finland). It highlights how these cultures create a sense of belonging amid political tensions, challenging traditional heritage narratives. The research synthesizes geopolitical dynamics in border heritage theorization, offering new insights into how borders matter in cultural preservation.

Borradas del mapa nacional. La invisibilización de las islas mexicanas frente a la supremacía continental en la cartografía

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2026 — WHE1CCB4B360F

Mexican islands, particularly those in the Archipiélago de Revillagigedo and other strategic locations, are often omitted or marginalized in national cartography due to a 'continental supremacy' bias. This study reveals how such omissions contribute to their invisibility in public imagination, despite their geopolitical significance as maritime border nodes. Through archipelagic thought and cartographic analysis, the research identifies cases where islands were either underrepresented, inaccurately depicted (e.g., non-existent islands), or erased entirely due to geopolitical pressures—such as the Archipiélago del Norte and Clipperton. The findings underscore the need for more inclusive map representation, advocating for the integration of island toponyms in both political and thematic cartography to highlight their relevance in physical, human, and economic geography.

Bouddh Shiksha Kendra : Sarnath

Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath — 2026 — WHE23EB874DF4

Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site, emerges as a pivotal center of Buddhist learning in antiquity. This conclusion is drawn from meticulous analysis of inscriptions, which provide critical evidence of its role as a hub for education and scholarly discourse. The study employs epigraphic methods to decipher and interpret these inscriptions, shedding light on the site's historical significance during a formative period in Buddhist history.

Bovines in Rock Art in Ḥimā Sites, near Najrān

Ḥimā Cultural Area — 2026 — WHE6369B22ED2

Rock art in southern Saudi Arabia, particularly the bovine motif found in the Ḥimā Cultural Area near Najrān, challenges traditional timelines of rock art in northern Arabia. While bovine depictions faded in the north by the end of the Holocene humid period due to desertification, hundreds of later representations persist in the south, extending into the Iron Age and Late Antiquity. This suggests a divergent timeline between northern and southern Arabia. The study, conducted by the French-Saudi Archaeological and Epigraphic Mission in Najrān (MAFSN), systematically documented over 300 bovine figures across eight sites, integrating rock art, epigraphic, archaeozoological, and ethological data to analyze morphology, stylistic evolution, and societal development. Some depictions are linked to Ancient South Arabian and Thamudic scripts, providing a rare chronological marker for this region's cultural heritage.

Branding Telangana as a Heritage and Leisure Tourism Destination: A Marketing Perspective

Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana — 2026 — WHE8E556D59AD

Telangana has successfully positioned itself as a leading heritage and leisure tourism destination, leveraging strategic investments, policy reforms, and targeted marketing. The state's efforts, highlighted by the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Ramappa Temple, attracted 58.6 million tourists in 2023, with ambitious targets under the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025–2030 aiming to boost investment, job creation, and economic contribution. Despite strong domestic tourism, international arrivals remain modest, indicating a need for enhanced global branding and diversified offerings. The study provides a quantitative foundation for future strategies, emphasizing heritage assets, cultural festivals, urban leisure experiences, and digital marketing to elevate Telangana's global visibility.

Brass in the Sasanian frontiers: Assessing metallurgical innovation through archaeological finds at Merv and Nineveh

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” — 2026 — WHE09379F202A

Scientific analysis reveals the Sasanian Empire's sophisticated use of brass, challenging long-held assumptions about its limited adoption before the Islamic period. Through archaeological finds from Merv (Turkmenistan) and Nineveh (Iraq), researchers identified high-quality brass alloys employed in both decorative and military applications, alongside traditional bronze. Advanced techniques like XRF, SEM-EDS, and radiography distinguished early cast forms—likely chosen for their visual appeal—and sheet forms, which capitalized on brass's material advantages. The study suggests a strategic shift toward brass in Sasanian military metalworking, offering new insights into technological innovation during this pivotal era.

Breaking the Silence of Colonialism and Slavery: Redefining Authenticity and Integrity from an Anthropological View—Case Studies of Ghana’s Forts and Castles and Angola’s World Heritage Sites

Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo — 2026 — WHE60DCD175FC

A redefinition of authenticity and integrity in World Heritage Sites (WHS) through anthropological perspectives is proposed, highlighting the significance of community views in preservation efforts. The 2024 UNESCO/ICCROM/ICOMOS mission to Ghana’s Forts and Castles revealed a dynamic approach to heritage management that challenges conventional standards, addressing the neglect of African anthropological voices in global heritage practices. This study contrasts the underpreserved state of Ghana’s sites with the successful nomination of Mbanza Kongo (Angola) in 2017, demonstrating how integrating local narratives can enhance authenticity and integrity assessments. The findings advocate for a shift in WHS management to prioritize African perspectives, thereby improving conservation outcomes.

Bronze Age pottery of the Sistan region: Evidence from Tepe Sadegh

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2026 — WHEE72DDB02C6

A detailed analysis of Bronze Age pottery from Tepe Sadegh, a satellite settlement linked to Shahr-i Sokhta in southeastern Iran, reveals strong cultural and technological continuity with the urban center. The study, based on 1959 ceramic sherds, identifies standardized buff ware production, predominantly wheel-made, with limited painted or incised decoration, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship. Radiocarbon dating aligns Tepe Sadegh's main occupation with Shahr-i Sokhta periods II and III. The findings highlight the settlement's role as a semi-industrial hub integrating domestic activities while contributing to understanding regional ceramic production and settlement organization in the Helmand Plain during the Bronze Age.

Buddhism, Tourism, & Hospitality in Lumbini

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2026 — WHEC6DDF65DE1

Buddhist hospitality emerges as a pivotal element in pilgrimage tourism, particularly at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This study reveals that monasteries in Lumbini serve dual roles—both as religious institutions and as providers of hospitality rooted in core Buddhist values such as generosity, compassion, and non-violence. Unlike commercial tourism, this form of hospitality is deeply value-oriented, emphasizing social, moral, and spiritual dimensions while strengthening the bond between religious practice and visitor experience. The research employs a qualitative approach, gathering primary and secondary data through interviews with monks from five monasteries in Lumbini. It introduces the concept of trialectics, offering a novel perspective on the interplay among Buddhism, tourism, and hospitality.

Buddhist Sacred Space in Hindu Holy City Varanasi

Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath — 2026 — WHE38E19A44D3

Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a primary Hindu sacred landscape, also holds profound significance in Buddhist sacred geography. The study reveals that Sarnath, located 10 km north of Varanasi, serves as a foundational Buddhist site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, establishing the Buddhist Sangha. This spatial proximity creates a layered sacred network, where Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions intersect through archaeological remains, monastic establishments, stupas, and contemporary pilgrimage infrastructures. The landscape reflects Buddhism's historical evolution and its modern revival, embodying a dynamic palimpsest of religious practices. Pilgrimage, rituals, and tourism further reinforce this region's global significance as a living heritage site, shaped by state and international agencies. This research highlights how sacred landscapes are continuously produced through memory, ritual, and conservation, illustrating the coexistence of ancient spiritual traditions with contemporary socio-cultural transformations.

Buddhist stups: a historical monument of Indian Tourism

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2026 — WHEB83CB68916

Buddhist stupas, such as those at Sanchi, serve as profound architectural and spiritual symbols that transcend their original function as burial mounds. These structures have evolved over centuries to represent the path to spiritual awakening, blending religious significance with cultural heritage. The study highlights how stupas, initially discovered in colonial India by travelers and archaeologists, have become pivotal landmarks for tourism, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange. Employing interdisciplinary methods—including archaeological, art-historical, and historical analyses—the research examines the transformation of stupas from simple burial mounds to complex, dome-shaped shrines adorned with intricate details. The Great Stupa at Sanchi, in particular, exemplifies early Indian craftsmanship and the spread of Buddhist philosophy under royal patronage. This work underscores the stupa's enduring significance as a global symbol of religious and cultural heritage, offering insights into its historical value and architectural beauty.

Building Layout Inside Rural House Compounds in Special Preservation Areas for Historic Landscape: The Case of Six Village Sections Such as Okuyama , Asuka , Kawahara , Noguchi , Oka and Shimasho in Asuka Village

Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara — 2026 — WHE675A301B58

Research on rural house compounds in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, reveals that dominant building layout patterns adhere to traditional Japanese auspicious principles regarding position and orientation. The study analyzed six village sections—Okuyama, Kawahara, Noguchi, Asuka, Oka, and Shimasho—classified into three groups based on their street layouts: clustered villages, east-west axis street villages, and north-south axis street villages. A hypothetical model was developed to assess the development patterns of main buildings, extensions (tsunoya), and outbuildings (huzokuya, hanare). Field research confirmed that these patterns align with historical Japanese beliefs about the auspiciousness of a house's location and direction.

Building the Knowledge Base for Cultural Heritage Risk Assessment: The Case of the Arian Baptistry, Ravenna (Italy)

Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna — 2026 — WHE99768DC6B1

Effective cultural heritage risk assessment demands integration of technical, social, and governance factors. This study demonstrates that disaster risk assessment (DRA) for the Arian Baptistery in Ravenna—part of UNESCO’s Early Christian Monuments—requires harmonization across disciplines to address conceptual inconsistencies. By combining ICCROM’s ABC Method with IPCC/UNDRR models and QuiskScan, researchers developed a five-step framework: context analysis, stakeholder mapping, value assessment, terminological alignment, and risk systematization. A key innovation is the hybrid hazard framework, which expands 'dissociation' to include governance failures and socio-political risks, bridging ICCROM’s Ten Agents of Deterioration with UNDRR 2025 hazards. The Arian Baptistery serves as a methodological laboratory, offering a replicable model for knowledge organization and terminology harmonization in heritage risk management.

Building typologies and architectural pattern transformations of the Hue Imperial Architecture, Vietnam

Complex of Hué Monuments — 2026 — WHEC5CD96FD9F

A systematic analysis of Hue Imperial Architecture reveals a modular design logic that integrates floor-plan configuration, truss type, and façade form to generate cohesive building categories and pattern variations. This approach ensured structural stability, functional flexibility, and visual harmony while enabling efficient large-scale construction. The study, leveraging classical Chinese sources, Nguyen-dynasty drawings, and extensive fieldwork across key sites like the citadel and mausoleums, identifies five major building types and 22 architectural patterns. These findings highlight the advanced nature of premodern craft techniques, offering practical insights for heritage conservation and contemporary architectural practice.