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Le canal du Midi : un patrimoine paysager en évolution : une image, une stratégie de développement touristique, et un mode de gouvernance à repenser ?

Canal du Midi — 2017 — WHE3B3A40F8B1

A critical threat to the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi, a historic waterway linking France's Garonne River to the Mediterranean, has emerged from the incurable platane disease known as chancre coloré. This study reveals that the 42,000 platanes lining the canal— integral to its aesthetic appeal and tourist experience—are at risk of disappearing, with their removal being the only viable measure to halt the infection. Beyond the immediate ecological impact, this crisis exposes deep-seated governance challenges, as diverse stakeholders with conflicting objectives have failed to unite around a cohesive management strategy. The research frames the disease as both a disruptor and a catalyst for re-evaluating the canal's future, highlighting how its effects vary across territories—some vulnerable, others resilient—while also shedding light on broader shifts in landscape governance. By analyzing these dynamics, the study underscores the need to rethink the canal's development trajectory, particularly in the context of its dominant role as a tourist destination.

Le rappresentazioni planimetriche di Villa Adriana tra XVI e XVIII secolo

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) — 2017 — WHE7FF0851C5F

A groundbreaking analysis of the earliest planimetric representations of Villa Adriana (Tivoli), spanning from the 16th to 18th centuries, reveals unprecedented insights into the architectural and decorative innovations of Emperor Hadrian’s imperial estate. This study identifies novel findings from the works of key figures such as Pirro Ligorio, Francesco Contini, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Jacques Gondoin, and Francesco Piranesi, offering new indicators for archaeological and historical-architectural research. By rigorously comparing these historical depictions with current evidence, the research provides a fresh perspective on the evolution of scholarly interpretations over two centuries, enriching our understanding of this monumental site.

Le site des Causses à Saint-André de Sangonis (VIe siècle) et la place alimentaire des animaux dans la moyenne vallée de l’Hérault durant le haut Moyen Âge

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHE60BB2BEAFB

A previously unknown archaeological site, the Causses, dating back to the 6th century, was discovered and excavated near Saint-André de Sangonis in the Hérault valley. This finding sheds new light on the high medieval agro-pastoral landscape of the region. Unlike conventional archaeological data, which often struggle to define occupation dynamics, this study leveraged archéozoological analysis to reveal insights into dietary practices and agricultural systems. The research, conducted during a large-scale excavation project in 2003, combined traditional archaeological methods with animal bone analysis to interpret the site's role within broader regional food production systems.

Lead pollution resulting from Roman gold extraction in northwestern Spain

Las Médulas — 2017 — WHE6A14263D99

A 4000-year record of lake sediment geochemistry from Laguna Roya, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Las Médulas, reveals that lead pollution during Roman gold extraction (300 BC to AD 120) was twice as high as modern levels. This challenges the assumption that pre-industrial civilizations had minimal environmental impact. The study used trace metal concentrations in sediments to document atmospheric deposition linked to mining and smelting activities. Additional spikes in antimony and bismuth between AD 1500-1700 suggest post-medieval mining, while industrial-era lead pollution peaked in the late 20th century before declining due to the phase-out of leaded gasoline.

Learning from Casbah of Algiers for more Sustainable Environment

Kasbah of Algiers — 2017 — WHEBC15095623

Traditional Algerian architecture, particularly the Casbah of Algiers, demonstrates sustainable design principles that align with Mediterranean climate conditions and local lifestyles. This study reveals how vernacular building practices—rooted in regional materials, topography, and cultural needs—achieved thermal comfort and resource efficiency without modern technology. By analyzing the Casbah’s architectural features, such as passive cooling strategies, natural ventilation, and adaptive spatial organization, researchers identified key sustainable elements that could inform contemporary design approaches. The findings underscore the potential for restoring and integrating traditional building methods to enhance sustainability in urban development while preserving cultural heritage. This work provides actionable insights for architects and policymakers to rethink modern construction practices with a focus on climate responsiveness and long-term ecological balance.

Learning from Hindsight: Synthesis report on Oxfam resilience research

National Archeological Park of Tierradentro — 2017 — WHE6EE18F1C26

Resilience in development projects hinges on integrating ancestral knowledge, social movements, and iterative processes, as revealed by Oxfam's synthesis of resilience, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation initiatives in Bolivia, Colombia, Fiji, and Vanuatu. The study found that successful resilience requires adaptive programming, with timing and duration playing critical roles. In Tierradentro, Colombia, indigenous practices and spirituality were pivotal in shaping sustainable disaster risk reduction strategies. This report distills key lessons from four case studies, emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming local knowledge and iterative approaches to foster long-term resilience.

Least-biased Extrapolation of a Partial Inventory of Butterfly Fauna in Manas Range (Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan)

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2017 — WHE4ECE703F89

Researchers estimated that the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, hosts approximately 120 butterfly species. Using a least-biased extrapolation procedure on partial inventory data (91 observed species), they predicted total species richness with an estimated sampling completeness of around 76%. This method outperformed six alternative empirical models for species accumulation curves, with the Clench model being the least inaccurate among them. The study highlights the potential of extrapolating incomplete inventories to derive reliable biodiversity predictions, offering a robust approach for assessing species diversity in tropical ecosystems.

Lehmbau als Weltkulturerbe

Fujian Tulou — 2017 — WHEB61894E919

UNESCO World Heritage designation significantly alters the preservation, use, and challenges associated with earthen architecture. This study reveals that while protection can enhance global recognition and resources for sites like Fujian Tulou (China), Aït-Ben-Haddou (Morocco), and Takienta (Togo), it also introduces complex threats—such as over-regulation, tourism pressure, and material degradation—that require tailored conservation strategies. Clay, a fundamental yet vulnerable building material, poses unique renovation difficulties due to its susceptibility to erosion and moisture. The research compares these sites across techniques, structures, and cultural roles, highlighting the need for adaptive approaches that balance heritage preservation with sustainable use.

Length-weight relationship of fish species from the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2017 — WHE0327A11AFE

Researchers have established length-weight relationships for six teleost fish species found in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau. This study is notable for providing data on three fish species—Citharichthys stampflii, Gerres nigri, and Psettodes belcheri—that are not documented in FishBase. Additionally, it expands the size range data for Eucinostomus melanopterus, Scomberomorus tritor, and Sphyraena afra. Samples were collected over five seasons using three fishing methods: beach and boat angling, beach seining (0.5–1 cm mesh), and drift netting (2 cm mesh). This work contributes critical baseline data for fish species in the archipelago, supporting sustainable fisheries management and ecological studies.

Les enjeux de la sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel matériel en Iran depuis 1997 jusqu'en 2015

Tchogha Zanbil — 2017 — WHE631F75ED70

Between 1997 and 2015, Iran faced significant challenges in preserving its cultural heritage due to political isolation, economic instability, and ideological shifts following the 1979 Revolution. Despite global tensions, three Iranian sites—Tchogha Zanbil near Susa, Persepolis, and Naghsh-e-Jahan Square in Isfahan—were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List for the first time. However, the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) hindered protective measures, leading to widespread damage. Post-war efforts under President Rafsanjani focused on reconstruction but were hampered by inflation and social inequality, which worsened under President Rouhani, diverting attention from heritage conservation. The study reveals that post-1979 policies prioritized religious heritage (e.g., chiite monuments) for propaganda purposes, while pre-Islamic sites faced neglect due to perceived low cultural or economic value. Community participation in preservation efforts was limited by broader political tensions, highlighting the need for sustainable, inclusive strategies to safeguard Iran's diverse cultural legacy.

Les ingénieurs des fortifications dans les Pays-Bas espagnols, 1530-1713

Fortifications of Vauban — 2017 — WHE6048CC1A85

During the two centuries of Spanish Habsburg rule over the Netherlands, nearly 460 engineers played pivotal roles in defending the region. Introduced by Charles V and his entourage, these engineers—initially Italian—were among the highest-paid officials outside the military but closely collaborated with it. Their activities spanned fortification, hydraulics, urban planning, cartography, architecture, and proto-industry. While their training evolved from apprenticeships to Jesuit-founded schools and the Brussels Academy of Mathematics (1674), their social and professional traits—endogamy, mobility, merit-based recognition—remained consistent. Despite occasional loyalty issues, their indispensable technical skills ensured continued employment during periods of endemic warfare. This study highlights their multifaceted contributions and enduring significance in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Site fortifications.

Les instruments de mesure (poids, capacité, temps) dans l'Algérie romaine

Djémila — 2017 — WHEC02944D92E

A groundbreaking study of Roman Algeria reveals previously undocumented and rare instruments for measuring weight, capacity, and time, including two unique vertical dihedral sundials from Djémila and a distinctive ponderarium from the market of Cosinius. These findings, derived from systematic archaeological, epigraphic, and metrological analyses, shed new light on the economic, commercial, and technical organization of Roman cities in Algeria. The research also highlights the integration of these instruments into daily life and their typological diversity, contributing significantly to the understanding of Roman Africa's material culture.

Les jardins du Grand Trianon de Michel Le Bouteux à Richard Mique

Palace and Park of Versailles — 2017 — WHE74DF6EF7A4

A reassessment of the gardens at the Grand Trianon, Versailles, challenges the traditional attribution to André Le Nôtre, revealing that their structure and botanical richness were primarily shaped by Michel Le Bouteux (1670–1682). While Le Nôtre contributed later (1687–1693) with limited modifications, Jules Hardouin-Mansart's interventions (post-1693) introduced significant elements like geometrically pruned trees and sculptural groups. The most transformative redesign, however, occurred under Richard Mique in 1776, which established the garden’s quincuncial layout, balanced axes, and renewed plantings with new species—resulting in the configuration admired today. This study leverages neglected documents to correct historical misattributions and highlight Mique's pivotal role.

Les lieux de l'histoire de France

Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) — 2017 — WHED512D513C5

France's historical narrative is intricately tied to its landmarks, which serve as tangible representations of its past. This study identifies 34 key sites—ranging from the Pont du Gard to Sarcelles—that encapsulate pivotal moments in French history, each with distinct functions rooted in political, military, religious, or industrial contexts. These sites, now part of the national heritage, illustrate France's complex construction through successive layers. By analyzing these landmarks individually and collectively, researchers reveal how they narrate the nation's history, offering a dynamic illustration of its evolution from ancient times to modernity.

Les potiers de Guellala (Djerba)

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2017 — WHE4C06F9C200

The potters of Guellala, Djerba, have successfully transformed their relationship with tourism, moving beyond traditional artisan roles to reclaim agency over their craft and market presence. Unlike urban artisans who abandoned tradition for industrial production or hotel employment, the potters in Guellala strategically repositioned themselves by relocating workshops near tourist routes and collaborating with local drivers to promote their products. This informal yet strategic mediation leverages social capital, demonstrating how resilience and adaptability can redefine heritage practices within a tourism-driven economy.

Lesehof Mauternbach : Bauforschung, Bestandsaufnahme und Entwicklung von Zukunftsszenarien

Wachau Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHE99B0961817

A comprehensive analysis of the Lesehof Mauternbach, a 15th–16th century denkmalgeschützte structure in the Wachau Cultural Landscape, reveals insights into its architectural history and potential for sustainable reuse. The study combines archival research with detailed building documentation to reconstruct the object's development, culminating in a 'Baualtersplan' that maps its evolution over centuries. Crucially, it evaluates future scenarios for residential adaptation while strictly adhering to UNESCO and Austrian heritage conservation guidelines, demonstrating feasible extensions and minimal interventions that preserve historical integrity.

Libyoue, Guanche et Chamito-Sémitique

Dougga / Thugga — 2017 — WHE14D99E991C

Research on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga, Tunisia, has uncovered significant insights into ancient Libyan scripts through bilingual inscriptions. Among nearly 1,200 known inscriptions—many discovered in recent decades—the two bilingual libyque-puniques from Dougga provide a near-complete reconstruction of the local alphabet and its phonetic values. This script, closely related to modern Tifinagh, is strictly consonantal and often arranged horizontally or vertically with points separating words. The findings suggest that while most inscriptions are brief and crudely carved, the bilingual nature of these texts offers a rare opportunity to decode an otherwise elusive writing system, shedding light on North African linguistic history.

Lichens growth on Sun Temple of Konark in Odisha, India- A curse or blessing

Sun Temple, Konârak — 2017 — WHEEF25C2E86F

A survey of lichen growth on the Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, revealed over 500 distinct spots across the main temple, sculptures, and boundary walls. Fifteen lichen species from 14 genera and 11 families were identified, with crustose lichens dominating—ten species tightly adhering to substrates and producing secondary metabolites—while only four foliose and one quamulose species were recorded. The study suggests that while lichen growth may be perceived as a curse due to potential substrate degradation, it also signifies ecological resilience and biodiversity within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Life at the Corner of Swan and Prince William Henry Streets: A Snapshot from Bridgetown, Barbados

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison — 2017 — WHE3209B68ABA

A historic photograph of Swan Street (formerly 'Jew Street') in Bridgetown, Barbados, provides a rare glimpse into the Jewish presence and built environment of the area during the 1940s. The image, sourced from the American Jewish Historical Society archives, reveals a lost aspect of Barbadian history, including the architecture, street layout, and cultural significance of the street, which was once lined with Jewish-owned shops and residences. The study uses the photograph to analyze spatial and social dynamics, comparing it with modern Bridgetown to highlight changes over time. This snapshot offers insights into the Jewish community's role in Barbados' mercantile trade and retail commerce, as well as their daily life and livelihoods, which were concentrated along Swan Street until their departure in 1928.

Life cycle carbon emissions inventory of brick masonry and light steel framing houses in Brasilia: proposal of design guidelines for low-carbon social housing

Brasilia — 2017 — WHE76EB0EA329

Brick masonry houses in Brasília emit significantly less carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂eq) over their lifecycle compared to light steel framing houses, with the operational phase contributing 50–70% of total emissions. This study highlights that construction accounts for 20–30%, maintenance 11–20%, and end-of-life phases negligible emissions (<1%). The findings underscore the importance of considering varying CO₂eq emission factors from Brazil's electrical grid when assessing operational phase impacts, as well as the influence of occupancy schedules (full vs. part-time). Based on these insights, design guidelines for low-carbon social housing were proposed to mitigate environmental footprints in urban development.