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Publications

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Survey and Characterisation of Founder’s Chapel Pathologies of the Santa Maria da Vitoria Monastery, Batalha

Monastery of Batalha — 2017 — WHEE5A536479B

A study of the Founder’s Chapel at the Monastery of Batalha, Portugal, reveals that ultrasonic propagation and Schmidt hammer test results consistently reflect the stone's characteristics, providing a non-destructive method for assessing material properties. This finding offers valuable insights for the conservation and restoration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research involved visual inspections to map pathologies, followed by non-destructive testing techniques such as thermography and humidity measurements, conducted using equipment from the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria. These methods allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the chapel's state of conservation while minimizing invasive procedures.

Sustainability and Land tenure: Who owns the floodplain in the Pantanal, Brazil?

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2017 — WHEDE2E3D9F3B

A more nuanced, interdisciplinary approach to land tenure is essential for balancing sustainability and local wellbeing in the Pantanal floodplain. Traditional policies focusing solely on granting land titles often exacerbate conflicts by ignoring complex, overlapping systems of resource use and property rights. This study reveals that government interventions, rooted in Western legal frameworks, have failed to address the nuanced realities of land ownership and access in the Pantanal, leading to prolonged disputes without tangible benefits for local communities or environmental conservation. By integrating economics, ecology, and anthropology—concepts such as bundle of rights, de facto and de jure resource use, and non-equilibrium theory—the research demonstrates how a holistic perspective can resolve contested claims more effectively, fostering both poverty alleviation and biodiversity protection.

Sustainability of Complexes and Residential Buildings in the Architecture of Sana`a Old City and Use it in Contemporary Architecture

Old City of Sana'a — 2017 — WHEA9E0FEA6AD

The Old City of Sana'a exemplifies sustainable traditional Yemeni architecture, adapting to its mountainous and semi-arid climate while meeting inhabitants' needs. This study identifies key sustainability elements—such as local material use, climate responsiveness, environmental integration, and water/waste management—that can be applied to contemporary architecture. By analyzing residential complexes and urban fabric, the research highlights how Sana'a's organic design achieves comfort and efficiency, offering a model for modern Yemeni architecture. The findings underscore the potential of integrating traditional sustainability practices into contemporary urban planning.

Sustainable Development in Angkor

Angkor — 2017 — WHE303F40D6BF

A study on Angkor reveals that the emphasis of its management policy on sustainable development has primarily resulted in the conservation of traditional villagescapes, rather than tangible developmental outcomes for local communities. The term 'villagescape,' a neologism derived from Appadurai's 'ethnoscape,' describes the landscape shaped by the people inhabiting it. This research highlights a disconnect between policy intentions and actual results, focusing on the preservation efforts led by APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) rather than the socio-economic benefits for residents.

Sustainable management of archaeology and heritage in the Old City of Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHE5B9EC840E1

A sustainable framework for managing archaeology and heritage in the Old City of Jerusalem is proposed, emphasizing transparent, predictable, and balanced procedures to support long-term preservation while addressing political sensitivities. The study builds on international best practices, assigning economic and cultural values to heritage resources and advocating for UNESCO's role in fostering collaboration. It also highlights the need for structural assessments to mitigate potential engineering impacts, ensuring sustainable management in a complex urban environment.

Sustainable roads in Serengeti National Park: - gravel roads construction and maintenance

Serengeti National Park — 2017 — WHEFF50A0E033

Roads in Serengeti National Park, while essential for wildlife management and tourism, face significant sustainability challenges. A study reveals that the poor performance of gravel roads is primarily due to insufficient financial and human resources, subpar material quality, and high traffic volumes. The research, conducted through soil testing, traffic volume analysis, document reviews, and stakeholder interviews with 50 participants, highlights critical gaps in road construction and maintenance practices. These findings underscore the need for improved resource allocation and material standards to ensure sustainable infrastructure development in protected areas like Serengeti.

Sustainable Strategies for Promoting the Horezu Pottery and the Cultural Landscape of Horezu, Romania

Monastery of Horezu — 2017 — WHECCEF3E0A7D

Horezu pottery, recognized as part of Romania's immaterial cultural patrimony since 2012, faces limited promotion despite its widespread presence in handicraft stores. This study proposes sustainable strategies to enhance the visibility and appreciation of Horezu pottery while preserving its cultural significance. It highlights the need for comprehensive promotion, including information on geographical context, historical background, artistic evolution, decorative motifs, and local gastronomy traditions. The research aims to balance increased tourism with sustainability, ensuring that the pottery's unique heritage is both accessible and protected. By integrating these elements, the study offers a model for sustainable cultural promotion that can be applied to other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Syrian Heritage in Jeopardy: The Case of the Arslan Tash Ivories

Ancient Villages of Northern Syria — 2017 — WHE7E853F36E4

A significant discovery of ancient ivory plaques at Arslan Tash, northern Syria, dating to the reign of Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III (744–727 BC), provides critical insights into Assyrian expansion and craftsmanship in the early first millennium BC. The ivories, found in a building known as the 'Bâtiment aux ivoires,' depict motifs such as the lady in the window, the suckling cow, and cultic scenes, with one plaque bearing an Aramaic inscription mentioning Hazael, a historical figure associated with a Levantine coalition against Shalmaneser III. The study involved conservation efforts by the Louvre Museum and the Syrian Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums between 2005 and 2009, which were disrupted by the Syrian civil war, leaving the fate of the Aleppo collection uncertain. This research underscores the importance of preserving Syria's archaeological heritage amid ongoing conflicts.

Systematics of Hydrothermal Alteration at the Falun Base Metal Sulfide Deposit and Implications for Ore Genesis and Exploration, Bergslagen Ore District, Fennoscandian Shield, Sweden

Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun — 2017 — WHE2CF09E169C

A detailed study of the Falun Zn-Pb-Cu-(Au-Ag) pyritic sulfide deposit reveals that hydrothermal alteration patterns and mineralization processes differ significantly from other deposits in Bergslagen. The research identifies a zonation of alteration styles, with distal sericitized and silicified volcanic rocks transitioning to intermediate sericitized and proximal chloritized rocks, enveloping the central massive sulfide bodies. This suggests a structural model where mineralization formed stratigraphically high, surrounded by footwall rocks. The study also highlights the importance of fluid-limestone interaction in trapping metals, contrasting with classic VMS models. Mass-change calculations indicate gains in Mg and Fe, losses in Ca, K, and Na, and variable Si changes, pointing to chloritization, sericitization, and silicification as dominant premetamorphic alteration processes.

Systematics of Libinhania, a new endemic genus of Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae) from the Socotra archipelago (Yemen), inferred from plastid, low-copy nuclear and nuclear ribosomal DNA loci

Socotra Archipelago — 2017 — WHEA58943FC88

A new endemic genus, Libinhania, has been identified within the Asteraceae tribe Gnaphalieae from the Socotra archipelago. This discovery challenges previous taxonomic classifications by revealing that the endemic helichrysoids are neither part of Helichrysum nor closely related to it. Phylogenetic analysis using plastid DNA, nuclear ribosomal DNA, and low-copy nuclear DNA loci suggests an ancient allopolyploid origin for Libinhania, with potential ancestors linked to Gnaphalium or Syncarpha mucronata relatives. The study also proposes a taxonomic treatment, including descriptions and a key for the 13 species within this new genus, shedding light on the morphological diversity and evolutionary history of Socotra's unique flora.

Tangles of Care: Killing Goats to Save Tortoises on the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2017 — WHEB6C34B4BBB

A large-scale mammal eradication campaign on the Galápagos Islands, involving the culling of over 200,000 goats to protect endangered tortoises, revealed that conservation efforts can be ethically complex and contentious. While aimed at saving endemic species, the intervention sparked debates among residents about competing forms of care for nonhuman animals. The study highlights the biological, ecological, and political implications of such actions, challenging the binary logic of success or failure in conservation. It advocates for a more nuanced approach to multispecies coexistence in the Anthropocene.

Tanzania needs up‐to‐date poaching data to help manage its wildlife populations

Selous Game Reserve — 2017 — WHED49F441BB2

A critical gap in poaching data threatens wildlife conservation efforts in Tanzania, particularly for iconic species like elephants and rhinos. Despite significant government investments in anti-poaching measures—including law enforcement, patrols, and international NGO support—the lack of up-to-date, transparent data hinders effective evaluation and public awareness. Existing datasets, such as those from the Wildlife Division (WD), are outdated (2000–2010) or restricted, while area-specific studies often exclude key metrics like arrests, sentences, or geographic trends. The study urges Tanzanian authorities to compile and release comprehensive poaching data to inform conservation strategies, motivate frontline efforts, and shift public attitudes. It highlights the need for broader, replicable datasets (e.g., court case analyses) to bridge this evidence gap and align with global conservation priorities.

Tarihi Safranbolu’yu çevreleyen kaya şevlerindeki duraysızlık problemlerinin kinematik analizlerle değerlendirilmesi

City of Safranbolu — 2017 — WHE0801645C56

A kinematic analysis of rock slope instability around Safranbolu reveals significant potential hazards that could threaten the historic city. The study identifies key characteristics of rock masses prone to falling and determines controlled instability types based on slope data. This approach aims to mitigate damage to living spaces by understanding the dynamics of rock fall events in steep, unstable slopes. The findings underscore the importance of proactive measures to safeguard Safranbolu's cultural heritage from geological risks.

Taxonomy of Two Blue-Flowered Juno Irises (IrisSubgen.Scorpiris, Iridaceae) from the Western Tian-Shan

Western Tien-Shan — 2017 — WHEAB422B68CB

Two blue-flowered Iris species, Iris albomarginata and I. willmottiana, are confirmed as distinct taxa within the subgenus Scorpiris. The study clarifies their taxonomic boundaries, provides detailed redescriptions, and maps their distributions for the first time. I. albomarginata features uniformly pale-blue flowers and is endemic to the Ugam and Pskem Ranges (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan), while I. willmottiana, distinguished by blue flowers with white-blotched perianth segments, extends its range to the Karatau, Boralday, and northern Talas Ranges (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan). The latter species is newly documented in Kyrgyzstan. An identification key for these irises is also included, aiding field and taxonomic studies of this UNESCO-listed region's flora.

Tectonic structure and evolution of the Hissar–Alay Mountain Domain and the Pamirs

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2017 — WHEEBBEBAE5F7

A comparative analysis of the Hissar–Alay Mountain Domain and the Pamirs reveals distinct tectonic structures, evolutionary paths, and geological characteristics. These mountain systems, part of different mobile belts (Central Asian and Alpine–Himalayan), exhibit significant differences in morphostructure, tectonic style, kinematic processes, and geological events. Unlike the Hissar–Alay Domain, which is linked to the Ural–Mongolia Belt, the Pamirs belong to the Alpine–Himalayan Belt, showing no substantial geodynamic interaction between them. The study highlights independent formation histories shaped by divergent tectonic forces, magmatic activity, and recent orogeny.

Tectonic zoning of Wrangel Island, Arctic region

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2017 — WHE3573BA34E3

Wrangel Island exhibits distinct tectonic zoning characterized by three zones—Northern, Central, and Southern—each with unique stratigraphic, lithologic, and structural features. A key discovery is the identification of Upper Silurian–Lower Devonian sedimentary rocks in the Northern Zone, previously unknown elsewhere on the island, deformed during the Ellesmere phase of near-latitudinal shortening. The Central Zone's basement comprises Neoproterozoic volcanic rocks, dated to Early Cambrian, contrasting with earlier Carboniferous assumptions, overlain by slightly deformed Carboniferous–Permian rocks. The Southern Zone features a Neoproterozoic metamorphic basement and Devonian–Triassic sedimentary cover, with north-vergent fold-thrust structures formed during the Late Kimmerian deformation phase in the Early Cretaceous. This tectonic zoning provides insights into the island's geological evolution, particularly its complex deformation history.

Tel Ḥaẓor – 2016

Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba — 2017 — WHEBE8FA1CC0E

The 2016 excavation season at Tel Hazor, conducted by the Selz Foundation Hazor Excavations in Memory of Yigael Yadin, focused on Area M3 under the direction of A. Ben-Tor and S. Bechar. This international effort involved over 50 participants from multiple countries and was supported by various institutions, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Exploration Society. The excavation aimed to uncover and analyze historical layers, with a particular emphasis on restoration, surveying, and documentation. Key contributions included the work of B. Lhoyer as assistant supervisor, I. Strand for surveying and drafting, and M. Cimadevilla for field photography. The project was housed at Kibbutz Gonen and conducted in collaboration with the National Parks Authority, ensuring a comprehensive and methodical approach to preserving and studying this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temporal–spatial evolution of the hydrologic drought characteristics of the karst drainage basins in South China

South China Karst — 2017 — WHEBFC68F4B04

Hydrologic droughts in South China's karst drainage basins exhibit complex temporal-spatial patterns, characterized by a decline from the 1970s to 1990s followed by an increase from the 2000s to 2010s. This study, analyzing 55 hydrological control basins, reveals that drought intensity and occurrence frequency are highest during these two decades, with significant variability among different basin types. The research employs the Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) to assess drought characteristics, providing insights into the evolving nature of hydrologic droughts in response to climate change.

Temuan Gerabah Dl Grogolan Wetan, Sebuah Bukti Penghunian Situs Sangiran Pasca Plestosene (Pottery from Grogol Wetan Site, Sangiran Settlement Post Pleistocene)

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2017 — WHE94FFBF67BB

Archaeological evidence from the Sangiran Early Man Site reveals post-Pleistocene human activity, challenging the site's traditional perception as solely a prehistoric settlement. Pottery fragments discovered by the Indonesian National Center for Archaeological Research (2013) and the Sangiran Conservation Office (2015) suggest a farming community. Analysis identified a pot and a water-drawing tool, indicating agricultural practices likely dating to the post-Pleistocene period. This study provides critical insights into the transition from early human settlements to more complex societal structures in the region.

Ten Thousand Years of Cultivation at Kuk Swamp in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2017 — WHE256A3B9290

Archaeological evidence from Kuk Swamp in Papua New Guinea's highlands reveals the world's earliest known agricultural practices, dating back over 10,000 years. The study demonstrates that high-altitude cultivation began around 9,000 BCE, predating similar developments elsewhere by millennia. Researchers employed a combination of sediment analysis, radiocarbon dating, and artifact examination to uncover taro and banana remains, alongside stone tools and irrigation systems, indicating sophisticated early farming techniques. This discovery reshapes our understanding of the origins of agriculture in New Guinea, highlighting its role as an independent center of domestication.