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The Destruction of Cultural Property in Timbuktu: Challenging the ICC War Crime Paradigm

Timbuktu — 2017 — WHEB18ABC1061

The destruction of cultural property, particularly by extremist groups like ISIS and Ansar Dine, is increasingly recognized as a deliberate strategy to erase diverse cultures and identities. A recent study challenges the International Criminal Court's (ICC) classification of such acts solely as war crimes under Article 8 of its Statute, arguing that they should be redefined as crimes against humanity. This shift would better reflect the motivations behind these attacks—persecution of civilian populations and the systemic destruction of cultural heritage—as demonstrated in the case of Al Mahdi, a member of Ansar Dine, who was prosecuted for overseeing the demolition of Sufi mausoleums in Timbuktu due to their perceived idolatrous practices. The study examines historical legal frameworks protecting cultural property and advocates for a broader legal interpretation that accounts for the broader societal impact, rather than merely the civilian status, of the property destroyed.

The development of Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, from the 11th to the 20th centuries

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2017 — WHEBC1C52C8DD

Archaeological excavations at Greyfriars Kirkhouse, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, revealed unexpectedly early human activity dating back to the 11th or 12th century, challenging assumptions about the area's rural origins. The site, located at the confluence of two major cattle-droving routes, transitioned from a largely rural landscape to an urban setting in the late 15th century, marked by the division into burgage-plots and the construction of a tenement, suggesting occupation by merchants and burgesses. Further redevelopment occurred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with evidence pointing to industrial use as a brass foundry. The study employed archaeological excavations and historic-building recording to unravel this layered history.

The diet of the first Europeans from Atapuerca

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2017 — WHE63F9C4184C

Researchers analyzing dental microwear patterns in the earliest European hominins from Atapuerca, Spain, have uncovered evidence that these ancient inhabitants consumed mechanically demanding diets, including hard and brittle foods. This unique buccal microwear pattern, observed in Homo antecessor fossils dating back 1.2 to 0.8 million years, suggests dietary practices adapted to harsh environmental conditions. The study highlights the role of grit-laden food, potentially from butchering processes, in fueling evolutionary changes, such as increased brain size. By comparing these findings with other Lower and Middle Pleistocene populations, the research provides new insights into hominin dietary specialization and its impact on craniofacial biomechanics.

The disappearance of Chara hellenica (Characeae) from the only one known locality, Lake Bertonou in Corfu (Greece)

Old Town of Corfu — 2017 — WHE17D24E1929

A critical loss to Mediterranean aquatic biodiversity has been documented with the disappearance of Chara hellenica, a rare species of stonewort, from its sole known habitat—Lake Bertonou in Corfu, Greece. This extinction marks the first confirmed disappearance of a charophyte species in the region, raising concerns about the vulnerability of such freshwater ecosystems to environmental pressures. The study employed historical ecological data and field surveys to track the species' absence, highlighting gaps in long-term monitoring that hinder conservation efforts. Findings underscore the urgent need for targeted research and protection measures to prevent further losses of endemic flora in UNESCO-listed sites like Corfu's Old Town.

The Discovery of Gharabaa Byzantine Caravanserai, Near Site of Jesus Baptism-Jordan River

Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) — 2017 — WHE004530B06D

Recent archaeological field surveys near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Jordan River, have uncovered significant Byzantine-era architectural remains identified as Gharabah caravanserai. This discovery includes two large interconnected water pools linked by a canal and a complex structure comprising multiple rooms and associated facilities, providing crucial insights into lost pilgrim stations along the historical route from Jerusalem to Mount Nebo during the 4th–6th centuries AD. The findings were derived through systematic excavations, data analysis, and comparative studies, linking Gharabah to other newly identified stations on this major Byzantine pilgrimage path.

The distribution of breeding Sooty Albatrosses from the three most important breeding sites: Gough, Tristan and the Prince Edward Islands

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2017 — WHEB34BA8113A

Sooty Albatrosses (Phoebetria fusca), classified as Endangered, exhibit distinct foraging patterns depending on their breeding sites. Tracking data from Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha, and the Prince Edward Islands reveal that birds from Marion Island (Prince Edwards) range farther north despite being the most southerly breeding site. Birds from Tristan-Gough concentrate around the Sub-Antarctic Front (SAF) in the southern Atlantic Ocean, while Marion birds associate with both the SAF and the Sub-Tropical Front (STF) in the southern Indian Ocean. This study identifies critical foraging areas for 80% of breeding Sooty Albatrosses during incubation and brood-guard periods, highlighting potential risks from tuna long-line fishing gear. Birds from Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island show greater overlap with fishing effort, suggesting higher bycatch mortality risk in the Atlantic fishery.

The distribution of mosquitoes across an altitudinal gradient in the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2017 — WHEDC55A6CAB2

Mosquito populations in the Galápagos Islands decline significantly with elevation, challenging the existence of stable highland refuges for disease vectors. Research sampling three mosquito species—Aedes taeniorhynchus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes aegypti—across altitudinal gradients on Isabela and Santa Cruz islands from 2012 to 2014 found that while the first two species were widespread, their abundances varied by island and year. Ae. aegypti was rare and confined to human-inhabited areas. Statistical models confirmed altitude, year, trap type, and human inhabitation as key factors influencing mosquito distributions. These findings suggest that even high-altitude regions may not serve as consistent refuges for disease vectors like avian malaria, necessitating further research on vector potential and disease dynamics in the Galápagos.

The Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage: visitors’ mobility behaviour and acceptance of regulatory measures

The Dolomites — 2017 — WHEFB79D04AE5

Tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Dolomites exhibit mixed willingness to adopt sustainable mobility practices, with significant variation in acceptance of regulatory measures depending on travel patterns and motivations. The study reveals that while many visitors are open to adjustments like reduced car use or timed access, others prioritize convenience over conservation, particularly during peak seasons. Researchers analyzed modal choice motivations—such as preference for private versus public transport—and assessed tourists' willingness to comply with regulations aimed at mitigating environmental pressure. Conducted by EURAC Research in response to IUCN recommendations, the findings underscore the need for targeted strategies that balance visitor experience with ecological preservation, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in sustainable tourism management.

The Dynamics of Heritage Choice and Heritage Regimes in the “Making of Old Havana”

Old Havana and its Fortification System — 2017 — WHED2B12AEED0

Old Havana's heritage reflects a deliberate political and historical process, shaped by selective representation that prioritizes certain cultural elements while suppressing others. This 'interpretational heritage choice' reveals how identity politics have influenced urban planning since 1994, creating a curated image of the city. The study applies Homi Bhabha’s concept to analyze the dynamics of heritage valuation, suppression, and omission in Havana's transformation. By examining tangible and intangible cultural representations, it uncovers the underlying regimes that govern heritage preservation, offering insights into how power structures shape urban identity.

The Early Field Systems of the Stonehenge Landscape

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2017 — WHEBD829354FC

Recent archaeological research at Stonehenge, Avebury, and associated sites has uncovered evidence of early field systems or enclosures in the eastern part of the World Heritage Site (WHS), challenging previous assumptions about minimal Bronze Age agricultural activity. These features were later succeeded by a significant ditch system containing two buried individuals, an uncommon burial practice during this period. Concurrently, a perinatal infant was found deposited in a palisade ditch in the western WHS. The study integrates survey, excavation, and analysis data from 2015–2016 to demonstrate how these findings illuminate a transformative phase in the landscape, revealing complex interactions between natural features, ancestral monuments, and burial practices during the Middle Bronze Age.

The Early Modern New Found Land

Red Bay Basque Whaling Station — 2017 — WHE021CDD85CC

Historical archaeology has significantly revised traditional narratives of early modern Newfoundland, particularly challenging the notion of colonial failure. Key excavations at Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, L’Anse aux Meadows, and seventeenth-century colonial sites in Cupids and Ferryland have uncovered critical traces of European transatlantic expansion. These findings, alongside research on the French colony of Plaisance and the ethnohistory of the Beothuk people, highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of early modern settlement and migration in the region.

The East Asian Cabinets at Schönbrunn Palace and their Archive Sources

Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn — 2017 — WHE12E49EC96C

Research on the East Asian Cabinets at Schönbrunn Palace reveals significant gaps and breakthroughs in their documented history. While records from 1740 to 1772 are fragmented, allowing only scattered insights into the cabinets' creation in 1760, later inventories (1803, 1812) and detailed archives from the Palace Department Schönbrunn (starting 1779) provide a precise account of their restoration history and subsequent decorative changes. The study highlights the role of the Obersthofmeisteramt, which approved all requests related to the cabinets, offering a nuanced understanding of their evolution and maintenance over centuries.

The Ecological Footprint of Mediterranean cities: Awareness creation and policy implications

City of Valletta — 2017 — WHE61DF7857E7

Mediterranean cities, particularly Valletta, Athens, and Genoa, exhibit significantly higher per capita Ecological Footprints (EF) than their national averages, with Valletta leading at 5.3 global hectares (gha) per person. This study introduces a top-down MRIO-based model to consistently track EF across 19 Mediterranean cities, revealing food consumption as the primary driver in southern cities and transportation in northern ones. Unlike previous fragmented assessments, this approach ensures comparability, highlighting socio-economic factors like disposable income and infrastructure as key influencers. The findings underscore the resource demands of urban areas and offer actionable insights for sustainability policies, aiming to reinforce public achievements while addressing ecological challenges.

The Economic Benefits of Investing in Cultural Tourism: Evidence from the Colonial City of Santo Domingo

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2017 — WHE7AAAB8FC12

Investing in cultural tourism yields substantial economic benefits, significantly boosting economic growth and household well-being while avoiding negative consequences such as reduced output, employment, and terms of trade. A study applying a novel framework to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonial City of Santo Domingo, demonstrates that a hypothetical US$90 million investment in cultural tourism could generate these positive outcomes. The research integrates quantitative methodologies from environmental and tourism economics, highlighting that indirect and induced benefits often overlooked in traditional cost-benefit analyses can lead to substantial undervaluation of returns on investment. Conversely, disinvestment in cultural tourism was shown to have detrimental effects on the economy, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in preserving and promoting cultural heritage for sustainable development.

The Economy of Specialized Ceramic Craft Production in the Casas Grandes Region

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2017 — WHE950365C5FE

Specialized ceramic production existed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, during the Medio period (AD 1200 to 1450), but it was limited to economically valuable goods like Ramos and Babicora Polychromes. Geometric morphometrics analysis revealed that while some Ramos Polychrome vessels were likely made by attached specialists linked to elites at Paquime, the religious center, others were produced independently. This suggests a nuanced organization of production in mid-level hierarchically organized societies, challenging the idea that all specialized goods were controlled by elites. The study advances understanding of artifact standardization and its relationship to social structure, while also demonstrating the utility of geometric morphometrics in archaeological research.

The effect of grazing of various cattle breeds on botanical composition of low-lying pasture in Hortobágy

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2017 — WHEAAF1E97786

Grazing by both extensive (Hungarian Grey) and intensive cattle breeds can effectively manage alkali grasslands, preserving species richness while influencing vegetation structure. The study found that moderate to intensive grazing in 2015 supported the highest number of plant species (14.3 per m²), though this decreased slightly with more intense grazing in 2016. Drier salt meadows hosted greater biodiversity (16.2 species/m²) compared to wetter areas (11.2 species/m²). Extensive cattle grazing maintained higher species diversity and weed cover, while intensive grazing increased grass dominance. These findings suggest that controlled grazing is a viable tool for conserving alkali grassland ecosystems in Hortobágy National Park.

The effect of livelihood capital on the willingness of farmers to re-enroll in the Grain for Green Program: A Case study in Wolong Nature Reserve

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2017 — WHE47DC8CB0BD

Approximately 77% of farmers in Wolong Nature Reserve expressed willingness to re-enroll in the Grain for Green Program, with significant differences in livelihood capital between those willing and unwilling to participate. Logistic regression analysis revealed that natural capital negatively influenced this willingness, while financial and social capital had positive effects. Key factors included land ownership (negative impact), cash income, family committee membership, and labor force education level (all positive impacts). The study suggests reducing farmers' dependence on land resources, increasing non-agricultural income and compensation standards, improving labor force education, and optimizing the regional development environment to enhance re-enrollment willingness.

The Effect of Person Order on Egress Time: A Simulation Model of Evacuation From a Neolithic Visitor Attraction

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2017 — WHE168AB146D8

A single slow-moving, mobility-impaired person can significantly increase egress times for groups in historic sites, with the potential to delay evacuation by up to 170% for 20 people and reduce the advantage of closer tunnel separation by 26%. This finding highlights the profound impact of visitor order on emergency evacuation efficiency. The study used direct observation data from Maeshowe, Orkney, combined with simulation modeling in the Unity gaming platform, to analyze egress times for able-bodied individuals and those with mobility impairments. Results also showed that larger body sizes (50th, 95th, and 99th percentiles) increased evacuation times by 51% compared to able-bodied individuals. The scalable model offers a tool for risk assessment and emergency planning in historic buildings and visitor attractions.

The effects of local context on World Heritage Site management: the Dolomites Natural World Heritage Site, Italy

The Dolomites — 2017 — WHE73F9115554

UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) designation in the Dolomites, Italy, appears to exacerbate socio-economic divides between areas inside and outside the site, driven by tourism development disparities. While stakeholders within the WHS—where tourism-driven prosperity is already high—show increased indirect participation in decision-making and higher expectations for further development, those outside the WHS or in marginal destinations experience no significant benefits in terms of governance, economic growth, or tourism as a development tool. Despite strong belief in the value of WHS status and minimal opposition to regulations, there is a call for reduced reliance on financial incentives and improved business culture. The study used mixed methods at Italy's lowest administrative level to analyze stakeholder engagement and governance, offering preliminary recommendations for more effective stakeholder involvement.

The end of the world, or just ‘goodbye to all that’? Contextualising the red deer heap from Links of Noltland, Westray, within late 3rd-millennium cal BC Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2017 — WHE071CA89FA2

A red deer heap, containing at least 15 carcasses and accompanied by a cod, gannet's wing, gull parts, and antlers, was deposited around the 22nd century cal BC on Links of Noltland, Westray, Orkney. Radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modelling refined its chronology within a broader Late Neolithic to Bronze Age settlement sequence, revealing it coincided with Beaker pottery deposition elsewhere on the site. This structured deposit, part of a larger pattern of animal burials in 3rd-millennium cal BC Orkney, offers insights into Orcadian society and ritual practices during this period.