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Emerging Applications of LiDAR / Airborne Laser Scanning in the Management of World Heritage Sites

Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne — 2016 — WHE6DF1736171

LiDAR/airborne laser scanning (ALS) is transforming archaeological heritage management by revealing previously undiscovered sites and enhancing the documentation of World Heritage Sites (WHS). This technology provides unprecedented detail, strengthening nomination dossiers by emphasizing outstanding universal value, delineating site boundaries for legal protection, and offering deeper context to landscapes. Case studies from Brú na Bóinne (Ireland), Angkor (Cambodia), Poverty Point (USA), and Orheiul Vechi (Moldova) demonstrate ALS's efficacy in prospection, demarcation, and viewshed analysis. The method is particularly valuable for large or challenging terrains, offering practical benefits for long-term site management while addressing logistical considerations such as access and training.

Emergy Valuation of Tidal Flat Ecosystems in Korea: I. Characteristics of Environmental Emergy Inputs

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats — 2016 — WHE63E9D86DDA

Korean tidal flats receive environmental emergy inputs worth $4.98×10^21 sej/yr, equivalent to 1.14 trillion won annually, forming the foundation for ecosystem services like fishery production. Regional analysis revealed higher emergy inputs per hectare in the Incheon-Gyeonggi region compared to Busan, reflecting tidal range patterns along the Korean coast. While no clear correlation was found between emergy input and fishery production across all regions, western coastal tidal flats with greater emergy inputs produced more fishery products than southern counterparts, suggesting emergy valuation as a rapid tool for assessing ecosystem service potential. The study employed emergy analysis to quantify environmental energy contributions (sunlight, wind, waves, precipitation, tides) sustaining tidal flat ecosystems.

Empress, Virgin, Ecclesia. The Icon of Santa Maria in Trastevere in the Early Byzantine Context

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2016 — WHE694DD79716

A new analysis of the icon of Santa Maria in Trastevere reveals that its depiction of the Virgin as Empress, known as 'Maria Regina,' reflects broader early Byzantine influences rather than solely Roman ones. The icon, dated to the late 6th to early 8th century using encaustic technique and stylistic characteristics, challenges the traditional view that this imagery originated exclusively from papal political aspirations in Rome. Instead, it suggests a shared religious heritage across the Christian world shaped its portrayal of the Mother of God as Empress, Virgin, and Ecclesia. This study recontextualizes the icon by examining contemporary female imagery and Marian theology, providing insight into the cultural and theological currents that influenced early medieval art.

Endohelminths of some species of fishes from Lake Xochimilco, Mexico

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2016 — WHEDC7922A9B9

Research reveals that the helminth fauna of freshwater fishes in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, is notably limited compared to other water bodies in Central Mexico. The study identified five helminth species across eight introduced and one native fish species, including a tapeworm (Schyzocotyle acheilognathi) recorded for the first time in Pseudoxiphophorus jonesii, and metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum minimum and Tylodelphys aztecae, which exhibited the highest prevalence. The goodeid G. atripinnis displayed the richest helminth fauna among the analyzed species. The study hypothesizes that this low diversity may stem from the lake's biotic and abiotic conditions, influenced by pollution, or the relatively recent introduction of fish species, limiting the establishment of additional helminths.

Ensuring the Conservative Process: The Roman Walls of Lugo Maintenance Plan

Roman Walls of Lugo — 2016 — WHEA7D0140716

The Roman Walls of Lugo, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain with a dedicated maintenance plan, demonstrate how systematic conservation can ensure long-term preservation and public enjoyment. This study highlights that the walls, added to the World Heritage List in 2000, benefit from a structured approach combining regular inspections, data management tools, and allocated human and financial resources. Unlike other Spanish UNESCO sites, this model guarantees efficient and safe use of the ancient structure while integrating it as a beloved urban park. The research underscores that planned maintenance not only preserves heritage but also enhances its value for future generations.

Entanglement and the Formation of the Ancient Nubian Napatan State

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region — 2016 — WHE8483038F90

Archaeological and skeletal evidence reveals that the ancient Nubian Napatan polity, which ruled as Egypt's 25th Dynasty (ca. 750–656 B.C.E.), was significantly shaped by cultural entanglement between Nubian and Egyptian communities established during colonial times. This study challenges traditional narratives by emphasizing independent power formation in Nubia alongside its long-standing local institutions, rather than viewing it solely through an Egyptian lens. Using data from Tombos in Upper Nubia, researchers analyzed mortuary practices, biological interactions, and geographic movements to demonstrate how these entangled communities influenced the political, social, and cultural trajectories of the region. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing both external and internal factors in the formation of complex societies along the ancient Nile Valley.

Entre el reconocimiento y el abandono. La situación del Camino Real de Tierra Adentro en el norte de Guanajuato

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro — 2016 — WHE6A63595825

The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a historic route central to the communication and commerce of New Spain for over three centuries, has transitioned from being a subject of historical interest to gaining international recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study analyzes this shift by examining diverse perspectives from historians, archaeologists, and conservationists, alongside key documents from UNESCO and ICOMOS that highlight global interest in preserving the route. The research reveals how the Camino Real's significance has evolved, from its role in colonial-era connectivity to its current status as a symbol of cultural heritage requiring protection and sustainable management.

Environment, Climate and Society in Roman and Byzantine Butrint

Butrint — 2016 — WHEB4FA10F646

A multiproxy analysis of sediments from Butrint lagoon, Albania, reveals that periods of increased farming and siltation (AD 400–600 and 700–900) coincided with wetter conditions in the region. This environmental shift aligns with the territorial and economic expansion of the Byzantine Empire, suggesting trade played a pivotal role in altering land use during this era. The study combines sedimentology, geochemistry, and pollen analysis to reconstruct these changes, providing insights into the interplay between climate, environment, and societal development in Roman and Byzantine Butrint.

Environmental Benefits from CO2 Reduction Due to Modal Replacement: A Light Rail Vehicle Case Study in Brasilia City

Brasilia — 2016 — WHEB7E78FB61D

Replacing urban buses with Light Rail Vehicles (VLTs) in Brasília significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, offering substantial environmental benefits. A case study along Via W-3 South demonstrated measurable reductions in atmospheric CO₂, converted into carbon credits to quantify economic value. The research applied the Theory of Externalities and a Top-Down method to assess direct emissions, revealing the positive impact of modal shifts on urban sustainability.

Environmental correlates and energetics of winter flight by bats in southern Alberta, Canada

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2016 — WHE419951A17A

Research at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, reveals significant insights into the winter flight energetics of bats. The study found that big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and Myotis species can fly in temperatures as low as -10.4 °C, with temperature and wind being key predictors of their activity. Myotis also appears to use barometric pressure changes as a cue for activity. Energy expenditure estimates suggest winter flight consumes considerable fat stores, potentially mitigated by flight thermogenesis (20% or more). Interspecific differences in activity are linked to heat loss and thermoregulatory adaptations, highlighting the complex relationship between environmental factors and bat energetics.

Environmental DNA metabarcoding of lake fish communities reflects long‐term data from established survey methods

The English Lake District — 2016 — WHE37A76C75B1

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding emerges as a powerful tool for accurately reflecting fish community composition and abundance in large lakes, outperforming traditional survey methods. A study comparing eDNA data from three deep lakes in the English Lake District—Windermere, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Derwent Water—to established gill-net surveys revealed that eDNA detected 14 of the 16 historically recorded fish species in Windermere, compared to just four species identified by gill-netting. Using sequence reads per species and site occupancy as proxies for abundance, the study found strong correlations with rank abundance estimates from conventional methods, demonstrating eDNA's potential as a complementary or alternative approach for biodiversity monitoring. This method leverages DNA shed by organisms into their environment, offering a non-invasive and highly sensitive means to assess ecological communities.

Environmental Factors Affecting the Foraging Behavior of Herons in Ichkeul National Park, Tunisia

Ichkeul National Park — 2016 — WHE45C079101D

Herons in Ichkeul National Park, Tunisia, adjust their foraging behavior based on environmental factors. Grey Herons predominantly employ the 'standing and wait' strategy, while Great and Little Egrets favor a more active approach like 'walking slowly,' with variations depending on water depth. High temperatures and wind velocities encourage Little Egrets to adopt a quicker hunting technique, whereas high light intensity promotes less active behaviors. This study, conducted over 2009 and 2010, highlights the adaptability of heron foraging strategies in response to environmental conditions.

Environmental hydro-refugia demonstrated by vegetation vigour in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2016 — WHEBA257ABB25

The Okavango Delta, Botswana, acts as a regional hydro-refugium, buffering vegetation response to decadal climate shifts due to its unique geohydrology. This is demonstrated through the stability of vegetation vigour within the delta compared to surrounding areas, using time-series data from MODIS images. The study highlights how rift basins with appropriate hydrological conditions can mitigate environmental impacts, offering insights into regional climate resilience and attracting fauna, including early human ancestors. This work underscores the unique properties of such basins in regions like eastern Africa, providing a new perspective on their ecological significance.

Environmental Pressures Influencing Living Stromatolites in Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2016 — WHEC0E972C903

A study of Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, reveals significant environmental pressures shaping the growth and morphology of living stromatolites. The research identifies regional trends of increasing salinity, greater temperature range, and decreasing energy moving southward from Faure Sill to the Nilemah Embayment, alongside seasonal paradoxes where salinities rise in wet winter months and drop in dry summer months. These patterns suggest groundwater influx along the Hamelin Pool shelf, potentially influencing stromatolite morphology, internal fabric, and microbial communities. The findings provide a framework for understanding extrinsic factors affecting stromatolites, offering insights into their development throughout Earth's history.

Environmentální gramotnost žáků 2. stupně v Žatci – výzkumná sonda

Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops — 2016 — WHE20DBE20D28

A study on environmental literacy among students aged 12–15 in Žatec, Czech Republic, found that while attitudes toward the environment remained consistent across age groups, older students demonstrated a notable decline in both their intention to engage in pro-environmental behavior and their actual participation. The research, conducted with 67 respondents from Classes 6 to 9, used adapted questionnaires to assess environmental attitudes, commitment to behavior, and real-life actions. No significant gender differences were observed, nor was there a proven link between attitudes and behavior—either intended or actual.

Envisioning Landscape

Tsodilo — 2016 — WHED0970B0E67

A groundbreaking exploration of landscapes as dynamic cultural and historical entities, 'Envisioning Landscape' reveals how archaeology and community perspectives intersect to shape our understanding of World Heritage Sites. The edited volume demonstrates that landscape is not merely a static backdrop but an evolving narrative influenced by power, materiality, and local communities. Through case studies spanning Northern Ireland, East Africa, New York City, and Botswana's Tsodilo Hills, the research employs innovative methodological approaches to uncover the layered histories embedded in landscapes. Notably, it highlights how local communities contribute to the preservation and interpretation of World Heritage Sites, offering a nuanced perspective on cultural heritage that bridges academic rigor with grassroots engagement.

Eocene to late Oligocene history of crustal shortening within the Hoh Xil Basin and implications for the uplift history of the northern Tibetan Plateau

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2016 — WHEDB11CAB94E

A study of the Qinghai Hoh Xil site reveals that crustal shortening in the northern Tibetan Plateau began in the mid-Eocene and continued until at least 34 million years ago, ceasing by 27 million years ago. The research integrates fault gouge geochronology, low-temperature thermochronology, geologic mapping, and balanced cross sections to determine that upper crustal shortening amounted to 34 ± 12 km (24 ± 9%). Findings suggest that this shortening alone cannot explain the modern elevation or lithospheric thickness without additional processes such as mantle removal or lower crustal material influx. The study also raises questions about how remaining Indo-Asian convergence was accommodated prior to late Miocene deformation patterns.

Ephesus as a Religious Center under the Principate

Ephesus — 2016 — WHEA2DEEC6E5E

Ephesus emerged as a significant religious center during the Roman Principate, marked by its diverse cultic landscape and syncretism. The study reveals that the city's religious identity was shaped by a blend of local traditions and imperial worship, with prominent temples like the Artemisium serving as focal points for both civic and provincial devotion. Archaeological analysis of inscriptions, architectural remains, and ritual artifacts provides evidence of this religious dynamism, illustrating how Ephesus adapted to and integrated Roman cultural and political norms while maintaining its own distinct religious heritage.

Epiphytic Communities of Open Habitats in the Western Tian-Shan Mts (Middle Asia: Kyrgyzstan)

Western Tien-Shan — 2016 — WHE646FE2E5EB

A new epiphytic moss association, Orthotrichetum crenulati, was identified for the first time in the Western Tian-Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan. The study, conducted across 115 sites with varying tree densities, documented 21 moss species that form distinct community combinations. Numerical analyses revealed three groups of samples corresponding to seven associations and one community within two alliances: Ulotion crispae, Syntrichion laevipilae (Frullanio dilatatae-Leucodontetea sciuroidis class), and Neckerion complanatae (Neckeretea complanatae class). Additionally, two moss species, Orthotrichum crenulatum and O. pallens, were recorded for the first time in Kyrgyzstan. This research contributes to the understanding of bryosociological patterns in open habitats of the Western Tian-Shan.

Estakhr Project - Third Preliminary ReporTOF the Joint Mission of the Iranian Centerfor Archaeological Research,the Parsa-Pasargadae Research Foundation andthe Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Pasargadae — 2016 — WHE3E61DAD055

A joint Iranian-Italian archaeological mission at Pasargadae revealed that pottery recovered from the 2012 excavation spans the 9th to 12th centuries, corresponding to key occupation phases. Using archaeometry, researchers distinguished between locally manufactured and imported wares, providing new insights into trade and craftsmanship during this period. This study highlights the significance of Pasargadae as a cultural hub with diverse ceramic traditions.