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Ideology, Political Transitions and the City

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2016 — WHECC3FCB88D6

Bosnian and Herzegovinian cities, including Mostar, have undergone significant transitions from socialist planning to post-war neoliberal approaches, marked by a shift from rigid, top-down regulation to more flexible, informal development models. This study reveals how planning systems in the late phase of post-socialist transition have adapted to political and economic changes, moving away from centralized control towards open, adaptive frameworks. By analyzing urban zones—such as Mostar’s Industrial Zone Bišće Polje, City Zone Rondo, and Historic District—it provides insights into the evolving dynamics of city planning in a region navigating complex historical and political shifts.

Idyll and Industry: Rethinking the Environmental History of Grand Pré, Nova Scotia

Landscape of Grand Pré — 2016 — WHEFCFB71AA14

Grand Pré, Nova Scotia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Acadian farming heritage, is part of a dual narrative that includes both idyllic pastoral imagery and industrial agricultural practices. The site's transformation from a traditional farming settlement into an intensive rural development hub, driven by ambitions to make the Annapolis Valley 'the Orchard of the Empire,' has profoundly shaped Nova Scotia's physical, ecological, and economic landscape. This essay challenges the romanticized view of Grand Pré, highlighting its role in modern agriculture and tourism while emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. By recognizing both histories—pre-industrial Acadian settlement and subsequent industrial practices—the study offers a nuanced perspective on the site's ecological costs and economic realities.

Ilhna Beltin: Locating Identity in a Fortified Mediterranean City

City of Valletta — 2016 — WHE9A306BE707

The documentary film 'Ilhna Beltin: Locating Identity in a Fortified Mediterranean City' offers a unique lens into the multifaceted identities and spatial narratives of Valletta, Malta. It reveals how tradition and modernity coexist within this monumental yet intimate urban landscape, highlighting everyday, often overlooked aspects of life that shape collective memory and place identity. The film, part of the EuroMed Heritage II project 'Mediterranean Voices,' employs ethnographic storytelling to capture the voices of Valletta's inhabitants, illustrating their diverse experiences and the evolving dynamics of the city. This approach uncovers the less glamorous but equally significant dimensions of urban life, providing a nuanced understanding of how space and identity are constructed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Illegal Logging of 10 Hectares of Forest in the Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Area in Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2016 — WHEEADA95DE00

A significant illegal logging operation was uncovered in the Sierra Chincua overwintering area of Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, affecting 10 hectares of forest. The discovery, initially reported by a local environmentalist in May 2015 and later confirmed through satellite imagery, highlighted severe deforestation within the core zone of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Government authorities arrested 35 loggers and confiscated 147 cubic meters of wood between March and May 2015, though the exact location remained undisclosed until January 2016. The study relied on satellite imagery, media reports, and communications with local stakeholders to document the incursion, emphasizing its potential negative impact on the monarch butterfly's spring remigration.

Imaging the inside of thick structures using cosmic rays

Historic Centre of Florence — 2016 — WHEAE04CC3D99

A groundbreaking technique, multiple scattering muon radiography, has proven effective for imaging dense reinforcement elements within thick structures. This method leverages cosmic-ray muons to penetrate and map internal features, offering a non-invasive tool for examining complex architectural elements. Demonstrated on a mock-up wall at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the approach shows promise for application in high-profile cultural heritage sites, such as the dome of Florence Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings validate cosmic-ray muon radiography as a powerful means to investigate thick structures without causing damage, advancing both conservation science and architectural analysis.

Imagining Aridity

Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — 2016 — WHE1C0354BD5B

This study challenges conventional perceptions of aridity, revealing that contemporary pastoralists in hyper-arid regions do not perceive their environment as arid. This insight suggests that historical and prehistoric inhabitants likely shared similar perspectives. The research focuses on the Tadrart Acacus massif in southwestern Libya, a sandstone mountain range with distinct eastern and western characteristics due to its longitudinal orientation. By examining human-environment interactions, the study aims to bridge contemporary understandings with past experiences, offering a nuanced perspective on aridity's perception in one of the world's largest deserts.

Imagining Babylon

Babylon — 2016 — WHE1D0D624729

Mario Liverani's 'Imagining Babylon' offers a critical overview of modern Western scholarship on the ancient Near Eastern city, challenging traditional narratives shaped by biblical accounts. Through two centuries of archaeological excavations and academic discourse, the study reveals how interpretations of Babylon have evolved, often influenced by cultural biases and historical perspectives rather than empirical evidence. Liverani's work synthesizes diverse approaches, highlighting the complexities and contradictions in reconstructing 'the real Babylon.' The research employs a comparative analysis of textual, archaeological, and scholarly sources to deconstruct myth from reality, providing a nuanced understanding of one of history's most iconic cities.

Immediacy, Photography and Memory: The Tourist Experience of Machu Picchu

Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast — 2016 — WHE836A849B05

A study on the tourist experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast, reveals how visitors' expectations shape their immediate experiences and long-term memories. The research highlights that photography plays a significant role in mediating these experiences, influencing both the perception of the site during the visit and its recollection afterward. By analyzing visitor interactions with the site through a combination of surveys, interviews, and observational data, the study underscores the importance of emotional immediacy and visual documentation in shaping the tourist narrative. This insight contributes to a broader understanding of how World Heritage Sites are experienced and remembered by visitors.

Immensity and Miniaturism: The Interplay of Scale and Sensory Experience in the Late Neolithic of the Maltese Islands

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2016 — WHE718E13B44E

A striking interplay between immensity and miniaturism shaped sensory experiences and social relations during the Late Neolithic period (3600–2500 BC) on the Maltese Islands. While megalithic temples, with their monumental scale, dominate archaeological narratives, this study reveals that smaller objects—such as figurines and models—were equally significant in structuring human perception and interaction within these grand structures. By analyzing the contrast between large-scale architecture and miniature artifacts, researchers demonstrate how varying scales influenced social dynamics and sensory engagement, challenging traditional interpretations of Neolithic material culture.

Impact of biomass burning on soil microorganisms and plant metabolites: A view from molecular distributions of atmospheric hydroxy fatty acids over Mount Tai

Mount Taishan — 2016 — WHE284EC0FFFE

Biomass burning events (BBEs) significantly impact soil microorganisms and plant metabolites, as evidenced by increased concentrations of hydroxy fatty acids (FAs) during high BBE periods over Mount Tai. The study found that BBEs enhance the atmospheric presence of epicuticular waxes, soil microbes, and biomass combustion tracers like levoglucosan and endotoxin. While relative abundances of hydroxy FAs remained consistent between high and low BBE periods, their absolute concentrations spiked during intense burning, indicating a strong association with agricultural waste combustion and dust re-suspension. Back trajectory analysis further revealed the role of BBEs in transporting bacteria and plant metabolites across regions. This research highlights the complex interactions between biomass burning, microbial activity, and atmospheric chemistry, offering insights into the broader environmental impacts of agricultural practices.

Impact of current riparian land on sediment retention in the Danube River Basin

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2016 — WHEC886546703

Current riparian land in the Danube River Basin significantly reduces sediment fluxes, contributing to improved water quality and ecological conditions. The study found that despite occupying only 2% of the basin, riparian vegetation decreases sediment yields by about 8%, with a median efficiency of 50% at the hillslope scale. Sediment retention is most efficient in smaller reaches and areas with higher incoming sediment loads, while streambank protection plays a crucial role in high-stream-power regions like the Sava and Danube Rivers. Using the SWAT model, researchers quantified sediment reductions under current conditions (1995–2009) and compared them to scenarios without riparian land, revealing substantial benefits for freshwater ecosystems.

Impact of fishing with Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae) on diversity and abundance of fish in the streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2016 — WHE30589ED898

Fish poisoning using Tephrosia candida significantly reduces fish diversity and abundance in streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. The study found that streams with active poisoning practices had 13 fewer fish species, lower Shannon-Weiner diversity indices, and 80% less fish abundance compared to control streams without poisoning. Four endemic and one native fish species became locally extinct in poisoned streams. Conducted over seven bimonthly field trips from May 2013 to June 2014, the research surveyed five streams—three with poisoning (treatment) and two without (control)—using electrofishing and nets. Physico-chemical water parameters remained consistent across streams, indicating that the observed declines were directly linked to fish poisoning. The findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulation of this practice to protect biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Employment Evidence: Zanzibar Tourism Industry

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2016 — WHE747B019C35

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Zanzibar's tourism industry, particularly in Stone Town and coastal regions, has demonstrated a positive correlation with employment growth. The study, conducted through questionnaires and interviews with tourist investors, reveals that FDI significantly enhances job opportunities while reinforcing the link between foreign investment and tourism expansion. Recommendations emphasize promoting international tourism and diversifying FDI across other economic sectors to balance development. This research underscores the potential of tourism-driven FDI in developing economies, offering actionable insights for policymakers aiming to optimize labor market benefits.

Impacts of bush fires on biodiversity of Sudanian and Zambezian savanna of the Democratic Republic of Congo – Case study on three protected areas: Upemba, Kundelungu and Garamba national parks, and Bombo-Lumene hunting domain from 2000 to 2014.

Garamba National Park — 2016 — WHE40CE11B7B7

A study analyzing the impact of bush fires on biodiversity in four protected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo—Garamba, Upemba, Kundelungu national parks, and Bombo-Lumene hunting domain—revealed significant habitat loss due to fire activity from 2000 to 2014. Over 22,000 hectares of forest cover were lost, with the highest fire intensity occurring during the long dry season. The research identified fire hotspots through thematic mapping and proposed strategies for sustainable fire management in these ecosystems, which are also threatened by poaching. By quantifying fire points across the regions (ranging from 6,509 to 59,122), the study underscores the dual pressure of bush fires and wildlife poaching on Sudanian and Zambezian savannas.

Impacts of introduced species on the biota of an oceanic archipelago: the relative importance of competitive and trophic interactions

Ogasawara Islands — 2016 — WHED911FA0084

Introduced species have disproportionately impacted native biota on oceanic islands through trophic interactions, such as predation and herbivory, rather than competitive interactions. A literature review of the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands revealed that while introduced competitors (e.g., rats, lizards) negatively affected some native plants and bees, these species were also subjected to severe predation or herbivory by other invasive organisms. Thus, trophic interactions emerged as the dominant driver of ecological disruption in this remote archipelago, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate cascading effects on island ecosystems.

Impacts of nitrogen addition on foliar nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in Mount Wuyi

Mount Wuyi — 2016 — WHEB51738B605

Increasing nitrogen (N) availability in subtropical evergreen forests can intensify phosphorus (P) limitation, as shown by a study conducted at Mount Wuyi. Researchers found that while foliar N levels rose significantly across most species under N addition, P dynamics—rather than N—primarily drove changes in foliar N:P ratios. Herbaceous plants exhibited greater sensitivity to N addition compared to trees and shrubs, with notable increases in foliar P for herbs but a significant decrease in the moss Leucobryum chlorophyllosum. The study, spanning 2013–2015, revealed that mean foliar N:P ratios shifted from 18.67 to 19.72 under N addition, suggesting stronger P limitation. These findings highlight how elevated N inputs can alter nutrient cycling and stoichiometry in subtropical forests.

Implementierung des Ökosystemleistungs-Ansatzes in deutschen Biosphärenreservaten

Wadden Sea — 2016 — WHED4D5A7049E

A significant disparity exists in the implementation of ecosystem services approaches among Germany's 15 UNESCO biosphere reserves, with those along the North Sea coast leading due to better-resourced management and alignment with international agreements like the trilateral Wadden Sea pact. This study reveals that while such approaches can enhance communication, fundraising, monitoring, planning, and management in protected areas, their adoption is hindered by limited resources and administrative structures that conflict with their cross-sectoral nature.

Important geosites and parks in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites

The Dolomites — 2016 — WHE846D5A5963

The Dolomites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, stand out for their exceptional beauty and unique geological significance. A key discovery highlighted in this study is the identification of critical stratotypes that mark the Permian/Triassic boundary, a fundamental period in Earth's history. The research focuses on three notable geosites: the Bula Geotrail, which showcases one of the best-preserved sedimentary series and an important stratotype; the Siusi-Alpe di Siusi Geological Trail, known for its unique basaltic columnar formations and significant outcrops from the Lower to Middle Triassic periods; and the Bletterbach Geopark, which contains a 5 cm thick layer of dark organic matter representing the boundary stratotype, along with unique paleobotanical evidence. These sites not only contribute to scientific understanding but also promote geotourism by offering guided trails that educate tourists about the region's geological heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation and discovery of nature.

In and Out of Contexts: Explaining Religious Complexity through the Banqueting Tesserae from Palmyra

Site of Palmyra — 2016 — WHE7093A3909A

Over 1,100 distinct types of banqueting tesserae from Palmyra reveal the intricate religious and social dynamics of Roman-period Palmyrene society. These tesserae, functioning as entrance tickets to religious banquets, provide unique insights into how various religious groups interacted within extended family structures through ritual dining events. The study highlights the seamless integration of Roman iconography into Palmyrene visual culture, suggesting fluid social and religious contexts where individuals transitioned between group affiliations during specific events like banquets. This research underscores the inseparability of religious and social life in Palmyra, offering a nuanced understanding of its complex societal organization.

In the shadow of Machu Picchu: a case study of the Salkantay Trail.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu — 2016 — WHEDF8448B0EA

A study on the Salkantay Trail, a less-visited route to Machu Picchu, reveals significant potential for community-based tourism development while highlighting key challenges and constraints. The research compares the Salkantay Trail with the more popular Inca Trail, focusing on its historic, political, cultural, and socio-economic dimensions. It identifies opportunities for responsible tourism growth by examining a recent capacity-building program aimed at local families and operators along the trail. Findings suggest that targeted support can enhance tourism infrastructure and benefits for mountain communities without compromising sustainability or authenticity.