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Il sito Unesco Palu di Livenza-Santissima. Tutela e valorizzazione tra archeologia e paesaggio

Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps — 2025 — WHE30FFA656EE

The Palù di Livenza-Santissima site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage transnational series 'Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps,' showcases a unique intersection of archaeological, landscape, and natural significance in Friuli Venezia Giulia's wetland area. This study highlights how legal protections, landscape planning, and management practices interact to preserve this site's cultural and environmental value. By analyzing historical evolution and legal frameworks, it underscores the critical connections between landscape preservation and regulatory measures, offering insights into sustainable heritage management for similar sites.

Il Writing in (Pseudo)Francese nel Centro Storico di Napoli

Historic Centre of Naples — 2025 — WHE25CAB116DB

A notable density of (pseudo-)French graffiti tags, primarily found in Naples' historic center and Piazza Garibaldi, suggests the influence of youth, artistic, and translocal circuits rather than resident francophone communities. These tags, characterized by their hybrid or creative orthography, contribute to the urban linguistic landscape by embedding French elements visually, enriching the city's multilingualism, and fostering translocal circulation of graphic and linguistic repertoires. The study analyzed a non-systematic corpus from 2018–2025, integrating linguistic, grapho-stylistic, and spatial analyses to explore how these tags function as semiotic-material practices, offering new symbolic valences to urban spaces.

Illidops tigris

Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve — 2025 — WHE13FC551281

A rare wasp species, Illidops tigris, has been documented within the Tugay forests of Tajikistan's Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This discovery, based on the examination of the holotype and supporting paratypes, highlights the region's biodiversity. The study relied on morphological analysis and historical records from Tobias & Kotenko (1986), with no molecular data available to date. While the host species remains unidentified, the distribution is confirmed in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. This finding underscores the importance of protected areas like Tigrovaya Balka for conserving lesser-known taxa.

Illuminating Mysticism: The Symbolism of Light in Rumi’s Mathnawi and Tabriz Grand Bazaar

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2025 — WHEB43CD2AD5E

Research reveals that the mystical symbolism of light in Rumi's Mathnawi is intricately embedded in the architectural design of Tabriz Grand Bazaar. The study demonstrates how natural light in the bazaar creates spiritually resonant spaces, aligning with Rumi’s poetic themes of divine presence, truth, and unity. Using comparative analysis, the research explores how light bridges material and spiritual realms, offering new insights into the intersection of poetry, mysticism, and architecture. This finding enhances understanding of how cultural and religious concepts shape tangible architectural configurations, blending functionality with symbolic depth.

Image and Society at Reichenau c. 1000

Monastic Island of Reichenau — 2025 — WHE78C15D342D

A study of the paintings at Sankt Georg, Oberzell, on the UNESCO-listed Monastic Island of Reichenau reveals that the Liuthar Group of painters, active around 1000 AD, crafted iconography with dual ecclesiological and redemptive intentions. These works were designed to support a model of society favorable to clerics and monks, mirroring ambitions seen in contemporary abbeys like Cluny and Fleury during the Capetian kingdom. The research employs close observation of narrative ruptures and iconographic singularities to decipher the painters' programmatic intentions, offering new insights into the interplay between visual art and societal structures in early medieval Europe.

Impact Analysis of UNESCO Recognition of Sangiran Site: Between Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2025 — WHEA42EB6DE43

UNESCO recognition of the Sangiran Early Man Site in Central Java has spurred economic growth through tourism, yet it has also introduced significant challenges. While the designation has boosted local incomes, benefits are unevenly distributed, favoring communities near the museum cluster. Additionally, cultural practices risk being simplified for tourist consumption, threatening intangible heritage. The study reveals that governance remains top-down, marginalizing local voices in decision-making. It concludes that UNESCO status presents both opportunities and risks, necessitating inclusive policies to balance economic gains with cultural integrity. Key recommendations include enhancing community participation, equitable benefit-sharing, and safeguarding intangible heritage.

Impact de la variabilité climatique sur les oiseaux (Pélican blanc, Flamant rose et Dendrocygne veuf) dans le Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary — 2025 — WHEEEFDA67B15

A study on the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary reveals that climate variability, including rising temperatures and rainfall, has had minimal impact on waterbird populations such as the Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican, and White-faced Whistling Duck. Despite a slight increase in temperature (0.62°C) and rainfall (6.82 mm) from 1989 to 2020, these birds have shown significant annual population growth, with the White-faced Whistling Duck increasing by 4.6% annually. The research used the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Mann-Kendall test, and TRIM method to analyze climate data. Notably, the Greater Flamingo remains the most vulnerable species to climate change due to its sensitivity to prolonged drought and humidity. The study suggests that these birds' homeothermic abilities and the sanctuary's hydraulic system mitigate the effects of climate variability.

Impact of biodeterioration on the durability of the historical bridge of Mehmed Pasha Sokolović in Višegrad

Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad — 2025 — WHE6FA98176D2

Biodeterioration significantly impacts the durability of the Mehmed Pasha Sokolović Bridge, threatening its structural integrity and longevity. The study reveals that biological agents such as algae, mosses, lichens, and fungi, combined with environmental factors like seismicity, moisture, air pollution, and hydroelectric power plant effects, accelerate deterioration in stone joints, materials, and concrete components. To address this, the research developed a decision-making platform for improved maintenance and monitoring, leveraging new technologies to extend the bridge's service life. This approach aims to inform future conservation strategies and secure funding through business planning. The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to safeguard this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Impact of COVID-19 on visitor attitude and management strategies at Komodo National Park: Insights for enhancing park adaptive experience

Komodo National Park — 2025 — WHED842B55397

A significant finding from the study is that both perceived behavioral control and adaptive experiences are crucial factors influencing visitors' intentions to revisit Komodo National Park, a critical forest ecosystem. The research used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze how COVID-19-induced changes affected visitor behavior and park management strategies. Key insights include the strong relationship between visitor attitudes and adaptive experiences, as well as social norms and adaptive experiences, while perceived behavioral control did not significantly impact social norms or adaptive experiences. These results highlight the need for adaptive management strategies that prioritize safety, engagement, and education to foster sustainable tourism and conservation in the park's forested areas.

Impact of diverse genres of sacred music on the Revitalising Soundscape of Mission Concepcion Church in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio Missions — 2025 — WHED78AC875D7

A study on Mission Concepción Church, part of the UNESCO-listed San Antonio Missions, reveals that different genres of sacred music significantly impact auditory perceptions such as loudness, sharpness, tonality, clarity, and intimacy. The saxophone rendition was perceived as the 'loudest,' 'clearest,' 'most tonal,' and 'most intimate' at the President’s Window, while solo-voice renditions evoked a sense of 'stillness' at the Nave (p = 0.07). These findings suggest that specific musical genres can enhance the sensory experience in historic worship spaces, contributing to efforts to revitalize the soundscape for tourists seeking a sacred experience.

Impact of Environmental Factors on Energy Balance and Ice Growth in Winter Recreational Waterways: A Study of the Rideau Canal Skateway

Rideau Canal — 2025 — WHEF44B9513A3

Climate change is significantly impacting the Rideau Canal Skateway (RCS), an outdoor skating rink, by altering ice growth dynamics. Research using energy balance models and field data reveals that snow cover acts as an insulator, hindering ice formation unless managed through timely interventions like surface clearing or flooding. The study highlights the critical role of strategic actions in response to temperature fluctuations, snowfall, and rainfall events, offering practical insights for extending the skating season. By simulating ice thickness changes using a coupled heat transfer model, the research underscores the multifaceted nature of ice growth and provides actionable strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on recreational winter waterways.

Impact of food availability and predator presence on patterns of landscape partitioning among neighbouring Guinea baboon (Papio papio) parties

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2025 — WHEB87F388AF9

A study on Guinea baboons (Papio papio) in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, reveals minimal feeding competition among neighboring parties despite substantial home range overlap. Analysis of four years of GPS collar data showed that food availability and predator presence did not significantly affect the distance between parties, which often remained under 100 meters apart. This suggests a low level of aggressive landscape partitioning in this population, though whether this is unique to Niokolo-Koba or characteristic of Guinea baboons more broadly remains unclear.

Impact of Forest Ecological Compensation Policy on Farmers’ Livelihood: A Case Study of Wuyi Mountain National Park

Mount Wuyi — 2025 — WHE5957479C3C

Forest ecological compensation policies (FECPs) significantly influence farmers' livelihood strategies, with differentiated impacts depending on policy type. A study of Wuyi Mountain National Park found that 'blood-transfusion' policies reduce transition pressure through direct cash transfers, while 'blood-making' policies empower farmers by investing in physical and social capital. Among 239 farming households, livelihood strategies were distributed as pure agricultural (31.8%), out-migration for work (20.5%), and commercial operation (47.7%). The research used the mprobit model and moderating effect models to analyze how different dimensions of livelihood capital affect these choices. It proposes targeted policy recommendations, including dynamic compensation systems, innovative fund allocation mechanisms, and robust monitoring frameworks.

Impact of Microbiological Activity and Moisture on the Surface pH of Rock Art Sites: Cueva del Ratón, Baja California Sur, Mexico and Other Sites

Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco — 2025 — WHEBEC8EEFB95

Research at Cueva del Ratón, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico's Sierra de San Francisco, reveals that nitrate and sulfate concentrations significantly influence the surface pH of rock art, driven by moisture diffusion and microbiological activity. Atypical weather events, including rain and mist—uncommon in this arid region—triggered the formation of silica skins on some surfaces, a rare phenomenon in such environments. The study found that water availability, particularly through drip lines, enhances microbial metabolism (yeasts, molds, bacteria), leading to surface acidification that interacts with both the host rock and pigments. This process is exacerbated by climate change-induced weather shifts, such as increased hurricanes in Baja California. A novel, budget-friendly method using disposable test strips was employed to assess anion impacts on decay mechanisms, providing semi-quantitative insights into preservation challenges.

Impact of open visits on the indoor climate of Mogao Caves

Mogao Caves — 2025 — WHEFD3D53B981

Wavelet analysis reveals that tourist activity significantly alters the indoor climate of Mogao Caves, with temperature and humidity fluctuations more pronounced during open visitation periods compared to the COVID-19 lockdown. The study quantifies how external climate conditions and tourist influx contribute differently to these changes, offering critical insights for managing cave access to protect delicate murals and statues.

Impact of paleo-rainfall events in the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) and human pressures since ~ 1950 in southeastern Brazil: Paraty and Saco de Mamanguá

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2025 — WHED8E083362B

A significant decline in rainfall and a sharp increase in sediment accumulation since the 1980s, driven by urbanization, deforestation, agriculture, and dredging, have been identified in Paraty and Saco de Mamanguá, southeastern Brazil. The study, using radiometric dating (210Pb and 137Cs) and geochemical analysis of sediment cores from Ilha Grande Bay, reveals that while moisture levels were higher before ~2000, human activities have since exacerbated environmental degradation, including silting, eutrophication, and pollution by toxic elements like Cu, Pb, Sn, Zn, and As. Additionally, the research highlights the impact of extreme rainfall events linked to the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ), which has intensified landslides in slope zones, particularly since ~1970. These findings underscore the dual threat of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on coastal ecosystems, necessitating further investigation into mega-rainfall events in densely populated areas.

Impact of the Community-Based Conservation Approach on the Conflict Management around the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Nature Reserve

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2025 — WHE9C93343E46

Community-based conservation strategies significantly reduce conflicts around Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) and Itombwe Nature Reserve (INR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a recent study. The research identifies five key conflict types—land use disputes, resource extraction, poaching, agricultural expansion, and livestock grazing—and demonstrates that community involvement, fair compensation, and contractual agreements effectively mitigate these issues. Socio-economic surveys conducted across twelve bordering villages revealed local populations' perceptions of both the benefits and challenges posed by conservation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of collaborative approaches in balancing ecological protection with livelihood needs, offering actionable strategies for sustainable conflict resolution in protected areas.

Impacts of Flooding Disaster Risk Management Policy for Resilience Building in Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Community: The Case of Dassenech, Southern Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2025 — WHE7A3B1BE883

A new study reveals that the current disaster risk management policy framework in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley fails to adequately address the recurring flooding challenges faced by pastoral and agro-pastoral Dassenech communities. The research, employing an interpretativist epistemological approach, highlights significant gaps in infrastructural, institutional, social, and economic measures that hinder effective resilience building. This oversight not only undermines disaster risk management but also threatens sustainable socio-economic development in the region. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy adjustments to better integrate the specific concerns of these communities, ensuring more robust and adaptive strategies against flooding disasters.

Impacts of land use change on ecosystem service degradation within a traditional circular agroecosystem: a case study of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2025 — WHE00B469694D

Land use changes between 1990 and 2020 have significantly degraded ecosystem services within the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. The study found that paddy rice areas shrank by 36.35 km² (24.83%), primarily converting to forest and cropland, which led to a decline in habitat quality despite a 16.61% increase in carbon storage. Soil retention and water yield services also decreased by 14.43% and 11.74%, respectively. Areas with high sensitivity to habitat degradation (32.71%) and geological hazards (38.82%) expanded, posing risks to the terrace system's resilience. Conversely, soil erosion-sensitive areas declined by 48.84%. The research used land use change mapping and ecosystem service evaluation models to assess these impacts, proposing pathways for optimizing and conserving traditional agroecosystem functions.

Impacts of post-Soviet land-use transformation on sediment dynamics in the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2025 — WHEAC4DC02B7C

Post-Soviet land-use transformations in the Western Caucasus significantly altered sediment dynamics, marked by a sharp increase in erosion rates from 1975 to 2005 followed by a decline. The study, focusing on the Krasnodar Reservoir—a key artificial reservoir in the region—revealed that these changes were primarily driven by land-use shifts, particularly in arable and pastoral lands, rather than precipitation patterns. Using repeated bathymetric surveys and gauging station measurements, researchers also demonstrated the effectiveness of Top-Kriging modeling to predict sediment yield in ungauged basins with high accuracy (NSE = 0.63). This approach offers a robust method for semi-regional-scale predictions, providing critical insights into the long-term impacts of political and economic transitions on hydrological systems.