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Publications

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Diversity patterns of the terrestrial snail fauna of Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda), a Pleistocene refugium in the heart of Africa

Nyungwe National Park — 2015 — WHEC44983438F

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, harbors the highest terrestrial snail species richness recorded in Africa, with 102 species identified across 50 plots. This diversity is significantly linked to its status as a Pleistocene refugium and its location on the Congo–Nile divide, where species from different geographical origins converge. The study reveals high beta diversity due to rapid species turnover between sites, influenced by altitude and microhabitats like bare rocks. Species richness decreases with elevation, and while occurrences are significantly clustered, most species respond individualistically to environmental variables, with nestedness primarily correlated with altitude.

Do visitors attract or repel vertebrates in an urban park in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest?

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2015 — WHEDB500C7432

High visitor presence and infrastructure significantly increase vertebrate foraging activity in urban parks, suggesting that ecotourism can negatively impact wildlife. The study, conducted in the Tijuca National Park—a protected area within Rio de Janeiro’s metropolitan region—used baited traps to measure vertebrate consumption at varying distances from roads with and without visitor facilities (e.g., parking lots, barbecue pits). Results showed that areas with constant human activity experienced higher bait removal rates, particularly near structures like playgrounds. These findings highlight the need for park managers to mitigate tourism-related disturbances to protect wildlife in urban conservation areas.

Documentación 3D de abrigos rupestres a partir de láser escáner y de procesos fotogramétricos automatizados

Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula — 2015 — WHE7AF9FBFE33

A groundbreaking geomatic approach combining laser scanning and automated photogrammetry has revolutionized the metric documentation of archaeological rock art. This method, applied to Coves de la Saltadoraenables high-precision archiving, visualization, analysis, management, and monitoring of cultural heritage. The workflow, from data acquisition to final outputs like 3D models, photorealistic models, and orthophoto mosaics, sets a new standard for preserving and studying such sites with unprecedented detail.

Documentation and Cultural Heritage Inventories - Case of the Historic City of Ahmadabad

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2015 — WHE2B5A9C45DE

Ahmadabad, India's historic city, showcases exceptional architectural and urban heritage, including monumental structures, traditional housing, settlement patterns, crafts, and mercantile culture. A comprehensive Heritage Inventory was developed between 2011 and 2014 to illustrate its Outstanding Universal Values, using a combination of archival research, field surveys, mapping, and advanced digital databases with GIS. The process faced challenges such as adapting methodologies to field conditions, managing evolving scope, and correlating diverse data formats. While the inventory met its primary goal, its full potential for protection and management will be realized upon integration into statutory lists and urban development plans.

Documentation of some Cultural Heritage Emergencies in Syria In August 2010 by Spherical Photrammetry

Ancient City of Damascus — 2015 — WHED05D8AD775

A rapid documentation method using spherical photogrammetry successfully captured the state of Syrian cultural heritage sites, including UNESCO World Heritage properties, during a pre-war touristic trip in 2010. Despite non-standardized photographic techniques—such as hand-held shots without tripods or adherence to CIPA rules—the approach yielded usable restitutions for reconstruction purposes, particularly valuable given the subsequent destruction caused by conflict. The study highlights the potential of opportunistic documentation when formal survey methods are unavailable, offering a practical tool for heritage preservation in emergency situations.

Documentation, using GIS techniques in conservation of a World Heritage Site, a case study of "The Old City of Jerusalem"

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2015 — WHE4D94412061

A comprehensive GIS-based documentation initiative has successfully preserved the architectural heritage of Jerusalem's Old City despite political challenges and urban pressures. Over two decades, the Old City of Jerusalem Revitalization Program (OCJRP) created a dynamic database through systematic research, surveys, and technical projects, applying international conservation standards to protect historic structures, residential neighborhoods, and religious sites central to three monotheistic traditions. This case study highlights GIS techniques as a critical tool for heritage conservation, offering a scalable model for safeguarding living cultural landscapes under complex socio-political conditions.

Documenting the light sensitivity of Spanish Levantine rock art paintings

Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula — 2015 — WHECD01B8D389

Microfading spectrometry (MFS) proves effective for assessing the light sensitivity of prehistoric rock art pigments, offering valuable insights into their photostability. A study at Cova Remígia, a UNESCO-listed Levantine rock art site in Spain, measured reflectance curves and evaluated pigment response to natural daylight exposure. Preliminary findings suggest MFS is a promising technique for studying the degradation risks posed by environmental factors such as sunlight, wind, and rain—key concerns for preserving these culturally significant paintings. While advantages and limitations of the method are discussed, this approach provides a scientific basis for monitoring and protecting vulnerable rock art systems in Mediterranean Basin sites.

Does Money Fly? The Economic Value of Migratory Birdwatching in Xochimilco, Mexico

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2015 — WHE47839DD281

Urban wetlands like Xochimilco, Mexico, provide critical rest and sustenance for migratory birds from North America. A study quantifies the economic value of birdwatching in preserving these ecosystems, revealing that national birdwatchers are willing to pay approximately US $79 per year, while international watchers contribute around US $296 annually. These figures translate to an economic value of migratory bird services ranging between US $2836 and US $3999 per hectare. This valuation offers decision-makers a tangible metric for assessing policies or projects that may impact these vital habitats.

Does scientific forest management promote plant species diversity and regeneration in Sal (Shorea robusta) forest? A case study from Lumbini collaborative forest, Rupandehi, Nepal

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2015 — WHE8EC6B549FB

Scientific forest management, specifically the Irregular Shelterwood System, significantly increases Sal (Shorea robusta) regeneration while reducing plant species diversity and evenness in Lumbini's collaborative forests. The study, conducted over managed and unmanaged blocks, found higher seedling density of S. robusta in managed areas but noted a decline in overall biodiversity metrics, such as richness and dominance indices, compared to unmanaged stands. These findings suggest that while this management approach may enhance the regeneration of the dominant species, it could negatively impact ecological diversity. The research recommends continued implementation for degraded Sal forests but calls for further long-term studies to assess its broader ecological impacts.

Domestic Policy Focus Highly Important For Protecting Primary Forests

Pimachiowin Aki — 2015 — WHEC1CF39F23A

A critical focus on domestic policy is more effective for protecting primary forests, particularly in developed countries that hold significant portions of these ecosystems. Canada's Boreal Forest region, encompassing 25% of the world's remaining primary forest and storing vast carbon reserves, exemplifies this approach. Over the past 15 years, Canada has established over 870,000 km² of new protected areas, with indigenous governments leading innovative land-use planning efforts, such as protecting 30,000 km² within Pimachiowin Aki. Similarly, Australia's indigenous ranger programs have expanded Indigenous Protected Areas from 568 km² in 1998 to 500,347 km² by 2014. While international agreements play a role, domestic policies—particularly those involving provincial and indigenous governments—are driving substantial on-the-ground conservation outcomes.

Domestic waste disposal planning for the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal

The Grand Canal — 2015 — WHE23F0BDAB1D

A strategic domestic waste disposal plan for the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal demonstrates how landsenses ecology principles can enhance environmental sustainability while improving human sensory experiences. The study proposes optimized collection, transportation, and disposal systems to reduce waste, promote treatment and utilization, and strengthen regional ecological security. By integrating ecological design with waste management, the approach offers a model for sustainable development in heritage sites, balancing preservation with modern urbanization challenges.

Dominance of a Natural Water Source by Feral Horses

Mesa Verde National Park — 2015 — WHEF6BDF4D8EC

Feral horses dominate access to natural water sources over native elk during the driest months of the year, significantly limiting the latter's ability to acquire water. This dominance was documented through a motion-triggered camera study at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, which recorded interactions between elk and feral horses at an isolated water source from April to September 2012. The camera captured 51 instances of interspecific interactions, with elk being denied access to water in 82% of these cases, particularly during May and June when water scarcity is highest. This study highlights the competitive dynamics between invasive species (feral horses) and native wildlife, shedding light on potential ecological impacts in protected areas.

Drinking Water Quality of Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley — 2015 — WHE8CA575060A

A significant portion of drinking water sources in the Kathmandu Valley, including dug wells, deep borings, treated water, tap water, and other sources, exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) standards for key parameters. The study found that turbidity, iron, ammonia, and conductivity were common problematic factors across various water sources. Notably, 86% of groundwater samples (wells and borings) exceeded WHO standards for total Coliform bacteria, while 36% of treated water and 80% of tap water samples were contaminated with Coliform bacteria. Additionally, parameters such as pH, chloride, arsenic, and hardness frequently surpassed safe limits, particularly in untreated sources. The research analyzed 969 water samples collected from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts between March 2012 and March 2013, assessing physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters to assess compliance with WHO guidelines.

Drug Addicts' Behavior and the Built Environment of the Old City of Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2015 — WHE6012009FA2

The built environment of the Old City of Jerusalem, characterized by its ancient walls, narrow alleyways, and isolated areas, plays a significant role in facilitating drug abuse while also providing protection against arrest or robbery for addicts. This study reveals that the city's distinct features—such as deteriorating houses and dark enclosures—serve as affordances that enable addicts to engage in drug use with reduced risk of detection. The findings align with Gibson's ecological psychology, suggesting that preserving these elements could make them less attractive for illicit activities while enhancing their utility for broader community well-being.

Du mythe à la rencontre en territoire Pueblo et Navajo : autour des patrimoines mondiaux de Chaco culture, Mesa Verde et Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo — 2015 — WHE7DE8B64E20

This thesis reveals how UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chaco Culture, Mesa Verde, and Taos Pueblo, serve as living cultural links for Pueblo and Navajo tribes, blending federal recognition with indigenous heritage. It highlights the shift in patrimonialization processes from a predominantly Euro-American framework to one that integrates tribal perspectives, particularly through the National Park Service's collaboration with Native communities. The study demonstrates how these sites, governed by NAGPRA laws, have become tools for cultural legitimacy and identity, while also examining the impact of tourism on indigenous narratives. By analyzing educational programs and visitor perceptions, the research underscores the complex interplay between heritage preservation, political agency, and cultural representation in modern conservation efforts.

Durability Features of the Vimy Memorial Bridge

Rideau Canal — 2015 — WHE068436D0A8

The Vimy Memorial Bridge, a steel tubular triple arch structure spanning the Rideau River in Ottawa, Canada, exemplifies innovative engineering with its 125-meter main span that surpassed design requirements. This bridge, part of the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal System, incorporates advanced durability features to ensure a 100-year lifespan while minimizing maintenance needs at this nationally significant site. The research highlights how strategic design choices, such as corrosion-resistant materials and structural configurations, contribute to long-term sustainability in heritage contexts.

Durham Cathedral Priory 1083–1539

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2015 — WHEE2B8BDA055

Durham Cathedral, founded in 1093 and one of Western Europe's great Romanesque structures, stands as a monumental testament to medieval architecture, surpassing even the scale of Old St Peter's in Rome with its original length of 123 meters. This study reveals that the cathedral priory not only served as an architectural marvel but also left behind a rich administrative archive of over 4,500 financial and accounting records, providing unprecedented insight into medieval institutional management. The research examines the priory's origins, key events, and resource administration practices, highlighting its role in preserving St Cuthbert's mortal remains and functioning as a center of faith-driven monumental construction. Additionally, it identifies threats to the priory's resources during its 460-year existence, offering a comprehensive view of its significance in both architectural and administrative history.

Dustfall Associated with Dust Storms in the Al-Ahsa Oasis of Saudi Arabia

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2015 — WHE6D8CF58AB0

A severe dust storm in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, in March 2014 resulted in extreme dust deposition, with average concentrations of total suspended particles (TSP) reaching 6772 μg/m³ during a peak 10-hour period. Visibility dropped to as low as 200 meters, accompanied by wind speeds of up to 17.5 m/s from the north. The study quantified dustfall at 12.84 g/(m²·d), with dust samples comprising nearly equal parts insoluble (48.5%) and soluble (51.5%) components. Microscopic analysis revealed particles of varied sizes, colors, and composition, including fibers and vegetative debris. This research highlights the significant impact of dust storms on agricultural and industrial infrastructures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing critical data for understanding dustfall dynamics.

Dynamic Competition and Cooperation of Road Infrastructure Investment of Multiple Tourism Destinations: A Case Study of Xidi and Hongcun World Cultural Heritage

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun — 2015 — WHE908D8510B8

Competition for road infrastructure investment between multiple tourism destinations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Xidi and Hongcun villages in southern Anhui, can lead to a win-win scenario. This study reveals that positive externalities from transport infrastructure encourage cooperation among competing destinations, fostering mutual benefits and even prompting their convergence into a larger unified destination. The research employs a system dynamics approach combined with a multinomial logit choice model to simulate dynamic market interactions and the evolution of competition. By analyzing tourists' destination choices based on accessibility and utility, the study demonstrates how strategic infrastructure investments can enhance tourism development collaboratively. Scenario analysis further informs potential strategies for sustainable tourism growth in such heritage sites.

Early Ladinian Radiolarian Fauna from the Monte San Giorgio (Southern Alps, Switzerland): Systematics, Biostratigraphy and Paleo(Bio)Geographic Implications

Monte San Giorgio — 2015 — WHE4EF612F12E

A pioneering study of radiolarian fauna from the UNESCO-listed Monte San Giorgio reveals a unique early Ladinian assemblage, characterized by low diversity and restricted circulation. The research identifies 73 species, including seven new ones, and introduces four novel genera, providing critical insights into the paleo(bio)geography of the Tethys. This first-ever description of radiolarians from Monte San Giorgio supplements knowledge of the uppermost Ladinocampe multiperforata Radiolarian Zone, confirming stability in radiolarian fauna across the Anisian/Ladinian boundary. The findings suggest open-marine connections between the Monte San Giorgio basin and broader Tethyan regions during early Ladinian times.