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Preservation and preemption in Japan’s Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Area

Shirakami-Sanchi — 2015 — WHEE92577A82C

Japan's Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Area demonstrates how ecological preservation can be achieved through expanded civic engagement, though at the cost of marginalizing traditional forest users. This study highlights a successful case where the construction of a forest road in the 1980s threatened the ancient beech forest's integrity, leading to enhanced governmental commitment to conservation and public involvement. The research combines literature reviews, interviews with key stakeholders, and field observations to explore the balance between ecosystem protection, civic participation, cultural heritage, and administrative efficiency. Findings underscore the challenges of inclusive protected-area management, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in park management.

Preserving the cultural identity of a World Heritage Site: the impact of Chichen Itza’s souvenir vendors

Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza — 2015 — WHEB7B35F0265

Excessive and often intrusive souvenir vending at Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS), undermines both visitor experience and the site's cultural authenticity. A study combining participant observation, photography, and social media analysis revealed that Maya-descent vendors' retail activities—perceived as economically driven rather than culturally rooted—negatively impact the site's socio-cultural sustainability. While the findings suggest a need for stakeholder reforms to balance economic benefits with heritage preservation, they also highlight broader challenges in managing WHSs where commercialization and political influence risk long-term sustainability. Recommendations include stricter government oversight, re-evaluation of socio-economic benefits, and efforts to reconcile cultural identity with contemporary Mexican society.

Pressurization and depressurization phases inside the plumbing system of Mount Etna volcano: Evidence from a multiparametric approach

Mount Etna — 2015 — WHE66C1CA8D0C

A sudden explosion at Mount Etna's Bocca Nuova crater on September 5, 2013, triggered an instantaneous depressurization of the volcano's plumbing system, halting a gradual pressurization phase observed between April and September. This shift was detected through multiparametric monitoring, including long-period (LP) events, volcanic tremor, geodetic inflation-deflation data, and CO2 flux measurements. The explosion also activated a new infrasonic source at Bocca Nuova, while the New Southeast Crater resumed activity, leading to a second lava fountain cycle. Pressure source depths were estimated at 3–9 km below sea level using geodetic and CO2 data, providing insights into the volcano's dynamic subsurface processes.

Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium Infection among School-Age Children in Afar Area, Northeastern Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Awash — 2015 — WHE9905494E17

A high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection, reaching 20.8%, was identified among school-age children in the Middle and Lower Awash Valley, Ethiopia. The study, conducted between February and May 2014, analyzed urine samples from 885 children (ages 5-16) across seven villages using urine filtration to detect eggs and urine dipsticks for hematuria. Infection intensity varied significantly by village, with the Middle Awash Valley showing higher prevalence (up to 37%) and egg counts compared to the Lower Awash Valley. Hematuria was prevalent in 56.3% of tested children, further indicating morbidity risks. Age and sex were not associated with infection risk. The findings underscore the need for targeted praziquantel treatment in affected villages to reduce morbidity and transmission.

Prey content in a Saurichthys reveals the presence of advanced halecomorph fishes in the Middle Triassic of Monte San Giorgio

Monte San Giorgio — 2015 — WHE66D67832E0

A detailed examination of a Saurichthys curionii specimen from the Cassina beds (early Ladinian) at Monte San Giorgio reveals the presence of advanced halecomorph fishes in the Middle Triassic period. The stomach content, analyzed using UV investigation, included a smaller Saurichthys and at least four other fish species characterized by reduced or absent scale coverage and thin, ring-like vertebral centra surrounding a persistent notochord. These findings significantly expand our understanding of the fossil ichthyofauna in Monte San Giorgio, indicating the presence of new species with advanced morphological traits.

Prey selection by Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2015 — WHE824A7B7174

A study on the prey selection of Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, revealed that tigers preferentially target Sambar and Chital, despite these species being less abundant than others like Hog Deer, Wild Boar, and Muntjac. Analyzing 77 tiger scats collected between January and March 2010, researchers compared the observed prey composition with expected proportions based on herbivore density data. The findings indicated that Sambar constituted the largest bulk (43.75%) of the diet by weight, while Chital accounted for the most frequently killed prey (50.36%). This suggests a preference for larger, medium-sized prey, which are crucial for tiger conservation in the park. The study highlights the importance of both large and medium-sized herbivores in sustaining tiger populations within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Prices from the Durham Obedientiary Account Rolls, 1278–1367

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2015 — WHEF94CC580B8

Durham Cathedral's obedientiary account rolls, spanning 1278–1367, reveal the economic dynamics of medieval northern England, offering a rare glimpse into the aristocratic consumption patterns of one of the largest households beyond York. The study highlights how the priory balanced self-sufficiency with market dependence, purchasing goods ranging from food and drink to textiles, building materials, and draught animals—many sourced commercially despite its extensive estates. While wool and hides sales are notable, most records reflect monastic household expenditures, including high-value items like liveries and specialized fabrics. This research underscores the priory's sophisticated economic interactions, contrasting regional resilience with broader medieval trade networks.

Primate archaeology reveals cultural transmission in wild chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes verus )

Taï National Park — 2015 — WHE403A467B85

Research at Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, reveals that wild chimpanzees exhibit cultural transmission of tool-use behaviors, even when females migrate between communities. Despite ecological similarities and personal proficiency, immigrant females abandoned their native nut-cracking tool preferences upon joining new groups, adopting the dominant local style. This persistence of cultural diversity, maintained despite frequent female transfers, suggests strong conformist tendencies in chimpanzees. The study employed archaeological methods to reconstruct past tool-use patterns, combining recovered artifacts with direct observations to track behavioral changes over time.

Prince and despot Stefan Lazarevic and monastery of Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos

Mount Athos — 2015 — WHE3D0BFEB7CF

A notable historical and economic insight emerges from the study of Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos, revealing its significant role as a beneficiary of Serbian rulers' patronage. The research demonstrates that the monastery's properties were acquired through charters issued by the Lazarevic dynasty between 1394/1395 and 1427, reflecting the piety and tradition of the royal family while also responding to geopolitical pressures, particularly from Ottoman threats. These charters granted villages and revenue sources such as transit customs, illustrating a strategic blend of religious devotion and practical governance. The study highlights how these estates were conditionally privileged or revoked based on the security situation, underscoring the interplay between monastic wealth accumulation and political necessity during this period.

Priority threat management of non‐native plants to maintain ecosystem integrity across heterogeneous landscapes

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2015 — WHE5EAB0842A7

A prioritization framework for managing invasive non-native plants, developed using expert knowledge and cost-effectiveness analysis, identifies the most efficient strategies to reduce their dominance across the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB), including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The study estimates that implementing 12 control strategies could reduce non-native plant dominance by 32% over 50 years at an annual cost of AU$34 million, with three species—Parkinsonia aculeata, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Prosopis spp.—offering 20% of the benefits for just 0.01% of the total cost. The framework provides a model for financially efficient investment in invasive plant management, addressing knowledge gaps such as data reliability and regional collaboration.

Príspevok k budovaniu opevnení po mongolskom vpáde na Spiši

Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments — 2015 — WHEA37069C59E

New archaeological research on Spiš, Slovakia, reveals that fortifications at Spišský Hrad, previously attributed to the Jiskra family of the 15th century, were actually constructed around mid-13th century in response to the Mongol invasion of 1241. This challenges prior historical interpretations and provides insights into the systematic fortification strategies implemented by the Árpád dynasty across Hungary during the late 13th to early 14th centuries. The study utilizes modern conservation research methods, archival analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration to examine fortifications at Spišský Hrad, Spišská Kapitula, and Levoča, including unique structures like towers, defensive walls, and a possible refuge in the lower courtyard. These findings offer a clearer understanding of the fortified church settlement of Spišská Kapitula and the fortified town of Levoča, home to the Spiš SAS Community.

Procedural modeling for ancient Maya cityscapes initial methodological challenges and solutions

Maya Site of Copan — 2015 — WHE1047ECCC0A

Procedural modeling emerges as a promising, low-cost approach for reconstructing ancient Maya cityscapes, offering rapid prototyping and adaptability to test hypotheses linked to archaeological data. Unlike traditional 3D modeling, which is labor-intensive and expensive, procedural modeling leverages rules-based generation to streamline the integration of diverse datasets. While this method has been applied to other ancient civilizations like Rome and Greece, its use in Maya city reconstructions remains novel. Using Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Honduras, as a case study, researchers highlight initial methodological challenges—such as balancing data accuracy with computational efficiency—and propose solutions to overcome them. This approach could revolutionize digital archaeology by enabling dynamic, hypothesis-driven reconstructions that evolve with new findings.

Producing Image Map of Thebes Necropolis Cultural Heritage Site: The Mortuary Temple of King Ramses III at Habo Luxor, Egypt

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2015 — WHEABF59335B8

A high-accuracy image map of the Mortuary Temple of King Ramses III at Habo, Luxor, Egypt, was produced using remote sensing techniques, revealing that its main axis is oriented with a precision of ± 0°59'7"—a finding validated against traditional GPS measurements. The study demonstrated that QuickBird satellite imagery, corrected with a second-order polynomial function and ground control points, achieves mapping accuracy suitable for large-scale applications (1:10,000). This methodology provides a robust tool for assessing the astronomical alignment of ancient Egyptian structures while advancing the protection and documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites through modern remote sensing.

Profiling unauthorized natural resource users for better targeting of conservation interventions

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2015 — WHEA15DB76ADA

Unauthorized natural resource use persists in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, despite over 25 years of integrated conservation and development (ICD) projects. Research reveals that unauthorized activity is most prevalent among the poorest households living closest to the park boundary and farthest from roads and trading centers. Key motivations include crop raiding by wild animals, inequity in revenue sharing, and lack of employment, which fuel resentment among vulnerable communities. While ICD benefits were found to be significant deterrents against unauthorized use, law enforcement remained the top-ranking factor. The study employed household surveys, indirect questioning techniques (unmatched count technique), and focus group discussions to profile users and explore motivations, providing actionable insights for conservation interventions. To mitigate unauthorized activity, the authors recommend targeting ICD benefits to the poorest populations in remote areas near park boundaries, ensuring transparent and equitable management while addressing crop raiding and providing affordable alternatives.

Projection technique for creating 3D computer generated assets of Borobudur Temple virtual reality

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2015 — WHED565293FCA

A novel projection technique for generating detailed 3D computer graphic (3DCG) assets with reduced polygon complexity has been developed to create an immersive virtual reality experience of Borobudur Temple. This approach addresses the challenges posed by the temple's structural degradation and facilitates the preservation of its Buddhist cultural and architectural heritage. By leveraging 3DCG projection, researchers have enabled society to explore Borobudur virtually through computers or devices, offering an authentic experience that mitigates the risks of physical deterioration. The method balances fidelity with computational efficiency, ensuring high-quality visualization while minimizing resource demands.

Promoting corporate social responsibility and sustainability: a model of integrity

New Lanark — 2015 — WHEC2A53A92F4

A model of integrity is proposed to assess corporate responsiveness to sustainability pressures, challenging the dominant Shareholder Value Maximization doctrine. The study applies this model to Robert Owen's 19th-century New Lanark mills, comparing his deeds against promises to evaluate his commitment to social responsibility and ecological conservation. Findings highlight 'workability' as a key factor for business performance, contingent on corporate integrity. This approach offers a practical framework to uncover attempts by businesses to prioritize shareholder value over sustainability, emphasizing the need for corporate activities to reintegrate with social and ecological contexts.

Promoting the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area: environmental presentation within tourist brochures

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2015 — WHEE8595D7154

Tourism brochures from the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area reveal significant gaps in promoting environmental and conservation values, with limited use of 'World Heritage' branding and minimal representation of non-modified eucalyptus environments. The study analyzed materials from Visitor Information Centres (VICs) to assess their effectiveness in raising awareness about the region's ecological significance. Findings indicate inconsistent promotional efforts across VICs, hindering both brand recognition and environmental consciousness. This suggests that 'green' advertising in this context has not yet reached its full potential, despite the area's UNESCO designation.

Promotion Of Indigenous Knowledge In Water Demand Management For The Historical Old Sana'A City'S Gardens (Maqashim)

Old City of Sana'a — 2015 — WHEB45913906B

A multidisciplinary research initiative has successfully demonstrated the viability of reviving traditional gardens, known as Maqashim, in Sana'a's Old City using greywater from surrounding houses and repaving streets to redirect stormwater. The study, conducted by the Water and Environment Centre (WEC) with support from WaDImena and IDRC, identified 45 Maqashim and selected one for a pilot greywater system, achieving four key outcomes: the development of a greywater treatment system, the re-paving of streets using traditional methods, the documentation and application of economic traditional crops, and the formation of an association to maintain these gardens. The research highlights the potential for integrating indigenous knowledge with modern water management practices to address groundwater depletion and revive sustainable agricultural practices in historically significant urban areas.

Proofs of Long-Distance Relations between Central Europe and Inland Iberian Peninsula during Neolithic and Bronze Age. Evidences from the Material Culture of the Site of El Portalón (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain)

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2015 — WHECBB5EEF461

Archaeological evidence from El Portalón, a key entrance to the Cueva Mayor-Cueva del Silo system in Spain's Sierra de Atapuerca, reveals sustained long-distance cultural exchanges between Central Europe and the Iberian Peninsula during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Analysis of bone, antler artifacts, and Boquique pottery indicates not only local production but also significant interaction with Mediterranean regions, suggesting a continuous symbiotic relationship across multiple cultural periods. This challenges the notion that such exchanges were sporadic, underscoring their enduring importance in shaping regional material culture.

Proportional Analysis of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral — 2015 — WHE631C82A3B0

Cologne Cathedral's proportional design was not arbitrary but deliberately crafted, reflecting systematic and symbolic qualities rooted in medieval aesthetic traditions. The study analyzed the cathedral's plan and section using geometric principles and figurate numbers common during the medieval period. By interpreting these elements through a lens of medieval symbolism and geometry, researchers uncovered a structured approach to its architectural proportions. This analysis reveals that the cathedral's design was carefully considered for both functional and symbolic purposes, aligning with the broader medieval understanding of geometry and number.