World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 221 – 240 of 15962 publications

Ceremonial Landscapes of Pasargadae

Pasargadae — 2026 — WHE2D9D3364AC

Pasargadae, under Cyrus the Great's rule, established a unique Persian aesthetic by integrating cultural and natural landscapes to create ceremonial settings for large gatherings. The site's monumental structures—Gate R, Audience Palace (S), Residential Palace (P), and Zendan tower—likely served ritualistic purposes, with Gate R possibly functioning as a royal stage and the palaces hosting banquets while symbolizing the king's presence. Cyrus' burial at Pasargadae transformed the city into a focal point for funerary rites, emphasizing its role in daily homage to the departed monarch. The study reconstructs these ceremonial functions through spatial analysis and historical context.

Change and Continuity in Indigenous Pediatric Care Practices (Elewe-Omo) in Osogbo, 1999-2025

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2026 — WHE471E6AD285

Indigenous pediatric care practices, specifically Elewe-Omo in Osogbo, Nigeria, have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and continuity despite significant societal changes. This study reveals that while foundational elements such as herbal treatment, ritual protection, and community trust remain central, Elewe-Omo has evolved to integrate new influences and maintain its relevance within a shifting healthcare landscape. The research, spanning 1999 to 2025, utilized oral accounts from practitioners, beneficiaries, and residents, alongside written records and published literature, to trace the institution's historical significance, disruptions during colonial rule, and adaptations post-independence. The findings underscore Elewe-Omo's enduring role as a vital form of pediatric care in Osogbo, blending traditional practices with modern influences.

Changes in fish composition and diversity in the Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lake Malawi National Park — 2026 — WHED363CF7F13

Fish abundance in Lake Malawi National Park (LMNP) has declined significantly by 47% between 2021 and 2025, while species richness and diversity remained stable. The study, conducted across Mumbo, Domwe, and Thumbi West Islands at depths of 3, 12, and 20 meters, found that fish assemblages varied significantly over time, sites, and depth gradients. Although the park serves as a critical conservation refuge for Lake Malawi's biodiversity—hosting 134 species, mostly cichlids—this decline warrants further investigation into potential drivers, such as anthropogenic pressures or encroachment. The findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard LMNP's ecological integrity.

Changes in the Diversity of Herbaceous Layer Under Typical Artificial Forests Along an Altitude Gradient in Mount Taishan

Mount Taishan — 2026 — WHEC49A525E47

Research on Mount Taishan reveals distinct patterns of herb layer diversity along elevation gradients, differing significantly between Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus acutissima forests. In R. pseudoacacia forests, higher richness and diversity indices are observed at low elevations, reflecting a 'low-elevation advantage' pattern, while Q. acutissima forests show increased diversity at high elevations. The study also identifies contrasting relationships between herb layer richness and biomass: negative in R. pseudoacacia forests, where competitive interactions dominate, and positive in Q. acutissima forests, characterized by complementary interactions. These findings underscore the pivotal role of tree species composition in regulating biodiversity-ecosystem function dynamics.

Chapter 10 Supplementary Essays: Multidisciplinary Empirical Evidence for the Continuity of East Asian Human Evolution

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian — 2026 — WHE1DF8670E29

A multidisciplinary analysis challenges the 'fossil gap' in East Asian human evolution, demonstrating that Late Pleistocene geological conditions and ecological stability in regions like Shandong highlands support continuous indigenous evolution. The study integrates geology, ecology, eco-developmental biology, and paleogenomics to refute assumptions about fossil absence equating to extinction or replacement. Geological data reveal deep burial depths reducing site discovery probabilities, while ecological mapping identifies Shandong as a stable refuge. Genetic evidence, including Denisovan introgression and EDAR V370A selection, aligns with archaeological findings, confirming indigenous genetic continuity. The research constructs a coherent framework that excludes demographic implications of the 'gap' and verifies long-term regional occupation.

Characteristics of 13th-Century Korean Consonants Reflected in Variant Spellings of Personal Names on the Woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana ― Focusing on the Development of Aspirated Consonants ―

Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks — 2026 — WHEC9B123E441

A groundbreaking analysis of the 13th-century Korean woodblocks at Haeinsa Temple’s Janggyeong Panjeon reveals key characteristics of Middle Korean consonants, particularly aspirated sounds. The study found that while aspirated consonants were most developed among fricatives and affricates, they lagged in non-aspirated counterparts, aligning with prior research but also uncovering traces of ancient phonetic patterns—such as the homophony between characters like '楊' (yang) and '良' (ryang). By examining variant spellings of personal names in the Tripitaka Koreana, researchers identified distinctions between alveolar and dental sounds, as well as the interchangeability of velar and palatal consonants. This work bridges ancient and medieval Korean phonology, offering new insights into linguistic evolution during a pivotal era.

Characterization of Boat Wakes in a Multi-Use Recreational Waterway

Rideau Canal — 2026 — WHE9B6F63CC9B

Wakesurf boats generate significantly higher maximum wave heights (Hmax) compared to other recreational boat types, with their median Hmax doubling that of others. Runabouts and cruisers contribute half of the total wake energy density in the Rideau Canal Waterway. The study also reveals that boating activity is substantially underestimated by lockage records alone, being seven times greater than indicated. This research introduces a typology of recreational boats to characterize their wake impacts, providing critical data for predictive models of shoreline and habitat effects. It underscores the need for targeted management strategies, particularly for wakesurfing in narrow channels where wave attenuation is limited.

Characterizing surface soil heavy metal contamination and source attribution in the Qinghai Lake Basin

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2026 — WHE18FB450424

A recent study reveals that surface soil heavy metal contamination in the Qinghai Lake Basin, including the UNESCO-listed Qinghai Hoh Xil region, is currently low and comparable to global crustal averages. However, localized pollution of barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and zirconium (Zr) suggests potential point-source impacts, particularly when contrasted with the nearby Hoh Xil Nature Reserve. Researchers analyzed 227 soil samples for twelve heavy metals using enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Nemero Index (PN), and APCS-MLR modeling, which identified natural factors and transportation as primary pollution sources while ruling out widespread contamination. The study underscores the need for long-term monitoring to mitigate emerging threats, such as co-pollution with microplastics in alpine ecosystems.

Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of selected mangrove species from the Sine Saloum Delta (Senegal) using UHPLC-MS/MS and molecular networking

Saloum Delta — 2026 — WHE0F292EC17E

A comprehensive analysis of mangrove species from the Saloum Delta in Senegal reveals significant antioxidant potential, particularly in Laguncularia racemosa and Conocarpus erectus, which exhibit higher phenolic content and stronger free radical scavenging activity compared to Avicennia germinans. Using UHPLC-MS/MS combined with molecular networking, researchers identified 153 metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, and terpenoids. On-line DPPH and ABTS assays pinpointed key antioxidants like ellagic acid and quercetin glycosides, underscoring the chemical richness of these mangroves. This study advances the understanding of West African mangrove biodiversity and highlights their potential as sources of bioactive natural products for pharmacological applications.

Children at Work and Play. Observations from the Khovsgol Province, Mongolia, the Saloum Delta, Senegal and Mutitjulu, Central Australia

Saloum Delta — 2026 — WHE14994063C6

Children in traditional societies, including the Saloum Delta, Senegal, play a significant role in economic and social structures from around six years old, contributing to subsistence tasks while maintaining a balance with their developmental needs. This study highlights how children in non-Western economies are integrated into adult work, often using adult tools within flexible frameworks that accommodate their limitations. Unlike Western cultures where child labor is less common, these societies emphasize role-playing and environmental knowledge acquisition, treating children as integral members of economic activities. The research draws from informal observations during fieldwork in Mongolia, Senegal, and Australia, revealing striking parallels across different cultural contexts.

Chinook salmon predation by pumas in Patagonia: ecological implications of a novel trophic interaction

Los Glaciares National Park — 2026 — WHEA6FC1A4CF6

Researchers have documented the first instance of pumas (Puma concolor) actively hunting adult Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in Patagonia, specifically within the Caterina River basin of Los Glaciares National Park. This novel trophic interaction challenges previous assumptions about scavenging behavior and suggests that pumas may respond behaviorally to seasonal salmon availability. Camera traps and field surveys revealed at least two juvenile pumas preying on salmon, leaving distinctive carcass remains. Spatial analysis indicated concentrated puma activity near salmon spawning grounds, implying a potential link between predator behavior and prey accessibility. The study highlights the ecological implications of invasive species, including their role in reshaping nutrient flows and predator ecology, which may parallel or diverge from patterns observed in native ecosystems.

Chlorophytum ankarense H. Perrier

Andrefana Dry Forests — 2026 — WHE6560E5324F

Chlorophytum ankarense, a rare herbaceous plant endemic to Madagascar's Andrefana Dry Forests, exhibits a highly disjunct distribution across the Boeny and Atsimo-Andrefana regions, as well as near Ampandrandava in the Androy region. This species thrives in dry forests at elevations of 100–900 meters, often on limestone substrates, but its population is critically limited by a lack of recent collections since 1955 and fragmented occurrences. While provisional IUCN assessment suggests it could be classified as Endangered (EN B2ab(i,iii,iv,v)), the study proposes Data Deficient (DD) due to insufficient recent material, despite suspecting its broader presence. The research highlights the need for targeted searches in known localities to clarify its true distribution and conservation status.

Chlorophytum meridionale subsp. meridionale Pignal, Phillipson & Bardot-Vaucoulon, 2026, sp. nov.

Andrefana Dry Forests — 2026 — WHEB998094D77

A new subspecies of Chlorophytum, Chlorophytum meridionale subsp. meridionale, has been formally described from the Andrefana Dry Forests of Madagascar. This discovery highlights the species' unique morphological traits, including a rhizomatous basal stem with thickened roots, graminoid leaves, and distinctive floral structures such as white perianths with green or brown tepals and two groups of stamens with varying filament lengths. The subspecies is primarily found in sub-arid bioclimatic zones across southern Madagascar, thriving on diverse substrates like crystalline rocks, limestone, sandy soils, and steep cliffs, often in deciduous dry forests or open shrublands. Phenological observations reveal flowering from December to March, with fruits documented in February and March. The description is based on extensive field collections and morphological analysis, contributing to the understanding of Madagascar's unique flora within UNESCO-listed dry forests.

Chlorophytum meridionale subsp. tulearense Bard. - Vauc. & M. Pignal 2026, subsp. nov.

Andrefana Dry Forests — 2026 — WHE09D9EA67BE

Scientists have identified a new subspecies of Chlorophytum meridionale, named Chlorophytum meridionale subsp. tulearense, distinguished by its numerous leaves (5–14), larger inflorescence, and nearly equal-length stamens. This discovery was made through morphological analysis of plant specimens collected from the Toliara Province in Madagascar's Andrefana Dry Forests. The subspecies is characterized by its herbaceous nature, reaching up to 80 cm tall, with leaves covered in small white tubercles and robust inflorescences branching from 12–34 cm long rachises. Phenological observations indicate flowering occurs from January to March, with fruiting in March. The research highlights the subspecies' unique traits, such as its scabrous leaf margins and specific floral structures, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity in Madagascar's dry forests.

Choosing the Right Stone to Restore a UNESCO World Heritage City: Salamanca (Spain)

Old City of Salamanca — 2026 — WHECEBBAD05B7

Salamanca, Spain, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City for its homogeneous historic architecture, faces challenges in preserving its stone structures due to deterioration caused by water absorption and urban contamination. A key finding is that the city's historic buildings were primarily constructed using locally quarried Villamayor sandstone, an opal-cemented conglomerate (misleadingly named Salamanca Sandstone), and local granite. Restoration efforts must carefully select replacement stones to maintain architectural integrity, considering the original stone's durability and current availability. This study focuses on characterizing the durability of the conglomerate as a potential restoration material, ensuring that any replacements align with UNESCO's preservation requirements to avoid delisting.

City Narratives in Music: Creating musical works that reflect urban realities relating to Valletta

City of Valletta — 2026 — WHE7F56E8E85F

Urban narratives can be preserved, investigated, and extended through musical composition. This research demonstrates that cities like Valletta are not merely collections of spaces but the sum of their narratives—personal, communal, and historical—which face threats from gentrification, demographic displacement, and property speculation. By combining documentary sources, interviews, and fieldwork, the study created three distinct musical works: a piano concerto exploring physical city space as both result and catalyst for human activity; a symphony integrating identity, community ritual, folklore, and football; and an antiphonary work examining Valletta's spiritual dimension through sacred musical forms. These compositions reflect broader global urban challenges while remaining deeply rooted in local cultural contexts.

Civilization Perseveres

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2026 — WHED422F522F5

A comprehensive analysis reveals the resilience of cultural heritage in the Wenchuan earthquake-affected region, highlighting its significant historical and cultural value. The study quantifies the area's rich heritage, including one UNESCO World Heritage Site (the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project), 49 state-protected sites, 225 provincial-level sites, and 684 county-level preservation areas. These findings underscore the importance of preserving such sites, which include diverse cultural landmarks like Mount Qingcheng and the Dazu Rock Carvings, as well as homelands for ethnic minorities such as Tibetans, Qiangs, and Huis. The research employs statistical data from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China to provide a detailed overview of the region's heritage landscape, emphasizing its enduring significance despite natural disasters.

Cladocera responses to ~200-year history of environmental stressors on Rideau Canal (Ontario, Canada) lakes

Rideau Canal — 2026 — WHE482918BDC5

Recent climate warming has significantly altered cladoceran assemblages in Rideau Canal lakes, Ontario, with increased dominance of Bosmina spp. and declines in littoral taxa, despite relatively stable changes during the canal's 200-year history. This study reconstructs past ~200 years of cladoceran dynamics using sediment cores to assess responses to environmental stressors such as climate change, zebra mussel invasions, and cyanobacterial blooms. Unlike diatom assemblages, which showed major shifts, cladoceran turnover was consistently lower but reflected recent limnological changes, including reduced total phosphorus concentrations and altered food resources. The findings highlight the sensitivity of this key intermediate trophic level to contemporary environmental pressures.

Clarifying ambiguity: a reassessment of the multi-disciplinary evidence for a 10,000 year-old palaeosurface at Kuk Swamp, highlands of Papua New Guinea

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2026 — WHE89254E6D5F

A 10,000-year-old palaeosurface at Kuk Swamp in the highlands of Papua New Guinea provides compelling evidence for one of the earliest forms of shifting cultivation. This study re-evaluates multi-disciplinary data—including direct archaeological findings and palaeo-pedological indicators—to clarify whether this ancient land use represents shifting cultivation or alternative plant exploitation practices. By integrating palaeoecological and geomorphological evidence, researchers reconstruct landscape transformation linked to human activity, offering new insights into the origins of agricultural adaptation in tropical environments.

Classification of Landscape Facies Types (Based on the Example of the Sheki–Zagatala Region of Azerbaijan)

Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace — 2026 — WHE8BD00FD1EA

Researchers have identified 14 distinct landscape facies types in the Sheki–Zagatala region of Azerbaijan, highlighting significant variations in soil chemistry and biogeochemical processes across elevations from 500 to 2000 meters. The study reveals that high-altitude eluvial systems experience intense leaching, leading to nutrient depletion and accelerated desertification on carbonate-rich substrates. Conversely, subaquatic and waterlogging-prone facies exhibit hydromorphic conditions that promote organic matter accumulation, enriching soils with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This classification integrates lithological-geomorphological, hydrological, and biological factors, applying V. V. Kovalsky's biogeochemical methodology to map chemical element distribution. The findings underscore the interplay between microclimatic variations and tectonic influences in shaping landscape dynamics within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.