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La fréquentation touristique et ses effets économiques : des enjeux pour des politiques de gestion et de valorisation de sites naturels patrimoniaux

Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena — 2025 — WHEBA4575D5F9

Tourist spending at the UNESCO-listed Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena significantly outweighs that of excursionists, with accommodation costs dominating overall expenditures. While tourists contribute 74% to paid activities, excursionists still represent a substantial 26%, offering a more evenly distributed economic resource throughout the year. The study introduces an analytic framework to quantify and qualify tourist frequentation, visitor expenses, and local economic impacts, addressing methodological challenges in monitoring open, extended sites. By combining diverse data sources with face-to-face surveys, researchers reveal insights into visitor motivations, practices, and the broader tourism system linked to the site, providing critical guidance for sustainable management and valorization policies.

La gestione di Venezia come sito UNESCO

Venice and its Lagoon — 2025 — WHE2EEA4CCE20

Overtourism poses a structural threat to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by the case of Venice and its Lagoon. The study reveals that international recognition, while intended to protect cultural heritage, can paradoxically increase vulnerability due to overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and loss of authenticity. Analyzing management dynamics from 1966 to 2023, this research highlights a disconnect between conservation goals and governance practices, driven by competing public and private interests. The findings underscore the fragility of the UNESCO system when faced with pressures that prioritize exploitation over heritage preservation.

La inteligencia artificial en el estado de la Ciudad del Vaticano.

Vatican City — 2025 — WHE8342CBE288

The Vatican City State's DCCII/2024 Decree on Artificial Intelligence establishes a unique regulatory framework that stands out globally for its theological foundation and doctrinal coherence. Unlike secular models, the decree integrates Catholic Social Teaching, offering a distinct moral perspective rooted in theological anthropology. It aligns with but diverges from EU, U.S., and UNESCO guidelines, presenting Vatican City as a stable and ethically consistent voice in AI governance. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach—legal, political, and theological—to demonstrate how this normative model ensures institutional stability while addressing contemporary ethical debates.

La restauración de un baluarte de artillería de los Reyes Católicos construido entre 1492-1495 sobre un puente nazarí en la Puerta del Arrabal de la Alhambra (Granada, España)

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2025 — WHE127856D3DF

A previously unknown Nasrid bridge, part of a hydraulic complex, was discovered beneath the Puerta del Arrabal bastion—a 15th-century artillery fortification built by the Catholic Monarchs (1492–1495) in Granada’s Alhambra. This finding reveals how the structure's design leveraged existing infrastructure to expedite construction and optimize defensive positioning, bridging a stream while dominating surrounding terrain, including the Generalife gardens. Restoration efforts (2022–2024) employed minimal interventions to preserve historical integrity, reversing 20th-century alterations while maintaining the bastion’s transitional military architecture significance—marking a shift from medieval to early modern fortifications with firearm adaptability.

La réutilisation, le réemploi et le recyclage des sculptures romaines et de leurs bases, durant l’Antiquité et à l’époque post-romaine à Thugga (Afrique Proconsulaire)

Dougga / Thugga — 2025 — WHEB8072457BB

A unique cycle of sculptural reuse and recycling emerged at Thugga (Dougga), Tunisia, during the late Roman and post-Roman periods. Research reveals that marble bases of imperial statues from the High Empire were repurposed in the third quarter of the 3rd century, with new inscriptions honoring additional members of the imperial family. This practice, documented across North Africa under Gallien's rule, reflects both material and ideological shifts, creating a distinct statuary group. The study also highlights Byzantine-era reuse of stelae and bases for construction, domestic, and decorative purposes, alongside evidence of marble recycling—demonstrating how sculpted materials were systematically repurposed into new architectural cycles.

La sculpture de Thugga (Dougga) à l'époque impériale (Ier - IVe siècles). Politique et culture d'une ville d'Afrique romaine

Dougga / Thugga — 2025 — WHEC16576DF79

A groundbreaking analysis of Thugga's (Dougga) imperial-era sculpture reveals the strategic use of visual representation by local elites to navigate political dynamics, particularly during the city's dual governance under Carthaginian and Numidian influences. The study identifies previously undocumented sculptures depicting imperial figures, local elites, and divine entities, analyzing their stylistic, technical, and contextual attributes. By integrating these artifacts with architectural and functional contexts, researchers uncover how Thugga's elite employed sculptural programs to assert authority, negotiate power relations, and reflect cultural identity. This approach sheds light on the role of visual politics in shaping civic cohesion and imperial loyalty before 205 CE.

La testa del Doriforo dalla “Palestra” di Villa Adriana a Tivoli

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) — 2025 — WHEE0EC40D631

A newly discovered head of the Doryphoros, unearthed during excavations at Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) in Tivoli, Italy, reveals a dual purpose for the site's 'Palestra'—serving both as an athletic training space and a cult area. The analysis suggests that the inclusion of this iconic Polykleitos sculpture, along with other works attributed to the ancient Greek sculptor, reflects Hadrian's imperial patronage and a deliberate connection to classical art. This finding supports Pirro Ligorio's original identification of the Palestra, while also highlighting its significance in housing statues of Egyptian deities, thereby enriching our understanding of the villa's multifunctional design and its cultural context.

La vivienda rural productiva un tesoro entre el agua y la tierra

Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox — 2025 — WHEF00CD6F91B

A significant portion of the corregimiento Los Piñones, located near the ciénaga El Uvero in Santa Cruz de Mompox, Colombia, faces chronic flooding and limited connectivity, which severely impacts its primary economic activities—fishing and agriculture. Despite these challenges, the study identifies a critical gap: while two elements (technology and mobility) are addressed in the local development plan (PBOT 2035), no structured proposals exist to improve living conditions or address the high deficit in infrastructure and housing quality. The research proposes a sustainable model for rural productive housing, tailored to local climate conditions, which could enhance economic resilience and quality of life for the population—comprising stable residents (children, women aged 25-50, and adults over 60) and transient male laborers. The study employs a multi-dimensional framework analyzing ecosystem, social fabric, permaculture, and identity to inform its recommendations.

Labronema przhiboroi sp. nov. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from the Putorana Plateau (Eastern Siberia, Russia)

Putorana Plateau — 2025 — WHE4B865C91B4

A new nematode species, Labronema przhiboroi sp. nov., has been discovered in the freshwater Lake Duluk on the Putorana Plateau in Eastern Siberia. This species belongs to the family Dorylaimidae and is distinguished from its closest relative, L. macrosoma, by its smaller body size, shorter spicules, and more pronounced cuticular ridges. The discovery contributes to the understanding of nematode biodiversity in this remote region. The research involved morphological analysis to differentiate the new species based on key anatomical features.

Land of giants: two new pachycaul Monstera (Araceae, Monsteroideae, Monstereae) from Panama

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2025 — WHE859C37243D

Two new giant species of pachycaul Monstera, M. corana and M. colossica, have been discovered in the cloud forests of Panama's Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves, a biodiversity hotspot characterized by high humidity and volcanic soils. These discoveries expand the known diversity of the genus Monstera, which is notable for its large leaf and inflorescence sizes. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions, field observations, distribution maps, and comparisons with related taxa, contributing to our understanding of this ecologically significant region. The findings highlight the Talamanca Range as a critical area for plant species discovery and conservation.

Land use and land cover analysis of cultural World Heritage to inform assessments of climate vulnerability

Khangchendzonga National Park — 2025 — WHEB3CF67E657

A systematic analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) data reveals that 10 out of 11 LULC classes are present within or around 49 cultural UNESCO World Heritage properties in the Indian Subcontinent, with tree cover being the most prevalent. This finding underscores the potential of LULC analysis to enhance climate vulnerability assessments for these sites by identifying high-level environmental classifications that can inform decision-making for climate adaptation. The study demonstrates this approach through case studies at Khangchendzonga National Park and other locations, highlighting how LULC data can complement property values described in Statements of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). While the analysis provides valuable insights into broader environmental contexts, it also acknowledges limitations such as classification accuracy concerns and validation challenges across diverse site types. This work supports a parallel thematic approach aimed at streamlining climate impact assessments for World Heritage properties.

Land use and land cover changes in the Mijikenda Kaya sacred forests of Coastal Kenya: impacts on culture and conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests — 2025 — WHECBEFEC6F95

Over the past three decades, Kenya's sacred Mijikenda Kaya forests—part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—have experienced dramatic ecological and cultural decline. A study reveals that forest cover in Kaya Kauma and Kaya Rabai has shrunk by 46.0 ha (10.9%) and 895.7 ha (134.8%), respectively, while agricultural land, settlements, and mining expanded significantly. Key drivers include population growth, illegal logging, and the erosion of traditional cultural practices, which have privatized sacred ritual areas. The research combines remote sensing data with interviews and field observations to highlight the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies that address both ecological degradation and the loss of indigenous knowledge.

Landforms Recognized at the World Natural Heritage Sites (Siberia and the Russian Far East)

Putorana Plateau — 2025 — WHE4909BEA7DC

A comprehensive analysis of landforms within Russia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites reveals their exceptional geological, geomorphological, and aesthetic significance. The study highlights the unique features of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka, Lake Baikal, Putorana Plateau, and Lena Pillars National Park, including the Kluchevskoy Volcano, Uzon Volcano Caldera, Ayan fiords lake, and Russia's largest waterfalls. These sites are recognized for their outstanding natural values, contributing to global heritage conservation efforts. The research employs a detailed examination of these landforms, emphasizing their scientific and cultural importance.

Landscape and archaeological research in the valleys of the Taldura and Chagan rivers (South-Eastern Altai)

Deer Stone Monuments and Related Bronze Age Sites — 2025 — WHEB814B476F4

Research in the Taldura and Chagan river valleys of South-Eastern Altai reveals that ancient populations deliberately selected landscapes most favorable for agricultural activities, particularly river terraces with sparse forb-wormwood dry steppes. These areas, comprising 71% of archaeological sites, offered flat terrain suitable for burial grounds and optimal conditions for cattle breeding, the region's primary economic activity. The study identified 318 archaeological sites, predominantly from Scythian and Turkic periods, including Bronze Age deer stones and enclosures, with a notable concentration on gentle slopes adjacent to river terraces (16%). Landscape development was influenced by climatic shifts and military-political factors. The research combined fieldwork, cartographic analysis, and GPS mapping to compile detailed landscape and archaeological maps, providing insights into late Holocene settlement patterns in the region.

Landscape evolution and chronostratigraphic correlations of the cave entrance depositional environments and palaeosols of the Gran Dolina unit TD10 (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2025 — WHEB8C0F2479E

A detailed analysis of the Gran Dolina Unit TD10 at the Atapuerca archaeological site reveals the complex evolution of cave entrance deposits, transitioning from talus scree to stratified slope deposits. The study identifies three distinct lithostratigraphic units (TD10a, TD10b, TD10c) and correlates them with marine isotopic stages using Bayesian chronostratigraphic modeling, providing insights into Middle Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental conditions. Field observations and microscopic analysis of sedimentary microfacies, combined with palaeoecological reconstructions, shed light on the formation processes of prehistoric soils and archaeological records. The research highlights chronological uncertainties between Bayesian dates and buried palaeosols, offering a refined understanding of the site's depositional history.

Landscape Zoning Strategies for Small Mountainous Towns: Insights from Yuqian Town in China

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2025 — WHEDB6AFE070B

A novel landscape zoning strategy for small mountainous towns, exemplified by Yuqian Town in Hangzhou, China, optimizes sustainable development by integrating spatial and administrative dimensions. The study identified four key zones—urban comprehensive service areas, agricultural and cultural tourism development areas, industrial growth areas, and mountain forest ecological conservation areas—using advanced geospatial analysis techniques such as ArcGIS, SPSS, and eCognition software. These zones address landscape fragmentation caused by large-scale forest resources and administrative planning gaps, aligning with governmental sustainable development requirements. The approach enhances landscape connectivity and resource sustainability while minimizing adverse impacts on natural and village environments. This research provides critical guidance for small town development in mountainous regions with unique environmental and cultural contexts.

Large dams and small reservoirs: co-modeling water storage strategies in a Mediterranean catchment under a changing climate

Val d'Orcia — 2025 — WHE2F186BEA8A

Future water storage in Mediterranean reservoirs is projected to decline by up to 21% due to climate change, with small agricultural reservoirs (SmARs) being more vulnerable than large dams. This decline results from reduced precipitation and increased evaporation, alongside decreased seepage losses that reduce aquifer recharge. The study, conducted within the Val d'Orcia Rural Living Lab using a co-modeling approach, simulates various water storage strategies under current and projected future climates, considering five climate models. While large dams face significant evaporation losses, SmARs are more threatened by reduced inflows. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive, participatory analysis to inform best watershed management practices, highlighting that local actor involvement is crucial for successful adaptation.

Large mammal population trends in Comoé National Park (1958–2022): Towards understanding their asymmetric decline and recovery in West Africa’s largest savanna park

Comoé National Park — 2025 — WHE8DA87E49B8

Large mammal populations in Comoé National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, exhibit asymmetric decline and recovery patterns over 64 years. While roan antelope, hartebeest, and waterbuck have quasi-recovered to pre-crisis levels since the political turmoil (2002-2011), species like kob, common hippopotamus, and savanna elephant remain at approximately 10% of their 1970s abundance. This asymmetry is attributed to habitat loss—grasslands declined from 15% to 2% between 1979 and 2020—and poaching pressures, which disproportionately affected gregarious species dependent on floodplain grasslands. The study leverages generalized additive models of 25 terrestrial and aerial counts (1958–2022) to identify these trends and their drivers, including human population growth (six-fold increase since 1962), cattle encroachment, and insufficient ranger presence. These findings underscore the challenges of wildlife conservation in West Africa's largest savanna park, emphasizing the need for targeted habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures before potential species reintroduction.

Large Terrace Structure Unearthed in the Heart of the City Zone of Īśānapura: Could It Be the ‘Great Hall’ Described in the Book of Sui?

Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura — 2025 — WHE27EB2C3450

Recent archaeological excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sambor Prei Kuk, identified as the ancient capital Īśānapura of the Chenla Kingdom, have uncovered a large terrace structure that may correspond to the 'Great Hall' described in the 7th-century Book of Sui. Radiocarbon dating places its construction between the mid-6th and mid-7th centuries, aligning with the period when Īśānapura flourished as a political hub before the rise of the Angkor Empire. The structure's unique configuration, situated within the city zone rather than the eastern temple area, suggests it served an administrative function. LiDAR analysis further revealed linear features extending eastward, indicating a possible larger administrative compound. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the site's urban layout and provide new insights into the political architecture of early Khmer civilization.

Las comunidades guanches del Barranco del Agua de Dios y sus rituales funerarios (Tegueste-San Cristóbal de La Laguna). Un barranco para la vida y la muerte en Tenerife (Islas Canarias)

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — 2025 — WHEB175FACFC4

The Barranco del Agua de Dios, spanning the municipalities of Tegueste and San Cristóbal de La Laguna on Tenerife, emerges as the most densely occupied archaeological site of the Canary Islands during the aboriginal Guanche period. This study reveals that over a century of excavations and surveys has uncovered more than 100 recorded sites along its route, establishing it as a critical corridor for settlement and ritual activity in northeastern Tenerife. The research synthesizes findings on domestic occupation models across the barranco's sectors while introducing preliminary analyses of thermally altered human remains discovered in multiple caves, shedding new light on Guanche funerary practices. This work combines historical archaeological data with recent discoveries to redefine our understanding of this significant landscape as both a vital hub for life and death.