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Lilium huanglongense (Liliaceae): a newly-discovered species in north-western Sichuan, China

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHE2BC318D50D

Researchers have identified Lilium huanglongense, a newly-discovered lily species within the section Lophophora, found in the Huanglong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. This discovery fills a distribution gap between broad-leaved forest and alpine scrub species in the Hengduan Mountains, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Morphological similarities to Lilium fargesii and molecular phylogenetic analyses using nuclear ITS and chloroplast genomes confirm its independent status. The study enhances understanding of Lophophora diversity and distribution history, contributing to the region's rich botanical heritage.

Lime treatments for food preparation identified in Postclassic Xochimilco (Mexico) ceramic sherds

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2025 — WHEC8BF044C0D

Archaeological evidence from Postclassic Xochimilco, Mexico, reveals that lime treatments were used not only for maize nixtamalization but also to process other plant foodstuffs. Analysis of a whitish layer on ceramic sherds using FT-IR confirmed the presence of calcium carbonate, while binocular microscopy showed multiple microlayers suggesting repeated use. Starch grain analysis identified residues indicating diverse alkaline-treated foods, a practice previously undocumented archaeologically despite its modern prevalence in Mexico.

Limnogonus poissoni (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae): first record from the Socotra Archipelago with descriptions of 3rd, 4th and 5th larval instars

Socotra Archipelago — 2025 — WHEB0BBA633C3

A new record of the Afrotropical pond skater, Limnogonus poissoni, has been documented for the first time in the Socotra Archipelago. This discovery expands the known fauna of aquatic and semi-aquatic true bugs in the region, which previously included nine families and 19 species. The study provides detailed descriptions of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th larval instars of L. poissoni, offering critical comparative insights into its development when contrasted with the nominotypical subgenus Limnogonus sensu stricto. Additionally, the research includes observations on the species' habitat within Socotra Island, contributing to our understanding of its ecological niche in this unique biodiversity hotspot.

Literary Tourism and Cultural Sustainability: The Landscape of Beppe Fenoglio in the Langhe, Italy

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2025 — WHEED9F6D837C

Literary tourism, particularly through the lens of Beppe Fenoglio's works, emerges as a unique driver for cultural sustainability in the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato region of Piedmont. This niche form of tourism, distinct from the area’s established food-and-wine appeal, offers a deeper connection to local rural life, culture, and Resistance history, fostering new interpretations of the landscape and strengthening collective memory. While limited by sample size, the study identifies 'Fenoglians'—special interest tourists drawn to Fenoglio's narrative—as a promising avenue for tourism diversification. The research employs mixed methods, including documentary analysis, questionnaires, and interviews, revealing how fictional narratives shape tourist perceptions and community heritage preservation. This approach underscores the role of local communities in bridging literary narratives with landscape sustainability.

Liturgijski Život Pravoslavnih Srba Pre i Tokom Epohe Svetog Arhiepiskopa Save I: Obredoslovno-istorijska Gledišta

Studenica Monastery — 2025 — WHE8F1EEF8483

A significant contribution to understanding the liturgical evolution of Eastern Orthodox Serbs is highlighted, particularly during the epoch of Archbishop Sava I. The study reveals that the Christianization process from the 7th century onward was predominantly influenced by Roman liturgical traditions, with the Glagolitic script playing a crucial role. Following the mission of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century, Byzantine liturgical elements became more prominent. Archbishop Sava I's editorial work at Mount Athos marked a pivotal phase, leading to the development of a distinct Serbian redaction of Church Slavonic liturgical tradition using Cyrillic script. This transformation is evidenced by the typika of monasteries like Studenica and Hilandar, as well as the integration of liturgiological elements into the Nomokanon or Zakonopravilo. The study also underscores Sava's role in hagiographic descriptions of his Eastern journey, providing a comprehensive view of his influence on Serbian liturgical practices.

Lived Experiences of Regular Vipassana Meditators in Buddha's Birthland: Perspective from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2025 — WHEE38B91EEF9

Regular Vipassana meditation in Lumbini, Nepal—revered as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha—enables individuals to achieve profound spiritual fulfillment and self-transcendence, aligning with Maslow’s highest human potential. The study found that meditators experience heightened awareness, inner purity, detachment from ego, and a deep sense of meaning and sacred connection, reflecting the transformative power of contemplative practice. Through in-depth interviews with eight long-term practitioners, researchers identified key experiential themes that underscore meditation’s role in fostering spiritual well-being and inner freedom. This culturally rooted perspective on Vipassana offers valuable insights for understanding holistic health and its broader implications for policy-making.

Livelihood status and adaptation strategies of ethnic mountain households: Evidence from Sichuan, China

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2025 — WHEC9A7090A25

Ethnic mountain households in Mount Qingcheng, Sichuan, China, face significant livelihood challenges characterized by low human capital (education, health, and vocational skills), limited natural and physical capital (cultivable land, housing quality, production tools), restricted financial access, and weak social networks. Despite these constraints, larger family sizes correlate with higher household incomes and cultivable land areas, which positively influence dwelling quality, financial security, and loan accessibility. Adaptation strategies rely heavily on agriculture, off-farm income activities, social networks, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and migration for work. The study underscores the need for continuous development programs to safeguard cultural heritage while enhancing livelihood security for these communities.

Living Water

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2025 — WHEC1BDD05E2A

In Wadi Rum, Jordan, the exploitation of deep groundwater—dubbed 'blue gold'—has become a double-edged sword. While it sustains large-scale private farms and urban populations, it also threatens the ecological balance in one of the world's most water-scarce regions. The film Living Water reveals how this resource extraction disrupts traditional Bedouin livelihoods while fueling economic growth and development. It exposes the tensions between competing demands for water, highlighting the environmental risks posed by unchecked extraction. Through a mix of anthropological observation and ecological analysis, the work underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management in Jordan's fragile desert ecosystem.

LMSeg: an end-to-end geometric message-passing network on barycentric dualgraphs for large-scale landscape mesh segmentation

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE665F272089

A novel deep learning approach, LMSeg, achieves state-of-the-art performance in segmenting large-scale 3D landscape meshes, including complex cultural heritage structures like the UNESCO-listed Budj Bim dry-stone walls. Unlike existing methods, LMSeg combines geometric message-passing with hierarchical-local dual pooling, enabling accurate detection of small and occluded objects while maintaining scalability. Benchmark results on three datasets demonstrate its superiority over point- and graph-based baselines, with 62.4% mean Intersection-over-Union (mIoU) on the BudjBim Wall dataset despite using only 2.4 million lightweight parameters. This advancement addresses longstanding challenges in mesh segmentation for cultural heritage preservation and environmental monitoring.

Local adaptation in the wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus)

Lord Howe Island Group — 2025 — WHEF37B8D062D

Research on the wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) reveals significant local adaptation driven by oceanographic conditions, challenging traditional speciation models reliant on physical barriers. The study found that seabirds breeding in distinct colonies exhibit divergent foraging behaviors and chick developmental patterns, with Heron Island birds adopting a 'dual-foraging' strategy due to less productive environments, while Lord Howe Island birds show faster growth despite lower meal mass per night. Morphological analyses highlighted sex-specific differences and disassortative mate choice based on bill width, suggesting selection rather than plasticity. Genetic markers indicated restricted gene flow, contrasting with historical connections, implying that environmental factors play a pivotal role in seabird diversity. This study underscores the importance of considering colonies independently for conservation and highlights the need to explore selection mechanisms further.

Local Communities and Protected Areas: Plant Use and Sources Around Niokolo Koba, Senegal's Largest National Park

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2025 — WHE435670C08E

A study on Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal's largest protected area, reveals that local communities maintain strong biocultural ties to the park despite conservation restrictions. The research identifies 63 woody plant species crucial for livelihoods, with medicine, food, firewood, and construction being primary uses. Nearly 80% of these plants are sourced from village surroundings, while 25% come from the park itself. Ethnic groups and settlement locations significantly influence plant use patterns. The findings highlight the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into conservation strategies to ensure sustainable resource management amid rapid societal changes in Senegal.

Local Communities and the Management of Rural and Natural Resources in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2025 — WHE0EC2671D99

A new study identifies key policies, strategies, and tools to enhance the environmental and socio-economic balance of Campania's inland protected areas, with a focus on the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park. The research proposes sustainable development scenarios that leverage local communities' potential while conserving rural landscapes and biodiversity. By analyzing territories using territorial methods, engaging local stakeholders, applying adapted SWOT tools, and examining best practices, the study aims to support planning bodies in managing protected natural areas effectively. Notably, it highlights the role of Bio-Districts in promoting sustainable supply chains, such as agro-livestock, fish, and forestry, while advancing initiatives like the Mediterranean Diet to improve raw material quality and environmental conservation.

Local Development through Cultural Routes: The Case of San José de Chiquitos (Bolivia)

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos — 2025 — WHE8D5B76A9B1

Heritage routes, such as the Jesuit Missions Route of Chiquitania in Bolivia, can significantly contribute to local development by improving cultural and natural heritage while enhancing socioeconomic conditions for rural populations. A study found that both tourists and locals perceive positive changes due to these routes, though they have not yet boosted traditional activities like mining or agriculture. The research highlights the potential of heritage routes as a tool for sustainable territorial development, emphasizing the need for investment in infrastructure and communication to elevate their quality as tourism products.

Local Government Social Media Strategy for Public Awareness and Heritage Preservation

The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks — 2025 — WHE9834380CE4

A local government's social media strategy for the UNESCO-listed Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta demonstrates effective public engagement in heritage preservation. By leveraging Instagram, the approach combines visually engaging narratives, infographics, and live event coverage to segment content for residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts. This method bridges traditional Javanese cosmological values with modern digital communication techniques, providing a replicable model for preserving heritage sites in the digital age. The study employed qualitative methodologies, including in-depth interviews, observations, and focus group discussions, to analyze the strategy's impact on awareness and preservation efforts.

Local Knowledge and Drivers of Human-Primates Conflicts around Comoe National Park, Northeastern Cote d’Ivoire

Comoé National Park — 2025 — WHE23B5A2BEC2

A study around Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, reveals that human-primate conflicts are driven by primate foraging behavior and habitat loss. Primates like patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas), green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus), and olive baboons (Papio anubis) frequently raid crops such as yam, maize, and cassava near the park, exacerbating tensions with local communities. Local knowledge indicates that these conflicts stem from primates venturing outside the park due to reduced food availability within their natural habitats. The research, conducted through focus group discussions and questionnaires with 502 participants, highlights the cultural significance of primates among ethnic groups like Koulango, Lobi, and Malinké while identifying traps and watch guarding as primary mitigation strategies. Preserving primate habitats is suggested as a key solution to minimize conflicts.

Local knowledge and natural resources management: case study of the Kahuzi Biega National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2025 — WHEBC6321CFBA

A significant disconnect exists between local communities and the management of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, with 70.2% of respondents feeling excluded from decision-making processes. Barriers to engagement include lack of information (46.4%), legal recognition issues (8.9%), and conflicts of interest (21.8%). Traditional ecological knowledge, such as seasonal hunting closures and sacred forest protection, is widely practiced but largely excluded from current management strategies. Ethnic variations in biodiversity-friendly practices were observed, with the Shi group demonstrating higher adherence to these measures compared to others like the Lega, Havu, and Tembo. The study, involving 550 respondents from 11 villages through mixed-methods approaches including questionnaires and interviews, highlights the need for inclusive governance frameworks that integrate local knowledge and foster co-management to balance biodiversity conservation with community livelihoods and cultural values.

Local Perceptions of Ecosystem Services Provided by Forest and Mangrove Ecosystems in the Saloum Delta National Park, Senegal

Saloum Delta — 2025 — WHE0F6B6232B1

A study on the Saloum Delta National Park (SDNP) in Senegal reveals that local communities highly value 21 ecosystem services, with aesthetics and erosion protection being the most recognized. Mangrove ecosystems, particularly Rhizophora mangle, are more widely used than forests, underscoring their critical role in local livelihoods. The research, based on surveys of 103 individuals across seven villages, highlights the need for sustainable management practices to ensure the continued provision of these services. Occupation and location influence the diversity of ecosystem service use, pointing to the importance of participatory approaches in resource management.

Local Voices, Global Goals: Participatory Planning for Localizing the UN SDGs in UNESCO Heritage Site Management

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2025 — WHE6ACCD7354B

A groundbreaking approach to integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into UNESCO World Heritage Site management has emerged from research on Toruń, Poland. The study reveals that participatory planning, led by local actors like the Revitalization Committee, can effectively embed SDGs into urban development without requiring new governance structures. This polycentric framework leverages existing bodies to enhance social engagement and optimize resources, demonstrating a scalable model for balancing global sustainability targets with local heritage preservation. The research combines qualitative document analysis, expert interviews, and participant observations to highlight the committee's pivotal role in shaping Toruń’s Management Plan, bridging gaps between revitalization efforts and SDG integration.

Locals’ Attitude Towards Cultural Heritage Values: The Tumulus Tombs of Bin Tepe

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2025 — WHE85BDB40E0E

Locals in the Manisa districts of Salihli and Ahmetli, Türkiye, do not perceive the tumulus tombs of Bin Tepe as significant tourist attractions due to limited accessibility and lack of tourism infrastructure. The study, which analyzed local attitudes toward these Lydian-era necropolis—part of a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site since 2013—revealed that most residents view them primarily for their cultural heritage value rather than tourism potential. Research employed qualitative methods to assess perceptions of preservation efforts, agricultural land impacts, and local government initiatives. Findings suggest the need for integrated tourism planning to enhance public engagement with this geomorphologically significant site.

Locating Dangerous Algerians

Kasbah of Algiers — 2025 — WHE18A4673A87

Historical analysis reveals that policing strategies in Marseille and Algiers, though differing in approach, both contributed to the criminalization of North Africans through targeted surveillance and legal justifications. While Marseille relied on specialized police units and aid services, Algiers employed expansive criminal laws to legitimize broad police powers. Both models fostered paradoxical relationships marked by animosity and dependence, shaped by the îlotier policing style. This study highlights how routine interactions between police and North Africans in areas like the Casbah of Algiers and Rue des Chapeliers expanded state control beyond uniformed officers to include bureaucrats and aid services.