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Border Crossings: New Geographies of Protection and Production in the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2014 — WHEFDCD1E5636

A shift in conservation management is emerging in the Galápagos Islands, challenging the long-standing 'fortress' model that separated natural and human spaces. This study reveals how ecological, political, and economic crises have transformed the Galápagos National Park (GNP) border from a fixed boundary of protection to a dynamic site of encounters. By applying insights from border studies and hybrid conservation approaches, researchers trace discursive and material exchanges across the GNP border, demonstrating its potential to reshape conservation theory and practice. The findings highlight borders as transformative spaces rather than mere technologies for spatial fixation, offering new geographies that integrate protection with production.

Branding Copán: valuing cultural distinction in an archaeological tourism destination

Maya Site of Copan — 2014 — WHE43BE71D1B5

Branding significantly shapes the value and experience of heritage tourism, particularly at high-profile sites like Copán, Honduras. This study reveals that branding extends beyond economic exchange to influence social distinction and cultural identity, with profound implications for local economies dependent on archaeological tourism. By analyzing Copán—Honduras' premier Maya site—the research demonstrates how branding practices structure tourist experiences and negotiate complex values, often excluding certain groups while reinforcing regional economic reliance on cultural heritage. The approach combines qualitative analysis of branding logics with an examination of their broader societal impacts, offering insights into the non-market dimensions of tourism value creation.

Branding George Town world heritage site as city of gastronomy: prospects of creative cities strategy in Penang

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2014 — WHE1F96A7D1B2

George Town, Penang, Malaysia, holds significant potential to be branded as a UNESCO 'City of Gastronomy,' leveraging its rich gastronomic heritage to drive urban regeneration and sustainable development. This study demonstrates that such branding could effectively highlight the city's culinary prowess, image, and identity on a global scale, aligning with UNESCO's Creative Cities Network initiative. The research employs a strategic analysis approach, evaluating George Town's cultural capital—particularly its gastronomic legacy—as a catalyst for economic revitalization. By doing so, it contributes to the nascent field of 'culture and urban planning' in Malaysia, offering actionable insights for policymakers at local, state, and federal levels to reform urban policies. This work bridges gaps in existing scholarship, providing a test bed for sustainable urban development strategies that integrate cultural assets into broader economic and political frameworks.

Breeding Biology of Squacco Herons ( Ardeola ralloides ) in Northern Tunisia

Ichkeul National Park — 2014 — WHE3C3C07E1F3

Squacco Herons (Ardeola ralloides) in Ichkeul National Park and Lebna Dam, Tunisia, exhibit high reproductive success but face variability between years. The study found mean clutch sizes of 4.51 eggs per nest, with hatching success at 3.67 and fledging success at 3.06 young per nest. Notably, later-hatched chicks (rank four) showed lower body condition indices (BCI) and growth rates compared to earlier ones, highlighting potential challenges for survival. Nest characteristics like height and diameter did not influence reproductive parameters. The research underscores the need for stricter protection measures at Lebna Dam due to its accessibility risks, emphasizing the importance of controlled site management in Tunisian wetlands.

Breeding status affects fine‐scale habitat selection of southern right whales on their wintering grounds

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2014 — WHE5A4751EA2C

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) exhibit distinct habitat preferences based on breeding status, with calving females favoring sheltered, nearshore waters during winter. Research conducted at Port Ross, Auckland Islands, revealed that calf groups consistently selected areas with lower wave exposure, proximity to shelter, shallow depths, and nearness to the coastline. In contrast, non-calving whales showed less selectivity in their habitat choices. The study used species-habitat surveys (2010-2012) and binomial generalized additive models to analyze environmental variables such as water depth, seabed slope, distance to coast, shelter availability, and wave exposure. Validation confirmed the robustness of the calf group model, emphasizing the critical role of sheltered habitats for vulnerable life stages in marine mammals.

Brokering aid through tourism: The contradictory roles of volunteer coordinators in Cusco, Peru

City of Cuzco — 2014 — WHEC899D65CA7

Volunteer tourism coordinators in Cusco, Peru, play a pivotal role in mediating between international sending agencies, volunteer tourists, and aid recipients. This study highlights their unique position as gatekeepers, revealing the complex tensions they navigate—balancing commercial interests with philanthropic goals. Through qualitative analysis of five coordinators' practices and narratives, the research underscores their struggles to reconcile moral dilemmas such as 'making a difference,' profit, representation, and personal purpose. These findings illuminate broader contradictions within the volunteer tourism sector, offering insights into the ethical and practical challenges faced by this understudied group.

Bryophyte colonization history of the virgin volcanic island Surtsey, Iceland

Surtsey — 2014 — WHEDD3E572605

A study tracking bryophyte colonization on Surtsey, Iceland, revealed that 15 new species were discovered between 2008 and 1972, with eight species recorded for the first time. The research found that habitat loss due to erosion and vegetation changes led to the decline of some previously abundant species, while others thrived or expanded. Notably, several newcomers likely arrived via seagulls, suggesting bird-mediated dispersal plays a significant role in bryophyte colonization. The study also highlighted how nutrient leakage from a gull colony has locally reduced the importance of nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria.

Buddha Image described as "King Udayana Image"

Longmen Grottoes — 2014 — WHE264150B6FE

A distinct Buddha image, the 'King Udayana Image,' was identified within Cave No. 306 of the Longmen Grottoes, dating back to 655 CE. This statue, characterized by its strong Indian stylistic influence—including a low crown tuft, thin robe, and exposed right shoulder—differs significantly from contemporary Chinese representations. Votive inscriptions reveal that this specific title was deliberately assigned, distinguishing it from general Tathagata depictions like the Buddha Sakyamuni. The image's design is replicated across over 70 statues at Longmen, suggesting a deliberate artistic choice rather than regional variation. This finding highlights the cultural exchange and stylistic innovation during the Tang Dynasty, as well as the significance of votive inscriptions in understanding the contextual meaning of religious art.

Buddhism in Sarnath: An Account of Two Chinese Travellers

Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath — 2014 — WHE93ED58A4DD

Accounts by Chinese travelers Fa-Hien and Hiuen-tsang provide valuable insights into the religious life, architecture, and historical significance of Sarnath, a key Buddhist site. These narratives detail King Ashoka's stupas, pillars, vihars, and monks, while also recounting the Buddha's first sermons, the establishment of the Sangha, and significant stories like Mrigajataka. Though influenced by their devotion to Buddhism, these accounts are partially validated by archaeological remnants at Sarnath. Fa-Hien focused on the Buddha Empire, whereas Hiuen-tsang emphasized India's civilization and cultural landscape, offering a dual perspective that bridges ancient history, geography, religion, and philosophy.

Buddhist Landscapes in Central India: Sanchi Hill and Archaeologies of Religious and Social Change, c. Third Century B.C. to Fifth Century A.D. by Julia Shaw (review)

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2014 — WHE51DEE82CA4

Julia Shaw's groundbreaking study, 'Buddhist Landscapes in Central India: Sanchi Hill and Archaeologies of Religious and Social Change,' challenges conventional approaches to studying ancient South Asian religions by shifting focus from monumental sites like the UNESCO-listed Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi to the broader landscape surrounding it. Through her Sanchi Survey Project (SSP), Shaw mapped 720 sq km, uncovering 35 Buddhist sites, dams, and settlements that provide a more comprehensive understanding of religious and social dynamics from the third century B.C.E. to the fifth century C.E. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining landscape archaeology, art history, and religious studies, reveals how Sanchi functioned within its regional context over a millennium, offering new insights into the evolution of Buddhism in Central India.

Budowa i przebudowa ratusza w miastach Królestwa Polskiego do końca XVIII wieku

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2014 — WHEB4E4FA779D

A comprehensive analysis of town hall architecture and reconstruction in the Kingdom of Poland until the 18th century reveals significant regional variations influenced by German, Teutonic, and Renaissance styles. The study synthesizes existing research to highlight how urban planning, symbolic architecture, and design elements evolved across regions like Silesia, Western Pomerania, and Małopolska. Key findings include the strategic placement of town halls—whether on market squares or streets—and their architectural transformation from medieval towers reflecting feudal autonomy to elaborate Renaissance and Baroque designs. The study also notes the migration of design ideas from Western European centers to Polish towns, with notable influences from Bohemian models in Silesia and Dutch-inspired designs in Pomerania. Additionally, it explores how economic conditions and bourgeois ambitions shaped town hall architecture, particularly during periods of urban decline.

Buen Gusto and Classicism in the Visual Cultures of Latin America, 1780-1910 by Paul B. Niell and Stacie G. Widdifield (eds.) (review)

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2014 — WHE153F5F2F84

The book Buen Gusto and Classicism in the Visual Cultures of Latin America, 1780–1910, edited by Paul B. Niell and Stacie G. Widdifield, reveals how neoclassicism emerged as a powerful cultural and political force across Latin America during late colonial and early national periods. Through varied case studies, the volume demonstrates that neoclassicism was not merely a reflection of European influences but a dynamic construct shaped by local sociopolitical contexts, reinforcing colonial and national power structures while subverting dominant narratives. Key examples include El Templete in Havana, Cuba—a memorial blending Spanish and Creole identities—and the idealized depiction of Tiwanaku’s Gateway of the Sun in Bolivian print media. The editors organize essays into three thematic sections—urban space, consumption, and ideological divisions—to trace the evolution of buen gusto (good taste) as a tool for cultural reinvention.

Building a Sacred Mountain

Mount Wutai — 2014 — WHE68B765FA19

Mount Wutai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern China's Shanxi Province, transitioned from a Daoist sacred wild area to a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site by the tenth century CE. Wei-Cheng Lin's study reveals that monastic architecture played a pivotal role in this transformation, more so than texts, icons, relics, or pilgrimages. Through an interdisciplinary approach, Lin demonstrates how the built environment at Mount Wutai facilitated divine encounters, integrating architectural structures with practices and discourses. This innovative perspective challenges traditional architectural scholarship by emphasizing the functional and symbolic significance of the physical space in shaping sacred sites.

Bullet hole constellations: Berlin's Neues Museum, a case study in cultural memory

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2014 — WHE238F0602D5

A new approach to cultural memory, emphasizing its use and transformation over mere remembrance, is embodied in Berlin's Neues Museum. This study challenges conventional trauma-focused narratives by analyzing the museum's architectural and curatorial framing, which promotes fragmentary wholeness and long historical continuity. Unlike the Jewish Museum, which prioritizes traumatic memory, the Neues Museum facilitates civic engagement through a phenomenological approach to history. The research method involves case studies of three Berlin museums, examining their practices, narratives, and critical contexts. This perspective aligns with contemporary discourse on modernism and cultural memory studies, offering a tool for analyzing how societies appropriate and transform their past.

Byblos, Lebanon

Byblos — 2014 — WHE769863E296

Byblos, Lebanon, emerged as a pivotal Mediterranean port during the third millennium BCE due to its strategic role in timber export. The site's significance stemmed from its proximity to the cedars of Lebanon, a critical source of coniferous wood for Egyptian construction and shipbuilding, which Egypt lacked. Archaeological evidence, including stone vases inscribed with names of 2nd Dynasty Egyptian kings and other artifacts dating from the 3rd to 6th Dynasties, underscores Byblos' deep historical ties with Egypt. This study highlights Byblos as a key hub for cultural exchange and economic activity, bridging Sumerian and Egyptian influences in the ancient world.

Byzantine time system of the Serbian monastery Hilandar: And the whole Mount Athos

Mount Athos — 2014 — WHEBC1B15DCC4

Mount Athos monasteries, including the significant Serbian monastery Hilandar, traditionally use a Byzantine time system where hours are counted from sunset. This study reveals that the annual church calendar tables for setting Eastern European Time to Athens can be adapted for Hilandar and other Mount Athos monasteries due to negligible local time differences within the concentrated monastic area. By recalculating these tables specifically for Hilandar, this research provides a critical tool for understanding Serbian timekeeping history on Mount Athos.

Cahokia's Rattlesnake Causeway

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2014 — WHE203B345930

Recent archaeological excavations at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Illinois, have uncovered evidence of a significant earthen causeway, the Rattlesnake Causeway. This 1-kilometer-long and 18-meter-wide structure was part of an early, planned city layout that connected Cahokia's central precinct to ridge-top mortuary mounds, reinforcing its sophisticated urban design. The findings reveal a grid-based plan with at least 104 earthen monuments, a large central plaza, and the causeway serving as a key landmark. This research sheds new light on the advanced engineering and spatial organization of one of North America's most complex pre-Columbian societies.

Calakmul: Agent Risk and Sustainability in the Western Maya Lowlands (Chapter 8)

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2014 — WHECEBA8694DA

Research reveals that the Calakmul corridor, traversing the Yucatan Peninsula through the Candelaria River, was the more efficient transit route for trade and political movement during the Maya Lowlands' history. Unlike the southern Tikal corridor, which faced prolonged conflict due to Teotihuacan's involvement, Calakmul offered a strategic advantage shaped by topography, politics, and climate. The study traces centuries of conflict involving the Kaan Dynasty, highlighting parallels with Europe's Rhône River corridor under similar synoptic climate systems. These findings suggest that the Calakmul system serves as a model for understanding the rise and decline of global economic systems, offering insights into warfare, sustainable design, and climate engineering through the lens of information transfer scales.

Camelus grattardi, sp. nov., a new camel from the Shungura Formation, Omo Valley, Ethiopia, and the relationships of African fossil Camelidae (Mammalia)

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2014 — WHE279CAF649E

A new species of ancient camel, Camelus grattardi, has been identified from the Shungura Formation in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley. This discovery sheds light on the rare presence of fossil camels in Africa, which contrasts sharply with their modern-day abundance as domestic animals. The study analyzed fossil remains to establish the species' distinct characteristics and its evolutionary relationships within African Camelidae. By comparing these fossils with other known camel species, researchers reconstructed the phylogenetic history of this region's camel lineage, providing insights into their adaptation and diversification during prehistoric times.

Can Government Be Self-Organized? A Mathematical Model of the Collective Social Organization of Ancient Teotihuacan, Central Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2014 — WHECD25B21D66

A mathematical model demonstrates that Teotihuacan, the first urban civilization of Mesoamerica, could have been governed through self-organized collective action without centralized hierarchy. The study challenges the traditional view that powerful lineages controlled its growth, proposing instead a network of co-rulers whose decisions optimized globally despite local selfish behavior. This self-optimization relied on communal interruptions to normal activity but was hindered by excessive independence among network sections. The findings align with theories about Teotihuacan's community-wide rituals and its eventual collapse.