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Participatory Culture as a Site for the Reception of Architecture: Making a Giant Sydney Opera House Cake

Sydney Opera House — 2013 — WHE9DF5F761A4

A giant, edible replica of the Sydney Opera House, created by volunteers for Australia Day 2011, offers a unique lens to understand public reception and cultural significance of iconic architecture. This study reveals that participatory activities like cake-making can serve as meaningful sites for engaging with and interpreting landmark structures, bridging traditional social practices and contemporary participatory culture theories. By analyzing the event through Henry Jenkins' framework on participatory culture, the research demonstrates how such grassroots initiatives contribute to the broader cultural uptake of architectural landmarks, highlighting the role of collaborative creativity in shaping public perception.

Patrimoine et monuments en Tunisie 1881-1920

Dougga / Thugga — 2013 — WHE0CBC4C050A

Tunisia's rich cultural heritage, comprising Punic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic monuments—some now UNESCO World Heritage Sites—was systematically documented, preserved, and promoted during the French protectorate (1881–1920). This period marked a pivotal shift in patrimonialization, with the establishment of modern institutions like the Service des antiquités et des arts (1885), precursor to today's National Institute of Heritage. The study reveals how colonial authorities, scientists, and civil society collaborated to classify, restore, and exhibit Tunisia's monuments, exemplified by Dougga and Carthage, while also shaping heritage narratives through museums like the Bardo. Innovative legislation underpinned these efforts, blending scholarly rigor with political imperatives.

Peace through Tourism

Mount Kumgang – Diamond Mountain from the Sea — 2013 — WHE6A88B19A76

This edited volume investigates the dual relationship between peace and tourism, examining how tourism can both promote peace and be influenced by it. It presents case studies from diverse regions, including Mount Kumgang in South Korea, Palestine, Timor Leste, India, Japan, Australia, Kenya, and Jerusalem, to explore the potential of 'peace tourism' as a tool for ecological democracy, human rights advocacy, and social justice. The research employs qualitative methods, such as critical analysis and case study approaches, to assess both the benefits and drawbacks of peace tourism, including its potential for exploitation and the challenges it faces in conflict zones. A key finding is that while peace tourism can foster international citizenship and awareness-raising, its effectiveness depends on ethical frameworks and local community involvement.

People and Seals at Siberia's Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal — 2013 — WHEF0F2787CA4

Baikal seals in Eastern Siberia hold deep cultural significance for local people, particularly the Buriat, extending back thousands of years. Research reveals that these relationships are multifaceted, involving intimate knowledge of the animals based on sensory cues and proper treatment of their bodies after death to maintain good standing with local spirits. Seals also play central roles in regional cosmologies and legends, including origin stories. Archaeological evidence shows that humans have maintained meaningful interactions with seals since at least 7,000–8,000 years ago, challenging simplistic views of these relationships as mere predator-prey or consumer-commodity dynamics.

Pérennisation de l’administration et des axes de recherche

Dougga / Thugga — 2013 — WHE61494D5F5D

Alfred Merlin's leadership at Dougga (Thugga) from 1920 to 1965 marked a pivotal phase in the site's archaeological research, solidifying institutional ties between the Service des antiquités et des arts, the École française de Rome, and the École normale supérieure. His tenure, following the tradition set by predecessors like La Blanchère, emphasized systematic excavations and administrative continuity, with Merlin directing multiple campaigns under Gauckler’s guidance. The study highlights how Merlin's background—trained at the École normale supérieure, experienced in Roman archaeology, and active in North African fieldwork—shaped Dougga's research trajectory, ensuring long-term institutional stability and methodological rigor.

Performance and Characteristics of Garden Spaces of Buildings in China’s Chengde Mountain Resort

Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde — 2013 — WHEC6058CE589

A comprehensive analysis of garden spaces within China’s UNESCO-listed Chengde Mountain Resort reveals 6 distinct types and 97 compositional models, with performance and characteristics deeply influenced by the personality traits and behavioral patterns of historical users, such as its original owners. The study, combining literature review and field surveys, systematically categorized 142 garden space groups based on functions, building quantities, and structural methods, offering new insights into the spatial dynamics and cultural significance of this World Heritage Site.

Periodic volcanic degassing behavior: The Mount Etna example

Mount Etna — 2013 — WHEC15E351B8F

Researchers have uncovered rapid, periodic fluctuations in volcanic gas emissions from Mount Etna, representing the first observation of such behavior at high temporal resolution. Using a novel UV imaging technique sampling at 0.5 Hz, the study identified two distinct period bands—40–250 seconds and 500–1200 seconds—suggesting that these modulations may arise from periodic bursting of gas bubble trains at the magma-air interface. A correlation between gas flux fluctuations in the longer-period band and seismic activity further supports this hypothesis, offering new insights into the dynamics of volcanic degassing.

Persian Gardens and Pavilions

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi — 2013 — WHE584C3FBF08

Persian gardens and pavilions, integral to Persianate architecture since the Achaemenid era (6th century BC), have been understudied despite their cultural and symbolic significance. Mohammad Gharipour's work highlights the pavilion's pivotal role in these gardens, tracing its evolution from pre-Islamic designs to its representation in religious texts like the Qur'an and Persian poetry. By analyzing depictions in Achaemenid and Sassanian Persia, Zoroastrian texts, and Islamic literature, Gharipour reveals how the garden-pavilion complex symbolized paradise and metaphorical values. This interdisciplinary approach combines historical, literary, and artistic contexts to redefine our understanding of Persianate garden architecture.

Pesca artesanal na Baía de Ilha Grande, no Rio de Janeiro: conflitos com unidades de conservação e novas possibilidades de gestão

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2013 — WHEFF494DEF35

A preliminary analysis of conflicts between artisanal fishing and the Tamoios Ecological Station (ESEC Tamoios) in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro, reveals significant potential for sustainable co-management. The study highlights the G-PESCA-BIG project—a locally known 'Fishing Agreement'—as a promising initiative to address socioenvironmental conflicts, leveraging the high mobilization and organization of local fishermen. This research stands out due to its focus on a rare example of successful natural resource co-management in Brazil, particularly in fisheries, offering insights into resolving complex local challenges through participatory governance.

Phenotypic and Molecular Biological Characterization of Cyanobacteria from Marble Surfaces of Treated and Untreated Sites of Propylaea (Acropolis, Athens)

Acropolis, Athens — 2013 — WHEE32E7C7B19

A study on the Acropolis' Propylaea marbles revealed that cyanobacterial communities, which contribute to marble degradation through their endolithic lifestyle, were significantly reduced on treated surfaces compared to untreated ones. Using both phenotypic and molecular approaches, researchers identified 13 phenotypes and 10 phylotypes of cyanobacteria in two sampling sites, with the treated site showing a notable decrease in diversity. This suggests that biocide treatment can effectively mitigate aesthetic damage caused by these microorganisms, offering potential conservation strategies for marble structures.

Phenotypic Diversity and Landscape Genetics ofEristalis tenaxin a Spatially Heterogeneous Environment, Durmitor Mountain (Montenegro)

Durmitor National Park — 2013 — WHE43999B7385

A study on the hoverfly Eristalis tenax in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro, reveals that landscape heterogeneity does not significantly impact its population structure or gene flow. Analysis of allele frequencies at allozyme loci, wing traits (size and shape), and abdominal color patterns across eight diverse locations—ranging from deciduous forests to alpine meadows—showed weak genetic differentiation and phenotypic similarity among samples. Bayesian clustering and FST estimates confirmed a lack of population structure, suggesting that E. tenax thrives in a more or less continuous habitat due to its strong dispersal capacity. These findings imply that the species may facilitate gene flow among isolated plant populations across the region, offering insights into its role in maintaining biodiversity.

Philae: The Pearl of Egypt

Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae — 2013 — WHE9F2D5E7626

Philae, an island in southern Egypt near Aswan, is renowned for its historic temple complex, which was progressively developed during the Late, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods. The site's splendor stems from contributions by both Egyptian and Nubian rulers, with the temple of Isis serving as its centerpiece. A significant challenge arose with the construction of the first Aswan Dam in 1902, which led to partial submersion of the complex under water. To preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire temple was meticulously dismantled into individual blocks and reassembled on Agilkia Island, ensuring its survival for future generations.

Philippi: How Christianity Began in Europe : The Epistle to the Philippians and the Excavations at Philippi

Archaeological Site of Philippi — 2013 — WHE197D3777D6

A comprehensive analysis of the Epistle to the Philippians and its archaeological context at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi reveals critical insights into the origins of Christianity in Europe. The study integrates biblical interpretation with archaeological evidence, highlighting key artefacts that illuminate the Early Church's activities and Paul's influence in Philippi. By synthesizing textual and material remains, it provides a nuanced understanding of one of the most significant canonical epistles and its historical setting. This interdisciplinary approach offers indispensable guidance for scholars and educators studying early Christianity.

Phoresy of Trichouropoda shcherbakae Hirschmann, 1972 (Acari: Mesostigmata) on beetles of the genus Tetropium Kirby, 1837 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Białowieża Forest, Poland

Białowieża Forest — 2013 — WHEA1CAB2AC01

Research in the Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO-listed natural area, reveals a significant phoretic relationship between mites of the species Trichouropoda shcherbakae and beetles of the genus Tetropium. The study found that 9.4% of analyzed beetles (524 specimens, including T. castaneum and T. fuscum) carried 785 mites, with T. fuscum hosting 82% of these. Most mites were attached to the beetles' legs, indicating a preference for this phoretic association. The findings highlight temporal and spatial variations in mite attachment intensity, contributing to our understanding of mite-beetle interactions in one of Europe's last pristine forests.

Physical ecology of hypolithic communities in the central Namib Desert: The role of fog, rain, rock habitat, and light

Namib Sand Sea — 2013 — WHEB25A230E0F

Hypolithic microbial communities thrive in desert environments, but their ecology remains poorly understood. This study reveals that fog plays a pivotal role in sustaining these communities in the Namib Sand Sea. Fog effectively replaces rainfall in the western zone, enabling high hypolithic abundance (≥95%) at landscape scales and promoting colonization of smaller rock size classes (mean 6.3 ± 1.2 cm) compared to hyperarid deserts. Despite rainfall events supplying more liquid water than fog, fog provides nearly twice as much annual moisture to hypolithic zones. Hypolithic abundance reaches 100% at a mean annual precipitation (MAP) of approximately 40–60 mm, but this threshold drops significantly (to ~25 mm) when fog is present. The study also identifies light as a limiting factor for colonization on unexposed rock surfaces, with hypolithic growth occurring at just 0.1% of incident sunlight.

Physico-Chemical Parameters of High-Altitude Rivers in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2013 — WHE57A547DBC5

A three-year study (2008–2010) reveals early signs of water quality degradation in high-altitude rivers within Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. While current levels generally meet drinking water standards (WHO/Nepal), increasing nitrate nitrogen and total phosphorus suggest accelerating anthropogenic impacts—primarily from tourism and waste disposal along major treks. These trends, observed at elevations ranging from 1900 to 5300 meters, highlight an urgent need for proactive monitoring and ecosystem management in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research establishes a critical database to track changes and inform conservation strategies.

Physico-chemical properties of soils in cool-temperate forests of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand (India)

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2013 — WHECFDD3B3998

Soil properties in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve exhibit significant variation with depth and forest type. While gravel content increases with soil depth in Abies pindrow, Betula utilis, and Quercus semecarpifolia-dominated forests, fine particles show marked differences across other forest types, particularly higher in Pinus wallichiana and A. pindrow stands. Organic carbon levels peak at 6.10% under Q. semecarpifolia (0–15 cm depth) but drop to 0.52% under A. pindrow (30–45 cm depth). Seasonal C:N:P ratios range from a high of 118.57:4.29:1 in A. pindrow forests (June–September, 0–15 cm) to a low of 8.00:2.68:1 (September–December, 15–30 cm). The study highlights the influence of forest type and depth on soil composition, with acidic conditions (pH 5.09–6.46) and bulk density (1.14–1.91 g/cm³) further shaping nutrient dynamics in these cool-temperate ecosystems.

Physiognomy and Natural Regeneration of Dry Deciduous Forests at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2013 — WHE45ED944F36

Research at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, reveals that the natural regeneration of tropical dry deciduous forests is hindered by seasonal seed production, high seed predation rates, and a lack of persistent seed banks, despite favorable environmental conditions. The study highlights the high beta diversity of these forests, underscoring the need for large-scale conservation efforts to maintain biodiversity. Using experimental plots, seed trays, soil samples, and quadrats, the research also explores the potential for sustainable timber production and local community involvement in forest management.

Piracy in the high trees: ectomycorrhizal fungi from an aerial ‘canopy soil’ microhabitat

Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand — 2013 — WHE7BD9CC1EA3

Researchers discovered that ectomycorrhizal fungi, typically associated with terrestrial roots, also colonize adventitious canopy roots of Nothofagus menziesii trees in the temperate rainforests of South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. This unexpected finding suggests a novel mechanism for nutrient acquisition in these ecosystems, bypassing traditional soil-ground cycles by tapping into canopy soil nutrients. The study identified 14 fungal phylotypes from nine genera, including seven known to form ectomycorrhizas with terrestrial Nothofagus roots and two previously unreported in this context (Clavulina and Leotia). Using DNA sequencing and cluster analysis on 74 root tips collected from three old-growth trees, the research highlights the functional significance of canopy ectomycorrhizas, which may enhance host nutrition while also implicating competition for nutrients between the host tree and epiphytes in this aerial microhabitat.

Places, monuments, and landscape: evidence from the Holocene central Sahara

Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — 2013 — WHE3B730ACF20

A marked dichotomy between mountain contexts and lowlands emerges from the Holocene central Sahara, with only mountainous areas exhibiting phenomena of monumentality. This study analyzes case studies from Tadrart Acacus (southwestern Libya), revealing that earlier occupation sites—ranging from early Holocene hunter-gatherers to the first cattle herders (c. 8900-6400 BP)—possess characteristics of social relevance and temporality that suggest they were 'places to be remembered.' The research highlights the significance of monumental features, such as megalithic stone monuments with diverse architectural traits, which date from approximately 6000 uncalibrated years BP onwards. While not exhaustive, this evidence contributes to broader discussions on monumentality in Africa.