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Publications

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Power Plays in the Cradle of Humankind

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2013 — WHEE5CEB1CEA2

The study 'Power Plays in the Cradle of Humankind' investigates the intersection of national identity, masculinity, and whiteness in South Africa through a theatrical lens. It explores how these themes are staged and perceived within the context of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa. The research employs qualitative methods, focusing on performance analysis to dissect the social and political narratives embedded in theatrical productions. The study reveals how these performances reflect broader societal dynamics, particularly around issues of power, identity, and historical representation.

Pratique de cueillette sur le site de Khirokitia au Néolithique pré-céramique chypriote

Choirokoitia — 2013 — WHE4D418B06CC

Remarkable preservation of fruit remains at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Choirokoitia (Khirokitia) reveals the significant role of foraging in the Neolithic pre-ceramic period on Cyprus. Analysis of 420 sediment samples, including previously unstudied layers, demonstrates that wild plant gathering was a seasonal and complementary food source alongside emerging agro-pastoral practices between 6800 and 5500 BCE. The diversity of carpo-restes not only underscores the importance of foraging but also, when combined with anthracological data, reconstructs the past vegetation exploited around the site. This study provides insights into both the environmental context and the practical exploitation of wild resources within this early settlement.

Predicting the Distribution Pattern of Small Carnivores in Response to Environmental Factors in the Western Ghats

Western Ghats — 2013 — WHE80D4882D1C

Small carnivores in the Western Ghats, particularly in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, exhibit distinct distribution patterns influenced by environmental factors such as distance to villages and precipitation. Research using maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt) identified key predictors for six species, with 'distance to village' and seasonal precipitation being significant across most models. The study found that habitat heterogeneity, driven by an east-west climatic gradient, plays a crucial role in shaping the distribution of these carnivores. Predicted suitable habitats ranged from 28 km² to 63 km² for different species, highlighting the importance of modeling for targeted conservation planning. This approach offers valuable insights for prioritizing conservation efforts in southern India.

Preliminary Report on the Late Pleistocene and Holocene Diatoms of Swamp Lake, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Yosemite National Park — 2013 — WHE273C4657B0

Swamp Lake, Yosemite National Park, holds one of California's longest sediment records, spanning approximately 16,000 years and providing high-resolution insights into past climate variability. Analysis of diatom assemblages from a 947-cm composite sediment core reveals that the lake has consistently been freshwater, oligotrophic, and circumneutral to alkaline throughout its history. Early sediments indicate sparse watershed vegetation, allowing organic-poor silt and clay deposition as the basin rapidly filled to at least 5 meters in depth. The record also captures significant Holocene lake-level fluctuations, with evidence of climatic events such as the Medieval Climate Anomaly and Little Ice Age preserved in the upper 50 cm. This study leverages varved sediments—a rare feature in California lakes—to reconstruct detailed paleoclimatic conditions, offering a critical window into the region's environmental past.

Presencia del oso andino Tremarctos ornatus (Carnivora: Ursidae) en el Corredor de Conservación Vilcabamba–Amboró, sureste del Perú

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu — 2013 — WHE6A9DE5CCEA

A comprehensive study reveals the presence of the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) across multiple regions and protected areas within the Peruvian sector of the Vilcabamba-Amboro Conservation Corridor, including UNESCO's Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The research, combining in situ evaluations, interviews, literature reviews, and museum/zoo databases, identified the bear's range from tropical rainforests to highlands (400–4,170 masl) and highlighted critical areas such as Megantoni National Sanctuary, Manu, Amarakaeri, and Japu Bosque-Ukumari Llaqta Private Conservation Areas for their diverse resources. The study suggests potential connectivity between Peruvian and Bolivian bear populations due to proximity to Madidi National Park (Bolivia). However, human activities like agriculture, logging, mining, and infrastructure development pose significant threats by reducing habitat availability, impacting food, refuge, and movement corridors essential for bear population maintenance.

Preserving Petra Sustainably (One Step at a Time): The Temple of the Winged Lions Cultural Resource Management Initiative as a Step Forward

Petra — 2013 — WHED8CB377CF1

A groundbreaking initiative, the Temple of the Winged Lions Cultural Resource Management Initiative, is making strides toward sustainable preservation for Petra, Jordan. This project focuses on a 2,000-year-old Nabataean temple within the ancient city center, addressing complex challenges in protecting this UNESCO World Heritage site. The initiative employs a holistic, grassroots approach that integrates various subcomponents to ensure long-term conservation. By combining innovative strategies and community engagement, it aims to solve the enduring mystery of how to sustainably preserve Petra for future generations.

Preview: Geomechanics and Tunnelling 5/2013

Semmering Railway — 2013 — WHE02D004242D

This issue of Geomechanics and Tunnelling provides insights into the Semmering Railway's modernization, focusing on the New Semmering Base Tunnel (NSBT), a critical project for Austria's rail network. Key advancements include innovative tunnel construction techniques, such as the reuse of tunnel spoil material in segment production, which demonstrates sustainable practices in large-scale infrastructure projects. The issue also highlights logistical challenges and solutions for long tunnel drives, including the development of a disc cutter force monitoring system to enhance safety and efficiency. Additionally, it explores ventilation strategies for emergency stations in very long railway tunnels and addresses current challenges in preventing the sintering of tunnel drainage systems through modeling and monitoring tools.

Principles in the Arrangement of Ritual Vessels and Food for the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite

Jongmyo Shrine — 2013 — WHE7DB33D82AA

Research on the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite reveals that the arrangement of ritual vessels and food follows a complex system rooted in ancient traditions, Confucian principles, and cosmological symbolism. The study identifies a hierarchical structure where raw foods (symbolizing ancient customs) are prioritized over cooked ones, with clear distinctions based on directionality—raw meats and foods placed to the east (associated with spring and yang energy), while cooked dishes align with west (autumn and yin). Vessels like 俎豆 (zu dou) and ?豆 (dou) are arranged by parity: even numbers for yin (raw offerings) and odd for yang (cooked), reflecting yin-yang duality. The rite’s peak, the 作獻 (zakhyeon) ceremony, symbolizes ancestral communication through ritual alcohol pouring, using a round vessel (작) with two pillars and three legs to embody cosmic harmony (heaven-earth, yin-yang, Five Phases). This study deciphers how Joseon-era rituals codified in texts like 『每事問』 (1796) embed Confucian values—filial piety (仁)—into spatial and material practices, illustrating a living tradition that balances cosmic order with social hierarchy.

Priority Primate Areas in Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2013 — WHE9F25483FD6

Tanzania, a critical hub for primate conservation in mainland Africa, harbors 43 species and subspecies of primates, including globally rare and range-restricted taxa. A comprehensive analysis identifies Priority Primate Areas (PPAs) totaling 102,513 km², encompassing diverse protected sites such as national parks, game reserves, and forest reserves. These areas are ranked based on irreplaceability and vulnerability using a novel Taxon Conservation Score. Notably, just nine PPAs—including Kilimanjaro National Park, Mahale, and Udzungwa—cover 8,679 km² and protect all 27 primate species. Expanding to 14 PPAs ensures the conservation of Tanzania's entire primate diversity. This study leverages IUCN Red List criteria and complementarity analyses to pinpoint critical sites for targeted protection, with 71% of PPAs overlapping with Important Bird Areas (IBAs), highlighting their ecological significance.

Privileging the Diaspora in Mauritius: Making World Heritage for a Multicultural Nation

Aapravasi Ghat — 2013 — WHE602EAE7C48

Aapravasi Ghat, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List as a symbol of the Indian diaspora, serves as a contested site for Mauritian nationalism. While it represents transnational diasporic identity, its designation reflects a political vision that prioritizes diaspora over mixed or entangled identities. This study reveals how diaspora functions as a primary modality for distinguishing Mauritian citizenship and fostering a sense of loyalty to a single place, akin to primordial nationalisms. The research examines the emergence and operation of Aapravasi Ghat as a diasporic heritage project, highlighting the dynamic nature of identities and the political implications of its World Heritage status.

Probabilistic modeling of future volcanic eruptions at Mount Etna

Mount Etna — 2013 — WHE87B78B9381

A probabilistic model of future volcanic eruptions at Mount Etna reveals that flank eruptions follow a nonhomogeneous Poisson process, with space-time varying intensities. The study, based on comprehensive historical data from 1610 to the present, demonstrates spatial nonhomogeneity and temporal nonstationarity in eruption patterns. It calculates recurrence rates to produce spatiotemporal probability maps predicting vent opening over the next 1, 10, and 50 years, providing critical insights for volcanic hazard assessment. Additionally, summit crater activity shows a significant increase in eruptive frequency since the mid-20th century, particularly after the formation of the Southeast Crater in 1971.

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for Bridgetown-Barbados, Employing Subduction Interface Characteristic Earthquakes

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison — 2013 — WHED2A8D151A7

A probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for Bridgetown, Barbados, reveals that the dominant earthquake scenarios for return periods of 475 and 975 years involve subduction interface earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from M 7.4 to M 8.6 at distances of approximately 42.5 km beneath the Barbados accretionary prism. Additionally, an event with a magnitude of M 8.0 at a distance of 107.5 km in the intraplate subduction zone is also significant for these return periods. The study employed the Cornell-McGuire approach, incorporating characteristic earthquakes and slip rates, along with a logic-tree framework to calculate uniform hazard spectra for various structural periods and return periods. This analysis provides critical insights into seismic risks for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.

Problemas en torno al camino real aqueménida entre Susa y Persépolis: rutas y estaciones

Susa — 2013 — WHE9BFC40306E

Achaemenid Royal Road between Susa and Persepolis: Routes and Stations reveals significant challenges in pinpointing the exact locations of stations along the Achaemenid Royal Road, despite advancements in reconstructing its itinerary. The study leverages ancient sources, archaeological evidence, and toponymic investigations to propose hypotheses on station distribution. By analyzing texts from the Persepolis Fortification Archive, researchers aim to clarify the spatial organization of these stations, offering new insights into the logistical and administrative structure of one of the most important routes in ancient Persia.

Problems in selling heritage for tourism: a cautionary tale, with insights from Europe’s (pen)insular margins

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2013 — WHE6B80D566F7

Borobudur Temple Compounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Java, Indonesia, faces significant challenges in leveraging tourism for socio-economic development. Despite its status as a major tourist attraction and a symbol of cultural heritage, the site struggles to fully capitalize on its potential due to complex socio-political dynamics. The temple complex, which includes Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon Temples, underwent extensive restoration between 1973 and 1983 under UNESCO coordination but continues to grapple with issues such as balancing tourism development with cultural preservation, particularly in a predominantly Muslim region where Buddhist practices are maintained. The study highlights the need for more nuanced approaches to heritage tourism that address local context, religious sensitivities, and sustainable economic benefits.

Profitability and opportunity of conservation agriculture in acid savannah grasslands of Laos

Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars — 2013 — WHE45C542B6D1

Conservation agriculture (CA) offers a viable alternative to conventional tillage-based systems for enhancing soil productivity and profitability in the acid savannah grasslands of Laos, particularly around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars. A three-year study comparing CA with conventional tillage (CT) across different fertilization levels found that CA systems achieved similar or higher grain production and profits while also improving labor productivity and opportunities for livestock system intensification, regardless of fertilization intensity. These findings suggest that CA could contribute to sustainable smallholder agriculture in the region if supported by institutional transformations, such as local manufacturing and trade partnerships for no-till implements, long-term research initiatives, and technical mentoring for farmers. The integration of ecosystem services into agricultural policy may further strengthen this transition.

Pronounced Particularity: A Comparison of Governance Structures on Lord Howe Island and Fernando de Noronha

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2013 — WHE04DCC8A949

Governance structures on oceanic islands with UNESCO World Heritage status significantly influence local socioeconomic outcomes, despite similarities in natural attributes and official recognition. A comparative analysis of Lord Howe Island (Australia) and Fernando de Noronha (Brazil) reveals distinct approaches to tourism and heritage management that yield divergent community impacts. The study highlights how governance models—rooted in historical and contemporary contexts—shape daily life, economic activities, and sustainability practices. While both islands face comparable challenges, their differing strategies underscore the need for tailored mechanisms to balance conservation with local engagement, offering lessons for sustainable island governance.

Proposta de Roteiro de Campo para o Ensino de Geociências – Trajeto entre os Municípios de Ouro Preto e Mariana/MG – o Patrimônio Geológico Local como Ferramenta Didática Empreendedora

Historic Town of Ouro Preto — 2013 — WHEE33EC05871

A strategic fieldwork route between Ouro Preto and Mariana, Brazil, is proposed to enhance geosciences education by leveraging the geological heritage of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero. This approach aims to stimulate cognitive development in students through hands-on learning, integrating entrepreneurial education with geoconservation principles. The study combines a literature review on geosciences pedagogy and regional geology with field surveys to identify key outcrops for educational use. By encouraging teachers to design their own fieldwork experiences, the proposal seeks to transform classroom learning into opportunities for local development, citizenship, and sustainable economic growth.

Propuesta de indicadores para evaluar la sostenibilidad de la actividad turística. El caso del Valle de Viñales (Cuba

Viñales Valley — 2013 — WHE1F5E6E45EB

A system of indicators was developed to assess the sustainability of tourism in Viñales Valley, Cuba, a UNESCO-recognized Cultural Landscape and national park. The study found that while the valley's small-scale tourist development aims to improve local living standards and preserve natural and cultural resources, its sustainability requires careful evaluation. By applying these indicators, researchers identified key areas for improvement to balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.

Prosopographische Untersuchungen anhand der Rechtsurkunden aus Susa

Susa — 2013 — WHEF89F820814

A prosopographic analysis of legal documents from Susa reveals new insights into the chronological order of local rulers and reconstructs family archives, providing detailed information about inheritance patterns, parent-child sequences, and sibling relationships. The study leverages oaths and inheritance links to map familial connections, offering a deeper understanding of Susa's social structure during this period.

Prospection and Monitoring of the Archaeological Heritage of Nasca, Peru, with ENVISAT ASAR

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2013 — WHE706D7ACEFA

A study using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from the ENVISAT ASAR satellite successfully identified and monitored anthropogenic features, including the Nasca Lines and ancient aqueduct systems (puquios), in the arid desert region of southern Peru. By analyzing backscattering coefficients (σ0) from 2003 to 2007, researchers detected subtle changes in water levels and vegetation, providing insights into the conservation status of the Ceremonial Centre of Cahuachi and surrounding archaeological mounds. The findings demonstrate the potential of SAR data for routine archaeological prospection and condition monitoring in arid environments, offering a non-invasive method to study and preserve UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Nasca.