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Protected Area Effectiveness in Reducing Conversion in a Rapidly Vanishing Ecosystem: The Brazilian Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2013 — WHE6184635AFA

Protected areas (PAs) and indigenous lands (ILs) in the Brazilian Cerrado significantly reduce habitat conversion compared to unprotected sites, with strictly protected PAs being more effective than multiple-use PAs. A study analyzing data from 2002 to 2009 found that both PA types and ILs experienced lower conversion rates when matched with similarly exposed unprotected areas. Strictly protected PAs, despite having similar baseline conversion rates as multiple-use PAs, demonstrated greater effectiveness in reducing habitat loss, likely due to stricter land-use regulations. Indigenous lands also showed strong effectiveness, though their baseline conversion rates were high. This research underscores the importance of differentiating PA categories and highlights the potential for increased conservation investments in this rapidly vanishing ecosystem.

Proterochampsia: an endemic archosauriform clade from South America

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2013 — WHEF2C259638F

Proterochampsia, a distinct group of crocodile-like archosauriforms, has been identified as endemic to the late Middle and early Late Triassic periods in South America. This clade, which includes genera such as Cerritosaurus, Proterochampsa, Chanaresuchus, Gualosuchus, and Tropidosuchus, was traditionally confused with crocodilians but has since been clarified through new discoveries and phylogenetic studies to be a non-archosaurian archosauriform. Proterochampsia is considered a potential successive sister-taxa of the crown group Archosauria, shedding light on the evolutionary relationships among Triassic archosaurs. The research, based on fossils from the Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin in Argentina and the Parana Basin in Brazil, provides significant insights into the biodiversity and evolutionary history of this region during the Triassic period.

Provenance analysis of the Mesozoic Hoh‐Xil‐Songpan‐Ganzi turbidites in northern Tibet: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Paleo‐Tethys Ocean

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2013 — WHEA6B8F2E8A2

Researchers have uncovered critical evidence of Jurassic-age marine sediments in the northwestern Hoh-Xil-Songpan-Ganzi complex, northern Tibet, which unconformably overlie Upper Triassic turbidites. This discovery challenges previous understanding of the region's geological history and provides new insights into the tectonic evolution of the eastern Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Through detailed geological mapping, stratigraphic analysis, and U-Pb geochronology of detrital zircons from 4128 samples across multiple terranes, the study reveals that Middle-Upper Triassic marine gravity-flow deposits were sourced from distant regions including the North and South China blocks, Kunlun, Qiangtang terranes, and the ultrahigh-pressure Qinling-Dabie orogenic belt. The findings suggest significant horizontal tectonic transport and the opening of large back-arc basins during the Paleo-Tethys Ocean's evolution, marking a pivotal phase in its demise and the accretion of Gondwana-derived terranes to Eurasia.

Provenance and Geographic Spread of St. Louis Encephalitis Virus

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2013 — WHEDE6C8B0264

Researchers have uncovered the probable origin and spread of St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, linking its emergence to human invasion of primary rainforests during the post-Columbian era. Through ecological investigations in Palenque National Park, Mexico, they identified an ancestral SLEV variant in Culex nigripalpus mosquitoes, distinct from epidemic strains. Phylogeographic analysis traced the common ancestor of all epidemic SLEVs to a region between southern Mexico and Panama around 330 years ago, with subsequent expansion occurring in two waves along major bird migration pathways. Cell culture studies revealed that the ancestral virus was less adaptive to hosts outside primary rainforests compared to epidemic strains. This study provides critical insights into the virus's provenance and its association with historical human activities.

Public involvement and tourism planning in a historic city: the case of the Old City of Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2013 — WHEE3477A7119

Tourism planning in conflict zones, such as the Old City of Jerusalem, requires significant public involvement to balance development with political and cultural sensitivities. This study highlights the critical role of local populations in tourism management, particularly in East Jerusalem, where the lack of consensus on political status complicates sustainable solutions. The research emphasizes that effective tourism strategies must prioritize public cooperation while navigating complex geopolitical challenges. By focusing on community engagement, such approaches can mitigate ethical and societal tensions, offering a path toward more inclusive and sustainable heritage conservation.

Pupils’ and Students’ Perceptions and Representations of the Wooden Churches in Maramureş, Romania

Wooden Churches of Maramureş — 2013 — WHEBB55C40635

A study on pupils' and students' perceptions of the wooden churches in Maramureş, Romania, confirmed that their representations were not very precise. The research employed a questionnaire to analyze responses regarding these UNESCO-listed structures and their role as tourist attractions. Findings suggest limited awareness among local youth about the cultural significance and potential of these heritage sites, highlighting an opportunity for educational interventions to enhance appreciation and engagement with Maramureş's unique wooden architecture.

Putin Cracks Down: The Russian Presidential Election and Its Aftermath

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2013 — WHE362935C4AB

A significant shift in Russian political landscape emerged following the 2011 parliamentary elections and the 2012 presidential election, marked by unprecedented large-scale protests. These demonstrations, largely organized by a new generation of internationally educated activists using social media, demanded fair elections and democratic reforms, symbolized by white ribbons and human chains around Moscow and the Kremlin. Despite initial fears of police repression, the protests unfolded without violence, encouraging further activism and leading to the emergence of opposition spokespersons such as Alexei Navalny and Garry Kasparov. The study highlights the contrast between these demonstrations and the entrenched 'Putin System,' characterized by centralized power and the fusion of political authority with business interests.

Qatar–Bahrain Disputes in the Twentieth Century

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site — 2013 — WHE50D766C12A

Territorial disputes between Bahrain and Qatar, which had been relatively dormant since 1895, resurfaced with renewed complexity in the early twentieth century. This period saw significant expansion of contested areas, including the district of Zubarah, the Hawar Islands, and the shoals of Dibal and Jaradah, along with the seabed between the two states. The study highlights how these disputes evolved, adding new layers to the long-standing tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

Quantifying Historic Human Impacts on Forest Environments: A Case Study in Białowieża Forest, Poland

Białowieża Forest — 2013 — WHE3FDE55106E

Białowieża Forest, Europe's last primeval lowland forest, has experienced significant anthropogenic disturbance over 1,800 years. A study quantifying these impacts found that by the late 18th century, 9.5% of a 200 sq km area was entirely deforested, while 33.5% was moderately or strongly altered, leaving only 57% untouched. Naturalness declined from 73.5% to 54.5% during this period. The research used a combination of field surveys, archaeological excavations, and historical documents to estimate disturbance strength and durability, developing a conceptual framework applicable to other forest landscapes.

Quantifying patterns of fish herbivory on Palmyra Atoll (USA), an uninhabited predator-dominated central Pacific coral reef

Site of Palmyra — 2013 — WHEAEA419EB2E

Research on Palmyra Atoll, USA, reveals significant differences in fish herbivory patterns between exposed fore reef and protected reef terrace habitats. While per capita bite rates were higher in the deeper fore reef (45% more bites per minute), overall grazing intensity on turf algae was five times greater on the shallower reef terrace. The study highlights functional redundancy among herbivores, with strong guild-level selectivity for algal turfs, while also demonstrating variability in species-specific grazing behaviors. Phylogenetic constraints on grazing activities were evident when comparing bite and defecation rates across the Indo-Pacific. This work provides a framework for assessing the broader impacts of fish herbivory on coral reef ecosystems.

Quasiaulacera, a new Hirnantian (Late Ordovician) aulaceratid stromatoporoid genus from Anticosti Island, Canada

Anticosti — 2013 — WHE4415E10C8E

Researchers have discovered Quasiaulacera, a new genus of aulaceratid stromatoporoids from the Hirnantian (Late Ordovician) period on Anticosti Island, Canada. This genus, characterized by its large, columnar form and unique structural features, includes two species: Q. stellata and Q. occidua. The study reveals that Quasiaulacera thrived during a period of global cooling linked to the Hirnantian glaciation but faced extinction at the Ordovician-Silurian (O/S) boundary. This finding supports evidence that the Hirnantian era was marked by both innovation and migration in tropical latitudes, despite significant generic loss. The research combines detailed morphological analysis with stratigraphic data from the Ellis Bay Formation to elucidate the evolutionary dynamics of stromatoporoids during this critical period.

R. Boucharlat. The ‘paradise’ of Cyrus at Pasargadae, the core of the Royal ostentation

Pasargadae — 2013 — WHEA6D892595D

Research on Pasargadae reveals that the site, with its sparse and strategically placed constructions, likely functioned as a vast 'paradise' or paradeisos, a Persian concept of an idyllic garden admired by Greek authors. The study suggests that the majority of the area was designed as a sprawling park, housing only a few prestigious buildings to showcase royal opulence. Additionally, it proposes that the nearby valley containing Cyrus the Great's tomb may have been landscaped and irrigated, further emphasizing the site's significance as a center of imperial display.

Range Management Affects Native Ungulate Populations in Península Valdés, a World Natural Heritage

Península Valdés — 2013 — WHE51EA9A12FB

In Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, guanaco populations thrive more in areas where ecotourism complements livestock production compared to traditional sheep ranching alone. The study found that smaller paddocks with higher stocking rates and greater vegetation productivity (measured by EVI) correlated with fewer guanaco sightings. However, when ecotourism was integrated into ranch management, guanaco encounter rates increased regardless of paddock size, suggesting reduced human disturbance. Land subdivision emerged as a key predictor of guanaco distribution in sheep-only ranches, while the addition of ecotourism appears to mitigate negative impacts on native ungulates. The research highlights potential strategies for balancing livestock production and wildlife conservation in Patagonian rangelands.

Rangeland Management in Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal: An Ecological Perspective

Sagarmatha National Park — 2013 — WHE3C82F6789C

A significant annual decrease of 3.38% in glacier area was observed between 1978 and 1996 in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone (SNPBZ), highlighting the ecological impacts of environmental changes on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study identified 168 plant species, with 67% being palatable for livestock, indicating underutilized rangeland biomass despite exceeding current demand. This suggests that grazing reduction could enhance productivity and biodiversity, aligning with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Researchers used multivariate and bivariate analysis, along with geographic information system techniques, to assess land use trends and ecological data, providing critical insights for sustainable rangeland management in the Himalayan region.

Rapporto sulle attività geofisiche, oceanografiche e di campionamento durante la crociera PANSTR12 con Nave Aretusa: Isole Eolie (Stromboli, Panarea, Salina) (2012-06-30 - 2012-07-14)

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2013 — WHE84E6B60FF8

A significant discovery from the PANSTR12 expedition reveals that the Sciara del Fuoco, a prominent morphological feature on Stromboli's western flank, exhibits distinct magnetic signatures linked to its deformative structure. This finding underscores the importance of monitoring such instability zones for comprehensive volcanic risk assessment. The study employed advanced geophysical and oceanographic techniques, including multibeam surveys and magnetometric measurements, to characterize the submerged portions of the Sciara del Fuoco and surrounding areas. Additionally, the expedition aimed to track the evolutionary processes of gas eruptions in Panarea's vicinity, providing insights into the tectonic and geodynamic dynamics of the Aeolian volcanic arc. Conducted by a collaboration between INGV, ISMAR (CNR), and IIM, this research contributes crucial data for understanding the complex interactions between volcanic activity and structural instability in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Reacting to Timbuktu

Timbuktu — 2013 — WHE505F8D47E2

An analysis of online comments on the destruction of libraries in Timbuktu reveals how societal discourse frames the preservation and loss of books and manuscripts. The study examines reactions posted on the Library and Information Association of South Africa's website, highlighting key themes and language used in public responses to cultural heritage destruction. This approach sheds light on the emotional and intellectual dimensions of library preservation efforts, offering insights into global attitudes toward intangible cultural assets.

Rebranding of the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park in South Africa: Reflections on Benefits and Challenges for the Former of St Lucia

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2013 — WHEE2F04C9AB7

The rebranding of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park to iSimangaliso Wetland Park (iSWP) aimed to shift its market positioning from a globalized ecotourism destination to one rooted in indigenous and local identity. This study evaluates whether this strategic rebranding, driven by concerns over competition with other international destinations like those in the Caribbean, has successfully translated into tangible and intangible benefits for the predominantly white town of St Lucia. Despite ongoing political challenges, including unresolved land claim disputes stemming from colonial and apartheid-era forced removals, the research examines how the rebranding has influenced local stakeholders' participation in ecotourism development. The findings highlight both the potential and limitations of localization strategies in post-apartheid South Africa's ecotourism landscape.

Rebranding San Millán: the Becerro Galicano as a rejection of the monastery's Navarrese heritage (1192–95)

San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries — 2013 — WHE896FCC24FF

The Becerro Galicano, created at San Millán de la Cogolla Monastery between 1192 and 1195, represents a strategic rebranding of the monastery's identity. This cartulary deliberately downplayed its Navarrese heritage in favor of emphasizing Castilian origins to counter claims from the bishopric of Calahorra. The study compares it with its predecessor, the lost Becerro Gótico, revealing a shift driven by regional warfare and ecclesiastical politics in 12th-century Rioja. By analyzing textual content and historical context, researchers demonstrate how the monastery used legal documentation to secure its territorial claims through higher ecclesiastical authorities.

Reconstructing Heritage in the Aftermath of Civil War: Re-Visioning the Nation and the Implications of International Involvement

Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad — 2013 — WHEC32DD459BA

Post-conflict heritage reconstruction can both aid reconciliation and perpetuate symbolic violence, depending on the intentionality behind rebuilding efforts. This study reveals that while international interventions often promote a universalized 'heritage of mankind' framework, they may overlook local valuations and long-term ethical consequences, potentially undermining reconciliation. The research examines three key aspects: the guiding principles behind reconstruction choices, the resulting symbolic landscape, and the ethical dilemmas posed by third-party involvement. By analyzing the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovinathe study highlights the tension between global heritage standards and local interpretations, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to post-conflict reconstruction that balances international values with community perspectives.

Reconstruction of the Dead (Grey) Dune evolution along the Curonian Spit, Southeastern Baltic

Curonian Spit — 2013 — WHECD32F79F84

Researchers have reconstructed the evolutionary history of the Dead (Grey) Dunes, a significant geological feature on the Lithuanian half of the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit. Using advanced geophysical and geochronological techniques—including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), LiDAR data, and radiocarbon dating—the study identified four distinct phases of dune formation spanning from 5800 to 4500, 3900–3100, 2600–2400 calendar years BP, and the modern period. These findings reveal the dynamic nature of this aeolian environment, offering new insights into its paleogeographic development over millennia.