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Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Final Environmental Impact Statement: Volume I

Papahānaumokuākea — 2025 — WHE6449236268

Papahānaumokuākea, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a critical marine ecosystem, is set to be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary by the NOAA. This decision aims to protect its significant biological, cultural, and historical resources while integrating it into the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) outlines potential management strategies for the sanctuary, addressing environmental considerations under the Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act (HEPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). Accompanied by a sanctuary management plan, this EIS evaluates various alternatives to ensure sustainable conservation of the region's unique marine environment.

Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Final Environmental Impact Statement: Volume II

Papahānaumokuākea — 2025 — WHE1634807957

Papahānaumokuākea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest marine protected areas in the world, is set to be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary by NOAA. This decision aims to recognize its significant biological, cultural, and historical value while ensuring continued protection under the National Marine Sanctuary System. The final environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluates multiple management alternatives for the sanctuary, including the expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Prepared in collaboration with the State of Hawaiʻi and adhering to federal and state environmental laws, this EIS provides a comprehensive framework for safeguarding the region's unique ecosystems. Accompanied by a detailed management plan, it outlines goals, strategies, and actions to preserve this ecologically critical area for future generations.

Parametric Exploration of Natural Lighting and Visual Comfort in Contemporary Additions to Historic Buildings

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2025 — WHE8AF328C412

A novel methodology for optimizing roof covering designs in historic buildings, particularly those with open courtyards, has been developed to balance visual comfort and energy efficiency. The study demonstrates that parametric modeling using Rhinoceros3D/Grasshopper3D, combined with Ladybug and Honeybee plugins, can effectively evaluate solar heat gain, light transmittance, and area properties of transparent surfaces like ETFE. This approach ensures visual harmony while mitigating the greenhouse effect in enclosed courtyards, as illustrated by a case study on one of Mimar Sinan's buildings in Istanbul. The findings highlight the feasibility of using steel and ETFE for contemporary interventions, offering a scalable solution for preserving historic structures while adapting to modern needs.

Part to Whole

Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House) — 2025 — WHE4189E6CAB3

Architectural projects employing modular or discrete parts to achieve expressive wholes, such as the Rietveld Schröder House and contemporary designs like the Hemeroscopium House, demonstrate that joints, edges, and modules can serve as key aesthetic and functional elements. This approach, rooted in tectonic principles inspired by Kenneth Frampton's work, highlights how prefabrication, construction sequences, and on-site logistics shape modular architectures. The study underscores the potential of part-to-whole logics to redefine architectural expression while addressing practical constraints like transportation and assembly.

Participatory Heritage Documentation: Low-cost Photogrammetry of Decayed Historic Buildings in the Medina of Tunis

Medina of Tunis — 2025 — WHE4C78FEF4AB

Low-cost, community-led photogrammetry emerges as a viable tool for documenting and assessing the condition of decayed historic buildings in resource-limited settings. A collaborative effort between local civil society and academic partners successfully applied image-based photogrammetry to Fondok El Henna, an abandoned caravanserai in the UNESCO-listed Medina of Tunis, identifying key agents of deterioration such as water ingress, biological growth, and human-induced damage. This modular approach, combining field data collection by locally trained teams with remote processing by experts, demonstrated that affordable photogrammetry can produce accurate 3D models while lowering technical barriers and enhancing local conservation capacity. The methodology not only supports heritage preservation but also serves as a scalable model for documenting neglected sites globally, particularly in contexts lacking conventional resources or institutional support.

Patrimoni Architettonici Mediterranei. Un caso limite: la città-oasi di Ghadames (Libia)

Old Town of Ghadamès — 2025 — WHE09A337050B

Ghadamès, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Libya's Fezzan region, exemplifies the extreme expression of Mediterranean architectural heritage. Unlike typical Mediterranean cities, Ghadamès' urban fabric is defined by compactness and minimal open spaces, driven not only by climate but also by the need to preserve agricultural land for food production in this water-scarce oasis environment. The city's architecture further distinguishes itself through its innovative reuse of archaeological spolia, demonstrating a high level of attention to both public and private space quality. This study highlights Ghadamès as a critical case study, illustrating how Mediterranean architectural principles can adapt to extreme environmental constraints while sustaining cultural continuity.

Patrimonialization and Cooperation

Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof — 2025 — WHE4E3B73282D

Regensburg's medieval Jewish community, though historically significant and internationally important, has left little visible trace in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. This study reveals how Jewish cultural heritage is currently presented in museums and the old town, highlighting the role of various actors—cultural, political, and scientific—in shaping its narrative. A key finding is the limited engagement of the present-day Jewish community in defining and preserving their heritage, despite efforts to foster participation through collaborative projects like a DFG-funded initiative. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining historical analysis with participatory strategies to explore opportunities and challenges in patrimonialization. The study underscores the need for inclusive approaches to ensure active community involvement in heritage preservation.

Patrimonio Cultural y Esclavitud: El Caso de la Restauración de la Ciudad Colonial de Santo Domingo

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2025 — WHEBDF7A984C9

The restoration of Santo Domingo's colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, has historically glorified European conquerors while obscuring the contributions and suffering of Indigenous peoples and African slaves. This study reveals that such restorations have perpetuated a one-sided narrative, despite efforts like UNESCO’s 'Slave Route' project. The research highlights the need for comprehensive historical studies to address slavery's role in shaping both Dominican and Haitian societies. A key contribution is the 'Historical Atlas of Slavery,' which aims to provide data on the transatlantic slave trade from the 16th to late 18th centuries, offering insights crucial for understanding the island’s divided development and building a more inclusive national identity.

Patrons of Art and Faith: A History of Temple Building under the Badami Chalukyas

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal — 2025 — WHEAE5DDF1EAE

The Badami Chalukyas (circa 543–757 CE) revolutionized South and Central Indian temple architecture by synthesizing indigenous Dravida and Nagara styles into the distinctive Vesara style, establishing a lasting architectural legacy that influenced subsequent dynasties. This study reveals how temple construction under Chalukyan monarchs like Pulakeshin II and Vikramaditya I served as both a manifestation of devout faith and a sophisticated political tool for legitimation, territorial integration, and imperial hegemony in early medieval peninsular India. Through analysis of epigraphical evidence, sculptural iconography, trade networks, and economic structures, the research demonstrates that these monumental sanctuaries functioned as institutional anchors, tethering nascent regional states to an overarching Puranic cosmology while facilitating long-term socioeconomic cohesion across diverse ethnic and agrarian communities. The evolution of structural engineering under the Chalukyas also showcased unprecedented mastery over material science, transforming native sandstone into complex spatial geometries that visually articulated divine right and cosmic hierarchy.

Patterns of intestinal parasite prevalence in brown bears (Ursus arctos) revealed by a 3-year survey on the Shiretoko peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan

Shiretoko — 2025 — WHE648A4F828B

A three-year survey on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan, revealed that intestinal parasite prevalence in brown bears (Ursus arctos) is influenced by seasonal and host factors. Key findings include higher detection rates of Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis in autumn, while Baylisascaris transfuga and Uncinaria sp. showed seasonal variations linked to bear age class and dietary changes. Egg shedding for these parasites often ceased before or during hibernation, suggesting complex interactions between environmental conditions and host biology. The study analyzed 334 fecal samples using centrifugal flotation techniques and fecal DNA analysis, providing insights into parasite dynamics in wild brown bears.

Patterns of wild meat and other protein consumption in the periphery of Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Salonga National Park — 2025 — WHEC2E6963DBB

Wild meat is a critical, year-round protein source for rural communities near Salonga National Park, contributing 18% to daily protein needs but failing to meet requirements outside peak fishing and insect seasons. A 12-month study of 457 households in six villages revealed that wild meat—sourced from at least 35 mammal species—was the only product purchased in over half of cases, outpacing domestic meat due to cost disparities. Consumption patterns were influenced by socioeconomic factors, with higher income and education levels correlating with greater reliance on wild meat, while household size and breastfeeding women reduced intake. The research highlights the unsustainable pressure on wildlife in biodiversity hotspots, emphasizing the need for alternative livelihoods and conservation strategies to balance human dietary needs with ecological preservation.

Pelecus cultratus

Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve — 2025 — WHEDA6FBE274C

A recent survey of the Tugay forests within the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve, Tajikistan, confirms the presence of Pelecus cultratus, a fish species previously documented in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins. The study, conducted between 2003 and 2018, recorded specimens in floodplain lakes and riverbeds of the lower Vakhsh River, extending its known distribution to include this UNESCO-listed wetland area. While no preserved specimens were collected, the findings suggest that P. cultratus remains widespread across these ecosystems, with potential implications for conservation efforts. The research relies on field observations, reinforcing its ecological significance in Tajikistan’s biodiversity.

Pemodelan Luas Genangan Banjir Batang Lunto di Wilayah Kota Sawahlunto

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2025 — WHE8ABB12FB52

Flood modeling of the Batang Lunto River, a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, reveals significant flood risk across 125.70 hectares. Using hydrological and hydrodynamic simulations with HEC-Ras 6.3.1 and ArcGIS 10.3, researchers mapped inundation areas for return periods of 2 to 100 years, showing that flood-prone zones could expand from 14.42% (18.12 Ha) at a 2-year return period to over half the area (50.68%, 63.70 Ha) at a 100-year interval. This study provides critical data for disaster mitigation in a region where flooding threatens heritage assets and geopark tourism destinations, offering actionable insights for urban planning and risk management.

Peran Dinas Kebudayaan Kota Sawahlunto Dalam Pengelolaan Situs Warisan Dunia Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto Untuk Mendukung Pariwisata Berkelanjutan

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2025 — WHECD81A97CCA

A qualitative, descriptive study reveals that the Sawahlunto Cultural Affairs Office plays a pivotal role as regulator, dynamisator, and facilitator in managing the UNESCO-listed Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage Site to foster sustainable tourism. The research highlights its efforts in preserving cultural heritage while supporting local economic growth. However, challenges such as the absence of a dedicated management body, budget constraints, limited human resources, and low community ownership persist. The study underscores the critical need for stakeholder collaboration to enhance effective, long-term management, ensuring both cultural preservation and sustainable tourism benefits.

Perceived value and tourist donation intentions at religious heritage sites: the mediating roles of awe and subjective well-being

Historic Centre of Macao — 2025 — WHEBA65C97D00

A study on the Historic Centre of Macao reveals that tourists' perceived value at religious heritage sites significantly boosts their donation intentions, both directly and indirectly through emotions like awe and subjective well-being. Using Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory, researchers analyzed data from 529 visitors to A-Ma Temple, applying Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings highlight that religiosity strengthens the emotional impact on donation behavior, suggesting that enhancing spiritual experiences can foster sustainable conservation efforts. This research provides actionable insights for heritage managers aiming to balance cultural preservation and economic viability.

Performance, ritual, and revitalization at Poverty Point

Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point — 2025 — WHE47C5F23160

Indigenous peoples in the Lower Mississippi Valley, between 4000 and 3000 cal BP, responded to significant climatic and environmental disruptions—such as increased rainfall, cooler temperatures, and high-frequency flooding—by gathering at Poverty Point for elaborate rituals. These rituals involved constructing earthworks and deploying bundles of diverse materials alongside unique or intricately crafted artifacts, all aimed at cosmological revitalization. The findings suggest a deep understanding of the interdependence between humans and the cosmos, where rituals were performed to renew the 'web of being' when the world was disordered. This research highlights the moral agency of complex hunter-gatherer societies in navigating climatic adversities and contributes to broader insights into ritual behavior during periods of environmental instability.

Performing Jongmyo Jeryeak in VR: A Rhythm Game with Pyeongyeong

Jongmyo Shrine — 2025 — WHEE3C0BEC4EF

A virtual reality (VR) rhythm game prototype, designed to bridge the accessibility gap in learning Jongmyo Jeryeak—a historically significant Korean ceremonial music—shows promise in fostering cultural engagement and understanding among younger generations. By recreating a virtual Jongmyo Shrine environment and incorporating interactive performance on a Pyeongyeong (a traditional percussion instrument), the game synchronizes audio with visual cues, enabling users to experience the full ceremonial context of Heemoon, an opening piece from the Botaepyeong suite. Developed in Unity 3D using the XR Interaction Toolkit, this work-in-progress aims to preserve intangible heritage by making traditional practices more immersive and interactive, addressing challenges in cultural education through innovative technology.

Pergamon As It Once Was: A Virtual Journey into Ancient City and an Immersive Experience with AI Integration

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE3317BA3AD1

A groundbreaking virtual reconstruction of ancient Pergamon leverages AI, VR, and photorealistic 3D modeling to revive the city's Hellenistic and Roman-era landscape with unprecedented historical accuracy. Using architectural plans from AutoCAD®, detailed 3D models of landmarks like the Temple of Athena and Altar of Zeus were crafted in 3ds Max® and Blender® before being deployed in Unreal Engine® with realistic terrain, lighting, and textures. AI-driven avatars, created with Character Creator® and animated via iClone®, serve as narrative guides, delivering context-sensitive interpretive content during immersive user experiences. This integration of archaeological data, digital media, and conversational AI (via Convai®) transforms cultural heritage interpretation, offering both educational and experiential value. The study demonstrates how emerging technologies can reconstruct not only architectural forms but also the social dynamics of ancient urbanism.

Perlindungan Hukum terhadap Pariwisata Cagar Alam dan Budaya di Bali

Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy — 2025 — WHEACD81780A7

Bali's Subak System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, faces significant threats from uncontrolled tourism, which disrupts its sacred cultural and natural integrity. This study reveals that while legal frameworks such as Law No. 5 of 1990 (Conservation of Biological Natural Resources) and Law No. 11 of 2010 (Cultural Heritage) provide a foundation for protection, their implementation is hindered by rapid tourism growth. The research employs normative juridical methods to analyze these legal gaps and policy challenges, including Bali's provincial regulations like Governor Regulation No. 97 of 2018 (Single-Use Plastic Waste Limitation). It concludes that stronger enforcement and integration of sustainable tourism strategies are essential to preserve Bali's unique heritage.

Permafrost occurrence at Mt. Sashirui, Shiretoko mountain range, eastern Hokkaido, Japan

Shiretoko — 2025 — WHED1EDACF1E1

Researchers have confirmed the first occurrence of permafrost in the Shiretoko mountain range, specifically at Mt. Sashirui in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Through 5.5-meter borehole temperature measurements near the summit, a wind-swept site covered by alpine dwarf shrubs, the study identified conditions close to the threshold for permafrost formation. The persistence of permafrost here is attributed to thermal insulation provided by bryophyte and lichen cover during summer and efficient heat transfer through frozen shrub branches and thin snow layers in cold spells. This discovery highlights the vulnerability of mountain permafrost to climate change, emphasizing the need for continuous long-term monitoring to track shifts in ground temperatures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.