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Showing 261 – 280 of 15962 publications

Conception culturelle de la conservation des ressources forestières par les Twa (Pygmées) dans le corridor biologique du Parc national de Salonga en République Démocratique du Congo

Salonga National Park — 2026 — WHEA1CD04C2D2

A study reveals that the Twa (Pygmies) in Salonga National Park, DRC, employ ancestral strategies for sustainable forest management, including self-consumption and respect for customary taboos. These practices, rooted in indigenous ecological knowledge, are threatened by modern conservation policies perceived as exclusionary. The research highlights the potential of integrating traditional knowledge into national environmental policies to foster inclusive forest governance and ecological sustainability.

Conceptual Framework for CO2 Geological Storage in Salt Diapirsof the Abandoned Chinguetti Field, Mauritanian Coastal Basin

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata — 2026 — WHE5A982EF92F

A robust offshore CO2 storage solution emerges from the abandoned Chinguetti Field, part of Mauritania's UNESCO-listed Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, and Oualata. The study reveals that salt diapirs in this field can securely store over 2.5 gigatons of CO2, leveraging their ultra-low permeability and high ductility for long-term containment. Geomechanical analysis confirms safe injection below fracture pressure thresholds, minimizing leakage risks. Reusing existing wells further enhances cost-efficiency and operational control. This approach offers a scalable, technically viable method to mitigate CO2 emissions from Mauritania's energy sector, which contributed nearly one-third of the country's 13.96 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions in 2024.

Conceptualization of Local Community in the Conservation of the Vulnerable Owl-faced Monkey, Cercopithecus hamlyni: Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2026 — WHEF0A5E5EFCF

A vulnerable primate, the owl-faced monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni), faces escalating threats to its bamboo habitat in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. Despite park-driven incentive programs and community bamboo plantations failing to curb illegal collection, a proposed bamboo value chain offers a practical solution by supporting local cooperatives and optimizing resource dependency. The study underscores the urgent need for collective conservation efforts, highlighting the species' unique ecological role and the risks of local extinction without timely intervention. It also calls for further research into its population ecology and community-driven conservation strategies to ensure long-term survival.

Conflict Dynamics Between Artisanal Miners and Host Communities in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe

Matobo Hills — 2026 — WHE492E2917BB

A significant conflict exists between artisanal small-scale miners and local communities in Matobo District, Zimbabwe, particularly concerning the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matobo Hills. The study reveals that while miners earn substantial incomes supporting livelihoods, they face accusations of environmental damage, theft, robbery, sexual assault, and other crimes, exacerbating tensions. Weak policy enforcement and corruption further intensify these disputes, reflecting a broader struggle for survival among competing interests. The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews, questionnaires, and observations to uncover these dynamics, highlighting the urgent need for improved land-use policies and mechanisms to foster peaceful coexistence.

Connectivity and change in the waterproofing technology of ancient sicily: evidence from Selinunte and Agrigento

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2026 — WHED5BEE25F6C

A new study reveals that the development and transmission of advanced waterproofing technologies in ancient Sicily were driven by increasing connectivity between Greek, Punic, and Roman communities. Analyzing 22 mortar specimens from Selinunte and Agrigento—dating from the mid-6th century BCE to the 1st century CE—the research established a preliminary chronology of waterproof lining technology, demonstrating how socio-technological exchanges facilitated innovation in hydraulic systems. The study employed microscopic, digital imaging, elemental analysis, and novel µX-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy (µXFM) techniques to contextualize technological change within Sicily's complex history, highlighting the role of interconnectedness in shaping ancient Mediterranean engineering.

Conservation of White-stone Facade Decoration: The Case of the Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans

Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans — 2026 — WHE15AC4AD21B

A systematic approach to conserving white-stone façade decorations, demonstrated at the UNESCO World Heritage Site—Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans—reveals that targeted surface conservation methods can effectively mitigate weathering, biological degradation, and pollution. The study identifies fragmentary stone losses, fungal infestations, and vegetation overgrowth as primary threats to the monument's authenticity. By combining visual assessments with accessible preservation techniques, researchers provide methodological recommendations to stabilize the façade while maintaining its artistic integrity. This approach offers a scalable model for safeguarding similar historic structures worldwide.

Construct Users' Digital Sense of Place Through Immersive Virtual Cultural Heritage -- Taking "Digital Intelligence Yuanjing Gulangyu" as an Example

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2026 — WHEB428329825

A digital sense of place in virtual cultural heritage follows the advanced path of 'cognitive consensus, emotional resonance, and co-creation identity,' with field experience serving as a key memory anchor that transforms visual stimulation into deep emotional immersion. The study, using 'Digital Intelligence Yuanjing Gulangyu' as an example, found that pure virtual users often lack meaningful engagement due to the absence of real-world references, leading to superficial Gamification interactions. To address this, the research proposes a narrative system oriented toward meaning construction and embodied interaction design, aiming to resolve the experience dilemma of 'being in the heart but not in the mind' in digital cultural tourism.

Constructing Space at Pasargadae

Pasargadae — 2026 — WHEC466E2359E

Pasargadae, founded around 550 BC, stands out for its vast scale, natural beauty, and decentralized architectural layout, contrasting sharply with the stratified urban designs of Elamite and Mesopotamian regions. Situated in the Dasht-i Murghab mountain plain at approximately 1,900 meters elevation, the site's spatial organization was intricately shaped by both natural topography and an advanced hydrological system. This system, comprising rivers, tributaries, dams, channels, and pools, played a crucial role in defining the city's 'urban planning.' Despite uncertain boundaries, five distinct sectors have been identified based on water features and movement patterns, revealing a sophisticated approach to urban design that integrated natural elements with engineered infrastructure.

Contextual Compatibility and Adaptive Reuse Potential of Muvakkithanes in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul, Turkiye

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2026 — WHE72B9F871EC

Adaptive reuse of muvakkithanes—historic timekeeping houses in Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed peninsula—must prioritize contextual compatibility over functional flexibility. A study analyzing ten structures within 400 m of major landmarks reveals that current uses, such as storage or retail, often fail to align with conservation goals. Instead, successful reuse depends on balancing physical capacity and urban context, shaped by tourism, commerce, transport pressure, local mixed use, and residential character. The research, combining field surveys (July 2024), GIS analysis of land use, open-space access, and environmental pressures, demonstrates that muvakkithanes should not be treated as 'empty rooms' but as heritage structures requiring case-specific functional assessments to ensure sustainable integration into their evolving urban environments.

Contraction–Expansion Dynamics Shape Refugia and Recolonisation Processes in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2026 — WHE52CA164CCD

Climate stability and historical gene flow have shaped distinct refugial and recolonised areas within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area (GRWHA), with significant implications for future conservation. The study identified persistent refugia—regions of high climate stability, species richness, and genetic differentiation—and recolonised zones marked by lower stability but higher genetic diversity. Notably, the Clarence River Corridor acts as both a biogeographic barrier and a zone of admixture, homogenizing genetic signals. While rainforest suitability expanded post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), future projections indicate substantial contraction, particularly in southern regions, with high-altitude refugia emerging. This multi-species approach integrates climate modeling, landscape genomics, and intraspecific diversity metrics to inform regionally tailored restoration strategies, prioritizing provenancing guidance and assisted migration under climate change.

Contributing Environmental Factors of Habitat Suitability for the Great Argus (Argusianus argus) in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia

Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra — 2026 — WHEC11583FE4A

A study modeling the habitat suitability of the great argus (Argusianus argus) in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia, revealed that primary forests located far from human disturbances and with lower rainfall levels are critical for its survival. Using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm, researchers analyzed environmental variables such as elevation, slope, distance to rivers, and land cover, combined with field survey data. The model achieved high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.846), identifying distance to roads, rainfall intensity, and primary forest presence as key factors influencing the species' distribution. These findings highlight the urgency of conserving undisturbed primary forests and mitigating road impacts to protect this vulnerable species and preserve the ecological integrity of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park.

Contribution and participation of ancient tribes in temple architecture in India: Case studies

Sun Temple, Konârak — 2026 — WHE2FDAF201E1

Indian temple architecture, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Sun Temple in Konârak, reveals significant yet underrecognized contributions from ancient tribal communities. These tribes, skilled in quarrying, woodwork, and metal craft, played pivotal roles in resource management and construction techniques while enriching temple iconography with motifs inspired by nature, mythology, and daily life. Their artistic and technical expertise bridged tribal animism and Vedic traditions, leaving tangible evidence across multiple case studies. However, their contributions have been historically marginalized due to a lack of documentation. This study underscores the need for archaeological and ethnographic research to preserve these overlooked narratives, broadening our understanding of India's collective cultural heritage.

Contribution to mangrove restoration efforts in the Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve: the case of the Gandoule marine protected area

Saloum Delta — 2026 — WHEF164CA2B64

Mangrove degradation in the Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve, particularly within the Gandoule Marine Protected Area (AMPG), has been identified as a significant concern, with 18% of surveyed respondents noting deterioration since the 1970s. This study highlights that local populations and AMPG staff are the primary drivers of mangrove restoration efforts, accounting for 96% and 83% of responses, respectively. Restoration strategies include biological reintroduction, protection measures, and regular monitoring, which together represent 8% of the management rules. Soil sample analysis revealed uniform physicochemical properties across all 20 samples analyzed. The research underscores the critical role of community involvement and structured management in mitigating mangrove degradation, offering actionable insights for conservation strategies.

Contribution to the knowledge of the Nolinae of the Republic of Congo, with descriptions of four new genera and 54 new species (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea, Nolidae, Nolinae)

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2026 — WHE4208707C38

A groundbreaking study reveals the rich biodiversity of Nolinae moths (Lepidoptera) in the Republic of Congo, identifying four new genera and 54 new species from Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki National Parks. This comprehensive account, based on seven sampling expeditions, documents a total of 114 species, significantly expanding our understanding of this taxonomic group. The research also establishes three new synonymies, providing clarity to the region's moth taxonomy. Comparative analysis highlights distinct distribution patterns between the two parks, offering insights into ecological differences and conservation priorities in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Contribution to the Systematic Study of the Ornamental Flora of Gorée Island (Dakar-Senegal)

Island of Gorée — 2026 — WHE9C93CACB64

A systematic study of Gorée Island's ornamental flora, conducted in September 2021, identified 55 plant species across three gardens and municipal flowerbeds. This includes 36 species already documented in Senegal and 13 potentially new to the country, with angiosperms dominating the flora. The research highlights a diverse taxonomic, biological, and chorological profile, with pantropical species accounting for over a third of the identified plants. The findings provide critical data for sustainable management and taxon identification tools, addressing gaps in scientific knowledge amidst urban expansion and climate change pressures.

Core Sites and Linkage Strategies of the Jungwon Historical and Cultural Zone: A Case Study of Chungju City

Baekje Historic Areas — 2026 — WHE1A7F49CA84

Research identifies three core zones in Chungju—Jungangtap-myeon, Tangeumdae, and Chungju-eupseong—as pivotal to the Jungwon Historical and Cultural Zone's layered heritage. These zones, representing overlapping historical strata from Mahan to Unified Silla, offer concrete demonstrations of Baekje’s cultural significance. The study proposes integrated management strategies, including the Historic Urban Landscape approach, to enhance public recognition and foster community-driven heritage utilization. This model aims to restore a dynamic regional environment where heritage, space, and people interact sustainably.

Councils, Conflicts, Correspondence

Hanseatic City of Lübeck — 2026 — WHED5C3828E0B

A comparative analysis of the diplomatic strategies employed by the city councils of Lübeck and Reval during the 15th and 16th centuries reveals how magistrates navigated complex conflicts that often exceeded their formal jurisdiction. The study highlights a flexible approach to the common good and pragmatic reciprocity, balancing relationships with citizens, overlords, the Hanse, and foreign rulers. By examining written correspondence and face-to-face negotiations at regional and Hanseatic diets, the research uncovers diverse tactics used by diplomats in managing intercity disputes and large-scale conflicts, offering new insights into European urban political thought and practice of the period.

Craftsmanship and Manufacturing Techniques of Bone Bow‐End Plates From Pit 1 of the Qin Terracotta Army

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2026 — WHEA20C30365F

A groundbreaking analysis of bone bow-end plates from Pit 1 of the Qin Terracotta Army reveals intricate craftsmanship and standardized manufacturing techniques used during the Qin Dynasty. Paleoproteomic analysis confirmed that these plates were specifically crafted from cervid long bones, while microwear and microscopic analyses uncovered distinct marks left by files, denticulates, chisels, abrasion, and drilling tools, indicating a sophisticated shaping and finishing process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) further identified a multilayered surface coating consistent with modern lacquer films, suggesting the application of protective or decorative layers. These findings provide unprecedented insights into the technological organization and craftsmanship involved in Qin archery equipment production.

Cranial Trephination Surgery in Ancient Times and Archaeological Remains in Israel

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2026 — WHE07759EBE97

Cranial trephination, one of the earliest documented surgical procedures, reveals sophisticated medical practices and ritual beliefs in ancient Israel. This study demonstrates the persistence of both circular and rectangular techniques from the Neolithic to early medieval periods, supported by archaeological evidence from sites like Jericho and Lachish. Textual sources, including the Talmudic Corpus and works by Hippocrates and Galen, highlight motivations ranging from relieving intracranial pressure to expelling spirits, showcasing iterative refinement in surgical instruments and understanding of head injuries. The research situates trephination at the intersection of empirical medicine, ritual, and intercultural transmission, advancing our knowledge of ancient neurosurgery in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Crescent City in Living Waves: Space, Time, People, and Minds on the Southern Cascadian Coast

Redwood National and State Parks — 2026 — WHE2F0A0DB862

Crescent City, California, stands at the intersection of geological hazard and human resilience, offering a critical case study on the southern Cascadia margin. The region faces a 37% chance of an M >= 8.0 earthquake and tsunami within 50 years, yet its history reveals cycles of extraction, disaster, and adaptation—from Indigenous Tolowa Dee-ni’ stewardship to modern conservation efforts like the 2023 Yurok–Tolowa Dee-ni’ Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area. The study synthesizes space, time, people, and ideas, integrating paleoseismic data, historical records, and governance frameworks to explore nested risks in this coastal community. A reproducible, open-source approach ensures transparency, while the narrative spans ecological, economic, and political dimensions, from 19th-century genocide to contemporary resilience strategies.