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The Public Health Dimensions of the Global Ecological Integrity Group (GEIG) Conference, Prague, Czech Republic, July 9-16, 2011

Historic Centre of Prague — 2011 — WHEECD43776B3

A significant milestone was reached at the 19th annual conference of the Global Ecological Integrity Group (GEIG) held in Prague, Czech Republic, from July 11-16, 2011. The event, co-organized by Prof. Vladimir Bencko and other prominent academics, brought together 55 delegates from 15 countries to discuss the theme 'Human Rights and Duties: Supporting Biological Integrity for Public Health.' This theme had been a focal point of GEIG's work since its inception but was a main focus only once before in 1998. The conference's discussions, building on the influential 1999 WHO Discussion Document co-authored by GEIG members, are expected to be published as part of a 20th anniversary collection, marking a profound contribution to public health advocacy and ecological integrity.

The Qutb Minar in Sayyid Ahmad Khan’s Āsār us-ṣanāddīd

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi — 2011 — WHE641FBEA1CC

A significant historical insight emerges from Sayyid Ahmad Khan's 1852 work, Āsār us-ṣanāddīd, which sheds light on the Qutb Minar through the perspective of a native scholar presenting to the British-led Archaeological Society of Delhi. This contribution highlights the intersection of colonial knowledge production and indigenous expertise, revealing how local scholars like Sayyid Ahmad were recognized for their unique contributions despite Western dominance in archaeological discourse. The study examines the society's efforts to integrate native perspectives, offering a nuanced view of cultural heritage documentation during British rule. It underscores the role of such works in shaping early colonial-era scholarship on India's monuments.

The recent rock drawings of the Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2011 — WHEF76EB16CC7

Recent rock drawings discovered in the Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, offer unprecedented insights into how indigenous communities adapted to European colonization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These cave-drawn images transition from traditional patterned mats—symbolizing ritual significance—to modern motifs like cars, bicycles, and figures with hands on hips, reflecting cultural shifts. The study's analysis of these drawings reveals a dynamic period of cultural negotiation, bridging indigenous traditions with colonial influences.

The Reception of the “Marduk Prophecy” in Seventh-Century B.C. Assur

Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) — 2011 — WHE8FB6BA30B5

A new analysis of the 'Marduk Prophecy' reveals that its reception in 7th-century B.C. Assur was not primarily to glorify Nebuchadnezzar I, as previously assumed, but rather to serve theological discourse on the relationship between Assyrian and Babylonian state gods. The prophecy, which predicts a king would return Marduk's statue from Elam, was found in a house of exorcists linked to Assur Temple, alongside texts asserting Assur's superiority over Marduk. This suggests that its transcription and reading in Assur were stimulated by the Assyrian abduction of the Marduk statue under Sennacherib (689 B.C.), indicating a shift in its interpretive context over centuries.

The Research of Development Models Based on Culture Creative Tourism Industry: Example as Fujian Nanjing Tulou

Fujian Tulou — 2011 — WHECD0CCA75A0

Fujian's Nanjing Tulou offers a compelling model for integrating cultural heritage with creative tourism, demonstrating how traditional structures can evolve into dynamic tourist attractions. The study highlights the distinction between conventional and creative tourism, emphasizing the latter's potential to drive sustainable development through innovative design and cultural engagement. By analyzing Nanjing Tulou's unique characteristics, researchers propose actionable strategies for enhancing its appeal while preserving its historical essence. This approach not only enriches visitor experiences but also provides a blueprint for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites seeking to leverage culture-driven tourism for economic growth.

The role of earth shrines in the socio-symbolic construction of the Dogon territory: towards a philosophy of containment

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2011 — WHE936A9492D3

Dogon earth shrines on the Bandiagara escarpment serve as symbolic boundaries that reinforce social cohesion and territorial identity. These shrines, activated through annual rituals involving millet and blood sacrifices, strengthen connections with deities, ancestors, and spirits while maintaining communal well-being and continuity. The study reveals that these material structures operate under an ontological principle of containment, protecting the village space and shaping a local cosmology amid environmental scarcity. By analyzing the efficacy and activation principles of earth shrines, the research demonstrates their role in generating social order and resilience in a challenging landscape.

The Role of Religion in the Neolithic of the Middle East and Anatolia with Particular Reference to Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2011 — WHEC96594A1B7

New research at Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in Anatolia, reveals significant insights into the role of religion during the transition to settled village life. The study, inspired by Cauvin's theories on the origins of agriculture and divinity, explores how religious practices may have driven social and economic changes. By analyzing symbolism related to violence and death, as well as human agency in animal domestication, the research provides fresh perspectives on the archaeological recognition of religion and its impact on early societies. This interdisciplinary collaboration among anthropologists, philosophers, religious scholars, and archaeologists addresses four key questions, offering a deeper understanding of Neolithic religious dynamics.

The Role of Traditional Know-how in Sustaining Urban Environments: the Casbah of Algiers in Algeria

Kasbah of Algiers — 2011 — WHE893506FC80

Traditional building techniques, particularly those used for domes and vaults in the Kasbah of Algiers, play a crucial role in sustaining urban environments by preserving cultural heritage while leveraging local materials. These techniques, rooted in vernacular architecture, contribute to both the symbolic identity and structural integrity of historical landscapes. A doctoral study analyzed these methods, revealing their engineering strengths and weaknesses, which can inform contemporary conservation efforts. By integrating such traditional know-how, cities can achieve sustainable development that respects cultural intangible heritage while ensuring its transmission to future generations.

The Roman settlement on Gamzigrad prior to the imperial palace Felix Romuliana

Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius — 2011 — WHE0ACD06E5D6

Archaeological research at Gamzigrad-Romuliana has uncovered evidence of a significant Roman settlement predating the construction of Emperor Galerius' imperial palace, Felix Romuliana. Traces of earlier buildings, dating from the late 2nd to the end of the 3rd century AD, were found within the fortified residence, including a three-aisled structure south of the 'Large Temple,' a building beneath the early southern tower of the East Gate, a substantial edifice under the Galerius Baths, and another building in front of the later southern tower of the West Gate. This settlement likely functioned as a mining, metallurgical, and commercial hub (vici or civitas) in the Timok Valley during the 3rd century, providing new insights into the region's economic and social development before the imperial era.

The salt composition of rivers in Wrangel Island

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2011 — WHEAC61E41EC1

River waters on Wrangel Island exhibit unique chemical signatures shaped by the island's geological composition, including elevated total dissolved solids (TDS) and distinct sulfate-calcium-magnesium profiles. Unlike other regions of the Russian Far North, these waters reflect the abundance of Late Carboniferous gypsiferous and dolomitic sequences, contributing to their mineralization. Additionally, supergene alterations of sulfide mineralization in quartz-carbonate vein systems create localized contamination hotspots, characterized by acidic pH (2.4–5.5), high TDS (up to 23 g/l), and anomalously high concentrations of heavy metals, rare earth elements (REE), uranium (U), and thorium (Th). This study provides the first detailed analysis of river water chemistry in Wrangel Island, linking it to lithogeochemical processes and mineralization.

The social and ritual context of horizon astronomical observations at Chankillo

Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex — 2011 — WHE04972763E9

Research at the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex reveals that its Thirteen Towers function as a unique, still-operational solar observation device, marking daily sunrise and sunset positions to track the seasonal year. Beyond this, new evidence suggests broader astronomical alignments visible from publicly accessible areas, hinting at possible lunar observations alongside solar ones. The study also indicates that Chankillo's society was socially stratified, with the solar cult centered on the towers likely serving as a tool for legitimizing and consolidating power among an emerging warrior elite through ritual gatherings in a grand ceremonial setting. This finding underscores Chankillo's role not only in timekeeping but also in reinforcing social hierarchies nearly 2,000 years before similar structures emerged in imperial Cusco.

The Southernmost Sphagnum-dominated Mires on the Plains of Europe: Formation, Secondary Succession, Degradation, and Protection

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2011 — WHE3F0062BB31

Sphagnum-dominated mires, rare under continental climates, are younger than previously thought and highly sensitive to environmental changes. These unique ecosystems, found at the southernmost extent of their range on Europe's plains, have shown significant degradation over the past 50 years due to human and natural influences. Restoration efforts in Hortobágy National Park, including blocking drainage canals and artificial water replenishment, aim to revive these peat moss habitats. The study highlights the vulnerability of these diverse mires and the importance of conservation measures to support their propagation.

The steeply subducting edge of the Cocos Ridge: Evidence from receiver functions beneath the northern Talamanca Range, south‐central Costa Rica

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2011 — WHE6CBFB84E32

A steeply dipping subducting slab, reaching depths of at least 70–100 km with an 80° angle, has been identified beneath the northern Talamanca Range in south-central Costa Rica. This finding, derived from receiver function analysis using broadband seismometers, challenges previous assumptions about the subduction zone's structure and suggests a possible transition to shallow-angle underthrusting. The study, which integrates data from local seismicity, tomography, and active seismic studies, reveals that the Cocos Plate slab maintains its steep dip even near the trench, indicating an ongoing reconfiguration of subduction dynamics in this region.

The story of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -- A remarkable first 100 years of tracking eruptions and earthquakes

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2011 — WHEE871C596F3

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has achieved 100 years of continuous monitoring of Hawaiian volcanoes, marking a significant milestone in volcanic and seismic research. Founded by Thomas A. Jaggar Jr., HVO began with pioneering work by Frank A. Perret in 1911, supported initially by MIT and the Carnegie Geophysical Laboratory. Over its century-long history, HVO has collaborated with institutions like the University of Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which now operates HVO as part of the Volcano Science Center. The observatory's work, facilitated by partnerships with the National Park Service, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, and local pilots, ensures timely and accurate volcanic and earthquake information for public safety. HVO's enduring mission underscores its role in advancing scientific understanding of Hawaiian volcanoes while maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement and education.

The study of larger basidiomycetes, especially polypores, in the Malesian region and the role of the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2011 — WHE6C1816FF5D

A comprehensive survey of larger basidiomycetes, particularly polypores, across the Malesian region reveals significant biodiversity and ecological insights. The study highlights the Singapore Botanic Gardens as a critical hub for fungal research, emphasizing its role in preserving and documenting this diverse group of fungi. Researchers employed extensive field sampling, taxonomic identification, and phylogenetic analysis to map species distribution and assess their conservation status. Key findings underscore the importance of polypores in tropical ecosystems, with implications for biodiversity conservation and mycological studies.

The sustainability of management practices in the Old City of Salamanca

Old City of Salamanca — 2011 — WHEE7F3587E20

Research reveals that the Old City of Salamanca lacks consistent management practices for preservation, putting its outstanding universal value at risk from new urban developments. The study examines the city's situation before, during, and after its nomination as a World Heritage Site, using the Auditorium project as a case example to illustrate threats to heritage integrity. It highlights the challenges in regulating development while preserving cultural significance, offering insights for local authorities to mitigate risks. This work contributes to discussions on sustainable urban development and heritage conservation, providing evidence-based guidance for similar sites globally.

The system of rice intensification as a sustainable agricultural innovation: introducing, adapting and scaling up a system of rice intensification practices in the Timbuktu region of Mali

Timbuktu — 2011 — WHEFAF1348241

A three-year pilot project demonstrated that the system of rice intensification (SRI), originally developed in Madagascar, can be successfully adapted and scaled up in the Timbuktu region of Mali. SRI significantly boosts rice yields while reducing the need for seeds, water, and chemical inputs through practices like single young transplants at wide spacing, compost application, mechanical weed control, and intermittent irrigation. The number of participating farmers grew from 1 to 450 over three years, with volunteers achieving superior yields and income compared to traditional methods. This shift in agricultural perception has spurred further innovation among farmers and technicians, highlighting SRI's potential as a sustainable rice-cropping system in arid regions.

The Tower of London in English Renaissance Drama

Tower of London — 2011 — WHE357C59539C

The Tower of London's dual symbolism—both as a symbol of royal authority and as an emblem of opposition to the crown—was prominently explored in English Renaissance drama. This study reveals that while Elizabeth I, James I, and Charles I portrayed the Tower as a site of royal magnificence, playwrights like Shakespeare and Marlowe depicted it instead as a space representing non-royal English identity, challenging the monarchy's narrative. Analyzing 24 history plays from 1579 to c. 1634, the research historicizes the Tower's shifting cultural significance, uncovering its complex role in Renaissance discourse.

The travels of Maya merchants in the ninth and tenth centuries ad : investigations at Xuenkal and the Greater Cupul Province, Yucatan, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza — 2011 — WHE69D7968DEB

Archaeological research reveals the critical role of long-distance Maya merchants in the ninth and tenth centuries AD, who transported goods such as shell, obsidian, and ornaments from coastal ports to inland centers like Chichen Itza in exchange for salt. By analyzing data from sites along trade routes, including Xuenkal, the study provides insights into regional changes during Chichen Itza's expansion. Combining excavations with view-shed and travel-time analyses, it offers a detailed perspective on the experiences of traders, highlighting their importance in sustaining the Classic Maya economy.

The Tres Tabernae archeological site (Cisterna di Latina, Italy): new evidence revealed through an integrated geophysical investigation

Via Appia. Regina Viarum — 2011 — WHE9A4FAF0821

An integrated geophysical investigation at the Tres Tabernae archaeological site, part of the UNESCO-listed Via Appia (Regina Viarum), has uncovered potential buried structures such as walls, floors, and a lead pipe. The study, conducted under the European 'Mercator' project, employed optimized techniques including frequency-domain electromagnetic induction, ground-penetrating radar, and magnetometry to explore the partially excavated site near Latina, Italy. These methods were tailored to detect ancient features while considering their environmental context, revealing new evidence that contributes to understanding this significant statio along the Appian Way.