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The first specimen with skin preserved of Lariosaurus (Eusauropterygia) from the Middle Triassic of Monte San Giorgio (Switzerland) allows inferences about its swimming method

Monte San Giorgio — 2025 — WHEF00C23F3AD

A virtually complete specimen of Lariosaurus valceresii, the first of its kind with preserved skin, has been discovered in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte San Giorgio. This rare find reveals that the hands and feet were webbed, suggesting a paraxial, otariid-like swimming method for rapid acceleration. The carbon-film-preserved skin outlines the body and limbs, providing insights into the muscular structure and swimming mechanics of this eosauropterygian nothosauroid from the Middle Triassic. This discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary adaptations of aquatic reptiles during the Triassic period.

The first thousand-year pine tree-ring chronology in Belarus

Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh — 2025 — WHEEBD56F2741

A groundbreaking thousand-year pine tree-ring chronology (997–2020 AD) for Belarus has been developed, offering unprecedented insights into climate variability and wood provenance. This chronology, BY02b, was constructed using tree-ring series from living trees, as well as historic and archaeological timbers sourced from Nesvizh Castle, the Holy Intercession Church in Turets, Hrodna Castle, and Navahrudak. The analysis reveals strong correlations with neighboring regional chronologies, including those from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Northern Belarus, suggesting shared climatic influences during the 14th century. Tree-ring width demonstrates stable positive relationships with June precipitation and March temperatures, positioning this chronology as a valuable climate proxy for Baltic pine wood dating and provenancing.

The Flowers Opened the Way

Kujataa Greenland: Norse and Inuit Farming at the Edge of the Ice Cap — 2025 — WHE0174C41F7F

Arctic flowering plants play a significant and often overlooked role in shaping human experiences and cultural narratives, challenging traditional notions of mastery and inspiring euphoria and understanding. This study examines the works of 19th- and 20th-century voyagers, writers, artists, and botanists from Norway, Britain, and the United States to illustrate how these plants influenced outsiders' perceptions of the Arctic, often leading to a confusion of categories and a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge. The research connects historical plant investigations with modern initiatives like the Greenland Arboretum in Narsarsuaq and the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the complex cultural politics of current 'Arctic greening' efforts.

The glass from the Western Defences at Butrint

Butrint — 2025 — WHE39510C6C31

A detailed analysis of glass artifacts from the Western Defenses at Butrint, particularly from Towers 1 and 2, reveals a sophisticated trade network connecting Butrint with Egypt, Syria, and Palestine during the Late Roman and Byzantine periods. The study cataloged and classified glass fragments—including window glass, bottles, jugs, and goblets—by type, color, and manufacturing technique. Chemical composition data was used to trace the provenance of these artifacts, suggesting a dynamic exchange of goods. Tower 1's context hints at its possible role as a storage or recycling hub, offering new insights into the economic and cultural dynamics of the time.

The God Zaqīqā at Hatra

Hatra — 2025 — WHE5E5123EE4F

A reexamination of the god Zaqīqā at Hatra reveals his pivotal role in the city's syncretic pantheon, linking Parthian North Mesopotamian traditions with older Mesopotamian models. This study highlights Zaqīqā's unique attributes as a deity of dreams and the afterlife, demonstrating his complex interactions with other deities, particularly Barmārēn and Nērgōl, within Hatra's religious framework. By analyzing textual and iconographic evidence, the research sheds new light on the assimilation processes and cultural exchanges that defined Hatra's diverse pantheon, offering insights into its broader historical and theological significance.

The Henderson Island microcosm: plastic pollution accumulation in the South Pacific

Henderson Island — 2025 — WHE3071F5F5F1

A significant reduction in plastic accumulation on Henderson Island, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site in the South Pacific, was observed following a 2019 cleanup. Annual accumulation rates dropped from 284.75 g/m² (2015–2019) to just 16.8 g/m² (2019–2024), though litter density remains high at 53 items/m², primarily maritime debris. This study leverages decade-long longitudinal data to demonstrate the effectiveness of large-scale cleanups while highlighting persistent pollution challenges. It underscores Henderson Island's role as a microcosm for monitoring oceanic plastic dynamics, emphasizing the need for ongoing community-led efforts, larger sample sizes, and stricter maritime regulations to address lingering debris. Seasonal variability and methodological differences in data collection were also identified as key factors influencing results.

The Herring Scandal at the Beginning of Lent: Provins, February 1582

Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs — 2025 — WHEDB3753459C

A rare glimpse into the everyday life and economic dynamics of medieval Provins, France, emerges from the 'Herring Scandal' of 1582. This incident, documented by priest Claude Haton in his memoirs, reveals hidden aspects of herring trade, consumption patterns, and power relations during the Maritime Revolution. The study leverages judicial, fiscal, and narrative sources to reconstruct the herring's journey from harvest to consumer, challenging the typical silences in historical records about mundane details. Expert examinations and judgments by municipal authorities, including consultations with other towns and the Parliament of Paris, underscore the complexities of food regulation and power structures in medieval society.

The historic town of Grand-Bassam as an example of transmodern heritage

Historic Town of Grand-Bassam — 2025 — WHE459DF2417B

The Historic Town of Grand-Bassam, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2012, exemplifies transmodern heritage—a decolonial framework that challenges conventional interpretations of colonial urban development. This approach reveals the distinct yet coexisting realities of Quartier France, the 19th-century colonial capital, and N'zima village, home to the N'zima kotoko people. By analyzing their planning, architecture, and spatial organization, the study highlights the social, economic, political, and cultural alterity of African communities in Grand-Bassam, moving beyond the core-periphery dynamic imposed by colonization. This perspective offers a nuanced understanding of how these two sections reflect divergent yet interwoven histories, enriching our comprehension of heritage sites shaped by colonial and postcolonial forces.

The Historical Architectural Monuments and Urban Planning of Shahrisabz

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz — 2025 — WHEFDB90707CF

Shahrisabz, one of the oldest and youngest cities in its region, stands out for its rich historical architectural heritage and urban planning. This study highlights the city's unique blend of ancient and modern elements, emphasizing its infrastructure and tourist potential. The research approach involves a detailed analysis of Shahrisabz's architectural monuments, urban layout, and cultural significance, offering insights into its development over time. By examining these aspects, the study underscores the city's importance as both a historical treasure and a dynamic cultural destination.

The Historical Journey of Santiniketan (1863-2023): A Regional Approach

Santiniketan — 2025 — WHED8965C3BF4

Santiniketan, originally established as a spiritual retreat in 1863 by Debendranath Tagore, has evolved into a globally renowned hub for education, arts, and internationalism. A regional perspective reveals how its development was deeply influenced by Bengal's cultural, social, and environmental context, shaping its progressive values over nearly 160 years. This study underscores Santiniketan's enduring significance as a model of sustainable living and cultural synthesis, culminating in its 2023 designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through archival research and contextual analysis, the paper demonstrates how this neighborhood project transcended local boundaries to achieve international recognition.

The Historical Monuments, Ancient Places, Great Figures and Museums of the Country

Itchan Kala — 2025 — WHE15C0B836F6

Uzbekistan stands as a cultural treasure trove, particularly along the Great Silk Road, with its historical monuments and ancient sites reflecting a profound legacy. Key landmarks include Registan Square in Samarkand, the Ark Fortress in Bukhara, and Itchan Kala's inner city in Khiva, while Termez showcases Buddhist temples and Khorezm fortresses. The country's contributions to scholarship are equally significant, with figures like Amir Timur (Tamerlane), Ulugh Beg, Al-Khwarizmi, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Al-Biruni, and poet Alisher Navoi shaping its intellectual history. Notable museums, such as the Amir Timur Museum in Tashkent, the Savitsky Art Museum in Nukus, and the State Museum of History, further enrich this heritage. This legacy positions Uzbekistan as a pivotal node in global cultural exchange.

The Hohlenstein Therianthrope: Ivory, Imagination, and the Paleolithic Mind

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2025 — WHE11CB068E22

The Hohlenstein Therianthrope, or Lion-Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel, is a 40,000-year-old ivory figurine that challenges conventional views on early human cognition. This extraordinary artifact, depicting a hybrid figure with human traits and the head and limbs of a cave lion, showcases sophisticated craftsmanship and symbolic thought. Through archaeological analysis, comparative studies, and cognitive archaeology, this research reveals the Therianthrope as a pivotal expression of Paleolithic humans' ability to conceptualize complex symbolic behavior, potentially linked to shamanistic practices or mythological narratives. The study provides new insights into the origins of human spirituality and artistic expression during the Upper Paleolithic period.

The Human Imprint in Deep Time: A Global Archaeology of Symbolic Expression from Paleolithic Europe to Holocene Patagonia

Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas — 2025 — WHE8FF92B9063

A global archaeological analysis reveals the enduring human capacity for symbolic expression, tracing its evolution from Paleolithic Europe to Holocene Patagonia. The study compares rock art, portable artifacts, and ritual burials across iconic sites like Chauvet, Lascaux, and Cueva de las Manos, uncovering shared cognitive architectures and social functions despite geographical and temporal differences. Environmental, social, and psychological drivers of symbolic production are critically assessed, highlighting its role in communication, identity formation, spirituality, and territorial marking. This research underscores the universal nature of human symbolic expression, offering insights into our shared cultural heritage and cognitive journey.

The Hypsographic Monument in Mexico City: An accumulation of uncertainty

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2025 — WHE193EDC9CEF

The Hypsographic Monument in Mexico City, originally erected in 1878 to serve as a fixed reference point for geographical and scientific data, now embodies uncertainty due to its relocation. This displacement challenges the monument's symbolic role as the 'kilometre zero' of Mexico, raising questions about authority, truth, and the evolution of historical objects. The study examines how the monument, intended to be permanently fixed with scientific information such as coordinates and standards of length, has become a palimpsest of contradictory narratives. Its current state reflects contemporary disregard and speculative storytelling, offering a case study on how historic commemorative objects lose meaning over time.

The Ilulissat Icefjord: Local Stewardship and Global Responsibility in a Changing Climate

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2025 — WHEBE392C87C5

Climate change and oceanic forces are destabilizing the Sermermiut archaeological site at Ilulissat Icefjord, threatening 4000 years of Inuit cultural heritage. A 2024 fieldwork initiative, involving Greenland’s cultural institutions and international partnerships, employed advanced monitoring techniques and community engagement to study these impacts. The research underscores the need for adaptive management strategies that align with the UN 2030 Agenda to safeguard this UNESCO World Heritage Site. By integrating scientific research, responsible site management, and local knowledge, the Ilulissat Icefjord can remain a globally significant natural site while supporting resilient Arctic communities in a changing climate.

The Impact of Climate Change on Cultural Heritage: The Case of the Tomb of Askia

Tomb of Askia — 2025 — WHE70595AE28B

The Tomb of Askia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gao, faces severe threats from climate change-induced flooding and desertification, exacerbated by regional insecurity. Despite the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, these challenges remain unaddressed due to insufficient reporting and understanding of their interrelationships. The study highlights the urgent need for improved data collection and integrated strategies to mitigate environmental degradation and safeguard cultural heritage in vulnerable regions.

The Impact of Islamic Jurisprudence Principles on the Urban Planning of Historic Cities

Medina of Marrakesh — 2025 — WHE96FFFAEF6C

Islamic jurisprudence principles, particularly Mālikī treatises on construction and easements, functioned as a dynamic urban planning code for medieval Islamic cities, shaping their form through regulations on structural safety, public health, environmental zoning, and privacy. This study reconstructs these rules from foundational juristic texts and demonstrates their materialization in the street dimensions, courtyard proportions, and craft districts of Medina, Fez, and Marrakesh. By correlating textual rulings with archaeological evidence, it reveals how principles like 'no harm and no reciprocal harm' mandated load-bearing limits, minimum road widths, and industrial zoning outside residential areas, while protecting courtyards and gardens. The findings position Islamic jurisprudence as a resource for culturally rooted urban sustainability, offering insights for heritage tourism and context-sensitive planning that complement international charters.

THE IMPACT OF TANGIBLE HERITAGE TOWARDS HISTORIC BUILDING USAGES IN THE GEORGE TOWN UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN PENANG, MALAYSIA

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2025 — WHEAFB57573D5

Tangible heritage treasures in George Town, Malaysia, function as specialized markets with significant economic value, serving as both monetary assets and indicators of living cultural heritage. This dual role generates positive financial impacts for historical buildings but also introduces challenges like gentrification, which displaces long-standing residents. The study highlights the need for adaptive reuse and ongoing maintenance to sustain these assets while addressing issues such as displacement and the long-term viability of sustainable enterprises. Qualitative data from local and international traders were analyzed using a framework approach, revealing perspectives that offer constructive suggestions for heritage conservation in light of challenges like those posed by Covid-19.

The Impact of Website Quality of Museums on Visitors’ Willingness to Study in Physical Archaeological Site Museums

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian — 2025 — WHEE43B9E572F

Research reveals that the quality of museum websites significantly influences visitors' willingness to engage with physical archaeological site museums. Specifically, high information quality and realistic virtual representations on official websites enhance visitors' cognitive understanding, while strong system and service quality foster positive emotional connections. These factors collectively drive greater interest in physical site visits and studies. The study, based on a questionnaire survey of 272 participants at the Zhoukoudian Site Museum, used SPSS and AMOS to validate its model, which integrates 'cognition-affection-conation' theory and immersion theory. Findings offer actionable insights for improving museum website design to boost educational engagement.

The impacts of community-based tourism on local livelihoods in communities adjacent to national Parks in Northern Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2025 — WHE83F928EDFF

Community-based tourism (CBT) significantly boosts local livelihoods, with 48% of respondents reporting improvements and 56% engaged in CBT-related activities earning between 100,000 and 500,000 Tanzanian Shillings monthly. The study, involving 384 households near Tanzania's national parks, identified diversity of CBT activities, type of employment, and increased income as key predictors of participation. However, challenges such as limited community capacity, poor infrastructure, and weak governance hinder its effectiveness. Recommendations include targeted capacity building for women and youth, inclusive governance, equitable benefit-sharing policies, and global promotion of local initiatives to enhance sustainability and fairness.