World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 3441 – 3460 of 15962 publications

A Frontier Approach to Eco-Efficiency Assessment in the World’s Busiest Sea Ports

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2024 — WHED903835169

Qingdao and Cartagena stand out as the most sustainably performing seaports globally, based on eco-efficiency assessments using key maritime sustainability indicators. This study employs a non-parametric frontier approach to evaluate 21 of the world's busiest ports, integrating inputs like CO2 emissions, electricity consumption, waste, and water usage with outputs such as employee numbers, revenue, and container throughput. By analyzing data from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) database, the research identifies projection pathways for less efficient ports to enhance sustainability performance. The findings support strategic policy-making for port managers, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 (marine ecosystem) and 13 (climate mitigation), while addressing critical challenges in decarbonizing maritime operations.

A high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework for the eastern Ellis Bay Formation, Canada: A record of Hirnantian sea-level change

Anticosti — 2024 — WHE94A1735F20

A high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework for the eastern Ellis Bay Formation on Anticosti Island, Canada, reveals six fourth-order depositional sequences bounded by subtle, regionally traceable unconformities. These sequences, marked by quartz pebble lags and depleted carbon isotopic values, provide a detailed record of Hirnantian sea-level changes during the Late Ordovician mass extinction. The framework enables the integration of paleobiological, stratigraphic, and geochemical data into a basin-wide perspective, suggesting that other coeval sections may be incomplete at the level of these fourth-order cycles.

A methodological approach to rock art survey and recording via drone. The application to the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula assemblage

Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula — 2024 — WHEE680833037

Advancements in drone technology, particularly the use of LiDAR imagery, have revolutionized archaeological surveying, especially for inaccessible open-air rock art shelters. This study introduces a refined methodology using the DJI Mavic 3 drone to survey and record prehistoric rock art within UNESCO’s World Heritage List property: Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. The approach not only enhances documentation but also addresses conservation challenges and manages human activity threats in these fragile environments. By leveraging cutting-edge drone capabilities, researchers demonstrate its potential for broader applications in preserving and studying vulnerable archaeological sites.

A mud budget of the Wadden Sea and its implications for sediment management

Wadden Sea — 2024 — WHEC5923124F7

The Wadden Sea, the world’s largest uninterrupted tidal flat system, faces a critical mud deficit that will worsen with rising sea levels. A nearly closed mud budget reveals that approximately 12 million tons of mud enter the system annually from its western end, while around 1.5 million tons are added by local rivers. However, about 12 million tons are deposited or removed through natural processes and human activities. This imbalance indicates that mud is a finite resource, akin to sand, necessitating proactive sediment management strategies. The study underscores the need for cross-border collaboration to address future challenges posed by climate change and anthropogenic pressures on this vital ecosystem.

A multi-level quantitative analysis method on the scale, shape and quantity of rockeries in Chinese classical gardens: taking Wanfang Anhe rockery in the Old Summer Palace as an example

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2024 — WHE8FABA282FD

A novel multi-level quantitative analysis method for rockeries in Chinese classical gardens, including the Summer Palace's Wanfang Anhe rockery, demonstrates feasibility and effectiveness in objectively describing scale, shape, and quantity. This approach, leveraging 3D digital technology and historical data, categorizes analysis into four levels: overall, regional, hierarchical, and individual. Applied to seven rockeries, it provides comprehensive data for refined understanding of construction techniques and preventive protection, offering a promising tool for informatization management.

A multi-species corridor between the Andean Amazonian and Amazon floodplain landscapes: prioritizing ecological connectivity areas for jaguar and threatened ungulates in the north-eastern of South America 

Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar” — 2024 — WHE7D01E84864

Research identifies a critical multi-species corridor spanning the Andean Amazonian and Amazon floodplain landscapes, facilitating dispersal for jaguars and threatened ungulates like tapirs and peccaries. This corridor, primarily linked to the hydric network of the Caquetá River basin, connects key protected areas such as Serranía del Chiribiquete National Natural Park and others, ensuring ecological connectivity amid habitat degradation from deforestation and infrastructure development. The study employed potential distribution models, spatial morphological analysis, and resistance matrices to model dispersal routes and quantify global connectivity metrics using a multi-species approach that considers predator-prey relationships.

A Multisensory Analysis of the Moisture Course of the Cave of Altamira (Spain): Implications for Its Conservation

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2024 — WHE7F73F80DA3

A novel multisensory analysis reveals how moisture dynamics within the Cave of Altamira threaten its Paleolithic cave paintings. The study identifies critical zones of humidity infiltration and dripping, particularly influenced by the dolomitic layer and central fracture, which vary in their preservation impact depending on whether they are sealed with calcium carbonate or actively dripping. Using advanced remote sensing techniques—including 3D laser scanning, ground-penetrating radar, photogrammetry via unmanned aerial vehicles, and high-resolution terrestrial methods—the research provides a detailed spatial mapping of moisture pathways. This approach offers targeted insights for conservation strategies to mitigate water-induced deterioration in rock art, benefiting both professionals and researchers.

A near-surface fine-velocity structure in the western Hoh Xil Basin revealed by first-arrival travel-time tomography from a deep seismic reflection profile

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2024 — WHE8141F1BF75

A high-resolution P-wave velocity structure of the western Hoh Xil Basin (HXB) reveals significant upper crustal tectonic deformation linked to thrust faults, providing insights into the region's geodynamic evolution. The study used first-arrival travel-time tomography on a deep seismic reflection profile to map velocities exceeding 4.0 km/s in Triassic flysch deposits and delineate stratigraphic boundaries with unprecedented lateral resolution. Findings indicate substantial crustal shortening (>50%) during the Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene (81–50 Ma) due to the Tanggula thrust, followed by tectonic uplift controlled by the Hoh Xil and Fenghuoshan thrusts from 45 to 28 Ma. Minimal deformation in Neogene and Quaternary layers suggests weak crustal shortening post-Neogene, challenging assumptions about late-stage uplift mechanisms.

A new approach for evaluating regional permafrost changes: A case study in the Hoh Xil on the interior Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2024 — WHEDC3F66EF2A

A groundbreaking approach to evaluate permafrost changes in the Qinghai Hoh Xil region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) has been developed, bypassing the need for spatially distributed meteorological data. This method relies instead on regional climate change processes or temperature change rates, centered around a transient heat conduction permafrost model. Applied to the Hoh Xil from 1960 to 2015 using data from the Wudaoliang Meteorological Station, the approach demonstrated high accuracy, with simulated and observed mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) changes differing by less than 0.04 °C per decade at five monitoring sites. Model validation further confirmed its reliability for long-term predictions. Future simulations based on the latest warming scenarios project significant permafrost degradation under severe climate change conditions, with most of Hoh Xil's permafrost becoming warm (MAGT > −1 °C) by 2100. This innovative method offers a new perspective for studying permafrost dynamics in regions with limited meteorological data.

A new cubichnium ichnogenus and ichnospecies, Pygocephalichnium reidi, from the Pennsylvanian UNESCO World Heritage Site at Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Canada, and associated ichnotaxa

Joggins Fossil Cliffs — 2024 — WHE3CBFF83F97

Researchers have identified and described a new ichnogenus and ichnospecies, Pygocephalichnium reidi, from the Pennsylvanian Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, Canada. This discovery represents the first trace fossil attributed to the Pygocephalus shrimp, a common body fossil found at the site but previously lacking associated trace fossils. The study analyzed a unique shrimp-shaped resting trace from the upper Joggins Formation, linked it to an invertebrate trackway, and compared its morphology with known Pygocephalus body fossils. The trace fossil was found in fine-grained sandstones alongside other invertebrate resting traces (Selenichnites and Rusophycus) and Kouphichnium trackways, suggesting a diverse paleoenvironment. This finding enhances our understanding of the site's ichnofossil record and contributes to its paleontological significance.

A New Feather Mite Species of the Genus Metanalges (Acariformes: Analgidae) from the Okinawa Rail, Hypotaenidia okinawae (Gruiformes: Rallidae), in Okinawa Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2024 — WHE3A5B33D59B

Researchers have identified a new feather mite species, Metanalges (M.) agachi, associated with the endangered Okinawa Rail on Okinawa Island. This discovery marks the first report of feather mites linked to this avian host and the first record of the genus Metanalges in Japan. The new species is distinguished by unique morphological traits, such as male legs III extending slightly beyond setae h2 bases and female ventral setae 4a nearly reaching the opisthosoma's posterior margin. Given the Okinawa Rail's high risk of population decline, this finding underscores potential conservation concerns for both the host bird and its associated mite species.

A new Hibiscus-feeding species of Bucculatrix (Bucculatricidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan

Ogasawara Islands — 2024 — WHE04CD730395

Researchers have identified Bucculatrix flavimaculata, a new species of leaf-mining moth (Bucculatricidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, which feeds exclusively on Hibiscus. The discovery was supported by detailed morphological analysis of adult genitalia and larval biology, alongside phylogenetic reconstruction using COI-5P DNA barcoding. This study not only expands the known diversity of Bucculatrix species but also provides insights into their host plant relationships and evolutionary dynamics within this group. The findings contribute to our understanding of moth biodiversity in UNESCO-listed Ogasawara Islands, a global hotspot for conservation.

A New Method of Archaeological Ruins Identification Based on CORONA Stereo Pairs

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2024 — WHE9A6654C74B

A novel method utilizing CORONA stereo pairs for archaeological ruins identification has proven effective, significantly enhancing the survey and mapping of significant landscapes at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By processing 1960s-70s CORONA remote-sensing images into 3D optical stereo models, researchers could overlay these with real-time field observations using mobile devices to pinpoint Liangzhu-period dams and tombs. This approach, validated through archaeological investigations, demonstrates reliability for widespread application in identifying and mapping buried structures, offering a non-invasive tool for preserving cultural heritage.

A new species of Lovebird (Aves, Psittaculidae, Agapornis) from the Plio-Pleistocene of the Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng, South Africa)

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2024 — WHE960EC54808

Paleontologists have identified a new extinct species of lovebird, Agapornis longipes, from Plio-Pleistocene deposits at Kromdraai, Cooper’s Cave, and Swartkrans in South Africa. This discovery is significant as it represents the first description of an Agapornis species from the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich fossil record. The new species is distinguished by elongated tarsometatarsus bones, suggesting adaptations to ground feeding in dense grasslands that characterized the region during this period. Researchers analyzed well-preserved wing and leg bones, including the humerus, ulna, carpometacarpus, and tarsometatarsus, along with fragments of the mandible and coracoid, to reconstruct the species' morphology and infer its ecological role. This finding contributes to our understanding of avian biodiversity during a critical phase in human evolution.

A new species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) hiding in the shades in an urban Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2024 — WHEB16FC7A085

Researchers have identified and described Phyllanthus celatus, a new and critically endangered species of Phyllanthus endemic to the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, an urban Atlantic Forest within Rio de Janeiro's UNESCO World Heritage Site. This discovery highlights the biodiversity hidden in shaded urban environments, with P. celatus distinguished by unique morphological traits such as reddish veins on its leaves and a 5-lobed pistillate disc, setting it apart from closely related species like P. augustinii, P. lobatus, and P. niruri. The study employs systematic taxonomy to establish its position within the genus, providing illustrations, field photographs, a distribution map, and preliminary conservation assessments. This finding underscores the importance of urban forests as refuges for endemic and endangered flora.

A new species of Scelidocteus Simon, 1907 (Araneae: Palpimanidae: Chediminae) from Salonga National Park, D. R. Congo

Salonga National Park — 2024 — WHE94A98EA078

Researchers have identified a new species of spider, Scelidocteus mbembai, from Salonga National Park, the Democratic Republic of Congo. This discovery, published in Arachnology, adds to the park's known biodiversity, bringing its total spider species count to seven. The new species is distinguished by unique structures in both male and female copulatory organs, setting it apart from its congeners. The study highlights the significance of Salonga National Park, Africa's largest rainforest reserve, as a critical area for biological diversity and conservation efforts.

A new species of short unpatterned moray eel (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) from the northwestern Indian Ocean, including the Socotra Archipelago, with a redescription of Gymnothorax pseudoherrei Böhlke

Socotra Archipelago — 2024 — WHE4783423773

Researchers have identified a new species of short, unpatterned moray eel, Gymnothorax arabicus, from the northwestern Indian Ocean, including the Socotra Archipelago. This discovery was made through morphological and genetic analysis, distinguishing it from its previously confused counterpart, G. pseudoherrei. Key differences include slightly more vertebrae (114-120 vs. 111-116), dark stripes on the throat and head, and a larger maximum size (ca. 300 mm TL vs. ca. 200 mm TL). Additionally, G. pseudoherrei was redescribed based on specimens from the Maldives to northern Australia. Genetic data from COI mtDNA confirmed that both species form separate genetic lineages, supporting the morphological distinctions.

A new species of Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888 (Caridea: Alpheidae) from Aldabra

Aldabra Atoll — 2024 — WHE8CCE02A781

A new species of the snapping shrimp genus Synalpheus, named S. calypso, has been discovered from Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Seychelles. This discovery was made using specimens collected during Cousteau's 1954 expedition to Aldabra aboard the vessel Calypso. The new species is distinguished by unique morphological features such as densely arranged, distally-curved setae on its minor cheliped dactylus and specific characteristics of its basicerite, major cheliped merus, pleuron, and telson. These traits differentiate S. calypso from other Indo-West Pacific species, particularly S. spongicola, with which it shares similarities as a sponge-dweller. The study highlights the morphological diversity within this genus and contributes to our understanding of its evolutionary adaptations.

A new species of the genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980 from Thailand (Scorpiones, Scorpiopidae)

Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex — 2024 — WHE6ED0DD1168

Researchers have identified and described a new species of scorpion, Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) krachansp. nov., within the Scorpiopidae family, found exclusively in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand. This tiny, sexually dimorphic species—characterized by elongated male pedipalps and a distinct trichobothrial pattern—represents a potential endemic addition to Thailand's scorpion fauna. The study, based on specimens from Phetchaburi Province, compares its ecological and distributional traits with related Scorpiops species, offering insights into its unique morphology and possible evolutionary significance within the region.

A new suction feeder and miniature teleosteomorph, Marcopoloichthys mirigioliensis, from the lower Besano Formation (late Anisian) of Monte San Giorgio

Monte San Giorgio — 2024 — WHEC5575D4FA8

Paleontologists have identified Marcopoloichthys mirigioliensis, a miniature suction-feeding fish from the late Anisian period, as the smallest known stem teleost. This discovery, derived from fossil records in Monte San Giorgio's lower Besano Formation (southern Switzerland), distinguishes it from its larger relative, Marcopoloichthys furreri, through differences in caudal endoskeleton and fin structures. Measuring approximately 32 mm in standard length, M. mirigioliensis challenges the understanding of early teleost evolution, suggesting a potential link between size reduction and ecological specialization. The study employed comparative anatomical analysis to highlight its unique morphological traits, contributing new insights into Triassic marine biodiversity at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.