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Showing 381 – 400 of 15962 publications

El Currículo Situado como Herramienta de Transformación: Una Propuesta Metodológica para Articular el Paisaje Cultural Cafetero en la Enseñanza de las Ciencias Sociales en Colombia

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia — 2026 — WHE134C588136

Integrating the Coffee Cultural Landscape (CCL) of Colombia into social sciences education significantly enhances students' cultural identity, sense of belonging, and historical awareness. A situated curricular proposal, structured around three thematic axes—'Territory and Sustainability,' 'History, Memory, and Identity,' and 'Globalization, Economy, and Citizenship'—was implemented in ninth-grade public schools in Armenia (Quindío). This approach shifted teaching practices toward problem-based learning and classroom research, demonstrating a positive impact on both pedagogical transformation and student engagement. The study employed a qualitative methodology with semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation to diagnose current pedagogical practices and heritage references in the territory.

El Guerrero de San Antonio Ojital. Una escultura perdida de El Tajín, Veracruz.

El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City — 2026 — WHEB728A07FBC

A lost sculpture from El Tajín, Veracruz, potentially reshapes our understanding of the site during the late Classic period (ca. 700-800 d.C.). The 'Guerrero de San Antonio Ojital,' known only through a single surviving photograph, is being re-examined for its artistic and cultural significance. This study leverages the existing image to analyze the piece's characteristics, which may challenge current interpretations of El Tajín's art and society during this transitional era. The research highlights the importance of lost artifacts in reconstructing historical narratives, offering new insights into the region's iconography and symbolic expressions.

El patrimonio Industrial y Minero

Las Médulas — 2026 — WHE5B0205DF49

Patrimonio industrial y minero emerges as a strategic tool for sustainable territorial development, offering a multidisciplinary approach to revitalize post-industrial and depopulated regions. The work demonstrates that material and immaterial legacies—such as landscapes, infrastructures, worker culture, collective memory, and technological heritage—can be leveraged for economic, cultural, and social regeneration. Through case studies like Las Médulas (a Roman gold-mining site), the book illustrates how conservation can integrate with contemporary projects, including sustainable tourism and knowledge transfer. Coordinated by the Cátedra de Territorios Sostenibles y Desarrollo Local at UNED, this critical reflection challenges traditional notions of industrial heritage, advocating for an inclusive vision that bridges history, technology, landscape, and community to shape the future of post-industrial territories.

Elegant Sculpture of History Tells the Creativity of Heritage Ajanta & Ellora Caves where Archeology Becomes Speechless & Spell Bound

Ajanta Caves — 2026 — WHECDCC3B9E74

Ajanta and Ellora caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983, represent masterpieces of Buddhist religious art with profound influence on India's artistic development. These rock-hewn complexes, spanning from the 2nd century BC to the 6th Century AD, showcase exceptional craftsmanship, including the world's largest single monolithic excavation, Cave 16 (Kailasa) at Ellora. Ajanta features 30 well-preserved murals depicting iconic themes such as the 'Wheel of Life,' celestial beings, and Buddha's teachings, while Ellora comprises 34 caves constructed between the 5th to 10th centuries AD. The study highlights the artistic and historical significance of these sites, illustrating their enduring impact on global heritage.

Elevation-Driven Shifts in Species Diversity, Endemicity, and Vegetation Structure across the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental, Philippines

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary — 2026 — WHEC2C226ED13

Elevation significantly influences species diversity, endemicity, and vegetation structure within the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental, Philippines. The study identified five distinct forest formations—agroecosystem, dipterocarp forest, montane forest, mossy forest, and mossy-pygmy forest—each characterized by unique species adapted to specific elevation-driven conditions. Lower elevations were dominated by agriculturally influenced species like Ficus indica and Chrysophyllum cainito, while higher zones supported stunted, endemic taxa such as Leptospermum flavescens and Tristaniopsis micrantha, thriving in ultramafic soils and cooler environments. The research integrated vegetation quadrats, satellite land cover data, and GIS analysis to map habitat distribution and human influence, emphasizing the sanctuary's role as a vertically stratified refuge for biodiversity. Protecting high-altitude forests and restoring buffer zones is critical to mitigating climate-driven species shifts.

Emergent human–water interactions through the lens of the pluralistic water research approach—the case of the Garajonay National Park (La Gomera, Spain)

Garajonay National Park — 2026 — WHEE4DA48F385

Garajonay National Park's resilience hinges on the interplay between its dense ecohydrological connectivity, which supports fog-dependent water recharge and forest functioning under normal conditions, and its vulnerability to disturbances like wildfires and drought. However, social and institutional connections within the park are weak and fragmented, limiting coordinated responses across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and protected cloud-forest systems. The study applies the Pluralistic Water Research (PWR) approach to analyze emergent human-water interactions before and after a major wildfire in 2012, combining document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and an eDPSIR-based causal mapping approach. It identifies five feedback structures linking land abandonment, wildfire risk, water scarcity, pollution, ecosystem degradation, and stewardship, as well as five clusters of stakeholder responses related to education, ecotourism, mobility regulation, landscape management, and water governance.

Emotional Regulation and Physiological Responses to a Cultural Heritage Virtual Reality Experience in Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study

Historic Centre of Macao — 2026 — WHE24251A135F

A cultural heritage-based virtual reality (VR) experience significantly enhanced positive affect and reduced negative affect in older adults compared to a conventional photorealistic VR environment, suggesting its potential as a low-burden intervention for emotional well-being. The study, conducted using the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Macao, integrated subjective psychological assessments with objective physiological measures—such as electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate variability—to explore mechanisms underlying emotional regulation. While EDA showed notable interindividual variability without consistent group-level effects, the findings propose a conceptual pathway linking digital cultural experiences to emotional engagement and psychological well-being in aging populations. This research contributes to the development of content- and experience-oriented approaches in digital therapeutics.

Empowering Communities through Pop-Up Exhibitions: A Case Study of the Portal to Al Zubarah Pop-Up Exhibition in Qatar

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site — 2026 — WHE86A0CA86AC

Pop-up exhibitions can effectively empower local communities and amplify underrepresented voices while strengthening collaboration between institutions and the public. This was demonstrated by the 'Portal to Al Zubarah' initiative, a mobile exhibition that engaged Qatar's community with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Zubarah. The study found that such pop-ups serve as powerful tools for participatory heritage interpretation, fostering inclusive design and institutional learning. Researchers used visitor questionnaires, interviews, and peer reviews to assess the impact, revealing that these exhibitions bridge gaps between cultural institutions and communities, enhancing collective engagement with heritage.

Enamel proteins from six Homo erectus specimens across China

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian — 2026 — WHE9632872BB8

A groundbreaking analysis of ancient enamel proteins from six Homo erectus specimens, spanning three Middle Pleistocene sites in China—Zhoukoudian, Hexian, and Sunjiadong—reveals a previously unknown genetic monogroup within this species. The study identified two amino acid variants, one of which (A253G in AMBN) is unique to these H. erectus populations and has not been detected in other human lineages, including Neanderthals, Denisovans, or modern humans. The second variant (AMBN(M273V)), previously linked to Denisovans, suggests potential genetic introgression from H. erectus into Denisovan populations during the Late Middle Pleistocene, possibly occurring in East Asia where both groups may have coexisted. This finding implies that super-archaic introgression in Denisovans—and subsequently in modern humans—likely originated from H. erectus, reshaping our understanding of ancient human genetic exchange.

Endnotes: Islamic Architecture through Western Eyes: Palaces around the Mediterranean. Volume 3

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2026 — WHEF5144C2032

A comprehensive analysis of Islamic palatial architecture around the Mediterranean, from Algiers to Baghdad, reveals that many grand structures—particularly those dating from the 17th to 19th centuries—were shaped by Western perceptions and influences. The study focuses on civil architecture, excluding religious sites, and highlights how these palaces in cities like Medina Azahara (Madinat al-Zahra) reflect a blend of local traditions and external aesthetic trends. By examining textual and visual sources, the research offers new insights into the interplay between Islamic architectural innovation and Western artistic sensibilities during this period.

Entropy‐Based Water Quality Index and Human Health Risk Assessment in Eastern Gangetic Plains

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya — 2026 — WHEA7C105851D

Groundwater in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major Buddhist pilgrimage center—shows largely acceptable quality for drinking and irrigation but poses noncarcinogenic health risks due to elevated nitrate levels. A study analyzing 50 groundwater samples found that while the entropy water quality index (EWQI) classified 96% of samples as good to excellent, 16% exceeded safe limits for adults and 24% for children. Principal component analysis revealed combined geogenic and anthropogenic influences, primarily from mineral dissolution and rock weathering. Irrigation indices suggested suitability for agricultural use, though targeted management is needed to address nitrate contamination in this ungauged region.

Environmental change and imperial land use in central Mongolia: a multiproxy lake record from the vicinity of Karakorum over the last 1260 years

Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHED1ABD958EB

A high-resolution, multiproxy analysis of Lake Deliin Burd sediments reveals that the Orkhon Valley's forest-steppe ecosystem in central Mongolia has been shaped by a complex interplay between climate variability and imperial land-use strategies over the last 1260 years. The study identifies increased fire frequency during the Khitan (∼800 cal. yr BP) and Mongol (∼630 cal. yr BP) periods, linked to higher woody fuel input, while coprophilous fungal spores and Poaceae Cerealia-type pollen indicate persistent agropastoral activities. These findings highlight the resilience and transformation of forest-steppe landscapes in response to shifting socio-political regimes, offering new insights into the long-term environmental history and heritage value of Inner Asia's imperial centers.

Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Tests in the Ocean: A Comprehensive Review

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2026 — WHE86CAC193D2

Oceanic nuclear weapons testing, particularly between 1946 and 1958, has left lasting ecological scars, yet also revealed remarkable resilience in marine ecosystems. A comprehensive review highlights the paradox of coral reef recovery at Bikini Atoll despite severe immediate disruption from shockwaves, thermal effects, and habitat destruction. The study synthesizes data from multiple test sites—Bikini and Enewetak Atolls (Marshall Islands), Mururoa Atoll (French Polynesia), Chernaya Bay (Novaya Zemlya), and the Montebello Islands (Australia)—to examine long-term radionuclide contamination in sediments, water columns, and marine food webs. Case studies, such as sea turtles acting as 'swimming tree rings' recording nuclear history and plutonium transport from Chernaya Bay to the Arctic Ocean, underscore the persistence of radioactive fallout. The review proposes an integrated framework for environmental monitoring and remediation, aligning with nuclear justice objectives and sustainable development goals.

Environmental Controls of Rainforest Tree Communities: Climate Change Implications for the Gondwana Rainforests

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2026 — WHE2757FFB8EF

A 15-year study of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia reveals significant floristic changes driven by elevation-dependent environmental controls. High-elevation tree communities (≥ 900 m) show persistent in situ recruitment patterns, closely mirroring canopy composition, and are primarily influenced by precipitation and cloud water inputs, which mitigate moisture stress. In contrast, mid-to-low elevations (≤ 700 m) exhibit distinct understorey recruit compositions differing from the established canopy, linked to higher temperatures, evaporation, and lower humidity. These changes, particularly pronounced at low elevations (300 m), are exacerbated by drought and bushfires, suggesting a trajectory toward future community turnover. Climate projections indicate increasing moisture stress and fire risk, potentially threatening the Outstanding Universal Value of this UNESCO World Heritage Area. The study used multivariate analyses to examine shifts in tree community composition and their environmental drivers, providing critical insights for management strategies.

Environmental monitoring system software package development for settlement of Solovetsky (Bolshoy Solovetsky Island)

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2026 — WHE57B06BEC1E

Researchers have developed a software package for environmental monitoring on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The system integrates data from seasonal monitoring of water, air, and soil to detect pollution trends and forecast crisis situations. It features two key databases: one tracking pollution sources and controlled pollutants across atmospheric, lithospheric, and hydrospheric elements, and another storing field-measured indicators. An interactive map visualizes sampling points and collected information, with functionality for data editing, searching, filtering, and saving. Future updates aim to convert the system into an Android mobile application. This tool is crucial for preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Solovetsky Islands.

Esarhaddon in Yemen, Punt, and the Horn of Africa

Historic Town of Zabid — 2026 — WHEF9FF91ADA5

A groundbreaking study identifies the ancient land of Bāzu, conquered by the Assyrian king Esarhaddon in 676 BCE, as South Arabia (modern-day Yemen), resolving a longstanding historical enigma. By cross-referencing Esarhaddon's ten recorded conquests with known polities of ancient South Arabia and the Horn of Africa, researchers pinpointed Bāzu's location near Wadi Zabid, coinciding with archaeological evidence of a wealthy Red Sea trading power linked to the legendary Land of Punt. This finding sheds light on Esarhaddon's strategic motivations for his arduous campaign, potentially tied to the Sargon Geography's description of a 'bridge' into Kush (ancient Nubia), suggesting an alternative route bypassing northern defenses. The study leverages toponymic analysis and historical records to reconstruct ancient geopolitical dynamics, offering new insights into the connectivity between South Arabia, Punt, and the Horn of Africa during the Assyrian period.

Essere “World Heritage Site”. Rischi e opportunità del marchio UNESCO per le destinazioni alpine

The Dolomites — 2026 — WHE1311FBFBD5

The UNESCO World Heritage designation of the Dolomites, while highlighting its exceptional characteristics, has also triggered complex dynamics between conservation needs and increasing human activities. This study reveals that overtourism in natural sites can reduce landscapes to consumable and exhaustible global products, raising critical questions about the sustainability of such designations. It suggests that a radical rethinking is necessary to prevent these sites from becoming purely extractive locations. Conversely, it also explores opportunities presented by World Heritage status, including innovative governance models and integrated territorial management policies. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating spatial practice, landscape ecology, and tourism studies, to critically interrogate the role of natural heritage in the 21st century amidst climate change and unsustainable tourism models.

European approaches to the Roman limes between heritage and tourism: Examples of good practices for the Transylvanian limes

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia — 2026 — WHEED41C31BB1

The Transylvanian sector of the former Roman province of Dacia Porolissensis holds significant potential for sustainable archaeological tourism, yet it remains underutilized due to a lack of functional integration and coordinated management. A comparative analysis with established European models, such as Hadrian's Wall and the German Limes system, reveals that route-based organization, institutional cooperation, and diversified visitor experiences can generate substantial economic benefits, including increased tourism flows and regional development. While Western Europe demonstrates more advanced heritage valorization, the Transylvanian Limes could serve as a valuable resource if transitioned from a descriptive archaeological perspective to an integrated, tourism-oriented framework. This study highlights the need for strategic planning to unlock its potential for sustainable growth.

Evaluación del impacto de la designación como Patrimonio Mundial en las dinámicas urbanas: estudio de caso en la ciudad de San Cristóbal de La Laguna / Assessing the impact of World Heritage designation on urban dynamics: a case study in the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — 2026 — WHEB35389C05B

World Heritage designation has complex and contradictory impacts on urban dynamics, as demonstrated by the case of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. While it enhances visibility and strengthens city identity, particularly in historic centers, it also accelerates selective demographic, economic, and urban changes. The study combines discursive analysis of administrative documents with statistical examination of demographic, urban, and tourist indicators, along with cartographic analysis, to identify key transformations since the city's inscription in 1999. This research provides a critical perspective on global processes affecting other UNESCO-listed cities.

Evaluating Gemini 2.5 Flash Image for Architectural Heritage Documentation in Historic Al-Balad, Jeddah

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2026 — WHE15AF3E57CB

A study evaluating Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, a generative AI tool, reveals its potential in reconstructing masked architectural elements of historic buildings in Al-Balad, Jeddah, with acceptable visual coherence for Hejazi elements like Roshan and Mangour, as well as façade textures. However, the AI struggles with highly intricate wood latticework and subtle depth variations. The research employed field documentation, controlled masking tests, and expert evaluations to assess accuracy and stylistic coherence, concluding that while generative AI can aid heritage documentation, outputs must be rigorously validated against reliable references. This work contributes to the broader effort of integrating AI into heritage preservation in Saudi Arabia.