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Gen-Diaolou: An Integrated AI-Assisted Interactive System for Diachronic Understanding and Preservation of the Kaiping Diaolou

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages — 2026 — WHE1B3DD07FC3

An AI-assisted interactive system, Gen-Diaolou, demonstrates significant potential to enhance visitors' diachronic understanding and preservation awareness of the UNESCO-listed Kaiping Diaolou and Villages. This hybrid Chinese-Western architectural heritage site, shaped by migration culture, faces challenges in engagement due to authenticity debates and limited participatory approaches. Through formative studies with 14 stakeholders, pilot tests with 18 participants, and museum field studies involving 26 individuals, the system was designed and refined. Findings suggest that Gen-Diaolou effectively bridges gaps between passive heritage systems and unconstrained creative tools, offering a promising model for human-AI collaboration in digital cultural heritage engagement.

Gender equality in the work organization of a company town: The case of San Leucio (late 18th–early 19th century)

18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex — 2026 — WHE21CE7F38A4

San Leucio, an 18th-century company town near Naples, stands out for its pioneering approach to gender equality in work and society. Unlike contemporary models, it abolished male exclusivity in wills, dowries, and introduced survivor pensions for widows, while maintaining a male household headship role. Women, however, played pivotal roles as skilled managers of silk production both within the Real Fabbrica (textile mill) and domestically. This qualitative study, based on archives from the Royal Palace of Caserta, State Archives, and Diocesan Archives, reconstructs San Leucio's labor organization, revealing a unique model that blended formal gender equality with practical family-based work structures, challenging traditional male-breadwinner norms.

Genetic and taxonomic data corroborate the existence of lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris (Carchariniformes: Carcharhinidae) (Poey, 1868) in Coiba National Park, Panama

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2026 — WHE1E25811209

Researchers have confirmed the presence of lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in Coiba National Park, Panama, marking the first documented occurrence of this species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine corridor. Genetic analysis of six young-of-the-year individuals collected from Boca Grande estuary revealed a 99% similarity with known lemon shark sequences, corroborating morphological identification. This discovery expands the known distribution of the species and provides foundational genetic data for Coiba National Park, with sequences deposited in GenBank for future comparative studies. The findings underscore the importance of Boca Grande estuary as a critical nursery area and offer insights for enhanced management strategies, including potential shark sanctuary designation.

Genetic assessment of the introduced rats found on Lord Howe Island post rodent eradication, new invaders or remnant survivors?

Lord Howe Island Group — 2026 — WHE9DAEB462A3

Genetic analysis reveals that black rats detected on Lord Howe Island (LHI) after a successful rodent eradication program are likely remnant survivors, not new invaders. Using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers, researchers found that the post-eradication rats shared identical haplotypes with pre-eradication populations, while differing from mainland Australian and other Pacific island rat populations. Microsatellite data further showed that LHI's pre- and post-eradication rat populations were genetically distinct from mainland NSW populations, indicating limited gene flow despite potential dispersal routes. The low genetic diversity in post-eradication rats suggests they descend from a small number of survivors rather than new introductions.

Genetic introgression among charr species in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan

Shiretoko — 2026 — WHE7DACC0C1AB

Researchers have uncovered significant genetic introgression among charr species within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, they found that up to 97.2% of non-Southern Asian Dolly Varden (SADV) mitochondrial DNA in 40 rivers could be attributed to introgression from White-spotted charr, despite the latter's absence in these regions. The study also identified a minor but notable proportion (up to 0.47%) of eDNA linked to Salvelinus malma, a species not native to Japan, suggesting an additional independent introgression event. These findings highlight the potential for eDNA metabarcoding to detect hidden evolutionary legacies in freshwater fish populations, particularly where conventional surveys are impractical. The research underscores the importance of cautious interpretation of mtDNA-based analyses in systems with frequent genetic exchange and provides valuable insights for conservation genetics.

Geo-Cultural Factors Shaping Traditional Residential Architecture in Eastern China: A Comparative Study of the Hui, Su, and Fujian Styles

Fujian Tulou — 2026 — WHEEFC45FFC6E

Traditional residential architecture in Eastern China is shaped more by cultural transmission than by climate, according to a comparative study of the Hui, Su, and Fujian styles. Despite similar climatic conditions, these styles—found in provinces like Anhui, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Shandong—developed distinct characteristics due to cultural influences such as Confucian philosophy and Feng Shui principles. The research highlights that while geography provides the material (e.g., stone and rammed earth), culture dictates the layout and symbolic details of these structures. The study used a qualitative comparative method, supported by case studies of representative sites like Xidi and Hongcun (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). This finding challenges the notion that climate alone drives architectural evolution, emphasizing instead the role of cultural heritage in shaping living traditions.

Geo-tourism Perspectives on the Impacts of Climate Change in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2026 — WHE515179FBCD

Climate change is significantly threatening tourism and natural assets in Wadi Rum, Jordan, with rising temperatures, declining rainfall reliability, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Research reveals a marked increase in mean annual temperature from approximately 20.7°C (1980–2000) to over 22°C by 2017, alongside a decline in rainfall and a surge in flash floods—from one event in 1990 to seven projected by 2025—and heatwaves, which were previously absent but reached six occurrences by 2025. These shifts pose risks to visitor comfort, safety, infrastructure, and revenue potential. Stakeholders emphasize the need for adaptation measures such as renewable energy integration, flood-resilient design, heat-sensitive scheduling, and community engagement to sustain Wadi Rum's attractiveness and ecological integrity. The study combines long-term climatic data (1990–2025), regional climate model projections, and stakeholder perspectives from literature and field evidence to synthesize key indicators like temperature trends, rainfall variability, flashfloods, and heatwaves with assessments of tourism infrastructure, visitor behavior, and economic vulnerability. This comprehensive synthesis advances understanding of how desert destinations can balance heritage preservation, ecosystem sustainability, and tourism competitiveness under intensifying climate pressures.

Geochemical fingerprints of dated bentonites to constrain correlations in Cretaceous fluvial strata, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2026 — WHE81AF46D3EE

Researchers have identified unique geochemical fingerprints and physical traits in bentonites from the Campanian-aged Dinosaur Park Formation (DPF) in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. These fingerprints enable precise correlation of fluvial strata without the need for radiometric dating, addressing longstanding challenges in stratigraphic correlation, sedimentation rate determination, and quantification of stratigraphic completeness. The study demonstrates that bentonites can be correlated over significant distances, such as the Plateau Tuff bentonite, which was traced across 12 km within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, three previously unrecognized bentonites were identified, promising to enhance geochronological resolution in the region. This breakthrough offers a robust framework for resolving stratigraphic issues in fluvial systems and provides a model applicable to other similar environments.

Geochemical fractionation of mercury and trace metals in river sediments of the Almadén mining district (Spain): implications for ecological risk

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2026 — WHE985BF79499

Sediments in the Valdeazogues River basin, part of Spain's Almadén mercury mining district, act as both sinks and potential sources for trace metals, posing persistent ecological risks despite mine closure. The study found that mercury (Hg) exhibits significant enrichment with concentrations up to 277.4 μg g⁻¹, far exceeding background levels, while manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) also show elevated levels. Geochemical fractionation revealed that Hg, Mn, and Zn are more mobile compared to copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and Pb, which are predominantly bound in the residual fraction. A screening-level ecological risk assessment indicated potential concern primarily for Hg, Mn, and Zn due to their higher proportions in non-residual fractions, suggesting greater bioavailability and mobility. This research underscores the need for continued monitoring and management of these sediments to mitigate long-term environmental threats.

Geodromicus puncticollis

Durmitor National Park — 2026 — WHED9D4B7BBCF

A new taxonomic assessment reveals that the beetle species Geodromicus puncticollis, previously described under multiple synonyms (e.g., G. cordicollis, G. schubertorum), is widely distributed across the Balkans, including Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Romania, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. The study, based on specimens collected from diverse elevations (720–1400 m a.s.l.) in forests, streams, and caves, confirms its presence in UNESCO-listed sites such as Durmitor National Park (Montenegro) and Theth National Park (Albania). This research clarifies the species' ecological range, documenting its association with mosses on stones and leaf litter in montane environments. The findings contribute to biodiversity mapping in protected areas, leveraging historical and contemporary collections from institutions like NMPC and HNHM.

Geoglyphs Nazca

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2026 — WHEF692686680

A radical reinterpretation of large-scale geoglyphs, including those in Nazca (Peru), Turgai (Kazakhstan), and Qinghai (China), challenges traditional ritual-astronomical hypotheses. The study proposes the 'Industrial Drying and Sorting Model,' arguing that these sites functioned as open-air logistics hubs for mass dehydration of meat and biological resources, crucial for nomadic survival and mobility. Geoglyphs served as visual inventory markers in a pre-literate administrative system, with distinct figures representing different commodity sectors—avian figures for poultry, mammalian figures for livestock, and the spider figure for medicinal herbs and pharmaceuticals. Lines and trapezoids were not roads but logistical boundaries for sorting batches of goods. The model suggests trans-Eurasian technology transfer, with Kazakhstan adopting Chinese state-accounting methods to manage vast nomadic assets, while Nazca geoglyphs represent an adaptation in desert environments.

Geographies of Heritage Authenticity: Spatial Interaction, Narrative Performance and Emotional Attachment at Medina of Tunis

Medina of Tunis — 2026 — WHE5983C0E1AC

Heritage authenticity at UNESCO World Heritage Sites is not solely tied to monuments but is dynamically shaped by spatial interactions, narrative exchanges, and emotional experiences. A study of the Medina of Tunis during the 'Medina of Lights' festival (2025) revealed that the medina's physical layout—such as narrow streets and landmarks like Zitouna Mosque—guides visitor perceptions, while resident narratives, when delivered with cultural sincerity, enhance authenticity even if adapted for tourists. Sensory-rich festival experiences further foster emotional attachments, turning some visitors into heritage advocates. The research, based on qualitative interviews with 25 international tourists from 12 countries, used thematic analysis to identify these key themes, offering insights for scholars and tourism planners on preserving and strengthening heritage authenticity through resident engagement and genuine cultural exchange.

Geoheritage as a Tool for Environmental Education: Towards the Development of Sustainable Geotourism in Algeria – The Case of Tassili N’Ajjer

Tassili n'Ajjer — 2026 — WHED99CA9E51E

Tassili n'Ajjer, Algeria's spectacular geological plateau, holds significant potential for sustainable geotourism and environmental education when integrated into school curricula. A study involving 500 students and 80 faculty from two universities revealed high student interest in geo-heritage but low formal instruction. Faculty expressed enthusiasm for integrating geo-heritage teaching but noted institutional support gaps. Tassili n'Ajjer was identified as an ideal location for educational tours due to its geological and cultural importance, suggesting that enhanced visibility of Algeria's geosites could foster more informed and responsible tourism, aligning with sustainable development goals.

Geologic Map of the Carlsbad 30 x 60-Minute Quadrangle, Eddy and Otero Counties, New Mexico; and Culberson, Hudspeth, and Reeves Counties, Texas

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2026 — WHE8996389A35

A comprehensive geologic map of the Carlsbad 30x60-minute quadrangle, spanning parts of New Mexico and Texas, reveals the complex geological history and diverse landscapes of this region. This area, home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, features significant Permian Basin sediments, late Cenozoic fluvial systems, and extensive eolian deposits on the Mescalero Plain. The map integrates decades of geologic data, highlighting the transition from the Guadalupe Mountains' shelf and reef sediments to the Rio Grande rift and Salt Basin. It also documents subsurface stratigraphy ranging from Permian through Cambrian-aged rocks, providing critical insights into the geological provinces that support major infrastructure for potash mining, oil, and gas extraction.

Geometric Authenticity in the Reconstruction of Architectural Heritage: A Methodological Approach

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2026 — WHEF102F3477F

A high level of geometric fidelity was confirmed in the reconstruction of Mostar's Old Bridge, destroyed during the 1990s conflict and rebuilt in 2004. The study, leveraging high-precision geodetic measurements and archival photogrammetric drawings, demonstrated that average deviations from the original structure were minimal—just a few centimeters—with only localized discrepancies attributable to construction tolerances. This finding validates the reconstruction's authenticity and sets a precedent for transparent, evidence-based heritage conservation in post-conflict scenarios. The research also introduced a replicable methodological framework, combining non-destructive techniques with adaptive georeferencing models, to objectively assess geometric accuracy in architectural restorations worldwide.

Geometric Documentation and Structural Analysis of Char-Suq Intersection Spaces: The Case of Sadik-Iye Char-Suq in Tabriz Historical Bazaar

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2026 — WHE241DCC2009

A systematic geometric design underpins the Sadık-iye Char-suq, a central crossroads structure within Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the bazaar's organic development, this study reveals that the Char-suq was deliberately configured with an octagonal plan, integrating columns, arches, and vaults to align non-orthogonal intersection angles of connecting passages. This design serves as both a functional circulation node and a structural solution, maintaining spatial continuity in the irregular market layout. The research employed a three-stage methodology: on-site observations for visual and functional data collection; triangulation-based surveys to generate plans, sections, and 3D models; and comparative analysis with historical documents to trace the structure's development phases. The findings highlight how crossroads structures influence architectural design within complex, organically evolved market plans.

Geophysical Characterization of Archaeological Sites in Active Seismic Zones: The Case of the “Basilica Bath” at Hierapolis (Turkey)

Hierapolis-Pamukkale — 2026 — WHE06BEA12704

Geophysical surveys reveal the likely fault configuration responsible for the partial collapse of the Basilica Bath at Hierapolis, providing critical insights into the site's seismic vulnerability. Using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic refraction tomography (SRT), researchers identified buried archaeological features and potential fault directions, offering new data to support studies on the building's reconstruction and reuse in ancient times. The findings contribute to understanding the impact of seismic activity on UNESCO-listed sites like Hierapolis-Pamukkale, located in an active tectonic zone with a history of destructive earthquakes.

Geopolymer Structure of Nan Madol and Alaska

Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia — 2026 — WHE60AA48FC93

A groundbreaking comparative analysis reveals that Nan Madol, the ceremonial center of Eastern Micronesia, along with three other global anomalies—Richat Structure (Mauritania), Black Pyramid (Alaska), and Shackleton Range (Antarctica)—are not natural geological formations but engineered acoustic nodes constructed between 1280 and 1292 AD under the patronage of Khubilai Khan. The study cross-references standardized geopolymer casting techniques, termed 'Artificial Tuff,' with artifacts in global museum collections, challenging conventional perceptions of these sites' origins.

Geosciences Contribution to the Via Appia Regina Viarum UNESCO World Heritage Between Beneventum and Aeclanum (Southern Italy)

Via Appia. Regina Viarum — 2026 — WHE1708786537

A multidisciplinary geoscientific approach has significantly advanced the understanding and preservation of the Via Appia Regina Viarum, contributing to its 2024 UNESCO World Heritage inscription. The study, conducted between Beneventum and Aeclanum in Southern Italy, successfully identified the ancient path of the road through geoarcheological investigations, which had been poorly documented in this region. By integrating field surveys, mapping of landforms and lithofacies, geophysical surveys, and archaeological excavations, researchers provided critical data that enhanced the road's cultural and geological heritage value. Additionally, the project emphasized public engagement through social and cultural events, disseminating scientific findings to diverse audiences, including local administrators, food and wine producers, and the general public. This work underscores the pivotal role of geoscience in both the scientific assessment and the broader recognition of Roman engineering marvels.

Geospatial Assessments of Environmental Threats to a UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in South-West Nigeria

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2026 — WHE470C25646F

Geospatial tools are essential for accurately tracking, mapping risks, and informing decisions to protect UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study on the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in South-West Nigeria highlights the urgent need for data-driven interventions to safeguard its Outstanding Universal Value, which serves as both a cultural sanctuary and an ecological hotspot. The research integrates traditional stewardship practices with modern spatial analytical techniques, aiming to enhance sustainable conservation efforts. By leveraging geospatial mapping, this approach offers a robust framework for mitigating environmental threats and preserving one of Nigeria's most valued heritage landscapes.