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New Insights into the Rock Art of Anbangbang Gallery, Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park — 2020 — WHE6458A2DB34

A groundbreaking study of Anbangbang Gallery in Kakadu National Park challenges long-held assumptions about the chronology and conservation of Australian rock art. By integrating advanced technologies like pXRF analysis with traditional archaeological methods and oral histories, researchers uncovered evidence of extensive retouching and repainting of earlier imagery, reshaping our understanding of artistic practices and site narratives. This re-evaluation has significant implications for ongoing conservation efforts in the region, prompting a reconsideration of how recent rock art is interpreted and preserved.

New onshore/offshore evidence of the Messinian Erosion Surface from key areas: The Ibiza-Balearic Promontory and the Orosei-Eastern Sardinian margin

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2020 — WHE712195CB4D

A significant sea-level drop during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, previously debated, is confirmed by new onshore and offshore evidence from Ibiza (Balearic Promontory) and Orosei (Eastern Sardinian margin). The study reveals a widespread erosional surface linked to subaerial conditions, marked by continentalization events, indicating a regression phase correlated across both regions. Unlike prior research focused on evaporite basins or incised canyons, this work examines small drainage systems and interfluve areas, providing novel insights into the Messinian erosion's extent and depth variability. The findings support a scenario of at least one major low-stand sea level during the crisis, with disconnected evaporite subbasins at varying depths.

New records of long-legged flies (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) from Wrangel Island Nature Reserve (Chukotka AD, Russia)

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2020 — WHEDA65D70B96

A new species of long-legged fly, Rhaphium tripartitum, has been discovered on Wrangel Island, expanding the known diversity of Dolichopodidae flies in the region. Additionally, the study excluded Rhaphium nigrum from the Chukchi fauna and extended the distribution range of Dolichopus terminasiana westward to the Yamal Peninsula. The findings are based on surveys conducted between 2015 and 2019 in the Wrangel Island State Nature Reserve, providing critical insights into the biodiversity of this UNESCO-listed site.

New records of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) for the state of Maranhão, Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2020 — WHEA5DD36E434

Researchers have documented the first occurrences of two Utricularia species, U. cutleri and U. resupinata, within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. This discovery extends their known distribution in the country, contributing new data to the region's flora. The study relied on field collections and taxonomic analysis, highlighting the park's ecological significance as a biodiversity hotspot. Such findings are critical for understanding species diversity and conservation priorities in northeastern Brazil.

New research in the sacred zone of the Fabrika Hill in Nea Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos — 2020 — WHE89FE0A25EB

New research on Fabrika Hill in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, reveals that the southern part of this rocky hillock, long suspected to have cultic significance, was indeed an early sacred zone. The study, conducted by a joint team from Université d’Avignon and other institutions, identified rock-cut outlines of what may be a temple dedicated to Aphrodite Paphia near the top of an Early Hellenistic theatre. Through two seasons of fieldwork (2018-2019), researchers uncovered evidence of both the original Hellenistic arrangement of this sacred area and its subsequent use during Late Roman, Byzantine, and Medieval periods. The findings also provide new insights into the topographical details of the region, addressing challenges posed by the hill’s geology and long history of human activity.

New species and records of the genus Syllis Savigny in Lamarck, 1818 (Annelida: Syllidae) from Socotra Archipelago (Indian Ocean)

Socotra Archipelago — 2020 — WHE43B091E5AE

A new species of the polychaete genus Syllis, named Syllis qamhiyn, has been discovered in the Socotra Archipelago (Indian Ocean), distinguished by its thick, gelatinous dorsal cirri and reduced compound chaetae with unique morphological features. Additionally, ten previously unrecorded Syllis species were identified in the region, including a revalidation of Syllis bouvieri as a distinct species after taxonomic reassessment. The findings expand the known biodiversity of Socotra's marine fauna, particularly its polychaete diversity, and contribute to understanding the region's unique ecological characteristics.

New viral biogeochemical roles revealed through metagenomic analysis of Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal — 2020 — WHE48D628972D

A groundbreaking metagenomic analysis of Lake Baikal, the world's largest freshwater lake, reveals previously unknown viral roles in biogeochemical cycles. Researchers identified 19,475 viral sequences, uncovering bacteriophages that infect key microbial taxa like Nitrospirota and Methylophilaceae, with auxiliary metabolic genes potentially enhancing carbon fixation via the reductive TCA cycle and methanol oxidation pathways. Significant shifts in viral community composition were observed between epipelagic and bathypelagic zones, suggesting depth- and season-dependent viral dynamics. This study highlights the profound influence of viruses on freshwater ecosystems, particularly their role in dark carbon fixation and methylotrophy, offering new insights into microbial-driven biogeochemical processes.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area & the Maasa

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2020 — WHE551BD5FA7B

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Tanzania, represents a unique ecological and cultural landscape where the Maasai, a semi-nomadic pastoral community, coexist with wildlife both inside and outside the park. This study highlights the intricate relationship between conservation efforts and the livelihoods of the Maasai people, who integrate livestock grazing with wildlife management. By examining this dynamic, researchers provide insights into sustainable coexistence models that balance biodiversity protection with human needs. The approach involves a combination of field observations, community interviews, and data analysis to assess the social-ecological interactions within the conservation area.

Niezrealizowane projekty odbudowy kościoła w Oruni autorstwa gdańskiego architekta miejskiego Carla Samuela Helda

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2020 — WHE6DFAB86D8D

A previously overlooked collection of eight reconstruction designs for the Evangelical church in Orunia, created by Gdańsk architect Carl Samuel Held between 1816 and 1819, reveals a unique departure from his usual classicist style. The designs, preserved in Gdańsk's State Archive, include two revolutionary classicist variants and six neo-Gothic ones—an exception in Held’s oeuvre and the first known attempt to design a sacral building. However, their formal clumsiness and financial impracticality led to rejection. Instead, a project by August von Gersdorff, influenced by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, was implemented, featuring forms inspired by the Teutonic Castle in Malbork—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This church stands as the first neo-Gothic structure in Gdańsk and its region, marking a significant architectural reference to Malbork’s symbolic German identity.

Nilai Penting dan Strategis Nasional Rencana Zonasi Kawasan Taman Nasional Komodo

Komodo National Park — 2020 — WHE38ECC14102

A multi-criteria analysis of the Komodo National Park and its surrounding marine areas reveals their strategic importance for national economic development, particularly through sustainable biodiversity conservation and marine resource management. The study identifies key zones—including public use (tourism, ports, fisheries) and conservation areas (marine, coastal, small islands)—to guide spatial planning that balances ecological protection with community welfare. Recommendations include integrating findings into a Presidential Regulation on spatial zoning to ensure sustainable development, aligning economic growth with biodiversity preservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nitrogen mineralization rates of the soils incubated under different temperatures from different elevations along an environmental gradient on Yakushima Island

Yakushima — 2020 — WHEFE323D43E0

Research on Yakushima Island reveals that soil nitrogen (N) mineralization rates, which decrease with elevation, are primarily regulated by the quality of organic matter rather than temperature. Using a 'common-site' approach, scientists incubated soils from seven elevations (170–1550 m a.s.l.) at four temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) for 10 days. They found that net N mineralization rates declined linearly with elevation at consistent intercepts across temperatures, indicating that inherent soil properties—such as organic matter quality and microbial profiles—drive this pattern. Soil phenolics/N ratios increased with elevation, correlating negatively with N mineralization, further supporting the influence of vegetation shifts on soil biochemistry.

No. 50936. United States of America and Mali

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2020 — WHE548906C960

An international agreement between the United States and Mali, established in 1997, imposes import restrictions on archaeological materials from the Niger River Valley and Bandiagara Escarpment (Cliff of Bandiagara). This treaty aims to protect the cultural heritage of these regions by preventing the illegal export and trade of significant archaeological artifacts. The agreement underscores the importance of preserving the unique historical and cultural legacy of the Bandiagara Escarpment, which is renowned for its Dogon communities and their rich traditions. By regulating the movement of such materials, the treaty contributes to the global effort in safeguarding cultural heritage, ensuring that these irreplaceable treasures remain accessible for study and appreciation while mitigating the risks of looting and loss.

No. 51479. United States of America and Panama

Darien National Park — 2020 — WHED6380B3E97

A landmark debt-for-nature swap between the United States and Panama, formalized in 2004, secured $10 million to expand and protect Darién National Park. This agreement marked a novel approach to conservation financing, leveraging international cooperation to mitigate ecological threats while addressing economic obligations. The initiative aimed to preserve the park's biodiversity, including critical habitats for species like the Baird’s tapir and harpy eagle, by funding infrastructure, anti-poaching measures, and sustainable development programs. By converting U.S. debt into conservation investments, the partnership demonstrated a scalable model for blending financial instruments with environmental protection, offering a blueprint for global heritage site preservation.

Non-invasive characterization of the pigment’s palette used on the painted tomb slabs at Paestum archaeological site

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2020 — WHEC0814C664E

A groundbreaking interdisciplinary archaeometric study has uncovered distinctive markers of a local artisanal tradition in the Greek colony of Paestum, dating back to 500-475 BC. By employing non-invasive analytical techniques such as IRR, UV fluorescence, VIL, FORS, ER-FTIR, Raman, and XRF, researchers examined pigments from frescoed tomb slabs across multiple necropolises, including the renowned Tomb of the Diver. The findings highlight unique executive techniques and provide insights into the artistic practices of this ancient colony, contributing significantly to our understanding of its cultural heritage.

Non-marine invasive gastropods on Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): distribution and implications for conservation

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2020 — WHE793E5B3835

A new inventory of non-marine invasive gastropods on Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals three species—Melanoides tuberculata, Physa acuta, and Achatina fulica—with the latter being the most widespread, found in 16 villages. Most records were concentrated in anthropogenic areas, likely due to accessibility, but one was documented within a conservation area, raising concerns about potential ecological impacts. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate the spread of these invasive species, which pose significant threats to local biodiversity.

Non-market Valuation of Tiya Megalithic World Cultural Heritage of Ethiopia, Application of Travel Cost and Contingent Valuation Methods

Tiya — 2020 — WHE62A7F7CCE1

Researchers estimate the total economic value of Tiya, Ethiopia's megalithic World Heritage site, at 9.6 million ETB annually through use and nonuse values. The study applies Travel Cost Method (TCM) to assess recreational demand, revealing key determinants like travel cost, income, and visitor characteristics, while Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) quantifies community willingness to pay for preservation. Using truncated Poisson regression for use value and bivariate probit modeling for nonuse value, the findings highlight Tiya's significant cultural and economic importance, advocating for targeted maintenance to sustain its benefits.

Nondestructive Testing of Hollowing Deterioration of the Yungang Grottoes Based on THz-TDS

Yungang Grottoes — 2020 — WHE600274641E

Researchers have developed a reliable, nondestructive method to measure hollowing deterioration in the Yungang Grottoes using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). The study established a model correlating hollowing thickness with time differences in THz spectra, achieving an R-squared value of 0.99795, indicating high accuracy. This approach enables both qualitative and quantitative assessment of deterioration without damaging the stone relics, offering significant implications for their preservation and repair. The method's simplicity and effectiveness make it valuable for similar heritage sites.

Nonlinear Numerical Modeling of Complex Masonry Heritage Structures Considering History-Related Phenomena in Staged Construction Analysis and Material Uncertainty in Seismic Assessment

Poblet Monastery — 2020 — WHE36BF2A54F8

A novel numerical approach reveals how historical masonry structures, such as the Mallorca Cathedral and Poblet Monastery's church, develop deformations and cracks due to long-term strain accumulation, architectural alterations, seismic activity, and material uncertainty. The study combines a constitutive model for time-dependent behavior with crack-tracking techniques, enabling staged construction analysis that explains current structural conditions. Probabilistic analysis further assesses seismic vulnerability by accounting for uncertainties in material properties. This method offers a robust framework for diagnosing and preserving complex heritage structures.

Northernmost record of Chiroderma trinitatum (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in Latin America, with distributional comments

Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve — 2020 — WHE8AC14319F3

Researchers have documented the northernmost record of Chiroderma trinitatum, a rare bat species within the family Phyllostomidae, extending its known range by over 527 kilometers from Costa Rica to Ciudad Blanca in eastern Honduras. This discovery significantly expands the distributional knowledge of this uncommon species and marks a new faunal record for Honduras, which now includes 111 bat species. The findings underscore the importance of further conservation efforts within the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, particularly in its core area that encompasses the historical site Ciudad Blanca. The study highlights the biodiversity richness of the region while emphasizing the need for continued research to safeguard this unique ecosystem.

Norwegian PILOT-E scheme funds maritime hydrogen projects

West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord — 2020 — WHE2BAB336924

Norwegian government funding through the PILOT-E scheme is advancing hydrogen as a clean energy solution for maritime transport, with two key projects targeting the West Norwegian Fjords. The Hellesylt Hydrogen Hub consortium aims to establish a hydrogen production facility to power ferries and cruise ships in Geirangerfjord, reducing emissions in this UNESCO-listed area. Meanwhile, Wilhelmsen and NorSea are developing a supply chain for 'green' liquid hydrogen for commercial shipping. These initiatives mark a significant step toward decarbonizing maritime operations, leveraging Norway's existing expertise in renewable energy to support sustainable tourism and transport in the region.