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Overview of existing information on important closed (or in closing phase) and abandoned mining waste sites and related mines in Slovenia

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2020 — WHE5A493965DA

Slovenia's mining legacy leaves a significant environmental footprint, with closed and abandoned metal mines generating approximately 11.6 million cubic meters of waste across 33 sites, while coal mines contribute about 76.2 million cubic meters from 43 locations. The Mežica lead and zinc mine alone accounts for over half (64%) of metal mining waste, followed by the Idrija mercury mine (18%) and the Žirovski vrh uranium mine (15%). Among coal mines, Trbovlje-Hrastnik dominates with 46% of waste, while Kočevje and Kanižarica contribute 28% and 17%, respectively. This comprehensive inventory, compiled by the Geological Survey of Slovenia over two decades, maps 33 metal mines, 43 coal mines, 51 non-metallic mineral sites, and 174 waste sites, providing a critical foundation for assessing environmental impacts under EU Directive 2006/21/EC. The data, accessible via an open-access Google Earth file, highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of mining waste on Slovenian ecosystems.

Owen as read by Marc-Auguste Pictet (1752–1825) and J.C.L. Simonde de Sismondi (1773–1842)

New Lanark — 2020 — WHED7BBDE808E

Geneva's liberal intellectual elite, Marc-Auguste Pictet and J.C.L. Simonde de Sismondi, shared Robert Owen's concerns about industrialization's negative impacts but rejected his proposed solutions, particularly those involving cooperation and shared ownership. While they appreciated Owen's ideas for mitigating industrial challenges, they distanced themselves from his vision of a 'planned' society, favoring instead the liberal path of competition and creative development over collective ownership and security. Sismondi's reflections highlight a fundamental choice between two models of industrial civilization: one rooted in liberty, innovation, and conflict, and another in collective control, stability, but potential stagnation of human creativity.

Oxygen isotope dating of oak and elm timbers from the portcullis windlass, Byward Tower, Tower of London

Tower of London — 2020 — WHE50051B4FFC

Researchers successfully dated oak and elm timbers from the portcullis windlass mechanism in the Byward Tower of the Tower of London using a novel oxygen isotope dendrochronology method. The study determined that the oak timbers were felled in winter AD 1656/7, while the associated elm shaft was cut after AD 1648. This is the first application of this technique to date elm, demonstrating its potential for dating non-oak species. The findings build on previous dendrochronological efforts that had failed to date these samples, advancing the use of stable oxygen isotopes in archaeological timber analysis.

Packaging Oporto: hypercommodification of its city centre?

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2020 — WHE17BE0AD0F2

Oporto's historic city centre, including the UNESCO-listed Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar, has undergone rapid socio-economic transformation driven by tourism, leading to hypercommodification and gentrification. This study reveals how city officials leveraged tourism to regenerate the area while exacerbating housing market pressures, reducing accessibility for locals and newcomers. The research, based on PhD thesis data (2008-2012) and updated in 2019, employed non-intrusive space observation and qualitative analysis of interviews and documents. It highlights a global trend where historic centres face the challenge of balancing heritage preservation with socio-economic transformation, raising questions about sustainable urban development in metropolitan areas.

Palaeobiology of the reclining rangeomorph Beothukis from the Ediacaran Mistaken Point Formation of southeastern Newfoundland

Mistaken Point — 2020 — WHEC64236F302

Research on the Ediacaran fossil Beothukis mistakensis from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, reveals its complex fractal-like morphology, challenging previous interpretations. The study finds that B. mistakensis lacks independent three-dimensional branches, instead featuring tightly juxtaposed, chamber-like secondary-order units likely filled with mesoglea. Growth analysis indicates development from the tip toward the base, with tertiary-order units representing surface morphology on the secondary units. This quilted structure suggests a sessile, reclining lifestyle, adapted to increase surface area-to-volume ratio, supporting a phagocytotic or chemosymbiotic mode of life similar to other reclining rangeomorphs like Fractofusus.

Paleo-Seismicity in the Euganean Hills Province (Northeast Italy): Constraints From Geomechanical and Geophysical Tests in the Schio-Vicenza Fault Area

City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto — 2020 — WHE804260A0A4

Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that the Schio-Vicenza Fault, which borders the Euganean Hills in northeast Italy, experienced more intense seismic activity in the past than previously thought. This conclusion stems from the discovery of gouges and cataclasites within exhumed fault zones, which are indicative of significant paleo-seismic events. Micropaleontological analyses confirmed that these gouges originated from the fragmentation of adjacent limestone rocks, while geomechanical tests revealed that substantial strain energy was required to pulverize these rocks. Current deformation rates in the region, measured through global navigation satellite system observations, are insufficient to generate such features, implying that the fault's past activity may have been more pronounced or that the area was affected by remote seismic events. These findings challenge the current understanding of the region's seismicity and have significant implications for seismic risk assessment in nearby urban areas, including Padova and Vicenza.

Paleoproterozoic to Cenozoic zircon U–Pb ages with Hf signatures from metamorphic rocks and granodiorite of Tokunoshima: constraints on the geotectonic subdivision of the Ryukyu island arc, Southwest Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2020 — WHEB3435447F5

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Omo Formation on Tokunoshima Island, part of the Ryukyu island arc in Southwest Japan, shares geological origins with Cathaysia in the South China block. Using LA-ICP-MS U–Pb and Hf isotope analysis on zircons from metamorphic rocks and granodiorite, researchers identified Paleoproterozoic to Cenozoic age ranges, indicating Early Jurassic reworking of older continental crust. The positive εHf(t) values in Paleoproterozoic zircons (+12.7 to +0.8) contrasted with negative values in Jurassic zircons (−19.6 and −22.8), suggesting significant tectonic activity. Additionally, granodiorite zircon ages (61.3 ± 1.0 Ma) with positive εHf(t) values (+12.0 to +12.6) correlate with juvenile magmatic activity in the San-in batholith belt, hinting at a shared geological history across Southwest Japan.

Paleozoic Granitoid Magmatism of Western Tien Shan

Western Tien-Shan — 2020 — WHE1DF45A0066

A comprehensive analysis of Paleozoic granitoid magmatism in the Western Tien Shan reveals critical insights into the transition from subduction to continental collision during the Hercynian orogeny. The study, leveraging advanced geochronological and isotopic techniques such as zircon dating and Nd-Sr-Pb-Hf isotope analysis, characterizes the crustal structures of major terranes in the region. It identifies distinct geodynamic settings for granitoid suites, providing a robust framework to explain regional compositional variations. By comparing post-collisional late Paleozoic granitoids from the South Tien Shan with subduction-related granitoids from the Middle Tien Shan, the research offers a nuanced understanding of tectonic processes at convergent continental margins.

Palmyra: From War and Destruction to Rehabilitation

Site of Palmyra — 2020 — WHE3892C7C2C6

Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Roman-era architecture and historical significance as a crossroads between East and West, suffered severe damage during ISIS occupation (2015–2016), including the destruction of temples, tombs, statues, and cultural landmarks. This study proposes an international-standardized framework for rehabilitation, integrating short-, medium-, and long-term plans for repairs, protection, restoration, and sustainable preservation. Aligned with UNESCO, ICOMOS, and ICCROM guidelines, it offers a coherent action plan to mitigate the impact of conflict while ensuring the site's cultural integrity and future viability.

Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae): first record on Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2020 — WHE42599B4645

Researchers report the first documented presence of Panstrongylus geniculatus, a triatomine bug species known to transmit Chagas disease, inside a building on Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This discovery highlights a potential risk for local Chagas disease transmission, as P. geniculatus is frequently found infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for the disease. The study, conducted at the 'Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Desenvolvimento Sustentável' in Vila Dois Rios, contributes to understanding the species' distribution and its implications for public health in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Parallels of German Avant-garde Architecture and Development in Kyiv

Fagus Factory in Alfeld — 2020 — WHEDF17065737

This comparative analysis reveals striking parallels between German and Kyiv architectural developments in the early 20th century, highlighting shared trends from Art Nouveau to avant-garde movements. The study examines key structures like Walter Gropius and Adolf Meyer's Fagus Factory (1910-1911), Max Berg's Centennial Hall (1911-1913), and Kyiv's Stalin district power plant (1926–1930) by Mikhailo Parusnikov, among others. It traces the evolution from eclecticism to modernism, noting influences such as Werkbund, Bauhaus, constructivism, and Soviet neoclassicism. The research underscores how Kyiv's architectural trajectory reflects broader international artistic transitions, including Stalinist empire and post-war modernism.

Parasites in a hotspot: diversity and specificity patterns of apicomplexans infecting reptiles from the Socotra Archipelago

Socotra Archipelago — 2020 — WHE6357E16533

A comprehensive study on the Socotra Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, reveals that reptiles here host a high diversity of apicomplexan parasites, with many likely representing undescribed endemic species. The research, which screened 461 reptiles using 18S rRNA primers, identified haemogregarines as the most common and genetically diverse, followed by sarcocystids (genus Sarcocystis) and eimeriids (genera Isospora and Lankesterella). These parasites showed high genetic divergence from those found in other regions, mirroring the archipelago's endemic reptile hosts. Notably, skinks were the most parasitized, contrasting with global trends, while geckos exhibited the highest parasite diversity, correlating with their species richness. The study also suggests a link between island size and parasite haplotype diversity, underscoring the importance of ecological factors in disease transmission.

Paroxysmal eruptions tracked by variations of helium isotopes: inferences from Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion island)

Pitons Management Area — 2020 — WHE6BE420A466

Helium isotopes (³He/⁴He) serve as a critical indicator of mantle dynamics and volcanic activity, offering potential warnings for paroxysmal eruptions. A study on Piton de la Fournaise volcano in La Réunion revealed that the highest enrichment in primordial helium (³He) correlates with the most voluminous eruptions, including caldera collapse events. This suggests a greater contribution of primitive mantle plume components during such eruptions. The research compared ³He/⁴He signatures in volcanic gases and fluid inclusions from 1990 to 2017, demonstrating analogous temporal variations even within the same eruption. These findings highlight helium isotopes as early markers for increased deep magmatic contributions, with implications for volcanic hazard assessment, as seen in both Piton de la Fournaise (2007) and Kilauea (2018).

Parque Nacional Chapada dos Veadeiros e as características socioeconômicas dos municípios limítrofes

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2020 — WHEC326E863D6

A study reveals that the Cerrado Protected Areas, particularly the Parque Nacional Chapada dos Veadeiros (PNCV), hold significant potential for sustainable economic development. This could foster growth and improve living conditions for nearby communities in Goiás, Brazil. The research analyzed socio-economic impacts using IBGE statistical data, highlighting that these municipalities are small with high poverty rates and median Human Development Indexes, except for Alto Paraíso. The PNCV's biodiversity richness contrasts sharply with its human-induced degradation, primarily driven by agropecuary activities. This study underscores the importance of balancing environmental conservation with socio-economic benefits to mitigate poverty and drive sustainable development in these regions.

Participación social en la gobernanza del Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Islas Golfo de California

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — 2020 — WHEEEF9BC8A68

A study on the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California reveals that the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) lacks credibility among local communities due to its top-down governance approach, which fails to incorporate meaningful participation from affected stakeholders. Researchers analyzed perceptions through 29 semi-structured interviews with public officials, specialists, and users, highlighting a significant barrier: mistrust in public entities prevented many users from participating. The findings underscore the need for more inclusive, community-driven strategies to strengthen environmental governance in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Past and Future Sea Level Changes and Land Uplift in the Baltic Sea Seen by Geodetic Observations

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2020 — WHEB640E721C1

In the UNESCO-listed High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago, land uplift reaches up to 10 mm per year, with the terrain rising approximately 80 cm over the past century. This dynamic process, driven by post-glacial rebound, is counterbalancing sea level rise, which future projections suggest could vary significantly—from a potential 75 cm of relative sea level fall (land emergence) to 30 cm of rise by 2100. The study leverages continuous GNSS time series, absolute gravity measurements, and tide gauge data to quantify current uplift rates and probabilistic scenarios for future changes, providing critical insights for understanding geodynamic processes in the Baltic Sea region.

Past variation in Lower Peace River ice-jam flood frequency

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2020 — WHEB214A0117D

Research on the Lower Peace River ice-jam flood frequency reveals that flood frequency was declining for decades before river regulation, contrary to prior interpretations suggesting acceleration. Paleolimnological records from perched lakes in the Peace-Athabasca Delta indicate increasing lake evaporation during 1880–1967, aligning with long-term climate-driven declines rather than hydroelectric regulation. This study synthesizes traditional knowledge, historical observations, and paleohydrological data to reconcile uncertainties, providing critical insights for UNESCO's assessment of Wood Buffalo National Park's World Heritage status and its federally funded Action Plan.

Pathological and mortality findings associated withAeromonas hydrophilafrom frog eggs in Al‐Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHECE83BA8DE4

A virulent strain of Aeromonas hydrophila (PRE-1) has been identified as the primary pathogen responsible for severe disease outbreaks among indigenous marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. This bacterium, confirmed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing with a 99.92% identity match and robust phylogenetic clustering (99% bootstrap support), is linked to pathological signs such as egg discoloration, jelly coat disintegration, developmental defects, and adult frog symptoms including hyperaemia, lethargy, peripheral oedema, subcutaneous haemorrhage, and cutaneous ulcerations. The study employed light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dissecting microscopy to document these findings, alongside bacterial isolation and phenotypic characterization. The discovery underscores the urgent need for monitoring emerging amphibian diseases in Al-Ahsa Oasisto mitigate ecological losses, given amphibians' critical role in ecosystem health.

Pattern and predictability of potential wind assistance for waders and geese migrating from West Africa and the Wadden Sea to Siberia

Wadden Sea — 2020 — WHECB804150DC

Migrating waders and geese experience significant tailwind assistance when traveling from West Africa to the Wadden Sea and onward to Siberia, with optimal wind conditions varying by altitude and route. On the West Africa-to-Wadden Sea leg, birds benefit most from flying at high altitudes (up to 5.5 km), averaging a 15 km/h tailwind, though this varies annually—ranging from extreme tailwinds of 36 km/h to headwinds of 2 km/h. The best migration altitudes are higher over northwest Africa than Europe. For the Wadden Sea-to-Taymyr Peninsula (Siberia) route, winds are even more favorable, averaging 21 km/h tailwind at intermediate altitudes (1.5–3 km), with less interannual variability. These findings suggest that wind conditions can substantially influence migration patterns and predictability, though 'bad' years consistently affect the entire season. The study analyzed historical wind data (1979–1991) to assess these patterns, highlighting both current limitations and potential for future research.

Patterns of density and structure of natural populations of Taxus baccata in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2020 — WHEB5F32F6798

European yew (Taxus baccata) populations in Iran's Hyrcanian forests exhibit similar structural patterns across two reserves despite varying elevations and slopes. Analysis of diameter distributions revealed no significant differences between Gazou and Afratakhteh, with the highest tree densities found in specific height classes (12–16 m in Afratakhteh and 18–24 m in Gazou). Static life tables highlighted critical mortality in early age classes, suggesting that targeted management—such as thinning and selective removal of competing vegetation—could enhance survival rates. These findings underscore the importance of proactive conservation strategies to sustain this ecologically and economically valuable Tertiary relict species.