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The Depiction of Snake Ornament on Ganesha Statue in the Collection of Prambanan Temple Museum, Yogyakarta

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2020 — WHEFB3476D1EC

A unique depiction of Ganesha, featuring a snake and mouse as his vahana (mount), has been identified in the collection of Prambanan Temple Museum, Yogyakarta. This rare representation suggests that Ganesha was revered not only as the lord of beginnings but also as a protector of crop yield, aligning him with the role of a harvest deity. The study employed iconographic analysis to decode this imagery, revealing deeper mythological and cultural significance tied to agricultural prosperity in ancient Hindu traditions.

The Development of Geotourism with the Use of 3D Digital Cave Model. A Case Study of the Bear Cave, Slovakia

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2020 — WHEC3959BED90

A groundbreaking approach to cave tourism leverages 3D digital modeling to make caves accessible without physical entry, addressing barriers for individuals with disabilities or claustrophobia while preserving the pristine environment. This study demonstrates the potential of geotourism through a detailed scan and model of the Bear Cave in Slovakia using Leica ScanStation C10 and Trimble RealWorks software, resulting in high-resolution visualizations and animations that enhance educational and recreational experiences. The method ensures minimal disturbance to sensitive cave ecosystems while offering immersive exploration via 3D projections and cinema.

The Development of Korean Ancient Art Seen Through Petroglyphs and Tomb Murals

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2020 — WHE0AD68F4BAF

Korean ancient art's evolution, from Neolithic stippled petroglyphs to Koguryo tomb murals, reveals a shift from narrative-driven, representational imagery to abstract geometric expressions. Stippling techniques in Ulsan Cheonjeon-ri Gakseok and grinding methods in Bangudae Petroglyphs showcase early artistic advancements, with whales and carnivores demonstrating increasing detail and stylistic sophistication. The transition to abstract motifs, such as hilt patterns, marks a peak before the adoption of Chinese characters disrupted this tradition. Koguryo tomb murals further illustrate this progression, blending realistic depictions of daily life and afterlife scenes with abstract lotus motifs. Late Koguryo and 6th Century Baekje murals, featuring Four Deities, exemplify a fusion of representational and abstract styles, influenced by Buddhist art culture.

The Discovery of a Buried Temple in Paestum: The Advantages of the Geophysical Multi-Sensor Application

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2020 — WHE75929A0CBD

A buried temple has been discovered at Paestum, one of Italy's most significant archaeological sites, using advanced geophysical multi-sensor techniques. The discovery, confirmed through combined geomagnetic and ground-penetrating radar surveys, sheds new light on the architectural history of the Magna Graecia period. Located near the Western City Walls and Porta Marina gate, the temple's structure was identified with high accuracy, offering unprecedented insights into the site's past. This finding is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Italy this century.

The Discovery of the Theater of Akragas (Valley of Temples, Agrigento, Italy): An Archaeological Confirmation of the Supposed Buried Structures from a Geophysical Survey

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2020 — WHE5CC6B26768

A long-sought theater of ancient Akragas, part of the UNESCO-listed Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Italy, has been definitively confirmed through a groundbreaking archaeological study. Using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) over 5,500 m², researchers identified concentric semicircular high-resistivity zones—later validated by excavation—that precisely matched the layout of a massive theatrical complex with a diameter of approximately 95 meters. The findings include the summa cavea (upper seating tier), foundation structures arranged in a semicircle, and rock-cut seat imprints, demonstrating an unprecedented alignment between geophysical modeling and archaeological discovery. This multidisciplinary approach, combining topographic studies, satellite imagery analysis, and non-invasive surveys, sets a new standard for identifying buried ancient structures with high precision.

The distribution of woody species in relation to climate and fire in Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Yosemite National Park — 2020 — WHE96B51FAF5D

A study on Yosemite National Park reveals that fire significantly influences the distribution of woody plant species, with 34% of models for these species showing improved accuracy when fire occurrence was included as a variable. Fire return interval and severity also enhanced predictions for 26% and 5% of species, respectively. The research analyzed 561 plots across the park, assessing climate factors like actual evapotranspiration (AET) and climatic water deficit alongside fire characteristics to map species distributions along a moisture gradient from cool-moist to hot-dry conditions. Findings underscore the importance of incorporating fire regimes into models for predicting species distribution changes in fire-prone ecosystems like those in western North America.

The diversity of post‐fire regeneration strategies in the cerrado ground layer

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2020 — WHE04E3412D6F

Fire dramatically alters the ground layer of savanna vegetation in the short term, but the system exhibits high resilience, quickly recovering its pre-fire state. This recovery is driven by a combination of diverse plant regeneration strategies, which can be categorized into five functional groups: grasses, seeders, bloomers, undergrounders, and resprouters. The study, conducted in the Cerrado Protected Areas of Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, used prescribed fire to investigate changes in community structure and composition, as well as species traits related to persistence and colonization capacity after fire. Findings showed that 86% of species returned to pre-disturbance abundance levels within eight months, with only one ruderal species disadvantaged by fire and 13% benefiting. This research highlights the importance of understanding these diverse strategies for assessing conservation and restoration status in fire-resilient ecosystems.

The Diversity of Ray-finned Fishes (Actinopterygii) in Plio-Pleistocene Java

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2020 — WHE22F152E11B

A new study identifies at least eight species of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) from Plio-Pleistocene deposits in Java, revealing the island's ancient aquatic ecosystems. These fossils, belonging to three orders—Siluriformes, Perciformes, and Cypriniformes—suggest that Java transitioned from a marine environment to a lowland river system with mangrove swamps and estuaries during this period. The research also highlights the distinct paleoenvironment of the ancient Bandung lake site, characterized by calm waters and riparian vegetation. The study employed comparative anatomical methods using modern specimens and fossil collections from multiple institutions in Indonesia.

The Dream of Scipio

Via Appia. Regina Viarum — 2020 — WHE0BE89939C1

A pioneering multimedia project, The Dream of Scipio, reimagines the 'View from Above' through a blend of classical literature and contemporary philosophy. Launched in 2018, it culminates in a virtual and physical re-enactment of the Wright Brothers' historic 1909 flight over Rome's ancient ruins, capturing the first aerial footage in film history. This collaboration between media artist Daniela de Paulis, Italian Military Aviation, and the Regional Park of the Appian Way offers a unique intersection of art, technology, and heritage, providing new perspectives on how aerial views shape cultural narratives.

The Dynamics of Maya State Process: An Integrated Perspective from the San Lucas Neighborhood of Copán, Honduras

Maya Site of Copan — 2020 — WHED6EB6484BE

Research at the UNESCO-listed Maya city of Copán, Honduras, reveals that state power during the Classic Period (AD 250–900) was not solely top-down but also deeply embedded in neighborhood-level dynamics. By analyzing six households in the San Lucas neighborhood, the study demonstrates how infrastructural changes—such as landscape engineering and architectural construction—correlated with political events recorded in hieroglyphic inscriptions at Copán Center. This integrated approach shows that state policies significantly influenced daily life, providing a bottom-up perspective on urban political dynamics. The findings challenge traditional views of Maya governance by highlighting the interplay between collective action and state power at an intermediate scale.

The Ecosystem Protection and Promotion of Mogao Grottoes

Mogao Caves — 2020 — WHE7292F29C5C

Rapid tourism development and infrastructure expansion at the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, located in Gansu Province's fragile desert ecosystem, has disrupted ecological balance and exceeded environmental limits. The study identifies critical threats to non-renewable cultural heritage resources, emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies that prioritize both conservation and sustainable promotion. Researchers analyzed environmental carrying capacity constraints and proposed targeted interventions to mitigate ecological damage while preserving the site's global significance.

The Effect of Centrality Values in Urban Gentrification Development: A Case Study of Erbil City

Erbil Citadel — 2020 — WHE9B5CD19BA5

Urban areas with high connectivity values, measured through place centrality, do not always experience corresponding transformations in land use and importance. This study identifies such discrepancies in Erbil's urban fabric, particularly around the Erbil Citadel, which suffers from functional and accessibility issues despite its significance. The research proposes that touristic gentrification could bridge these gaps by enhancing connectivity between the citadel and peripheral areas. Using Urban Network Analysis (UNA) and centrality principles, the study maps out potential gentrification locations to improve urban cohesion and visual consistency. This approach offers a strategic solution for addressing weak links in urban development while leveraging tourism-driven revitalization.

The Effect of Topographic Correction on Forest Tree Species Classification Accuracy

Mount Taishan — 2020 — WHE11B5383589

Topographic correction significantly enhances the accuracy of forest tree species classification using remote-sensing data, with the SCS+C model and empirical rotation model outperforming others. These models reduce band standard deviation, adjust reflectance distribution, and improve image quality, particularly in shaded areas. While total accuracy increased by 4% with full-coverage training areas and nearly 13% with shadowless training areas when using the SCS+C model, inconsistency rates decreased notably within an illumination condition interval of 0.4–0.6 but rose with higher values. The study, conducted at Mount Taishan forest farm using Landsat 8 OLI data and random forest classification, demonstrates that topographic correction is a valuable pretreatment method for classifying dominant tree species in low-light intensity areas.

The effects of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on expected tourism revenues for natural preservation. The case of the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2020 — WHE7CFA197EF0

COVID-19 significantly disrupted tourism revenues for the Galápagos Islands, with potential losses reaching half of 2020's expected earnings. This study quantifies the impact on the Galápagos National Park (GNP), a critical funding source for conservation efforts. By analyzing seasonal visitor trends and entrance fee revenue, researchers projected severe financial strain under optimistic scenarios. The findings underscore the urgent need for alternative funding mechanisms to sustain preservation activities amid prolonged travel restrictions. Recommendations include diversifying revenue streams to mitigate long-term consequences on biodiversity protection in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The effects of local context on World Heritage Site management: the Dolomites Natural World Heritage Site, Italy

The Dolomites — 2020 — WHEB2B95334A4

Sustainable tourism development in the Dolomites World Heritage Site (WHS) is perceived to enhance stakeholder autonomy and economic diversification, but participation remains largely induced due to weak capacities among some groups. Research combining quantitative analysis of WHS municipalities and an online questionnaire with local mayors revealed that tourism-driven socio-economic wellbeing is more evident in WHS areas compared to non-WHS or marginal destinations, with expectations for continued growth—albeit within a diversified economy. However, concerns persist about the potential exclusion of other development alternatives if sustainable management becomes too restrictive.

The empidoid flies (Diptera: Empidoidea, exclusive of Dolichopodidae) of the Russian Arctic islands and Svalbard Archipelago

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2020 — WHEDF3A1C8D10

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of empidoid flies (Diptera: Empidoidea, excluding Dolichopodidae) across the Russian Arctic islands and Svalbard Archipelago reveals ten previously undescribed species, including several endemic to Wrangel Island. The study describes new taxa within Empididae (e.g., Empis septentrionalis, Rhamphomyia spp.) and Hybotidae (Platypalpus septentrionalis), while providing diagnoses, habitus photos, and a key for species identification. It also designates lectotypes for historical species and records new distributions, such as Tachypeza sericeipalpis in North America and Trichoclinocera lapponica in Russia. The research enhances biodiversity documentation in remote Arctic regions, with implications for conservation efforts.

The endangered Daffodil Orchid Ipsea speciosa (Orchidaceae): Population status in unprotected areas in the Central Highlands, Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2020 — WHECE7DC05E08

A recent study reveals that the endangered Daffodil Orchid, Ipsea speciosa, faces significant threats outside protected areas in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands. Populations of this rare terrestrial orchid vary drastically across nine unprotected grasslands, with as few as 2 to 23 flowering plants per site. The research identifies habitat deterioration, intentional burning, vegetation clearing, and the spread of invasive alien species as primary risks, exacerbating the decline of native flora, including I. speciosa. Notably, invasive species are rapidly encroaching, suggesting further population shrinkage if current trends persist. Anthropogenic activities such as illegal medicinal collection and timber plantations also pose serious threats. The study underscores the urgent need for continuous monitoring programs to track I. speciosa populations and mitigate adverse human impacts on Sri Lanka's valuable grasslands.

The Environmental Impact Assessment of Harvesting Water from Flash Floods )Case Study on Saint Catherine Area - Southern Sinai(

Saint Catherine Area — 2020 — WHE2253077684

Constructing mountainous lakes to harvest water from flash floods in the Saint Catherine Area of Southern Sinai yields significant positive impacts on social, economic, and biodiversity aspects. The study demonstrates that redirecting flood runoff using walls and gates not only mitigates flash floods but also provides a sustainable water source for greenhouse cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers. This approach effectively balances environmental management with agricultural productivity, offering a viable solution for arid regions.

The Eophreatoicus Nicholls, 1926 species flock from Kakadu and Arnhem Land, with a description of a new genus of Amphisopidae (Crustacea : Isopoda : Phreatoicidea)

Kakadu National Park — 2020 — WHE6C2C3F669A

A groundbreaking taxonomic treatment reveals the extraordinary biodiversity of microendemic isopods (Amphisopidae) in Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, Australia. Researchers describe 28 new species, including a novel genus, Kakadubeh, distinguished by its unique reproductive strategy—males are smaller than females and lack specialized limbs for precopula, unlike related species. Genetic and morphological analyses confirm that these species, some occurring within kilometers of each other, have ancient origins tied to the Arnhem sandstone plateau's geological history. While currently unthreatened due to protected habitats and cryptic behaviors, their reliance on permanent groundwater springs poses risks from climate change and hydrological alterations. This study underscores Australia's untapped biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts in unexplored regions.

The evaluation of the surrogate safety measures along a pedestrian confined ramp of an old bridge

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2020 — WHEA82D50B78E

A study on the Old Bridge of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, reveals critical insights into pedestrian safety on confined ramps. Using surrogate safety measures—such as relative speed (Delta-V), Time-To-Collision (TTC), Time Advantage (TAdv), and T2—researchers analyzed pedestrian trajectories under varying flow conditions, derived from video monitoring and geometric assessments of the bridge's infrastructure. The findings highlight potential risks in narrow, high-traffic areas like Mostar’s Ottoman bridge, particularly for vulnerable users such as the elderly or disabled, where reduced mobility and increased congestion could compromise safety and comfort. This work underscores the need to evaluate pedestrian mobility dynamics in UNESCO World Heritage Sites to prevent negative infrastructural outcomes, balancing tourism growth with sustainable urban planning.