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Towards the End of the Çatalhöyük East Settlement

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2020 — WHE121435EB5D

A shift towards pastoralism characterized by caprine herding and resource management marked the final phase of Neolithic occupation at Çatalhöyük. This study, integrating 25 years of faunal research, reveals significant changes in subsistence practices, food processing, and social dynamics, alongside increased independence in provisioning and consumption. The findings also highlight complex links between animal husbandry, waste utilization, disease risks, and parasite transmission, offering new insights into the health and social practices of this ancient community. Previous post-Neolithic studies have primarily focused on contextual zooarchaeology to understand bone assemblage deposition.

Towards Urban Archaeo-Geophysics in Peru. The Case Study of Plaza de Armas in Cusco

City of Cuzco — 2020 — WHE4B551F259C

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) successfully mapped buried archaeological features and utility pipes beneath Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, demonstrating its potential as a non-invasive tool for urban heritage management. By integrating historical knowledge with nearby excavation records, researchers developed a model to interpret GPR reflections, revealing subsurface structures that could guide conservation efforts. This approach offers new insights into the city's layered history and supports sustainable urban planning in UNESCO-listed sites.

Tower of Belém (Lisbon)–Status Quo 3D Documentation and Material Origin Determination

Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon — 2020 — WHE57CC6881D0

A groundbreaking high-resolution 3D model of the Tower of Belém, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and Lisbon's second most visited monument, has been created using terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry. This digital representation encompasses over 6.2 billion 3D points, providing an unprecedented documentation of the tower's interior and exterior. Additionally, hyperspectral imaging and spectroradiometry were employed to identify the quarries responsible for the stone used in its construction. The study not only offers a comprehensive assessment of the tower's current state but also serves as a potential guide for future conservation efforts or even reconstruction in the event of another catastrophic event, such as the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and tsunami.

Toxic effects of leachates from plastic pearl-farming gear on embryo-larval development in the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera

Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy — 2020 — WHEB4F8333C86

Plastic pearl-farming gear releases hazardous chemicals that significantly impair the development and survival of pearl oysters (Pinctada margaritifera), a species vital to both ecosystems and economies. The study found that leachates from new plastic gear, containing high levels of phthalates and other contaminants, caused up to 86% mortality in embryos after just 48 hours of exposure, compared to 28% for aged gear. Chemical analysis identified 26 compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides, which leach into seawater over time. These findings highlight the urgent need for better management of plastic waste in pearl-farming industries to protect lagoon ecosystems.

Toxic modernity

Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun — 2020 — WHEEFB0A33B48

Large-scale metal production in seventeenth-century Scandinavia, exemplified by the Falun Copper Mine, left a legacy of toxic waste that reshaped local landscapes and communities. This study reveals how the early modern demand for metals contributed to environmental degradation across Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Sápmi, serving as a foundation for towns like Falun. By analyzing the local significance of metal production alongside its global connections—including ties to the slave trade and plantation economy—the research redefines the Scandinavian experience as pivotal in the emergence of modernity and globalization. The findings challenge conventional narratives by highlighting the profound environmental and social impacts of early industrialization.

Trabalhos arqueológicos na Cidade Velha (Ribeira Grande de Santiago, Cabo Verde): reflexões sobre um projecto de investigação e divulgação patrimonial

Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande — 2020 — WHEC8A97D2CD5

Archaeological excavations in Cidade Velha, Cape Verde's former 16th–17th century Atlantic trading hub and slave trade center, revealed new insights into the city's urban layout and abandonment by the 18th century. Focusing on Rua da Banana—a key thoroughfare—and the historic Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, researchers uncovered data on housing patterns and religious architecture. The study, linked to Cape Verde’s Museum of Archaeology, combined excavation with educational outreach, offering a rare glimpse into the city's layered history as both a maritime power and a site tied to transatlantic slavery.

Trace elements content of surface peat deposits in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea)

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2020 — WHE533D3129D4

Trace element pollution levels in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea) are significantly lower than in other European regions, with spatial variability influenced by proximity to the sea and peatland type. The study found that cadmium (Cd) concentrations were highest near coastal areas, likely due to its mobility in seawater, while chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were more prevalent inland, suggesting atmospheric pollution as their primary source. Raised bogs exhibited higher Cr and Pb levels compared to transitional mires, with Ni showing the most consistent values across peat types, making it a reliable indicator for pollution monitoring even in transitional settings. The research used ombrotrophic and mesotrophic peat samples from different microtopographical settings (hummock/hollow) to calculate pollution indices, including geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), and degree of contamination (Cdeg).

Traces of Seismic Activity in Architectural Monuments in Derbent, Dagestan

Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent — 2020 — WHEBEFC1B75FF

Research on the Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent reveals that these monumental structures, dating back to the late 6th century AD, have endured multiple strong seismic events throughout their history. Five distinct episodes of seismogenic destruction were identified through analysis of deformed stone masonry, with notable rotations and damage occurring between the 6th and 8th centuries, likely due to seismic activity rather than solely military conflicts. Later repairs during the Derbent Emirate (8th–11th centuries) and Seljuk period may also have been prompted by seismic events, as indicated by the character of deformations. Additional seismic shocks were documented in the 14th century, with damage to the Juma Mosque, and again in the late 18th century, affecting structures like the women’s bathhouse and Peter the Great's dugout. The study combines architectural analysis with historical records to reconstruct the timeline of seismic activity in Derbent.

Traços Identitários: O Santuário de Bom Jesus de Matosinhos de Congonhas do Campo e o Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte em Braga / Identity Traits: The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos de Congonhas do Campo and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas — 2020 — WHE14EB346129

A comparative analysis reveals shared architectural and sculptural identity traits between the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos (Congonhas do Campo) and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (Braga), highlighting their symbolic, atmospheric, and technical distinctions. The study emphasizes Aleijadinho's innovative use of soapstone carving in the Brazilian sanctuary and the distinct granite sculpture techniques employed in Portugal. Through a comparative methodology, it examines topographical implantation, ornamental compositions, paintings, and sculptural elements, underscoring the dramatic sensory experiences evoked by these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research also addresses technical construction challenges and the significance of these traits within the Portuguese-speaking architectural landscape.

Trade-Offs Among Aboveground, Belowground, and Soil Organic Carbon Stocks Along Altitudinal Gradients in Andean Tropical Montane Forests

Río Abiseo National Park — 2020 — WHE75A2577E9E

Andean tropical montane forests (TMFs) exhibit substantial carbon storage capacity, with total carbon stocks averaging 229.02 ± 68.06 Mg ha⁻¹ across altitudinal gradients in Ecuador and Peru. The study reveals a trade-off among aboveground carbon stock (AGC), belowground carbon stock (BGC), and soil organic carbon stock (SOC) driven by precipitation seasonality, particularly at higher, colder altitudes where greater seasonality promotes faster nutrient turnover but less SOC accumulation while increasing AGC and BGC. Climate factors, including annual mean temperature and precipitation patterns, explain the observed differences in carbon partitioning between sites. This finding highlights the complex interactions shaping carbon storage in TMFs, emphasizing their role as critical global carbon reservoirs.

Traditional Agroforestry Systems and Conservation of Native Plant Diversity of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2020 — WHE4AE3ACD51B

Traditional agroforestry systems (TAFS) in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico, demonstrate significant potential for conserving native plant diversity in seasonally dry tropical forests. These systems maintain 68% of species and 53% of individual abundance found in adjacent tropical dry forests (TDF), including 30% of Mexico's endemic plants. Despite similar species richness between TAFS and TDF, the high species turnover (74%) in both suggests that multiple sites are necessary to preserve regional diversity. Peasants' motivations for maintaining native vegetation include material, non-material, and regulatory factors, highlighting the socio-ecological benefits of TAFS. This study underscores the importance of integrating traditional practices with conservation efforts to balance biodiversity protection and social well-being.

Traditionelle Bewässerung – ein Kulturerbe mit Zukunft?

Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch — 2020 — WHE2531CB600F

Traditional irrigation systems in the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch have sustained water supply in arid valleys for centuries while shaping a culturally and ecologically rich landscape. These systems, characterized by communal management models, continue to serve as a blueprint for sustainable water use today. However, they face significant challenges that threaten their long-term viability. The study highlights the dual role of these irrigation practices—preserving biodiversity and historical architecture while adapting to modern demands. It underscores the need for innovative strategies to ensure the survival of this cultural heritage in the face of environmental pressures.

Transformasi Relief Candi Prambanan dalam Karya Tubuh Ritus Tubuh oleh Anggono Kusumo Wibowo

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2020 — WHEB0144D1FE3

A study reveals how the reliefs of Prambanan Temple Compounds serve as a foundational element for contemporary artistic transformation, particularly in dance. The research identifies specific forms of transformation—encompassing style, taste, and meaning—observed in 'Tubuh Ritus Tubuh,' a choreographic work by Anggono Kusumo Wibowo. Using Lorens Bagus's theory of change as an analytical framework, the study employs participatory research methods to dissect these transformations within certain segments of the dance presentation. The findings underscore the dynamic interplay between ancient art and modern expression, highlighting how cultural values persist while evolving through creative reinterpretation.

Transformations and Condition of Urban Public Spaces in Lithuania After 1990

Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939 — 2020 — WHE89DF48D5C8

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Soviet-era modernist urbanization fundamentally altered the social-spatial dynamics of Lithuanian cities, reshaping how public spaces functioned as interconnected networks. The study, employing interdisciplinary network theory and mathematical models, demonstrates that these transformations not only introduced novel spatial configurations but also redefined the overall city structure. Focusing on Kaunas, Klaipėda, and Vilnius from 1939 to 2016, the research highlights how modernist urbanism influenced social scenarios of public space usage, offering a paradigm for understanding revolutionary urban processes.

Translating the Buddha: Edwin Arnold’s Light of Asia and Its Indian Publics

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya — 2020 — WHE874DF8753B

Edwin Arnold's 1879 poem The Light of Asia holds significant but understudied influence on Indian publics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transcending its Western reception. While often seen as a foundational text for global Buddhism, its impact in India was multifaceted, engaging diverse audiences across caste, region, religion, ethnicity, and language—far beyond its association with Anagarika Dharmapala's temple liberation campaigns. The study analyzes the poem's numerous adaptations, dramatizations, and translations, revealing how regional, political, and cultural idioms shaped varied interpretations in multilingual contexts. This work challenges the singular focus on Dharmapala, demonstrating instead a complex, enduring engagement with colonial conceptions of religion, nation, and caste.

Trashumancia y dinámicas socioculturales Sabanas de Magangué y planicie inundable de Santa Cruz de Mompox, Región Caribe Colombiana

Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox — 2020 — WHE29DF3984AA

Transhumance, a traditional practice of moving livestock between wet and dry seasons, remains economically viable and sustainable in the Sabanas de Magangué and the floodplain of Santa Cruz de Mompox, Colombia. This study reveals that while practiced primarily by large and medium-scale ranchers, it relies on communal lands with low productivity, reflecting broader global patterns of marginalized geographical and social conditions. The research, based on semi-structured interviews with 85 actors involved in transhumance, highlights the formation of a micro-regional society characterized by transient, monetized economies tied to mobility. Three distinct worker groups—sabaneros, ríanos, and playoneros—have developed a unique culture and solidarity, sharing resources despite significant state absence. The findings underscore the resilience of this practice, despite its reliance on shared assets and limited institutional support.

Travel Format versus Nationality as Drivers of the Perception of Crowding in a Rural Tourist Destination

West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord — 2020 — WHEF0240FC4C2

Travel format significantly influences the perception of crowding in rural tourist destinations, with group cruise travelers experiencing less perceived crowding compared to individual land travelers. Nationality plays a limited role in shaping these perceptions. The study, conducted in Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Western Norway, attributes this phenomenon to factors such as site customization, visitor personality, expectations, and exposure. These findings deepen the understanding of crowding mechanisms and their impact on visitor satisfaction, offering insights for sustainable tourism management.

Tree Species Distribution Change Study in Mount Tai Based on Landsat Remote Sensing Image Data

Mount Taishan — 2020 — WHEF8450E04A3

A significant shift in tree species distribution at Mount Tai was identified over 16 years using advanced remote sensing techniques. The study revealed that while the dominance of pine species declined by 5.47%, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) expanded notably, increasing its share from 10.15% to 13.75%. This expansion reflects broader ecological changes in the region's forest composition. Researchers employed Landsat multispectral remote sensing data from 2000 and 2016, processed on Google Earth Engine (GEE), alongside field surveys and topographic correction using an empirical rotation model. The random forest classifier achieved high accuracy in species classification, providing robust data for analysis. These findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring in understanding and conserving biodiversity at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Trend of urban growth in Nepal with a focus in Kathmandu Valley: A review of processes and drivers of change

Kathmandu Valley — 2020 — WHEBF520B6B22

Nepal, one of the world's fastest urbanizing countries, has seen its urban population growth rate nearly double from 3.6% in 1991 to 6.5% in 2001, with the number of urban centers surging from 58 in 2013 to 293 in 2017. Kathmandu Valley, serving as the epicenter of this transformation, now hosts an estimated 2.54 million people and is expanding at a rapid 6.5% annually, making it one of South Asia's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. This study reveals that the shift from rural to urban dominance in Nepal is largely driven by governmental administrative decisions merging rural units into municipalities and significant rural-to-urban migration. However, this unplanned urbanization has led to environmental degradation, increased poverty, and heightened vulnerability to multi-hazard risks, particularly for the urban poor. While government initiatives aim to foster inclusive, equitable, and resilient urban development through smart city programs, their implementation faces challenges due to coordination gaps, financial constraints, and constitutional barriers that restrict property regulations, exacerbating disaster risks in urban areas like Kathmandu Valley.

Trends In Climate Variables (Temperature And Rainfall) And Local Perceptions Of Climate Change In Lamu, Kenya

Lamu Old Town — 2020 — WHE6DC062E08F

A significant warming trend has been observed in Lamu Old Town, Kenya, over the period 1974–2014, primarily driven by rising maximum temperatures. This finding aligns with local community perceptions of climate change, as revealed through a household survey. The study employed linear trend analysis using meteorological data from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and compared these trends with local observations, which are particularly valuable for remote regions where weather data is scarce. While rainfall trends remain unclear, the correlation between community perceptions and historical temperature data underscores the potential of integrating local knowledge into adaptation planning. This approach can foster more inclusive and responsive strategies to address climate change impacts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lamu.