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About the Artist: Keith Marroquin Poet Connecting People to Place

El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve — 2019 — WHEC9652B5223

Keith Marroquin's art, centered on the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, serves as a powerful tool for conservation advocacy by fostering emotional connections to wild landscapes. His work captures the untouched beauty of the Sonoran Desert, highlighting its unique features such as sand horses and bleached whale bones while challenging human-made constructs like the U.S./Mexico border wall. Marroquin's perspective, rooted in a deep connection with vast, untouched spaces, reflects a geologic timescale that transcends short-term human concerns, offering comfort and a long-view outlook on environmental change.

Access to Heritage: The Role of the Maltese National Cultural Heritage Agency

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — 2019 — WHE521817E652

Heritage Malta, the national agency overseeing multiple historical sites including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and Megalithic Temples, is actively addressing challenges related to accessibility while preserving cultural heritage. The study highlights that rendering heritage accessible inherently involves risks, prompting key questions about the nature of accessibility, potential impacts, and the balance between access rights and conservation. Through past and future projects, Heritage Malta demonstrates innovative solutions to make cultural heritage universally accessible, emphasizing the benefits of centralized management for multiple assets. This approach not only ensures public appreciation but also reinforces the agency's mission in safeguarding heritage for humanity.

Acid solution decreases the compressional wave velocity of sandstone from the Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China

Yungang Grottoes — 2019 — WHE859EA3ED60

Acidic solutions significantly degrade the structural integrity of sandstone from the Yungang Grottoes. Research shows that exposure to sulfuric (H₂SO₄) and nitric (HNO₃) acids at increasing concentrations leads to a marked decrease in compressional wave velocity, reduced compressive strength, and increased effective porosity—indicators of microstructural damage. Unlike water treatment, acid exposure alters the sandstone's chemical composition, complicating its structure post-weathering. The study highlights the potential deterioration risk posed by environmental pollutants like SO₂, NOₓ, and PM₂.₅, which form sulfates and nitrates, threatening the preservation of stone relics in the grottoes.

Acoustics of Margravial Opera House Bayreuth

Margravial Opera House Bayreuth — 2019 — WHE6268420549

The Margravial Opera House Bayreuth, a well-preserved 18th-century Baroque court theatre, offers unique acoustic insights into historical opera house design. Recent measurements reveal its reverberation time (RT), early decay time (EDT), and clarity factor, providing a benchmark for comparison with contemporary Italian theatres of similar age. Using balloons and hand-claps as sound sources, researchers characterized the auditorium's impulse response post-renovation, highlighting its intact bell-shaped design and decoratively painted canvas. This study contributes to understanding the acoustic evolution of opera houses, bridging historical preservation and modern acoustical analysis.

An exploratory study of ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia: using an ECOSERV model

Bale Mountains National Park — 2019 — WHE7D516D2976

A revised ECOSERV model, tailored for ecotourism contexts, identifies that the current ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia, falls short of visitor expectations. This study, based on surveys of 293 international visitors, revealed a significant service gap, indicating negative disconfirmation and highlighting the need for park management to address these deficiencies to enhance visitor satisfaction and competitiveness. The model, comprising seven ESQ dimensions and 28 attributes, provides a framework for improving ecotourism experiences in protected areas.

An Integrated Approach in Management of ‘Halong Bay – Cat Ba Limestone Island Marine Area’, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2019 — WHEEC23CCC79C

Halong Bay and its adjacent Cat Ba and Long Chau archipelagos, recognized as a unique cluster of limestone islands with global heritage significance, face challenges due to administrative separation. Despite Halong Bay being designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994, the proposal for Cat Ba-Long Chau's inclusion was only submitted in 2014. The study highlights that while these areas share geological and ecological similarities, their divided governance presents unprecedented institutional hurdles for UNESCO recognition. However, an integrated management approach was adopted in 2015, designating the 'Halong Bay – Catba limestone island marine area' as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA). This decision underscores the potential for sustainable conservation-based economic development, benefiting not only the local regions but also Vietnam and global heritage preservation efforts.

Analysis and Evaluation on the Surrounding Urban Environment of The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty for Maintenance and Local Utilization : focusing on The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty located in Gyeonggi Province

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty — 2019 — WHEB3904E8336

A comprehensive analysis of the spatial and geographical characteristics of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (40 tombs) located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, reveals critical insights for their efficient management and local utilization. The study identifies key urban environmental factors influencing these historical sites, which serve as significant regional assets reflecting past landscapes and topography. By integrating GIS technology and Space Syntax analysis, researchers quantitatively assessed the tombs' locational attributes, providing actionable recommendations for regulatory frameworks and sustainable preservation strategies. This approach offers a data-driven foundation for balancing heritage conservation with community engagement in Gyeonggi Province.

Analysis of digital images with DStretch as a support for the virtual restoration of an historical mural painting in San Cristóbal de La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — 2019 — WHE354B107E12

Virtual restoration of lost 18th-century mural paintings in San Agustín Church, part of the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain, has been achieved using DStretch image analysis. This free software, typically used for rock art research, employs decorrelation processes to enhance image readability and support objective virtual reintegration. The study demonstrates that digital documentation and advanced image processing can effectively recover historical artwork damaged by a 1964 fire, offering a rigorous methodology for preserving cultural heritage.

Annotated catalogue of beetles (Coleoptera) of the Socotra Archipelago

Socotra Archipelago — 2019 — WHE73D2E382A9

A comprehensive catalogue of beetles (Coleoptera) from the Socotra Archipelago reveals that nearly half (47%) of the 645 recorded species are endemic to the region, highlighting its unique biodiversity. The study identified 24 new species for the archipelago and corrected five previous misidentifications. It also documented three species previously unknown on nearby islands, Abd el Kuri and Samha. Additionally, Lithocharis socotrana, a species described from Socotra, was recorded for the first time in continental Yemen. The research combines taxonomic identification with geographic distribution analysis, providing insights into the archipelago's beetle diversity and its connections to broader Afrotropical and Saharo-Arabian regions.

Ants response to mining prospection disturbances across vegetation zones in tropical mountain chains of Mount Nimba, Guinea, West Africa

Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve — 2019 — WHEC803F9BB5A

Ant communities in tropical mountain chains, particularly those in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, show significant resilience to early mining disturbances but are more vulnerable in forest habitats. A study comparing ant richness and species composition across three vegetation zones—highland meadows, transition savannahs, and altitudinal forests—revealed that while meadows and savannahs remained relatively stable between mining prospecting sites and nearby undisturbed areas (World Heritage Sites), forest habitats exhibited notable differences. Despite variations in weather and soil variables, such as soil pH, vegetation structure emerged as the primary factor influencing ant assemblage composition. This finding underscores the critical role of native forest protection and rehabilitation in successful mine site restoration efforts.

Aphyllophoroid fungi in Teide National Park (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

Teide National Park — 2019 — WHEA4A63F7A3D

A comprehensive survey of Aphyllophoroid fungi in Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, identifies 133 species, significantly expanding the known mycobiota of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study, published in Mycotaxon, utilizes annotated species distribution data to document fungal diversity in one of the most biodiverse volcanic landscapes on Earth. Researchers employed field sampling and taxonomic analysis to characterize these fungi, which play crucial roles in ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. This work contributes to our understanding of fungal biodiversity in extreme environments and underscores the importance of preserving such unique habitats.

Application of GeoSHM System in Monitoring Extreme Wind Events at the Forth Road Bridge

The Forth Bridge — 2019 — WHE97E2481B9D

A two-year monitoring campaign using the GeoSHM system on the Forth Road Bridge revealed significant susceptibility of long-span bridges to wind loads, with extreme events like Storm Ali demonstrating a clear relationship between wind speed and bridge response. The study analyzed data from 2015–2017, highlighting challenges in extracting actionable damage and reliability information for maintenance planning. Supported by the European Space Agency, GeoSHM employed GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and Earth Observation techniques to address gaps in structural health monitoring of critical infrastructure.

Aramaic Graffiti from Hatra

Hatra — 2019 — WHEB0E0800251

Aramaic graffiti from Hatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Iraq, offer unprecedented insights into the daily life of this ancient civilization between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Analyzing 48 published and 37 unpublished graffiti, researchers Marco Moriggi and Ilaria Bucci reveal the city's vibrant social interactions through epigraphic and archaeological methods. The study, based on the Archive of the Missione Archeologica Italiana (Turin), provides a comprehensive edition of these texts, including concordances with other Hatran texts and detailed archaeological context. This approach bridges gaps in historical records, showcasing graffiti as a vital but often overlooked source for understanding urban dynamics in antiquity.

Architectural Heritage of Victor Horta

Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels) — 2019 — WHE73644970D5

Victor Horta's architectural legacy, recognized as part of world culture since 1967, showcases groundbreaking Art Nouveau designs that were later inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. This study highlights four key buildings—Tassel House (1892–1893), Hôtel Solvay (1894–1900), Hôtel van Eetvelde (1895–1897), and the Horta Museum (1898–1900)—analyzing their innovative architectural, compositional, and structural features. Beyond his artistic contributions, Horta's scientific, pedagogical, and sociopolitical activities are also examined, offering a comprehensive view of his multifaceted influence on European architecture.

Assessment of Inland Passenger Water Navigation in Bydgoszcz-Torun Functional Area and its Development Concept

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2019 — WHE9FED363278

A study reveals that inland passenger water navigation in the Bydgoszcz-Toruń Functional Area (B-TOF), Poland, holds significant potential for urban ecological recreation and tourism enhancement. This area, unique globally for its connection of two water trails (E-40 and E-70) forming the 'Bydgoszcz Water Node,' could benefit from expanded water connections, including a proposed water tram in Toruń—a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site—and new marinas. The research used strategic planning documents and a simulation transport model to project passenger flows under three socio-economic scenarios (optimistic, stable, regressive) for 2020–2030. While the proposed investments require substantial funding, their non-profit nature aligns with broader goals of promoting sustainable transport, ecological urban development, and leisure tourism in the region.

Assessment of Local People Opinion After World Heritage Site Designation, Case Study: Historic City of Yazd, Iran

Historic City of Yazd — 2019 — WHE75797219B3

A majority of local residents in Yazd, Iran, expressed dissatisfaction with the city's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List, with over 80% reporting no change in their quality of life post-designation. The study, based on interviews with 400 individuals, revealed a lack of awareness and misunderstanding about the roles of national and international organizations in heritage management. This challenges the assumption that local communities are inherently supportive of World Heritage Site (WHS) designation. The research highlights the need for better communication and engagement to align WHS conservation efforts with local expectations.

Azoto-Phosphoric Potentials of Groundwater in the M'Zab Valley (Algeria)

M'Zab Valley — 2019 — WHEEBE793E165

Groundwater quality in the M'Zab Valley, Algeria, varies significantly between deep and shallow aquifers. Deep aquifer waters generally meet World Health Organization (WHO) potability standards for key parameters like pH, ammonium (NH4+), and nitrate (NO3-), making them suitable for human consumption and irrigation. In contrast, shallow aquifer waters often exceed safe limits, particularly for electrical conductivity (EC) and nitrate levels, posing potential health risks to residents. The study analyzed 16 deep boreholes and 12 shallow wells along the Oued M'Zab River, revealing that while deep groundwater remains relatively pristine, shallow waters are increasingly polluted, likely due to agricultural or anthropogenic influences. Continuous monitoring and treatment interventions are recommended to mitigate pollution risks and preserve water quality in this UNESCO-listed valley.

Baalbek-Heliopolis, the Bekaa, and Berytus from 100 BCE to 400 CE

Baalbek — 2019 — WHE094DC4CDAE

A fundamental shift in understanding the religious and colonial history of Baalbek-Heliopolis emerges from this study, challenging long-held assumptions about its origins. Contrary to the traditional view that associates the site with ancient Semitic or Phoenician worship dating back to the Bronze Age, research indicates that religious activity at Baalbek-Heliopolis is primarily a product of Roman colonial transformation following the establishment of Colonia Iulia Augusta Felix Berytus in 15 BCE. The study examines changes across multiple sites—Baalbek-Heliopolis, Berytus, Deir el-Qalaa, Niha, and Hosn Niha—using archaeological evidence to recontextualize their development within the broader landscape of the Bekaa valley. This approach reveals how colonial dynamics reshaped religious practices and urban landscapes in this region during the 1st to 4th centuries CE.

Bacterial community in cold and alkaline environments of Hoh Xil basin in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and isolation of potential sources of microbiota

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2019 — WHE0F42FE383F

Research on the bacterial communities in the Hoh Xil basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, reveals distinct microbial diversity across cold and alkaline environments. The study identified 10 strains of bacteria, predominantly Pseudomonas (90.8%), with one strain, k9, showing optimal growth at high pH (10.0) and low temperature (5°C), along with the ability to produce multiple extracellular enzymes under alkaline and cold conditions. This suggests potential psychrophilic and alkaliphilic bacteria with biotechnological applications. The study used both culture-dependent and independent methods to analyze desert soil, saline-alkali land, saline-alkali wetland, and soda lake sediment samples, highlighting the unique microbial adaptations in this extreme environment.

Beech forests as world heritage in aspect to the next extension of the ancient and primeval beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe world heritage site

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe — 2019 — WHE12E9BA4A4C

Beech forests, first protected under the World Heritage Convention in 2007 as the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians, now span 12 European countries with 78 component parts. The latest proposed extension aims to include 30 additional sites, potentially involving 20 countries and depicting a comprehensive picture of post-glacial beech recolonization across Europe. This expansion would create a pan-European network of protected areas, fostering policy-making and knowledge exchange while addressing development pressures on these ecosystems. The study highlights the complexity and significance of this World Heritage property, focusing on Serbia's potential inclusion as its first natural site nomination.