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Białowieża Forest—A Relic of the High Naturalness of European Forests

Białowieża Forest — 2019 — WHEF0BD0B0DAE

Białowieża Forest, spanning nearly 12,000 years with continuous forest cover, stands as Europe's most extensive and natural lowland forest, exhibiting minimal anthropogenic influence throughout its Holocene history. Palynological, archaeological, and historical data confirm its high degree of naturalness, preserving stands from the pre-silvicultural period. Unlike other European forests, Białowieża's resilience stems from its long-standing protection, allowing even silviculturally altered areas to recover naturally. The study highlights the need for a non-intervention management approach in the Polish part of the forest to stabilize the ecosystem and enhance adaptation to environmental changes. This would solidify Białowieża's role as a critical open-air laboratory for biological, ecological, and forestry research.

Bishop Tunstall’s Alterations to Durham Castle, 1536–48

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2019 — WHE2935A27DBE

A previously unnoted gunloop in Durham Castle's stair tower reveals that Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall's 1536–48 alterations included defensive enhancements, challenging the perception of his building program as purely domestic. Analysis of construction records also corrects the historical timeline of antiquarian John Leland's visit to 1543, not 1538. The study examines architectural modifications—such as a first-floor gallery, stair turret, and chapel—within the context of Durham Castle's evolving roles as a fortress, bishop's palace, and later university college, while considering their significance during turbulent political and religious events like the Pilgrimage of Grace.

Breathing Life into Monuments of Death

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2019 — WHE2BBA177339

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the stupas at Sanchi and their associated relic cults represent complex architectural manifestations of the 'Buddha body,' with their potency amplified by intersecting Indic religio-cosmogonic symbologies. The study demonstrates that stupa construction was not only a ritual practice but also played a pivotal role in early forms of land ownership and tenure, challenging existing theories on monasticism, urbanization, and courtly urban ideology. By integrating landscape patterns, monastery settlement data, and lesser-known datasets like monastic rock-shelters—previously linked to hunter-gatherer populations—the research paints a nuanced picture of the social environment that nurtured early Buddhist communities in central India.

Briófitos epífitos en San Cristóbal de La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — 2019 — WHEECE53B02C8

Researchers identified 17 species of epiphytic bryophytes (3 liverworts and 14 mosses) on 28% of trees surveyed across urban areas in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, including plazas and parks. This study highlights the diversity and distribution of bryophytes in urban environments, providing insights into their ecological adaptations and the host plants that support them. The findings contribute to understanding bryophyte biodiversity in urban settings, which is crucial for conservation efforts in World Heritage Sites like San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

Bruno Jacobs. “Das Monument von Bisotun und seine Vorgeschichte”

Bisotun — 2019 — WHE26C03D699A

Bisotun features one of the most significant rock reliefs from the Achaemenid Empire (6th–4th centuries BCE). The relief depicts Darius I, the empire's founder, alongside an inscription detailing his conquests and divine mandate. Bruno Jacobs' study in 'Abstracta Iranica' explores the monument's historical context, its artistic significance, and its role in Achaemenid propaganda. By analyzing the relief's iconography and inscriptions, Jacobs provides insights into the political and religious narratives of the period. The research contributes to understanding the Achaemenid Empire's cultural and historical legacy, particularly through its monumental art and inscriptions.

Bryophytes of Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí, Brazil

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2019 — WHE70201DBC7C

A bryofloristic survey of Serra da Capivara National Park, located in the Caatinga biome of Brazil, identified 62 species of bryophytes, including mosses, hepatics, and a hornwort. The study revealed that about 60% of these species have broad distributions across Brazil, while others exhibit moderate or restricted distributions. Notably, 22 species were recorded for the first time in the Caatinga biome, 34 in the state of Piauí, and two in the Northeast Region of Brazil. This survey underscores the significance of Serra da Capivara National Park as a critical area for bryophyte conservation, highlighting the importance of continued floristic inventories in Brazil to better understand its diverse and understudied bryoflora.

Byblos in the Late Bronze Age

Byblos — 2019 — WHE674A7D2CC0

Byblos, often perceived solely as a center for wood trade during the Late Bronze Age, emerges as a dynamic and multifaceted city deeply intertwined with regional geopolitics. Marwan Kilani's study reveals how Byblos evolved through periods of prosperity and decline, shaped by complex interactions of economic, political, and ideological factors. The research combines written sources with a fresh reanalysis of archaeological evidence to reconstruct the city's 'biography,' offering new insights into its role beyond mere trade. This approach highlights Byblos as an active participant in broader Late Bronze Age dynamics, challenging simplistic narratives about its historical significance.

Carl Ritter von Ghega – 2018 Surveyor of the Year

Semmering Railway — 2019 — WHED5327B526B

Carl Ritter von Ghega, an Austrian engineer of Albanian descent born in Venice, was honored as the 2018 Surveyor of the Year for his groundbreaking contributions to geodesy and engineering. His most notable achievement, the Semmering Railway—a project deemed impossible at the time—was later recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998. This paper examines von Ghega's professional trajectory, educational background, and significant works, including the Borovnica Viaduct in Slovenia. Through historical analysis and technical documentation, it highlights his enduring impact on the engineering profession, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in railway and structural innovation.

Cereal processing at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Turkey

Göbekli Tepe — 2019 — WHE22E4A659AD

New evidence from Göbekli Tepe reveals that cereal processing played a significant role at the site during the Early Neolithic period (10th/9th millennium BC). Analysis of starch residues and other microfossils indicates that cereals were not only consumed but also processed in ways that suggest their importance in social or ritual contexts, challenging previous assumptions about the site's primary functions. The study employed multi-proxy analysis, including microscopic examination and chemical characterization, to identify cereal types and processing techniques used by its inhabitants. This finding sheds light on the complex subsistence strategies and cultural practices of one of humanity's oldest known monumental sites.

CFD Analysis Considering Regional Topography and Measurement of Thermal Environment in Gassho-Style Houses in Shirakawa Village

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama — 2019 — WHE623C1CF778

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis reveals that the topographic features of the Shohgawa River Valley significantly influence the thermal environment within Gassho-style houses, a renowned Japanese vernacular architecture. The study demonstrates that these houses, particularly in Shirakawa Village, are not only adapted to local climate and culture but also optimized for passive thermal performance through their unique design. By integrating regional topography into CFD models, researchers identified how the valley's terrain affects temperature distribution and airflow within the houses, offering insights into their resilience against harsh winter conditions. This finding underscores the importance of considering geographical context in architectural studies, providing a deeper understanding of how traditional designs can be both culturally significant and environmentally efficient.

Changes in carbon storages of Fagus forest ecosystems along an elevational gradient on Mt. Fanjingshan in Southwest China

Fanjingshan — 2019 — WHE66F9B89D2F

Beech (Fagus) forests on Mt. Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest China, exhibit significant variation in carbon storage across an elevational gradient (1095–1930 m). Total ecosystem carbon pools range from 190.5 to 504.3 Mg C ha⁻¹, with biomass and soil contributing the most (33.7–73.9% and 23.9–65.5%, respectively), while litter and woody debris contribute minimally (<4%). Notably, ecosystem carbon storage increases significantly with elevation, driven primarily by rising biomass and woody debris, whereas litter and soil carbon show no elevational trend. Climate and stand age emerge as key drivers of these patterns in Guizhou Province's beech forests, contrasting with global trends where stand age dominates. This study underscores the importance of local climate and stand age in shaping carbon accumulation, providing critical data for regional carbon budgets and conservation strategies.

Chimpanzee feeding ecology and fallback food use in the montane forest of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2019 — WHEA5CAE5FAF5

Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, exhibit distinct feeding patterns influenced by seasonal fluctuations in food availability. Unlike lower-elevation forests, where figs are a minor component of the diet, chimpanzees here rely heavily on figs, particularly Ficus lutea, and consume flowers at seasonally high rates. Terrestrial herbaceous vegetation serves as a consistent 'filler' fallback food (FBF). This study, primarily using observational data with support from fecal analyses, reveals that higher-elevation montane forests, characterized by lower productivity and resource diversity, significantly shape chimpanzee foraging behavior. These findings contrast sharply with those from lower-altitude sites, highlighting the unique ecological dynamics of montane environments.

Chromatographic, Microscopic, and Spectroscopic Characterization of a Wooden Architectural Painting from the Summer Palace, Beijing, China

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2019 — WHEA915715B10

A comprehensive analysis of wooden architectural paintings from the Summer Palace in Beijing reveals the use of blood as a binding medium and identifies emerald green and ultramarine pigments. The study employed advanced techniques, including scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and morphological microscopy, to systematically characterize the morphology and material composition of these ancient decorative artworks. These findings provide crucial insights into the preparation techniques used in the renowned Summer Palace, offering a scientific basis for restoration efforts and archaeological research.

Classification of the Hyrcanian forest vegetation, Northern Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2019 — WHE5FB538C977

Researchers have developed the first comprehensive classification of Hyrcanian forest vegetation, identifying 21 associations and seven alliances across Northern Iran. This study, which analyzed 1,597 vegetation plots covering altitudes from -22 to 2,850 meters, revealed that the distribution of these syntaxa is primarily influenced by altitude and mean annual temperature. Notably, this classification scheme links Hyrcanian forests to European temperate forest vegetation, supported by an expert system for automatic plot classification. The findings propose a new syntaxonomic framework, distinguishing between lowland swamp forests, submontane mesic and wet forests, montane beech forests, and upper-montane oak and hornbeam forests.

Climate Change Adaptation and Tourism: Towards Sustainable Tourism development in Kilimanjaro National Park Mountain, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2019 — WHE05BED28C4B

Climate change significantly impacts tourism resources in Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA), Tanzania, with a strong correlation of 4.705 between climate change severity and resource availability. The study identifies key adaptation strategies such as afforestation, eco-tourism, green tourism initiatives, loan provision for sustainable practices, environmental conservation projects, and education campaigns. These measures aim to mitigate climate impacts while fostering sustainable tourism development. The research employed a cross-sectional design with interviews, observations, and documentary reviews involving 90 respondents from adjacent villages over one month. Findings highlight the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to strengthen underutilized adaptation strategies, ensuring long-term resilience in KINAPA's tourism sector.

Coastal fish diversity of the Socotra Archipelago, Yemen

Socotra Archipelago — 2019 — WHE4EE7383909

The Socotra Archipelago, Yemen, emerges as a significant hotspot of coastal fish diversity in the Indian Ocean. This study identifies 733 faunal records across 108 families, with an estimated total richness of up to 875 species, surpassing adjacent Arabian ecoregions and even rivaling the entire Red Sea in family richness for several groups like Acanthuridae, Chaetodontidae, Labridae, Pomacentridae, and Pseudochromidae. The archipelago's unique marine environment, blending tropical and 'pseudo-temperate' elements, supports diverse coral-associated species despite limited biogenic reefs. Fish diversity varies significantly across the archipelago, with Socotra Island exhibiting the highest richness, followed by Abd al-Kuri & Kal Farun and Darsa & Samha. The study combines a Preliminary Checklist of 682 confirmed species with a Working List of 51 additional records, employing incidence-based richness models and expert opinion to extrapolate total diversity.

Collaboration and Correction: Re-examining the Writings of Lucy Olcott Perkins, ‘a lady resident in Siena’

Historic Centre of Siena — 2019 — WHE99E3AD7FFA

Lucy Olcott Perkins' contributions to the study of Sienese art, particularly during her residence in Siena and collaboration with William Heywood, highlight the significance of networked research and collaborative partnerships in early 20th-century scholarship. Her work, marked by directness and simplicity, brought lesser-known artworks to scholarly attention while also reflecting the privileges and limitations faced by women in academic collaborations during this period. This study re-examines her writing career across two phases—one characterized by rigorous collaboration with access to historic sites, and another marked by isolation following her marriage breakdown. By analyzing her evolving approaches and circumstances, it sheds light on the dynamics of husband-wife collaborations and their impact on women's roles in art history during this era.

Combined use of 3D metric surveys and non-invasive geophysical surveys at the Stylite Tower (Umm ar-Rasas, Jordan).

Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) — 2019 — WHE0527B1250F

Non-invasive geophysical and 3D metric surveys reveal critical structural insights for the preservation of Umm ar-Rasas' Stylite Tower, a UNESCO-listed symbol of Jordanian heritage. The study employed photogrammetry, laser scanning, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to document deterioration patterns such as plaster detachment, water infiltration, erosion, and fractures without damaging the monument. These techniques provided high-resolution data essential for structuring diagnostic, consolidation, and restoration efforts, ensuring both public safety and the long-term preservation of this unique ancient structure.

Commodification and Politicization of Heritage: Implications for Heritage Tourism at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi (Vietnam)

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi — 2019 — WHE8408E6D428

Heritage commodification is inherently intertwined with politicization, particularly for sites of national and international significance. Using the UNESCO-listed Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi as a case study, this research reveals that political priorities often overshadow commercial utilization, such as tourism, leading to issues like heritage dissonance. The study analyzes how heritage resources are selected, interpreted, and targeted for diverse audiences, highlighting the complexities of balancing preservation with development. This finding underscores the need for strategies that address both cultural significance and economic potential without compromising heritage integrity.

Communicating the outstanding universal value of World Heritage in China? The tour guides’ perspective

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages — 2019 — WHEB92C436235

Tour guides at Kaiping Diaolou and Villages often emphasize the human and cultural significance of the site over its material attributes, creating a sense of "Chineseness" that resonates with domestic tourists. This approach contrasts with the Eurocentric focus on materiality outlined in the site's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The study, based on participant observations and interviews, reveals that heritage value construction is a dynamic process involving multiple stakeholders—national and local governments, experts, and guides—who shape the narrative to balance national identity with regional distinctiveness. This co-constructive process highlights how local interpretations can enhance the attractiveness of World Heritage Sites while reflecting broader cultural narratives.