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Virunga National Park, the heart of darkness as UNESCO World Heritage

Virunga National Park — 2018 — WHE6A88F5EF69

Virunga National Park, Africa's first and most renowned national park, faces an eco-crisis rooted in historical rhetoric. The study identifies problematic narrative patterns—echoing Joseph Conrad’s 'Heart of Darkness'—in both human rights campaigns from the Congo Reform Movement (1900) and animal rights movements led by figures like Dian Fossey in the 1970s. These campaigns, while advocating for justice, share responsibility for perpetuating ecological threats to Virunga's biodiversity, particularly its iconic mountain gorillas. The analysis highlights the documentary Virunga (2014) as a rhetorical model offering an alternative narrative path. This work critiques the long-term political and environmental consequences of such discourses, urging a reevaluation of their impact on conservation efforts.

Visitor segments for the Alto Douro Wine Region cultural heritage site

Alto Douro Wine Region — 2018 — WHEBA155C0D7F

A study of the UNESCO World Heritage site Alto Douro Wine Region identified three distinct visitor segments: same-day visitors, cultural visitors, and individual mass visitors. These groups were characterized by their socioeconomic traits, cultural consumption experiences, and travel behavior. The research employed univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, including Categorical Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis, to segment the data collected from site visitors. This segmentation provides valuable insights for heritage management, helping to optimize provision, attract new visitors, and encourage repeat visits.

Visitors’ Attitudes towards Bicycle Use in the Teide National Park

Teide National Park — 2018 — WHE24F5299E0F

A public bike-sharing system shows promise as a sustainable transportation solution for the Teide National Park (TNP), Spain's most visited national park. The study, combining revealed and stated preferences with ordered logit models, found that bicycles could significantly reduce car dependency—currently at 70%—mitigating environmental strain and enhancing visitor experience. This approach offers a practical strategy to improve mobility management in high-traffic protected areas, balancing ecological preservation with tourism sustainability.

Visual Culture in Imperial China

Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties — 2018 — WHE68D07A11DD

Recent scholarship on visual culture during the Ming and Qing dynasties reveals a dynamic interplay between imperial authority, religious practices, and societal values. Unlike studies on modern Chinese visual culture, which often rely on Western theoretical models, research on the imperial era draws more from art history and anthropology. Key findings highlight how the imperial court used visual elements to project authority, while also exploring auspicious symbolism in tomb contexts, Buddhist and Daoist influences, Confucian values through writing and imagery, urban consumerism via woodblock illustration, rural visual traditions, vernacular images, erotica, and the assimilation of foreign visual elements. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of how visual culture evolved alongside political and social changes over two millennia.

Volubilis après Rome

Archaeological Site of Volubilis — 2018 — WHED88B68FB5F

Volubilis, Morocco’s most-visited archaeological site, reveals a dynamic post-Roman history through new excavations. Contrary to assumptions of decline after the third century, elite houses continued commissioning sophisticated mosaics into the fifth century before a catastrophic earthquake ended Roman occupation. The site then revived in the sixth century under Berber Awraba rule and became pivotal in the eighth century as the headquarters of Idris I, who unified much of Morocco. This study sheds light on Volubilis' resilience and cultural transitions across three eras—Roman, Berber, and early Islamic—challenging narratives of post-Roman collapse.

Wildlife and warfare: a case study of pachyderms in Garamba National Park, DRC

Garamba National Park — 2018 — WHEC2E575A44E

Garamba National Park, DRC, demonstrates resilience in biodiversity conservation amid armed conflict. Over 40 years of systematic aerial surveys reveal trends in large mammal populations, particularly pachyderms, influenced by eight conflict crises and periods of peace between 1960 and 2016. The study highlights the park's ability to sustain wildlife despite international support fluctuations, offering critical lessons on conservation strategies during armed conflicts. Unlike typical scenarios where conflicts deter funding, Garamba serves as a model for maintaining biodiversity even in unstable environments.

Wirikuta

Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé) — 2018 — WHE344AB30402

Wirikuta, a sacred region in Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert and the endpoint of an annual 550-kilometer pilgrimage by the Wixárika (Huichol) people, faces significant threats despite its legal protection under Mexico's Indigenous rights framework. The study highlights Wirikuta's dual importance as both a natural site and a cultural landmark, protected by official decree to allow Indigenous management aligned with traditional practices. However, illegal mining activities pose severe risks to the region's ecological integrity and the Wixárika way of life. This research underscores the critical role of Indigenous stewardship in preserving Wirikuta while identifying urgent challenges, including legal violations and environmental degradation, that demand immediate attention for its sustainable future.

Wooden Orthodox churches in the Maramureș region - opportunities and threats of tourism development

Wooden Churches of Maramureş — 2018 — WHEBB419B9F7E

Increasing tourist traffic poses significant threats to the preservation of the UNESCO-listed wooden Orthodox churches in Maramureș, Romania. Despite their recognition as a living open-air museum, these unique 18th-century structures face growing pressure from tourism development. A SWOT analysis conducted between 2013 and 2017 revealed key challenges, including potential damage to the fragile architecture and cultural heritage. The study also identified opportunities for sustainable tourism that could balance conservation with economic benefits. By analyzing tourist traffic data and literature, researchers highlighted the need for strategic planning to protect these irreplaceable landmarks while fostering responsible tourism growth.

Xylariales: First results of mycological exploration in the Sangay and Llanganates National Park, Ecuador

Sangay National Park — 2018 — WHE64CC4F2EBB

A mycological exploration of Sangay National Park (SP) and Llanganates National Park (LP), Ecuador, identified eight fungal species belonging to the genus Xylaria within the order Xylariales. Among these, one record remains unidentified at the species level, suggesting it may represent a new species. The study employed bioinformatic tools to analyze ribosomal DNA sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and constructed a Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree to assess diversity and relationships among collected samples. These findings provide foundational data for designing conservation strategies aimed at preserving fungal biodiversity in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Xylariales: First results of mycological exploration in the Sangay and Llanganates National Parks, Ecuador

Sangay National Park — 2018 — WHEF19904BD2E

A mycological exploration of Sangay and Llanganates National Parks, Ecuador, has uncovered eight fungal samples belonging to the genus Xylaria within the order Xylariales. Two of these were identified from Sangay National Park, while six originated from Llanganates. Notably, four samples defied species-level identification, hinting at potential new species. The study employed phylogenetic analysis using Maximum Likelihood methods on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequences to achieve taxonomic identification. This research provides foundational biodiversity data crucial for the conservation of fungi in Ecuador's protected areas.

Zaštita i Prezentacija Arhitektonskih Ansambala na Arheološkom Nalazištu Gamzigrad

Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius — 2018 — WHEE18D125DED

The archaeological site of Gamzigrad, home to the late ancient imperial palace of Felix Romuliana built by Roman emperor Galerius, offers valuable insights into intensive building activities across its structures. A critical analysis of protection and presentation methods at this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals both advantages and disadvantages, highlighting the need for improved integration of old and new elements. This study contributes significantly to the objective review of contemporary methodological approaches in the field of archaeological site protection and revitalization, with potential applications for other sites in Serbia and the region.

'Development and Landscape of the Sacred Space at Dra Abu el-Naga: A case study within the Theban Necropolis'

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2017 — WHE65D6186D09

A new model for studying the sacred space of Dra Abu el-Naga, part of the Theban Necropolis, reveals how tombs were strategically positioned to reflect kinship, political marriages, and social hierarchies, demonstrating a deliberate effort to maintain connections in the afterlife. This research integrates prosopographical-genealogical, archaeological, and GIS data to reconstruct the palaeorelief and visualize the ritual landscape from 1550–1069 BC, offering precise geographic coordinates for the first time. The approach bridges textual and archaeological perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of funerary landscapes that can be applied to other ancient Egyptian necropolises.

“Soetwyn”: Visuality, Cultural Tourism, Desire Paths and the ≠Khomani

ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHE1F3B504EA8

Alcohol abuse among the ≠Khomani people, a small community resettled on six farms totaling 40,000 hectares after a successful land claim in 1999, poses significant challenges to sustainable development. This study highlights the complex interplay between cultural tourism, desire paths, and alcohol use/abuse within the ≠Khomani Cultural Landscape, using visual traces of alcohol's presence in the sand-dune landscape. The research employs 'cultural mapping' techniques, focusing on visual stills collected during a 2011 trip to the Kalahari by University of KwaZulu–Natal researchers. It contrasts the corporeal existence of alcohol with commercial tourist branding, offering insights into the social dynamics and developmental struggles faced by this community.

“They are drying out” : social-ecological consequences of glacier recession on mountain peatlands in Huascarán National Park, Peru

Huascarán National Park — 2017 — WHE91E2961C64

Tropical mountain peatlands, such as those in Peru's Huascarán National Park, are undergoing significant ecological transformations due to glacier recession. A 23-year remote sensing analysis revealed that these ecosystems are losing area through fragmentation and isolation, driven by shrinking glaciers and reduced stream discharge. However, precipitation may become a more dominant factor in the future. The study also found high plant diversity, with vegetation heterogeneity influenced by abiotic factors like elevation and organic matter content. Ecological oral histories from local users corroborated these findings, highlighting the interconnected social and biophysical processes affecting peatlands. The research suggests that future stewardship should involve local communities, supported by national parks and NGOs, to address these changes effectively.

(Un)supported Current Tourism Development in UNESCO Protected Site: The Case of Old City of Dubrovnik

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2017 — WHE683AA8C4CB

Residents' perceptions of tourism's economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts in UNESCO-protected sites directly influence their support for tourism development. A study on the Old City of Dubrovnik (OCD) revealed that residents who view tourism positively tend to support its expansion, while those perceiving negative effects oppose it. The research applied statistical methods, including Cronbach alpha, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM), to test a model linking these perceptions to tourism support. Findings underscore the importance of resident perceptions in shaping sustainable tourism policies, particularly in UNESCO sites where interactions between locals, tourists, and development are intense.

Pseudo‐Turpin ChronicleTradition

Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France — 2017 — WHED259F93C78

The Pseudo-Turpin Chronicle, a medieval narrative text, reveals its significant role in promoting the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Composed around 1145, likely in France, it claims to be an eyewitness account of Charlemagne's wars in Spain by Turpin, archbishop of Rheims, contradicting the chanson de geste tradition where Turpin is depicted as dying at Roncevaux. The chronicle links Charlemagne's campaigns to a divine request from St. James and supports the Reconquista, as evidenced by its connections to the Liber Sancti Jacobi in manuscripts like the Codex Calixtinus. Its widespread circulation across multiple languages underscores its cultural and religious influence during the medieval period.

3D Modeling of Two louteria Fragments by Image-Based Approach

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2017 — WHE1496D70306

A groundbreaking digital approach has successfully reconstructed and analyzed two small fragments of louteria, a large terracotta vase from the Greek colony of Akragas (modern-day Agrigento, Sicily). By employing high-precision 3D modeling techniques based on image analysis, researchers achieved unprecedented detail in documenting these archaeological artifacts. The resulting models revealed intricate decorative features and geometric characteristics that were previously obscured or challenging to study. This method not only preserves the fragments digitally but also provides a new framework for interpreting and understanding their historical significance within the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Area of Agrigento.

A importância estratégica do conhecimento do território na formação de um sistema defensivo: o caso de Sintra (Portugal) durante o Período Islâmico

Cultural Landscape of Sintra — 2017 — WHE789D8729DD

During the Islamic period, Sintra's strategic landscape played a pivotal role in shaping its defensive system. Research reveals that beyond the two known castles and a ribat, Sintra likely featured additional fortifications and checkpoints, facilitating communication with distant regions and marking its maritime cultural landscape. This defensive network was underpinned by meticulous geographical planning, leveraging terrain, village connections, ports, and anchorages—some of which predate this era. The study cross-references historical, archaeological, toponymical, and geographical data to uncover these insights, highlighting Sintra's significance in the Lisbon region's military defense.

A new colonisation of a Caribbean city

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2017 — WHE2B6211D061

Gentrification and 'touristification' in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo have significantly reshaped urban dynamics, increasing economic competitiveness but also exacerbating segregation and urban poverty. The study reveals that recent urban planning shifts, often supported by supranational development agencies, have prioritized tourism and property investment, leading to stark socio-urban contrasts. Morphological analysis highlights how these changes have altered the city's landscape, with serious implications for social equity. The research underscores the consequences of such transformations, offering insights into the broader impact of global tourism trends on Caribbean urban centers.

A survey on the digital enhancement of the archaeological sites on Google and a multimedia pilot project in the Agrigento Valley of the Temples in Sicily (Italy)

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2017 — WHE14F1465E37

A pioneering digital enhancement project at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agrigento Valley of the Temples, has successfully mapped the Temple of Juno Lacinia, making it the first Greek temple globally accessible via a 360° online tour on Google platforms. This initiative introduces interactive features such as clickable points of interest, accompanied by descriptive sheets detailing architectural and decorative elements, capitals, columns, 3D reconstructions, videos, and aerial virtual tours captured using drones. The project, currently in its pilot phase, aims to expand this immersive experience to the entire valley, offering multilingual (Italian and English) and audio-guided content. This approach not only preserves and showcases the site's cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for digital preservation and accessibility of archaeological sites worldwide.