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Restoration mortars for the Volubilis calcarenite stone

Archaeological Site of Volubilis — 2017 — WHE4328C460C9

A compatible mortar formulation for the restoration of Volubilis' calcarenite stone, a key material at Morocco's UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been identified. The study found that incorporating brick dust as a lime substitute in aerial lime-based mortars significantly enhances compressive strength while reducing porosity and capillary absorption—critical properties for preservation. Conversely, using brick dust as an aggregate increases these undesirable traits. Regional materials like washed dolomitic sand were also integrated into nine mortar mixes, which underwent physical and mechanical testing after one month of maturation. The research confirms the pozzolanicity of brick dust, offering a promising approach to balancing durability with material compatibility for future conservation efforts at Volubilis.

Revision of the species of Lytopylus from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Agathidinae)

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2017 — WHE6E18E44964

A groundbreaking study reveals the diversity of Lytopylus wasps (Agathidinae) in Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste, describing 32 new species. This revision provides detailed morphological descriptions and an interactive key for identification, alongside comprehensive ecological data linking these wasps to their host caterpillars and food plants. Genetic analysis using mitochondrial COI barcodes supported species delimitation, offering a robust taxonomic framework. The findings significantly advance our understanding of wasp biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed region, highlighting the importance of integrating molecular and ecological approaches in systematics.

Riding the Rhino: Conservation, Conflicts, and Militarisation of Kaziranga National Park in Assam

Kaziranga National Park — 2017 — WHEBCB8EBBC3A

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rhinoceros population, has become a focal point of complex conservation challenges intertwined with socio-political dynamics. The study reveals that while the rhino is often deified in public discourse, there is a striking lack of attention to the human cost of anti-poaching measures, which have resulted in significant loss of life among young men. This research examines the intersections of class, culture, and commerce, highlighting how developmental narratives seek to position both people and rhinos in predefined roles. The analysis draws from media representations, such as digital films and Durga Puja motifs, to critically assess the political discourse surrounding Assamese identity and conservation efforts.

Rock Art and the Wild Mind

Rock Art of Alta — 2017 — WHEFB30C02132

Rock art from the Mesolithic era in Scandinavian World Heritage Sites, such as Alta, reveals a transition from animism to totemism, reflecting evolving human societal structures. The study identifies recurring visual motifs ('motemes') that depict humans and big game animals in dynamic interactions, suggesting these were products of a complex 'wild mind' at work. By analyzing repetitions, variations, and transformations of these motemes, the research demonstrates how totemic art became more prevalent during the Late Mesolithic, indicating an increasing focus on human society. This shift is interpreted as part of broader social development in northern Europe, offering insights into the cognitive and cultural evolution of prehistoric hunter-gatherers.

Russian Federation

Landscapes of Dauria — 2017 — WHE5A0880B233

In 2017, the transboundary area 'Landscapes of Dauria,' shared between Mongolia and Russia, was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing its significant ecological value. This designation followed Russia's proactive environmental initiatives, including the establishment of 24 strict natural reserves and proposals to expand protected areas under the Year of Ecology plan. Additionally, three Russian wetlands were proposed for inclusion in the Ramsar Convention list, while the Man and the Biosphere Program extended and renamed twelve existing biosphere reserves. These actions underscore Russia's commitment to global conservation efforts, aligning with its obligations under international environmental conventions.

Sambor Prei Kuk

Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura — 2017 — WHECA18B977DB

Sambor Prei Kuk, a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia, faces risks of marginalizing local farming communities and religious practices, mirroring issues seen at Angkor Wat. The study proposes an equitable rights-based framework to protect religious heritage, contrasting it with hierarchical approaches. It highlights the need for balanced policies that integrate human rights with cultural preservation, ensuring sustainable protection for both communities and traditions.

Seigneurial Power and the Development of Towns in the Holy Roman Empire

Naumburg Cathedral — 2017 — WHEA35E5C10B8

Feudal powers, including princes and ecclesiastical leaders, were pivotal in driving the urbanization of central Europe during the Middle Ages. A key example is Naumburg Cathedral, where seigneurial power closely intertwined with the merchant class to shape early town development. The study reveals that medieval town laws evolved through statutes issued by town councils, interpretations by judges, and later by Roman law-trained lawyers. This dynamic process reflected broader territorial competition among princes, dynasts, bishops, and abbots in the Holy Roman Empire, highlighting the complex interplay between political power and urban growth.

Shared Landscape Model Integrating the Management of Culture and Nature: Thesis and Exegesis

Purnululu National Park — 2017 — WHED597729F23

A new landscape management model integrating Culture, Nature, and Art (CNA) is proposed to address the ineffectiveness of current Western dualist approaches that separate cultural and natural heritage management. This model shifts towards a holistic Aboriginal perspective of 'Country,' emphasizing the symbiosis between culture and nature. The research, conducted across three Australian UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Purnululu National Park, and the Tasmanian Wilderness—theoretically grounds intangible heritage as the primary driver for policy development and management delivery. It also explores negotiation processes through sense of place, providing qualitative insights to inform landscape management priorities.

Škocjan Caves, Slovenia: an integrative approach to the management of a World Heritage Site

Škocjan Caves — 2017 — WHED16359C2C5

Škocjan Caves, Slovenia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, exemplify the integration of natural conservation with sustainable tourism. The site's unique underground canyon, archaeological significance, and biodiversity necessitate a multifaceted management approach to preserve its outstanding universal value. This study highlights the effectiveness of combining international guidelines, national legislation (e.g., the Škocjan Caves Regional Park Act), and localized management plans to protect the caves' microclimate, water quality, and habitats. Key strategies include monitoring radon levels for safety, tracking tourism impacts on cave environments, and implementing educational initiatives. The research underscores the importance of balancing ecological preservation with responsible visitation, ensuring long-term sustainability for both the site's natural features and its cultural heritage.

Social Values and Rock Art Tourism: An Ethnographic Study of the Huashan Rock Art Area (China)

Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHEC3F842A281

Rock art tourism, while reinforcing social values tied to heritage sites, can also diminish local communities' emotional attachment due to undesired consequences of World Heritage designation efforts. A study focusing on the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape in China—China's first rock art site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016—reveals that tourism promotion initiatives, driven by authorities, have paradoxically both strengthened and weakened local social values. The research, employing ethnographic methods, highlights the need for a critical reassessment of global and Chinese rock art heritage management strategies to balance preservation, cultural significance, and community impact.

Sources of theNotabilia(1427), a medieval handwritten grammatical treatise from the Portuguese monastery of Alcobaça

Monastery of Alcobaça — 2017 — WHEE1A6F4E071

A significant medieval Latin-Portuguese grammatical treatise, known as the Notabilia (1427), has been identified within the Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaça's collection, housed in the Portuguese National Library. This elaborate manuscript, comprising 31 chapters and potentially copied by two scribes, remains unpublished despite its complexity and historical importance. The study reveals that the Notabilia draws from multiple influential sources, including Donatus (mid-4th century), Priscian (late 5th to early 6th century), Alexander of Villa Dei (c.1170–c.1250), Giovanni Balbi de Genova (fl.1286–1298), and two pre-modist grammarians, Petrus Helias (c.1100–post-1166) and Robert Kilwardby (c.1215–1279). The treatise may also reference lesser-known works such as the Catalan-Aragonese grammaticae proverbiandi or Giovanni da Soncino's Italian Notabilia. This analysis sheds light on the intellectual and linguistic exchanges of the time, particularly within monastic and academic circles.

Soviet Modernism in the Historic Context. The Cases of Vilnius and Panevėžys City Centers

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2017 — WHEFC7EC470CB

Soviet modernism significantly altered the historic contexts of Lithuanian city centers, particularly in Vilnius and Panevėžys, during the 1960s to 1990s. The study reveals that architectural changes varied across decades, reflecting distinct approaches to integrating new construction with historical settings. This period marked a transition in building practices, often compromising the individuality and singularity of historic centers. By analyzing distinctive buildings in these cities, the research demonstrates how Soviet modernism both advanced urban development while challenging the preservation of cultural heritage.

Space

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2017 — WHE845B8CCE86

A critical gap in understanding the health effects of gradual, low-dose radiation exposure has been addressed through the Million Person Study (MPS), the largest study of its kind. This study, involving over 360,000 U.S. Department of Energy workers and other exposed individuals, provides substantial statistical power to quantify risks associated with prolonged, low-dose radiation exposure. Unlike terrestrial-based organizations that rely on dose limits, NASA employs an individual risk-based system for astronauts, allowing a 3% risk of exposure-induced death (REID) from cancer. The MPS aims to reduce uncertainty in risk estimates, enabling longer space missions by narrowing the 95% confidence interval. Additionally, it offers insights into gender differences in radiation response and evaluates non-cancer outcomes such as neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease.

Spacio-Temporal Distribution and Tourist Impact on Airborne Bacteria in a Cave (Škocjan Caves, Slovenia)

Škocjan Caves — 2017 — WHE55FFF844AE

A strong positive correlation exists between tourist numbers and the concentration of airborne bacteria in the Škocjan Caves, with bacterial levels rising significantly during periods of high river discharge. The study, conducted using MALDI-TOF MS to identify cultivable airborne bacteria, found a mix of human-associated and natural habitat bacteria, including some from Risk Group 2. Despite dynamic cave climate conditions, large chambers did not show enhanced bacterial concentrations. This research highlights the impact of tourism on cave microbiota and underscores the complexity of microbial dynamics in visited caves.

Spatial distribution of economic activities in heritage cities: The case of the historic city of Toledo, Spain.

Historic City of Toledo — 2017 — WHE90FE236D42

Heritage buildings and street network properties significantly influence the spatial distribution of economic activities in historic cities. Using Toledo, Spain, as a case study, researchers found that the presence of heritage sites like cathedrals and town halls, combined with two key urban design metrics—spatial integration (how connected a street segment is to the city) and spatial choice (its prominence or visibility)—can accurately predict where economic activity, particularly tourism-related, thrives. The study employed street audits to map ground-floor activities, Space Syntax analysis to measure integration and choice at neighborhood and city-wide scales, and GIS tools to assess proximity to heritage buildings. Statistical modeling confirmed that these three variables—heritage intensity, spatial integration, and spatial choice—collectively explain the distribution of economic activity in Toledo's historic center.

Sri Dalada Maligawa – 3D-Scanning and Documentation of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Kandy — 2017 — WHEC2D88C4E94

A comprehensive 3D documentation of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal Buddhist pilgrimage destination, has been successfully achieved through advanced scanning techniques. This research utilized Terrestrial-Laser-Scanning (TLS) and Structured-Light-Scanning (SLS) to capture detailed architectural data, including high-resolution details of the temple's rich decorations. The digital archive created from this project not only serves as a vital resource for preserving cultural heritage but also facilitates site monitoring, particularly for detecting structural issues such as cracks. Additionally, the study emphasizes knowledge transfer, aiming to empower local specialists with the skills needed for future analysis of scan data.

Stitching Together the Fabric of Industrial Houses: Investigating the Origins and Development of Cotton Workers’ Accommodation in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire

Derwent Valley Mills — 2017 — WHEAADEF87230

The Derwent Valley Mills showcases the innovative yet traditional influences on cotton workers' housing during the late 18th century. This study reveals that the accommodation built by three mill-owning families across Cromford, Belper, Milford, and Darley Abbey was a nuanced blend of experimental and conventional designs, reflecting the evolving needs of both occupants and patrons. By analyzing historic building fabric, researchers demonstrated that these houses were not uniform but varied significantly, embodying the complex dynamics of early industrialization. This buildings-led approach highlights the interplay between architectural innovation and traditional practices, offering insights into the social and economic forces shaping industrial communities during this pivotal period.

Struve Geodetic Arc – the Decade in the World Heritage List

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2017 — WHE09C1273D97

A groundbreaking geodetic project spanning the 19th century, the Struve Geodetic Arc, stands as one of the most precise meridian arc measurements of its time. Stretching 2820 km from the Danube mouth to the Arctic Ocean, this network of triangulation points was established between 1816 and 1852 by scientists from modern-day Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and Russia. The data collected during this period were remarkably accurate for the era, contributing significantly to the computation and refinement of Earth's ellipsoid parameters throughout the century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, three points in Lithuania—Meškonys, Paliepiukai, and Gireišiai—were commemorated. This publication highlights the preservation challenges and best practices for maintaining such heritage sites, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, public awareness, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.

Sustainable Strategies for Promoting the Horezu Pottery and the Cultural Landscape of Horezu, Romania

Monastery of Horezu — 2017 — WHECCEF3E0A7D

Horezu pottery, recognized as part of Romania's immaterial cultural patrimony since 2012, faces limited promotion despite its widespread presence in handicraft stores. This study proposes sustainable strategies to enhance the visibility and appreciation of Horezu pottery while preserving its cultural significance. It highlights the need for comprehensive promotion, including information on geographical context, historical background, artistic evolution, decorative motifs, and local gastronomy traditions. The research aims to balance increased tourism with sustainability, ensuring that the pottery's unique heritage is both accessible and protected. By integrating these elements, the study offers a model for sustainable cultural promotion that can be applied to other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Temuan Gerabah Dl Grogolan Wetan, Sebuah Bukti Penghunian Situs Sangiran Pasca Plestosene (Pottery from Grogol Wetan Site, Sangiran Settlement Post Pleistocene)

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2017 — WHE94FFBF67BB

Archaeological evidence from the Sangiran Early Man Site reveals post-Pleistocene human activity, challenging the site's traditional perception as solely a prehistoric settlement. Pottery fragments discovered by the Indonesian National Center for Archaeological Research (2013) and the Sangiran Conservation Office (2015) suggest a farming community. Analysis identified a pot and a water-drawing tool, indicating agricultural practices likely dating to the post-Pleistocene period. This study provides critical insights into the transition from early human settlements to more complex societal structures in the region.