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Publications

Showing 141 – 160 of 15962 publications

Assessing the Recognition, Documentation, and Promotion of Local Community Rights Around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2026 — WHE6E893DB8A6

A study on Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) reveals that while economic and cultural rights, such as revenue sharing and access to medicinal plants, are widely recognized by local communities, participatory rights like information access and employment opportunities remain limited. Rights are primarily defined through legal documents and strategic plans, but community awareness is inconsistent. Efforts to promote these rights have shown some success, yet challenges in transparency, inclusivity, and fair compensation persist. The research used a mixed-methods approach, including surveys of 120 households and interviews with 30 key informants across three districts. It recommends equitable governance frameworks to enhance trust, community engagement, and sustainable conservation outcomes.

Assessing tourism’s contribution to household incomes: The case of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park peripheral residents

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2026 — WHEDDE4D7728E

A longitudinal study of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) reveals that while tourism significantly boosts household incomes for those directly involved, benefits are unevenly distributed based on proximity to the park, gender, age, and ethnicity. Indigenous Batwa households, in particular, remain largely excluded from direct employment and enterprise opportunities. The research highlights the vulnerability of tourism-dependent livelihoods during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and shows limited evidence that higher incomes translate into productive asset accumulation or sustained livelihood improvement. This study provides rare longitudinal household-level data from a sub-Saharan African protected area, advancing debates on conservation tourism, rural livelihoods, and environmental justice. It underscores the need for governance approaches that address structural inequalities to achieve more equitable outcomes.

Assessment of radon levels and radiological risk in groundwater of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Eastern Saudi Arabia

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHE28FE756B80

Groundwater in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, exhibits low radon levels with no significant radiological risk for domestic use. A study measuring radon activity in 35 wells found concentrations ranging from 0.19 to 14.44 Bq/L, well below the USEPA safety threshold of 11.1 Bq/L. While spatial variability and depth dependence were observed, with higher levels in deeper wells, correlations with pH, salinity, or TDS were weak. Annual ingestion doses for infants and adults remained negligible, as did inhalation risks indoors. Lifetime cancer risk estimates, though variable, averaged at 20.66 × 10⁻⁴, indicating overall safety but necessitating continued monitoring in deeper wells. The study used a RAD7 detector with RAD-H2O accessories to measure radon and applied UNSCEAR and ICRP dose models for risk assessment.

Assessment of the “Capacity-Usage” Relationship of Recreational Service Functions in the River Corridors of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage Site

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2026 — WHE501187447D

Over 90% of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage Site exhibits low coordination between recreational potential and actual usage, with significant spatial disparities. Riparian zones show higher recreational activity due to superior natural conditions and infrastructure, while upstream regions and steep canyons remain underutilized despite their potential. Tourist usage peaks in autumn, particularly along the Jinsha River, which demonstrates stable year-round appeal. The study introduces a dual-dimensional evaluation framework combining 'Potential Capacity-Usage Level' to assess recreational service functions, offering insights for sustainable management and regional development planning.

Assessment of the seismic vulnerability index of three Moorish houses in the Albayzín, Granada (Spain)

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2026 — WHE366D325B1E

Researchers have identified critical factors affecting the seismic vulnerability of three historic Moorish houses in Granada's Albayzín. Using the SVIVA method, which evaluates ten key parameters influencing seismic performance, the study quantifies structural weaknesses in these earthen and timber buildings. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive assessments before any rehabilitation or renovation to preserve their integrity amid the region's seismic activity. This work provides a valuable reference for similar heritage structures, offering insights into maintaining their cultural significance while ensuring structural resilience.

Association between placental malaria, postnatal linear growth, and body mass index in the Dogon Longitudinal Study, Mali

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2026 — WHE984ADDA96A

Severe placental malaria (PM) is linked to long-term adverse growth outcomes in children, including reduced linear growth up to age 5 and increased body mass index (BMI). A study of 317 Dogon children in Mali found that severe parasite density in the placenta was associated with a persistent decrease in height (−0.83 cm at 6 months) and a significant increase in BMI from ages 2 to 5, even after controlling for birth weight. The research used longitudinal data collected twice yearly, analyzing placental histology alongside growth metrics via linear mixed models. This is the first evidence that PM impacts postnatal BMI, expanding our understanding of its long-term effects beyond neonatal outcomes.

At Risk Heritage Gardens in Southern Tanzania: Some Insights into the Conservation Status of Mikindani and Kilwa Kisiwani Heritage Sites

Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara — 2026 — WHEC584C82F01

Southern Tanzania's heritage sites, including the Mikindani and Kilwa Kisiwani ruins, face significant risks of deterioration despite their cultural and tourism potential. A study reveals that these 'heritage gardens' lack adequate conservation efforts from authorities like the Antiquities department and heritage practitioners, leading to mismanagement. The research, based on interviews and ethnographic observations, highlights the critical role of community involvement in preserving these historical assets. It concludes that collaborative efforts among government, professionals, and the public are essential for sustainable management of Tanzania's heritage resources.

Automated mapping of dry stone walls in terraced landscapes using airborne laser scanning data

Wachau Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHEB5D60AFFC3

Researchers have demonstrated that airborne laser scanning (ALS) data can be used to reliably and automatically map dry stone walls across terraced landscapes, including the 213 km² Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site in Austria. Using high-resolution digital terrain models (DTMs), deep learning (DL) methods achieved an F1 score of up to 0.86, outperforming traditional Random Forest classification (F1 score: 0.72). The study identified over 925 km of dry stone walls in the Wachau region, with densities reaching 2740 meters per hectare. This approach leverages publicly available ALS data and shows robustness to different input features and model architectures, providing a foundation for heritage documentation, ecological assessments, and landscape monitoring.

Avalanche Susceptibility Mapping of Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal Using GIS-based MCDA–AHP

Sagarmatha National Park — 2026 — WHED376089C89

Approximately 40% of Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal is highly susceptible to avalanches, according to a new study using GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis-Analytical Hierarchical Process (MCDA-AHP). This finding reveals that susceptibility extends beyond perennial snow-capped regions to include low-lying areas with seasonal snowfall. The research validated its model by mapping recorded avalanche incidents, showing an 80% overlap with high and very high susceptibility zones. By leveraging Aster GDEM and High Mountain Asia (HMA) snow cover data, the study provides a critical tool for risk assessment in one of Nepal's most iconic regions, where avalanches pose significant hazards year-round.

Avebury Boiler Replacement Project, Avebury Manor, Avebury, Wiltshire: Results of archaeological investigations

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2026 — WHE6194E50F54

Archaeological investigations at Avebury Manor, Wiltshire, revealed limited but significant features dating back to the medieval period or earlier. The study, conducted between June and August 2025 by AC archaeology in association with a boiler replacement project, identified a ditch, a small pit or posthole, and a pit of ditch terminal, which were sealed by alluvial soil layers containing pottery from the 12th to 18th centuries. These findings suggest human activity in the area during this period. Additionally, residual worked flint from the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, Roman finds including a coin and ceramic tile fragment, and post-medieval material such as iron objects and animal bone were recovered from upper soil layers. The research utilized initial hand-excavated test pits followed by monitoring of machine-excavated cable trenches, guided by previous geophysical surveys.

AVEBURY ESTATE Avebury Henge: South East Sector: Gate drop bolt; Toll House Triangle: Replacement Dragon's Teeth; Archaeological Monitoring: Site Report December 2023

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2026 — WHEA2F5E65612

Recent archaeological monitoring at Avebury Henge's South East Sector, focusing on the replacement of bollards and installation of a lockable drop bolt, revealed no significant archaeological remains within the intervention area. Despite the absence of deposits, the proximity to known features underscores the importance of protecting this zone. The post-medieval artifacts found are potentially linked to the historical Toll House that once stood there. This study highlights the need for cautious interventions in areas with high archaeological potential while providing insights into the site's historical context.

Avifaunal Richness and Composition Along the Land-Use Gradient of the Endane Biodiversity Corridor Landscape, Nivithigala, Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2026 — WHE89F6167ACE

A study of the Endane Biodiversity Corridor (EBC) in Sri Lanka reveals that restored areas act as critical ecological intermediaries, bridging natural and human-modified habitats while supporting high avifaunal richness and distinct species compositions. The research recorded 111 bird species across four land-use types—restored area (RA), home gardens (HG), productive tea lands (PT), and Walankanda Forest Reserve (WFR)—with RA showing the highest species diversity (100 species) and functioning as a connectivity hub, as evidenced by high Sørensen similarity indices with both HG and PT. Significant variation in Margalef’s richness index among land-use types underscores the importance of habitat restoration for avian biodiversity, while PERMANOVA confirmed distinct avifaunal communities in each habitat. The findings highlight the EBC's role in sustaining endemism (21 endemic species) but also note persistent threats such as illegal mining and encroachment, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to understand temporal dynamics.

Bacterial degradation of sandstone at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rani-ki-Vav, India: A multi-analytical diagnostic study

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat — 2026 — WHE32734909E0

A multi-analytical study at Rani-ki-Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage stepwell in India, reveals that bacterial biofilm and metabolic activity drive sandstone decay through complex microchemical processes. The research identifies key degradation pathways involving organic acid production, mineral dissolution, metal chelation, moisture retention, and salt crystallization, which collectively weaken the sandstone matrix. Using XRD, FTIR, LC-MS/MS, GC–MS/MS, and 16S rRNA profiling, the study detected a diverse microbiome dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria, alongside specific metabolites like glycolic acid and cysteinyl-serine that contribute to mineral degradation. These findings provide a chemical basis for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate biodeterioration in sandstone heritage sites.

Bagan Conservation Project: A Holistic Approach for the Repair and Seismic Retrofitting of Its Monuments

Bagan — 2026 — WHEBE2139F802

A comprehensive, research-driven approach to conserving the Bagan World Heritage Site has demonstrated significant potential for enhancing seismic resilience and sustainability in large-scale heritage conservation. The project, initiated after the 2016 Chauk earthquake damaged over four hundred structures, integrated structural engineering, materials research, and digital documentation to develop targeted repair and retrofitting strategies for Bagan's over 3,500 Buddhist monuments. Through advanced modeling, typology classification, and standardized damage assessment, the project established a robust knowledge base that can guide future interventions not only at Bagan but also at other historic sites worldwide facing similar challenges. This holistic methodology emphasizes collaboration between international institutions and local authorities, offering scalable solutions for preserving cultural landscapes while mitigating seismic risks.

Balancing heritage and modernization: the challenges and opportunities of cultural heritage conservation in Saudi Arabia

At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah — 2026 — WHE0BA9B3BF71

Saudi Arabia is developing a hybrid heritage-governance model that successfully integrates conservation with modernization, offering valuable lessons for other rapidly transforming contexts. This approach combines centralized strategic direction with distributed institutional and community roles, as demonstrated by case studies in Al-Turaif District (Diriyah) and Al-Ahsa Oasis. While progress has been made in institutional reform, heritage documentation, and international collaboration, gaps remain in formal community participation, intangible heritage transmission, inter-agency coordination, and the verification of economic and technological outcomes. The study recommends stronger coordination mechanisms, accountable community co-management, and closer alignment between tourism development, conservation funding, and local benefit to further enhance this model.

Bamiyan sgraffito: The example of production at the Khwajâ Sabz Push site

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2026 — WHE93F8260B40

Archaeological research at the Khwajâ Sabz Push site in Bamiyan Valley reveals simultaneous production of two distinct sgraffito ceramic types—green/brown painted with simpler incised designs and monochrome with more elaborate, sometimes champlevé decorations—alongside coarse modeled ceramics within a single 12th–13th century workshop. Analysis of nearly 3,700 fragments (representing ~1,450 objects) from production waste, including kiln furniture like bars, tripods, and spacers, demonstrates shared firing equipment and glaze transfer between sgraffito and coarse ceramics, confirming co-production. Production failures and overfiring indicate most sgraffito material was workshop discard. Unlike the locally produced molded siliceous ceramics, which appear only as consumption material, this study highlights advanced technical practices in Bamiyan’s ceramic tradition.

Bamiyan: The Lost Paradise – A Scientific Investigation into the Garden of Eden, the Avestan Sacred Geography, and the Āzrah People

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2026 — WHE11B742E582

Bamiyan Valley, central Afghanistan, is identified as the original location of the Garden of Eden and Airyanem Vaejah, the first land created by Ahura Mazda according to Avestan texts. This groundbreaking study integrates sacred texts from multiple civilizations—including the Torah, Avesta, Qur'an, and Persian chronicles—to demonstrate that Bamiyan is the cradle of humanity's sacred imagination, where foundational concepts such as paradise, hell, and the primordial human originated. The research also links the Āzrah (Hazara) people to this sacred geography through genetic and linguistic evidence, revealing their biological and cultural heritage. Additionally, it exposes historical appropriation by Arab scholars post-Islamic conquests, who relocated Eden from Bamiyan to an abstract eschatological concept. This study challenges long-held assumptions about sacred geography and leverages digital archaeology and AI to reverse this historical process.

Bayesian modelling of the latent human influence field in archaeological urban sediments at Koh Ker, Cambodia

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2026 — WHE0915132592

A novel Bayesian modeling framework reveals the latent human influence field (LHIF) in archaeological sediments, offering a continuous, multidimensional view of ancient urban dynamics at Koh Ker, Cambodia. This approach integrates heterogeneous proxy data—such as magnetic susceptibility and ceramic abundance—from rapidly excavated trenches to estimate the intensity and spatiotemporal distribution of past human activity. Unlike traditional methods that rely on either limited excavation or broad but chronologically shallow surveys, this model synthesizes diverse data channels into a unified causal framework, bridging gaps between lidar mapping, survey, and excavation. The pilot study demonstrates potential for broader application across archaeological contexts, enabling more coherent reconstructions of ancient urban landscapes.

Beat the heat: Hotspots for nature-based solutions in Vienna and Budapest

Historic Centre of Vienna — 2026 — WHE7A774AD5D4

Urban heat islands and tropical nights disproportionately affect residents' health and well-being, particularly in historic city centers like Vienna and Budapest. A study combining urban heat modeling with discrete choice experiments reveals that while heat impacts all, residents—especially those in Budapest's urban districts—perceive its effects more acutely than meteorological data suggests. This misalignment underscores the need for localized nature-based solutions tailored to residents' needs, rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. The findings guide urban planners to prioritize neighborhoods with high heat perception, integrating social analysis and modeling to mitigate heat island effects while addressing community-specific vulnerabilities.

Before the Silk Road: The Indus Valley Civilization and the Deep Origins of Eurasian Trade Infrastructure

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2026 — WHE5817B1B365

Archaeological evidence challenges the conventional narrative that the Silk Road (114 BCE) was the origin of Eurasian long-distance trade, revealing instead that the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC, c. 7000–1900 BCE) established and maintained a sophisticated trade network—dubbed the Middle Asian Interaction Sphere (MAIS)—by 2500 BCE. This network, spanning the Iranian Plateau, Persian Gulf, Mesopotamia, and Central Asia, predates the Silk Road by two millennia and shares identical geographic corridors. Material proof includes IVC seals, standardized weights, and carnelian beads found across key sites like Ur, Susa, and Shahr-i-Sokhta, alongside genomic data confirming multigenerational IVC communities in Bactria–Margiana (BMAC). The study leverages the Deep Symbolic Systems Model (DSSM) to argue that this network functioned as a distributed symbolic infrastructure, maintaining cognitive coherence without centralized authority. These findings reshape our understanding of Eurasian trade's deep origins.