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Landschaftsleistungen in Landschaften von nationaler Bedeutung. Forschungsbericht mit Handlungsempfehlungen für Bund, Kantone, Gemeinden, NGOs und Bewirtschaftende. Im Auftrag des Bundesamts für Umwelt BAFU

Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces — 2019 — WHE70C4FA4D1E

This research identifies key landscape attributes that significantly enhance human well-being, while addressing the complex balance between conservation and utilization in five Swiss pilot regions, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Lavaux. The study, conducted by the Universities of Zürich and Lausanne for Switzerland's Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU), involved interviews with 27 stakeholders across the regions to capture perceived landscape values. Findings reveal a critical gap in communication about the historical significance and ongoing maintenance of cultural landscapes, such as Lavaux, which are often reduced to mere backdrops for tourism. The report proposes actionable measures—such as engaging local communities, improving visitor education, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders—to better preserve these landscapes while meeting modern needs. These insights, rooted in biodiversity and landscape policy, offer a blueprint for similar challenges in other regions.

Landslides Mapped using Satellite Data in the Western Ghats of India After Excess Rainfall During August 2018

Western Ghats — 2019 — WHE21013526DD

A comprehensive inventory of landslides triggered by excessive rainfall in August 2018 was mapped across the Western Ghats, revealing significant regional and geological patterns. The study identified 6970 landslides spanning 22.6 sq. km, predominantly in Kerala (5191), Karnataka (993), and Tamil Nadu (606), with debris slides and flows being the most common types. Notably, 83.2% of these events were linked to very high rainfall intensity, while 14.9% occurred on moderate slopes, particularly in Karnataka's Kodagu district. The research utilized multitemporal high-resolution satellite imagery from multiple sources, including Resourcesat-2, WorldView-2, and Sentinel-2, to analyze pre- and post-event conditions, providing critical insights into the relationship between rainfall extremes and landslide susceptibility.

Large-scale boudinage of late Miocene platform series triggered by margin collapse during the messinian salinity crisis (Ibiza island, Spain)

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2019 — WHE20776B6B8B

Research on Ibiza Island reveals large-scale boudinage structures in late Miocene platform deposits, providing evidence for extensional margin collapse during the Messinian Salinity Crisis. These structures, characterized by rectangular to barrel-shaped blocks and soft-sediment syncline folds, indicate multidirectional extension with increased stretching seaward. Fluid circulation, evidenced by calcite crystal wedges and high-temperature fluid inclusions (190–260 °C), suggests that hot fluids facilitated the destabilization of a still-soft carbonate platform. The slow deformation process is further supported by the progressive infill of paleosols and the presence of subaerial Messinian channels in boudinage-induced depressions, confirming emersion during the crisis. This study offers onland evidence for extensional collapse linked to sea-level drawdown.

Large-scale contact analysis for the stability estimation of the Mnajdra monuments

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2019 — WHEEFFA9BD9BB

A groundbreaking analysis of the Mnajdra megalithic temples, dating back to the 4th millennium BCE and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals critical insights into their structural stability. By integrating laser-scanner data with advanced finite element modeling and experimental microtremor measurements, researchers accurately determined the material properties essential for assessing the monument's performance. This method not only provides a robust framework for evaluating the stability of these ancient structures but also offers a blueprint for preserving similar heritage sites worldwide.

Last Animals

Garamba National Park — 2019 — WHE3BDED1B463

The Northern White Rhinoceros, one of the most endangered mammals on Earth, faces imminent extinction due to rampant poaching driven by illegal trafficking of rhino horns and ivory. A 2017 documentary, Last Animals, reveals that this crisis is not isolated but part of a broader pattern where trafficking networks, often linked to organized crime and even terrorism financing, supply poachers with advanced weaponry and logistics, accelerating species collapse. Research by conservation biologist Sam Wasser from the University of Washington demonstrates that a significant portion of seized ivory traces back to specific regions like Tanzania and Congo, suggesting complicity at governmental levels. The film also highlights the desperate efforts of park rangers in Garamba National Park, where armed conflicts mirror wartime conditions. While the documentary excels in capturing the intimate plight of the Northern White Rhino, its exploration of broader trafficking dynamics is less precise, yet it remains a powerful call to action against illegal wildlife trade.

Late Cenozoic Clockwise Rotations in the Westernmost Part of the Arcuate Qiulitage Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt of Southern Tian Shan Foreland and Its Tectonic Implications

Western Tien-Shan — 2019 — WHEE8FB6E827D

A study of the Western Tien-Shan reveals that the region has experienced approximately 20° of clockwise rotation since around 5 million years ago, primarily due to oroclinal bending—the process where a straight fold-and-thrust belt bends into an arc. This deformation is linked to the formation of the curved Qiulitage Fold-and-Thrust Belt (FTB) in the southern Tian Shan foreland, suggesting significant tectonic activity and crustal shortening in this area during the late Cenozoic era. The research combines paleomagnetic data with geological analysis to demonstrate that these rotations are driven by the bending of the FTB, rather than other tectonic processes. Additionally, the Kalayuergun dextral strike-slip transfer fault plays a key role in accommodating horizontal displacement discrepancies along the western boundary of the Qiulitage FTB. The findings indicate that the southern Tian Shan foreland has undergone substantial deformation over the past 5 million years, with ongoing crustal shortening.

Latin Blackness in Parisian Visual Culture, 1852–1932

Paris, Banks of the Seine — 2019 — WHE84D8AEACE2

A study of Parisian visual culture from 1852 to 1932 reveals how Latin Americans were depicted through a 'Latinizing' lens, which both denigrated European-descended elites and whitened Black Latin Americans for assimilation. The research identifies mid-19th-century codes used in popular media to portray Latin Americans as inferior, contrasting them with colonial Africans and other Black populations. Case studies of Cuban circus performer Chocolat, Panamanian boxer Alfonso Teofilo Brown, and Uruguayan artist Pedro Figari’s paintings show shifts in visual representation between 1890 and 1933, highlighting the complex interplay between race, identity, and empire in Paris.

Le Corbusier’s Apartment-Studio : 3D Model Data of Preliminary Research for the Restoration

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement — 2019 — WHE1ACD1D9E7A

A collaborative effort between the Fondation Le Corbusier and A-BIME has resulted in a groundbreaking 3D model for the restoration of Le Corbusier's apartment-studio, leveraging Building Information Model (BIM) technology. This digital graphic document provides faster and easier access to critical data about the building's materials, technical arrangements, and on-site implementation, enhancing the understanding of its architectural elements. The study, funded by a Getty Foundation grant, utilized archival data and survey diagnostics to create a detailed model that can be imported into multiple software for structural and hydrothermal simulations. These simulations serve as guidelines for the Fondation Le Corbusier in predicting the impact of restoration choices, ensuring a scientifically informed approach to preserving this significant modernist work.

Le mausolée turriforme d’une villa près de Carcassonne/Carcasso (Aude)

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne — 2019 — WHE0F1D3B82F7

Archaeological research near Carcassonne, France, has uncovered a rare and exceptional mausoleum dating back to the late 1st century BCE, coinciding with the city's elevation to Latin legal status. This turriform (tower-like) structure, part of a grand rural villa complex on Montredon hill, features an underground burial chamber—a design element uncommon in Gaul or western Europe at this early date. The mausoleum was erected within a private walled enclosure, interpreted as a 'park,' adjacent to the villa's residential area, which follows a classical Latin design centered around an atrium and peristyle. This discovery sheds light on elite burial practices during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, offering insights into the cultural and architectural influences of this period in southern Gaul.

Le paysage fluvial et irrigué de Sarazm dans la moyenne vallée du Zeravchan, Tadjikistan, Asie centrale

Proto-urban Site of Sarazm — 2019 — WHEED48DDD60E

A groundbreaking geoarchaeological study of the Zeravchan Valley, Tadjikistan, reveals that human societies have significantly shaped its river landscape through sophisticated water management practices since the protohistoric era. The research demonstrates how interactions between riparian communities and a semi-arid, tectonically active environment led to the creation of complex irrigation systems over millennia. By integrating geomorphological analysis, Optically Stimulated Thermoluminescence (OSL) dating, and micromorphological studies of sedimentary backfill from a 3rd millennium BCE canal, the study highlights the rapid transformation of landscapes through socio-environmental dynamics. This finding underscores the enduring impact of human ingenuity in managing water resources in challenging conditions.

Le système portuaire du golfe de Fos et le canal de Marius : un état des lieux

Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments — 2019 — WHEDBAAEEB032

Recent research has shed new light on the ancient port system of the Gulf of Fos, a crucial yet understudied component of the Roman colony of Arles. Through a collective research program, scholars synthesized existing documentation and conducted field investigations near Pointe de Saint-Gervais in Fos-sur-Mer, alongside artifact studies and navigation analyses. This work has enabled a reinterpretation of historical data and opened avenues for further exploration, particularly regarding the role of the Canal de Marius in maritime trade during the early Roman Empire.

Le tourisme de savoir-faire, moteur de développement territorial ? : Le cas de la région de Baalbek-Hermel au Liban

Baalbek — 2019 — WHE2930BC7E4F

The region of Baalbek-Hermel in Lebanon has undergone significant transformation, shifting from a marginalized and economically struggling area to one with potential for sustainable development through heritage tourism. This study identifies the unique economic, social, and cultural characteristics of the region, highlighting its rich traditional crafts and agricultural heritage. By proposing a model for a heritage tourism route—specifically a 'Route des Savoir-Faire' (Route of Crafts)—the research aims to leverage local expertise while addressing current challenges. The approach combines field studies with territorial development strategies, offering a blueprint for balancing heritage preservation, economic growth, and community engagement in a UNESCO World Heritage context.

Le village industriel modèle de Saltaire : condition des ouvriers du textile et réformes sociales à Bradford entre 1853 et 1880

Saltaire — 2019 — WHE7EC1D61257

Saltaire, the model industrial village founded by Titus Salt in Yorkshire, stands as a pioneering example of social experimentation addressing urban challenges during rapid 19th-century industrialization. This study reveals that Saltaire's reforms, initiated in 1853, were not isolated but part of broader social reform movements in Bradford between 1850 and 1880. By analyzing the interplay of economic pressures, political influences, and religious factors, the research demonstrates how Saltaire actively contributed to improving workers' conditions in the woolen textile industry. The study highlights the village's innovative role in advancing social welfare while contextualizing its achievements within the larger reformist landscape of Bradford.

Learning to Notice: Light and Shadow, from Chauvet Cave to Plato’s Cave and Beyond

Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche — 2019 — WHEA183A28DB2

A heightened awareness of reality emerges through the interplay of light and shadow, as demonstrated by the artistic accomplishments in Chauvet Cave. This study reveals that human perception evolves not through intellectualization but through visual and pictorial advancements, particularly in how we engage with light and shadows within imagery itself. The installation of images like lions and bears on cave walls serves as a contrast between being guided by the world and by other forms of association, illustrating how image-making teaches us what is real. This approach challenges traditional notions of reality, emphasizing the role of artistic representation in shaping human understanding.

Lecanorchis moritae (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), a new mycoheterotrophic species from Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, based on morphological and molecular data

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHE070C843E26

Researchers have identified Lecanorchis moritae, a new mycoheterotrophic orchid species from Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. This discovery was made through detailed morphological and molecular analysis, distinguishing it from the closely related Lecanorchis suginoana by key traits such as its transversely elliptic midlobe, triangular leaf margins with reddish apices, and a lip adorned with white and purple hairs. The study also provides an illustration and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequence for the species, offering both visual and genetic documentation. This finding contributes to the understanding of orchid diversity in Japan's Ryukyu Islands and highlights the importance of molecular data in species identification.

Left atrial appendage rupture due to blunt chest trauma in an Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2019 — WHE4E586CD0F3

A rare case of left atrial appendage rupture due to blunt chest trauma was documented in an adult male Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) found dead near a roadside. The necropsy, conducted as part of the RECAL project studying otters in Italy's Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, revealed severe hemothorax, pulmonary contusions, and hemopericardium with no other cardiac abnormalities. This is the first veterinary report of such a traumatic injury, which is also life-threatening in humans. The finding underscores the need for veterinary emergency care to consider blunt thoracic injuries as potential causes of cardiac rupture.

Lenin’s haunted house

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2019 — WHEB8F8FBBD15

Lenin’s Mausoleum, situated near the Kremlin and Red Square, serves as a symbol of post-Soviet Russia's struggle with its communist past. The study reveals that the preservation of Lenin’s embalmed body represents an attempt to halt or slow time, while also obscuring the violent legacy of his regime. This research identifies three interconnected patterns of post-Soviet memory: warped mourning for communism’s victims, the mausoleum as a sacred and haunted site, and the political theology underpinning Soviet and post-Soviet states. Unlike Stalin’s remains, which were buried in 1961, Lenin’s continued display complicates the re-evaluation of the October Revolution, Leninism, and the Soviet Union's creation, highlighting the difficulty of confronting this history.

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper: Reconstruction of the Room Using Reverse Geometric Perspective Processes

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2019 — WHE95F3F0903C

A novel geometric approach reveals the three-dimensional spatial principles underlying Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, offering a reverse perspective method to reconstruct the room’s 3D space from its 2D depiction. This study demonstrates how Leonardo’s masterpiece encodes complex architectural and mathematical relationships, providing insights into his creative process. By inverting traditional geometric perspective techniques, researchers reconstructed the room’s structure, bridging art and science with precision. The findings highlight the interplay between artistic intuition and rigorous mathematical principles in Renaissance art.

Les aménagements liturgiques des cathédrales de Genève, du v e au ix e siècle. Étude chronologique comparative

Cologne Cathedral — 2019 — WHE9B7E446C7F

A comparative study of liturgical arrangements in European cathedrals reveals that the southern cathedral of Geneva, alongside others such as Aosta and Cologne, exhibited early adoption of architectural elements like the solea and ambo between the 5th and 9th centuries. These features, initially emerging in Grado and Boppard, spread across Western Europe, often complementing or competing with open arrangements linking cathedrals to baptisteries. By the Carolingian period, Geneva's eastern church, expanded westward at the expense of its baptistery, mirrored liturgical reforms seen in Cologne, suggesting a shift toward centralized cathedral use influenced by Roman models like the Ordo Romanus IV. This research highlights the dynamic interplay between architectural evolution and liturgical practice during this transitional era.

Les anonymes de la conservation: Nature, contradiction et injustice dans l’Éthiopie contemporaine (Simien, 1963-2019)

Simien National Park — 2019 — WHED8904D3885

Global conservation efforts, particularly within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, often perpetuate social injustice by enforcing strict environmental protections that disproportionately affect local communities. A case study of Simien National Park in Ethiopia reveals how resettlement policies, driven by international conservation recommendations and authoritarian state influence, have displaced over 2500 inhabitants while continuing to impose fines or imprisonment on those remaining within the park for traditional land use practices. This research highlights the neo-Malthusian perspective promoted by global conservation institutions, which views African environments as both pristine and degraded—a paradox that undermines sustainable coexistence. Interviews with guards, farmers, and former residents expose the moral and political discrimination embedded in such policies, underscoring a broader trend where external conservation ethics marginalize local communities without addressing their economic or social needs.