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Management Models of Sustainable Conservation for the Socio-economic Development of Local Communities : a case study of the fortifications of Famagusta, Cyprus and other fortified cities in the Eastern Mediterranean

City of Valletta — 2019 — WHEC8D81CEE10

This study reveals that sustainable conservation of historic fortifications can drive economic development, as demonstrated by four out of five fortified cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it also highlights a critical trade-off: while these management models succeed in preserving cultural heritage and boosting tourism, they fail to sustain local communities within the walls due to rapid population decline and loss of social services. The research employs comparative case studies—including Famagusta (Cyprus), Istanbul, Acre, Rhodes, Dubrovnik, and Valletta—to analyze governance structures, conservation practices, and socio-economic impacts. Quantitative data on tourism growth, population shifts, and service provision reveal the tension between economic and social development. The study proposes actionable insights for Famagusta, balancing heritage preservation with community revitalization through improved management frameworks.

Management zonation and its implementation at a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a case study for the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2019 — WHE9BAC203AB1

Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) underwent significant management changes to address visitor pressure and infrastructural development. The new Management Plan, implemented after the previous one expired in 2017, introduced a refined zonation system to better conserve biodiversity and geodiversity while enhancing visitor experiences. This approach increased the Strict Conservation Zone by 13.9% but reduced the Active Management Zone due to succession and habitat degradation, particularly in grasslands. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) methodology was used to define six visitor experience classes, ensuring a balance between conservation needs and recreational opportunities. The study demonstrates how adaptive management strategies can protect fragile ecosystems while accommodating human activities.

Managing Marine Protected Areas in Remote Areas: The Case of the Subantarctic Heard and McDonald Islands

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2019 — WHE1E4D52856C

The Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Marine Reserve, one of the world's most remote marine protected areas (MPAs), has successfully balanced sustainable fisheries with biodiversity conservation. Despite its harsh conditions and isolation, the reserve has seen no illegal fishing since 2006/07, thanks to collaboration between managers and the fishing industry. Commercial fishers actively monitor the area, report infringements, and conduct annual ecological surveys, providing critical data for environmental tracking. This partnership, underpinned by secure fishing rights, demonstrates that remote MPAs can achieve conservation outcomes when governance integrates industry participation and robust monitoring. The study highlights the potential for similar models in other remote large MPAs, offering a blueprint for cost-effective conservation strategies.

Managing St John's - working for the greater good.

City of Valletta — 2019 — WHE68ECCA6A3B

A transformative approach to heritage management, exemplified by St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, demonstrates the power of vision and holistic planning in revitalizing a historically significant site. The cathedral, once in dilapidated condition, was restored to its rightful grandeur through synchronized capital works and daily management, ensuring its preservation for future generations. A key innovation, the 'pay or pray' system, leveraged entry fees to fund restoration efforts, blending tourism revenue with religious significance. This case study underscores the potential of integrated strategies in cultural heritage conservation.

Manganese Mineralization in Mesozoic Siliceous Deposits of the Central Sikhote-Alin and Nadanhada-Alin

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2019 — WHE0BE346805D

A new characterization of Mesozoic stratiform iron-manganese formations in the Central Sikhote-Alin and Nadanhada-Alin regions reveals distinct mineralization patterns. Primary Jurassic ores, found as interlayers within clay-siliceous sequences, consist of aggregates of manganese and iron oxide-group minerals like psilomelane-pyrolusite and goethite, alongside detrital quartz and accessory minerals such as sphalerite, galena, and cassiterite. In contrast, vein ores from the Glubinnoe region exhibit spessartine and rhodonite forming veins and breccia cements, with manganese oxides occurring as oxidation products of primary hydrothermal-silicate and carbonate minerals under hypergene conditions. Notably, stratiform ores contain cobalt, nickel, zinc, and lead, whereas vein ores lack these elements, which instead appear in sulfides and sulfoarsenides like Co-gersdorffite and Ni-cobaltite. This study provides the first detailed description of these formations, offering insights into their genesis and mineralogical diversity.

Manganese Mineralization in the Mesozoic Siliceous Deposits of the Central Sikhote-Alin and Nadanhada-Alin

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2019 — WHEA4387FE84F

Researchers have documented the first characterization of stratiform ferromanganese deposits and vein manganese ores within Mesozoic chert formations in Central Sikhote-Alin (Katen River, J3) and Nadanhada-Alin (Khuntseling settlement, J2–3), as well as a vein manganese deposit at Glubinny (central Sikhote-Alin). These deposits contain distinct mineral assemblages: stratiform ores feature Mn and Fe oxides (psilomelane–pyrolusite group) alongside eroded sialic rock products and accessory minerals, while vein ores exhibit spessartine, rhodonite, and supergene manganese oxide crusts. Notably, the latter lack Co, Ni, Zn, and Pb, which are present in sulfide and sulfoarsenide phases of stratiform ores. The study also identifies a range of additional minerals, including magnetite, barite, chalcopyrite, and intermetallic compounds, highlighting the complex mineralization processes in these regions.

Mangrove lagoons of the Great Barrier Reef support coral populations persisting under extreme environmental conditions

Great Barrier Reef — 2019 — WHE01ABC5D736

Researchers have identified two extreme mangrove lagoons on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) that support taxonomically diverse coral populations thriving under conditions of low pH (<7.6), low oxygen (<1 mg l-1), and highly variable temperatures (>7°C). These environments, which mimic predicted seawater conditions for the coming century, act as hot-spots of resilience for corals, challenging current understanding of their stress tolerance mechanisms. The study found that coral cover in these lagoons was typically low but patchy, with established colonies present. Physiological plasticity and flexibility in Symbiodiniaceae taxa associations were crucial in supporting coral survival. The research highlights the ecosystem service value of mangrove lagoons for corals, spanning from refuge to stress preconditioning, and underscores the need to study such extreme environments to better understand coral resilience.

Mangroves in the Galapagos islands: Distribution and dynamics

Galápagos Islands — 2019 — WHE4AB69FBBC0

Mangrove forests in the Galápagos Islands cover approximately 3,657 hectares, accounting for 35% of the coastline. A recent study revealed that 80% of this mangrove cover is concentrated on Isabela Island, with 90% located in the western and central south-eastern bioregions. The research utilized high-resolution Google Earth imagery to map mangroves, achieving a classification accuracy of 99.1% when validated against field data. On-screen digitization proved significantly more accurate than semi-automated methods, with Maximum Likelihood Classification yielding the best results among automated techniques. Between 2004 and 2014, mangrove coverage increased by 24%, primarily through the expansion of existing patches rather than the formation of new ones. The study also suggests that mangrove cover and growth may be inversely proportional to the geological age of the islands, though other factors such as nutrient availability, currents, and wave exposure could also influence this pattern.

Manufacturing Techniques of Ancient Metal Buddha Statues from Archaeological Sites in Bagan, Myanmar

Pyu Ancient Cities — 2019 — WHE796704B8F0

Ancient metal Buddha statues from Bagan, Myanmar, reveal distinct manufacturing techniques and alloy compositions spanning different dynasties. Statues from the Pyu city state (2nd to 9th century) are primarily composed of Cu-Sn alloys with high tin content (16-25 wt%) but no lead, suggesting advanced metallurgical practices without heat treatment beyond casting. In contrast, statues from the Bagan dynasty (5th to 13th century) and Konbaung dynasty (18th century) incorporate ternary Cu-Sn-Pb alloys with heterogeneous distributions of lead and tin, indicating evolving techniques over time. A silver Buddha statue from the 18th century uniquely includes copper (>1 wt%) without additional metallic components. The study analyzed nine statues using archaeological methods to identify alloy compositions and manufacturing processes, providing insights into the technological sophistication and continuity of metalworking traditions in ancient Myanmar.

Mapping heritage digitally for tourism: an example of Vall de Boí, Catalonia, Spain

Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí — 2019 — WHE68558E82FF

Digital preservation techniques, such as video mapping, have successfully restored and showcased medieval Romanesque paintings in the Catalan Pyrenees, revitalizing tourism in the Vall de Boí region. The study highlights how digital architectural design can enhance heritage experiences, particularly in lesser-visited destinations like this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A project called Taüll 1123, launched in 2013, demonstrated that technology-driven interventions can significantly boost local tourism while preserving cultural heritage. Using a qualitative approach, the research underscores the potential of digital tools to reinterpret and promote understudied historical sites.

Mapping Recent Lava Flows at Mount Etna Using Multispectral Sentinel-2 Images and Machine Learning Techniques

Mount Etna — 2019 — WHE14BFBABD22

A novel machine learning classifier achieves high accuracy in mapping recent lava flows at Mount Etna using multispectral Sentinel-2 imagery, addressing challenges in distinguishing fresh from older lava fields. The method leverages bands 2, 3, 4, and 8 (10 m resolution) to automatically classify pixels based on reflectance properties, validated against ground measurements of 2017–2018 eruptions. This approach offers a scalable solution for monitoring hazardous volcanic events with moderate-resolution satellite data, enhancing predictive capabilities for lava flow behavior.

Mapping Tasmania's cultural landscapes: Using habitat suitability modelling of archaeological sites as a landscape history tool

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2019 — WHE6ED1E7A675

Habitat suitability modelling reveals that Tasmanian Aboriginal people occupied diverse environments, particularly targeting coastal areas and drier, less steep habitats across central, northern, and eastern Tasmania. The western interior, including parts of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, was rarely used during the Holocene, suggesting low-density settlement in this region. This study leverages RandomForest and MaxEnt models to analyze archaeological site records from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Heritage Register, incorporating 31 predictor variables such as climate, topography, and resource proximity. The findings highlight the need for further archaeological surveys to validate these patterns, offering new insights into past human landscape use in Tasmania.

Mapping the historical places: A case study of promoting tourism in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2019 — WHE06A11F60A9

A spatial database of historic sites in Jeddah's Al-Balad district, developed through GIS mapping and photographic surveys, has been successfully integrated with historical records to create an online platform aimed at promoting tourism while preserving UNESCO-listed heritage. This approach addresses the challenges faced by Al-Balad since 1947, offering a sustainable model for balancing cultural conservation with economic growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for tourism development.

Mapping the Memory of Luther: Place and Confessional Identity in the Later Reformation*

Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg — 2019 — WHE5B8EC7F10D

A 1571 map of Mansfeld, Luther’s birthplace, created by Johannes Mellinger and Tilemann Stella, serves as more than a geographical representation—it functions as a tool for memory-making and the memorialization of Lutheran identity during a critical period in Reformation history. The map integrates historical details, quotations, and references to Luther’s life, reimagining space to validate Lutheranism while addressing tensions between tradition and novelty. This composite approach historicized and reconceptualized landscapes, offering an alternative narrative for second-generation Lutherans to grapple with the loss of the Wittenberg reformer and secure their confessional future. The study highlights how spatial representation in early modern Europe was instrumental in shaping collective memory and validating religious identity.

Maria Adelaide Miranda Alicia Miguélez CaveroPortuguese Studies on Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts

Monastery of Alcobaça — 2019 — WHEDE495F4BCE

Researchers developed 'colour mapping,' a novel methodology to analyze pigments in medieval illuminated manuscripts, revealing insights into the origin and technical sophistication of substances used by 12th- and 13th-century Portuguese scriptoria. The study examined 38 manuscripts from three monasteries—São Mamede do Lorvão, Santa Maria de Alcobaça, and Santa Cruz de Coimbra—and identified patterns in pigment use, including the presence of expensive materials and specialized techniques. This approach provides a deeper understanding of medieval artistic practices and conservation strategies.

Marine biodiversity in Ha Long bay and Cat Ba archipelago

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2019 — WHE8F9962777E

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam's largest limestone island system, exhibits exceptional marine biodiversity with 4,622 species of plants and animals, including 16 on the Vietnam Red List and 114 on the IUCN List. This diversity spans seven tropical limestone ecosystems—rainforest, cave, mangrove, tidal, coral reef, and soft-bottom—highlighting its global conservation value under UNESCO criteria (ix and x). The study, analyzing both terrestrial and marine species distribution, underscores the site's potential as a World Heritage Site due to its high endemism and rare species presence. Research involved systematic species documentation, emphasizing ecological significance for heritage designation.

Marine biodiversity research in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan: current status and trends

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHE20FF6A4E53

Marine biodiversity research in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, reveals significant gaps and biases that hinder conservation efforts. The study found that research is heavily concentrated on certain taxa (e.g., Pisces, Cnidaria) and sub-regions with larger human populations or marine research stations, such as Okinawa and Yaeyama, while understudied areas like Tokara, Miyako, Yakutane, and Amami Oshima lack adequate data. Additionally, the Ryukyu Islands lag behind other major coral reef regions in studies on critical topics like marine protected areas and herbivory, despite their high endemism and anthropogenic threats. The analysis of 1995-2017 Web of Science literature and OBIS records highlights the need for broader, more equitable research to address these gaps and protect critically endangered species.

Mark Rice. Making Machu Picchu: The Politics of Tourism in Twentieth-Century Peru.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu — 2019 — WHEC07D7BE6E7

Machu Picchu's rise as a global tourism icon is shaped by a complex interplay of indigenismo, local ambition, and foreign influence, according to Mark Rice's study. This work reveals how the site's development in 20th-century Peru was not merely an archaeological discovery but a strategic effort to brand it as a symbol of national identity and regional pride. Rice's research, grounded in extensive local archives, guidebooks, and personal collections, challenges conventional narratives by emphasizing the political and cultural dynamics that transformed Machu Picchu from a relatively obscure ruin into one of South America's most significant heritage attractions. Unlike earlier tourism studies focused on coastal destinations, this study highlights the unique trajectory of high-altitude archaeological sites in shaping Latin American tourism.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Medina of Marrakesh — 2019 — WHEF79E6BFCC8

Marrakesh, the second-largest city in Morocco and one of its four imperial cities, stands as a testament to historical significance and architectural grandeur. Situated at the northern foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, its medina was recognized for its outstanding universal value in 1985 by UNESCO, solidifying its status as a World Heritage Site. This designation underscores its cultural, historical, and architectural importance, reflecting centuries of Moroccan heritage and urban development.

Martin Luther defies Frederick the Wise: A letter from Borna, 1522

Wartburg Castle — 2019 — WHEB64C66151B

A letter penned by Martin Luther during his return from Wartburg Castle to Wittenberg in 1522 offers profound insights into individual freedom and Luther's strategic thinking. Dated March 5, 1522, the document stands out as a world-historical testament to Luther's defiance against Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony. The letter exemplifies artful speech and tactical reasoning, providing a unique perspective on the complexities of early modern European history. This analysis delves into the significance of the letter, highlighting its role in shaping historical narratives around individual autonomy and political defiance.