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Positive and Negative Aspects in the Management of the Dacian Fortresses in the Orăștie Mountains Listed Among UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains — 2019 — WHE361CEA614A

Despite Romania's commitment to UNESCO's 1972 World Heritage Convention, the Dacian fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains—recognized for their universal value—face significant challenges due to inadequate management and enforcement. While Sarmizegetusa Regia, under local administration, has seen improvements such as security, preservation efforts, and visitor infrastructure, the other five fortresses lack legal administrators, management plans, and financial support, leading to decay, vandalism, and illegal archaeological poaching. The study highlights a stark contrast: Sarmizegetusa Regia meets UNESCO standards with structured oversight, while unmanaged sites suffer from ruined structures, invasive vegetation, and unresolved land ownership issues. This disparity underscores systemic failures in Romania's regulatory framework for heritage protection, including gaps in anti-poaching measures and urban planning integration.

Possible or Not: Parietal in the Swabian Jura?

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2019 — WHEF9B2A2B965

Despite the Swabian Jura's rich archaeological record, including Aurignacian ivory carvings and flutes, no Pleistocene parietal art has been documented there. While ochre traces on mobile artifacts suggest pigment use, their absence on cave walls raises questions about preservation or human activity. Geological processes like karstification may hinder paint longevity, and prolonged cave use could have destroyed any existing artwork, though remnants should persist if this were the case. A research gap persists due to the lack of systematic cave wall analysis. Current efforts leverage 3D cave recordings and advanced imaging techniques to systematically search for parietal art in known and potential new caves within the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

Post conflict reconstructions in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2019 — WHEB27ECF43D0

Post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly for UNESCO-listed cultural heritage sites, face significant challenges tied to economic conditions and refugee resettlement. A key finding is that while peace agreements aim to facilitate the return of refugees and restore destroyed heritage—such as the Kujundžiluk bazar near Mostar’s Old Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)—progress is hindered by societal attitudes toward preservation. The study highlights the impact of initiatives like 'Cultural Heritage Without Borders,' which, despite engagement, shows limited effectiveness in addressing these challenges due to underlying economic and social barriers.

Potential geographic distribution and habitat suitability of the Greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) in Iran

Lut Desert — 2019 — WHECF0B0E453E

A comprehensive study on the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in Iran reveals significant new insights into its geographic distribution and habitat suitability. The research, combining historical records with 41 newly identified localities primarily across Zagros and Elburz ranges, used Maximum Entropy modeling (MaxEnt) to predict potential habitats. Key environmental variables such as annual precipitation, minimum temperature of the coldest month, and winter quarter precipitation emerged as critical predictors. The model demonstrated high accuracy (AUC=0.845), highlighting favorable conditions in northwest Iran while indicating limited suitability in southern, eastern, and southeastern regions. Notably, the vast deserts of Dasht-e Lut and Dasht-e Kavir were found to be unsuitable habitats for this species, with no recorded presence.

Potential role of lava lizards as pollinators across the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2019 — WHECC7DB25AD7

Research reveals that Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus spp.) may play a significant but modest role as pollinators across the archipelago. Over three years, 8.4% of 296 sampled lizards carried pollen from at least 10 plant species, including both native and non-introduced plants, across seven lizard species and eight islands. While less dominant than birds or insects, this interaction suggests ecological importance for specific plants and ecosystems, particularly given the islands' diverse climates and functional traits.

Potosi

City of Potosí — 2019 — WHECD3A96E137

Potosí stands as a testament to the profound economic and social transformations wrought by colonial exploitation. The Cerro Rico, or 'Rich Hill,' became the world's greatest silver source in the 16th century, fueling global trade from Istanbul to Beijing. Kris Lane's interpretive history reveals Potosí's rise and decline, highlighting its role in shaping the world economy while detailing the environmental and social devastation caused by rampant colonial practices. The narrative brings to life the diverse inhabitants—from native workers and African slaves to elite merchants—offering a vivid portrayal of excess, hardship, and resilience during boom and bust periods.

Power and belief

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2019 — WHECB7EB17B20

Liangzhu society's power and belief system were intricately linked, with jade playing a pivotal role. The study of awl-shaped zhuixingqi objects revealed their significance as symbols of social power and religious faith. The research highlights how the control and use of jade resources were central to the establishment, consolidation, and expansion of Liangzhu's power structure. Spatial changes over time in the Liangzhu site cluster further illustrate this dynamic process. Notably, differences in jade use between male and female elite burials underscore the gendered aspects of power manifestation within this ancient society.

Prácticas mortuorias prehispánicas en Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2019 — WHE8A92D3C0D8

Prehispanic funeral practices in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, exhibited both continuity and change over time. While certain elements, such as burials within daily living spaces, remained consistent across different periods of occupation, the material accompaniments of the dead reflected evolving social dynamics. This suggests that while core aspects of mortuary rituals persisted, cultural adaptations mirrored broader societal shifts. The study synthesizes historical research from the early 20th century to analyze architectural and funerary evidence, offering insights into the cosmovision and cultural logic of these ancient communities.

Practicing on the re-construction study of “Can Chanh Dien” Palace, Hue Imperial City, Vietnam—world cultural heritage

Complex of Hué Monuments — 2019 — WHE53D6EFC231

A comprehensive reconstruction study of the 'Can Chanh Dien' (CCD) Palace within Hue Imperial City has successfully redefined its architectural proportions and basic dimensions. The research, conducted by Le and Truong (2019), employed historical document analysis, site surveys, dimensional analysis, traditional design methodology investigation, and old photography analysis to experimentally reconstruct the palace's plan and section. Originally built in 1804 as a primary working hall for the Nguyen dynasty emperors, the CCD Palace suffered complete destruction of its wooden frame and roofs during the Indochina War in 1947, leaving only its platform intact. This study provides critical insights into the architectural heritage of Hue Imperial City, contributing to the preservation and understanding of Vietnam's cultural legacy.

Pre-Columbian America

Taos Pueblo — 2019 — WHEE71D8722AE

Pre-Columbian trade routes in North America, including those connected to Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, demonstrated sophisticated long-distance connectivity without reliance on European technologies like the horse or wheeled conveyances. These routes linked Indigenous communities from Canada to the Mayan and Inca cultures, utilizing established trails, rivers, and trading centers along major waterways such as the St. Lawrence and Rio Grande. The research highlights how these pre-Columbian networks later formed the basis for colonial roads and settlements, revealing the enduring legacy of Indigenous trade systems in shaping North American geography and culture.

Preah Vihear Conflict and the Use of Military Force

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2019 — WHE7F14CF3CDD

A resurgence of territorial disputes over the UNESCO-listed Temple of Preah Vihear reignited conflict between Cambodia and Thailand after decades of dormancy, with military force becoming a key factor in resolving tensions. The study reveals that the 2008 conflict was driven by geopolitical dynamics, historical grievances, and strategic interests, with both nations escalating military actions despite ASEAN's diplomatic efforts. Analyzing the situation through realism theories, the research highlights how regional organizations struggled to mediate a dispute rooted in power struggles rather than purely territorial claims. The findings underscore the challenges of resolving long-standing conflicts when military force is deployed as a primary tool for negotiation.

Preah vihear project

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2019 — WHEBD4556C332

Researchers achieved the first complete 3D digitization of Preah Vihear Temple, a north-south-oriented Hindu site on the Cambodia-Thailand border. This breakthrough required novel hardware and software solutions to overcome challenges posed by the temple's size and cliffside location. The resulting high-resolution point-cloud data enabled analysis of its central axis direction, which was then interpreted through Khmer legends. Unlike most Angkor Dynasty sites oriented east-west, Preah Vihear's unique alignment offers new insights into architectural symbolism and regional cultural practices.

Predation on Endangered Species by Cats in the Northern Forests of Okinawa-Jima Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHE05A5B1F1CE

A significant predation pressure on native endemic vertebrates, particularly the endangered Okinawa spiny rat (Tokudaia muenninki), by domestic cats was identified in the northern forests of Okinawa-jima Island, Japan. The study analyzed 60 cat scats collected from route surveys and captured cats between 2013 and 2018, revealing that 61.1% contained traces of the spiny rat, with even higher prevalence (71.4%) in core routes near their distribution area. Ryukyu long-furred rats (Diplothrix legata) were also frequently detected, suggesting cats pose a substantial threat to these vulnerable species. The research highlights the need for targeted conservation measures to mitigate the impact of domestic cats on endangered wildlife in UNESCO-listed sites like Amami-Oshima and Iriomote Islands.

Predation on endangered species by human-subsidized domestic cats on Tokunoshima Island

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHE18B8197C71

A study on Tokunoshima Island reveals that human-subsidized domestic cats significantly contribute to predation pressure on endangered species, even when their diet is heavily reliant on artificial resources. Using fecal and stable isotope analyses, researchers found that while 20.1% of feral cat feces contained evidence of forest-living species, the cats' long-term dependence on human-provided food was more pronounced. The study also showed a strong correlation between cat diet and landscape variables, indicating that cats move from human-habituated areas to natural ones with high biodiversity. These findings suggest that anthropogenic feeding may indirectly exacerbate predation effects, highlighting the need for further demographic studies. Effective cat management should include not only trapping but also public education on reducing feeding of free-ranging cats and keeping pet cats indoors.

Predatory fish invasion induces within and across ecosystem effects in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2019 — WHEB3F2ED7BE6

The introduction of predatory lake trout into Yellowstone Lake triggered profound and far-reaching ecological changes, extending beyond the aquatic environment to impact terrestrial food webs. Over four decades (1972–2017), this invasion led to a dramatic decline in native prey fish, particularly Yellowstone cutthroat trout, while altering plankton assemblages within the lake and reducing nutrient transport to tributary streams. The effects crossed ecosystem boundaries, compelling grizzly and black bears to seek alternative foods and causing significant declines in osprey nest density and success. Bald eagles adjusted their diets to compensate for the loss of cutthroat trout, underscoring the cascading impacts of invasive species on pristine ecosystems. This study highlights how predatory fish introductions can disrupt multiple trophic levels, both within and across ecosystems.

Predicting the Invasion Risk of Miconia calvescens in the Marquesas Islands (South Pacific): A Modeling Approach

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2019 — WHE291AF4C487

Miconia calvescens, a notorious invasive plant species, poses a significant threat to the biodiversity of the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). Modeling predicts its potential spread across all inhabited islands, with particularly high risk on Nuku Hiva and Fatu Hiva, where it could occupy up to half and a third of their surfaces, respectively. The study used MAXENT modeling based on over 3,000 occurrence records from both native and introduced ranges, incorporating climate variables at a 1 km scale and topographic variables at a 10 m scale. This approach provides critical data for stakeholders to implement early warning systems and control strategies, preventing potential ecological damage without strong biosecurity measures.

Prehistoric Landscapes as a Source of Ontological Security for the Present Day

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2019 — WHE11D648ED33

Prehistoric landscapes, such as those found at Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Sites in Wiltshire, UK, significantly contribute to ontological security and existential wellbeing for present-day individuals. This study builds on Grenville's (2007) theory that the built historic environment fosters individual ontological security by exploring qualitative research findings from these prehistoric landscapes. The research suggests that these sites have a profound impact on personal wellbeing, offering a sense of stability and continuity that is crucial for existential security.

Preliminary research on potential raw material sources for dolomitic lime mortars at St. John's convent at Müstair, Switzerland

Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair — 2019 — WHED73FF0A638

Research on the Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair reveals that while dolomitic rocks were likely the primary raw material for historic lime mortars, their high variability in crystal size and fabric makes them unreliable as direct indicators for provenance studies. However, the presence of silicate phases in underburnt relics may serve as potential proxies. The study combined Polarizing Light Microscopy (PLM) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analysis to investigate textural features and mineralogical composition, providing new insights into the historical construction practices of the Val Müstair region.

Preservation and tourism in Tunisia: on the colonial past in the neocolonial present

Medina of Tunis — 2019 — WHE0B8FE81F9B

Neocolonial influences persist in Tunisia's heritage management and tourism, despite the decline of overt colonial ties. The study examines how contemporary preservation practices and tourist experiences in Tunis, such as curated medina walking tours, the renovation of Avenue Bourguiba, and the expansion of the Bardo Museum, reflect sustained foreign influence through international development loans, professional exchanges, and tourism programs. Rather than rejecting these practices, the research advocates for a nuanced debate on their impact, conservation approaches, and potential alternatives for Tunisia's rapidly evolving heritage landscape.

Preservation in the Dark: Current Trends and Future Prospects for Son et Lumiere in China

Fujian Tulou — 2019 — WHE8544C6662A

Effective son et lumière shows can significantly enhance the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by creating immersive experiences that engage audiences and convey historical and cultural information without altering the physical structure. A study analyzing three prominent cases in China—Fujian Tulou, Nanjing’s City Wall, and Macao’s St. Paul’s Ruins—reveals that prioritizing content to accurately represent a site’s characteristics, values, and attractions is crucial for success. The research identifies key strengths and weaknesses in these shows while establishing criteria for future improvements. With nocturnal tourism growth and government support, son et lumière remains a vital trend in China, offering potential for deeper audience engagement and heritage preservation through innovative storytelling.