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Cooking Ware pottery from the “Hellenistic” House at Nea Paphos. Seasons 2014 and 2016

Paphos — 2018 — WHE1D70CE71EA

A selection of cooking ware pottery, primarily dating to the early Roman period and predominantly produced on Cyprus, was excavated from the fill under the main courtyard of the 'Hellenistic' House at Nea Paphos–Maloutena during seasons 2014 and 2016. The study reveals that while Cypriot production dominated, imports were also present, originating from the Aegean, Italy, the Levant, and Egypt. This suggests a diverse trade network and cultural exchange in the region during this period. The research approach involved detailed excavation and analysis of pottery fragments, providing insights into the material culture and economic interactions of Nea Paphos during the early Roman era.

Cooperative post-disaster reconstruction of Xijie historic quarter, China

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2018 — WHEE4999129F5

A cooperative post-disaster reconstruction project successfully restored the Xijie historic quarter, located in the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Dujiangyan Irrigation System,' after severe damage from the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The initiative, spanning from 2009 to 2013, revitalized an area covering 4.03 hectares where 80% of buildings were rendered non-functional. This case study highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in preserving cultural heritage while ensuring post-disaster resilience. The approach involved a structured reconstruction process that balanced historical integrity with modern functional requirements, demonstrating a model for sustainable recovery in disaster-affected historic areas.

Copper uptake in an organic vineyard treated with different soil amendments

Wachau Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHEAC5A137780

Organic vineyards, particularly those in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Wachau Cultural Landscape, face copper contamination due to long-term use of copper-based fungicides. This study found that while white clover absorbs more copper than grass, earthworms do not show significant differences in uptake across treatments. Among soil amendments tested—compost and biochar—biochar most effectively reduced copper bioavailability, though this did not translate to measurable differences in plant or earthworm copper content between treated and untreated plots. The research used atomic absorption spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to quantify and map copper distribution within organisms, providing insights into potential remediation strategies for copper-contaminated vineyard soils.

Coral connectivity between equatorial eastern Pacific marine protected areas: A biophysical modeling approach

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2018 — WHE2B810CBBEC

Marine protected areas (MPAs) in the equatorial eastern Pacific form a relatively well-connected network for coral reefs, with at least 40% of coral larvae annually settling within MPA boundaries. Critical hubs like Malpelo and Gorgona islands serve as stepping-stones between coastal and offshore MPAs, such as the Galapagos Islands, while Cocos Island exhibits low resilience potential. The study used a Lagrangian particle-tracking algorithm coupled with ocean-circulation modeling to assess connectivity under two pelagic larval duration (PLD) scenarios (40 and 130 days), revealing quasi-unidirectional larval flow from coastal to oceanic MPAs. Resilient MPAs, including Coiba and Malpelo, rely on subsidiary recruitment from coastal regions of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. The findings underscore the importance of integrating coastal MPAs into regional conservation initiatives like the Marine Conservation Corridor of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (MCCETP) to ensure coral reef resilience.

Corrupt(ing) Borders: Navigating Urban Immigration Policing in Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2018 — WHEDDE6C1B7EF

Corruption is not just a feature of border enforcement but actively shapes the border itself, influencing its performance and logic. In George Town, Malaysia, migrants strategically use bribery to evade arrests and deportation, revealing how corrupt practices distort immigration policing. This study challenges conventional views on borders by demonstrating that they are not fixed demarcations but dynamic constructs shaped by everyday bordering practices. Fieldwork in George Town uncovered how corruption influences the enforcement of internal borders, affecting when, where, and why migrants face control. The findings highlight the need to recognize corruption as both a component and a performative element of border dynamics.

Cosmovisiones: Encuentros y distancias. Una experiencia etnográfica en comunidades indígenas del Totonacapan veracruzano, México. El caso de San Antonio Ojital y de El Tajín

El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City — 2018 — WHE32085CCA91

This ethnographic study reveals the complex interplay of cosmovisiones (worldviews) among indigenous Totonac communities in Veracruz, Mexico, highlighting how these perspectives shape identities, experiences of violence, and migration patterns. The research, conducted in San Antonio Ojital and El Tajín, employs participatory observation to capture daily interactions and recurring conversations, uncovering the plural and diverse nature of local worldviews. By focusing on the encounters and distances between researchers and participants, the study provides a nuanced understanding of how cultural narratives evolve within these communities.

Costumes, tradições e usos dos adolescentes da cidade de Barreirinhas (MA): há influências comportamentais dos visitantes?

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2018 — WHEEC18CF177D

A study reveals that adolescents in Barreirinhas, Maranhão—located near the UNESCO-listed Lençóis Maranhenses National Park—are increasingly adopting behaviors influenced by visitors. The research, conducted through structured questionnaires with students at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, found evidence of behavioral imitation, where new habits introduced by tourists are replacing local traditions. This suggests a dynamic cultural exchange driven by tourism, raising questions about the long-term impact on indigenous practices in gateway communities to World Heritage Sites.

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Sian Ka'an — 2018 — WHE70346526D3

A striking cover image from Conservation Biology showcases the juvenile French angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico. The photograph, captured by renowned conservation photographer Keith Ellenbogen, underscores the region's ecological significance while advocating for its preservation. Ellenbogen's work, supported by partnerships with the Society for Conservation Biology and the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), merges art and science to communicate critical conservation messages. His approach combines underwater photography with a focus on environmental storytelling, aiming to foster global awareness and action for biodiversity protection. The image serves as both a visual representation of Sian Ka'an's marine diversity and a call to address the challenges threatening its ecosystems.

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Purnululu National Park — 2018 — WHECB1EC3D12F

Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Western Australia's Kimberley region, showcases the interplay between biological and geological processes. The unique banding on its karst formations is influenced by cyanobacteria and lichenized fungi, yet these fungi remain poorly studied. Collaborative research involving professional and amateur mycologists, alongside Indigenous custodians like the Gija and Jaru peoples, aims to unravel their ecological roles. Such studies are crucial for conserving both biotic and abiotic features of the park, offering insights applicable to other natural areas. The cover photograph by Art Wolfe underscores the importance of visual storytelling in conservation efforts.

Coverage of Current Issues in Cultural and Artistic Life of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2018 — WHE2DD72C842D

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra stands as a cornerstone of Ukrainian religious, artistic, and cultural heritage, serving as both a spiritual center and an educational institution for generations of artists and cultural workers. This study underscores its enduring significance in shaping Ukraine's cultural landscape, while also addressing contemporary challenges faced by the site. The research employs qualitative analysis to explore the Lavra's multifaceted role, examining its contributions to art, science, and religious life. By synthesizing historical and current perspectives, the article provides a nuanced understanding of the Lavra's impact on Ukrainian culture, highlighting both its achievements and ongoing struggles in preserving its legacy.

Crespi D'Adda. Paesaggio, Programma, Progetto. Dal macchinismo alla vita liquida, questioni di entropia

Crespi d'Adda — 2018 — WHE232E64007E

Crespi d'Adda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of a 19th-century industrial village, is perceived as a relic of its past rather than a dynamic, evolving landscape. However, this perception overlooks the site's ongoing historical and geographical significance. The study argues that Crespi d'Adda's unique landscape, shaped by over a century of industrial activity, remains a living entity with untold narratives waiting to be rediscovered. It challenges the notion of the site as a static ruin, proposing instead that its evolution reflects complex interactions between human and natural forces. The research emphasizes the need for systematic interventions to make this 'landscape in becoming' more readable and coherent, positioning Crespi d'Adda as a valuable laboratory for urban studies, architecture, and cultural innovation. It also highlights the role of labor in shaping social identity within the village, suggesting that reintegrating work as a cultural medium could revitalize the community's sense of belonging.

Crimes against cultural heritage in Timbuktu

Timbuktu — 2018 — WHE9993F48418

The first prosecution for the destruction of cultural sites as a war crime at the International Criminal Court (ICC) involved Timbuktu. This landmark case underscores the significance of protecting such sites during conflicts and highlights their role in shaping national identity and historical narratives. The study examines the historical relationship between Mali and UNESCO, as well as the cultural and religious heritage of Timbuktu, to contextualize the destruction within an ongoing dialogue about Mali's future. It also explores the broader implications for anthropological studies of material culture, challenging traditional understandings of people's connections to sites and objects.

Critical loads of sulfur and nitrogen and modeled effects of deposition reduction for forested ecosystems of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2018 — WHED7DC36967B

Great Smoky Mountains National Park's forested ecosystems are highly vulnerable to sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) deposition, which can harm vegetation and aquatic life. Research reveals that current deposition levels exceed critical thresholds at three of four studied sites when using protective chemical criteria like aluminum to base cations (Al:Bc) = 0.1 or no decrease in base saturation. Modeling shows that even drastic reductions—48% for S and 56% for nitrate (NO₃⁻)—fail to meet critical thresholds for acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) or prevent soil acidification. Only a 90% reduction in both S and NO₃⁻ deposition achieves ANC = 100 μeq L⁻¹ at one site, underscoring the severity of N saturation in upper sites. The study emphasizes the need for stringent chemical criteria to protect sensitive ecosystems when setting deposition reduction targets.

Critical snow density threshold for Dall’s sheep (Ovis dalli dalli)

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2018 — WHE8BD4D37792

Researchers identify a critical snow density threshold of 329 ± 18 kg/m³, above which the snowpack supports the mass of Dall’s sheep (Ovis dalli dalli), significantly influencing their winter movement and energetic costs. This finding suggests that changing snow conditions, potentially linked to recent population declines, could have profound implications for the species' survival in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The study analyzed track sink depths in relation to top layer snow density (0–10 cm), sheep age class, and other snow properties, revealing that snow depth and hardness were poor predictors compared to density. This threshold provides a key insight for predicting the consequences of altering snowpack conditions on wildlife.

Crop wild relatives seed conservation at Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park — 2018 — WHE84A42CF245

A critical case at Kakadu National Park highlights the importance of thorough pre-clearing surveys and expert ecological consultation in infrastructure projects to prevent misidentification of threatened species, which can have significant biodiversity impacts. The study underscores that proactive involvement of skilled consultants throughout project phases—planning, design, and construction—can effectively balance development needs with threatened plant conservation. It also notes the potential for capacity-building initiatives, such as those involving Indigenous traditional owners and international collaborators, to enhance long-term conservation efforts in regions like Kakadu.

Cruise Tourism and Sustainability in the Mediterranean. Destination Venice

Venice and its Lagoon — 2018 — WHE1A644E8AD4

Cruise tourism, despite its rapid growth and apparent adoption of sustainable practices, poses significant environmental and societal challenges, particularly for fragile ecosystems like Venice's lagoon. The study highlights that while the cruise industry has embraced sustainability paradigms, critical issues persist, including differing perspectives among stakeholders—such as tourists, cruise companies, local authorities, and conservation groups—which complicate efforts to balance demand with ecological preservation. Venice's unique legislative framework and ongoing debates about cruise ships in its lagoon serve as a case study illustrating the complexities of achieving sustainable tourism. The research underscores the need for coordinated strategies to mitigate negative impacts while sustaining economic benefits.

Crust and Upper Mantle Structure of the Southern Sikhote-Alin Along the Profile Spassk-Dalnyi–Zerkal’naya Bay from Magnetotelluric Sounding Data

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2018 — WHE9EAD74D134

Researchers have uncovered significant insights into the crust and upper mantle structure of the southern Sikhote-Alin Orogenic Belt (SAOB) using magnetotelluric sounding (MTS) data. The study, conducted along the Spassk-Dalnyi–Zerkal’naya Bay profile, revealed a complex geoelectric section with variable resistivity zones in the crust and upper mantle, extending down to 150 km depth. Notably, low-resistivity zones associated with ore deposits were identified in the upper crust, while the upper mantle exhibited nonuniform resistivity, with the lowest values observed between 40–80 km beneath the central SAOB. This structure is linked to an ancient subduction zone, and the study also evaluated the temperature regime in the upper mantle and proposed a geodynamic evolution model for the region. The findings contribute to understanding the deep geological processes shaping this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cryptic diversity of stygobiotic shrimp genus Xiphocaridinella Sadowsky, 1930 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae): the first case of species co-occurrence in the same cave system in the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2018 — WHE41F8E95B4B

Researchers have uncovered the first documented case of species co-occurrence among stygobiotic (cave-dwelling) shrimp in the Western Caucasus, revealing two distinct genetic lineages within the genus Xiphocaridinella inhabiting neighboring karst caves. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the isolation of cave-adapted species. The study employed DNA barcoding to identify cryptic diversity and described a new species alongside a morphological re-description of Xiphocaridinella ablaskiri. Additionally, it analyzed COI mtDNA data to contextualize Western Caucasian Xiphocaridinella species within broader stygobiotic shrimp co-occurrence patterns.

Cultural Encounter in the Mortuary Landscape of a Tiwanaku Colony, Moquegua, Peru (AD 650–1100)

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2018 — WHE1FCEAC1E28

Archaeological research at the Tiwanaku colony of Omo M10, Moquegua, Peru, reveals that cultural encounters between highland and coastal groups during AD 650–1100 did not necessarily lead to significant culture change. Instead, interactions were largely confined to mortuary rituals, reflecting a ritualized approach to culture contact. This study demonstrates that even in the absence of widespread cultural transformation, such encounters can still be identified through careful regional historical analysis and contextual examination. The findings suggest that later generations of Tiwanaku colonists may have reinitiated contact with coastal communities for resource access and integration, providing a framework for understanding non-transformative cultural exchanges.

Cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation – plant introduction and practical restoration on ancient burial mounds

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2018 — WHE48FFC178DA

A combination of seed sowing and transplanting greenhouse-grown plants proved most effective for reintroducing grassland species to ancient burial mounds, balancing cost-efficiency with higher establishment rates. Large-seeded species thrived when sown directly, while a broader range of species established better from transplants, though adult transplanting was more reliable but labor-intensive. Intensive management practices like heavy mowing or grazing should be avoided in the early years post-introduction to ensure successful establishment. This study demonstrates that integrating cultural heritage conservation with biodiversity restoration can revitalize traditional landscapes and restore cultural ecosystem services, offering a sustainable approach for preserving iconic steppe monuments.