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Impact of changes in lightning fire incidence on the values of the Tasmanian wilderness world heritage area

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2018 — WHE637B1943C4

A shift from arson to lightning as the primary cause of fire in Tasmania since 1980 threatens unique ecosystems and Aboriginal cultural landscapes within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Lightning-caused fires endanger highly fire-sensitive species, organosols, and palaeoendemic plants, while simultaneously reducing burning in fire-dependent vegetation types. The study highlights the need for increased planned burning of fire-tolerant and fire-requiring vegetation, alongside improved ignition suppression, rapid response capabilities, and lightning fire detection to preserve World Heritage values.

Impact of industrial phosphate waste discharge on the marine environment in the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia)

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2018 — WHEE294FD26F2

Industrial phosphate waste discharge from the Gabes phosphate industry in Tunisia significantly impacts marine environments, leading to severe pollution and eutrophication in the Gulf of Gabes. Unlike the eastern coast of Djerba, which remains relatively pristine due to the absence of industrial activity, the study reveals stark contrasts between polluted and clean adjacent areas. Researchers employed a combination of sedimentary analysis techniques—including sequential extractions (SEDEX), Rock-Eval, elemental analysis, stable carbon isotope composition, and X-ray diffraction—as well as water quality measurements and underwater video surveys. These methods exposed clear differentiations in environmental conditions, highlighting the detrimental effects of untreated phosphogypsum waste on marine ecosystems.

Impact of wastewater-irrigated urban agriculture on diarrhea incidence in Ahmedabad, India

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2018 — WHE4B0AFF4608

A study in Ahmedabad, India, found that wastewater-irrigated urban agriculture significantly increases the incidence of diarrhea among farming households. The research compared Escherichia coli concentrations and diarrheal disease risk across three irrigation water sources: groundwater, surface water, and wastewater. Wastewater showed the highest E. coli levels (4.02 × 109 per 100 mL), far exceeding international standards, with corresponding diarrhea incidence rates of 13.1 episodes per 1,000 person-weeks—more than double that of groundwater-irrigated areas (7.92 episodes). The study, conducted over 12 months in 187 households, used a case-cohort design and bimonthly health diaries to document water quality and health outcomes. The findings highlight the urgent need for safer irrigation practices in urban agriculture to protect public health.

Impactos socioambientais do turismo na Ilha Grande–RJ

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2018 — WHEE6AF41F252

Tourism on Ilha Grande, Brazil, has rapidly expanded since the 1980s, leading to significant socioenvironmental impacts. The study highlights a mismatch between increasing tourist numbers and the island's infrastructure capacity, resulting in negative environmental consequences. Additionally, it identifies limited environmental education, low community organization among locals, and cultural clashes due to interactions with tourists. The research suggests that empowering local communities could mitigate these issues by involving them in infrastructure development, environmental education, and cross-cultural engagement while preserving their authenticity.

Impacts of Land Cover Change on Conservation, a Linkage of Spatial Analysis and Anthropogenic Activities in Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve — 2018 — WHE4CFEB11F95

Between 1998 and 2015, the buffer zone of Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve (SGR) experienced a sharp decline in forest cover—driven primarily by charcoal burning and shifting cultivation linked to population growth and poverty. Spatial analysis revealed that while wooded grassland expanded during this period, forest loss accelerated between 2011 and 2015, with minimal crop cultivation suggesting alternative land-use pressures. The study highlights a critical linkage between anthropogenic activities, land-cover change (LULC), and conservation outcomes in rural wards adjacent to protected areas. Integrating spatial data from three time points (1998, 2011, 2015) with socio-economic metrics from Vikumbulu Ward, researchers demonstrate that unchecked LULC transformation threatens both biodiversity and local livelihoods. The findings underscore the need for coordinated strategies to balance conservation goals with rural development in Tanzania.

Impacts of mining and smelting activities on environment and landscape degradation—Slovenian case studies

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2018 — WHEA28A332A2D

Historical mining and smelting activities have significantly altered landscapes through physical and chemical changes, with erosion of mine wastes and atmospheric emissions from smelters identified as primary contamination sources. A study comparing four Slovenian sites—Idrija (500-year Hg mining), Meža Valley (500-year Pb-Zn mining), Celje (100-year Zn smelting), and the Drava River alluvial plain—revealed that rainfall patterns, river gradients, topography, and wind directions control pollutant dispersion. These findings, derived from a literature review, highlight global parallels in environmental degradation linked to industrial heritage, offering insights for conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Almadén and Idrija.

Impaired recovery of the Great Barrier Reef under cumulative stress

Great Barrier Reef — 2018 — WHE9779C0BDEF

Coral recovery on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) declined by 84% between 1992 and 2010, signaling a loss of resilience under cumulative stressors. While some reefs showed high recovery, key coral types exhibited near-zero recovery, highlighting sensitivity to chronic pressures like water quality degradation, warming, and sublethal effects from acute disturbances such as cyclones, bleaching, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. The study modeled rapid recovery potential if stressors are reduced, suggesting that localized management and global climate action could restore coral cover and diversity. This underscores the urgent need for combined efforts to mitigate both chronic and acute threats to the GBR.

Implementation of Augmented Reality Technology in Sangiran Museum with Vuforia

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2018 — WHEFCCDD3DC69

A study on the Sangiran Early Man Site demonstrates that augmented reality (AR) technology, using Vuforia's 3D Markerless recognition system, significantly enhances visitor engagement with archaeological exhibits. Testing revealed that AR applications can detect objects from multiple viewpoints with high accuracy: 86% for angles between 0° and 180°, and 100% for a full 360° range. The application also performs well at distances ranging from 23 cm to 540 cm, with an average detection response time of 12 seconds. To achieve optimal performance, devices must meet minimal specifications including a Dual Core 1.2 GHz processor and specific GPU and camera requirements. This research highlights the potential of AR technology in museums to provide immersive, interactive experiences that enrich educational outcomes.

Implementing Solomon Islands’ Protected Areas Act: opportunities and challenges for World Heritage conservation

East Rennell — 2018 — WHED5B3D49238

East Rennell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Solomon Islands, faces significant threats from resource development, invasive species, climate change, and over-harvesting. A study by Price (2018) explores how the Solomon Islands' Protected Areas Act of 2010 can be leveraged to mitigate these risks while respecting customary land tenure and local livelihoods. The research argues that integrating legal frameworks with traditional practices is crucial for effective conservation, particularly in managing landowner consent, crafting management plans, and selecting management committees. While the Act offers some protection, its implementation must balance heritage preservation with the improvement of local communities' lives to ensure long-term sustainability.

Implementing the World Heritage Sustainable Development Policy in Egypt

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2018 — WHE2B6C777DDB

A pilot project in Zanzibar's Stone Town aimed to bridge the gap between urban development and heritage conservation, demonstrating how the 1972 World Heritage Convention can be adapted for inclusive economic and social development while protecting the environment. The study highlights that the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, introduced in 2009 through a UNESCO-led workshop, has been pivotal in reshaping Zanzibar's heritage management by integrating sustainable development principles. This shift addresses spatial disparities between Stone Town and Ng&sambo Tuitakayo, moving beyond the limitations of earlier plans like the 1982 Master Plan, which failed to harmonize urban realities with conservation goals.

Importance of a Management Plan in Protection of Cultural Heritage: Istanbul Historic Peninsula Case

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2018 — WHE48C6EF6173

Management plans are critical tools for balancing protection, usage, and development in UNESCO World Heritage Areas, as demonstrated by Istanbul's Historic Peninsula. Since its inclusion on the World Heritage List in 1985, Istanbul has implemented two management plans (2011 and 2018), which guide authorities in conservation efforts through structured preparation processes and stakeholder engagement. These plans, revised annually within a five-year reconstruction cycle, have significantly influenced the protection of Istanbul's cultural heritage. The study highlights the importance of integrated urban strategies, financial mechanisms, and collaboration with NGOs to ensure sustainable development while preserving historical integrity.

Improving Accuracy Estimation of Forest Aboveground Biomass Based on Incorporation of ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 and Sentinel-2A Imagery and Machine Learning: A Case Study of the Hyrcanian Forest Area (Iran)

Hyrcanian Forests — 2018 — WHE3342CEFAE0

Combining Sentinel-2A optical imagery with ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 radar data significantly improves the accuracy of estimating forest aboveground biomass (AGB) compared to using either dataset alone. A case study in Iran’s Hyrcanian Forest demonstrated that Support Vector Regression (SVR) models, when trained on combined Sentinel-ALOS datasets, achieved the highest prediction accuracy (R² = 0.73, RMSE = 38.68), outperforming Gaussian Processes (GP), Random Forests (RF), and Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks (MPL). While Sentinel-2A alone provided reasonable results, ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 data yielded poor performance when used independently. This study highlights the potential of integrating multi-sensor remote sensing with machine learning to enhance biomass estimation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Hyrcanian Forests.

Improving Environmental Conditions in the Tomb of Tutankhamen

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2018 — WHE033488103D

A collaborative project between the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) and Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities (MoA) has successfully implemented a filtered-air supply and exhaust ventilation system in Tutankhamen’s tomb, significantly stabilizing its interior microclimate and reducing dust levels. This intervention addresses critical issues caused by mass tourism—such as increased humidity, elevated carbon dioxide, and natural ventilation—which previously exacerbated damage to wall paintings and artifacts while creating discomfort for visitors. By mitigating dust deposition on uneven surfaces, the system preserves the legibility of paintings and reduces the need for frequent cleaning, which further damaged them. The approach balances visitor comfort with long-term conservation, offering a scalable model for managing environmental challenges in high-traffic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In This Issue

National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers — 2018 — WHE7BC3EF99D3

This issue of the Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians explores the mythical and architectural significance of Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace, built during the reign of Henri Christophe, the first king of Haiti. Despite the lack of archival records, these neoclassical structures are analyzed as symbolic representations of insurgency and resistance against colonialism, embodying the ephemeral condition of rebellion. Additionally, the issue reexamines Louis Sullivan's Wainwright Building in St. Louis, revealing its role as a monument to the city's brewing industry and lager landscape, while also highlighting the integration of air-conditioning systems in Washington, D.C.'s classical architecture, which revolutionized comfort and efficiency in federal buildings. The Field Notes section reflects on Edward Said's Orientalism, marking its 40th anniversary and assessing its impact on architectural discourse.

Independence in an Interdependent World

Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn — 2018 — WHE27B3976840

Estonia's path to interdependence post-Soviet isolation revealed the tension between protecting minority privileges and fostering private enterprise, particularly in industry and agriculture. The study highlights Tallinn's unique medieval old-town as a key asset for tourism, contrasting it with Stalinist architecture. It also notes Estonia's potential cultural solidarity with Finnic peoples and emphasizes the need to overcome mental provincialism for global contributions. The research approach combines historical analysis with economic and cultural perspectives, offering insights into Estonia's transition from Soviet rule to a more interconnected world.

India in Prehistoric Times

Dholavira: a Harappan City — 2018 — WHEEBA7CDD678

Dholavira, a significant Harappan city located in the Indus-Saraswati valley, stands out for its advanced urban planning and early agricultural practices. This site, dating back several millennia, showcases the beginnings of agriculture with crops like barley and wheat, as well as the domestication of animals such as water buffalo, cattle, sheep, and goats. The city's layout, divided into a citadel and a lower town including a granary, reflects the sophisticated urban design characteristic of the Harappan Civilization. The study highlights Dholavira's role in the transition from Neolithic practices to more complex societal structures, providing insights into the development of early human civilizations in the Indian sub-continent.

Indian Music to Celebrate Christmas in Moxo Jesuit Reductions, Bolivia

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos — 2018 — WHE55837E5209

A recent discovery of nearly 13,000 pages of baroque music from the Jesuit Reductions in Bolivia sheds new light on Native American contributions to and influences on colonial-era music. This trove of musical manuscripts challenges existing assumptions about the nature of 'Indian' components in baroque music, revealing a dynamic interplay between autochthonous traditions and missionary-composed works during Christmas celebrations. The study employs a critical analysis of these texts to argue for a more nuanced understanding of cultural exchange, where local musicians and missionaries collaboratively shaped musical practices within the missions.

Indicators of the Sustainability of Historical Tourism of Communities Surrounding Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya Historical Park

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2018 — WHEF03D76AD5B

Historical tourism sustainability around Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya Historical Park is significantly influenced by community participation, with safety-related engagement being the least developed aspect. A study analyzing behaviors and knowledge levels of local communities revealed that while participation in implementation and operations was highest, safety participation lagged behind. Internal knowledge about locations and history was good, but external knowledge, particularly English proficiency, remained low. Quantitative and qualitative research using Structural Equation Modeling identified participating behaviors as the strongest direct factor affecting tourism development, followed by internal knowledge and other indicators. The findings highlight critical gaps in community engagement, particularly in safety and compliance with regulations, which are essential for sustainable historical tourism.

Industrial heritage and landscape. The role of water in the architectural reactivation of the Burgo Paper Mill in Mantua

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2018 — WHEF91CFCF64B

A multi-scalar, time-based approach to industrial heritage revitalization demonstrates the pivotal role of water in redefining cultural and natural landscapes. This study highlights how water can serve as a catalyst for architectural reactivation, particularly in the Burgo Paper Mill near Mantua, Italy—a site adjacent to UNESCO World Heritage. The research integrates socioeconomic and environmental design principles to propose innovative systems linking industrial artifacts with open spaces, aiming to enhance both local heritage and broader territorial frameworks. By leveraging recent ownership changes as an opportunity for transformation, the study bridges theoretical analysis with practical experimentation, offering a model for sustainable reconversion of industrial settlements.

Influence of microclimate control scenarios on energy consumption in the Gallery of the 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice (the former Cloth Hall) of The National Museum in Krakow

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2018 — WHE59CB30B8A6

A study on the Historic Centre of Kraków reveals that achieving optimal microclimate control for preserving historic collections can significantly impact energy consumption. The research, conducted using hygrothermal simulations and in situ measurements with WUFI®PLUS software, analyzed various scenarios for the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art located in the Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Findings indicate that balancing strict microclimate control—crucial for preventing damage to artifacts—with energy efficiency is complex and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. The study, supported by the HERIVERDE project, highlights the need for guidelines based on ASHRAE and ICOM-IIC recommendations to minimize energy use while ensuring optimal conditions for conservation.