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Acciones, Logros Y Retos Del Destino De Bajo Impacto Ambiental En Quintana Roo, México: Maya Ka’an

Sian Ka'an — 2017 — WHE379C15C466

A sustainable tourism model, Maya Ka'an Destination, has emerged as a promising alternative to diversify activities in Quintana Roo, Mexico, while minimizing environmental impact. This initiative leverages the natural attractions of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and surrounding areas, aiming to integrate Mayan indigenous communities into the local tourism value chain. The project, driven by a collective vision from various sectors, balances conservation efforts with economic benefits for local economies. It seeks to maintain the competitiveness of the Mexican Caribbean while promoting low-impact environmental practices. The study highlights the potential of such models in fostering sustainable development and economic growth without compromising ecological integrity.

Achaemenid Empire, Tribal Confederations of Southwestern Persia andSeven Families

Bisotun — 2017 — WHE877BCF25AB

Research reveals that the Achaemenid Empire strategically controlled southwestern Persia through tribal confederations led by loyal figures, such as Madates and Gobryas. These confederations were reinforced via political marriages, including that of Sisygambis, mother of Darius III, an Uxian who negotiated with Alexander the Great to free her tribe. The study highlights the empire's use of marriage alliances, like Irdabama's union with Darius I, to maintain control over key tribal regions, including the Fahliyān/Shulestān territory linked to the Patischorian tribe. Historical texts and inscriptions, such as those from Bisotun and Persepolis Fortification, provide evidence for these dynamics, offering new insights into Achaemenid governance strategies.

Acidobacteria in Paleolithic painting caves

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2017 — WHE64C8A4EDB7

A groundbreaking study identifies Acidobacteria as the second most dominant bacterial group in Paleolithic cave paintings, including those in Altamira Cave, marking the first report of these deep-branching bacteria in subterranean environments. The research highlights the presence of complex and partly unknown microbial communities that could potentially impact the preservation of valuable cave art. Microbial activity may lead to pigment degradation, discoloration, biofilm formation, metal dissolution, and biomineralization—processes that pose significant threats to the integrity of these ancient paintings. The study underscores the need for further investigation into microbial communities in such environments to better understand their role in cultural heritage preservation.

Ad Quadratum

Amiens Cathedral — 2017 — WHE43ED30B857

Ad Quadratum reveals the mathematical precision underlying Romanesque and Gothic architecture, demonstrating how geometric principles shaped the design of iconic structures like Amiens Cathedral. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, analyzing architectural plans, elevations, and metrological techniques across multiple sites to uncover patterns in proportion and symmetry. Key contributions include proposals for constructing church designs using three measures, the role of pentagonal geometry in Gothic evolution, and the reconciliation of structural elements in Beauvais and Amiens Cathedrals. By integrating historical evidence with geometric analysis, the research provides a new framework for understanding medieval architectural innovation.

Adapted REDD plus Based on Local People’s Capabilities: A Case Study from Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR

Town of Luang Prabang — 2017 — WHEF97DB0C6A7

A REDD+ strategy tailored to local capabilities can significantly reduce deforestation pressures, particularly among vulnerable ethnic groups. This study, conducted in Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR, found that farmers relying on upland rice cultivation without paddy fields exhibit lower capability to transition to alternative livelihoods compared to those with access to paddy fields. Using discriminant function analysis, the research correctly classified 82.1% of respondents based on their agricultural practices and ethnic group (Khmu or Hmong). The findings underscore the importance of incorporating a capability approach into REDD+ planning in Lao PDR, accounting for differential capacities tied to ethnicity and other vulnerable statuses. The study employed questionnaire-based surveys and participatory workshops to identify deforestation drivers and local capabilities.

Additional file 1: Table S1. of Protected area management and local access to natural resources: a change analysis of the villages neighboring a world heritage site, the Keoladeo National Park, India

Keoladeo National Park — 2017 — WHEBBD7C26A1B

A significant shift in local access to natural resources and economic activities has been observed near Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. This study reveals that while agricultural productivity fluctuated due to changes in fertilizer application, income sources diversified over three decades (1991–2012), with salary/wages becoming more prominent alongside traditional livelihoods like agriculture and livestock. The research employed household surveys and spatial data analysis, highlighting the interplay between protected area management and socioeconomic dynamics in neighboring villages. Key findings include the decline in fertilizer use post-1997 and the growing reliance on non-agricultural incomes, underscoring the need for adaptive conservation strategies that balance ecological protection with local livelihoods.

Admiration and Awe

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2017 — WHEB47860279A

A systematic analysis reveals that the cultural and religious appropriation of Andalusian architecture by Spanish historians during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was not merely a process of hybridization but a complex negotiation of identity. This study demonstrates how historians and antiquarians strategically re-appropriated medieval Islamic heritage to align with the emerging identity of Spain as a Catholic monarchy and empire. They employed historical revisions, such as reidentifying monuments' origins as Roman or Phoenician, and invented religious forgeries to claim Christian precedence. These strategies were central in debates about Spain's national origin and ecclesiastical history, shaping the early development of archaeology.

Advanced Classification of Remote Sensing High Resolution Imagery. An Application for the Management of Natural Resources

Teide National Park — 2017 — WHE8E98D9222A

Advanced image processing techniques applied to high-resolution remote sensing imagery significantly enhance the accuracy of thematic maps for ecosystem conservation, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study demonstrates that both pixel-based and object-based (OBIA) approaches using Support Vector Machine classifiers yield highly accurate results when combined with optimized pre-processing steps, such as Weighted Wavelet ‘à trous’ and Fast Intensity Hue Saturation techniques, followed by orthorectification via RPC models and atmospheric correction using the 6S algorithm. These methods were effectively applied to three Canary Island ecosystems—Teide National Park, Maspalomas Natural Reserve, and Corralejo and Islote de Lobos Natural Park—showing promise for improving natural resource management through precise thematic mapping.

Advanced numerical insight into the structural damage of masonry vaults under seismic excitation: two valuable case studies

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2017 — WHEE6FE288ED7

Recent earthquakes have highlighted the significant seismic vulnerability of monumental masonry structures, particularly concerning complex elements such as quadripartite vaults. This study provides advanced numerical insights into how these vaults behave under horizontal loads and their role in the global seismic behavior of historical constructions, focusing on two case studies: the Narthex of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem and the Fornasini tower in Northeast Italy. Using ABAQUS finite element modeling, researchers conducted non-linear dynamic analyses to assess structural behavior and crack patterns, employing a Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model to account for damage phenomena and softening in masonry during seismic events. The findings contribute crucial data on the resilience and failure mechanisms of these critical architectural elements under seismic excitation.

AdvancedMonitoring Systems for Landslide Risk Reduction in the 'Siq' of Petra (Jordan)

Petra — 2017 — WHEBC33A8A173

Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular geo-archaeological landscape, faces significant threats from natural hazards and tourism. A recent study highlights the successful implementation of an integrated monitoring system to mitigate landslide risks in the 'Siq', Petra's iconic gorge serving as the main tourist entrance. The system, developed under the Italian-funded 'Siq Stability' project, combines wireless monitoring devices with EASA applications, proving effective in analyzing slope stability and enabling timely mitigation measures. Preliminary data demonstrates its potential for long-term sustainability and capacity development of national authorities, offering a model for preserving fragile heritage sites.

Advances and barriers to the development of jaguar-tourism in the Brazilian Pantanal

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2017 — WHED5260F5D24

Jaguar-tourism in the Pantanal Conservation Area holds significant potential for both economic growth and jaguar conservation, yet its development is hindered by a lack of management plans for protected areas. The study highlights that despite the region's rich biodiversity and recognition as a key ecotourism destination, wildlife tourism remains underexploited in Brazil. It argues that structured management frameworks are essential to unlock this potential, ensuring sustainable economic benefits while supporting jaguar conservation efforts.

Africa

Asmara: A Modernist African City — 2017 — WHED449D52115

Algeria's legal framework for heritage protection, established post-independence (1962), safeguards seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites of exceptional value. The study highlights the significant impact of Belgian colonization on modern architecture and urban planning in Africa, exemplified by structures like Matadi Railway Station and worker camps in Lubumbashi. It also notes the growing institutional recognition of modern heritage, as seen with Docomomo Angola's 2014 constitution. Additionally, it underscores Asmara's unique position as a testbed for modernist urban design in an African context, showcasing its rich built heritage.

After Angkor

Angkor — 2017 — WHEA6EC0E6739

Angkor's archaeological heritage, valued both locally and globally since its inscription as a World Heritage Site in 1992, presents dual challenges for Cambodia: attracting tourism while addressing significant conservation needs. The study highlights that despite the Khmer Rouge's preservation of Angkorian temples—possibly for nationalist reasons—two decades of neglect have left extensive restoration requirements. It also underscores the cultural significance of these sites to Cambodians, who visit them not only for architectural admiration but also for spiritual and physical engagement. The chapter explores best practices in heritage training and capacity-building over colonial, post-colonial, and contemporary eras, offering insights into managing such sites effectively in developing nations.

After the disaster: Bony fish remains (mostly otoliths) from the K/Pg boundary section at Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveal consistency with teleost faunas from later Danian and Selandian strata.

Stevns Klint — 2017 — WHE1FD6346E99

A groundbreaking analysis of bony fish remains, particularly otoliths, from the K/Pg boundary section at Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveals a striking consistency in teleost faunas across the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg) mass extinction event and into the Danian and Selandian stages. The study identified six otolith-based taxa from the uppermost Maastrichtian and three from the basal Danian, with notable overlaps such as Polymixia? harderi persisting through the boundary and Centroberyx sp. representing a common genus in both periods. Contrary to expectations, no evidence of phased extinction was found, suggesting remarkable resilience in early Paleocene fish faunas. The research relied on imprints from dissolved aragonitic otoliths and bone fragments, offering a unique window into post-disaster marine ecosystems.

After the Fall

Ancient City of Bosra — 2017 — WHE4314D4E14D

A new architectural approach aims to transform the devastated ancient city of Bosra, Syria, into a symbol of hope and resilience through a museum-memorial. This design-led thesis proposes preserving fragments from both the Syrian Civil War and historical periods in an allegorical timeline, creating a sensitive reminder for returning residents while safeguarding Syria's cultural heritage. The project addresses the irreversible damage to ancient ruins like Bosra, which has suffered significant loss due to war, by integrating contemporary and historic artifacts into a memorial experience. The research explores speculative preservation methods to honor Syria's past amid ongoing conflict.

Agricultural Expansion and Intensification in the Foothills of Mount Kenya: A Landscape Perspective

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest — 2017 — WHE8AF1EDE28D

Over the past three decades, agricultural expansion and intensification in the northwestern foothills of Mount Kenya have significantly altered landscapes, with rainfed and irrigated cropland encroaching on natural habitats, including protected areas. While expansion peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, intensification—driven by both large-scale commercial investments and smallholder adoption of irrigation—has accelerated since 2000. Using Landsat data and random forest classification, researchers quantified these changes, revealing a landscape increasingly shaped by water availability and horticultural agribusinesses. This shift heightens pressure on water resources and exacerbates conflicts between pastoralists, farmers, and wildlife, particularly during dry seasons or droughts.

Agricultural innovation and resilience in a long-lived early farming community: the 1,500-year sequence at Neolithic to early Chalcolithic Çatalhöyük, central Anatolia

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2017 — WHE9C64FBAFB6

Agricultural resilience at Çatalhöyük was sustained over 1,500 years through flexible cropping strategies. The study reveals that the community's ability to adapt—by integrating minor crops or contaminants into staple diets—was underpinned by three key factors: an initially diverse crop spectrum, modular social structures enabling household-level experimentation, and an agglomerated social morphology allowing successful innovations to scale. This case challenges 'boom and bust' narratives of early farming societies, offering insights into long-term sustainability in central Anatolia and broader agro-ecological systems.

Agricultural Sustainability and Environmental Change at Ancient Gordion

Gordion — 2017 — WHE5DDCDFD24A

Ancient Gordion offers a unique perspective on agricultural sustainability and environmental change through its diachronic record. The study reveals that different political and economic systems implemented over time at Gordion resulted in varied agricultural practices with divergent environmental impacts. Some regimes fostered sustainable agriculture, while others led to significant environmental alteration. This comprehensive analysis of 220 botanical samples from the 1993-2002 excavations, combined with paleoenvironmental data, reconstructs agricultural decision-making processes and their social contexts. The research provides a valuable dataset for regional synthesis in the Near East and introduces innovative methods to study the relationship between social and environmental change globally.

Agrigent, Italien: Das Olympieion

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2017 — WHEBA83AE0699

The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympeion) in Agrigento, Sicily, stands as the largest Doric temple ever built, though it was never completed and now exists only in ruins. Historical accounts by Polybius and Diodorus highlight its grandeur, noting that its unfinished state was due to the Carthaginian conquest of 405 BC. The temple, once a monumental structure in the Valle dei Templi, was later toppled by earthquakes and systematically dismantled in the 18th century for construction materials, leaving behind only scattered stone fragments and columns. Today, it serves as a testament to ancient architectural ambition and the resilience of historical sites against natural disasters and human exploitation.

Albano

Via Appia. Regina Viarum — 2017 — WHEDC576F9D03

Albano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Via Appia Antica, reveals a complex urban history marked by ancient expansion, medieval contraction, and Renaissance re-expansion. Unlike Rome, Albano's development occurred on a smaller scale but mirrored its trajectory. The site's rectangular castrum was strategically positioned on artificial terraces between the Albano subcrater and the Via Appia, showcasing sophisticated ancient urban planning. A key finding is the decline of Albano in the fourth century following Constantine's withdrawal of the legion, leading to its eventual abandonment. This study provides a detailed analysis of Albano's urban evolution, offering insights into its historical significance and architectural innovation.