Canaima National Park
—
2020 —
WHE088053D6CA
A new strategy integrating community forest brigades has significantly reduced fire-affected areas while empowering remote rural communities. This approach, part of Venezuela's Integrated Fire Management (IFM) policies since 2010, combines traditional indigenous knowledge with scientific criteria to combat wildfires in national parks like Canaima National Park. The strategy involves training and equipping volunteers from local communities, fostering a culture of self-protection and intercultural collaboration. Initial successes in Waraira Repano, Mochima, El Guácharo, and Canaima National Parks have laid the groundwork for a nationwide plan, emphasizing community involvement in Local Fire Management Plans.
Komodo National Park
—
2020 —
WHEB3202F61E0
A study on Komodo National Park (KNP) reveals that sustainable, community-based tourism development could improve by over 2% if stakeholders commit to enhancing rural tourism employment, local business activities, livelihood alternatives, and economic growth. Key factors include conservation awareness programs, community involvement in planning, training for tourism employees on cultural heritage, and adherence to social protocols. These efforts would boost attraction ratings, tourism facilities, protection of historical sites, and environmentally conscious tourism operators. The research used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyze local community perspectives on the As of tourism framework—Attraction, Access, and Amenities—highlighting pathways for long-term sustainable development in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
City of Verona
—
2020 —
WHEDCD92C4EEF
A community-driven approach to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) has been demonstrated through the Tocatì Programme for the Safeguarding of Traditional Games and Sports, initiated in Verona, Italy. This programme, which connects communities, institutions, researchers, artists, and policymakers, showcases how civil society can effectively implement the UNESCO ICH Convention by fostering a sense of identity and continuity among social actors. The study examines the Tocatì experience, identifying key factors, actors, and steps that contribute to heritage-making, highlighting its role in shaping political, social, and cultural contexts. This case illustrates the dynamic and conflictual nature of heritage preservation while emphasizing the importance of community participation in ICH safeguarding.
Komodo National Park
—
2020 —
WHE8DC90AA4B3
A study reveals that local communities living near Riung National Park, including those on Benteng Tengah, Nangamese, and Latung islands, have a strong awareness of the Komodo dragon's habitat vegetation, which is crucial for its conservation. This perception is linked to the sustainability of the endangered species. The research, conducted through interviews and questionnaires, found that 93% of respondents from Benteng Tengah and Nangamese, as well as 100% from Latung, demonstrated good knowledge about Komodo dragon habitats. However, government policies prohibiting traditional land-clearing practices, such as burning savanna for cattle grazing, have increased conflicts between locals and Komodo dragons, leading to negative perceptions of the species as pests. This study highlights the importance of balancing conservation efforts with local livelihoods to ensure the long-term survival of the Komodo dragon.
Okavango Delta
—
2020 —
WHE025F30A3AA
A study on the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that while Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) was initially perceived as effective in reducing subsistence poaching, its effectiveness waned following the 2014 government hunting moratorium. Households interviewed across four villages reported that the ban led to job losses, reduced access to game meat, and increased subsistence poaching. The conflicting strategies of CBNRM and the hunting ban alienated local communities from wildlife management, exacerbating poaching issues. The research, grounded in Routine Activities Theory, highlights the complex interplay between policy implementation and community perceptions in conservation efforts.
W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
—
2020 —
WHEB41066D4AE
Despite higher human presence and road density, lions in West Africa exhibit comparable space use between national parks and hunting concessions. A large-scale camera survey across the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex revealed that lion occupancy was driven primarily by prey availability, which remained consistent between these land-use types. While national parks are typically intended as refuges from human pressures, this study found no spatial avoidance of hunting concessions (HCs), possibly due to the lions' reliance on depleted prey populations and preferred habitat characteristics in HCs. The research combined occupancy modeling with structural equation modeling to analyze 21,430 trap-nights from 2016 to 2018, assessing the relative effects of environmental, ecological, and anthropogenic variables. Key findings suggest that enhancing water availability and reducing human disturbance at park edges could indirectly influence lion space use, offering potential management interventions for this Critically Endangered species in degraded landscapes.
Chartres Cathedral
—
2020 —
WHE00FFEC4557
Acrylic resin emerged as the most effective consolidant for wall paintings with high water and salt content, demonstrating significant consolidation without altering water absorption or repellency, despite minor white spot formation. Nanolime failed to improve superficial cohesion, leaving persistent whitish lime spots, while ethyl silicate showed no measurable consolidating effect but retained hydrophobicity over 15 months. The study, conducted on the 14th-century wall paintings in Chartres Cathedral's Chapter Hall, employed comparative <em>in situ</em> testing of these materials, with long-term monitoring of temperature and humidity to assess their compatibility and durability.
Durmitor National Park
—
2020 —
WHE25530E3090
Siberian ceps (Boletus edulis) exhibit significantly higher antiradical activity compared to their counterparts from Montenegro's Durmitor National Park, with a maximum value of 75% versus 33%, respectively. This study, conducted in 2019, analyzed aqueous extracts of mushrooms from both regions using UV-visible spectroscopy and bacterial colony growth assays. The research revealed that while both Siberian and Montenegrin ceps demonstrate bacteriostatic effects against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii after 30 minutes of extraction, prolonged extraction (over 60 minutes) shifts the effect to bacterial growth stimulation. The findings highlight the potential of Boletus edulis extracts as natural antioxidants and their complex antibacterial properties, which vary based on climatic conditions.
Anjar
—
2020 —
WHEA660F1AB6F
A re-evaluation of fragmentary ornithoid eggshells from the Late Cretaceous Intertrappean beds of Anjar, Gujarat, India, reveals their affiliation with the oofamily Laevisoolithidae, previously misclassified as Subtiliolithidae. These eggshells exhibit a smooth to rugose external surface with sub-rounded tubercles and a distinctive two-layer structure: a mammillary layer (196.1 µm) and a spongy layer (274.58 µm), characterized by a squamatic zone. Comparative analysis with other oofamilies (Elongatoolithidae, Prismatoolithidae) and cladistic assessments confirm their avian kinships, particularly aligning with enantiornithid birds. This study provides critical insights into the palaeoecological implications of these eggshells, enhancing our understanding of Late Cretaceous avian diversity in India.
Samarra Archaeological City
—
2020 —
WHED708910C5D
A comparative analysis of the Great Mosque at Samarra, Iraq, and the Ibn Tulun Mosque at Cairo, Egypt reveals distinct architectural characteristics shaped by historical, geopolitical, and religious contexts. The study highlights significant differences in built form, size, shape, configuration, color, texture, materials, scale, and decorative elements, offering insights into Islamic architectural evolution during its early stages. By focusing on these two heavily restored mosques, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how regional influences, construction technologies, and cultural practices influenced mosque design. This approach underscores the role of mosque architecture as a reflection of broader societal and religious dynamics in the Islamic world.
Fujian Tulou
—
2020 —
WHE1D40EBD4B9
A comparative analysis reveals striking similarities between the color characteristics of Fujian Tulou, China's UNESCO-listed earthen structures, and Kyoto Machiya, Japan's traditional wooden residences. Both architectural styles exhibit harmonious color palettes that reflect their cultural heritage and natural environments. The study, leveraging field research and color measurement, identifies key color protection strategies employed in Japan—such as policy-driven preservation and contextual design—that could inform China's efforts to safeguard the aesthetic integrity of Fujian Tulou. These findings underscore the potential for cross-cultural learning in architectural conservation, offering practical guidance for maintaining the visual identity of heritage sites while balancing modern urban development.
Mount Huangshan
—
2020 —
WHED65B216548
A comparative analysis of four endemic Ilex species on Mount Huangshan, China, reveals significant phylogenetic divergence that challenges traditional taxonomy. The study combines morphological surveys with plastid genome sequencing, uncovering variability in leaf traits and genome structure that correlates with geographic distribution rather than established classification systems. Plastid genomes of these species range from 157,601 to 157,857 base pairs, featuring conserved coding regions but divergent hotspots in inverted repeat/single-copy junctions. This divergence suggests evolutionary adaptations tied to their unique habitats on Mount Huangshan, providing new insights into the genetic diversity and conservation of medicinal Ilex species.
Tongariro National Park
—
2020 —
WHE7DDB8894AE
A five-year field trial in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, revealed that biocontrol using the beetle <em>Lochmaea suturalis</em> was more effective than herbicide (Pasture Kleen®) at reducing heather cover by 97% compared to 87%, while also benefiting native dicot species. Unlike herbicide, which caused significant non-target impacts on native dicots, biocontrol increased their cover and species richness. Both methods led to an eightfold rise in non-native monocots, but secondary invasion was greater with biocontrol due to increased non-native dicot cover. The study suggests that biocontrol may offer broader ecosystem benefits despite higher secondary invasion risks.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
—
2020 —
WHECFCCD96A21
Archaeotourists visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in Tanzania exhibit more diverse motivations and profiles compared to non-archaeotourists. They prioritize not only the authenticity of past objects and fascinating stories but also enjoy nature, geological scenery, research opportunities on archaeological features, and companionship. These tourists tend to be older, wealthier, and have more time to explore the site. The study, which analyzed questionnaire data from 252 international tourists using the push and pull motivational model and distance decay theory, highlights the unique characteristics of archaeotourists that distinguish them from other visitors.
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
—
2020 —
WHEB5F482A25B
UNESCO World Heritage villages, such as Kampung Morten in Melaka and Ogimachi Village in Shirakawa-go, Gifu, exhibit remarkable authenticity and integrity due to their traditional social systems, lifestyle customs, and conservation practices. These villages, dating back to the 11th century, serve as outstanding examples of architectural and technological ensembles that illustrate significant stages in human history. A comparative inventory analysis reveals that both villages have retained their original character through the use of traditional materials, techniques, and adherence to UNESCO conservation guidelines. The study highlights the importance of preserving these heritage sites while maintaining their functional and aesthetic integrity.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
—
2020 —
WHE7E64015437
A comparative analysis of Agathis philippinensis resin tapping practices across three Philippine sites—Mt. Hamiguitan, Mt. Mantalingahan, and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park—reveals significant variations in techniques, tools, and outcomes. Despite similarities driven by market influences and shared knowledge, discrepancies were noted in tree selection, incision methods, and resin collection, with some practices leading to tree damage or death due to over-tapping or lack of skill. The study also highlighted the potential for improved practices, such as removing dirt from tapping sites, protecting incisions with plastic, and using locally sourced materials for resin baskets. Additionally, it underscores the need for stronger tappers' organizations and policy support to enhance bargaining power and prioritize indigenous involvement in ancestral domains.
Nyungwe National Park
—
2020 —
WHEB26CE6EAA4
A combination of ground and arboreal camera traps proved to be the most effective methodology for monitoring mammalian species richness and detection probabilities, particularly in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This approach outperformed traditional line transects and ground camera traps alone, offering higher precision in occupancy and detection estimates. The study found that while the effectiveness varied among diurnal primate species, arboreal camera traps did not show significant differences in detection based on their height in trees. These findings suggest that integrating all three methods maximizes species detection, though combining arboreal and ground cameras is optimal when only two methods can be deployed. This research highlights the potential of arboreal camera traps to enhance future species monitoring programs.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
—
2020 —
WHE8B02DA3CE3
A study comparing Symbiodiniaceae diversities among closely related Palythoa species in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan, revealed distinct genotypic compositions of Cladocopium symbionts associated with different Palythoa species and microhabitats. The research, focusing on P. tuberculosa, P. sp. yoron, and P. mutuki, used nuclear ITS and plastid psbA ncr markers to analyze genetic variations. Findings suggest that ecological divergence among these species may be linked to differences in Symbiodiniaceae diversity, which could contribute to their adaptation to varying microhabitats on coral reefs.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
—
2020 —
WHE72D9290796
Honey produced by different honey bee species exhibits distinct physicochemical characteristics, allowing for differentiation based on the bees' origin. A study comparing sidr (Ziziphus spp.) honey from Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia revealed that Apis florea honey had higher moisture content, fructose, isomaltose, trehalose, ash, protein, free acidity, and invertase activity compared to subspecies of Apis mellifera. Conversely, A. m. carnica honey showed higher glucose, erlose, pH, and diastase levels, while A. m. jemenitica honey had elevated specific gravity, turanose, maltose, and glucose oxidase activity. These findings suggest that bee species influence honey composition, potentially offering a method for traceability in apicultural products.
Chaco Culture
—
2020 —
WHE112232570F
Chaco Culture National Historical Park faces competing cultural uses, with modern 'offerings' by non-Native visitors and growing political engagement from Native American descendant communities. This study highlights the evolving management of these manifestations, influenced by events like the 1987 Harmonic Convergence and the park's re-examination of museum collection policies. It underscores the need for adaptive strategies to balance preservation with diverse cultural practices.
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
—
2020 —
WHE259A57DA1F
A study conducted in the Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, specifically at the Salto Morato Natural Reserve in Paraná, Brazil, revealed a remarkable diversity of bat species (25 species) within a conservation unit. This high richness underscores the critical role such protected areas play in preserving biodiversity. The research utilized mist nets installed at varying forest heights over six nights per month from 2013 to 2014, yielding 1,201 captures. The findings suggest significant spatial variation in bat habitat use and provide valuable data for the management and conservation of these protected areas.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
—
2020 —
WHED98F58C1D2
A comprehensive compositional and artistic evaluation of the 'Historic Landscape of the Kyiv Mountains and the Dnieper River Valley' reveals its exceptional cultural significance, warranting its inclusion in Ukraine's State Register of Immovable Monuments as a national treasure. The study, pioneering in its approach, distinguishes two key territorial categories: highly valuable highlands featuring ensembles like the UNESCO-listed Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and less developed Dnieper valley areas serving as visual pedestals for architectural dominants. Leveraging historical, bibliographic, archival, cartographic, and empirical methods—including observations and mapping—the research underscores the landscape's unity and coherent functioning, providing critical recommendations for boundary definition, use modes, and preservation strategies to maintain its traditional character.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
—
2020 —
WHE3CD65673F1
A groundbreaking computerization project for the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, Spain, demonstrated the feasibility of digitizing and preserving one of the world's most significant historical archives. This initiative, aimed at safeguarding 8,000 meters of documents dating from the 16th to 19th centuries—including original records from Spanish colonization—showcased how advanced technology could enhance accessibility while ensuring long-term conservation. The project employed cutting-edge methods for cataloging, indexing, and digital preservation, setting a benchmark for similar efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By addressing challenges in handling fragile materials and standardizing metadata, it provided a model for balancing research needs with the protection of irreplaceable cultural heritage.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
—
2020 —
WHE4CFDD94C8E
Regional cooperation is best understood through a geographical lens, where the region itself plays an active role beyond just being a container for agreements. The Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia exemplifies this with its bottom-up process that led to a regional trademark, showcasing how diverse local actors and socio-economic conditions shape cooperation. This case highlights the limitations of rigid jurisdictional boundaries and preexisting categories like inter-municipal cooperation or metropolitan areas. The study, based on 19 semi-structured interviews, emphasizes the need for flexible, context-dependent approaches to regional cooperation.
Chavin (Archaeological Site)
—
2020 —
WHEE1C386A165
Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chavín de Huántar, Peru, reveals that pututus—conch shell musical horns—served as pivotal instruments in human-environmental relations during the late Andean Formative period (first millennium BCE). Analysis of 21 intact Chavín pututus, alongside archaeological and acoustic evidence, demonstrates their multifaceted use in ritual communication, environmental negotiation, and cosmological expression. These instruments, depicted in stone and ceramics, functioned as technologies of air transformation and wind interaction, reflecting strategic human interventions in ordering the cosmos. The study employs a cross-disciplinary approach, integrating archaeology, acoustics, and environmental framing to highlight Chavín's role in foreshadowing Anthropocene discourse, emphasizing ritual strategies for environmental control and agency.
Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar”
—
2020 —
WHE153E6462F7
Protected areas are pivotal to the conservation of Amazonia, with colossal national parks such as Chiribiquete in Colombia and Tumucumaque in Brazil playing a crucial role. These parks, which dwarf countries like Belgium, serve as strongholds for biodiversity preservation. The study emphasizes the significance of these protected zones in safeguarding the Amazon's ecological integrity amid growing threats. By analyzing the effectiveness and scale of these conservation efforts, the research underscores their vital contribution to global biodiversity strategies.
Red Fort Complex
—
2020 —
WHEC92F7AF094
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Red Fort Complex, represent significant cultural and architectural achievements spanning five centuries of Indian history. These sites, such as Qutb Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal, showcase a high point in artistic and conceptual development during this period. The study highlights the unique character and value of these monuments, which connect complex historical narratives across continents. The research approach involves analyzing the cultural, architectural, and traditional significance of these sites to understand their global importance.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
—
2020 —
WHEB3D3C35C39
Research on the Coffee Cultural Landscape (CCL) of Colombia reveals that there is no direct relationship between sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables and tourism's contribution to the region's GDP. The study assessed territorial accessibility using models based on isochronous curves, which analyze travel time to determine population coverage along sustainable tourism routes within the CCL. Despite the importance of infrastructure in enhancing tourist potential, the findings highlight that tourism plays a minimal role in the economic output of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
—
2020 —
WHED60FB29768
A previously overlooked Hellenistic inscription on a limestone stele from Jerusalem, republished by Eran Lupu, reveals significant insights into pagan religious practices in the region. The inscription, discovered during excavations in an Arab house's cellar in the Old City of Jerusalem, includes a confession likely related to rituals performed at a sacred site. Despite its fragmented state—preserving only 11 incomplete lines—the text provides evidence of vow-fulfillment ceremonies and critiques of priests' conduct, offering rare glimpses into non-Judaic or non-Christian religious traditions in ancient Jerusalem. The stele's careful craftsmanship and early-looking script further underscore its historical importance.
Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
—
2020 —
WHE7E25CBF9CD
Research on the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Campus reveals that while certain spatial network characteristics contribute to theft risk, the primary factors influencing security are morpho-spatial elements tied to functions, activities, and human presence. The study analyzed four areas of the campus using spatial syntax methodology, comparing its unique urban design—rooted in modernist ideologies—to conventional city layouts. Findings suggest that vibrant, well-used spaces with diverse activities significantly reduce theft incidents, highlighting the importance of functional design in urban security.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
—
2020 —
WHEF2B1BEF906
Research confirms the presence of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) in Ischigualasto Provincial Park, Argentina. This finding extends the known distribution of the species, contributing to understanding its ecological range within UNESCO-listed sites. The study employed field observations and ecological data analysis to document the species' occurrence, behavior, and habitat use. Published in Notas Sobre Mamíferos Sudamericanos, this work highlights the importance of monitoring mammal populations in protected areas.
Península Valdés
—
2020 —
WHE9A4B02006D
Artisanal fishing in Península Valdés, Argentina, has been recognized as a common good through participatory processes that transcend utilitarian principles and promote the sustainability of fisheries. This study highlights how local fishermen have successfully introduced regulations that balance resource use with ecological preservation. Using ethnographic methods, direct observation, interviews, and document analysis, researchers examined participatory devices that demonstrate the fishermen's role as valid interlocutors in public spaces, despite ongoing tensions. While these processes have fostered tools and capacities for managing fisheries as a common good, challenges persist due to the coexistence of formal and informal activities, territorial privatization, and competition from other economic pursuits.
Virunga National Park
—
2020 —
WHEB9AED26F8A
People living near Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Democratic Republic of Congo, identify three key sources of conflict with the park: disputes over boundaries and natural resources, concerns about law enforcement practices by park guards, and dissatisfaction with community engagement and development initiatives. This study, based on long-term field research from 2012 to 2019, captures grassroots perspectives that highlight tensions between conservation goals and local livelihoods, offering critical insights for improving park management strategies.
The Maison Carrée of Nîmes
—
2020 —
WHECDF9F05125
Roman rectangular temples, including the Maison Carrée of Nîmes, were likely designed using a square grid framework rather than adhering strictly to Vitruvius' colonnade-based model. This challenges the long-held assumption that the lower column diameter (D) was the primary module for temple design. Archaeological evidence and geometric analyses of temple-podia from central Italy, Sufetula, and Baelo Claudia support this alternative approach, suggesting that temples were planned relative to a square grid derived from their base proportions. This finding reframes our understanding of Roman architectural methodology, indicating that deviations from Vitruvian principles may stem from practical design choices rather than adjustments or corrections.
Willandra Lakes Region
—
2020 —
WHE3425E4D004
Archaeological research at the Willandra Lakes Region challenges the long-held assumption that Australia's arid zones were abandoned during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and only recolonized later. Contrary to this model, evidence suggests that humans inhabited even the most inhospitable deserts in central and western Australia before the LGM, including areas like the Nullarbor Plain and Western Desert. This finding reshapes our understanding of human adaptation to extreme environments and Australia's role in global prehistory. The study, rooted in extensive interdisciplinary research—unprecedented in scale for any Australian region—draws on geomorphological models proposed by Jim Bowler and archaeological insights from figures like Mike Smith and Scott Cane. By integrating these perspectives, the research offers a nuanced narrative of human resilience and persistence in arid landscapes over millennia.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
—
2020 —
WHEE7872D8C5E
Contrary to the hypothesis of a Neolithic cognitive revolution, research at Çatalhöyük and other Middle Eastern sites reveals long, gradual, and diverse changes in consciousness, creativity, and self without evidence of abrupt internal cognitive shifts. The study integrates theoretical frameworks from cognitive science with archaeological data, challenging expectations of rapid evolutionary change during this period.
Lake Turkana National Parks
—
2020 —
WHE2F58374F8F
Oil exploration in the Turkana region of Kenya, framed as essential for economic growth, disproportionately benefits local elites and foreign investors while exacerbating inequality and marginalization among pastoralist communities. This study reveals that alliances between local elites and international investors facilitate unjust displacement, potentially leading to violent consequences. Using longitudinal ethnographic research, Mkutu and Mdee analyze the dynamics of local government, oil exploration, and pastoralist livelihoods in Turkana. Their findings highlight the complex interplay between economic development narratives and social justice, underscoring the need for equitable policies to mitigate adverse impacts on vulnerable populations.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
—
2020 —
WHE70C5D23C78
A groundbreaking virtual reconstruction of a Lucanian painted tomb from the 4th century BC, housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum, reveals lost artistic details and techniques. The study combines pigment analysis, execution technique examination, and iconographic comparisons with other works to reconstruct the tomb's original appearance. Using multi-level modeling—including colored backgrounds, decorative elements, and figurative components—the research ensures authenticity while restoring visual fidelity. A video documenting the restoration process, from cleaning to virtual reintegration, was presented at the RECH5 conference, offering insights into Lucanian funerary art. This approach sets a new standard for conserving and interpreting disassembled archaeological artifacts.
Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
—
2020 —
WHE1913690CBD
A significant portion of the traditional communities along Paraná's Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves relies on fishing and farming, with 64% of residents being retired. This study highlights the critical role of women in preserving knowledge about medicinal plants, while men demonstrate expertise in identifying tree species for construction purposes. The research identified 67 plant species with medicinal or non-conventional food uses, emphasizing the potential of traditional knowledge for discovering bioactive compounds and generating sustainable income. Conducted through structured interviews with local communities, this study underscores the importance of integrating cultural diversity and genetic resource conservation to support both ecological sustainability and economic resilience in these regions.
Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
—
2020 —
WHECF37DC3ED6
A significant overlap exists between conservation and innovation priorities, even within the management of UNESCO industrial World Heritage sites. This finding emerges from a study examining 22 European industrial heritage sites, which revealed that effective heritage management often incorporates elements of innovation-oriented development. The research compared criteria for managing industrial heritage (using the 'Good Practice Wheel') with those for areas of innovation (success factors for Science and Technology Parks). Through an online survey, managers evaluated these criteria, demonstrating that integrative approaches to heritage management can successfully balance conservation with modern innovation needs.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
—
2020 —
WHE932CC5CBEA
A comprehensive review of orthodox seed collections from globally threatened plants stored at the Millennium Seed Bank, Kew, reveals that while these collections exhibit reasonable quality and physiological status, they face significant challenges. Only a third of taxa and one-fifth of collections contain over 5000 viable seeds, with many suffering from low genetic diversity due to limited sampling during initial harvests. Despite this, viable seeds generally maintain good germinability and viability post-storage, though average germination rates fall below 85%. The study analyzed 523 collections spanning 67 countries and 9 biogeographic regions, highlighting disparities between wild species—especially rare or threatened ones—and domesticated crops. It also identified suitable germination protocols for 165 taxa, offering practical insights for global conservation efforts.
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
—
2020 —
WHEE3FAD80BFB
The Etruscan fortifications of Cerveteri, once part of the significant city-state Caere, face severe conservation challenges due to prolonged abandonment and uncontrolled vegetation. While these conditions threaten structural integrity, they also create a unique archaeological landscape where architecture and nature coexist precariously. This study highlights the importance of preserving this evocative symbiosis and proposes a conservative approach to manage the relationship between ruins and vegetation. The research focuses on the deteriorating state of the fortifications, offering insights into their preservation while maintaining their historical and environmental significance.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
—
2020 —
WHE77BEE61131
New evidence challenges the long-held assumption that Stonehenge's Altar Stone originated from Milford Haven, west Wales. Using automated mineralogy and U-Pb zircon age dating, researchers found distinct mineralogical and geochemical signatures in the Altar Stone that differ significantly from those of the Cosheston Subgroup sandstones at Mill Bay. The presence of abundant kaolinite in the Altar Stone suggests a source further east, near the Wales-England border, undermining the hypothesis of a sea-based transport route for the bluestones. This study supports a land-based route for the Altar Stone, possibly via a natural corridor from west Wales to the Severn estuary, aligning with recent strontium isotope evidence indicating connectivity between these regions during Stonehenge's early construction phase around 3000 BC.
Namib Sand Sea
—
2020 —
WHE70EA571A56
A study of wild horses in the Namib Sand Sea reveals critical paradoxes in conservation practices rooted in nature-culture dualisms. It highlights the need to consider corporeality and biopower in understanding human-animal relations, particularly when addressing extinction risks. The research employs a phenomenological approach, focusing on intercorporeality to explore contested conservation practices. By analyzing struggles over nature and territorialization, it argues for a more-than-discursive perspective that incorporates the lived experiences of all actors involved, aiming to reshape both research and conservation practice.
Timbuktu
—
2020 —
WHEB7038546B4
The prosecution of the destruction of cultural heritage as a war crime in Timbuktu, following the 2012 attacks, revealed divergent conceptions and approaches to cultural heritage among international bodies, the Malian state, and local communities. The International Criminal Court (ICC) prioritized these crimes over others due to expediency and shared interests, leading to a focus on cultural heritage destruction in Northern Mali. This study highlights the complexities and discrepancies in how different stakeholders value and protect cultural heritage, shedding light on the challenges of international legal frameworks in addressing such crimes.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
—
2020 —
WHEC521F9E19C
Human-induced vibrations on Porto's Luiz I Bridge, a UNESCO-listed structure, are significantly exceeding comfort thresholds. Continuous dynamic monitoring since 2014 reveals high lateral vibrations during St. John festivities and vertical vibrations from athletic races, both linked to pedestrian-structure interaction phenomena like lock-in. These findings align with user-reported discomfort, underscoring the need for mitigation strategies. The study employed advanced monitoring systems installed by the University of Porto's Faculty of Engineering, providing quantitative data on vibration levels across both bridge decks.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
—
2020 —
WHEC5B62C4EAD
Hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from Stromboli volcano's crater fumaroles serve as effective tracers of volcanic activity, correlating with changes in the magma plumbing system. A continuous monitoring study conducted between 2009 and 2010 revealed that H₂ could function as an auxiliary parameter alongside CO₂ flux in surveillance programs for active volcanoes. The research employed a tailor-made device to measure H₂ molar fraction and CO₂ flux, while multiple linear regression (MLR) and fast Fourier transform (FFT) analyses filtered environmental effects such as wind speed, air temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Daily cycles were identified in both gases, with changes in atmospheric pressure affecting H₂ levels through a pumping effect on fumarole gas. The study confirmed that the chemical and isotopic composition of emitted gases closely resembles magmatic gas, advancing the understanding of open conduit volcano monitoring.
Laponian Area
—
2020 —
WHE5CDA3C2597
A unique co-management model for the Laponia World Heritage site, led by Sami representatives, reveals both progress and persistent challenges. This model, established in 2011, marked a significant shift from Sweden's national management system by granting majority influence to indigenous Sami people in decision-making processes, including chairing the steering board. However, the study identifies four key narratives—nature, indigenous governance, economic impact, and local community—that highlight ongoing tensions, particularly related to colonial legacies that continue to impede Sami demands for greater control over land management.
Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia
—
2020 —
WHE535D8F703B
Acheuléen lithic industries at Garba I (Melka Kunture, Ethiopia) reveal remarkable standardization and technical mastery. The study identifies a distinct cultural marker—'coup du tranchet'—and highlights the significance of small retouched tools and percussion instruments, suggesting possible links between Acheuléen and Middle Stone Age traditions. Through qualitative analysis of artifact states and knapping techniques, researchers demonstrate how individual craftsmanship influences tool morphology, offering new insights into hominin behaviors at this UNESCO-listed site.
Dja Faunal Reserve
—
2020 —
WHEE8CE462E8B
Non-timber forest product (NTFP) valorisation significantly enhances the livelihood assets of local communities around the Dja Faunal Reserve (DFR) in East Cameroon, though NTFP revenue alone does not predict long-term improvements. A study analyzing data from 215 households across 32 villages found that individuals receiving training in efficient collection, drying, and conservation techniques earned higher revenues with greater livelihood impacts than untrained peers. These findings suggest that improving product quality and market access is critical for sustainable NTFP valorisation. The research employed factor analysis, Mann–Whitney U tests, and structural equation modelling to assess the relationship between NTFP practices, training, and livelihood outcomes.
