iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
—
2011 —
WHE83C4591A39
A persistent phytoplankton bloom, the longest on record, was caused by a cyanobacterium closely associated with the genus Cyanothece in Lake St. Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa. The bloom persisted for at least 18 months due to the organism's resistance to high temperatures, intense insolation, and hypersalinity, as well as the absence of grazing pressure from salinity-sensitive zooplankton. Exceptionally heavy summer rains in 2011 reduced salinity, leading to a crash in the cyanobacterium population. The study characterized the causative organism using light and electron microscopy, along with 16S rRNA sequencing.
City of Verona
—
2011 —
WHE05CB806FF5
Revanchist urbanism policies, often framed as narratives of domination, can be effectively resisted by public spaces' targets. This study challenges the assumption that such policies lead to the annihilation of public spaces, demonstrating that resistance practices can counteract their effects. Focusing on two northern Italian cities, Verona and Modena, the research examines phone centres' normative framework and its impact on urban dynamics. It highlights a gap in existing literature by integrating political analysis with urban studies, showing how local resistance can shape outcomes despite revanchist interventions.
Old Town of Lijiang
—
2011 —
WHE04669D468A
A novel photography-based approach reveals key temporal and spatial patterns of tourist behavior in the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lijiang, offering new insights for sustainable tourism management. Analyzing 1308 publicly shared photos, researchers estimated tourists' daily visit frequencies, movement traces, and hotspots, demonstrating the potential of photo-sharing data to track visitor distribution with high accuracy. This method provides a non-intrusive alternative to traditional surveys, enabling more precise planning of resources and conservation efforts in historically significant areas.
Galápagos Islands
—
2011 —
WHE47FB2D0165
Diet significantly shapes the gut microbial communities of herbivorous iguanas in the Galápagos Islands, with marine and land iguanas exhibiting distinct bacterial compositions. Marine iguanas, which consume algae, show higher abundances of Bacteroides spp., Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridiaceae, while land iguanas, feeding on terrestrial vegetation, harbor a greater diversity of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and a fivefold increase in Ruminococcaceae. Archaea were uniquely detected in land iguanas, suggesting their role in breaking down recalcitrant polysaccharides. The study used 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing to analyze fecal samples from both species across the archipelago, revealing novel microbial diversity that could lead to discoveries of enzymes capable of degrading complex polysaccharides.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
—
2011 —
WHED46E5EA20D
A shift in geodynamic regime, marked by increased extensional strains, has been identified in the Gorely and Mutnovsky volcanic regions of southern Kamchatka since the Late Pleistocene. This conclusion is supported by mineralogical and geochemical analyses of basaltic rocks from both volcanoes, combined with numerical modeling using the COMAGMAT program. The study reveals distinct magma evolution pathways for each volcano, emphasizing the influence of fractional crystallization, fluid dynamics, and tectonic conditions on their petrogenesis. These findings suggest a significant change in the volcanic activity patterns linked to broader geodynamic processes in the region.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
—
2011 —
WHEC0FD915088
Red spruce (Picea rubens) growth in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is primarily constrained by air pollution at high elevations (1800–2000 m), while lower elevations (1450–1700 m) face challenges from photoinhibition, drought stress due to reduced precipitation and high evapotranspiration, and minor air pollution effects. The study employed the ARIM (annual radial increment model), a systems modeling approach that integrates multivariable factors to assess tree growth dynamics. This methodology quantifies complex interactions across disciplines, offering new insights for conservation policies in response to environmental changes, climate shifts, and pollution. The findings underscore the need for habitat-specific management strategies to sustain red spruce populations amid evolving ecological pressures.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
—
2011 —
WHE1D3F2F0809
Roman plasters from Thamusida, Morocco, reveal a consistent aesthetic and technical tradition shared with other Roman Provinces. Analysis of 22 samples using microscopy and Raman spectroscopy identified pigments like cinnabar, ochre, Egyptian blue, and carbon black, while mortar composition matched local limestone sources. Public buildings exhibited poor craftsmanship compared to private structures, indicating varying expertise among masons. The findings position Thamusida within a broader Mediterranean Roman 'koinè,' distinct from Italian sites.
Lower Valley of the Omo
—
2011 —
WHE307CEE4887
Recent archaeological survey and trial excavation in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley have revealed megalithic circular platforms, challenging the long-held perception of the region as a wilderness devoid of human inhabitation. These findings provide new insights into pre- and proto-history in the Horn of Africa, particularly within Mursiland. The study emphasizes the significance of a participative archaeology framework, which prioritizes collaboration with local stakeholders to shape research agendas and ensure accountability. This approach not only deepens understanding of landscape and heritage but also has implications for conservation, development, and tourism strategies.
Ancient City of Qalhat
—
2011 —
WHE5B31FC8E03
A novel approach combining Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and aerial photography, integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), revolutionizes urban mapping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qalhat, Oman. This method not only accelerates data acquisition but also enhances transparency in interpretation and spatial analysis, offering unprecedented flexibility in cartographic representation. The resulting 3D models provide a comprehensive understanding of Qalhat's archaeological reality, bridging scientific rigor with public dissemination. Published in <em>Cahiers de Géographie</em>, this study demonstrates how advanced technologies can transform our comprehension of ancient urban landscapes.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
—
2011 —
WHE1BE1A13416
Planned gentrification in Istanbul's historic areas, exemplified by the Sulukule Renewal Area project (2005–2010), demonstrates how authoritarian urban regeneration policies can lead to the displacement of marginalized communities. The study reveals that despite civil society efforts for community-based alternatives, the implementation of a top-down renewal plan resulted in the total demolition of Sulukule and the destruction of its Roma community. This case highlights the broader implications of such projects, sparking debates about the purpose and outcomes of regeneration in Istanbul. While some advocate for halting regeneration to prevent gentrification, others propose developing a sustainable, conservation-led, and community-based model inspired by international experiences. The Sulukule experience also underscores the need for action to address the vulnerabilities of poorer neighborhoods, particularly in light of seismic risks.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
—
2011 —
WHE5AB62BA9D5
A groundbreaking discovery of Chloropidae flies in the arctic tundra of Wrangel Island marks the first documentation of this family in such extreme environments. The study identified four species: Oscinella frit L., predominantly found in mountainous regions; and three Agromyzidae species—Napomyza mimula Spencer (most abundant), Phytomyza cineracea Hendel, and Chromatomyia sp.—with the latter two being rare. Notably, all four species coexisted only in a unique zoogenic forb-grass meadow patch near an arctic fox burrow, highlighting niche-specific biodiversity even in harsh conditions. The research employed field collections across diverse biotopes to assess species distribution and abundance, revealing nuanced ecological dynamics in this remote Arctic reserve.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
—
2011 —
WHE6600EB2A0A
A study of the Caiçara community at Praia do Sono, Paraty, Brazil, identified 89 medicinal plant species used for treating 13 categories of diseases, with Lamiaceae and Asteraceae being the most prominent families. Ten species demonstrated versatility in their therapeutic applications, while three native species—Cecropia pachystachya, Davilla rugosa, and Trema micrantha—showed significant cultural importance (CUPc > 50%). The research, based on interviews with 12 experts, highlights the community's traditional knowledge and underscores the need for further chemical and pharmacological studies to validate these plants' potential.
Lower Valley of the Omo
—
2011 —
WHEEA8C95B364
Ethnographic research among the Kara people of southern Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley reveals a sophisticated system of decision-making centered around a council called the borkotto bitti. This system, characterized by its emphasis on personal virtue, status, accountability, and communal well-being, shares striking parallels with Plato's philosophical treatise on philosopher-kings in 'The Republic.' The study highlights the complexity of social imagination in the region by comparing Kara practices with those of neighboring Hamar communities. Unlike traditional analytical approaches, this research treats political contradictions as an inherent part of the actors' problem, offering a nuanced understanding of governance structures in indigenous societies.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
—
2011 —
WHEA066BF6A1F
A study of understorey bird populations in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines, reveals that old-growth forests are critical for conserving Palawan's endemic and threatened birds. While some species thrive in disturbed habitats like cultivation, the highest densities of 11 species—including five endemics and three threatened ones—were found in undisturbed forests. The research highlights the importance of retaining large trees to sustain suitable microhabitats, cautioning against expanding cultivated areas within protected zones. Though population estimates for threatened species may be higher than previously thought, the study underscores the need for stronger conservation management across Palawan's protected areas.
Simien National Park
—
2011 —
WHEBBE4DE3BB0
A population of 745 Walia ibexes (Capra walie) was estimated in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, using intensive direct counts in 2009. The study revealed significant variability in growth rates, with the population growing by 2.5% under ideal conditions and slightly declining by 0.13% under random environmental conditions. Growth rate metrics, including instantaneous growth rate (r = 2.6 ± 2.6) and per capita growth rate (λ = 0.03 ± 0.18), showed strong positive correlations, indicating resilience in population dynamics. Historical data and literature reviews were integrated with the 2009 counts to model these trends, providing insights into the species' vulnerability and conservation needs within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
—
2011 —
WHE7BDA1DFB67
Steller sea lions in the Glacier Bay region of southeastern Alaska exhibited rapid population growth from the 1970s to 2009, increasing at a rate of 8.2% annually (95% CI = 6.4%–10.0%), with the most significant growth observed at South Marble Island (16.6%/yr) and in Cross Sound. This study documented the colonization of new haul-outs and the transition of Graves Rocks to a rookery, suggesting potential reversal of reproductive isolation between eastern and western populations. Seasonal distribution patterns were linked to new breeding opportunities and prey availability. The research combined multiple observation platforms to assess trends, highlighting factors such as habitat expansion due to deglaciation, immigration, reduced mortality, and ecosystem changes contributing to this growth.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
—
2011 —
WHE030EE18AD4
A semi-captive population of the critically endangered Western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus) in Senegal, established with just six founders in 2000, demonstrates significant potential for genetic resilience and recovery. Over nine years, this population grew to 54 individuals while maintaining 77% of its original gene diversity through careful management strategies like minimal kinship breeding. Despite a low effective population size (Ne/N = 0.13) and moderate inbreeding (F = 0.119), the study predicts that incorporating new founders could preserve at least 75% of genetic diversity over a century, with full wild population integration potentially retaining 90%. The research highlights the feasibility of using semi-captive populations as a critical tool for subspecies survival, offering hope for future reintroduction or reinforcement efforts. This approach combines demographic monitoring, pedigree analysis, and modeling to guide long-term conservation strategies.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
—
2011 —
WHE792E366B67
Zambia's black rhino population, once extinct due to poaching by 1993, has been successfully reintroduced through a conservation program initiated in 2003. As of now, there are 27 black rhinos with six births and no mortalities linked to poaching. The study also reports the introduction of white rhinos, with seven individuals established in Mosi oa Tunya National Park and another pair introduced in Lusaka National Park No. 20 in 2011. This reintroduction effort, supported by technical guidance from the Rhino Specialist Group and financial backing from the Frankfurt Zoological Society, aims to restore rhino populations in other national parks where they historically existed.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
—
2011 —
WHE8FE0F0F9C2
Young lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) at the Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve exhibit rapid growth, with males and females increasing in total length by approximately 12.4 cm/year and 12.7 cm/year, respectively. This study, conducted through 16 expeditions capturing 239 sharks using drift gill nets, also revealed a higher frequency of male sharks (53%) compared to females (47%). A subset of 73 sharks was tagged for recapture studies, providing insights into population structure and growth rates in this protected area. The research highlights the importance of monitoring shark populations in remote, ecologically significant sites like Atol das Rocas.
The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal
—
2011 —
WHE87D525524E
Port Royal, once the largest English colonial city in the Americas, was 'rediscovered' in the 20th century after being destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1692. A meticulous analysis of its inventory records reveals intriguing insights into daily life and economic activities during its heyday. This study highlights the significance of Port Royal's 'meiocirculante,' offering a nuanced understanding of its socio-economic dynamics. By examining these inventories, researchers have reconstructed aspects of the city's vibrant yet short-lived existence, providing a window into 17th-century colonial America.
Everglades National Park
—
2011 —
WHE720F6389FF
Climate change is expected to significantly alter the hydrological and vegetative character of Everglades National Park (ENP), with forecasted decreases in mean annual precipitation leading to shallower water depths and reduced inundation periods. This shift could result in a decline of hydric vegetation, such as sawgrass, while xeric communities become more prevalent. The study used a stochastic model linking rainfall inputs to water levels across ENP and correlated these changes with vegetation community composition using publicly available datasets. These findings highlight the potential impacts of climate change on the Everglades and underscore the need for adaptive management strategies to restore historical hydrological and vegetative conditions.
Yakushima
—
2011 —
WHEEA0E58BE4B
Research on Yakushima Island reveals that the gecko species <em>Gekko hokouensis</em> is likely an introduced, non-native species, while <em>G. yakuensis</em> is the island's native gekkonid. Field surveys found <em>G. hokouensis</em> only in four villages with historical or current maritime links to regions where it is endemic, suggesting multiple accidental introductions. Hybridization between the two species was also detected, indicating potential genetic introgression. The study highlights the impact of human activity on island biodiversity and suggests that <em>G. yakuensis</em> may be experiencing genetic influence from its invasive counterpart.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
—
2011 —
WHEA643F119AF
A 2°C rise in temperature could make 94% of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area suitable for lantana invasion, up from just 8% under current conditions. Minimum temperature emerged as the dominant predictor, accounting for over 88% of the variation in potential lantana establishment, underscoring its critical role in the weed's expansion. The study used habitat suitability modeling to simulate future conditions, revealing that low-lying riparian areas pose significant risks as invasion pathways. These findings highlight the urgent need for proactive management to curb lantana's spread and protect the region's biodiversity.
San Antonio Missions
—
2011 —
WHE7D0CF8A578
Ceramic production at Mission San Antonio de Padua (1769–1834) reveals how potters shaped social identity through shared practices and material choices. Analysis of Plainware pottery shows that potters consistently selected local raw materials and used open-fire firing techniques, suggesting a collective mission identity. However, variability in forming methods—such as hand modeling versus wheel-throwing—hints at gender distinctions within the indigenous population. This study demonstrates how daily craft practices could both unify mission communities while also create social divisions, offering insight into colonial-era identity formation.
Yellowstone National Park
—
2011 —
WHE5420247612
A Bayesian modeling approach reveals that bison migration from Yellowstone National Park is influenced by herd size, snow water equivalent, and dried biomass, with significant variations depending on the park boundary. The study predicts that allowing more bison to migrate during severe climate conditions could prevent large-scale population reductions. This research demonstrates how integrating long-distance migration dynamics into management policies can mitigate conflicts and protect migratory ungulate populations.
Everglades National Park
—
2011 —
WHE1CB8C8E73E
A novel model successfully links wading bird foraging populations in Everglades National Park (ENP) to seasonal hydrologic conditions, offering critical insights for restoration efforts. The study identifies key predictors such as water depth at the start of the nesting season, average dry season water levels, and the number of reversals from dry season recession, all of which influence prey availability. Using a nonlinear hierarchical Bayesian model with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation, researchers analyzed long-term hydrologic data (1952–2006) to reveal decadal fluctuations in bird populations tied to hydroclimatic variability. Simulations under alternative water management scenarios demonstrate how posterior probability distributions of foraging birds can guide adaptive management strategies, bridging seasonal rainfall forecasts with ecological outcomes.
Olympic National Park
—
2011 —
WHE052CB13CB3
Dam removal on the Elwha River could significantly alter the landscape of Olympic National Park's reservoirs, but research predicts that invasive exotic plants may spread into these areas post-removal. The study identified high-risk zones for long-distance dispersal of invasive species, primarily through vectors like wind, water, birds, beavers, ungulates, and human activity on roads and trails. By combining survey data with geographic information system (GIS) models and statistical analyses, the research prioritized treatment areas to mitigate ecological disruption before dam removal begins in 2011. This approach aims to protect native vegetation recovery by addressing potential threats from invasive species.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
—
2011 —
WHE0144244D98
A study on the Saemangeum tidal flats, Korea, successfully predicted the distribution of 15 intertidal macrobenthic species with high accuracy (65–92%) using logistic regression models based on environmental parameters such as shore level, mud content, and organic content. The research demonstrated that these models could effectively map species occurrence probabilities, revealing significant variability in how closely associated species respond to habitat changes. While the ecological processes driving these distributions were not fully determined, the strong agreement between modeled predictions and field observations underscores the practical utility of this approach for tidal flat management under an ecosystem-based framework.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
—
2011 —
WHEACF95F9BFA
Researchers documented the presence of the neon flying squid (<em>Ommastrephes bartramii</em>) in the waters around the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie), Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, marking a significant biogeographical observation. Between September 2007 and October 2008, 379 specimens were sampled, ranging from 18 mm to 654 mm mantle length, with the largest weighing approximately 10 kg. This discovery challenges the species' rarity in the Mediterranean, where it was previously considered sporadic or difficult to find. The study highlights its broad bathymetric distribution (100–1500 m depth) and contributes to understanding its epipelagic and mesopelagic habitat preferences.
Völklingen Ironworks
—
2011 —
WHE564D4B2F47
Industrial heritage preservation, exemplified by the UNESCO-listed Völklingen Ironworks, differs significantly from traditional monument care due to its unique characteristics. This study highlights that while industrial monument preservation is widely accepted in Germany since 1994, regional perceptions vary greatly. It outlines key differences in rehabilitation and conservation requirements for industrial sites compared to classic monuments, providing a concise overview of these special cases of human heritage.
Sacred City of Kandy
—
2011 —
WHEB09160A7D9
A high prevalence of leptospirosis was detected in smallholder dairy cattle (38.8% of farms) and peridomestic rodents (17.5%) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, with cattle identified as a significant reservoir for human transmission. The study used serological testing to detect antileptospiral antibodies and PCR to identify Leptospira flaB gene DNA in urine and kidney samples. Cattle were predominantly infected with serogroups Sejroe (73.9%) and Hebdomadis (26.1%), while rodents showed reactions to Javanica (61.5%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (30.8%). The findings suggest cattle may pose a greater risk to agricultural communities than rodents, aligning with human leptospirosis patterns in the region.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
—
2011 —
WHEA29EA044F8
A study of avian haemosporidian parasites in Brazil's Cerrado Protected Areas revealed that habitat alteration does not significantly impact the prevalence or diversity of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus infections. Researchers analyzed 676 wild birds from three distinct habitats—intact cerrado, disturbed cerrado, and a transition area between Amazonian rainforest and cerrad—to assess how these environments influence parasite dynamics. While no significant differences were found among habitats, the study identified 15 previously unknown parasite lineages, suggesting potential regional endemism. Additionally, six known lineages accounted for 50-80% of infections, indicating a strong regional relationship in parasite distribution.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
—
2011 —
WHECB717E73FB
A study reveals that Mycoplasma ovis, a hemoplasma known to cause anemia and mortality in small ruminants, infects free-ranging deer populations in Brazil with significant prevalence. Analysis of 103 deer samples from Porto Primavera, Pantanal, and Emas National Park identified an overall infection rate of 58%, with the highest prevalence (72%) observed in Blastocerus dichotomus from Porto Primavera. Molecular characterization using PCR and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene uncovered three genetically distinct hemoplasmas, including M. ovis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma erythrocervae', and a novel strain closely related to M. ovis. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed these findings, highlighting the genetic diversity of hemoplasmas in wild deer populations.
Kathmandu Valley
—
2011 —
WHEC214186D39
A significant prevalence of waterborne pathogens was found in groundwater and river water samples from the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, during the rainy season of 2009. The study detected at least one type of pathogen—including Cryptosporidium, Giardia, human adenoviruses, and noroviruses—in 56% of shallow well samples tested. River water exhibited notably higher concentrations of these pathogens compared to groundwater, with Cryptosporidium and Giardia levels reaching 140 oocysts/l and 8500 cysts/l, respectively. The research also demonstrated that E. coli-positive groundwater samples were more likely to contain protozoa and viruses, suggesting its potential as an indicator for pathogen contamination in valley groundwater. Additionally, genotyping of F-RNA coliphages was successfully used to differentiate between human and animal fecal sources.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
—
2011 —
WHEFF3FBA4A21
A comprehensive analysis of geotechnical monitoring and tunneling methods reveals critical insights for enhancing safety and efficiency in underground construction, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study highlights the importance of thorough displacement monitoring in tunnels to prevent accidents, demonstrating that continuous and accurate data collection is essential for risk management. It also introduces innovative approaches like the observational method in TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) tunneling, which significantly reduces risks by adapting to real-time geotechnical conditions. Additionally, the research provides criteria for selecting appropriate tunneling methods, such as NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method), ADECO-RS, and TBM, based on project-specific factors like soil stability and site conditions. Lessons learned from past incidents, including mine collapses and mudslides, underscore the need for rigorous safety protocols and data integration to mitigate risks effectively.
The English Lake District
—
2011 —
WHE4FC4C00169
Priest Pot, a freshwater site within the English Lake District, exhibits remarkable microbial diversity driven by its stratified water column. The study identifies 220 species of scale-bearing protists, belonging to three functional groups: amoeboid protozoa, flagellates, and ciliates. These microorganisms thrive in distinct niches determined primarily by oxygen levels at varying depths, showcasing their adaptability to changing physical and chemical conditions. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to analyze microbial eukaryotes from water columns, sediment surfaces, surrounding habitats, and subfossils, revealing intricate details of their microscales. This research highlights Priest Pot as a unique ecosystem with significant potential for further exploration, particularly regarding understudied protist species.
Lower Valley of the Omo
—
2011 —
WHE4958D7974F
Ethnic identities in the Lower Omo Valley emerged from two key patterns of movement between 1750 and 1910: organized pastoralist migrations and downstream river movements. These shifts, linked to East African cataclysms like floods and epidemics, reshaped local demographics, leading to assimilation and the disappearance of some primary groups. The study reveals that 'clusters' of interacting peoples in high-interaction localities were crucial nodes for cultural identity formation. By analyzing historical records and migration patterns, it demonstrates how external disruptions and ecological opportunities shaped current ethnic identities.
Amiens Cathedral
—
2011 —
WHEABCA20DBE7
A rare insight into the construction of private medieval manuscripts reveals that books from the 1240s, likely produced at Amiens Cathedral's chancery, were assembled by incorporating older texts or quires and appending new ones. This method of book-making involved at least fifteen scribes, some of whom also created pen-flourished initials, demonstrating a collaborative effort in manuscript production. The study identifies similar practices in other notable libraries, such as those of Henry the Liberal (d. 1181) and Bernard de Castenet (d. 1317), highlighting the reuse and interpolation of older materials to create new philosophical works, many of which were translations from Arabic.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
—
2011 —
WHE54B582A0B3
Ambohimanga, Madagascar's sacred royal hill inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001, exemplifies how such sites become complex spatial constructs with multifaceted interpretations. Through Henri Lefebvre's triadic analysis—practices of space, representations of space, and spaces of representation—the study reveals Ambohimanga as a hybrid space serving religious, national, and touristic functions simultaneously. This duality arises from its designation as a global heritage site, which exposes it to diverse interpretations while maintaining its sacred significance for local communities.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
—
2011 —
WHE83AA6C55A2
The Bauhaus movement, founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar in 1919, revolutionized design and architecture with its innovative approaches that continue to influence aesthetic understanding today. Drawing inspiration from medieval guild practices, the Bauhaus united diverse disciplines under a unified vision, fostering a revolutionary concept that persists nearly a century later. This study highlights the enduring impact of Bauhaus's prototyping practices on innovation, demonstrating their relevance in contemporary contexts.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
—
2011 —
WHE0878FBEA48
Only 3% of tourism brochures in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area mention 'Gondwana' or 'Gondwana Rainforests,' highlighting a significant gap in branding awareness despite its importance as a tourist drawcard. This study analyzed 343 brochures to assess the representation of key terms like 'rainforest,' 'World Heritage,' and 'Gondwana' in both text and imagery. The findings underscore the need for stronger promotion of this globally recognized brand to enhance visitor engagement and community awareness, given its role as a remnant sub-tropical rainforest ecosystem declared a World Heritage site in 1986.
Lamu Old Town
—
2011 —
WHE18DC2ECC23
Festivals, including those in Lamu Old Townhold significant potential for sustainable local economic development. However, this potential is often underutilized due to poor management and engagement with tourism forces. The study highlights the need for careful planning of festival events to balance cultural preservation, community involvement, and economic benefits while ensuring sustainable tourism practices. By investing in festivals and fostering authentic tourist experiences, regional economies can be boosted, tourism seasonality expanded, and local identities strengthened. This case study underscores the importance of policy interventions that prioritize local participation in communicating Lamu's history and cultural heritage.
Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
—
2011 —
WHEE7F7309162
Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and known as Prousa during Byzantine rule, exhibits a complex urban fabric where Ottoman identity emerged alongside enduring Byzantine influences. This study reveals that early 14th-century Bursa was less uniform than previously thought, with Byzantine architectural elements persisting and shaping Ottoman construction practices. By analyzing pre-1855 earthquake drawings and textual evidence, the research challenges Ottoman-centric narratives, demonstrating how Byzantine substrata informed the city's development despite significant remodelling due to fires and earthquakes.
Socotra Archipelago
—
2011 —
WHE3B67A21B8E
Two new species of dottyback fish, Pseudochromis chrysospilus and Pseudochromis socotraensis, have been identified from the Socotra Archipelago. These discoveries expand the known biodiversity of the region, with P. chrysospilus belonging to a newly diagnosed 'caudalis-complex' and differing in meristic and coloration traits, while P. socotraensis is part of the 'dutoiti-complex,' distinguished by adult size, meristic characters, and live coloration. The study, based on collections from 1999–2000 and additional visual records, also documents the distribution ranges and biotopes of seven Pseudochromis species and two Chlidichthys species in the archipelago.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
—
2011 —
WHEAE05A9B358
Scientists have discovered pseudolyonsite, Cu3(VO4)2, a new mineral species from the Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, Russia. This dark red to black mineral, found in medium-temperature fumaroles, exhibits unique characteristics such as flexibility in thin needles and distinct anisotropy under reflected light. Pseudolyonsite is isostructural with synthetic Cu3(VO4)2 and dimorphous with triclinic mcbirneyite, featuring a complex crystal structure composed of corrugated octahedral layers connected by VO4 tetrahedra. The mineral's name reflects its visual similarity to lyonsite, another vanadate mineral. The discovery was made through detailed analysis using electron probe microscopy and X-ray diffraction, providing insights into the mineral's composition, structure, and properties.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
—
2011 —
WHE2673C279B8
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Alberta, exemplifies the complexities of heritage development and the 'spirit of place.' This study reveals that while efforts to reconcile tangible and intangible heritage can enrich site narratives, they may also marginalize fragmented histories. By comparing Head-Smashed-In with Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, the research highlights divergent approaches to place-making and Aboriginal consultation in archaeological preservation. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that acknowledges both the wholeness and fragmentation of place, challenging conventional heritage practices and public history narratives.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
—
2011 —
WHE74A39C62D3
Recent paroxysmal explosions at Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) ejected pyrometamorphic rocks, classified as buchites, providing evidence of high-temperature, low-pressure contact metamorphism at the magma-hydrothermal system interface. The study identified three distinct facies within these ejecta—cordierite-plagioclase, mullite-plagioclase palisade, and tridymite-clinopyroxene—indicating complex interactions between hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks and basaltic magma. Mineral growth patterns, such as plagioclase palisades and clinopyroxene coronae, along with pseudoporphyritic microstructures, support the origin of these buchites from hydrothermally altered rocks of the Vancori edifice, which underwent partial melting due to contact with ascending magma. The research highlights the dynamic processes occurring in active island arc volcanoes, where acidic hydrothermal fluids alter volcanic protoliths, leading to diverse alteration facies and subsequent pyrometamorphism.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
—
2011 —
WHE60A8BFE0DF
A comprehensive analysis of surface-survey ceramics from southwest Samos reveals the island's evolving landscape structure and networking patterns, spanning from the Archaic to Byzantine periods. By identifying 15 densely populated 'Areas of Interest' through spatial analysis, researchers uncovered a dynamic network of contacts that gradually expanded both internally and externally across the Aegean and Mediterranean. Detailed typological analysis of 2,106 ceramics, combined with environmental context, provided precise dating for these areas, while comparisons with local Ionian ceramics and those from the Heraion Sanctuary offered insights into the island's cultural interactions over centuries.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
—
2011 —
WHEE418B99B40
A significant contribution to understanding the ancestral culture of Carchi, this study highlights the enduring legacy of Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Andean road system. The research reveals that remnants of this path, along with the vibrant life in surrounding communities, serve as tangible evidence of a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. By examining these vestiges, the study not only sheds light on historical practices but also proposes strategies to improve living conditions in marginalized urban areas through the preservation and celebration of natural and cultural assets.
Cologne Cathedral
—
2011 —
WHE8B070D084B
A critical factor in the deterioration of Cologne Cathedral's medieval 'Drachenfels trachyte' is its moisture properties, including capillary and sorptive water uptake, water saturation, drying processes, and moisture dilatation. This study assessed eight different stones used in the cathedral's construction, comparing their petrography, mineralogical composition, and petrophysical properties to those of Drachenfels trachyte. The research found significant differences in lithology and petrophysical characteristics among the stones, which are strongly correlated with their deterioration behavior. By defining optical and petrophysical criteria, including strength values, the study evaluated the compatibility of original, replacement, and modern building materials, highlighting that moisture properties play a pivotal role in the decay mechanisms observed.
