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‘…the Hardest Working People on This Planet…’: Conservation Practitioners' Narratives of Heroism and Indigenous Erasure in the Manu National Park, Perú

Manú National Park — 2026 — WHE431DF85BED

Conservation practitioners' narratives often perpetuate exclusionary wilderness discourses, emphasizing their own heroism while erasing or marginalizing Indigenous peoples. A critical analysis of archival material and interviews from the Manu National Park, Peru—a global conservation priority—reveals that these narratives frame Indigenous communities as environmental threats rather than acknowledging their vital roles. While some exceptions exist, fundamental reflexivity in conservation practices remains lacking, highlighting the need for practitioners to de-center themselves and recognize Indigenous contributions.

‘Archeology on Ice: Interior Alaska, USA’

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2026 — WHEC6E47A13BC

Alpine glaciers and ice fields in the Alaska Range, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek, have yielded significant archaeological discoveries, including preserved artifacts from early human activity. The exhibit 'Archeology on Ice' showcases these findings at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center in Fairbanks, Alaska, a strategic location near North America's earliest archaeological sites. The research approach involves systematic exploration of ice patches and glaciers, revealing insights into past human behavior and environmental interactions. This exhibit serves as an educational platform to share these discoveries with both academic and general audiences.

‘To entirely recreate its authenticity’: the transition in Lithuanian urban conservation in the 1980s–1990s

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2026 — WHEE1B4A9DA50

The inscription of the Vilnius Historic Centre onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 marked a pivotal moment, symbolizing international recognition of Lithuania's urban heritage and its re-established independence. This study reveals how Soviet-era conservation practices, despite their flaws—such as ineffective implementation and methodological principles like 'sanation' that undermined authenticity—were paradoxically validated post-independence. The research explores the transition from centralized Soviet approaches to emerging civic rights and romantic reconstruction ideas, highlighting the interplay between heritage conservation, national identity, and global recognition. By analyzing the 1987 Vilnius Old Town Regeneration Project, this work provides a nuanced understanding of how heritage practices shape post-Soviet landscapes.

"Forest Fire in Uttarakhand Curse for Economy, Ecosystem & Human Being"

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2026 — WHE23F93E5122

Forest fires in Uttarakhand, India, pose significant threats to the region's economy, biodiversity, and water resources. Annual fires affect approximately 1750 hectares of forest, particularly during specific seasons, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems that support rivers, agriculture, and medicinal plants. The study highlights the critical role of forests in Uttarakhand—covering 45.43% of its geographical area—as a backbone for biodiversity and economic stability. However, these fires not only destroy forest resources but also threaten the livelihoods of local communities dependent on these ecosystems. The research underscores the urgent need for sustainable fire management strategies to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its ecological significance.

“Rome of the East”

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments — 2026 — WHEB4183F42FF

The Neo-Byzantine architectural style in Russia, distinct from its European counterparts, emerged as a prominent and influential movement during the 19th century. This style, rooted in historicism, was shaped by Russian architects who studied Byzantine heritage through travels to Turkey, Greece, the Caucasus, and Italy. By the 1850s, it became the second most significant architectural style after the 'Russian style,' with over 200 churches built across the empire between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Key centers for training specialists in this style included the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, the Institute of Civil Engineers, and the Nicholas the First Engineering Academy. The popularity of Neo-Byzantine architecture was further fueled by patronage from wealthy art enthusiasts who established charitable institutions using private donations. Notably, the early 20th century saw the creation of remarkable replicas of Hagia Sophia in Kronstadt and Sofia, reflecting a heightened interest in Byzantine heritage.

“The park is the people”: World heritage as antipolitical and neocolonial environmental governance in mulu park, Malaysia

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2026 — WHE8F3ED292E2

Gunung Mulu National Park exemplifies the neocolonial and antipolitical dimensions of global conservation governance. The study reveals how the World Heritage Convention, through its technical and scientific frameworks, prioritizes nature for global enjoyment while marginalizing Indigenous voices and displacing local communities. By analyzing site selection processes in Mulu Park, Malaysia, researchers demonstrate how these practices normalize 'global' values, often facilitated by international non-governmental organizations (BINGOs), thereby perpetuating land grabs and cultural displacement without meaningful local participation.

(Re)building Algiers: Racial Segregation in the “Republican” Empire

Kasbah of Algiers — 2026 — WHEF0692D659A

Racial segregation in Algiers under French colonial rule was not enforced through formal legal structures but emerged from a sustained process of erasure, racial violence, and expropriation. This study reveals that despite the absence of explicit policies like public health codes or racial covenants, the city's spatial divisions were deeply entrenched, with European settlements expanding outward while the native Algerian population was confined to densely populated areas like the Casbah. The research highlights how these segregated spaces, though invisible in formal governance, became sites of resistance and solidarity for Algerians. The study employs a historical approach to unpack the mechanisms behind this segregation, emphasizing its role in limiting urban possibilities for Algerians while simultaneously fostering zones of resilience.

(Re)Connecting Maritime Heritage: Urban Resilience and Waterfront Developments Within the Peripheries of World Heritage Sites

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2026 — WHE326976F344

State-led waterfront developments in the Gulf region, while aiming to reconnect maritime heritage with World Heritage Sites (WHSs), often fall short on social integration and climate adaptation, undermining urban resilience. A comparative study of Historic Jeddah and Muharraq, Bahrain, using an expanded Comprehensive Waterfront Development Index (CWDI) framework—now comprising eight dimensions—revealed that these projects, though integrating key CWDI aspects, lack sufficient social cohesion and climate adaptability. This finding highlights a critical gap in sustainable development within rapidly transforming WHS peripheries, challenging the narrative of waterfront developments as mere extensions of heritage assets.

2024 Socioeconomic Research of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Report on 2024 Data Collection

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2026 — WHEB730D13838

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's 2024 socioeconomic research reveals critical insights into visitor demographics, trip characteristics, and experience evaluations, providing a comprehensive understanding of park utilization and perception. The study employed a two-step survey methodology: an onsite intercept survey using tablets to capture real-time data, followed by a post-trip survey (mail-back or online) for in-depth analysis. This approach enabled the collection of representative visitor data during peak seasons, aiding park managers in assessing operations, identifying potential issues, and facilitating decision-making processes. The findings contribute to broader national-level research, offering actionable intelligence for both Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and its stakeholders.

2024 Socioeconomic Research of Mammoth Cave National Park: Report on 2024 Data Collection

Mammoth Cave National Park — 2026 — WHEB4A984F883

A comprehensive socioeconomic monitoring of Mammoth Cave National Park in 2024 reveals critical insights into visitor demographics, trip characteristics, and park resource perception. The study employed a two-step survey methodology—on-site intercept surveys via tablets and post-trip surveys (mail-back or online)—to capture representative data during peak seasons. Key findings include detailed visitor profiles, trip planning behaviors, and evaluations of park experiences, which are designed to assist park managers in assessing current utilization, identifying operational issues, and guiding decision-making processes. This research contributes to broader national-level findings, aiding communication between the park and its stakeholders while aligning with NPS strategic goals for science monitoring.

2026 Socioeconomic Research of Mammoth Cave National Park: Report on 2026 Data Collection

Mammoth Cave National Park — 2026 — WHEE821815F56

Mammoth Cave National Park's 2026 socioeconomic research reveals critical insights into visitor demographics, trip characteristics, and experience evaluations during the off-peak season. The study, conducted via a two-step survey methodology—on-site intercept surveys using tablets followed by post-trip surveys (mail-back or online)—aims to provide park managers with data on current utilization and perception of park resources. This approach helps assess operations, identify potential issues, and facilitate communication between the park and its stakeholders. The findings are expected to guide decision-making processes, contributing to more effective management strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A ‘fish finder’ for birds? Route-dependent foraging behavior of the brown booby ( Sula leucogaster ) following a passenger ferry in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan

Ogasawara Islands — 2026 — WHE87CCF76BEF

Brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) exhibit route-dependent foraging behavior around passenger ferries, suggesting that these vessels may act as 'fish finders' by disturbing surface-associated prey like flying fish. Research conducted in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan—home to one of the largest breeding colonies—revealed a directional asymmetry: significantly higher numbers of boobies accompanied ferries departing from the main colony island (Hahajima) compared to southbound trips. The behavior peaked during the chick-rearing period in August, with birds following the ferry immediately upon departure but only appearing mid-route when traveling toward the colony. This pattern hints at cognitive abilities such as spatial memory and associative learning. The study highlights the potential of low-cost observational methods from public transport for behavioral research, offering a scalable approach for citizen science.

A Case Study of the Relationship Between Traditional Chinese Feng Shui Theory and the Design Philosophy of Guozhuang in Hangzhou

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2026 — WHEF8FF6B820A

Traditional Chinese Feng Shui theory significantly shaped the design philosophy and practice of Guozhuang, a historic garden in Hangzhou adjacent to West Lake. The study reveals that Guozhuang's layout, aesthetics, and function align with Feng Shui principles, such as north-south orientation, borrowed scenery, and balanced water and rockery systems, creating a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. Architectural details further express ideas of guiding qi and balancing energies, enhancing spatial atmosphere and aesthetic value. This research combines literature review, field investigation, and expert interviews to analyze the garden's geographical setting, spatial layout, and landscape elements, offering theoretical and practical insights for contemporary landscape design while supporting the preservation of traditional culture.

A ChiMerge–WOE Ensemble Learning Framework for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment in Jiuzhaigou County, China

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2026 — WHE37E52F02B2

A novel framework combining ChiMerge discretization, Weight of Evidence (WOE) transformation, and tree-based ensemble learning achieves high accuracy in mapping landslide susceptibility in Jiuzhaigou Valley, China. The approach outperforms conventional methods by identifying statistically meaningful thresholds in conditioning factors and quantifying their association with landslides, leading to an AUC of 0.9432 for the best-performing model (WOE-CatBoost). High-risk zones, covering 28.59% of the study area, account for 85.96% of observed landslides, primarily in steep valleys, fractured lithological areas, and regions affected by human activities such as road construction and tourism development. This method enhances both prediction accuracy and interpretability, offering critical spatial support for landslide prevention and sustainable land management.

A Comparative Study of Rural Tourism and Hospitality Models: Kalaburagi District vs Neighboring Districts, and Hampi, of Karnataka

Group of Monuments at Hampi — 2026 — WHEA4D42EE948

Hampi's rural tourism model stands out as a mature, globally recognized approach that effectively integrates heritage tourism with community-based hospitality, contrasting sharply with Kalaburagi district. The study reveals that while Kalaburagi boasts rich cultural and rural resources, it lags in organized hospitality models and tourism integration compared to neighboring districts like Ballari (Hampi region), Bidar, and Raichur. By analyzing tourism resources, infrastructure, community participation, and government support, the research highlights significant disparities in development. Recommendations for Kalaburagi include adopting best practices from surrounding regions to enhance its rural tourism potential, offering a blueprint for sustainable growth.

A Comparative Study of Traditional and Contemporary Houses in Ghadames from a Sustainability Perspective

Old Town of Ghadamès — 2026 — WHEECB4FE2504

Traditional houses in Ghadamès, Libya, demonstrate exceptional sustainability through passive design strategies that enhance thermal comfort and minimize energy consumption. These structures utilize internal courtyards, thick walls, compact urban forms, and natural ventilation to adapt effectively to hot-arid climates. In contrast, contemporary houses rely heavily on mechanical cooling systems and industrial materials with high embodied energy, leading to higher operational energy demands. This comparative study highlights the potential of integrating climate-responsive traditional design principles into modern architecture to improve environmental performance and promote sustainable urban development in Libya.

A Comparison of Chimpanzee Density Estimators in Southern Congo

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2026 — WHE4815321A95

A groundbreaking study in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve (TNR), Republic of Congo, reveals that Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture (SECR) analysis is the most precise and cost-effective method for estimating chimpanzee density. Using camera trap data collected over six months, researchers identified 116 chimpanzees across a 252 km² grid, yielding a density estimate of 0.87 individuals per km² (95% CI: 0.58-1.30). This finding aligns with the distance sampling method's estimate of 0.81/km² but underscores SECR's superior reliability. The study marks the first application of SECR to great apes in Congo, providing critical insights for conservation efforts in the Odzala-Kokoua Forest Massif. This approach offers a robust foundation for monitoring chimpanzee populations amid habitat loss and illegal hunting pressures.

A comprehensive long term monitoring system of an iconic heritage complex: the Assisi Basilica case study

Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites — 2026 — WHE4B660D31FD

A long-term monitoring system implemented on the bell tower of Assisi's Basilica reveals critical insights into the dynamic behavior and seismic vulnerability of monumental structures. The study, conducted between 2022 and 2023, utilized a network of ultra-low-noise accelerometers and a velocimeter to track modal behavior, assess impacts from recent seismic events, and analyze weather-induced frequency variations. Data managed via cloud-based platforms highlights the tower's response to complex loading conditions, offering a model for preserving heritage sites in seismically active regions. This research advances understanding of long-term structural integrity under dynamic stresses.

A contribution to the study of the history of the church of St. George in Rečani

Medieval Monuments in Kosovo — 2026 — WHE2BA72824AB

The Church of St. George in Rečani, Kosovo, was definitively established as a 14th-century Serbian cultural monument through the discovery of a tombstone inscription dating to December 23, 1370, suggesting its founder (ktitor) may have been a duke buried there. While earlier mentions in Dušan’s charter around 1348 remain uncertain, this inscription provides the earliest reliable evidence of the church's existence. The study also documents the church's decline from the 19th century onward, marked by neglect, vandalism, and a suspected fire, followed by partial restorations in the mid-20th century. Tragically, it was destroyed in 1999 despite international protection, raising concerns about historical erasure in Kosovo. The research combines epigraphic analysis with historical documentation to reconstruct the church's fate.

A diatom-based assessment of multiple stressors over the past ∼220 years on shallow Cranberry Lake in the Rideau Canal (Ontario, Canada)

Rideau Canal — 2026 — WHEA07ACD7F67

A significant shift in diatom communities around 1980 marks the most pronounced ecological change in Cranberry Lake's history, linked to accelerated warming and prolonged ice-free periods. This study reconstructs the lake's environmental history using a sediment core, revealing transitions from marshland to lake formation (ca. 1800 CE) and subsequent ecosystem alterations due to canal construction (ca. 1830 CE). Diatom shifts since 2012, coinciding with nuisance algal blooms, suggest warming-driven limnological changes, despite stable nutrient levels. The research combines diatom analysis with historical records and modern monitoring data to uncover the impacts of multiple stressors—flooding, settlement, invasive species, and climate change—on this UNESCO-listed system.