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Showing 21 – 40 of 4230 publications

According to Byzantine Designs: Syrian Merchants in the West and Early Christian Architecture

Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna — 2025 — WHE3B3A100E4B

Syrian merchant communities in post-Roman Europe played a significant role in transmitting Eastern Mediterranean architectural and liturgical traditions to the West, likely influencing early Christian architecture from Ravenna to Ireland. The study identifies octagonal baptisteries and cathedrals—such as those in Milan and Ravenna—as hallmarks of Antiochian architectural influence, suggesting direct imitation or involvement of Syrian craftsmen. Archaeological and historical evidence supports the presence of these communities, with parallels drawn to better-documented merchant groups, like Greek traders in Ukraine. The research highlights how even small, resourceful migrant groups can leave a lasting cultural imprint.

An ethnobotanical insight into the healing traditions as strategies for forest conservation of indigenous ethnic communities in the West Sikkim district of the Sikkim Himalayas, India

Khangchendzonga National Park — 2025 — WHED2787B523B

Indigenous communities in West Sikkim, home to the UNESCO-listed Khangchendzonga National Park, rely on a rich repository of 70 medicinal plant species for treating 31 health conditions. Sacred groves, culturally protected forest patches, play a pivotal role in conserving these plants while reinforcing community-led biodiversity stewardship. The study, conducted through interviews with 218 informants, revealed that herbs dominate traditional remedies, with roots being the most frequently used plant part and decoction the preferred preparation method. Notably, Cordyceps sinensis showed the highest use value (0.96) and Relative Frequency of Citation (1), highlighting its significance in local remedies. The research underscores the importance of preserving traditional medicine and conservation practices like sacred groves to protect cultural heritage and advance future drug discovery.

An Integrated Water System: The Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2025 — WHE5AB69A1511

The Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2013, serves as a model for sustainable development by integrating traditional farming, irrigation, and water management practices with the spiritual relationship of the Hani people to nature. This landscape exemplifies a comprehensive water management system that aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action). The study highlights the resilience of this system in traditional farming practices, offering insights into conserving and recreating holistic water systems amid climate change challenges such as flooding and drought. It underscores the importance of safeguarding this cultural landscape against socioeconomic pressures while maintaining its ecological and cultural integrity.

Analysis of the Bathing Suitability of Lagoons in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2025 — WHE153BF707C2

Lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park exhibit excellent water quality, posing no health risks to visitors. A study analyzed bathing suitability using microbiological and physical-chemical assessments, following CONAMA resolution No. 274/00 standards. The research, conducted by Santos and Novaes (2025), found that the lagoons—Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita—met safety criteria for swimming and water sports on most sampled days. While the findings confirm current suitability, the authors highlight the need for further studies to evaluate other potential environmental factors affecting bathing conditions. This work provides critical data for ICMBio, aiding conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed site.

Analysis of vernacular dwellings in Iraq: A comparative study of Erbil citadel and old Akre

Erbil Citadel — 2025 — WHE0989FA3E90

Vernacular architecture in Erbil Citadel and Old Akre, two historic Iraqi settlements, demonstrates context-sensitive design principles that address climatic, topographical, and social factors while maintaining cultural continuity. A comparative analysis reveals how both sites efficiently use locally available resources—such as mud brick and timber in Erbil or stone and lime in Old Akre—to achieve thermal comfort, privacy, and community integration. Erbil’s compact, inward-oriented courtyard houses contrast with Old Akre’s terraced layout, adapted to mountainous terrain, yet both showcase sustainable design strategies that remain relevant for contemporary urban development. This study highlights the potential of traditional practices as a framework for climate-responsive and culturally integrated architecture.

Annual Dynamics of Mycobiota in Symptomatic Century-Old Trees of Aesculus hippocastanum, Fagus sylvatica, Populus alba, and Quercus robur

Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE06BF70E4D9

Aging trees within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape exhibit dynamic and host-dependent fungal communities that significantly influence their decline. The study, conducted on century-old horse chestnut, Copper beech, poplar, and oak trees, revealed that fungal diversity and composition vary both among tree species and over time. Notably, Copper beech showed the most pronounced annual decline in fungal richness (-83%), while horse chestnut and poplar displayed significant increases (+65% and +42%, respectively). Ascomycota dominated across all hosts (72–89% of reads), with Basidiomycota contributing 8–24%. The research used ITS2 high-throughput sequencing to profile fungal assemblages, demonstrating that the wood mycobiome is neither static nor functionally neutral but actively shapes tree decline trajectories in managed historical park landscapes.

Application of Controlled-Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) for Subsurface Structural Characterization of Wadi Rum, Southwest Jordan

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2025 — WHE9CEBA7C757

Research using controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) reveals that Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan, features a graben-like subsurface structure with two prominent faults trending northeast and southwest. The study identified four distinct layers based on resistivity values: a surface layer of alluvial sediments and mud flats (<200 Ω·m), an intermediate layer of medium-grained sandstone (80–100 Ω·m), another intermediate layer of coarse conglomerates and sandstone (100–800 Ω·m), and a deep basement rock layer (>1000 Ω·m). These findings provide critical insights for urban sustainability, hazard assessment, and infrastructure planning in the protected area.

Archaeological Heritage in the Historic Centre of Riga: Status, Management, Development

Historic Centre of Riga — 2025 — WHEF2B48BAA95

Riga's Historic Centre faces significant economic pressure that challenges the preservation of its archaeological heritage. Despite legal protections, development interests often conflict with the need to safeguard the city's oldest layers, dating back to the 11th–12th centuries. This study evaluates the status, management, and potential for sustainable development while maintaining archaeological integrity. It highlights the tension between modernization and heritage conservation, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth with the preservation of Riga's cultural and historical environment.

Architectural concept for the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum in Turkestan

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi — 2025 — WHEAB9DA9CBE0

Research on the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan reveals its pivotal role as both a historical and scientific landmark, shaping the development of architectural studies in Kazakhstan. The study highlights the mausoleum's significance beyond religious and cultural heritage, positioning it as a central hub for theoretical-scientific exploration in Central Asia. Analyzing restoration efforts from the early 20th century to the present, the research evaluates contributions from key scholars like A.A. Semenov, S.K. Orlov, and B.T. Tuyaqbaeva, comparing the strengths and weaknesses of Soviet-era scientific expeditions and post-independence policies for cultural preservation. Using methods such as historical-comparative, structural-architectural, archaeological, and documentary analysis, the study provides actionable insights for preserving and restoring heritage sites, with applications in tourism, urban planning, digital documentation, and restoration science.

Architectural Heritage Preservation: An Application of Historic Building Quality Assessment Criteria for World Heritage Sites in Ghana

Asante Traditional Buildings — 2025 — WHE9ED4696A41

Ghana's Asante Traditional Buildings (ATBs) lack standardized evaluation criteria for their preservation. This study proposes the use of Historic Building Quality Assessment Criteria (HBQAC) to address this gap, ensuring timely and efficient restoration. The research employs an interpretivist methodology, reviewing existing literature to identify current standards for evaluating heritage structures in Ghana. Findings highlight a dearth of information on such standards, underscoring the need for HBQAC to guide preservation efforts effectively.

Assessing the epistemic dimension of people–place relationships for inclusive ecosystem governance

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2025 — WHEA5E2187C75

A strong connection between people's knowledge and their emotional bonds to place, termed 'epistemic bonding,' significantly influences perceptions of ecosystem governance. This study found that higher epistemic bonding correlates with long-term residency, family history in the area, and a more negative stance towards official nature protection in Finland. By analyzing survey data from 306 residents of the High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site, researchers demonstrated that epistemic bonding is closely tied to place dependence and identity. This concept highlights how diverse ways of knowing shape responses to environmental decision-making, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance that recognizes multiple forms of knowledge.

Assessing the UNESCO community capacity building initiative: a case study from the historic city of Vigan, Philippines

Historic City of Vigan — 2025 — WHEF5FFF09AC2

A critical evaluation of UNESCO's capacity-building initiatives reveals that while such programs aim to empower local communities as heritage custodians, their effectiveness may be limited by preexisting community capabilities and social dynamics. The study, conducted using an ethnographic approach in Vigan, Philippinesexamined how homeowners interacted with a co-developed manual designed to educate them on conservation techniques. Findings suggest that capacity-building efforts must account for varying levels of social capital and adapt to local contexts to fully meet the needs of communities. The research provides actionable insights for future program designs, emphasizing the need for flexibility in addressing the complexities of heritage management at World Heritage sites.

Assessment of the Archaeological Potential of Prehistoric Settlement Areas along the Lake Shores and Wetlands of Carinthia, Southern Austria

Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps — 2025 — WHEEF16CA55E2

A pilot project in Carinthia, southern Austria, has uncovered new evidence of prehistoric settlement dynamics along lake shores and wetlands, bridging gaps in the region's archaeological record. The study, conducted between 2021 and 2024, combined archival research, underwater surveys, sediment coring, and laboratory analyses to identify and document submerged archaeological structures dating from the 5th to 3rd millennia BC. Notably, the discovery of a pile-dwelling site on Kapuzinerinsel in Lake Wörthersee highlights the potential for targeted assessments to reveal previously unknown heritage. The research provides new radiocarbon dates and insights into human-environment interactions during the Neolithic and Copper Age, reinforcing Carinthia's significance as an inner-Alpine corridor linking Europe's archaeological landscapes. This interdisciplinary approach sets a foundation for future heritage protection and regional studies.

Assessment of the Institutional Arrangements for the Payments for Environmental Services (PES) Implementation for Watershed Conservation: The Case of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS)

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary — 2025 — WHE569E452DD1

A critical gap in the institutionalization of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) hinders watershed conservation efforts at Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), despite supportive national policies and stakeholder engagement. The study, which analyzed key informant interviews and secondary data, revealed that while enabling factors such as clear property rights for the Mandaya indigenous community and existing environmental laws exist, constraints like limited institutional capacity, inadequate water management data, and weak representation of local stakeholders in governance bodies pose significant challenges. The absence of a national PES framework further disrupts conservation initiatives due to government transitions. To overcome these barriers, the research recommends prioritizing capacity building, stakeholder engagement, sustainable funding, and aligning local actions with national policies. Active participation by MHRWS lead bodies in the ongoing Payment for Water Ecosystem Service (P-WES) institutionalization process could catalyze PES implementation, enhancing watershed management and ensuring a sustainable water supply.

Assessment of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites Vulnerability through Multicriteria Analysis

Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania — 2025 — WHE58FAD6B3F8

A multicriteria analysis reveals that while Romania's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, including the Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania, are highly exposed to natural and human-induced hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and floods, their vulnerability varies significantly. Some sites exhibit lower vulnerability despite susceptibility, highlighting the importance of intrinsic factors such as structure age, height, construction materials, and infrastructure effectiveness in mitigating risks. The study integrates geophysical data and GIS mapping to assess multi-hazard susceptibility across nine heritage categories, providing actionable insights for site managers and authorities to enhance monitoring, maintenance, and budget allocation for protection efforts.

Balancing Hydrological Sustainability and Heritage Conservation: A Decadal Analysis of Water-Yield Dynamics in the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2025 — WHEFB04E08D6B

A decade-long decline in water yield, driven by cropland fragmentation and tourism growth, threatens the hydrological sustainability of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Research using the InVEST model and geographic detector analysis revealed that while built-up areas exhibited the highest water yield (980 mm per unit in 2018), there was a significant 31% drop by 2020, with persistent-yield hotspots in forested central-eastern terraces. Land-use patterns accounted for 80–95% of yield variability, exacerbated by temperature interactions. Forests contributed 68.7 million m³ over the decade, underscoring their hydrological importance. The study advocates for reforestation in critical recharge zones, terrace restoration, and regulated tourism to balance water security with cultural heritage conservation.

Bayesian Approaches for Damage Identification of a Historic Masonry Tower

Historic Centre of San Gimignano — 2025 — WHE7C9A32D8CA

A Bayesian approach successfully identified structural damage in the Torre Grossa, a 60-meter-tall medieval masonry tower in San Gimignano, Italy. This method integrated diverse data sources—static and dynamic Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems alongside detailed cracking pattern surveys—to quantify uncertainties and model inadequacies, providing a reliable computational framework for assessing historic buildings' performance under exceptional loads. The study highlights the Torre Grossa's unique challenges, including its multi-leaf stone masonry walls with heterogeneous internal cores and integration into an adjacent building, offering insights applicable to other historic structures.

Book Review - Hopewell Ceremonial Landscapes Of Ohio: More Than Mounds And Geometric Earthworks, by Mark J. Lynott

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — 2025 — WHEDABF71FDDD

Hopewell Ceremonial Landscapes of Ohio challenges conventional perceptions of the Hopewell culture by revealing its complexity beyond geometric earthworks and mounds. Mark J. Lynott's book, published in 2015, argues that these landscapes were not merely ceremonial but also functional, serving as centers for trade, social interaction, and astronomical observations. Through interdisciplinary analysis—integrating archaeology, geophysics, and historical records—the study reconstructs the cultural significance of these sites, emphasizing their role in shaping Hopewell society. The research approach combines field surveys, artifact analysis, and spatial modeling to uncover patterns that highlight the sophistication of Hopewell engineering and cosmological beliefs.

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) aggregations at Cocos Island National Park, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, between 2017-2022

Cocos Island National Park — 2025 — WHEF2F47C5321

Research on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) aggregations at Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica, from 2017 to 2022 reveals that the northeastern and southwestern quadrants serve as critical feeding grounds, likely due to high productivity near seamounts. The study found no significant seasonal or annual differences in sightings but noted an increase in individuals per group during 2020-2021, possibly linked to reduced human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. While juveniles and pups were consistently present until 2022, their absence that year suggests potential shifts in habitat use or population dynamics. The research used systematic monitoring via the PRONAMEC protocol, dividing the park into quadrants and analyzing group composition, location, and seasonality to inform conservation strategies for this remote yet ecologically vital marine area.

Bricks from the Twelfth-Century Churches in Pskov

Churches of the Pskov School of Architecture — 2025 — WHED9784B3FD5

A unique analysis of twelfth-century brickwork from Pskov's pre-Mongol churches reveals distinct architectural traditions and local adaptations. The study identifies key features of ceramic fabric, molding techniques, and brick formats, demonstrating strong ties to the Novgorod School while highlighting deviations such as advanced brick marking, absence of dentils in cornices, and unplastered facades. Notably, rare brick stamps—including princely emblems like bidents—were found on plinths from St. Demetrius of Solun Church, offering unprecedented insights into medieval craftsmanship and symbolism. The research synthesizes existing data to reconstruct the design and construction methods of these landmarks, providing a foundation for future studies on Pskov's architectural heritage.