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Showing 141 – 160 of 4230 publications

Mapping of Monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei Forest Across the Western Congo Basin Using Sentinel-2 Imagery

Sangha Trinational — 2025 — WHE34536B6284

A novel approach using Sentinel-2 imagery successfully mapped monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei forest within the Sangha Trinational, achieving 83% accuracy. This method distinguished G. dewevrei from spectrally similar mixed forests by leveraging spectral, vegetation, and textural indices, with gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) metrics proving critical due to the species' homogeneous canopy texture. The study demonstrates that freely available Sentinel-2 data can effectively classify distinct tropical forest types when combined with high-quality ground reference datasets, offering a promising tool for conservation monitoring in complex rainforest mosaics.

Memories of indenture: An analysis of representations of indentured labour at the Aapravasi Ghat and the 1860 heritage centre

Aapravasi Ghat — 2025 — WHE986C9CBEF2

A comparative analysis of exhibitions at Aapravasi Ghat (Mauritius) and the 1860 Heritage Centre (South Africa) reveals how these sites shape memories of indentured labor, a transnational system that dispersed populations across continents. The study highlights their role in fostering connective memory through narratives tied to democratic nation-building and postcolonial identities, while also exploring diasporic networks and contemporary interpretations of historical materials. By adopting a transnational oceanic framework, the research demonstrates how these sites can reimagine indenture's representations, suggesting new directions for museum practices to engage with this complex history.

Mental Maps and Sacred Spaces: An Empirical Analysis of Late Medieval Towns of the Baltic Sea Region, 1420–1520

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2025 — WHE31803AA6BE

Late medieval towns along the Baltic Sea, including Toruń (Thorn), exhibited a practical emphasis on the visibility of religious landmarks in their mental landscapes. Despite local variations, urban dwellers integrated nominally Christian elements—such as named spaces or structures—into their daily spatial cognition, reflecting a deeper role for faith in shaping physical perception. The study analyzed written sources from Åbo (Turku), Reval (Tallinn), Stockholm, Stralsund, and Toruń between 1420–1520, revealing how religious elements were not merely symbolic but functionally significant in urban navigation and social life.

Metrología y Construcción Arquitectura Tebana de la XVIII Dinastía

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2025 — WHEC53E63F061

A study of Ancient Thebes' religious architecture from the 18th Dynasty reveals precise metrological relationships and geometric modules underlying its design, centered around the Egyptian royal cubit (0.523 m). By analyzing dimensions, plans, and proportional relationships in temples and tombs, researchers identified a consistent modular system that reflects both ritual and functional concepts. This metrological framework aids conservation efforts by enabling accurate reconstruction of damaged or missing elements and facilitating the recontextualization of dispersed architectural pieces. The findings bridge modern restoration practices with ancient Egyptian design principles, offering insights into spatial organization and the philosophical underpinnings of Theban architecture.

Microclimate effects and outdoor thermal comfort of green roof types in hot and dry climates: Modelling in the historic city of Yazd, Iran

Historic City of Yazd — 2025 — WHED031E56775

Intensive green roofs significantly enhance thermal comfort and modify microclimate parameters in Yazd, Iran's hot and arid climate, outperforming extensive green roofs and non-vegetated roofs. Simulation using the ENVI-met model revealed that intensive green roofs reduced air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and longwave radiation while increasing wind speed and relative humidity, creating more comfortable conditions (PMV = 0.18) during early morning hours (7:00–9:00 am). However, despite these improvements, all scenarios remained classified as 'very hot' or 'hot,' indicating limited effectiveness under Yazd's extreme climatic conditions, characterized by high temperatures, intense radiation, and severe water scarcity. The study suggests that while green roofs can ameliorate microclimate and thermal comfort, their practical application in such harsh environments is not advisable.

Microplastic distribution in the marine and freshwater ecosystems of Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park — 2025 — WHE87BCFCF0D2

A uniform distribution of microplastics (MPs) around Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica, suggests that local human activities are not significant sources of MP pollution. The study, which analyzed 288 samples from marine and freshwater ecosystems, identified 178 MPs, with higher abundance and larger sizes found in the marine environment. While ocean currents likely contribute to marine MP distribution, sources in the freshwater ecosystem remain uncertain but may stem from atmospheric deposition, air-sea exchange, or long-range transport. These findings highlight Cocos Island's vulnerability to plastic pollution due to its insular nature and underscore the need for global conservation efforts to address MPs as a planetary boundary threat.

Modern Use of the World Heritage Site – Villa Tugendhat in Brno and Its Significance for Modern Architecture

Tugendhat Villa in Brno — 2025 — WHEC76518EBDE

Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum in Brno, exemplifies the fusion of modern functionalism with Eastern architectural techniques. The study identifies unique design elements such as 'garden within a garden,' 'borrowing the landscape,' 'flowing spaces,' and 'immaterial glass walls' that integrate the building with its natural surroundings while maintaining functionalist principles. Unlike traditional sliding architecture, Villa Tugendhat achieves this effect through transparent glass barriers, offering distant views of Špilberk Castle and the city. This analysis highlights the villa's role as a transformed adaptation of Chinese and Japanese techniques, positioning it as a classic example of modern architectural innovation.

Molecular Characterization and Ex Situ Conservation of Wild Grapevines Grown in the Area Around the Neolithic Settlement of Dikili Tash, Greece

Archaeological Site of Philippi — 2025 — WHE63BBCB4519

A recent archaeological excavation at the Neolithic settlement of Dikili Tash, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi in Greece, has uncovered charred grapevine pips and pressings dating back to 4300 BC. The majority of these pips were identified as Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris, a wild grapevine species that still thrives in the surrounding valley, Mt Pangaion, and Mt Lekani. Microsatellite analysis of 51 modern samples revealed their genetic relationships, providing insights into the historical distribution and conservation potential of this ancient species. Cuttings from these vines are now being cultivated ex situ at ELGO-DIMITRA's greenhouse facilities in Athens, aiming to establish Greece's first V. sylvestris conservation site. This research bridges archaeology and genetics, offering a window into Neolithic agricultural practices while advancing efforts to preserve wild grapevine biodiversity.

Monitoring Climate Change in Cultural Heritage Sites Through Enhanced Visualisation Experiences and Crowdsourcing 

Choirokoitia — 2025 — WHE512EEF9A86

Climate change poses significant threats to cultural heritage sites, necessitating innovative risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The TRIQUETRA project addresses this challenge by integrating advanced technologies such as remote sensing, laser-based spectroscopy, and crowdsourcing to monitor climate risks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Choirokoitia in Cyprus. This approach quantifies the severity of hazards, tracks their progression, and informs adaptive preservation measures. By leveraging a dynamic web and mobile platform, TRIQUETRA engages citizens and visitors to contribute real-time data through photo uploads, enhancing 3D models and providing stakeholders with actionable insights. Additionally, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences enrich visitor engagement while raising awareness about climate-induced vulnerabilities. The project establishes a scalable framework that combines technological innovation with community participation to safeguard cultural heritage globally.

Monitoring cultural heritage sites at risk using citizen engagement through crowdsourcing

Choirokoitia — 2025 — WHEBCD6056B62

Climate change poses significant risks to cultural heritage sites, threatening their physical integrity and the socio-economic systems they support. The TRIQUETRA project addresses these challenges by integrating advanced technologies like remote sensing and laser-based spectroscopy with citizen engagement through crowdsourcing. This innovative approach enables visitors to actively participate in monitoring by capturing and uploading site photos, which complement existing 3D models and provide up-to-date imagery for authorities. The project also incorporates augmented reality (AR) experiences to raise awareness about at-risk features and structural vulnerabilities. Applied to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Choirokoitia in Cyprus, TRIQUETRA offers a replicable framework that enhances risk assessment and promotes active preservation efforts, benefiting cultural heritage sites globally.

Mosses of the Barkova and Yerkusei Mountains (Subpolar Urals, Yugyd Va National Park)

Virgin Komi Forests — 2025 — WHE36F9FCD217

A comprehensive survey of moss flora in the Barkova and Yerkusey Mountains, part of the UNESCO-listed Virgin Komi Forests, reveals 104 species across 27 families, including four previously unrecorded species for the Subpolar Urals. The study identifies new habitats for rare mosses, emphasizing the need for biological surveillance due to their inclusion in the Red Data Book of the Komi Republic. Researchers mapped species distribution across mountain tundra and goltsy belts, providing critical data for conservation efforts in this subpolar ecosystem.

Multimodal metaphors in Zuojiang Huashan rock art cultural landscape

Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE154385B5AA

Research on the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape reveals that folk art serves as a complex system of multimodal metaphors, where visuals, materials, and genre collectively convey abstract meanings. The study applies Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) to demonstrate that these modalities are both complementary and mutually exclusive, with each mode uniquely interpreting the target domain without substitution. This interplay enhances comprehension of the multi-layered cultural significance embedded in Huashan Rock Art, positioning it beyond mere artistic expression. By integrating cognitive linguistics and anthropology, the research provides insight into the motivations behind its creation, offering a novel framework for understanding folk art's symbolic depth.

Munkaerőpiaci helyzetkép – A gazdasági élet sajátosságai Hollókőn

Old Village of Hollókő and its Surroundings — 2025 — WHEA68729056D

Hollókő, Hungary's sole village designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibits unique labor market and economic dynamics. By 2022, its employment rate neared that of Nógrád County, while a 'daytime population exchange' emerged, driven by commuters working both within and outside the village. This phenomenon, alongside primary research on local economic factors and public perception, provides a comprehensive view of Hollókő's distinctive economic landscape. The study combines secondary census data analysis with direct surveys to uncover these trends.

Muon Detection Technology and Its Application in the Archeology of XiXia Imperial Tombs

Xixia Imperial Tombs — 2025 — WHE3A1F0AB578

Muon imaging technology has been successfully applied for the first time to detect internal density anomalies within the No. 2 Mausoleum of the XiXia Imperial Tombs. This non-destructive method leverages cosmic ray muons to identify structural details crucial for preservation efforts. The study introduces optimized observation parameters and inversion techniques, including a density-length product calculation based on muon survival rates, addressing gaps in muon detection research. These advancements enhance the efficiency and accuracy of muon imaging, providing key data for archaeological analysis and conservation strategies.

Negotiating the past and present: a critical re-evaluation of public sector tourism strategies in Teotihuacan, Mexico’s world heritage

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2025 — WHE83ED78489D

Teotihuacán, Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifies the tensions between global heritage prestige and localized sociocultural marginalization. A critical re-evaluation of public sector tourism strategies reveals how neoliberal policies prioritize mass visitation economies over community agency in heritage management. Despite UNESCO designation enhancing Teotihuacán's scientific and symbolic capital, institutionalized 'top-down' frameworks like Mexico’s Programa Pueblos Mágicos (PPM) commodify cultural heritage, favoring infrastructural investments for tourism over inclusive development. This study employs mixed-methods, including interviews with policymakers, stakeholders, and discourse analysis of tourism legislation, to expose the paradoxical coexistence of global recognition and localized disenfranchisement.

Nepenthes megastoma (Nepenthaceae), a micro-endemic pitcher plant from Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan, Philippines

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park — 2025 — WHED70F96558C

Researchers have discovered and described Nepenthes megastoma, a new species of carnivorous pitcher plant endemic to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Palawan, Philippines. This micro-endemic species is critically endangered, known only from three locations within the Mount Saint Paul karst formation, where it thrives on vertical limestone walls. N. megastoma is distinguished by its highly branched stems, bell-shaped pitchers, and unique floral morphology, including dimorphic upper pitchers and unidirectionally upturned female flowers. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a close affinity with the widespread Palawan endemic N. philippinensis, despite morphological convergence with Borneo's N. campanulata. The discovery underscores the park's biodiversity significance while highlighting urgent conservation concerns due to its restricted range and small population size.

No conflict proven?: Assessing the role of the World Heritage Convention in Gabriel Resources v. Romania

Roșia Montană Mining Landscape — 2025 — WHED583BA3E31

A legal analysis of the arbitral tribunal's decision in Gabriel Resources v. Romania reveals no proven conflict between Romania's obligations under bilateral investment treaties and its inscription of the Roșia Montană Mining Landscape on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The study examines whether the tribunal's reasoning aligns with prior case law involving the World Heritage Convention, highlighting potential normative tensions between heritage protection and foreign investor rights that warrant closer scrutiny.

Objetos de reacción poética en la Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas — 2025 — WHE64E29F77FC

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Carlos Raúl Villanueva's architectural designs for the Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas, particularly those from the 1950s, embody a biomorphic approach rooted in poetic intuition. This study demonstrates how these structures challenge traditional rationalism by incorporating fluid, irregular forms inspired by nature and imagination, akin to Le Corbusier's 'objetos à réaction poètique.' The research also explores parallels with Oscar Niemeyer's work, highlighting a shared emphasis on sensuality and expressive innovation in 20th-century architecture. By examining bibliographic, planimetric, and photographic sources, the study traces the evolution of these concepts from their origins to contemporary reinterpretations.

Of Real and Mythic Places

Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns — 2025 — WHEF9C1DFDB7E

A site-specific devised play, 'Journeys of Water (Five Myths from the Ancient Argolid),' successfully integrated local ancient myths with the architectural and natural environments of Mycenae, Tiryns, and Epidaurus, transforming these UNESCO World Heritage Sites into dynamic performance spaces. The project, led by Okypus Theatre Company in 2012, demonstrated how mythological storytelling could enhance the cultural significance of archaeological sites while engaging audiences through a multidisciplinary approach. By leveraging the region's historical heritage, the play's dramatury, mise en scène, music, and scenography were deeply influenced by the chosen locations, creating an immersive experience that bridged ancient narratives with contemporary performance.

On the Archaeological Implications of Koguryo Metal Vessels Buried in Silla’s Wooden Chamber Tombs with Stone Mounds

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2025 — WHE7E2AFBB24B

A new study reveals that metal vessels found in Silla’s wooden chamber tombs with stone mounds (jeokseokmokgwak-bun) bear a significant relationship to Koguryo, suggesting these items were not only functional but also held ceremonial significance tied to food offerings. The composition of these vessels mirrors those found in Koguryo’s large stone-mound tombs and aligns with depictions in Koguryo murals, indicating a shift in burial practices that reflects changing political dynamics between Koguryo and Silla. Initially, Koguryo-style metal vessels were prestigious artifacts used in food offering rituals, but their prevalence waned over time as personal utensils shifted to lacquerware, wood, and earthenware. This transformation is linked to the evolving relationship between the two kingdoms and changes in funeral customs during the period.