Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun
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Agricultural innovation in the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean was significantly influenced by the long-distance dispersal of seven cultivated plants from tropical-subtropical South Asia, including rice, cotton, citrus fruits, eastern cucurbits, lotus, taro, and sissoo tree. This study, based on an interdisciplinary synthesis of archaeobotanical, archaeological, ethnobotanical, and historical-philological evidence, reveals that these plants were introduced between the mid-fourth millennium BCE and early centuries CE via maritime routes through the Persian/Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Red Sea. Philological comparisons, such as Sanskrit kārpāsa (cotton) and Akkadian karpassu, along with archaeobotanical findings, indicate that cotton was cultivated in Assyria for royal-palatial use by the 8th century BCE and in Bahrain before the 9th century BCE. Rice, another significant find, migrated from South Asia to Mesopotamia, likely as a foodstuff for merchants, but its cultivation was limited due to irrigation constraints and competition with endemic crops like flax and wheat. The study also challenges previous assumptions about the absence of citrus fruits in ancient Mesopotamia, suggesting that citron (Citrus medica) was present by the second millennium BCE, though its identification remains debated.
Taï National Park
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A survey of Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, identified four turtle species, including two critically endangered (Kinixys homeana) and one vulnerable (Trionyx triunguis). The study used opportunistic sampling for terrestrial turtles in open and closed undergrowth habitats, along with baited traps for aquatic species in the Meno River. While data on conservation status for Kinixys erosa and Pelusios cupulatta remain insufficient, this research highlights the park's biodiversity and underscores urgent conservation needs for threatened species.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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Durham Cathedral, once renowned for its opulence, was stripped of vast quantities of precious metal during Henry VIII's dissolution. Research reveals that 3,641 Vi oz. of silver and 240 oz. of gold and gems were extracted from the cathedral's treasury in 1530, with an additional 1,57816 oz. of precious metal taken from Cuthbert’s shrine alone. The study highlights the significant loss of historical artifacts, including a massive emerald valued at over £3,000 in 1401. The research draws on historical accounts and valuations to reconstruct the scale of this destruction, emphasizing the cathedral's former richness and its subsequent depletion.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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A comprehensive analysis of the David W. Mitchell myxomycete collection at Kew reveals 58 critical type specimens, including holotypes, isotypes, paratypes, and other key materials. These represent 11 taxa authored or co-authored by Mitchell and 42 taxa from colleague exchanges, preserving essential nomenclature for myxomycete taxonomy. The study catalogs these specimens with detailed images, labels, origin data, and conservation status, while also compiling a list of Mitchell's nomenclatural proposals and publications. This work provides a foundational resource for myxomycete research, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of type material for future studies.
Historic Centre of Évora
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A study of the UNESCO-listed 14th-century fortifications of Cerca Nova in Évora, Portugal, reveals that construction materials were primarily sourced from local quarries and scattered boulders, with limited use of non-local lithologies like marble and limestone—likely repurposed medieval spolia. The research employed lithological characterization to trace ancient extraction areas, providing archaeometric insights into the provenance of geomaterials. Additionally, an inventory of vascular plants growing on the fortifications identified 42 taxa, evenly split between native and exotic species, including eight invasive alien taxa predominantly of tropical-American origin. These findings highlight the historical significance of Cerca Nova while also underscoring its ecological dynamics.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
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The Paleolithic cave art of Northern Spain, including the renowned Cave of Altamira, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, with seventeen additional sites added in 2008. This designation highlights its global significance and rich archaeological history. The study examines how narratives surrounding these caves have shaped their international recognition since the late 19th century, particularly during the nomination process. It also analyzes the complex interplay of economic (tourism), conservation (heritage value), and academic (intellectual value) interests that emerged post-designation, revealing a tension between diverse stakeholders in Cantabria. This case underscores the challenges and implications of globalizing Paleolithic rock art through heritage and local communities.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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Research on Durham Cathedral Library's MS A.iv.19 reveals that incomplete double glosses, predominantly featuring the Latin word 'vel' ('or'), may serve as a signal for provisional interpretation rather than a literal alternative. These unfinished glosses suggest Aldred's intentional approach to leaving space for potential revisions or additional annotations, possibly indicating an evolving understanding of the text. The study highlights how these glosses function contextually within the manuscript and contrasts them with fully realized double glosses elsewhere in the same work.
City of Safranbolu
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Traditional adobe construction in Safranbolu, Turkey, offers sustainable housing solutions that align with global goals for safe and inclusive urban development. This study highlights the enduring use of timber-frame and mud-brick (adobe) buildings, which meet basic human needs while maintaining ecological balance. Unlike modern materials, adobe provides thermal comfort, breathability, and resilience to environmental changes, making it a viable alternative in contemporary architecture. The research emphasizes the importance of preserving historical material techniques for sustainable urban planning, offering insights that could guide future construction practices in harmony with nature.
Choirokoitia
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Digital twins emerge as powerful tools for managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly those vulnerable to natural hazards. A study highlights their potential in monitoring and mitigating risks like rockfall at Choirokoitia, a well-preserved Neolithic site in Cyprus. Using 3D volumetric models and augmented reality (AR) applications, the EXCELSIOR and TRIQUETRA projects demonstrate how digital twins can dynamically visualize sites, track changes from climate-induced stress, and enhance visitor experiences. The research also assesses long-term risks posed by extreme weather and seasonal variations, offering a proactive approach to preserving cultural heritage. This method combines state-of-the-art techniques with practical applications, setting a precedent for safeguarding vulnerable archaeological sites.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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Heritage in urban development serves multiple roles, as demonstrated by Liangzhu Culture Village (LCV) near China’s UNESCO-listed Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. The study reveals that LCV integrates not only Liangzhu heritage but also Buddhist and Confucian intangible heritages to shape community identity and leisure experiences. Tangible elements, such as road layouts and facility names, reflect Liangzhu heritage through top-down governance by policymakers and developers, while residents embrace these attributes for cultural attachment and national pride. The findings highlight how heritage fosters tourism, enhances social bonds, and contributes to urban place-making, offering insights into its complex functions in modern development.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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Prambanan Temple Compounds emerges as a highly effective and relevant historical learning resource, particularly for Indonesian Cultural History education. Research demonstrates that integrating fieldwork at Prambanan significantly enhances students' understanding and engagement with national cultural heritage, addressing the limitations of traditional classroom learning. This study, employing qualitative descriptive methods, highlights how direct exposure to the temple's architecture, reliefs, and historical context aligns with academic curricula, fostering deeper comprehension and pride in Indonesia's Hinduization era. The findings underscore the potential of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as transformative educational tools, offering a more holistic and memorable learning experience compared to conventional teaching approaches.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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A 2023 study of Cua Luc Bay, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, revealed that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations averaged 1.59 ± 0.21 mgC/L and 0.74 ± 0.35 mgC/L, respectively—levels notably lower than those in other Vietnamese rivers and estuaries. The analysis of DOC/POC and POC/Chl-a ratios indicated significant fluctuations in the bay's water environment, suggesting dynamic carbon cycling processes. Researchers surveyed 22 stations to assess organic carbon variation, providing insights into the marine carbon system's behavior in this UNESCO-listed region.
Venice and its Lagoon
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The Venice Charter, a foundational document for heritage conservation established in the 1960s, faces significant challenges in its applicability under modern climatic conditions. This study re-evaluates the Charter's principles and suggests adaptations to ensure its relevance in the 21st century. By contextualizing the Charter within historical and contemporary discourses on built heritage, the research highlights the need for updated guidelines that account for climate change impacts. The approach involves a reflective analysis of the Charter's original intent and its potential limitations in today's rapidly changing environment.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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Research led by Professor Glenn King from the University of Queensland, Australia, has identified a compound in the venom of the funnel-web spider native to K'gari (Fraser Island) that shows promise as a novel drug for treating heart attack and stroke patients. This compound blocks cellular mechanisms responsible for brain and heart cell death, offering potential therapeutic benefits. The study builds on Paracelsus's principle that toxins can be used therapeutically at appropriate doses. Currently, the group is evaluating the compound's toxicity parameters to meet regulatory requirements set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Clinical trials for treating serious heart attacks are expected to begin in 2025, with potential clinical availability within five years.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
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A comparative and interdisciplinary analysis reveals that the reuse of antique spolia, particularly in Umayyad al-Andalus—evident in landmarks like the Mosque of Córdoba and Madinat al-Zahra—established a distinct visual culture that was later adopted by Christian kingdoms in Iberia. This transfer and adaptation, observed in churches such as Santa Cristina de Lena and San Miguel de Escalada during the 9th–10th centuries, persisted through subsequent Islamic dynasties (Taifa, Almoravid, Almohad) and Christian rulers of León, Castile, and Aragon. The study highlights how these strategies, exemplified by the reuse of Umayyad basins and capitals in sites like San Isidoro de León and the Monastery of Las Huelgas, contributed to a shared visual language, reinforcing legitimacy, memory, and identity across medieval Iberia.
Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery
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Research on the frescoes of St. Nicholas chapel in Ferapontov Monastery's Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin reveals that the spatial arrangement of scenes, rather than chronological order, follows a principle of pairing and iconographic similarity. The study proposes that this compositional approach, characterized by visual and semantic balance around an axis of symmetry, was influenced by hagiographic icons of St. Nicholas. While the hypothesis is supported by the observation that thematically related scenes are placed opposite each other, the research also identifies limitations in this interpretation. This finding challenges traditional views on the linear historical narrative in medieval Russian art and suggests a more sophisticated visual conception.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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The World Heritage Convention, while rooted in universalistic aims, often clashes with the rights of Indigenous Peoples due to its state-centrism and Eurocentric heritage discourses. However, a broadening conceptualization of World Heritage value, combined with a focus on synchronicity with human rights, can enable recognition and protection of Indigenous worldviews, rights, and cultural continuity under international law. This study examines the variance among states parties and the World Heritage Committee in upholding human rights standards through case studies, including Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada. Despite recent progress towards a rights-based approach, inconsistencies remain in adherence to international human rights standards.
Sian Ka'an
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Research confirms the presence of the Yucatán mouse opossum (Tlacuatzin gaumeri) in Quintana Roo, Mexico, extending its known geographic distribution by 139 km eastward from the Yucatán Peninsula. This discovery, derived from curatorial records and citizen science observations, marks the first documentation of this marsupial in Quintana Roo, reinforcing its endemicity to the region. The study utilized scientific literature, museum collections, GBIF data, and iNaturalistMX records, with spatial analysis conducted using QGIS 3.36.2. While the species' presence aligns with one protected area, its conservation status remains undetermined, yet this finding enriches the faunal inventory of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Umm Al-Jimāl
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Contrary to the long-held assumption that rural Christians in Roman Arabia were theologically illiterate, archaeological evidence from sites like Umm Al-Jimāl reveals a high density of churches and robust participation in Christian worship, suggesting deep communal investment and doctrinal engagement. This study challenges the notion of 'simple believers' by analyzing liturgical texts and hymns, demonstrating that theological formation was rooted in embodied, participatory practices rather than written instruction. By shifting focus from patristic sources to archaeological and liturgical data, it presents a dynamic portrait of late antique Near Eastern Christianity, where even unlettered communities were active and doctrinally aware participants.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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A thirty-year analysis of climate and land-cover changes in the Valley of Flowers National Park reveals that rising temperatures and reduced rainfall have altered trekking conditions, decreasing risks like landslides and mountain sickness while enhancing scenic greenery. However, these shifts also reduce the visibility of animals, waterfalls, and snow, which could drive short-term 'last chance tourism' before long-term declines in visitor appeal due to ecosystem degradation. The study employs a hazard-activity pairs method, combining environmental factors with tourism activities, and recommends efficient management of heathlands as a mitigation strategy.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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A rare pathological condition, Concha Bullosa (CB), has been identified in three ancient Egyptian skulls from the Dra Abu-el Naga necropolis in Luxor, dating back over 2000 years. This condition, often overlooked in paleopathological studies, involves the thickening of the middle turbinate bone in the nasal cavity. The study examined three adult male skulls using macroscopic and radiological methods, revealing one case with extensive bilateral CB without nasal septum deviation and two cases with unilateral involvement that also affected the nasal septum. The research highlights the significance of recognizing CB in archaeological remains, noting that its prevalence may be underestimated due to the destruction of nasal bones during brain extraction through the nose—a practice once reserved for elites but later adopted across social classes.
San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
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Research reveals that the liturgy for Córdoban saints Faustus, Januarius, and Martialis deliberately associates them with the biblical three men in the furnace (Daniel 3) to emphasize their martyrdom under Islamic rule. The study identifies anti-Islamic polemical elements in the saints' passio, suggesting that the liturgical choices were designed to frame their story within contemporary Muslim-Christian tensions. By analyzing chants and prayers borrowed from another Iberian saintly trio, the research demonstrates how cultural associations with Daniel 3 were strategically leveraged. This finding sheds light on the political and religious motivations behind liturgical practices at San Millán de la Cogolla, a key site in the development of this tradition.
Salonga National Park
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A recent study identifies two new species of shrews, Crocidura salonga and Crocidura binco, from the Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, it records a first-time sighting of Crocidura lwiroensis since its 2013 description near Lake Tanganyika. The research is based on a small collection of shrews from the central part of the country, utilizing morphological and likely genetic analyses to distinguish these taxa. This discovery contributes significantly to the understanding of shrew biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the importance of Salonga National Park as a hotspot for small mammal diversity.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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Tibetan antelope migrations in Hoh Xil, China, are mapped and analyzed in this fact sheet, offering the most comprehensive scientific understanding of their movement patterns as of 2024. The study combines field observations with digital mapping to create an interactive atlas, providing critical insights into the behavior and habitat use of this endangered species. These findings support conservation efforts by identifying key migration routes and threats, such as climate change and human activity, while contributing to the Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration (GIUM). The research serves as a foundational resource for both scientific communities and policymakers aiming to protect these vital ecosystems.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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Archaeological and historical research at Malbork Castle reveals that despite its uniform brick architecture today, the site once featured numerous timber-framed (fachwerk) structures during the Middle Ages. These included residential and economic buildings, as well as defensive elements like towers and bastions with wooden upper levels—such as Gdanisko, Baszta Maślankowa, Kurza Noga, and Baba—some of which also had wooden roof lucarnes. Most timber-framed buildings were located in the castle's outer precinct (przedzamcze), housing soldiers, servants, and tenants. The study, based on historical descriptions and iconography from the 16th to 20th centuries, challenges the perception that Malbork Castle was entirely brick-built, highlighting the significance of timber construction in medieval fortifications.
Komodo National Park
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Local communities in Komodo National Park (KNP) express significant concerns about the planned development of premium tourism, including economic competition and environmental degradation risks that could threaten the survival of the endangered Komodo dragon. The study reveals that current development plans lack meaningful community involvement, raising potential conflicts between conservation goals and economic aspirations. Researchers used an ecological political perspective to analyze perceptions, highlighting the need for balanced planning that integrates local stakeholders' voices while safeguarding natural capital in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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A new isotopic analysis of diets from the Lower Yangtze River region reveals that during the Liangzhu period (5300–4300 cal. BP), inhabitants in the core area experienced a decline in dietary diversity, increasingly relying on domesticated rice and pigs—a trend likely influenced by rising economic and cultural dominance from inland populations. The study, combining stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes from human, animal collagen, and plant remains (n=423) with new data from the Zhelin site in Shanghai, contrasts this pattern with more varied diets in peripheral coastal regions. This suggests a shift toward agricultural specialization and centralized control over food production during the Liangzhu era.
Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany
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A full-length portrait attributed to Henri and Charles Beaubrun, housed at the Villa Medicea La Petraia, has been definitively identified as depicting Marguerite-Louise of Orléans, Grand Duchess of Tuscany. This discovery was achieved through iconographical analysis and new archival evidence from Florence's Archivio di Stato. The painting, commissioned in 1660 during marriage negotiations with Cosimo de’ Medici, served as a critical visual reference to address concerns about the bride’s size—a sensitive diplomatic issue at the time. The study also examines the portrait's influence on later iconography of the Grand Duchess, comparing it with other versions, including an unpublished copy in private collection.
Chavin (Archaeological Site)
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A groundbreaking re-evaluation of early Peruvian civilizations challenges long-held assumptions about the nature of pre-Chavin monumental complexes. Thomas C. Patterson's work, spanning decades, demonstrates that these U-shaped pyramid structures—such as Huaca La Florida—predate the rise of Chavin de Huantar and were not chiefdoms or states, as previously thought. By applying historical materialism, Patterson reframes our understanding of Andean societal emergence, emphasizing historically specific social formations over neo-evolutionary stages. His research, rooted in excavations at Ancón, surveys of the Lurin Valley, and analyses of pottery sequences, reveals the intricate interdependence between coastal dwellers and inland farmers during the Preceramic period, offering a nuanced perspective on the origins of complex societies in Peru.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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A ~20 km valley glacier in the St. Elias Mountains, Yukon, exhibits both partial and full surges, driven by topographic constraints and supraglacial lake dynamics. Analysis of air photos, satellite images, and field observations since the 1940s revealed a full surge of Little Kluane Glacier from 2013 to 2018, transitioning from an initial partial surge in its upper north arm (1963–1972). The recent surge peaked with velocities of ~3600 m/year and frontal advance of ~1.7 km (May–September 2018), likely triggered by a mass movement in 2016 that facilitated rapid drainage of supraglacial lakes to the glacier bed, downstream of a topographic constriction. This study highlights the interplay between glacier geometry, surface hydrology, and topography in driving full surges.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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A novel predictive modeling approach reveals the chronological evolution of ancient road networks by analyzing their topological relationships with dated settlements, offering insights into long-term territorial dynamics. This method, applied to Qhapaq Ñan—the Andean Road System—demonstrates how road segments' use can be estimated without relying solely on direct stratigraphic dating. The study highlights the potential of network analysis to reconstruct and visualize the diachronic development of vast road palimpsests, such as those in northern Chile's arid highlands, where roads span 600 km and span the last millennium. This approach bridges gaps in empirical records, providing a robust framework for understanding ancient movement systems in deserts and mountain regions worldwide.
Upper Svaneti
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A new understanding of the historical border dynamics between Svaneti and Abkhazia emerges from a detailed analysis of toponymic sources, revealing shifts in territorial boundaries over centuries. The study, which examines church documents, lectionary sheets, and ethnographic data, identifies previously unrecognized patterns in border toponymy and land ownership, particularly in Upper Svaneti's northwest region. By applying critical source analysis and historical-comparative methods, researchers have reconstructed the fluid nature of these borders, highlighting how written monuments, toponyms, and ethnographic evidence collectively illustrate their evolution. The work also underscores the need for further ground-based studies to refine boundary clarifications in contested regions like Dali Valley.
Burgos Cathedral
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Late medieval women, such as the Countess of Haro Mencía de Mendoza, crafted sophisticated funerary ensembles that blended architecture, art, and sensory elements to shape memory and experience. The Purification Chapel in Burgos Cathedral (c. 1482–1531), commissioned by Mencía, exemplifies this interplay between gender, perception, and cognition. Through art historical analysis, the study reveals how intersensorial design—combining visual, tactile, and liturgical elements—created immersive spaces that challenged textual-centric interpretations of medieval thought. This work highlights the nuanced ways women like Mencía leveraged sensory manipulation to assert influence, offering new insights into the cognitive and perceptual models of the era.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park
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Tourism business owners in the Northern Drakensberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural richness, strongly oppose fracking due to anticipated negative impacts on sustainable tourism. The study highlights significant challenges posed by fracking, including poor public consultation, environmental degradation, and economic disruptions. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved education and awareness about fracking's potential benefits while addressing its risks. The research used an interpretive qualitative approach, gathering insights from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with seven tourism-related business owners in the area.
Ancient City of Ping Yao
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Pingyao, once a thriving Ming and Qing-era banking center, now faces the paradox of UNESCO World Heritage Site status: while it has elevated its global fame, this recognition has also led to a 'resource curse,' where preservation efforts have prioritized physical remnants over livability. However, ongoing conservation plans since 2014 are shifting this dynamic, balancing heritage protection with resident-focused development and cultural revitalization. The study highlights how World Heritage designation can both constrain and empower urban transformation, offering opportunities for sustainable tourism while addressing the challenges of balancing preservation with modern needs.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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Tourism has played a pivotal role in preserving the traditional peasant dances, known as ball pagès, of Ibiza and Formentera. The study reveals that the integration of these dances into tourist performances during the 1930s boom and subsequent decades ensured their survival amid rapid economic changes. By becoming a staple in nightclubs and hotels, ball pagès not only attracted tourists but also fostered local appreciation and intergenerational transmission, countering threats to its continuity. The research highlights how tourism, initially as a novelty for illustrious visitors, evolved into a cultural safeguard, demonstrating its dual function as both an economic driver and a vehicle for cultural preservation.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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Domestic tourism in Lumbini, Nepal—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—has surged as a vital alternative to international tourism, driven by religious significance and national pride. A study involving 174 domestic tourists and five key informants reveals that while Lumbini attracts visitors from across Nepal for its spiritual and cultural importance, challenges persist in infrastructure development and policy intervention. The research highlights the need for balanced growth to sustain this emerging tourism sector, which has gained momentum despite the site's global reputation as a hub for international visitors.
Škocjan Caves
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A notable shift in the tourism development of Škocjan Caves and Vilenica occurred in the late 19th century, driven by the efforts of alpine societies. By the 1880s, these caves transitioned under the administration of specialized cave sections—Vilenica under the Italian section and Škocjan under the German-Austrian section—marking a pivotal moment in their tourist promotion. This study highlights how these societies, through systematic research activities and strategic initiatives, positioned the caves as significant tourist attractions during this period.
Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ)
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Tourists visiting Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, predominantly express positive sentiments toward the site's historical significance and unique cultural value. However, reviews also highlight critical challenges such as isolation, cost, privatization, and competition with other destinations. The study analyzed 267 TripAdvisor reviews from 2020 to 2023 using sentiment polarity analysis (VADER) and machine learning (NMF), offering actionable insights for heritage management. This research stands out for its focus on a recently tourist-accessible site in Saudi Arabia, providing pragmatic solutions to enhance the visitor experience and sustainable tourism development.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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Tourism diversification in Antarctica has outpaced that in New Zealand/Aotearoa’s sub-Antarctic islands due to differing policy enactments of shared values. While the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) cites numerous values and principles, these have not significantly shaped visitor management strategies, leading to an expansion of tourism activities. Conversely, NZ/A’s sub-Antarctic islands have effectively translated values into policies that limit diversification. This study compares both regions, revealing how policy implementation influences tourism outcomes, with implications for balancing conservation and visitation in protected areas.
Historic Centre of Florence
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Urban tourism plays a pivotal role in city development yet is often marginalized in urban studies. This edited book by Prof Nicola Bellini and Assoc Prof Cecilia Pasquinelli addresses this gap, presenting an integrative agenda that explores the complex interrelationships between tourism development and urban transformation across 24 chapters. It highlights key challenges faced by city destinations, such as the disconnect between urban planning and tourism development, the role of culture and heritage in shaping city products, and the tensions arising from tourism's impact on urban wellbeing. The book proposes integrated analytical frameworks, participatory place branding, and innovative tools like smart tourism technologies to aid policymakers in managing and measuring urban tourism effectively. While primarily focused on European case studies, it calls for broader perspectives to enrich future research on overtourism and sustainability.
Kilimanjaro National Park
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A comprehensive empirical study of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park communities reveals that tourism significantly influences local livelihoods, with socioeconomic factors such as sex, age, household size, and access to credit playing pivotal roles. The research highlights that specific tourism activities like accommodation services, handcrafts, catering, and tour guiding have varying impacts on household food security, income, and access to social services. Challenges such as education levels, information gaps, service quality, cultural barriers, financial costs, government policies, competition, resource monopolization, corruption, and infrastructure deficiencies hinder community participation in tourism activities. The study recommends investments in skill development, infrastructure, cultural preservation, financial inclusion, regulatory frameworks, and community awareness programs to foster sustainable geotourism and uplift local livelihoods. Policymakers are urged to implement these strategies to promote the well-being of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park communities.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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A significant land rent gap driven by tourism-induced green land acquisition exists around the Wulingyuan World Heritage site, with state actors playing a pivotal role in capturing 'state monopoly rent' despite conservation priorities. This research reveals how governments strategically acquire land and resettle communities to maximize economic gains from tourism, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between protected areas and tourism development. Using Marxian land rent theory, the study highlights the political economy of tourism, where state power and land characteristics enable profit extraction in conservation zones.
Mount Sanqingshan National Park
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Tourist satisfaction at World Heritage Sites (WHS) is significantly influenced by service quality, which positively impacts both the perceived attractiveness of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and overall satisfaction. Contrarily, tourist crowding—particularly functional, personal, and social crowding—negatively affects satisfaction without substantially altering OUV attractiveness. This study, conducted at Mount Sanqingshan National Park in China using structural equation modeling on 535 tourist samples, introduces the SCA-S framework (service, crowding, attractiveness, and satisfaction) to analyze these dynamics. Findings underscore the critical role of service quality in enhancing tourism experiences while mitigating the adverse effects of crowding, offering actionable insights for heritage conservation and visitor management.
Komodo National Park
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A significant surge in tourism at Komodo National Park and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, has led to substantial ecological and social transformations. The study highlights how the influx of visitors, driven by the region's unique biodiversity and scenic landscapes, has strained local livelihoods while also creating economic opportunities. It identifies critical challenges such as environmental degradation and shifts in traditional practices, alongside successful strategies for sustainable tourism, including community-based initiatives and policy interventions. These findings underscore the need for balanced tourism development to protect both the natural heritage of Komodo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the well-being of local communities.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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A study on Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, reveals that pro-environmental behaviors—such as biodiversity protection and rational automobile use—significantly enhance tourists' well-being and altruistic values. Using partial least structural equation modeling on survey data from 309 farm tourists, researchers found that protecting biodiversity positively influences altruistic values and tourist well-being, while rational car use boosts both altruistic and biospheric values. These insights underscore the potential for sustainable tourism to foster environmental consciousness and personal well-being, offering actionable strategies for future conservation and tourism initiatives in UNESCO-listed cultural landscapes.
Mount Athos
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A fully renewable energy system for the Xenofontos Monastery on Mount Athos can achieve 100% power demand coverage using pumped hydro storage, with a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of 0.22 EUR/kWh. Alternatively, lithium-ion batteries can reduce LCOE to 0.11 EUR/kWh but cover only 90% of annual demand. The study developed new operation algorithms and simulated two system configurations—small wind turbines with photovoltaic panels paired with either pumped hydro storage or lithium-ion batteries—to optimize electricity production in non-interconnected rural monasteries, supporting energy transition efforts on Mount Athos.
Bisotun
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2024 —
WHE2F373BB082
Bisotun, located in the central Zagros region of western Iran, emerges as a significant center reflecting Achaemenid power during the 6th to 4th centuries BCE. Unlike other regions that have been extensively studied, Bisotun's archaeological potential has remained underexplored due to limited material evidence. This study challenges conventional interpretations by arguing that Bisotun played a multifaceted role in administrative, economic, military, and ceremonial capacities during the Achaemenid period. Leveraging current documentation and historical geography insights, the research suggests that while the eastern part of the central Zagros (e.g., Ecbatana) was more prominent, Bisotun's strategic importance was equally pivotal. The study highlights the need for further exploration in western and northern parts of the region to fully understand its dynamics during this era.
Sebastia
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2024 —
WHEBEA755E04E
Encroachments on conserved historic buildings, such as unsystematic interventions and vandalism, can be significantly reduced by involving users in the conservation process. This study identifies three key approaches to user participation—social-benefits, economic-benefits, and emotional-needs—that effectively mitigate harmful practices. Using the Youth Center in Sebastia, Palestine, as a case study, researchers analyzed the causes and manifestations of encroachments, such as neglect and vandalism, which often arise from exclusionary conservation efforts. The findings underscore that integrating user participation through targeted approaches can preserve both the historic value and visual integrity of buildings, offering a practical solution to long-standing challenges in heritage conservation.
<I>Sacri Monti</I> of Piedmont and Lombardy
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2024 —
WHEF93A1F8606
A data-driven approach using Master Data Management (MDM) has been shown to effectively manage the maintenance of complex cultural heritage assets, such as the UNESCO-listed Sacri Monti religious architectural complexes in northern Italy. The study leveraged Microsoft SQL Server Master Data Services (MDS), a customizable commercial tool, to ensure data quality, prevent duplicates, and track modifications over time. This framework provides stability and long-term software support, addressing the challenges of managing extended and articulated databases for cultural heritage sites. Initial tests on the Sacri Monti case study compared this approach with existing web platform information systems like BIM3DSG, Chimera, and Main10ance, highlighting its potential to enhance the reliability and efficiency of heritage management activities.
