Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
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2023 —
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Salzburg, one of Europe's most touristified cities, experiences accelerated processes of touristification and gentrification due to the proliferation of short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb. This study reveals that a new platform real estate market has emerged, dominated by local commercial providers, which fuels a 'short-term rent gap'—a disparity between long-term housing demand and supply due to STR dominance. The research demonstrates how STR extraction motives and actor relations reshape the housing market, pushing out long-term residents while attracting short-term users and capital. Using fine-grained fieldwork, the study also critiques recent policy measures attempting to regulate STRs, highlighting their limitations in addressing deeper economic tensions. The findings underscore the need for more robust interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of STR on urban housing affordability and community stability.
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
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2023 —
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A holistic approach to heritage conservation, integrating diverse narratives and intangible values, can reconcile the tensions between preservation and commercialization at World Heritage Sites like the Humble Administrator’s Garden (HAG) in Suzhou, China. This study reveals that HAG’s heritage is shaped by both expert interpretations and visitors' personal experiences, leading to a multivocal space where literati culture is reinterpreted through modern lenses. By employing mixed-methodologies—archival research, semi-structured interviews with management, and visitor journals—the research demonstrates how narrative representation can unify architecture and landscape, offering a model for more inclusive conservation practices that prioritize intangible heritage and silent stakeholders in similar sites.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2023 —
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Historic centres worldwide face unprecedented challenges from climate change and mass tourism, disrupting the balance between nature and culture. This study highlights two successful conservation projects in Florence's UNESCO-listed Historic Centre that addressed these issues by regenerating public spaces using nature-based solutions. These projects demonstrate how historic urban landscapes can contribute to sustainable development while preserving cultural heritage. The research builds on existing literature about tourism impacts and nature-culture relationships, offering practical examples of adaptive strategies for similar contexts.
City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
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Filippo Pigafetta, a Vicentine scholar and soldier of the 16th century, played a significant role in trans-Mediterranean networks as an 'explorer, informer, and spy,' contributing to military knowledge during a period marked by conflict with the Ottoman Empire. His career, peaking between 1576 and 1587, involved extensive travel across key Mediterranean cities, including Suez, London, Madrid, Lisbon, Rome, Jerusalem, and Venice, where he engaged with exiled scholars and religious figures like Giovanni Battista Castagna (later Pope Urban VII). Pigafetta's work as a translator and author of military treatises reflected his deep interest in warfare, while his connections to Vicenza's intellectual circles—such as the Accademia Olimpica and Accademia dei Costanti—highlighted his broader engagement with Renaissance scholarly networks. This study sheds light on the informal diplomacy and transnational exchanges that characterized early modern Europe.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2023 —
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Recent archaeological discoveries in Bergama, Turkey, have uncovered the long-lost octagonal structure, situated beneath private properties at the southern edge of Pergamon's fortified city hill. This monument, part of the Attalid Kingdom's capital, exemplifies the 'multi-layered cultural landscape' phenomenon, where older urban layers are obscured by subsequent developments. The study highlights challenges in accessing and documenting such buried structures, emphasizing their potential for revealing hidden aspects of ancient cities. By tracing the octagonal structure's research history and current accessibility, this work underscores the significance of rediscovering monuments in complex historical-urban contexts.
Bryggen
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2023 —
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals the evolution of textile production techniques from the Viking Age to the Middle Ages, particularly in Bryggen, Bergen. The study identifies shifts in tool usage and textile types, linking them to broader socio-economic changes. By integrating archaeological evidence with historical texts, researchers reconstructed the context of textile manufacturing, offering new insights into the region's economic and cultural development during this transitional period.
Teide National Park
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2023 —
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Scientists have documented the first evidence of anthropogenic microparticles, including microplastics and cellulosic fibres, in the faeces of wild rabbits and mouflons in Teide National Park, a high-mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site. Analysis of 616 samples revealed that while most were particle-free, 37 anthropogenic particles—primarily blue cellulosic microfibres (2721 ± 407 µm), along with poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) and polypropylene—were identified at a rate of 0.79 ± 0.20 items per gram of dry faecal matter. The study suggests atmospheric deposition and tourism as likely sources, highlighting the pervasive impact of human activity even in remote alpine environments. This discovery underscores the introduction of microplastics into terrestrial food chains, posing potential ecological risks.
Mount Wutai
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2023 —
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A significant increase in the tourism ecological footprint at Mount Wutai, China, from 27,798.07 gha in 2005 to 67,467.36 gha in 2019 was driven by rising tourist arrivals, ticket revenue, and national passenger turnover, despite a decline in energy intensity. An extended STIRPAT model revealed that while economic growth did not alleviate environmental pressure—contrary to the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis—a 1% increase in energy intensity could reduce the ecological footprint by 0.108%. These findings underscore the need for policy interventions and technological innovation to mitigate tourism's environmental impact on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Macquarie Island
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2023 —
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A genetic analysis of the introduced amphipod Puhuruhuru patersoni on Macquarie Island reveals that the species likely originated from the southern region of New Zealand's South Island. The study, which compared mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data across the known range of P. patersoni, found significantly lower genetic diversity on Macquarie Island than in its native range. Phylogenetic reconstructions further supported this conclusion, suggesting that the introduction to the sub-Antarctic island was probably linked to historical activities between New Zealand and Macquarie Island. This finding sheds light on the origins of invasive species and their potential impact on fragile ecosystems like those found at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mount Wuyi
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2023 —
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A study on Mount Wuyi's Jiuquxi watershed reveals that ecosystem services, including biodiversity maintenance, carbon sequestration, water yield, and water purification, increase with the relief degree of land surface (RDLS). The research identifies three distinct ecosystem service bundles: eco-fragile (low in all services), eco-regulating (high in all services, dominated by carbon sequestration), and eco-conservation (high in all services, dominated by biodiversity). Eco-fragile bundles cluster in low RDLS regions, while eco-regulating bundles are found in high RDLS areas. The study also uncovers two response patterns of ecosystem service trade-offs/synergies to RDLS: an inverted U-shape curve and an N-type curve with inflection points at secondary or quaternary RDLS levels. These findings were derived using models like InVEST, K-mean clustering analysis, and indices such as ESCI and ESTD over the period 2009-2016.
Susa
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2023 —
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A significant decline in traditional medicinal plant knowledge and usage has been observed in the Susa Valley, Italy, over the past 50 years. This study, comparing data from 2018 with a 1970 survey, documented 36 species—21 for medical purposes and 15 as food-medicines—highlighting a loss of ethnobotanical practices likely due to socioeconomic and cultural shifts. Promising species like <em>Taraxacum officinale</em>, <em>Urtica dioica</em>, and <em>Artemisia genipi</em> were identified for potential future use in nutraceuticals, food, and medicine. The research employed 30 semi-structured interviews to capture current practices, offering insights into the erosion of traditional ecological knowledge in mountainous regions.
Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er
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2023 —
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Traditional management practices in the ancient tea gardens of Pu'er, China, significantly enhance biodiversity and productivity compared to monoculture systems. The study found that these gardens, designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), exhibit higher biodiversity indices (Shannon-Weiner, Pielou, Margalef) and greater annual gross output—approximately 6.5 times that of monoculture tea gardens. Local management techniques, including weeding, pruning, and pest control through diseased branch removal, along with the protection of forest animals like spiders, birds, and bees, contribute to this ecological richness. The research, based on interviews with 93 local people and field surveys from 2021–2022, highlights the importance of traditional knowledge in sustaining tea agroecosystems.
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
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2023 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the African diaspora's cultural trajectories from the 15th century to the present, focusing on Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site. The study reveals how early enslavement narratives, colonial-era art and literature, and contemporary activism in Cuba and Brazil reflect complex dynamics of identity, resistance, and representation. By examining chronicles, confraternity documents, visual arts, poetry, and medical records, the research offers nuanced insights into the African diaspora's historical and cultural evolution across five centuries. It highlights the intersection of race, power, and creativity, from early modern Afro-Iberian martial arts to Afro-Brazilian rap lyrics and protest performances.
Škocjan Caves
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2023 —
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Researchers have identified candidate genes linked to the evolution of cave-specific traits in the isopod <em>Asellus aquaticus</em>, including reduced pigmentation and eye size, by analyzing transcriptomes from surface-dwelling and cave populations. Using a combination of Illumina short-read sequencing and PacBio long-read Iso-seq, they mapped differential gene expression during embryonic development and in hybrid offspring. Key findings include genes involved in phototransduction and ommochrome synthesis being downregulated in cave samples, while allele-specific expression analysis revealed genes with bias toward either surface or cave phenotypes. The study also pinpointed the chromosomal locations of these candidate genes, providing a roadmap for future functional analyses to unravel the genetic basis of cave adaptation.
Gelati Monastery
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A significant discovery sheds light on the symbolic transformation of power through the relocation of the Iron Gates of Ganja from an Islamic emirate to Gelati Monastery, a key architectural and political symbol of medieval Georgia. The study reveals that these gates, inscribed with Arabic script detailing their original purpose under the Islamic ruler of Ganja, underwent a profound shift in meaning when King Demet’re I of Georgia incorporated them into his father’s tomb at Gelati. This relocation not only reinforced the monastery’s role as a center of political and religious authority but also demonstrated Georgia’s strategic use of spoils of war to assert dominance over neighboring Islamic territories. The research employs a comparative analysis of the gates' original context in Ganja and their new significance within the Gelati complex, providing insights into the intersection of power, culture, and diplomacy during this pivotal period.
Lamu Old Town
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Swahili scholars played a pivotal role in the canonization of the <em>Minhāj al-Ṭālibīn</em>, a foundational Shāfiʿīte fiqh text, by deliberately selecting and validating it for teaching, circulation, and commentary. This process, occurring across Lamu Old Town and other Swahili coastal towns from the 19th to the 20th centuries, established its canonical status within Islamic legal practice. The study reveals how scholars operated within three interconnected communities—scholarly, cultural, and mercantile—to standardize knowledge transmission, despite political and economic disruptions, including colonial influences. By analyzing textual practices and scholarly interactions, the research highlights the dynamic relationship between texts and scholars in shaping Islamic legal traditions on the Swahili coast.
City of Potosí
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2023 —
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A concerning environmental health threat has been identified in the City of Potosí, where the transmission of <em>E. coli</em> poses significant risks to public health and well-being. The study reveals that many areas lack adequate prevention mechanisms, exacerbating a pressing epidemiological issue. Using a descriptive methodology with a cross-sectional approach, researchers assessed the incidence of <em>E. coli</em> across different regions, highlighting its potential impact on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the UN's 2030 Agenda. The findings underscore the need for urgent action to mitigate or eradicate the spread of this bacterium, which not only affects health outcomes but also threatens regional sustainability efforts.
Lut Desert
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Research identifies four distinct sites within Iran's Lut Desert World Heritage Site that exhibit striking similarities to Mars, offering a unique opportunity for sustainable ecotourism. The study highlights the potential of these Martian-like landscapes to attract adventurous tourists while promoting conservation efforts through responsible travel practices. Utilizing qualitative analysis from interviews with 18 participants—including experts, tour guides, and tourists—the research underscores how this new branch of desert ecotourism can foster sustainable development in the region. The findings suggest that leveraging these otherworldly landscapes could both preserve the desert's ecological integrity and provide an immersive experience akin to space exploration.
Mount Taishan
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Rising temperatures and fluctuating precipitation are significantly constraining tree ring growth in two dominant species, Pinus densiflora and Robinia pseudoacacia, at Mount Taishan. The study, spanning 1972–2022, reveals that while P. densiflora exhibits a declining trend in basal area increment, R. pseudoacacia shows initial stability followed by reduction. Tree ring width correlations with climate variables indicate complex dependencies: P. densiflora responds positively to warmer February–July temperatures and specific precipitation periods, whereas R. pseudoacacia is influenced by temperature shifts in October (previous year) and May–July (current year), with notable sensitivity to moisture conditions. Critical periods of growth restriction coincide with extreme climate events (1987–2019). Moisture indices emerge as the primary determinant of tree ring dynamics, underscoring the vulnerability of these species to climate change.
Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro
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Evidence from the archaeological ruins at Mohenjo Daro suggests that tree worship was integral to the Harappan civilization, hinting at its role as a precursor to certain aspects of Hinduism. The study proposes that sacred trees, possibly linked to deities akin to Hindu god Siva, symbolized fertility and were tied to broader symbolic systems like sun worship and linga cults. This indicates a stratified society with defined geographical and social structures, where tree ownership reflected complex societal hierarchies. The research draws on archaeological findings and cultural parallels to explore the significance of tree worship in this ancient civilization.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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Researchers have identified <em>Trichoglottis quadriga</em>, a new orchid species endemic to the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, found at elevations between 900–1800 meters. This discovery distinguishes itself from its closest relative, the Vietnamese <em>T. canhii</em>, through key morphological differences: it features 4-flowered racemes (compared to 5–12 in <em>T. canhii</em>), a longer and narrower spur with a bi-lobed apex, and a significantly larger labellum. The study provides detailed taxonomic descriptions, color plates, line drawings, and a field identification key, alongside ecological notes on habitat and distribution. A preliminary IUCN risk assessment is also included to evaluate the species' conservation status.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2023 —
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A phylogenetic analysis of the cave-dwelling springtail genus Pseudosinella in the Western Carpathians reveals two distinct species groups with allopatric distributions, one including the known P. aggtelekiensis and three undescribed species, while the other merges P. paclti populations and introduces a new species, Pseudosinellamuranensis, characterized by pronounced troglomorphic features. Molecular dating suggests that these lineages diverged during the Miocene, around 14.51 million years ago, coinciding with the uplift of Triassic limestones and early cave formation in the region. This study underscores the Western Carpathians as a significant speciation center for obligate cave fauna in Europe.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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A study of migratory shorebirds in the Bijagós Archipelago, a critical non-breeding site for East Atlantic Flyway species, reveals that these birds consume a remarkably diverse range of prey—including highly mobile crustaceans and fish—to reduce competition. Using DNA metabarcoding alongside traditional morphological identification, researchers analyzed 239 droppings from 15 shorebird species, uncovering four times more prey taxa than morphological methods alone. The findings highlight the importance of mobile prey in structuring shorebird communities, particularly in areas with limited benthic invertebrate availability. The study also underscores the need for expanded barcode databases to improve metabarcoding accuracy for invertebrates in West Africa.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2023 —
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A staggering 84% of marine turtle nests on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, were predated by dingoes, with only 5.7% confirming successful hatching—a critical threat to two culturally and conservationally significant species. The study revealed that turtle eggs alone could sustain the local dingo population, underscoring a severe management conundrum where predator protection risks exacerbating threats to another endangered species. Researchers surveyed nests across multiple dingo packs, finding consistent predation rates regardless of pack size or location, highlighting an urgent need for intervention to prevent the loss of this rookery site.
Tugendhat Villa in Brno
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The Tugendhat Villa, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and located in Brno, Czech Republic, has undergone significant restoration to its original state. This iconic modernist structure, a key work of the 20th century's most influential architects, now stands as a testament to its architectural brilliance. The recent rehabilitation not only preserves its historical integrity but also offers new perspectives on its design and cultural significance. Mies van der Rohe's masterpiece, characterized by its innovative use of materials and spatial organization, continues to captivate both academic scholars and the general public.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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Cultural tourism in the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Langhe-Roero and Monferrato) is increasingly valued for its multidimensional appeal, yet local perceptions remain static. While residents prioritize landscape-linked experiences—such as food, wine, and heritage—as key attractions, their representations of cultural tourism are traditional and unchanging. The SPOT project, funded by the European Commission (2020–2022), analyzed this disconnect to assess how cultural tourism can serve as a resilience vector for disadvantaged regions post-pandemic. Using a case study approach across 15 European sites—including Piedmont—the research highlights the tension between dynamic global tourism trends and local narratives, suggesting that deeper engagement with landscape-based storytelling could enhance destination promotion.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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Turkey's stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, particularly regarding Jerusalem, has been characterized by a consistent preference for a two-state solution and opposition to Israeli control of the Old City of Jerusalem. This position has intensified since the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, with Turkey emerging as a vocal advocate for Palestinians, especially those in Gaza under Hamas rule. While Turkey has sought to mend relations with Israel due to economic challenges, the 2023 Israel-Hamas War has strained these efforts politically. The study highlights Turkey's complex diplomatic balancing act, influenced by security concerns and domestic political dynamics, particularly the sympathy among Turks for Palestinian causes since the 1970s.
Ogasawara Islands
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A recent study reveals a significant increase in the proportion of Japanese green turtles (Chelonia mydas) within the foraging aggregation around the Yaeyama Islands, Japan, over the past two decades. This shift is linked to an observed trend of increasing mean straight carapace length (SCL), suggesting reduced juvenile mortality due to declining sea turtle fisheries. Researchers compared natal origin compositions from 1997-1999 and 2016-2018, using single nucleotide polymorphisms to analyze size categories (<55 cm and >55 cm SCL). The findings indicate a stable proportion of Japanese turtles across size classes in recent years, while populations from lower latitudes showed substantial declines. This study provides detailed insights into the composition of the Yaeyama foraging aggregation, including size distributions and sex ratios, offering valuable data for conservation efforts.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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A 25-year study in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reveals that changes in forest composition have complex and inconsistent effects on the nesting behavior of the native Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis). While the density of trees, particularly ʻaʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa) and koa (Acacia koa), increased over time, the relative abundance of koa decreased while that of māmane (Sophora chrysophylla) rose. Nests in koa were placed higher in the tree crown during the later study period, whereas nest placement in ʻaʻaliʻi remained unchanged. The research, conducted in 1993–1994 and repeated from 2015 to 2017, highlights the nuanced impacts of forest restoration efforts on native bird behavior.
Nemrut Dağ
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Two new species of the fly genus <em>Hilara</em> (Diptera: Empididae) were discovered near Nemrut Mountain Crater Lake in Bitlis Province, Türkiye. The species, <em>Hilara nemrutica spec. nov.</em> and <em>Hilara derenae spec. nov.</em>, belong to the <em>maura-</em> and <em>interstincta-</em> groups, respectively. Distinguishing features such as male genitalia and forelegs were illustrated and compared with closely related species. The findings expand the known biodiversity of Empididae in the region, contributing to taxonomic research on this challenging genus.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
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Gdańsk's neutral stance during the Denmark-Sweden conflict (1501–1512) left its maritime trade vulnerable to privateering by both Danish and Lübeck forces. Two key incidents—one in 1509, where a Gdańsk ship carrying armor was seized by Danish privateers, and another in 1510, involving three ships captured by Lübeck—highlighted the city's limited diplomatic leverage due to its neutrality. While Gdańsk recovered the 1509 cargo through Polish mediation, attempts to retrieve the 1510 ships failed even after decades of negotiations. This case study, based on archival correspondence, reveals how Gdańsk's strategic position in the Danish Straits and its neutral status constrained its ability to protect trade, underscoring the broader challenges faced by cities during the Kalmar Union conflicts.
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point
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Analysis of two distinct ritual feature types at the Poverty Point site—large timber post circles and repetitively used activity surfaces later covered by mounding—reveals their differing roles within a developing ritual landscape. These features, products of historical event sequences involving construction, use, and eventual deconstruction or removal, challenge generalized views of the site as a static mosaic of spaces. Instead, they suggest dynamic, shifting functions tied to specific types of ritual events, contributing to our understanding of monumental hunter-gatherer site organization during the Late Archaic period in Louisiana.
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
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Research reveals distinct types of spiritual altars in ancient Northeast Asia, highlighting their cultural significance. The Hongsan ruins in Inner Mongolia and Ganghwa Chamseongdan on the Korean Peninsula represent the largest altar types, reflecting political sacredness and life-giving symbolism, respectively. Smaller constructions, such as dolmens and menhirs, feature ceremonial carvings, while petroglyphs in Ulsan and Cheonjeon-ri suggest differentiated sacred spaces. Additionally, a bronze altar from Samseongtoe Ruins underscores new animal symbolism. The study analyzes these monuments to infer their roles in ancient spiritual practices and societal structures.
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
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Historical records suggest that Galla Placidia, a prominent figure of the Roman Empire, may have stayed at the Palace of Diocletian in Split during 424/425 AD. This paper challenges such claims by analyzing Philostorgius' account of Theodosius II's military campaign route through Pannonia and Illyricum. By scrutinizing the logistics of this unusual journey, the study questions the feasibility of Galla Placidia's prolonged sojourn in Split. The research employs a critical examination of historical sources to assess the plausibility of her presence, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of late Roman history.
Asmara: A Modernist African City
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Asmara, the first African city inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 2017, stands out for its preservation of Italian Rationalist architecture, a key example of Modernism with local stylistic adaptations. Despite decades of political instability and challenging maintenance conditions, these structures retain their originality, showcasing technological and constructive innovations that reflect the experimental spirit of their time. The study employs a 'deconstruction' approach to classify this heritage, aiming to safeguard both its material and immaterial values. This method allows for a comprehensive analysis of the architectural patents and construction solutions, which have been under-researched but are crucial to understanding Asmara's unique urban landscape.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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A study reveals how the mobility of Franciscan bishop Fray Francisco de San Buenaventura Martínez de Tejada Diez de Velasco, from Seville, reflected Spain's Bourbon monarchy's territorialization policies in the Americas. His trajectory across distant yet interconnected spaces—including Jesuit missions like San Ignacio Mini and São Miguel das Missões—sheds light on colonial governance and ecclesiastical administration during 1729–1760. The research leverages archival records from the Archivo General de Indias (Seville) and the Convento de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, providing a nuanced account of his episcopal influence and administrative roles.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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New research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan reveals that the Hacienda Metepec neighborhood, located on the city's eastern margin, likely resulted from distinct urban growth processes, including planned expansion. Initial findings suggest architectural elements and spatial organization consistent with planning principles applied in central sectors of Teotihuacan. However, the contrast between the neighborhood's monumentality and its relatively isolated location remains unclear. The study, conducted as part of the Project Hacienda Metepec (2021-2022), involved examining archaeological backgrounds and mapping to discuss the neighborhood's formation process.
Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata
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The ancient libraries of Ouadane and Chinguetti, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hold vast collections of manuscripts that represent invaluable cultural heritage. These 'libraries of the desert' are not only repositories of knowledge but also symbols of identity for local communities. A recent study highlights their significance through an analysis of the documentary film 'Kitab' (2017), which showcases how these communities preserve and transmit ancestral texts, ensuring the continuity of wisdom and cultural diversity in the region.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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A strong local demand for sustainable tourism was identified within the Wulingyuan World Heritage Site (WHS) through a community capacity-building (CCB) initiative. The study, conducted with residents and stakeholders, highlights the necessity of integrating sustainable practices to preserve the site's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). This research contributes to global discussions on implementing CCB in WHSs by introducing a demonstration project that targeted critical stakeholders. The findings align with UNESCO's WH + ST programme, emphasizing the importance of community-driven approaches in balancing tourism development and conservation.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
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A unique governance structure successfully mitigated corruption risks in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, despite significant challenges. The study, conducted through site visits, key informant interviews, and document analysis, found that while direct social norms did not drive corrupt decision-making, indirect norms fostered inaction or silence in response to abuses of power for personal gain. This highlights the importance of clearly defining 'corruption' and conducting systems analyses that account for the influence of social norms on behavior within governance frameworks.
Chitwan National Park
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Buffer zone communities around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, exhibit strong familiarity with gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation efforts and are willing to engage in further initiatives. A study involving 153 stakeholders—including park officials, local representatives, fishing communities, hoteliers, and students—revealed that targeted interventions, particularly for river-dependent groups and net sellers, could significantly enhance gharial conservation. Recommendations include community knowledge-sharing programs, school education, and livelihood support to foster active participation in habitat management and species protection.
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
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A study reveals that the ǀAi-ǀAis Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTP) plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable relationships between protected areas and local communities, particularly within the ǁGamaseb Conservancy in Namibia. The research identifies key factors that strengthen community engagement with conservation efforts, including land tenure security, economic benefits, and cultural preservation initiatives. It employs mixed-methods approaches, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis to assess perceptions, participation levels, and socio-economic impacts on local households. Findings underscore the importance of collaborative governance models in balancing biodiversity conservation with community development, offering a blueprint for similar transfrontier conservation projects globally.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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Research at Cahokia Mounds reveals that Caddo ceramic specialists likely migrated to the East St. Louis Precinct, where they produced and crafted vessels identical in style to those found in their homeland. This discovery suggests that nonlocal potters played a pivotal role in Cahokia's social development, contributing to its rise as a multiethnic city. The study employed stylistic grammar analysis of early Caddo fine ware vessels to determine whether these artifacts were locally produced by copying, imported from the southern Caddo region, or crafted by Caddo specialists residing at Cahokia. The findings indicate that Caddo potters were integral to Cahokia's complexity, offering new insights into ancient social interactions and craft specialization.
Abbey of St Gall
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Early medieval scholars at the Abbey of St Gall pioneered innovative methods for classifying knowledge, blending Stoic and Aristotelian models. While the Platonic (Stoic) model dominated in the 9th century due to its compatibility with liberal arts, the Aristotelian approach gained traction in the 10th century with increased access to Boethius’s logical works. Notably, cross-contamination between these models emerged by the 10th century, with St Gall scholar Notker Labeo later augmenting the Platonic framework around the millennium. This study reveals St Gall’s role as a hub for early medieval knowledge organization, demonstrating dynamic adaptations in textual and diagrammatic forms.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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Angular segment analysis (ASA) reveals unique spatial and morphological characteristics of historic Chinese built environments (HCBEs), offering critical insights for heritage conservation and tourism planning. This study, featuring four case studies—Pingyao, Lijiang, Kulangsu, and Wuzhen—demonstrates how ASA can systematically quantify medium-scale spatial structures and morphological changes in HCBEs. The findings highlight the influence of traditional Chinese design principles on urban layouts, providing actionable guidance for preserving cultural value while supporting sustainable development. This approach bridges a gap in quantitative spatial analysis, offering practical applications for policy and project planning.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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A comprehensive analysis of brand diffusion and formation for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHSs) on social media reveals that while long-term high-frequency keywords predominantly center on history and culture, short-term brand events significantly boost user-generated content. Media accounts were found to have a disproportionate influence on information dissemination compared to other account types, though follower count does not necessarily correlate with interaction levels. The study, which analyzed over 10 million posts from Sina Weibo for four Beijing sites—Palace Museum, Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven—employed mixed methods including text mining, keyword analysis, and social network analysis to uncover these branding mechanisms. This holistic approach provides actionable insights for destination marketers aiming to optimize strategies for WHS promotion.
Mount Huangshan
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2023 —
WHE780FB2FD05
Tourists' experiences of sounds at nature-based destinations, such as Mount Huangshan, are dynamic and contextual, shaped by ongoing interrelationships among individuals, sounds, and their surroundings rather than intrinsic sound properties. Natural silence is perceived only when human voices and visual stimuli are absent, highlighting the contingency, temporality, and heterogeneity of these interactions. The study employed a mixed-methods approach—combining in-situ photos/videos, real-time portable sound sensing, GPS tracking, wristband wearing, and in-depth interviews with 34 participants—to uncover how diverse sounds influence mobile tourist experiences. This research advances theoretical and methodological understanding while offering practical insights for destination planners to enhance tourist engagement by reconnecting visitors with natural sounds in varied contexts.
Old Town of Lijiang
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2023 —
WHE540ABFC1C0
Tourists' travel behavior at UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town of Lijiang exhibits distinct patterns before, during, and after their trips. Before traveling, they primarily seek information on destinations and optimal stay durations. During their visit, natural sceneries emerge as key attractions. Post-trip discussions focus on experiences and services. These behavioral insights provide actionable guidance for destination management, offering a novel framework to analyze spatiotemporal travel dynamics using social media data.
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
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2023 —
WHEBC371FDFB6
The aviary at the Palace of Fontainebleau, constructed for King Henri IV between 1599 and 1608, served as a sophisticated political allegory, symbolizing royal power and absolutism. This study reveals its immersive design—spatially, visually, and auditorily—as a carefully curated space that celebrated monarchy through the captivity of whistling birds. The aviary's architectural and interior dispositions were analyzed to highlight its recreational and symbolic functions, demonstrating how it manifested the virtues and perceived benefits of royal authority at the French court. By examining historical records and architectural evidence, the research underscores the aviary's role in reinforcing monarchical prestige during Henri IV's reign.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
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2023 —
WHED29206DFA1
International collaboration in heritage preservation, exemplified by UNESCO's 'Save Carthage' campaign in the 1970s, faced significant challenges that undermined its postcolonial goals. The campaign, which involved 18 international teams—including two from the U.S.—aimed to balance conservation, tourism, and urban development at Tunisia’s sprawling archaeological site of Carthage. However, disputes between American archaeologists and Tunisian hosts, limited funding, and a lack of deep integration with North Africa’s postcolonial landscape hindered its success. This case study reveals the complexities of archaeology in international development assistance, highlighting the mixed achievements of UNESCO and U.S. efforts in Tunisia.
