Durmitor National Park
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2022 —
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Researchers, including citizen scientists, have identified and described a new species of giant keelback slug, Limax pseudocinereoniger, within Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. This discovery, supported by both morphological and molecular data, highlights the region's rich biodiversity and challenges existing taxonomic understanding of the genus Limax. The study employed a citizen science expedition to gather samples, which were then analyzed using genetic techniques to distinguish this new species from its sympatric relative, L. cinereoniger. This finding underscores the importance of integrating citizen science in biodiversity research, particularly for poorly understood groups like European giant keelback slugs.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2022 —
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Al-Ufuq al-Jadid, a Jerusalemite cultural and literary magazine published from 1961 to 1966 under the editorship of Palestinian poet Amin Shunnar, offers a unique lens into the intellectual and cultural life of Jordanian-ruled Jerusalem during the 1960s. The magazine, with its focus on Palestine as a central theme, provides valuable insights into the creative and intellectual responses to the 1948 Nakba, reflecting the complex cultural landscape of the city on the eve of Israeli occupation. This study analyzes the contents of al-Ufuq al-Jadid and Shunnar's writings to reconstruct this period, contributing significantly to our understanding of Jerusalem's intellectual history during a pivotal decade.
Monte San Giorgio
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of pachypleurosaur, <em>Prosantosaurus scheffoldi</em>, from the Early Ladinian Prosanto Formation in eastern Switzerland. This discovery challenges previous migration and diversification models for European pachypleurosaurs, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history within the South Alpine realm. The study, based on six complete skeletons and additional fossil remains, also provides the first detailed description of tooth replacement patterns in a European pachypleurosaur, supporting the monophyly of Sauropterygia. Exceptional fossil preservation enabled comprehensive analysis, including phylogenetic relationships and palaeogeographic distribution mapping.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2022 —
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Researchers document the first recorded presence of Hypsugo pulveratus bats on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, distinguishing them from the morphologically similar H. alaschanicus. The discovery was confirmed through morphological analysis—including skull and baculum shape—and mitochondrial COI gene sequencing, which placed the bats in a distinct clade with H. pulveratus. Key differences between the two species, such as skull ridge curvature and premolar size, were highlighted. This study advances understanding of bat biodiversity in Japan's UNESCO-listed Ryukyu Islands by providing genetic and morphological evidence for species identification.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of red algae, Gibsmithia punonomaewa, from the mesophotic depths (79–104 m) of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaiʻi. This discovery increases the number of Gibsmithia species recorded from Hawaiʻi to three and highlights the unique characteristics of this species, including moderate thallus size, smooth and terete gelatinous lobes, presence of a stipe (often branched), globose carposporangia, and non-isodiametric shaped cells subtending tetrasporangia. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that G. punonomaewa is most closely related to species found in tropical and subtropical surface waters, contrasting with its dark mesophotic habitat. The study used molecular phylogenetic techniques to clarify the diversity of Dumontiaceae, including a tentative record of Dudresnaya babbittiana, pending type material sequencing.
Salonga National Park
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of air-breathing catfish, Clarias monsembulai, from the Congo River tributaries within and around Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This discovery is notable for its exceptionally long white barbels, which distinguish it from similar species like Clarias buthupogon. The study also revisits the classification of this species within the subgenus Clarioides, though acknowledges limited morphological data to support this grouping. Additionally, the validity of the subspecies Clarias angolensis macronema is discussed.
Sangay National Park
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of Andean mouse, the largest of its genus found in Ecuador. This rodent, belonging to the 'aureus' group within the Thomasomys genus, inhabits the wet montane forests of Sangay National Park at elevations between 3,400–3,900 meters. Molecular phylogeny analysis using mitochondrial genes confirmed its distinct status and close relationship with an undescribed species from northern Ecuador. This discovery increases the known diversity of Thomasomys to 48 species, with 18 now recognized in Ecuador alone.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of Megaspira, a tall-spired land snail native to Brazil. The discovery, named <em>Megaspira adenticulata</em> sp. nov., was made on Ilha Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Brazil. This species is distinguished by its lack of apertural lamellae and light brown spots, which are present in other Megaspiridae species. The study employed shell morphology, microsculpture analysis, and inner anatomy examination—techniques not previously applied to the genus—to characterize this new taxon. <em>M. adenticulata</em> also stands out for its smaller average size (27 mm height) and 16 whorls. Collected under leaf litter near rocks and shallow soil, this finding contributes to the understanding of Megaspira's biodiversity and taxonomic complexity in Brazil.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of mountain frog, Philoria knowlesi, within the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area of eastern Australia. This discovery was made through comprehensive genetic sampling and analysis, including SNP data from the nuclear genome, which revealed distinct genetic lineages in the central and western McPherson Ranges. The study also clarified the distributions of two other species, P. loveridgei and P. kundagungan, while highlighting significant threats to these amphibians, including climate change and chytridiomycosis. All three taxa—Philoria knowlesi, P. loveridgei, and P. kundagungan (including its northern subpopulation)—are classified as Endangered (EN), with the southern subpopulation of P. kundagungan critically endangered (CR). The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these highly threatened species.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of pincer wasps, Deinodryinus noronhensis, from the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil. This marks the first record of the genus Deinodryinus Perkins in the region. The study includes an illustration of the new species and updates a key for identification. Additionally, it discusses the significance of this discovery within the northeastern Brazilian context. The research contributes to our understanding of biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in isolated oceanic environments.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of sand fly, <i>Sergentomyia iriomotensis</i>, from Iriomote Island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. This discovery contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in the region, particularly within the genus <i>Sergentomyia</i>. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations, focusing on key anatomical features such as genitalia (coxite, style, aedeagus, surstyle, paramera, and genital pump), head structures (pharynx, cibarium, antennal segments), and wing morphology. These findings are significant for taxonomic studies and may have implications for vector-borne disease research in the area.
Anticosti
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of the brachiopod genus <em>Hirnantia</em>, <em>H. notiskuani</em>, from the lower Ellis Bay Formation on Anticosti Island, eastern Canada. This discovery, alongside the previously documented <em>H. sagittifera</em> in the uppermost Ellis Bay Formation, confirms that the entire formation spans the Hirnantian age, a critical period marking the Late Ordovician mass extinction. The study integrates brachiopod assemblages with palynological and chemostratigraphic data to refine the geological timeline of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings highlight the unique diversity of the <em>Hirnantia</em> fauna in Anticosti, blending elements from both typical Hirnantian and Laurentian epeiric seas.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2022 —
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Emperor Justinian's construction of the Nea Church (531–543) in Jerusalem, as described by Procopius and Cyril of Scythopolis, may have symbolically positioned it as a typological successor to the Jewish Temple. Archaeological evidence from excavations led by Nahman Avigad supports this theory, suggesting Justinian intended the Nea not only as a new Church of Mary but also as a reimagining of Solomon's Temple. This study compares contemporary literary sources with archaeological findings to explore Justinian's theological and symbolic intentions, contributing to the understanding of his building activities in the Holy Land.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
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2022 —
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A pivotal ethnographic encounter between Jean Guiart and Lelepa elders in 1958 uncovered critical details about the late sixteenth-century 'court' of Chief Roi Mata, a key figure in Vanuatu's history. Guiart's meticulous field notes from this single evening on Lelepa became foundational for José Garanger's later archaeological surveys (1966-67), which directly informed the nomination and inscription of Chief Roi Mata’s Domain as Vanuatu’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The study reconstructs this encounter by cross-referencing Guiart’s field journal, interview recollections, and oral histories from participating elders, highlighting its enduring significance for both cultural heritage preservation and archaeological research.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2022 —
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John Sinclair's evolution from a conservative politician to a pioneering environmental activist, deeply intertwined with K’gari (Fraser Island), offers profound insights into the development of environmental stewardship and education in Australia. His journey reflects significant parallels with broader trends in environmental activism, highlighting the transformative power of learning from traditional custodians, such as the Butchulla people, and collaboration with other leading environmentalists. Sinclair's memoir and interviews provide a unique lens to understand his enduring connection to K’gari, its historical significance, and its lasting environmental impact. This study underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and cross-disciplinary partnerships in shaping sustainable practices.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2022 —
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A pilot project demonstrates that strategic sensor placement can enable low-cost, sustainable long-term structural health monitoring of historic city gates. The study focuses on the San Niccolò gate in Florence, Italy, addressing a gap in research that has largely overlooked this architectural typology despite its prevalence in medieval European cities. By using a limited number of accelerometers, researchers identified optimal sensor positions to maximize data utility while minimizing costs. This approach balances practical constraints with the need for reliable monitoring, offering a scalable model for preserving similar structures exposed to traffic-induced vibrations.
Røros Mining Town and the Circumference
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2022 —
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A shift towards integrated nature-culture management in UNESCO World Heritage sites, exemplified by Røros Mining Town and the Circumference, reveals a more holistic approach to preserving cultural landscapes. This study highlights how such an approach transcends the traditional dichotomy between nature and culture, embracing the interconnectedness of ecosystems, heritage, and local communities—particularly the Sámi people's sustainable land management practices. By leveraging frameworks like 'Connecting Practice' and 'Panorama Solution,' this research demonstrates that place-centered conservation can effectively address the challenges of the Anthropocene era, fostering coexistence between human activities and natural systems.
Zagori Cultural Landscape
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2022 —
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Research on the Tsipiani bridge, a unique single-arched stone bridge in Greece's Zagori region, reveals that its pointed arch is likely due to a 'false decentering' technique rather than traditional construction methods. The study proposes the use of 'stitching,' a reinforcement method for masonry structures, to address structural vulnerabilities and preserve the bridge's integrity. This approach aims to enhance resistance against compressive, shear, and tensile forces while connecting loose parts in the masonry. The findings challenge conventional assumptions about stone bridge construction and offer a practical solution for conservation efforts.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2022 —
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Participants in the Palace of Westminster's Restoration and Renewal project navigate complex tensions by creating flexible, adaptable strategies that balance immediate feasibility with future-oriented possibilities. This study highlights how pragmatism offers a framework to understand front-end project organizing, emphasizing duality, recursiveness, and temporality. By analyzing real-time longitudinal data, researchers demonstrate how actors cope with challenges through strategic accounts—stable yet adaptable narratives—that enable experimentation and boundary construction. The findings contribute to project management literature by showing how transformative agency is exercised within evolving social contexts, bridging theory and lived experience.
Lakes of Ounianga
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2022 —
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A new lake sediment record from Ounianga Serir oasis reveals that the central Sahara experienced hyperaridity more extreme than today around 4200 years ago. The hypersaline terminal lake, sustained by fossil groundwater inflow, remained stable throughout the late Holocene but exhibited sensitivity to local rainfall and evaporation variations. Geochemical proxies indicate that century-scale hydroclimate changes in this region were primarily driven by tropical West African monsoon intensity, with shorter-term fluctuations influenced by midlatitude Atlantic Ocean circulation shifts.
Timgad
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2022 —
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Neogene clays from the Timgad Basin (Massif of Aurès, NE Algeria) exhibit ideal mineralogical and physicochemical properties for brick and ceramic manufacturing. These non-refractory clays, dominated by kaolinite with notable illite, chlorite, and mixed-layer clay minerals, alongside quartz and calcite, demonstrate medium plasticity but require degreasing treatment—such as adding coarse sand—to optimize their use in terra cotta production. The study employed X-ray diffraction, fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, laser granulometry, and geotechnical tests to characterize the clays, revealing high Atterberg limits that necessitate preliminary processing for industrial applications.
Redwood National and State Parks
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2022 —
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Redwood National and State Parks represent a unique intersection of natural grandeur and human intervention. Marie Bolton's work delves into the complex relationship between wild nature and built environments within these parks, challenging conventional narratives of preservation versus development. Through historical analysis, Bolton examines how the parks' designation as protected areas has evolved, reflecting broader societal values and conservation ethics. Her research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical documentation with contemporary challenges, to offer insights into the balance between ecological integrity and human influence in shaping these iconic landscapes.
Historic Cairo
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2022 —
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Ouda Pasha Agency, one of the few remaining Ottoman agencies in Cairo, faces severe threats due to neglect and improper use, endangering its archaeological and architectural values. A recent study highlights the urgent need for conservation intervention, proposing rehabilitation that integrates the building into its urban context while repurposing it as a commercial craft center and a themed hotel. The research combines detailed analysis of the building's data with an assessment of surrounding urban needs to ensure sustainable preservation.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2022 —
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A proposed model for assessing the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has been developed to preserve architectural integrity and sustainability. The model evaluates both tangible and intangible elements of cultural heritage, ensuring periodic assessment to maintain authenticity during reuse. It incorporates building information, criteria for restoration, repair, and intangible heritage aspects that enhance livelihoods. Validated by five regional architectural heritage specialists, the model aims to guide preservation efforts and inform decision-making on whether to continue or halt activities in reused historical buildings.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2022 —
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A psychological model reveals that cat owners and those who believe cats control rodents are more likely to feed outdoor cats, exacerbating ecological harm. While perceptions of negative impacts on people—such as zoonoses—strongly influence support for outdoor cat management, attitudes toward ecological damage have a weaker effect. The study highlights the need for targeted education, particularly among youth, to shift behaviors and reduce free-roaming cat populations, which threaten native species on UNESCO-listed islands like Tokunoshima in Japan.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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2022 —
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The New Kingdom necropolis at Saqqara, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Memphis and its Necropolis,' reveals a dynamic burial landscape that once thrived with activity. This study presents the first comprehensive monographic treatment of the site, located 15 km south of present-day Cairo, focusing on its significance during the New Kingdom period (c.1539-1078 BCE). The research adheres to updated chronological frameworks, such as those proposed by Gautschy (2014) and Van der Perre (2014), which challenge outdated views on the reigns of Horemheb, Seti I, and the succession after Akhenaten. By analyzing toponyms and archaeological evidence, the study sheds light on the site's historical context and its role in the political transitions of the era, including the possible regency of Nefertiti and the influence of officials like Horemheb and Maya.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2022 —
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A remote coral reef at Kapou (Lisianski) Island in Papahānaumokuākea experienced unprecedented heat stress in 2014, leading to nearly total loss of live coral cover. Following the bleaching event, macroalgae such as Halimeda and Boodlea rapidly colonized the newly available substrata. While Halimeda remained dominant, other algae began to establish themselves between 2017 and 2021, increasing benthic diversity. Erosion of reef substrata continued post-bleaching, with signs of coral recovery observed through new Montipora colonies. The study used underwater photogrammetric techniques to track these changes from 2014 to 2021, highlighting the complex successional dynamics following mass coral mortality.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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2022 —
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A previously undetected reservoir-induced earthquake swarm was identified beneath the Victoria Reservoir in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, marking the first recorded instance of induced seismicity in the country. The swarm consisted of five small (M W < 3) felt earthquakes and 23 microseismic events, occurring between August and December 2020. A newly developed single-station earthquake location method, combined with seismic waveform template-matching, revealed a seismogenic zone at depths of 1.5 to 3 km beneath the reservoir's western flank. Poroelastic theory predicted peak stresses of ~15 kPa on E-W striking faults, providing a causal link between reservoir-induced stresses and the seismic activity. This study not only establishes a significant finding for Sri Lanka but also introduces efficient computational workflows for monitoring induced seismicity in resource-limited settings.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2022 —
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A comprehensive review challenges the long-held belief that leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) exclusively give birth on Antarctic pack ice, revealing that 84.2% of documented births and 57.4% of pup records occur outside Antarctica. Analyzing 19 birth/newborn and 141 pup records from global sources, researchers applied a standardized age-class classification system to assess reproductive patterns by month, region, substrate, and biological attributes. Findings indicate peak birth activity between September and December, with the sub-Antarctic Islands and Chile as primary regions for births, while pups were predominantly recorded in the sub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctica. This study underscores the significance of northern regions within the leopard seal's range, advocating for expanded research and management efforts to include these areas.
Mount Wuyi
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2022 —
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A comprehensive review of the stonefly family Leuctridae (Insecta, Plecoptera) in Wuyi Mountains, China, identifies twelve species, including five new distribution records, representing approximately 20% of China's recorded Leuctridae diversity. The study addresses historical gaps caused by damaged holotypes and limited documentation, providing updated taxonomic keys, new images, and notes for most species. Notably, Rhopalopsole recurvispina (Wu, 1949) is designated as a nomen dubium due to insufficient distinguishing features. This research enhances our understanding of the region's biodiversity, emphasizing Wuyi Mountains' ecological significance as a hotspot for Leuctridae species.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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2022 —
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A review of Goguryeo royal tombs in the Ji'an area identifies nine confirmed royal tombs, characterized by a minimum length of 40 meters and distinctive internal structures. These tombs are concentrated in three specific clusters (Usan, Maseon, and Chilsongsan), suggesting a deliberate spatial organization linked to strengthened royal authority. The study also reveals that Goguryeo's burial practices shifted after the capital relocation to Pyongyang in 427 CE, with a transition from dolmen-style tombs to stone-chambered mounds, reflecting evolving funeral concepts and the importance of scenic views along major roads like the Ji'an Public Road. This research challenges previous claims about the number of royal tombs in the region.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2022 —
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The post-earthquake emergency conservation project for the Fulong Taoist Temple, part of the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation System, demonstrated rapid and effective restoration of cultural heritage. Damaged by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the temple was fully restored in just 18 months using innovative conservation principles and techniques. This review highlights the project's historical significance, as recognized by the Asia-Pacific Heritage Protection Award, and provides insights into its technical methods. The successful restoration underscores the importance of emergency conservation strategies for preserving cultural heritage in disaster-prone regions.
Vredefort Dome
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2022 —
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A revised model of the Vredefort Crater, Earth's largest confirmed remnant impact structure, challenges long-standing estimates of its formation. Using advanced shock physics simulations (iSALE), researchers determined that an impactor diameter of 20–25 km and velocity of 15–25 km/s could recreate the observed crater size (~250 km) and geological features, including breccia, shatter cones, and melt distributions. This contradicts prior estimates (15 km diameter, 15 km/s), which failed to align with recent geological constraints. The model also predicts that Vredefort and Karelia, Russia—where ejecta from the impact was found—were 2,000–2,500 km apart at the time. Additionally, it estimates atmospheric gas release during such a massive impact, underscoring the need to re-evaluate parameters for large terrestrial craters.
Lut Desert
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2022 —
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A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic Pimeliini (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) identifies two distinct monophyletic branches within a previously polyphyletic group, characterized by dorso-lateral eyes. The study proposes the new subtribe Habrobatina for the Habrobates genus group and reclassifies several genera, including resurrecting synonymies such as Apatopsis grombczewskii = Apatopsis conradti. Additionally, a new species (Dietomorpha gonzalesi) is described from Pakistan, and Platyope granulata is recorded for the first time in Kazakhstan. Lectotypes are designated for multiple taxa, clarifying their systematic positions. This research enhances the understanding of ultrapsammophilic beetles across arid landscapes, from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.
Lut Desert
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2022 —
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A novel script-driven approach combining R language and GMT tools with traditional GIS mapping has successfully visualized complex geophysical and topographic data over the Zagros Fold-and-Thrust Belt, Iran. This method leveraged multi-source datasets—including high-resolution satellite altimetry (GEBCO/SRTM), gravity anomalies (EGM-2008), and geological layers—to create 11 thematic maps revealing critical geomorphometric properties such as slope, aspect, hillshade, and elevations. The study demonstrated the efficiency of console-based scripting for comparative geological-geophysical analysis, highlighting unique landforms like Dasht-e Kavir, Dasht-e Lut, and the Great Salt Desert. By integrating 2D and 3D cartographic techniques, researchers provided unprecedented insights into the geodynamic structures of Iran's Zagros region, offering a repeatable framework for future studies.
Paphos
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2022 —
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A delay in the summer phenological peak of Paphos Forest, Cyprus, was linked to increased high temperatures in May 2018, while a single peak observed during November 2014–October 2015 may be attributed to reduced activity of the pine processionary moth due to low November temperatures. The study analyzed SAR data from 1992 to 2021, revealing two main annual blooming peaks—winter and summer—associated with foliage changes and needle regeneration, respectively. Meteorological data helped identify drivers of these phenological shifts. The research also highlighted the challenges in long-term forecasting, noting that seven years of data may be insufficient for accurate trend prediction due to climatic variability.
Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
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2022 —
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The Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape serves as a living testament to the Cold War's impact on Hungarian memory techniques. This study reveals how multiple layers of collective memory—shaped by political, social, and cultural forces—coexist within the landscape, reflecting both continuity and fragmentation in historical narratives. Researchers analyzed spatial and temporal dimensions of memory, identifying key sites (e.g., military installations, border zones) where Cold War legacies persist despite post-1989 transformations. The approach combines archival research, oral histories, and landscape analysis to demonstrate how memory techniques—such as monument preservation, commemoration, or erasure—shape public perception of the past. This finding underscores the landscape's role in mediating historical consciousness, offering insights into how UNESCO sites preserve and reinterpret contested histories.
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
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A socio-ecological approach to conserving and managing riverscapes demonstrates success in integrating diverse stakeholder knowledge, fostering trust, and addressing conflicting interests. The study highlights the Loire River Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Dordogne Basin (France's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) as positive examples of transdisciplinary management. Key to their achievements are participatory decision-making, recognition of rivers' natural dynamics, and coupling social and hydrological systems. By analyzing stakeholder relationships, threats, and socio-ecological dynamics through case studies and content analysis, the research identifies best practices—such as moderation skills, ingenuity, and perseverance—that can be applied to other riverscapes. The findings underscore the potential for coordinated conservation in fragmented river basins and advocate for broader adoption of such approaches.
Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas
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A spatial statistical analysis of Sardinian nuraghes reveals significant clustering patterns and strong interactions with funerary structures, particularly domus de janas. The study found that nuraghe elevations are uniformly distributed between 0 and 400 meters, while their proximity to holy wells peaks at approximately 5 kilometers. Clustering is most pronounced in the mid-west, central, and south-west regions of Sardinia. Additionally, strong spatial interactions were observed with pre-Nuragic dolmens, menhirs, and collective funerary structures like 'Nuragic giants’ tombs' within a 1000-meter range. This research provides new insights into the spatial relationships between prehistoric sites, employing non-stationary G- and J-functions and Poisson models to quantify these patterns effectively.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
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A study reveals that the establishment of bureaucratic structures for agriculture and forestry in Imperial Singapore and Malaya in the late 19th century prioritized capitalist interests over scientific principles, leading to significant environmental transformation. The research highlights how disputes between botanists and bureaucrats, though rooted in shared imperial goals, facilitated large-scale deforestation and plantation expansion, setting a precedent for environmental exploitation in Southeast Asia during the 20th century. The analysis draws on historical records and debates from the Singapore Botanic Gardens to illustrate how economic imperatives increasingly overshadowed scientific knowledge in shaping land use policies.
Arslantepe Mound
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A comprehensive analysis of clay spools from the Iron Age levels at Arslantepe Mound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate in southeastern Turkey, reveals a significant shift in textile production techniques. The study, which systematically examined hundreds of these objects, demonstrates a marked decline in other types of loom weights concurrent with an increase in weaving activities, suggesting a transformation in textile manufacturing practices during this period. This finding sheds new light on the widespread distribution and functional significance of spools across the Mediterranean region. The research employs a combined typological, diachronic, and techno-functional approach to explore these changes and their chronological distribution.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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Research reveals the complex interplay between human settlement patterns and landscape transformations in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, following its establishment. The study documents significant anthropogenic changes through interdisciplinary methods, including geoarchaeology, ethnoarchaeology, and ethnobotany, highlighting the heritage of both displaced and settled agricultural communities. Findings underscore the need for preservation efforts to capture the cultural and environmental legacy of these communities amid ongoing landscape shifts.
Comoé National Park
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A strategic approach to sourcing and using fire information has been successfully implemented in Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. This study demonstrates how recent advancements in Earth observation data, computing power, and geospatial technologies can be leveraged to compile detailed fire regime and land management information at multiple spatial and temporal scales. The approach supports fire management planning, reporting, documentation, and analysis, enabling effective implementation of management activities. By addressing the historical lack of detailed fire regime data in African protected areas, this study provides a scalable model for improving decision-making and tracking the impacts of conservation efforts.
Matobo Hills
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World Heritage Sites (WHSs) face significant challenges in fully eradicating poverty, even when they offer substantial social and economic opportunities. A study focusing on the Matobo Hills WHS in Zimbabwe reveals that while such sites can contribute to alleviating poverty through tourism and conservation, their potential is limited by the multidimensional nature of poverty—encompassing socio-cultural, economic, political, and environmental factors. The research highlights that sustaining the physical landscape often takes precedence over fulfilling international obligations for poverty eradication, necessitating a more nuanced approach at national and local levels to ensure realistic and effective strategies.
Ancient City of Damascus
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The Bab Cherqi, an eastern Roman portal of Damascus dating back to the third century under Emperor Caracalla, stands as the oldest city gate. This structure, along with preserved sections of the city wall and a restored Chapel of the Latins, offers a glimpse into Damascus's layered history, spanning from its origins linked to Ur, great-grandson of Noah, to its later significance during King Ahaz's reign. The study highlights the enduring architectural heritage of Damascus, including the ill-maintained garden-square under a cupola, which gained renewed attention following Kaiser Wilhelm II's visit in 1898. The research emphasizes the city's role as both a stronghold of Islam and a repository of ancient traditions, particularly those associated with Baal worship.
Gyeongju Historic Areas
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A study of iron objects from Geumcheok-ri, Gyeongju, reveals advanced metallurgical techniques used during the late 5th to early 6th centuries. The research found that iron was forged with varying carbon content and carburized post-forging to enhance strength, depending on the object's function. Selective steelmaking and heat treatment further improved mechanical properties. These techniques show consistency with those used in central Gyeongju and its outskirts, suggesting a unified approach to iron production during Silla's expansion. The study analyzed eight objects by their use, examining microstructure and non-metallic inclusions to classify manufacturing processes.
Jongmyo Shrine
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Research reveals that the formation of an ancient city in Goguryeo, a historical Korean state, occurred separately from the establishment of its capital. While the state/capital was established by the second century, the development of a non-self-sufficient urban area—characterized by population concentration and external dependence—emerged around the mid-third century. This study distinguishes between 'capital' (defined by royal authority and symbolic structures like Jongmyo Shrine) and 'city' (marked by economic interdependence with rural areas). Analysis of historical records and material data also highlights social hierarchies, urban-rural divisions, and a market economy, alongside evidence of urban residents' sense of superiority over rural populations. The findings challenge traditional assumptions about the timeline and nature of urbanization in Goguryeo.
Mount Taishan
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2022 —
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Mount Tai, while not the tallest mountain in China, holds significant cultural prestige. A study analyzing landscape experience data from social media revealed that elements like 'Mount Tai summit', 'ascension', and 'auspicious views' dominate public perception. Post-2020, there's a notable rise in 'ascension' mentions, indicating growing demand for outdoor activities and landscape experiences. The research also found that human activity remains the most important factor across time, but recent trends show a shift towards preferring natural landscapes. Spatial analysis showed that landscape elements are concentrated around the summit, with sparse distribution near sites like Lingyan Temple and Gaolishan. This study provides theoretical support for future conservation and improvement efforts of Mount Tai's landscape.
Changdeokgung Palace Complex
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2022 —
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Researchers identified optimal adhesive formulations for stabilizing gold leaf on the Four-fold Screen of the Sun, Moon and Five Peaks, a Joseon Dynasty royal painting at Changdeokgung Palace. They found that a 5:1 (v/v) mixture of rabbit skin glue (5%) and funori (4%) provided superior adhesion, while coating the gold leaf surface with 1% rabbit skin glue enhanced its yellow hue without compromising stability. The study employed comparative analysis of viscosity, adhesion properties, color values, and gloss before and after stabilization treatment, offering a targeted solution to prevent peeling caused by environmental degradation.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2022 —
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Cultural heritage guide materials for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Hahoe and Yangdong in Korea, often contain inaccuracies and complex language that hinder effective communication, particularly for immigrants. A study analyzing guide data from Andong's Hahoe Village, Seowon academies, and Manhyujeong revealed significant issues at the levels of language regulation, vocabulary, information, and cultural context. These problems stem from misrepresentations in official language and high-level terminology, which can confuse non-native speakers. The research suggests that these materials should be carefully reviewed to improve accuracy and communication, ensuring they serve as effective educational tools for a broader audience, including immigrants.
