Jongmyo Shrine
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Research reveals that the ritual procedures and musical arrangements for Jongmyo Shrine during the early Joseon Dynasty were not merely adaptations of existing systems but represented a distinct Korean synthesis. The study demonstrates how the Joseon court, constrained by neither the Chinese imperial rituals nor the Goryeo traditions, developed its own unique form of Confucian rites centered on ancestor worship. A key finding is that musical elements, particularly the new 'sinak' (new music) introduced under King Sejong, played a crucial role in defining this distinctiveness. The integration of ritual procedures and music, culminating in the standardized forms documented in the 'Gugjo Oryeui,' achieved both cultural differentiation from China and Goryeo while embodying universal Confucian principles. This study underscores the innovative process through which the Joseon Dynasty established its own ritual and musical traditions, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Korean ceremonial practices.
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
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A rare 1642 bell from the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, Japan, was definitively traced to its origin as a ceremonial gift sent by Joseon (Korea) to the Edo shogunate. This discovery resolves longstanding debates about its manufacture, revealing it as part of a diplomatic exchange that included other treasures for the newly constructed Toshogu Shrine. The study analyzed historical records and stylistic elements, identifying hybrid features blending Korean and Japanese bell traditions—such as the 'Gomano-tsume' design, influenced by 14th-century Korean-Japanese hybrid bells. The bell's craftsmanship, attributed to Kim Yong-am, a prominent 17th-century bell-caster, provides valuable insight into little-documented Korean bell-making techniques of the period. Its influence is further evidenced in later Japanese bells, including the 1667 Joba-yamashi bell at Mito Toshogu.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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A study on the CPND ecosystem of VR contents using cultural heritage reveals that integrating cultural assets, such as Okyeonjeongsa in Hahoe Village, into VR content can significantly enhance market potential and user engagement. The research highlights four key components—content (C), platform (P), network (N), and device (D)—and emphasizes the need for localized platforms, advanced network technologies like 5G, and innovative hardware development to mitigate issues such as motion sickness. Additionally, it underscores the importance of immersive content creation and user-centric design in fostering a sustainable VR ecosystem. This study provides critical insights for the digital transformation era, suggesting that cultural heritage-driven VR content can drive progress in areas like restoration simulation, remote interaction, and metaverse communication.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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Research reveals that while the Koguryo and Murong Xianbei (Three Xianbei) engaged in sustained cultural exchange during the 4th–5th centuries, their material cultures remained distinct. Analysis of tomb artifacts—including mural paintings, horse fittings (magu), boyo decorations, gold crowns (daegeumgu), and pottery—showed that Koguryo selectively absorbed foreign elements via Xianbei intermediation, particularly from Central Plain traditions, rather than direct influence. Though some motifs (e.g., boyo) were absent in Koguryo, others like horse fittings demonstrated clear relationships. The study used comparative archaeology to trace these exchanges, confirming that Koguryo adapted and refined external influences through a process of 'Koguryo-ization.' Historical records corroborated demographic shifts (e.g., post-342 CE captives, 436 CE northern Xianbei migrations) as key drivers. Findings underscore the resilience of Koguryo’s cultural identity amid cross-border interactions.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
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A comprehensive redefinition of the term 'pan-ock' emerges from analyzing 183 historical records, revealing its dual significance: as architectural structures—including residences, religious sites, royal tombs, and prisons—and as shipboard housing combining work and living spaces. The study challenges conventional interpretations by demonstrating that pan-ock could also refer to plank-based construction for walls or roofs, or both, depending on context. This broader definition is critical for accurately interpreting Joseon Dynasty records, particularly those related to military installations, literary works, and bureaucratic documentation. By classifying instances from the Korean Classics DB, researchers provide a nuanced framework that bridges gaps in existing dictionaries, offering deeper insights into the architectural and cultural practices of the era.
Hwaseong Fortress
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King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty's construction of Hwaseong Fortress was inspired by his perception of Xiaohe, a key figure in the founding of the Han Dynasty. Jeongjo saw parallels between Xiaohe's strategic role and his own ambitions for Joseon, interpreting Hwaseong as a modern equivalent to Weiyanggeong Palace, which Xiaohe had instrumentalized under Han Go-jo. This interpretation suggests that Jeongjo aimed to revitalize Joseon through architectural symbolism, drawing on Confucian traditions much like the Han Dynasty's foundation. The study analyzes Jeongjo's writings and actions, revealing his self-awareness as a ruler and his vision for governance, offering new insights into the motivations behind Hwaseong's construction.
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
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A 1922 photobook, 'Trip in Chosen,' offers a unique visual record of Joseon (Korea) during the early Japanese colonial period, capturing Western-style infrastructure like hotels and modern leisure activities alongside historic sites such as Bulguksa Temple. Unlike official government publications, this album was issued by a private railway company, reflecting its promotional intent for tourism. Its bilingual (Japanese/English) design targeted both Western audiences and Japanese readers, serving as a tool to showcase colonial achievements. The study highlights the photobook’s role in documenting cultural landmarks while emphasizing its propagandistic purpose under imperial rule.
Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
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A study on the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan reveals that efforts to transmit Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) through exhibitions and hands-on learning are unevenly effective. The research analyzed three transmission approaches—explanatory panels at outdoor interpretation facilities, guidance facilities, and interactive learning—to assess whether they successfully convey the sites' significance. Findings indicate a disparity in how well OUV is transmitted across these methods, suggesting that integrating information from explanatory boards with hands-on experiences could enhance visitor understanding of archaeological remains. This insight is critical for improving heritage site communication strategies.
Yin Xu
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Archaeological excavations at Xiaotun Village, Anyang City, Henan Province, have confirmed the site as Yinxu (殷墟), the late Shang Dynasty capital. The study reveals that Yinxu was a religious city, with its palace and ancestral temple district serving as both political and religious spaces. Excavated artifacts, including large architectural foundations, ritual pits, oracle bones, and bronze vessels, provide concrete evidence of divination and sacrificial rituals performed here. The research suggests that the Shang Dynasty operated under an undifferentiated political-religious framework, where the palace-temple complex functioned as a multifacetional space for governance, religion, and daily life, housing both living individuals and ancestors.
South China Karst
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Ecological products derived from rocky desertification control in South China Karst not only mitigate environmental degradation but also deliver higher economic value than traditional industries, offering a sustainable model for poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. This study synthesizes the development of such products across key domains—industrial models, quality monitoring, market spaces, and value realization—while identifying critical gaps requiring further research. By integrating ecological and economic attributes, it proposes a framework to maximize the long-term benefits of rocky desertification control efforts, supported by national policies spanning multiple five-year plans.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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Historic Chinese towns (HCTs) increasingly prioritize tourism, with tourist-focused functions clustering in urban cores while cultural relics remain dispersed. This study reveals that heritage tourism shapes the spatio-functional distribution of HCTs, offering insights for land-use optimization. Using space syntax—a quantitative method to analyze spatial characteristics—the research systematically examined four UNESCO-listed towns: Pingyao, Lijiang, Kulangsu, and Wuzhen. Findings indicate that while tourist-oriented areas expand over time, cultural relics maintain a stable distribution, suggesting a need for balanced preservation strategies.
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
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Industrial modernization in Meiji Japan (1868–1912) required more than isolated factors—it demanded the integration of socio-technological systems to enable paradigm-shifting technology transfer. A comparative analysis of Tomioka Silk Filature and Osaka Cotton Spinning Mill reveals two distinct pathways: Tomioka's ad hoc industrialization, where transferred technologies gradually merged with local practices, while Osaka exemplified a deliberate shift toward a new industrial paradigm. This study challenges mono-causal explanations by demonstrating that successful modernization hinged on the interplay of adapted artifacts, bio-materials, knowledge accumulation, factory management, and geographic advantages.
Kairouan
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A tenth-century Islamic manuscript from Kairouan, Tunisia, offers rare insights into the literary and cultural production of North Africa during the ninth and tenth centuries. This parchment bifolio, part of a unique collection, provides clues to its author, text, and the scholarly community that preserved it, much like an archaeological find in situ. The manuscript's significance extends beyond Tunisia, shedding light on broader Islamic world dynamics during this period. The study leverages contextual analysis to unravel the mysteries surrounding the fragment, highlighting its importance in understanding historical intellectual and cultural exchanges.
Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century
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Ivrea, Italy's second UNESCO-listed industrial site, holds significant potential as a cultural and tourist attraction, particularly for promoting Adriano Olivetti's visionary ideals. A study analyzing stakeholder perceptions revealed that the site could generate new tourist flows while preserving its historical legacy. Researchers used a structured questionnaire and Delphi method interviews to gather insights from public and private stakeholders, followed by nominal group technique analysis to prioritize findings. The results highlight Ivrea's ability to blend cultural dissemination with tourism growth, offering a model for other industrial heritage sites.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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A comprehensive genetic and morphological analysis reveals that the genus Bivesicula, parasitic trematodes infecting Indo-Pacific fishes, is not monophyletic, with three distinct clades identified. The study distinguishes 10 species, including five new ones, highlighting significant host-specificity and geographical distribution patterns. Cryptic species, where morphological differences are minimal but genetic markers show clear distinctions, were found in both Clade 1 and Clade 2, infecting serranids with some also affecting holocentrids or muraenids. The research underscores the complexity of taxonomic classification in this genus due to low resolving power of ribosomal markers, regional mtDNA populations, and host-induced morphological variation.
Historic Centre of Naples
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Monumental hospitals within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as those in Naples's historic center, face abandonment due to functional obsolescence and failure to meet modern standards. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems, exacerbating the need for regeneration. This study proposes light retrofit interventions for three Neapolitan hospitals—'Gesù e Maria', 'San Gennaro dei Poveri', and 'Santa Maria del Popolo degli Incurabili'—to restore their historical healthcare functions while integrating energy efficiency and seismic improvements. The approach aims to strengthen community healthcare, enhance cultural heritage, and improve citizens' quality of life. By leveraging the flexibility of these monumental structures, the research offers a sustainable model for repurposing abandoned urban spaces.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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Claus von Winterthur, vice-commander of the Teutonic Order's Castle in Malbork (1388–1402), likely hailed from Strasbourg rather than his ancestral home of Niederwinterthur. This conclusion stems from an analysis of surnames and historical records, suggesting that Claus, a member of the urban ministerialis family, sought opportunity abroad due to social pressures in Winterthur. His prolonged tenure as vice-commander—unprecedented among predecessors—may have been facilitated by loyalty to his kin, Konrad and Rudolf von Kyburg, and collaboration with fellow brethren from Alsace-Burgundy. The study reconstructs Claus's origins and affiliations using genealogical and historical evidence, offering new insights into the social dynamics of the Teutonic Order during a pivotal period of its expansion.
Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939
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Two iconic architectural projects in Kaunas, Lithuania's interwar provisional capital— the Church of the Resurrection and the State Palace—embody distinct nationalistic and international design trends. The Church, a modernist basilica, emerged from a competition restricted to Lithuanian citizens or residents, reflecting the nation's desire for a uniquely 'Lithuanian' style to celebrate its 10th anniversary of independence. In contrast, the State Palace, a monumental neo-classical complex housing state institutions, resulted from an international competition, showcasing global architectural influences. These projects illustrate the duality in interwar representative architecture and highlight the evolution of Lithuania's self-perception as a nation.
Wadden Sea
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Academic engagement with Wadden Sea stakeholders has been limited and lacks comprehensive representation of key stakeholder groups, despite the site's UNESCO World Heritage status. A review reveals that existing studies often focus on singular, categorized stakeholder 'groups' without integrating transboundary perspectives or addressing UN Sustainability Goal 14, a critical target for environmental protection. The analysis highlights gaps in academic work, providing guidance for future research to ensure more inclusive and globally relevant studies in this ecologically significant region.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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A novel method for generating accessible sidewalk networks in historic urban environments, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, achieves over 98% vectorization accuracy. This approach leverages point cloud data to semantically segment sidewalks and roads, enabling precise extraction of physical and geometric attributes without relying on traditional cartographic data or crowdsourcing. The resulting vector layer facilitates the computation of accessible paths between Points of Interest using QGIS, as demonstrated in a case study of Sabbioneta, Italy. This method offers potential applications for city planners and developers of routing apps, enhancing urban accessibility while preserving historical integrity.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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Vegetables grown in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, including cabbage, carrot, and potato, serve as significant sources of essential mineral elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn). However, they also contain trace amounts of toxic elements like arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), though not exceeding permissible limits. The study analyzed 100 soil and vegetable samples at harvest, revealing that cabbage accumulates the highest concentrations of both essential minerals and toxic trace elements, while potato shows the lowest. Per capita consumption of these vegetables contributes substantially to daily intake recommendations for Cu, Zn, and Mn, with Mn coverage ranging from 22% to 87%. The research highlights the need for agronomic strategies to mitigate soil degradation and enhance the sustainability of vegetable cropping systems in this region.
Historic Centre of Naples
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Enhancing walkability through active mobility measures can significantly improve the accessibility, attractiveness, and social inclusion of historic city centers. A study on the Historic Centre of Naples demonstrates that redeveloping pedestrian paths increases connectivity among houses, services, public facilities, and green spaces, thereby revitalizing built heritage and promoting sustainable urban development. The research identifies and classifies active mobility measures in a matrix, analyzing their impact on physical, economic, social, and functional aspects of historic districts. Applying this framework to the Pizzofalcone area—despite its marginalization—reveals potential for competitive spill-over effects, bridging gaps between historical value and urban functionality.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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Research at Cape Thomas, Wrangel Island, reveals the presence of an active sublatitudinal fault with repeated thrust movements, pushing the mountain ridge southward. This fault, contrasting with older geological structures, indicates north-to-south displacement and suggests a potential source for strong earthquakes along the boundary of the Western Plateau and southern coastal lowland. Despite the identified seismic potential, current data show low seismic activity, implying the region may be in a seismic quiescence stage. The study, conducted during a 2020 expedition by the Northern Fleet and the Russian Geographical Society, combines geological and geophysical methods to refine the understanding of young tectonic movements on Wrangel Island.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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A study on Grauer's gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, revealed distinct seasonal variations in their activity rhythms during tourist visits. The research, conducted from 2012 to 2014 using scanning and focal animal methods, observed six key behaviors: ground feeding, height feeding, foraging, habitat change, family resting, and agonistic interactions. These activities overlapped and varied seasonally between 8 am and 12 pm, providing insights that could enhance tourist experiences and boost park revenue.
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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Exceptional numeracy levels were found among the Guarani people in the Jesuit missions during the 18th century, surpassing those in other regions with different institutional frameworks or religious orders. This conclusion is drawn from an analysis of over 3600 observations using age heaping methodology, which revealed a unique proficiency in numerical skills. The study attributes this achievement to the missions' model of productive self-sufficiency, egalitarian social organization, and cultural adaptation, including the adoption of the Guarani worldview and language. These factors facilitated successful educational performance and sustained intergenerational transmission of human capital, even after the missions were dissolved in 1767.
Wadden Sea
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An adaptive, research-based approach to intertidal seed-based seagrass restoration in the Dutch Wadden Sea significantly improved plant densities and reduced seed losses. The study, conducted between 2014-2017, demonstrated that iterative innovations—such as controlled seed harvest and storage followed by spring 'Dispenser Injection Seeding' (DIS)—increased field plant densities from 0.012 to 1.00 plants per square meter and slightly reduced seed loss rates. While self-sustaining populations were not yet achieved, these advancements bring the Dutch Wadden Sea closer to successful large-scale seagrass restoration. The findings suggest that precision-seeding technologies, combined with adaptive experimentation, hold promise for advancing global seagrass conservation efforts.
Erbil Citadel
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Traditional cafes within the buffer zone of Erbil Citadel, Iraq, can benefit significantly from adaptive reuse through intelligent systems. A study found that integrating sensors and wireless connectivity into existing devices enhances functionality while preserving cultural identity. Key findings include the need for new systems to address modern user demands without compromising spiritual identity or spatial aesthetics. The research recommends periodic adaptive reuse—every five years—to improve performance and sustainability. Using an inductive, qualitative approach, it combined literature review with physical surveys, observations, and interviews with stakeholders. This method revealed that intelligent systems can bridge traditional architecture with contemporary needs, offering a model for balancing heritage conservation with innovation.
Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta
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A masterplan for Ferrara, Italyoffers adaptive urban design solutions to mitigate flooding and heatwaves in its historic center. The study identifies site-specific interventions across 400 hectares, balancing preservation of fragile architectural and ecological materials with climate resilience. It synthesizes best practices from global case studies and applies a multi-level analytical methodology to protect public spaces, ancient fabrics, and historical gardens while ensuring liveability for inhabitants and visitors. The approach prioritizes time-sensitive actions tailored to Ferrara's unique cultural heritage challenges.
Tipasa
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A significant portion of Africa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including iconic ruins like Tipasa in Algeria and the North Sinai Archaeological Sites Zone in Egypt, are already at risk from coastal flooding and erosion due to a 1-in-100-year extreme event. Under high greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP 8.5), this risk is projected to more than triple by 2050, exposing nearly 200 sites. Mitigating emissions could reduce the number of highly exposed sites by 25%. The study analyzed a database of 213 natural and 71 cultural heritage sites using moderate (RCP 4.5) and high emission scenarios to assess vulnerability, emphasizing the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies, governance improvements, and site-specific protection measures.
Dougga / Thugga
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Recent epigraphic studies on Dougga (Thugga) and other North African sites reveal significant insights into the political, religious, and hydraulic systems of Roman Africa. These findings highlight the ceremonial interplay between political and religious spheres across historical periods, as well as the municipal consensus surrounding water management projects. Notably, research on Dougga's forum evolution and the cult of Aquae provides a deeper understanding of urban development and religious practices in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The studies employ a combination of inscription analysis, archaeological prospection, and comparative site examinations to reconstruct historical contexts, offering new perspectives on the region's late antique transformation.
Canaima National Park
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A new species of dobsonfly, Corydalus ralphi, has been identified in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, marking the first discovery of its kind in the country since 2012. This species shares a uniform reddish coloration with other Venezuelan Corydalus species but exhibits unique male genitalic structures that align it with the C. crossi species group. The discovery was made through the examination of two specimens collected from the Tarotá River in the Gran Sabana region, highlighting the biodiversity richness of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A key to identify male Venezuelan Corydalus species is also provided, aiding future taxonomic studies.
Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin
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A temporary exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Culture in the Kazan Kremlin highlighted the enduring legacy of the Nigmatullin-Bubi brothers, pivotal figures in Tatar Muslim education reform. The 2021–2022 exhibition, marking the 240th anniversary of their Izh-Bobya madrasah and the 150th birthdays of Gabdulla and Gubaidulla Nigmatullin-Bubi, showcased their contributions to Islamic education through curated artifacts and collaborative partnerships. The exhibition's conceptualization and preparation involved interdisciplinary collaboration among historians, educators, and cultural institutions, emphasizing its role in preserving and disseminating Tatar educational heritage within the broader context of UNESCO-recognized architectural and historical significance.
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
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Despite being politically taboo, Prussia remained a significant and persistent influence in post-war East Germany. This study reveals how the German Democratic Republic (GDR) grappled with its Prussian legacy, which complicated efforts to construct a coherent historical narrative for the state. Through case studies of key Prussian architectural sites—such as the Berlin Schloss, Potsdam City Palace, and Potsdam Garnisonkirche—the research demonstrates that while the SED sought to erase or repurpose these symbols, they could not fully eliminate Prussia's presence from the collective memory. The chapter employs historiographical analysis to show how theoretical frameworks in GDR historiography both reflected and resisted this erasure, highlighting the enduring tension between political ideology and historical reality.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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Notre-Dame Cathedral, a central element of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Paris, Banks of the Seine,' embodies multiple dimensions of sacrality—religious, cultural, touristic, and symbolic. Its destruction in 2019 revealed the complex interplay between these aspects, transcending its role as a mere religious site to become a global icon and focal point for identity. The study highlights how Notre-Dame's significance spans geographic, economic, social, and political realms, often with paradoxical overlaps. Through qualitative analysis of public reactions and institutional responses, including Pope Francis' prayer call, the research underscores the cathedral's enduring influence beyond France, challenging conventional notions of sacrality in heritage management.
Agra Fort
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A significant misconception about the Musamman Burj and Palace in Agra Fort, India, has been corrected: contrary to popular belief, these structures were not a prison but served as Shah Jahan's harem room and living quarters during his reign. The study clarifies that this was where he resided with Mumtaz Mahal and maintained a view of the Taj Mahal even on his deathbed. Using primary sources like Akbarnama and Padshahnama, travel accounts, miniatures, current research, and field studies, the research elucidates the architectural significance, intended purpose, and historical context of these Mughal-era structures. It also highlights the influence of Hindu traditions on Mughal architecture, exemplified by the unique 'Shah Bastions' introduced during this period.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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Agricultural practices in the Lluta river basin and Precordillera of Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region, home to the Chinchorro mummy culture, have sustained Aymara communities for millennia. This study reveals how their integration into Chilean society—particularly from social and economic perspectives—has shaped regional agriculture, from pre-Hispanic times through colonial periods. The research characterizes key agronomic traits of local towns and examines commercialization patterns of crops and livestock, emphasizing the need to protect endemic flora and fauna while leveraging genetic heritage for sustainable development. Projections suggest that technological advancements could enhance production, ensuring economic resilience without compromising biodiversity.
Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace
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Soils along the south slope of the Great Caucasus, exemplified by the Sheki district in Azerbaijan, exhibit distinct agricultural production characteristics shaped by vertical zoning from intrazonal landscapes to subalpine meadows. The study identifies key diagnostic indicators and natural conditions influencing soil properties across these zones, providing critical insights for sustainable land use. By integrating soil-ecological and geobotanical analyses, the research offers a comprehensive understanding of how altitude and environmental gradients affect soil productivity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace
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Research reveals significant soil diversity along the south slope of the Great Caucasus, particularly in Azerbaijan's Sheki District, with distinct agricultural production characteristics across vertical zoning from intrazonal landscapes to subalpine meadows. The study highlights diagnostic indicators of these soils, emphasizing their vulnerability to anthropogenic transformation—a process described as a potential global catastrophe due to uncontrolled population growth, industrial expansion, and energy demands. This work underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Sheki's Historic Centre, where natural landscapes face increasing human pressure. The findings integrate soil-ecological and geobotanical analyses to map soil properties and their agricultural potential, offering critical insights for conservation strategies.
Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace
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Soils in the Sheki district of Azerbaijan exhibit distinct agricultural production characteristics that vary significantly with elevation, from intrazonal landscapes to subalpine meadows. The study identifies key diagnostic indicators and natural conditions shaping these soils, providing insights into their ecological and geobotanical properties. By analyzing vertical zoning patterns, researchers reveal how soil composition and fertility change across the south slope of the Great Caucasus, offering valuable data for sustainable land management in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
City of Quito
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Cities that transition from promoting urban orchards to establishing comprehensive urban agricultural programs are better positioned to implement food policies, contributing significantly to resilience and sustainable urban development. This study highlights the case of Quito, Ecuador, where the Participatory Urban Agriculture Project (AGRUPAR) has been instrumental in advancing agro-ecological urban agriculture for nearly two decades. By integrating urban agriculture with broader public food policies, Quito aims to strengthen its food security and resilience. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire agri-food system—from production to post-consumption—to connect it with the right to food, the right to the city, and environmental health. While progress has been made, the study underscores the need for a more integrated urban policy that incorporates urban agriculture to fully realize its potential in enhancing Quito's food security.
Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)
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Archaeological research at the site of Aigai (modern Vergina) reveals that the ancient city was a critical transportation hub, particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, connecting northern and southern regions as well as inland areas with coastal ones. The study highlights significant urban expansion during the Hellenistic period, with the city's area increasing fourfold, followed by prolonged occupation until nearly complete abandonment due to Gothic invasions in the late 3rd century AD. Later Byzantine settlements emerged in the 12th–13th centuries. Excavations uncovered a section of Athena Street and provided insights into the city's water infrastructure, dating back to the 5th–6th centuries AD. The exposed ancient roads not only enhance archaeological understanding but also improve visitor accessibility, bridging the gap between scholarly knowledge and public engagement.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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Ross Burns' 'Aleppo: A History' offers a comprehensive exploration of Aleppo's historical and cultural significance, serving as a microcosm for broader Middle Eastern history. The book meticulously traces the city's evolution from Bronze and Iron eras to modern times, emphasizing its architectural heritage as a key link to global influences. It employs archaeological insights, such as the 'continuity of use' principle, to reconstruct historical narratives, including speculative reconstructions like a potential Greek-era temple beneath Aleppo's Great Mosque. Burns' work highlights the intersection of religious traditions and political dynamics in shaping Aleppo's identity, while also documenting the devastating impact of recent conflicts on its urban landscape.
Škocjan Caves
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Researchers continue to investigate the Reka/Timavo cross-border aquifer, a complex underground network of drainage paths developed below sea level, to protect its groundwater resources. This ongoing study, supported by European projects, employs quantitative and qualitative monitoring to understand the aquifer's dynamics. The Classical Karst Region, home to this network, features thousands of dolines and over 5,000 explored caves, with less than a dozen reaching the water base level (Timavo caves). A field trip guidebook accompanies visitors along the underground path of the Reka/Timavo River, starting at Škocjan Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986), and includes stops at Grotta Gigante cave, a surface dissolution laboratory, Doberdò Lake, and Timavo Springs. The study highlights the importance of water in shaping hypogean features through chemical dissolution and physical erosion processes.
Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops
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In the 2021 harvest, Czech hops—particularly the Saaz variety—achieved the highest alpha acids content and total production in 25 years, averaging 4.45% (Žatec), 4.20% (Úštěk), and 3.36% (Tršice). This record-breaking result, totaling 414.5 tons of alpha acids, stemmed from a combination of high yield per hectare and elevated alpha acid levels, influenced significantly by hop garden age, weather conditions, and the use of virus-free seedlings. The study employed pre-harvest and harvest predictions alongside detailed analyses of purchasing lots to assess these trends, revealing that older hop gardens and favorable environmental factors contributed to the exceptional output.
Rock Art of Alta
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A critical examination of the Alta rock art in Northern Norway reveals that interpretations, while diverse, share a common framework centered on ritual, circumpolar cosmology, and symbolic communication. The study questions the reliance on ethnographic sources and concepts like shamanism to assign 'deeper meaning' to the art, challenging the assumption that such art is inherently religious or world-shaping. It proposes alternative approaches to understanding rock art beyond traditional interpretative imperatives.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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Amaranth production in Tulyehualco, Xochimilco, Mexico City, demonstrates that while direct sowing yields higher profits, traditional chapin (seedbed) cultivation, though more costly and less efficient, holds cultural significance. The study, conducted between 2010-2019 with surveys of 35 producers, 3 marketers, and 4 transformers in late 2019, found that Xochimilco dominates amaranth production, accounting for 60.4% of the harvested area and 55.6% of national output. Despite higher costs and lower yields in chapin cultivation, it persists due to ancestral knowledge. The research recommends adopting modern technologies for density, nutrition, and pest control to enhance profitability while preserving traditional practices.
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz
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Shahrisabz (Kesh), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flourished as a cultural and architectural hub during the Timurid era under Amir Temur's rule. This study reveals its significance through historical texts and sources, highlighting its scientific, cultural life, and monumental construction. Notably, it also sheds light on the scholars who emerged from this region during that period. The research approach relies on a thorough analysis of primary historical literature, providing insights into the city's past and its enduring legacy.
Vredefort Dome
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2022 —
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A new study reveals that amphibolite facies metamorphism in the lower Witwatersrand Supergroup rocks at the Vredefort Dome is linked to the early stages of magmatism associated with the Ventersdorp Large Igneous Province (LIP), rather than the later Bushveld Complex. The research, using microtextural and mineral compositional analysis alongside THERMOCALC calculations, identified two distinct metamorphic events with different pressure-temperature conditions preceding the Dome-forming meteorite impact 2.02 billion years ago. Garnet Sm-Nd chronology dated the first event (M1) to approximately 2.796 billion years, aligning it with the early Ventersdorp LIP activity. While a second event (M2) showed elevated heat flow consistent with Bushveld Complex emplacement, thermal modeling suggested both events were influenced by local perturbations from contemporaneous sill intrusion. This challenges previous assumptions about the timing and causes of metamorphism in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Okavango Delta
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2022 —
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A study analyzing fire regimes in the Angolan catchment of the Okavango Delta reveals that human presence does not significantly alter fire return intervals but increases flammable areas within miombo woodlands. Over 20 years, short bushlands and open woodlands burned every 1.9 to 2.2 years, while miombo woodlands had longer intervals (4.5 years), with 14% remaining unburnt. Late dry-season fires, peaking in August-September, are detrimental to miombo woodlands, a previously fire-free vegetation type now threatened by degradation and shifting cultivation. The research used MODIS data to assess fire frequency and seasonality across three vegetation types, highlighting the ecological risks posed by altered fire regimes to the Delta's stability.
Jongmyo Shrine
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2022 —
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A pivotal shift in the Jongmyo system during King Aejang's reign in late Silla Dynasty redefined ancestral veneration, sidelining King Wonseong while elevating four direct ancestors of the ruling king. This reorganization, involving two separate shrines and a five-shrine structure, solidified the late royal lineage but diminished Jongmyo's central role in national rites. The study reveals how this strategic change weakened the shrine's status as the backbone of ancestral worship, marking a turning point in Silla's political and religious landscape.
