Namib Sand Sea
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2022 —
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A comparative analysis of wind regimes over the Namib Sand Sea reveals significant discrepancies between ground-based measurements and ERA5-Land climate reanalysis data, highlighting the influence of giant linear dunes on local atmospheric dynamics. The study, which integrates in-situ observations from four stations with high-resolution reanalysis datasets, demonstrates that dune morphology induces complex wind patterns not fully captured by global models. Key findings include variations in boundary layer height, hydrodynamic roughness, and Froude numbers, underscoring the need for localized adjustments in climate modeling to accurately represent desert environments. The dataset, available via Zenodo, provides a critical resource for validating reanalysis products and improving predictions of aeolian processes in arid regions.
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
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2022 —
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New evidence from the Gran Chimú complex in Chan Chan, Peru, challenges traditional views of the site's architecture. Researchers found that hornacinas (niche-like structures) with wooden statues were likely late additions to the palace walls, suggesting their role in funerary rituals and ancestor worship. This discovery supports the transformation of these complexes from royal palaces into mausoleums upon the death of Chimú kings. The study analyzed architectural features and statue placements across multiple walled ensembles, providing a fresh interpretation of Chan Chan's evolution during the Chimú Kingdom (900–1470 CE).
Historic Centre of Florence
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2022 —
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A decision support model for art cities, exemplified by the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre of Florence, reveals critical insights into managing tourist flows and balancing heritage preservation with economic and social needs. The study identifies key indicators to measure carrying capacity, assessing risks posed by overtourism both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights how the Municipality of Florence's sustainable tourism strategy addresses these challenges, offering a framework for other historic cities to monitor tourism impacts and implement effective policies. This model provides a nuanced understanding of the evolving tourism phenomenon, its implications, and strategies for long-term preservation.
Site of Palmyra
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Coral reef benthic communities on Palmyra Atoll demonstrate remarkable resilience to thermal stress. Despite two severe bleaching events linked to El Niño (2009–2010 and 2015–2016), the atoll's reefs maintained long-term stability over a decade. While hard coral cover declined temporarily post-bleaching—particularly on wave-exposed fore reefs—it recovered within two years, with algal groups replacing corals variably across sites. The study, using annual photoquadrat analysis from 80 permanent plots, highlights the atoll's capacity to withstand disturbances in the absence of local stressors, offering insights into the adaptability of calcifier-dominated reef ecosystems.
Everglades National Park
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Despite declines in atmospheric mercury (Hg) concentrations elsewhere in the U.S., Everglades National Park (ENP) showed no reduction in Hg deposition or related contaminants like dissolved organic carbon and sulfate from 2008 to 2018. A multimedia study across 76 sites revealed strong correlations between methylmercury (MeHg) levels in water and fish, particularly in the Shark River Slough (SRS) and coastal regions, where geochemical conditions favor bioaccumulation. The findings underscore that improved water quality and flow—key restoration targets—could mitigate MeHg exposure. The study highlights the complex interplay between hydrology, climate, and Hg cycling, offering critical insights for Everglades conservation efforts.
Galápagos Islands
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A fully decarbonized energy system for the Galápagos Islands, leveraging 100% renewable sources by 2050, is feasible through strategic legal frameworks and economic investments. This proposal addresses the archipelago's reliance on fossil fuels, which threatens its UNESCO World Heritage status due to environmental and sensory impacts. The study identifies significant potential in photovoltaic and wind solar energy, aligning with Ecuador’s National Plan All a Life. Transition strategies include electrifying transportation and household appliances while scaling renewable energy infrastructure to meet growing demand. By phasing out fossil fuels, the plan aims to preserve the Galápagos' ecological integrity while supporting its tourism-driven economy.
Byblos
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2022 —
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Research challenges the long-held belief that Byblos' 'pseudohieroglyphic' script is a syllabary or alphabet, instead proposing it functions as a restricted mythographic system of eidograms—visual symbols bridging pictograms and ideograms. These signs, nearly identical to the Vinča pre-script found across Europe, appear to invoke goddesses throughout the Old World. The study deciphers over 50 lines of Byblos script by applying knowledge of the Vinça pre-script, contradicting prior interpretations by scholars like George Mendenhall and Malachi Martin. This approach suggests a deeper cultural and symbolic continuity in ancient writing systems than previously recognized.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2022 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of silver and copper artifacts from the Wari culture's first intact pre-Columbian tomb at Castillo de Huarmey, Peru, reveals evidence of extensive long-distance trade networks. By examining lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and silver (Ag) isotopes in 15 metal objects, researchers determined that most metals originated from primary hypogene ore deposits, likely sourced from the same regions as those used by the core Wari site at Conchopata. The variability in Pb isotopes suggests the use of regional ores with distinct isotopic signatures, such as those from the Julcani deposit, or potential mixing and re-smelting processes. Notably, some artifacts show isotopic signatures indicative of imports from distant regions, including northern Peru and southern Peru/Bolivia, pointing to vast trade interactions between the Wari Empire and the Tiwanaku state during the pre-Columbian era.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2022 —
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Residents of heritage buildings in Mexico City's Historic Centre prioritize preservation over invasive retrofitting, even when facing thermal discomfort and energy inefficiency. A pilot study found that while occupants perceived poor thermal conditions, they preferred passive solutions like adjusting clothing or closing windows to avoid altering the building’s heritage values or incurring high costs. Small-scale interventions, such as changes to floors and ceilings, were acceptable, but residents resisted modifications to culturally significant elements. The research highlights the tension between energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and heritage conservation, suggesting that integrating resident perspectives into decision-making could enhance long-term sustainability of retrofitting policies without compromising built heritage.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2022 —
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A long-term study at Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest China, reveals that elevated CO2 (eCO2) may not enhance tree growth as previously thought. Despite increasing intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE), trees exposed to higher localized eCO2 due to intensive tourism showed declining growth rates, likely due to stomatal closures. This challenges the global overestimation of CO2 fertilization effects on forests, particularly under dry temperate conditions. The research used a novel dendrochronological approach comparing two valleys with contrasting anthropogenic activities, providing new insights into the complex interactions between CO2, climate change, and forest resilience.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2022 —
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Museums, rooted in colonial practices, face persistent challenges in decolonising their operations. This study examines whether mainstream museums in Australia, Britain, and Europe have successfully transitioned from consultative inclusion to relinquishing representational power to Indigenous and Black communities. It highlights the role of community-led models, such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta's Cultural Centre, where Traditional Custodians influence visitor interpretation, ensuring contentious historical narratives are acknowledged. The research employs case studies to assess whether these alternative models can overcome traditional museum values that prioritise intact collections and Western perspectives.
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
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A first-of-its-kind study projects that four bumble bee species—Bombus tunicatus, Bombus haemorrhoidalis, Bombus festivus, and Bombus asiaticus—will face heightened extinction risks in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area by 2050 due to shrinking suitable habitat. Researchers used a MaxEnt species distribution model with bioclimatic and biophysical data collected between May 2018 and October 2019, identifying nine bumble bee species in the region. The Jackknife test revealed key variables influencing these projections. This decline threatens vital pollinators for Himalayan agriculture and wild ecosystems.
City of Quito
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During Quito's COVID-19 lockdown, concentrations of key pollutants such as CO, NO2, PM2.5, and SO2 dropped significantly by up to 64%, while ozone levels rose by over 26%. This stark shift in air quality was quantified using advanced Deep Learning (DL) models, specifically Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) and Bidirectional Recurrent Neural Networks (BiRNN), which outperformed traditional Machine Learning methods like Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM). The study highlights the potential of DL-based Weather Normalized Models (WNMs) for assessing the impact of events on urban pollution. Critical predictors included temporal factors (time of day, Julian Day) and meteorological variables (relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation), offering insights into the complex interplay between human activity and environmental conditions.
Alto Douro Wine Region
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A deep learning model demonstrates promising accuracy in detecting terrace vineyards in the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region, Portugal. Using U-net architecture applied to Google Earth Pro satellite imagery, researchers achieved preliminary success in automating the identification of these unique agricultural features on rugged schist slopes. This approach could facilitate multi-temporal crop evaluation and cultural characterization, addressing challenges posed by difficult terrain and manual labor intensity. The study highlights the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing remote sensing applications for heritage site analysis.
Lake Baikal
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A deep-underwater Cherenkov detector, Baikal-CVD, has been successfully deployed in Lake Baikal since 2016, marking a significant advancement in neutrino astronomy. This 1-km³-scale telescope, the largest of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere, is composed of modular clusters that enable scientific research even during early development stages. By 2021, it comprised eight clusters with 2304 optical modules, offering unprecedented capabilities for detecting high-energy neutrinos. The study highlights the detector's data acquisition system and addresses engineering challenges associated with deep-underwater operations. Initial results demonstrate its potential for groundbreaking discoveries in particle physics, particularly in studying cosmic neutrinos.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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A comprehensive set of health protocol assessment indicators for tourist attractions, including Prambanan Temple Tourism Park, has been developed to ensure visitor safety and maintain tourism sustainability. The study identified 9 criteria, 38 sub-criteria, and 136 indicators focused on hygiene, health, convenience, and other supporting facilities. These indicators were validated through expert input and tested using the CHSE (Clean, Health, Safety, Environment) standard, providing a structured framework to assess and implement health protocols effectively in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Saltaire
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Historical industrial communities like Saltaire, Bournville, and Port Sunlight exemplify pioneering corporate patronage of arts and culture, demonstrating how businesses can integrate cultural resources into urban planning to benefit employees and communities. These model company towns, founded in the 19th century, featured art galleries, theaters, and holistic designs that anticipated workers' needs, setting precedents for corporate cultural responsibility. The study also examines the role of museums in advocating for design and the influence of photography in bridging art and commerce, particularly in Chicago's Container Corporation of America. This research highlights the enduring impact of business-led cultural initiatives on urban development and societal well-being.
Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape
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Salt tectonics played a crucial role in shaping the Dachstein thrust sheet, influencing its structural evolution from the Late Triassic to the Late Cretaceous. The study identifies six key deformation events, including syn-depositional instability and slumping, growth of the Hallstatt diapir, salt-driven extensional faulting, Jurassic re-activation of faults, Early Cretaceous shortening, and Late Cretaceous extensional reactivation. These findings were derived from a multi-scale analysis combining conventional outcrop observations with digital fieldwork using drone-captured virtual outcrops and GoogleMaps 3D terrain renderizations. The research highlights the significance of salt tectonics in controlling the structure of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering new insights into its tectonic history.
Maya Site of Copan
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A novel green conservation approach using bacterially-induced formation of CaCO3 cement and exopolymeric substances has shown promise in preventing or controlling clay-related damage to tuff stone at the ancient Maya site of Copán. This method, which inhibits clay swelling, offers a more effective alternative to traditional conservation materials like polymers and alkoxysilanes, often found to be ineffective against such damage. The review discusses the mechanisms behind clay-induced degradation, including scaling, flaking, spalling, exfoliation, and delamination, caused by wetting/drying cycles, while also exploring complementary processes that contribute to stone damage due to expansion/contraction.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
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Ibn Baṭṭūṭa's 1325–1354 journey through the Islamic world, including Delhi, offers a unique 14th-century perspective on Qutb Minar and its monuments. His detailed accounts, preserved in 'Riḥla' (Récit de voyage), provide invaluable insights into medieval Delhi's architectural grandeur, cultural richness, and urban dynamics under the Tughlaq dynasty. The study leverages Ibn Juzayy's transcription of Baṭṭūṭa's oral narratives, focusing on Qutb Minar's significance as a symbol of Islamic power and architectural innovation in the region. This medieval travelogue serves as both a historical document and a window into pre-colonial Delhi's socio-political landscape.
Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent
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Research reveals that the Mazurinsky Chronicle (1680s) provides definitive evidence that Metropolitan Macarius was evacuated to Novospassky Monastery, not Novinsky or Novodevichy Convent, during the 1547 Kremlin fire. This challenges long-standing assumptions rooted in the Postnik Chronicler and clarifies a historiographical legend about the metropolitan's refuge. The study examines late chronicle monuments (17th century) and classical 19th-century historiography to demonstrate that Novospassky Monastery, with its significance in church hierarchy during the Romanov era, was the likely destination. It also explores the status and role of these monasteries in medieval Moscow and Russian Church history.
Chitwan National Park
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A study of captive elephants around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals critical insights into their demographic and health status. The research found 97 captive elephants (16 males, 81 females) in Sauraha, with 17 born to captive mothers. These elephants travel up to 84 km daily, carrying an average of 450 kg, primarily for tourism or conservation tasks like patrolling and transportation. The most prevalent health issue is tuberculosis (27%), followed by parasitic infections, foot problems, and colic. The study highlights the urgent need for effective policies to conserve this endangered species in captivity. Data was collected through field surveys, key-informant interviews, and questionnaires involving 78 mahouts.
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
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Recent architectural transformations in Berlin and Potsdam reveal a deliberate effort to reshape urban memory through the demolition of modernist structures and their replacement with neo-Prussian replicas. Notably, the 2006 demolition of the Palace of the Republic—a symbol of GDR-era politics—was followed by the construction of an eighteenth-century replica, now housing the Humboldt Forum, a museum dedicated to non-Western art. This pattern of iconoclasm and revival suggests a broader strategy to redefine Berlin's historical narrative, blending political symbolism with architectural nostalgia. The study examines these demolitions through the lens of iconoclastic precedents in art and architecture, highlighting their implications for urban identity and memory.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2022 —
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A groundbreaking analysis challenges the long-held assumption that Homo was ubiquitous in South Africa's Cradle of Humankind during the Early Pleistocene. Using advanced microcomputed tomography and 3D geometric morphometrics, researchers examined 23 postcanine teeth from four key sites—Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Drimolen, and Kromdraai B—and found only four specimens with clear Homo attributes: three from Swartkrans (SK 27, SK 847, SKX 21204) and one from Sterkfontein (Sts 9). Three other teeth showed mixed traits, while the rest exhibited strong Australopithecus-like features. This reconsideration of dental taxonomy suggests a more nuanced picture of early Homo's presence in southern Africa, with implications for dietary reconstructions and phylogenetic relationships. The study also questions previous interpretations linking these sites to Homo erectus.
Palace and Park of Versailles
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A comparative analysis reveals that the Japanese perception of Versailles has historically emphasized its stark contrast to traditional Japanese garden aesthetics, particularly in terms of symmetry and human control versus natural harmony. This dichotomy, rooted in early 20th-century discourse, influenced public park design in Japan by making cultural differences between East and West tangible for broad audiences. The study highlights that even contemporary cultural theories continue to use Versailles as a reference point for self-definition, underscoring its enduring significance in cross-cultural garden studies.
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
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Archaeological investigations at the fortified church of Mortesdorf/Motiş in Transylvania uncovered a human skeleton buried before the 13th-century construction of the church. The preserved humerus suggested a height of approximately 165–170 cm, while dental wear and suture closure indicated an age between 20 and 24 years. Though masculine traits were slightly pronounced, the sex was likely male. A graphical facial reconstruction based on skull morphology aimed to visualize this young man's phenotype. The study provides insights into the physical characteristics of an individual from medieval Transylvania, contributing to the understanding of human diversity in fortified settlements.
Møns Klint
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Møns Klint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Møn, Denmark, showcases a unique glaciotectonic complex formed by the advance and retreat of the Young Baltic Ice during the Weichselian glaciation. This study reveals that the E–W trending composite ridges, including the highest point Aborrebjerg (143 m a.s.l.), are composed of thrust-fault-displaced chalk sheets with significant vertical displacement (up to 150 m). The research also identifies new geological formations, such as the Kobbelgård and Stubberup Have Formations, deposited during the Middle Weichselian. Additionally, it describes the formation of a glacial lobe along Hjelm Bugt and radial spillways like Borre and Maglemose depressions, which later became fjords. The study integrates detailed mapping, stratigraphic analysis, and glaciodynamic interpretations to reconstruct Møn's complex geological history, providing insights into its Quaternary evolution.
Wadi Rum Protected Area
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Desert Insurgency reveals the significant archaeological investment by the Ottoman military to fortify the Hejaz railroad during the First World War, providing a nuanced perspective on asymmetrical warfare. The Great Arab Revolt Project (GARP) employed conflict archaeology to investigate guerrilla tactics and the material culture of the Arab Revolt, using interdisciplinary methods including metal detection and historical analysis. While the study highlights well-preserved sites in Wadi Rum Protected Area, it also identifies methodological gaps and interpretative challenges, such as inconsistencies in site documentation and reliance on T.E. Lawrence's narrative. Despite these issues, GARP's findings underscore the need for future research and protection of these archaeological landscapes.
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
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From 1999 to 2022, Serbian churches and monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija faced systematic destruction, primarily at the hands of Albanian extremists. This study documents and analyzes these incidents using cultural-geographic research methods, revealing a pattern of devastation that traces back centuries but intensified during NATO intervention and subsequent decades. The research confirms 130 cases of destruction, highlighting the ongoing persecution of Serbian heritage in the region. Kosovo and Metohija's historical significance as a medieval Serbian state further underscores the cultural and spiritual impact of these losses.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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Memorialisation of conflict-affected sites holds significant potential for post-trauma recovery and reconciliation, serving as a catalyst for healing or further division depending on stakeholder dynamics, interpretation, symbolic meanings, and spatial-temporal context. The study critically examines these processes through case analyses of Hiroshima, Beirut, Sarajevo's Vijecnica, and Mostar Bridge, revealing that effective memorialisation requires inclusive engagement with all involved parties and careful consideration of pre/post-conflict relationships. This research contributes to the broader discourse on difficult heritage by offering frameworks for addressing sites emerging from crises, emphasizing its role in fostering unity and resilience.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
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A detailed conservation approach for ancient stone-art (opus sectile) at Hierapolis-Pamukkale, Turkey, revealed that all materials used were locally sourced. The study combined archaeological excavation with advanced mortar analysis—including petrographic and SEM-EDX techniques—to replicate the original bedding mortar. Conservation efforts involved minimal intervention, mechanical/chemical cleaning, reinforcement, and precise documentation using 3D modeling (Agisoft) and CAD drawings. The opus sectile was preserved in situ with lime-based mortars and protected against plant intrusion. This interdisciplinary method ensures long-term monitoring and future conservation strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Radar imagery proves effective in penetrating dense forest cover to identify and document ancient Maya sacbeob (roads), offering a cost-effective alternative to LiDAR for large-scale mapping. This study connected previously mapped sacbeob between Calakmul, El Mirador, and Uxul using Landsat-7, Landsat-8 optical images, and Sentinel-1 C-VH&VV, Alos-1 PalSAR L-HH&HV radar data, building on earlier work with Landsat-5 TM imagery. The findings highlight the potential of remote sensing to revolutionize ground surveys in inaccessible or densely forested regions, providing a foundation for targeted verification and preservation efforts.
Messel Pit Fossil Site
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Researchers have detected porphyrins, likely derived from diagenetically altered heme, in a well-preserved vertebrate fossil from the Messel Pit, Germany. These organic molecules, preserved alongside the fossil, suggest that complex biomolecules can endure in the fossil record under specific conditions. The study employed advanced techniques such as time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy to analyze the fossil and its surrounding sediments. The findings indicate that multiple processes, including the presence of pyrite, aluminosilicates like clay, and a carbonate-calcium phosphate crust, contribute to organic preservation. Similar mechanisms may have played a role in preserving heme in fossils from other localities, offering insights into the broader conditions that facilitate such preservation.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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Aerial baiting of house mice on Gough Island led to a dramatic and rapid decline in mouse activity, with detections dropping from 9.6 to zero per camera within four days post-baiting. This decline occurred faster than laboratory trials predicted, suggesting that most wild mice consumed the bait immediately upon availability. The study used trail cameras—both with and without lures—to monitor mouse activity before and after bait application in June–August 2021. While detections remained extremely rare from one week post-baiting onward, a single late detection (27 days post-baiting) hinted at potential delays due to rapid bait disappearance. Opportunistic camera traps later confirmed the absence of survivors six months after the first bait drop, indicating successful eradication. The findings suggest that future similar operations can expect sharp declines in mouse activity within a week, though some mice may survive longer. This research highlights the effectiveness of trail cameras with lures as a tool for monitoring eradication outcomes and informs operational decisions, such as timing second bait applications or assessing non-target impacts.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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Al-Ahsa Oasis is experiencing significant soil degradation due to wind and water erosion, as well as chemical deterioration. A study published in 2022 revealed that the oasis's soils are degrading at alarming rates: physically by an average of 9.93 g/cm³/year, biologically by 2.93%/year, and chemically by 36.36 mmhos/cm. Researchers used advanced geospatial technologies, including ArcGIS, Erdas Imagine10, and ENVI 5.3, alongside six remote sensing indices to assess soil characteristics and degradation risks. Field samples collected in May 2019 were analyzed using satellite imagery, mechanical, and chemical laboratory techniques, combined with the Universal Soil Loss Equation and climatic data. This comprehensive approach generated a detailed map of soil degradation values, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in this culturally significant landscape.
Yungang Grottoes
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Research reveals that water vapor transmission in the sandstone of Yungang Grottoes significantly increases with rising relative humidity due to capillary condensate flow. The study found a strong correlation between diffusion coefficients and open porosity, indicating that weathering processes alter these parameters, contributing to material deterioration. Using the wet-cup method, scientists measured water vapor transmission under varying environmental conditions, uncovering complex microstructural dynamics that affect diffusion paths. These findings highlight the vulnerability of sandstone heritage sites to moisture-induced damage, offering critical insights for conservation strategies.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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Research reveals that the soundscapes of Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex's Timchehs hold significant desirability, blending objective acoustic measurements with subjective user perceptions. The study, published in the <em>Journal of Research in Islamic Architecture</em>, employed a dual assessment approach to evaluate how these unique architectural spaces influence auditory experiences. Findings indicate that the Timchehs' sound environments are not only acoustically favorable but also culturally resonant, offering insights into preserving and enhancing heritage sites through auditory design. This work bridges scientific analysis with human-centered evaluation, providing actionable recommendations for conserving the sonic character of historic bazaars.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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A novel Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) has been successfully applied to assess climate risks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a structured approach to evaluate threats and inform conservation strategies. The CVI was first piloted in 2018 at Shark Bay, Australia, and later adapted for cultural sites, including the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Scotland, with additional workshops conducted in Edinburgh in 2021. This study demonstrates that the CVI framework can effectively identify vulnerabilities across different types of World Heritage properties, providing actionable insights for stakeholders. The approach combines expert assessments with quantitative metrics to prioritize risks and guide adaptive management, marking a significant advancement in climate risk assessment methodologies for heritage conservation.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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Slovakia's Domica region, home to 7,014 known caves—only 18 of which are accessible—emerges as a prime candidate for the development of cave and medical tourism. A study combining geological analysis with questionnaire-based research on local service providers reveals that the area's unique underground formations, coupled with its potential for speleotherapy (health benefits from cave environments), can significantly boost regional tourism and infrastructure. The findings advocate for the establishment of an international geopark to harness this potential, addressing both economic growth and the preservation of Slovakia's rich karst heritage.
Saint Catherine Area
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Heritage tourism, a rapidly growing global trend with significant economic and cultural benefits, remains underdeveloped in Egypt's St. Catherine Area, despite its rich religious, cultural, civilizational, and natural value. This study identifies the untapped potential of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and proposes a strategic plan for its inclusion on Egypt’s tourist map. By analyzing the area’s diverse heritage components, the research recommends sustainable tourism projects that prioritize environmental conservation and the preservation of monuments and cultural heritage. The findings emphasize the need for coordinated efforts to optimize St. Catherine’s role in Egypt’s heritage tourism sector, offering a model for balancing development with conservation.
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
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The City of Graz, Austria, has successfully implemented a methodology to integrate sustainability and climate protection criteria into architectural competitions for public buildings. This approach enables the city to evaluate and rank building concepts based on their climate friendliness using a developed evaluation algorithm. Applied in a real competition, the method demonstrated its effectiveness by ensuring that all participants met the required sustainability aspects while allowing external experts to assess the works accurately. The City of Graz aims to adopt this methodology universally for future competitions, advancing sustainable procurement practices for buildings.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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A sediment core from Cartagena Bay reveals that the Holocene marine environment began around 7300 years ago, marked by dynamic interactions between marine conditions and a fan delta linked to a reorganized fluvial network. The study, using radiocarbon and amino acid racemization dating, shows an initial phase of robust sediment deposition followed by the development of a rich Posidonia-Cymodocea meadow with diverse marine life. Around 3800 years ago, the bay transitioned into a brackish marsh due to silting, altering its biodiversity. Carthaginian port construction works later introduced marine species, demonstrating anthropic influence on the ecosystem.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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A revered copy of the Santa Face of Jaén, donated to the Cathedral of Seville in 1629, became a focal point of devotion and worship among the faithful. Initially housed in the main sacristy, it was later transferred to the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua in 1690, where it was encased in a silver reliquary before being placed in its current tabernacle in 1739. This study traces the evolution of the cult surrounding this sacred artifact, highlighting its significance in religious practice and its enduring presence in the cathedral's architectural and liturgical landscape.
Via Appia. Regina Viarum
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A novel approach to architectural representation, integrating geometric survey (laser scanning and photogrammetry) with stratigraphic analysis and semantic modeling, has been developed to enhance the understanding of complex historical structures like the Claudius-Anio Novus Aqueduct in Rome's Appian Way Archaeological Park. This methodology enables diachronic and synchronic analyses, fostering a continuous cognitive process by correlating different studies and avoiding fragmentation. The use of Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) and Extended Reality (XR) environments allows for the visualization and interpretation of architectural geometries, construction techniques, and materials, opening new avenues for knowledge creation. This approach not only supports better design decisions but also enhances tangible and intangible heritage values through advanced human-computer interaction.
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
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A unique diagrammatic representation of Marian devotion, inspired by the Dominican Franz von Retz’s 15th-century treatise <em>Defensorium beatae inviolatae Mariae</em>, was identified in the funerary chapel of Hărman Parish Church (Transylvania), dating to 1486–1490. Unlike other mural programs from the Hungarian Kingdom, this image stands out for its specificity and theological depth, suggesting it was likely painted under the guidance of an iconographer familiar with Viennese academic circles or Retz’s original work. The study challenges conventional theories about the circulation of images in medieval art, proposing that such representations may have been derived from direct instruction rather than traveling models. By analyzing the spatial reframing and theological context, this research sheds new light on the transmission and adaptation of iconographic themes in late medieval Saxon communities.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
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First-generation Nigerian migrants of Yoruba descent residing in South Africa often exhibit reservations about participating in spiritual or religious celebrations, including the Osun-Osogbo festival. This reluctance stems from their desire to distance themselves from local religious practices while maintaining a connection to their cultural heritage. The study suggests that enhancing the relevance of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and its associated festival as a tool for cultural and heritage tourism can be achieved by separating religion from cultural celebrations. Using a qualitative research design based on in-depth interviews, the study explored the perceptions and experiences of these migrants, highlighting the need to balance spiritual elements with broader tourism and heritage goals.
Mount Wutai
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A new analysis reveals that the Silk Road(s) extended to early medieval Japan (9th–11th centuries) through the Temple Gate Tendai tradition of Mii Temple, connecting Buddhist practices from Dunhuang, Mount Wutai, and Chang’an to Kyoto. The study identifies cosmopolitan ritual elements in Enchin’s imported materials—including an early indigenous kami statue—and traces their influence on Japanese ceremonies performed for Song Emperor Shenzong, which persisted at Kyoto shrines (e.g., Matsuno’o, Kamigamo) and Nagoya’s Atsuta into the 16th century. By cross-referencing pilgrim diaries, catalogues, and material culture, the research demonstrates how Central Asian and Indic rituals were adapted in Japan while maintaining a narrative of Silk Road transmission.
Shiretoko
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2022 —
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Brown bears and sika deer on Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula exhibit distinct diel activity patterns influenced by seasonal behaviors, reproductive motivations, and environmental factors. Unlike European brown bears, those in Shiretoko show a diurnal/crepuscular pattern, with increased activity during autumnal hyperphagia, particularly among adult females and sub-adults. Protected areas further enhance diurnality, suggesting human activities and competitive interactions play significant roles. Sika deer, meanwhile, maintain a crepuscular pattern with minimal variation across months or sex-age classes, though male activity peaks during the autumn copulation period. The study employed camera-trap surveys over five months in 2019, capturing 7,530 observations to analyze these patterns, offering critical insights for wildlife conservation and management.
Garamba National Park
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2022 —
WHE260E6659E8
A groundbreaking study reveals that African forest elephants, typically frugivorous browsers, exhibit behavioral plasticity and shift their diet to include grasses during the early wet season in Garamba National Park. This challenges traditional ecological roles by demonstrating their potential as ecosystem drivers in grasslands, akin to savanna elephants. Researchers used diet DNA metabarcoding of non-invasively collected dung samples alongside GPS collar data to assess habitat use and dietary niche partitioning among megaherbivores. The findings highlight the forest elephants' unique role in maintaining grassland biodiversity, with males showing greater risk-taking behavior by foraging on fruit in human-altered landscapes. This adaptive behavior suggests a functional role for this recovering population in restoring and sustaining these ecosystems.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2022 —
WHE169D8B2D4F
Subantarctic yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) exhibit significant diet plasticity, shifting between lower trophic level prey during El Niño conditions and more diverse, offshore prey under La Niña. This dietary variation correlates with breeding success and survival, suggesting prey availability is a critical limiting factor, particularly under climate-driven marine environmental changes. The study analyzed stable isotopes from blood and feather samples (n=63) of 25 breeding penguins on Enderby Island (Auckland Islands, New Zealand) between 2015-2018, revealing year-to-year dietary shifts linked to climate oscillations. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation strategies that account for prey distribution dynamics and climate impacts on this endangered species' long-term population stability.
