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.
Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad
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A systematic analysis of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad in Algeria reveals that integrating technical evaluation with political decision-making can significantly reduce bias in determining archaeological protection perimeters. The study employs Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to precisely analyze factors controlling the protection area, offering a scientifically grounded alternative to traditional conservation planning. This approach aims to balance theoretical references with practical considerations, ensuring more accurate and objective protection strategies for urban heritage sites.
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.
Xanthos-Letoon
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A recent study of stamped amphora handles from the 2013 excavation season at Xanthos, a significant Lycian city in southwestern Anatolia, reveals insights into commercial trade networks during the Hellenistic Period. Among the 23 stamped handles uncovered, 18 were Rhodian and five Knidian, providing evidence of the origin and distribution of amphorae in the region. The Rhodian stamps date from the 3rd century B.C. to the 1st century A.D., while Knidian stamps range from the 2nd to 1st century B.C. This analysis contributes to understanding Xanthos' role in trade, mapping commercial routes between Lycian cities and Western Anatolian/Rhodian centers. The study also introduces previously unknown information about fabricans and eponyms active in Rhodos and Knidos, offering new perspectives on the economic interactions of the period.
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.
The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area
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A unique figurine of the ancient Egyptian deity Bes, discovered at Al-Faw archaeological site in central Arabia, provides new insights into the cultural exchange between Arabia and neighboring civilizations. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about the origins of Bes worship, suggesting a deeper connection to Arabian culture than previously thought. The study, conducted during excavations led by Al-Ansary, analyzes the figurine's significance within the broader context of Arabia's historical interactions with Egypt, highlighting its role in religious beliefs and cultural practices. By examining this artifact, researchers aim to shed light on the complexities of ancient Arabian society and its dynamic relationships with surrounding civilizations.
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
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Research reveals that the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, located in Phú Yên province, Vietnam, was part of the historically understudied region of Kauṭhāra within the Champā polity. This area stands out as one of the longest-occupied Champā regions, yet it has received less archaeological attention compared to northern sites. The study integrates historical documents, maps, and archaeological evidence to contextualize the citadel's socio-religious significance within the broader Hindu–Buddhist traditions of Champā. A key insight is the potential for future research to focus on the Early Modern period, offering a deeper understanding of persistent settlement patterns over time. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between historians and archaeologists to advance local and transregional studies in Asian cultural history.
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.
Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches
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A critical re-evaluation of UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Ávila's Old Town, reveals that their management must adapt to modern cultural and social dynamics. The study challenges traditional conservation paradigms by integrating narrative interpretations from inhabitants and visitors, showcasing how these perspectives drive idiosyncratic innovations in urban fabric. Using a mixed methodology combining qualitative interviews, open data cross-referencing, and GIS analysis, the research demonstrates that sustainable development of historic centers hinges on balancing physical preservation with social awareness. This approach, informed by COST Action projects (2019-2023), offers new frameworks for managing cultural diversity in World Heritage cities.
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.
Old City of Zamość
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A rare collection of 44 letters by Livonian humanist David Hilchen (1561–1610) to the Academy of Zamość professors, spanning 1603–1609, reveals a stark contrast in the academy's perception before and after the death of its founder, Jan Zamoyski. Initially depicted as an intellectual haven ('locus amoenus'), the academy's decline post-1605 is vividly described through motifs of loss and calumny, reflecting broader political and religious pressures. Despite this, Hilchen’s letters highlight the strengthening of friendships and loyalty among academics, framed against a backdrop of despair. Drawing on Justus Lipsius’ works, Hilchen advocates for humanist ideals, offering a nuanced perspective on academic resilience amid adversity.
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.
Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso
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Urban public spaces with greenery significantly enhance ecosystem services, yet accessibility to these areas varies across Latin American cities. A study analyzing four cities—Cartagena de Indias and Medellín (Colombia), Valparaíso (Chile), and Quito (Ecuador)—revealed that while most citizens have good access to public spaces within 15 minutes, accessing vegetated or green-dominant areas often requires longer distances. The research classified public spaces using high-resolution satellite imagery and assessed physical accessibility via spatial analysis of road networks, considering walking times. Findings underscore the importance of integrating greenery into urban planning to maximize ecosystem services, improve environmental quality, and boost public health and wellbeing.
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.
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
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A well-managed activity economy could significantly enhance cultural heritage tourism sustainability in Sri Lanka, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Galle and Kandy. This study identifies the untapped potential of integrating theoretical and practical value into tourism marketing strategies to drive economic growth while preserving heritage. Using qualitative methods—document analysis and secondary data from online media—the research highlights gaps in current practices, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts between government institutions and private entities. Such collaboration, supported by robust human and physical resources, could unlock long-term sustainability benefits for Sri Lankan tourism.
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.
The wider area of Mount Olympus
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Digital tools and technology can significantly enhance sustainable tourism at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, balancing increased visitation with conservation efforts. The study demonstrates that adopting these technologies—ranging from simple to advanced systems—can improve visibility, manage visitor capacity, and generate revenue for heritage preservation, even in remote or lesser-known sites. Case studies from Greece (Mount Olympus) and India illustrate how such interventions can mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism while capitalizing on opportunities like those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings suggest a scalable model for global application, offering both academic and practical insights into sustainable heritage management.
Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
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A groundbreaking methodology for the analysis, enhancement, and intervention in industrial heritage landscapes is being developed, addressing the challenges posed by degradation and abandonment. This approach integrates interdisciplinary techniques, emphasizes citizen participation, and leverages digital tools to account for the specificity, identity, and dynamic nature of these landscapes. By focusing on the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape as a case study, the research aims to provide a robust framework that considers the diversity of scales involved and offers innovative solutions for preserving industrial heritage while maintaining its anthropized characteristics.
Archaeological Site of Sabratha
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Africa's coastal heritage sites face significant threats from accelerating sea-level rise, with projections indicating a dramatic increase in exposure to extreme flooding and erosion. Currently, 56 of the 284 African Heritage Sites (AHS) are at risk from 100-year extreme sea-level events, covering an area of 2,222 km²—primarily in Northern and Western Africa. Under moderate greenhouse gas emissions (RCP4.5), exposure is projected to triple by mid-century, with the median exposed area increasing 6.6 times by 2100. High emissions (RCP8.5) could worsen this, with a 8.5-fold increase in exposed area and 198 sites at risk. Mitigation efforts could reduce end-century exposure by 20-25%. The study combines a comprehensive AHS database with coastal hazard projections to quantify risks, underscoring the urgent need for adaptive strategies to protect cultural and natural heritage.
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.
Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno
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Research reveals that microphototrophs, including algae and cyanobacteria, persist in the aphotic zones of Veternica Cave (Croatia) and other Dinaric karst caves, challenging assumptions about their presence solely in illuminated cave entrances. Despite being passively transported from surface habitats, live diatoms, green algae, golden-brown algae, and filamentous cyanobacteria were detected year-round, with their distribution influenced by hydrological conditions rather than distance from the entrance. The study, spanning a decade, highlights the role of these microphototrophs in cave food webs and calls for further investigation into their species identification, abundance, survival, and environmental determinants.
Mudejar Architecture of Aragon
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Aragonese Mudejar minaret towers, products of eight centuries of Islamic influence on the Iberian Peninsula, embody a unique fusion of architectural styles from coexisting cultures. This study reveals that these structures, particularly the tower of San Pablo in Zaragoza, underwent significant evolutionary changes over time, reflecting broader historical and cultural transitions. The research employs a novel approach to trace their development, offering new insights into the adaptability and resilience of Mudejar architecture during periods of political and social transformation.
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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2022 —
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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 —
WHE3E68C40BFF
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.
