Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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Hospitality workers in Porto's historic center demonstrated increased confidence in their soft skills—such as teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and adaptability—following the COVID-19 lockdown, likely due to remote work demands. However, they also recognized a greater need to develop these skills, particularly soft ones like flexibility, while still prioritizing hard skills such as linguistic and digital competencies for improvement. The study, comparing worker perceptions in April 2020 and April 2022, highlights the pandemic's role in reshaping skill development needs, offering actionable insights for human resources management in the hospitality sector.
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
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A 3D reconstructed immersive visual experience significantly enhances visitors' perceived significance and value of tangible cultural heritage sites, such as the Seokguram Grotto World Heritage Site in South Korea. The study found that these immersive presentations influence visitors' psychological factors, thereby deepening their engagement with the site's cultural, historical, and archaeological importance. This research contributes to the field of sustainable heritage tourism by demonstrating how advanced visualization technologies can be leveraged to improve visitor experiences while ensuring the careful management of heritage sites for future generations.
Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath
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A study on the effectiveness of Buddhist pilgrimage circuits as a tourism strategy in India reveals that these circuits primarily function as cultural landscapes at a cognitive level, rather than distinct physical routes or products. While foreign Buddhist followers constitute less than 10% of visitors and are outnumbered by domestic tourists, the latter often do not complete the entire circuit, using some sites only for day trips or as mid-trip stops. Fieldwork at four sacred sites—Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini—showed that visitation patterns depend on factors like travel convenience, accommodation, ritual performance, and governance. Interviews with stakeholders highlighted the complexity of translating these circuits into effective tourism strategies.
Acropolis, Athens
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A probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) reveals that the Acropolis of Athens and its monuments, including the Parthenon, exhibit significant resilience to low-probability earthquakes with return periods of 2,500 to 10,000 years. The study leverages the European Seismic Hazard Model (ESHM20) and long-term accelerometric data from the Acropolis hill to assess site-specific seismic effects. Findings indicate that while the monuments demonstrate a robust safety margin, the perimetric retaining walls require closer examination due to their vulnerability under extreme seismic conditions. This research underscores the importance of integrating probabilistic hazard models with on-site data for heritage site preservation.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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A recent study challenges the notion that deformation within intraplate regions, such as the Cévennes Fault System (CFS) in Languedoc, SE France, is solely a consequence of tectonic events at plate boundaries. By combining U–Pb geochronology of fault-related calcites with structural analysis, researchers found continuous compressional activity along the CFS and its satellite structures from the Albian period through the Eocene, including during periods traditionally considered tectonically quiescent. This indicates that intraplate fault systems can experience low-intensity but regional deformation continuously over time, not just during high-rate plate boundary events. The study also highlights the significance of inherited structures in accommodating far-field deformation, as demonstrated by the recent Le Teil earthquake (Mw = 4.9) along the CFS.
The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design
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Students and professors at the Secondary School for Design and Photography (SŠOF) in Ljubljana experience stronger feelings of belonging, acceptance, and creativity in the historic Križanke complex compared to their peripheral Roška location. The study reveals that unique spatial elements—such as narrow corridors, labyrinthine layouts, and informal classroom setups—foster dynamic interactions, enhancing the school's educational environment. By analyzing sensory perceptions through a 'walk through Križanke,' the research highlights how architectural features shape everyday learning experiences, offering insights into place attachment in urban education.
Lamu Old Town
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Adequate natural regeneration rates suggest potential for mangrove recovery after disturbance, despite prolonged human pressure. The study analyzed forest structure and regeneration across five mangrove management blocks in Lamu, Kenya, using stratified random sampling and linear regeneration sampling (LRS) methods. It found that Rhizophora mucronata and Ceriops tagal are the dominant species, with 42% of the forest stocked with low-quality poles indicating sustained human impact. However, a natural regeneration rate of 7,342 ± 450 juveniles per hectare was observed, deemed sufficient for forest recovery. These findings provide critical insights for developing sustainable harvest plans in Lamu.
Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
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Crowd-sourced Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry can effectively integrate citizen-collected data into geohazard monitoring programs, as demonstrated by a study at the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research found that the Time-SIFT method yields high-quality reconstructions with an 8.6 cm standard deviation, making it suitable for long-term landslide observation in areas like Port Ganny. This approach leverages high tourist footfall to enhance spatial and temporal data coverage while raising public awareness of coastal cliff risks. Unlike traditional methods, it requires no specialized expertise from participants, offering a scalable solution for citizen science in geohazard management.
Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique
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Recurrent gravitational instabilities at the Samperre cliff on Martinique's Mount Pelée threaten populations and infrastructure, with potential unstable volumes estimated between 3.5 × 10⁶ m³ and 8.3 × 10⁶ m³. This study demonstrates that destabilizations may be linked to the reopening of a paleo-valley filled by pyroclastic materials, offering critical insights for hazard assessment in volcanic contexts. Researchers used remote observations—including ortho-photographs, aerial views, and topographic surveys—to characterize geological units, identify stable and unstable masses, infer paleo-morphology, and estimate mobilizable volumes. The findings highlight the importance of stratigraphic analysis in constraining headscarp collapse scenarios, particularly in steep, inaccessible volcanic landscapes where traditional data acquisition is challenging.
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
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Aesthetic and historical values of bronze relics from the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue are elevated through large-scale thematic presentations, revealing deep spiritual and human admiration. The study, conducted using observational, experiential, synthetic, historical, and dialectical methods, highlights the significance of Long a Palace—a key structure within the Bao Dinh Palace complex—as a central exhibit in the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities. This research not only underscores the cultural heritage preserved at the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty but also offers educational insights for students, drawing attention to the enduring legacy of Vietnamese royal architecture and artistry.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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In 2020, the Pantanal—South America's largest wetland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—experienced its worst wildfire on record, with unprecedented destruction across vast areas, including previously unburned conservation units. A study revealed that human activity, particularly proximity to roads, waterways, and railways, was a critical factor in 80% of fire outbreaks, concentrated within 10 km of these infrastructure elements. While drought conditions (measured by the SPEI index) also played a role, the rapid spread of fires suggests that human-induced factors, such as road expansion plans, significantly exacerbated the disaster. This finding underscores the urgent need for improved environmental surveillance and fire management in the Pantanal to mitigate future risks.
Komodo National Park
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Komodo National Park (KNP) faces potential long-term decline in its iconic Komodo dragon population due to spatial planning changes, increased tourism, reduced food availability, and poaching. A human ecosystem model (HEM) reveals critical threats to sustainability, including the erosion of kinship ties between dragons and indigenous Ota Moda clans, as well as economic risks from large-capital corporations displacing local businesses like boat rentals, homestays, and tour guiding. The HEM approach identifies key social and biophysical factors driving KNP's dynamics, offering insights for future management to balance conservation with community livelihoods.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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Human-elephant conflict in the Polonnaruwa district, Sri Lanka, poses significant threats to both elephants and agricultural sectors. The study reveals that such conflicts are a major socio-environmental issue, with 42% of incidents occurring in high-risk areas like the North Central Province. Key challenges include crop damage, property destruction, human fatalities, and elephant deaths, often exacerbated by inadequate compensation methods and limited local mitigation strategies. The research highlights the ineffectiveness of current measures such as bio-fences and electric fences while emphasizing the need for inter-cooperation to minimize conflicts. Through a systematic literature review, the study identifies gaps in conflict resolution and calls for methodological improvements to address these pressing issues.
Bale Mountains National Park
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A significant human-livestock predator conflict is evident in the Central and Eastern part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Over the past decade, 3,320 livestock were predated, costing households approximately $347,460.53, which constitutes 27.45% of their monthly income. Major predators include spotted hyenas, olive baboons, and Ethiopian wolves, with sheep and cattle being the primary targets. The study attributes this conflict to human settlement, agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation for charcoal production, and deliberate fires. Mitigation efforts are suggested to focus on securing livestock enclosures, providing regular compensation, and raising awareness about the importance of protected areas.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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Definitive evidence shows that humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) can attend both Mexico and Hawaii breeding grounds within the same winter season, challenging the presumed seasonal isolation of these populations. Two whales were photo-identified at both locations: one traveling from Maui, Hawaii to the Revillagigedo Archipelago in 53 days (2006), and another moving from Guerrero, Mexico to Maui in 49 days (2018). These findings, combined with additional data on individual interchange, song similarity, and mid-ocean detections, suggest that these populations may not be as distinct as previously classified. The study relies on long-term photo-identification records and genetic sampling to track whale movements across the northeast Pacific.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Hunting and water scarcity significantly impact the habitat occupancy of white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) and collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Research found that white-lipped peccary occupancy is influenced by habitat type and predators during the rainy season but is more vulnerable to hunting and water availability during the dry season. Conversely, collared peccaries are affected by water scarcity and hunting in the rainy season, while habitat type and predator presence influence their occupancy in the dry season. The study used stratified sampling with camera traps and 20 m² plots to detect feces or footprints across 28 points during both seasons, analyzing data via PRESENCE software to model habitat occupancy. These findings highlight the critical role of water availability and hunting pressure on peccary populations, particularly in drought-prone periods, underscoring the need for conservation strategies that address these threats.
Macquarie Island
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A comprehensive island-wide survey of Macquarie Island reveals that groundwater significantly influences lake hydrochemistry and hydrology, a factor previously overlooked. This study used stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ18O, δ2H) and strontium isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr) to analyze 40 lakes, identifying distinct geochemical drivers such as sea spray aerosols on the western side and water–rock interactions in lower elevation catchments. Lakes at higher elevations were found to be more dilute, while those at lower elevations contained terrestrial-sourced ions, likely from groundwater. These findings provide critical baseline data for understanding nutrient cycling and ecosystem health, with implications for predicting shifts due to climate change.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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Extreme weather events significantly alter lagoon dynamics, including surges and thermal drops. The study, part of the PRESENCE project, monitored five coral reef lagoons in New Caledonia over six cyclonic seasons (2014–2021), capturing data on ocean-lagoon exchanges, circulation, temperature, salinity, and currents during events ranging from tropical depressions to category 4 cyclones. Using autonomous instruments, drifter buoys, and CTD profiles, researchers identified key processes such as internal waves, wave-driven fluxes over reef barriers, and flash flood plume dispersion. The comprehensive dataset, now publicly available, provides critical data for high-resolution hydrodynamic models, aiding in the understanding of lagoon resilience under climate stress.
Samarra Archaeological City
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A hydrodynamic model reveals that the Makhool-Samarra Reach of the Tigris River exhibits exceptionally high sediment transport capacity (STC), particularly during high flow, with values significantly surpassing those recorded in other sections of the river and global averages. The study, employing a steady two-dimensional HEC-RAS model combined with topographical surveys, hydraulic measurements, and laboratory tests, identified that suspended sediment dominates STC, primarily consisting of clay and very fine silt, while bed material contributes negligibly. The Toffaleti sediment transport function with the Van Rijn fall velocity proved most suitable for computing sediment transport potential (STP) in this reach, which fluctuates dramatically between high and low flow conditions, underscoring the dynamic nature of sediment dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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Groundwater and surface water hydrochemical characteristics in Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), Canada, reveal distinct water types that refine the conceptual model of groundwater flow. Four primary water groups—Ca-SO4-type, Na-Cl-type, Ca-HCO3-type, and mixed waters—were identified, each linked to specific geological formations and processes such as halite dissolution, sulfate mineral dissolution, and carbonate dissolution. Spatial patterns in these water types correlate with hypothesized groundwater flow systems, with Ca-SO4 and Na-Cl-type waters associated with discharge areas of intermediate to regional flow paths, while Ca-HCO3-type waters dominate recharge zones. This study advances understanding of the hydrochemical dynamics in this remote and highly protected region, providing critical insights for comprehensive assessments of natural water conditions.
Komodo National Park
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Digital marketing strategies are reshaping eco-tourism in Komodo National Park (KNP), Indonesia, by accelerating hypercapitalism and product commodification. The study reveals that the rapid evolution of information technology is driving aggressive commercialization efforts, potentially undermining the park's ecological integrity. Through literature reviews and in-depth interviews with tourism stakeholders, researchers found that profit motives are increasingly prioritized over conservation goals, raising concerns about habitat destruction and ecosystem degradation. This shift poses a critical challenge to sustainable eco-tourism practices, urging stakeholders to reconsider development priorities beyond financial gains.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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Ibiza's historic center is undergoing significant socio-urban transformations driven by touristification and gentrification. The study reveals that the area is experiencing demographic decline, with a shrinking native population, while simultaneously becoming more museumized to cater to tourism demands. This shift reinforces its role as a supplier of complementary tourism services for sun and sand resorts across the island. The research analyzed interrelated variables—demographic dynamics, tourist accommodations, and heritage interventions derived from UNESCO's designation—using statistical data on demographics and tourism, alongside municipal heritage catalogues. Mapping these changes highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to the pressures of mass tourism.
Ogasawara Islands
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A groundbreaking application of NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite laser altimeter, combined with visible imagery, reveals unprecedented insights into the rapid formation and erosion of newly emerged volcanic islands. Focusing on Niijima Fukutoku-Okanoba (NFO) in Japan’s Ogasawara Islands, this study demonstrates how high-resolution satellite datasets can quantify elevation profiles and surface structures of short-lived volcanic features, previously inaccessible to traditional monitoring methods. The integration of ICESat-2 altimetry with Landsat-8 and Planet imagery provides a novel framework for understanding the dynamic evolution of these islands, advancing our comprehension of submarine volcanism in remote, shallow-water settings.
Hatra
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A sculpted frieze from the Temple of Allat at Hatra, dating to the second century AD, provides iconographic evidence of hybrid camels between Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius. Previously interpreted as Bactrian camels, the lead animals in the frieze are now reconsidered based on historical practices of camel hybridization. The study leverages contemporary and ancient records to challenge traditional interpretations, offering new insights into the genetic and cultural significance of camels in ancient Mesopotamia.
Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke
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Researchers developed a novel method to classify and identify materials used in earthwork construction, addressing the challenges posed by minimally invasive coring techniques. The study focused on the semi-circular fortification rampart of Hedeby, an early medieval Viking settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site. By analyzing physicochemical properties—such as grain size distribution, weight percentages, loss on ignition, magnetic susceptibility, and element concentrations—of 139 samples from three cores, the team applied statistical methods like principal component analysis and cluster analysis to distinguish material clusters. The findings revealed that the rampart was constructed using a mix of soil horizons, cultural deposits, and Pleistocene materials in varying proportions along its length. This method significantly enhances the objectivity and efficiency of geoarchaeological investigations, particularly for large-scale earthworks where complete excavation is impractical.
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China
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A significant expansion of the invasive Spartina alterniflora habitat, from 3,920 to 4,350 hectares, was identified between 2017 and 2020 in the core area of the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China. This expansion coincided with a marked reduction and fragmentation of the native Suaeda salsa habitat, which shrank to just 1,414 hectares by 2020. The study utilized GF-2 remote sensing images and the U-Net model, demonstrating high classification accuracy, to analyze habitat shifts, interspecific competition, and the resulting ecological impacts. The findings highlight intensified competition between S. alterniflora and Phragmites australis, both encroaching on S. salsa habitats, which threatens biodiversity by reducing food and shelter for red-crowned cranes. This research offers critical insights into the competitive dynamics among native and invasive species in coastal wetlands under global warming and human influences.
Shiretoko
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Tree planting in Shiretoko National Park, Japan, can effectively restore both forest carbon and biodiversity when done with high density (2,500+ trees/ha) and species richness (>4 species), regardless of distance from natural seed sources. Simulation modeling revealed that such planting scenarios achieve over 50% of the restoration success of intact forests within 33 years for both goals. Conversely, low-species planting or reliance on distant natural regeneration significantly delays biodiversity recovery.
Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia
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Saudi domestic tourists' primary motivations for visiting Hail province, home to significant rock art sites, are relaxation and the pursuit of new adventures. Factor analysis revealed that 'taking part in new adventures,' 'relaxation,' 'increasing tourism knowledge,' and 'escaping routine' were the most compelling reasons for travel. Cluster analysis further highlighted 'relaxation' as the dominant factor, followed by a strong interest in expanding tourism knowledge. This insight suggests that Hail's unique cultural heritage, including its rock art, plays a pivotal role in attracting visitors seeking both leisure and educational experiences. The study recommends prioritizing Hail's development for domestic and international tourism, with a focus on creating tailored packages that address these motivational factors.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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Chinampas, the ancient and sustainable urban agriculture system of Xochimilco, Mexico, face persistent challenges that hinder the potential benefits of green labeling. Despite their ecological and cultural significance, these agricultural plots suffer from commercialization issues, consumer unwillingness to pay fair prices, soil degradation, and poor water quality—factors that could undermine the effectiveness of eco-certification programs. A study combining literature review and network theory analysis revealed that producers' immediate needs, such as profit maximization and financial guidance for pricing, remain unmet. Under current production and market conditions, the cost of green labeling certification is prohibitive for most farmers, suggesting that addressing these longstanding conflicts is critical before implementing sustainability programs.
Vilnius Historic Centre
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Urban identity is shaped by the dynamic interaction between human-made structures and natural landscapes, with both elements playing pivotal roles in defining historical areas. This study highlights that the physical environment—including terrain, rivers, and built-up ensembles—and intangible cultural factors collectively contribute to a place's visual uniqueness and cultural significance. Analyzing Vilnius' historic suburbs revealed how urban design, architecture, and landscape adaptations reflect natural conditions while fostering deliberate identity formation. The research underscores that urban identity is not static but evolves through intentional design interventions, challenging conventional perceptions of preservation in globalized contexts.
Costiera Amalfitana
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Post-war Italy's landscape faced systematic destruction due to unchecked urban speculation, exacerbated by the lack of urban planning and fragmented administrative oversight. This study highlights a specific case on the Amalfitana Coast: the 'Fuenti Monster,' an illegally built hotel that stood for three decades before its demolition in 2005, following relentless legal battles and civil protests. The research underscores the pivotal role of environmental advocacy groups, particularly Italia Nostra, in challenging such ecomostri (environmental monstrosities). Drawing on archival materials from the Fondazione Biblioteca Benedetto Croce and the Comune di Napoli, the study reconstructs this historical struggle, offering insights into the intersection of environmental degradation, urban planning failures, and civic engagement.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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A significant discovery regarding the restoration of Cistercian worship during the Counter-Reformation emerges from this study, focusing on the Church of Women within the lower domestic quarters (domus inferior) of Campanian charters. The research reveals how architectural and religious practices evolved in response to the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on female monasticism, providing new insights into the spatial organization and symbolic significance of these spaces. Conducted as part of a master's thesis at the University of Naples Federico II, the study employed detailed architectural surveys and historical analysis to reconstruct the liturgical and social dynamics of the Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula. The findings underscore the importance of integrating archival research with spatial documentation to understand the complex interplay between religious reform and architectural adaptation.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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A five-year study of seabird strandings in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazilrevealed 268 recorded incidents involving 19 species, with the highest abundance occurring during winter. The most frequent species were the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), and brown booby (Sula leucogaster). The research, conducted through extensive beach monitoring covering over 200 km of coastline, highlighted seasonal variations in stranding patterns while noting that most species showed no clear seasonal trend. This study underscores the ecological significance of Ilha Grande Bay as a critical habitat for seabirds and provides valuable data to support conservation efforts, sustainable tourism, and environmental management strategies.
Alto Douro Wine Region
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Tourists' perception of the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region, as reflected on social networks, is shaped by three dominant dimensions: the Douro River, vineyards, and Porto wine. These elements collectively form a cohesive image that influences visitor experiences and expectations. The study employed both qualitative analysis of social media content and quantitative surveys to identify these key components, offering actionable insights for regional stakeholders aiming to enhance promotional strategies based on lived tourist experiences.
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
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Research on Galle Heritage City reveals a strong correlation between imageability and legibility, two key concepts in urban design. Imageability, reflecting people's perception of landmark salience, is primarily influenced by semantic properties, while legibility, related to spatial configuration visibility, depends more on structural properties. Both visual properties play an equally significant role in both concepts. The study employed cognitive mapping with 100 participants to assess imageability and a visibility assessment process for legibility, comparing results through a concurrence matrix.
Deer Stone Monuments and Related Bronze Age Sites
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A historiographical review of Russian studies on dagger images carved into deer stones reveals significant progress in documenting and analyzing these intricate Bronze Age sculptures. While the source base has expanded, with analogies and chronological groupings identified, the field lacks systematic classification schemes, leaving gaps for further structured research. The study highlights the daggers' prevalence and artistic refinement as key focal points for scholars, though existing knowledge remains scattered. This review underscores the need for a more organized approach to synthesize findings across specialized studies, monographs, and interpretive articles.
Djémila
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A comparative analysis of religious art from late antiquity reveals that material objects played a pivotal role in shaping religious experiences, challenging traditional text-based theological interpretations. The study, spanning from Ireland to India, examines how diverse religions—including Christianity and Islam—employed imagery, parerga (frames and attributes), and codices to mediate encounters with the divine. It highlights inconsistencies in scholarly approaches, such as the dichotomy between affective and intellectual responses to scripture, while emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to fully grasp the religio-historical significance of material culture.
18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex
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A digital imaging approach was employed to analyze and process the monumental staircase at the San Leucio Complex, part of the 18th-century Royal Palace at Caserta. The study highlights the potential of digital tools in documenting and interpreting architectural heritage, offering new insights into its historical and structural significance. By integrating techniques from representation, history, semiotics, and science/technology, the research demonstrates how interdisciplinary dialogue can enhance the understanding and preservation of cultural landmarks.
Mount Wuyi
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A metaverse-based digital documentation framework for historical figures, exemplified by Zhu Xi, founder of Neo-Confucianism and a key figure in Mount Wuyi's cultural heritage, has been developed to advance immersive cultural tourism. This framework integrates multimodal data digitization tailored for metaverse presentations, enabling contactless virtual and real cultural experiences that enhance research and preservation efforts. The study also introduces an immersive cultural tourism information service designed to provide tourists with a comprehensive experience before, during, and after their visit. By leveraging the metaverse, this approach represents a significant step forward in creating interactive historical figure metaverses, offering new avenues for cultural engagement and education.
Wadden Sea
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A significant reversal of the residual flow through the Marsdiep tidal inlet, connecting the Dutch Wadden Sea to the North Sea, has been observed. This shift from export to import is attributed to changes in tides driven by increased stratification due to global warming. The finding is based on nearly 13 years of ferry-borne acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) data, combined with earlier observations spanning 1998–2009. The study suggests that the residual flow may fully reverse to inflow within this decade, potentially impacting sediment budgets and ecosystems in the western Wadden Sea.
Kaziranga National Park
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Human-elephant conflict (HEC) around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, poses significant threats to both conservation and rural development, with crop raiding by elephants perceived as a more severe risk than wild buffalo or rhinoceros. A study involving 140 households in 29 villages revealed that HEC is primarily nocturnal and seasonal, peaking in winter, and mitigation efforts are largely reliant on traditional methods like shouting and burning tires. Villagers, who view elephants as sacred, expressed a desire to stay in their communities despite the conflict. While government compensation policies were known to only 40% of respondents, those aware criticized them as inadequate. Farmers recommended solar-powered electric fencing and improved compensation as key solutions. Effective mitigation strategies must engage local communities, build trust, and address perceptions of success to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and support both elephant conservation and rural livelihoods.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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A significant decline and subsequent recovery in vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) were observed in Jiuzhaigou Valley following the Ms7.0 earthquake on 8 August 2017. The study, using the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) model, found that NPP values dropped sharply by up to 27.2% in areas affected by landslides and debris flows but showed strong resilience, with a 23.0% increase in recovery within a year. Vegetation in debris flow zones demonstrated the fastest recovery, while overall NPP reductions lessened annually post-earthquake. The research introduces a vulnerability-resilience assessment system linked to seismic intensity, providing critical insights for ecosystem impact assessments and conservation strategies.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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Burning boreal forest soil significantly alters its properties and respiration rates, with effects lasting up to six months. Research conducted in Wood Buffalo National Park revealed that fire simulations under high and low moisture conditions increased soil temperature during burns but reduced total carbon (C) content post-fire. Soil pH and nitrogen (N) levels also shifted, while soil respiration varied depending on burn severity and moisture conditions. The study used controlled heat treatments to mimic wildfires, measuring soil properties and respiration over extended periods. Key data, including temperature readings, respiration measurements, and soil chemistry, were collected from 19 sampling sites within the park. These findings contribute to understanding post-fire carbon cycling in boreal ecosystems, a critical factor for ecosystem resilience and management.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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Future water availability for irrigation and hydropower generation in Ethiopia's Omo-Gibe Basin is projected to decline significantly due to climate change, with potential reductions of 15.5–25.4% for irrigation and 10.5–20.2% for hydroelectricity under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios. The study predicts temperature increases of 2.10–3.6°C (RCP 4.5) and 2.7–4.8°C (RCP 8.5), alongside precipitation declines of 10.7–13.6% (RCP 4.5) and 11.1–13.8% (RCP 8.5). Water scarcity may worsen by 7.9–30.6%, driven by rising demand and climate impacts. Researchers used coupled SWAT and WEAP hydrological models to forecast these changes, emphasizing the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies to secure water resources in this critical UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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Climate change is projected to significantly reduce precipitation and streamflow while increasing temperatures in the Omo-Gibe basin, Ethiopia. Under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios, average temperature increases are expected to range from 2.40–3.34 °C and 2.6–4.54 °C respectively, while precipitation and streamflow are projected to decrease by up to 13.86% and 12.88%, respectively. These findings, derived from high-resolution multimodel ensembles of regional climate models (RCMs) statistically downscaled using quantile mapping, highlight the need for urgent adaptation measures and long-term water resource planning in the basin. The study also employs the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to model streamflow impacts, providing critical insights for irrigation and hydropower project planners.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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Climate change is projected to significantly alter fire regimes in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), with profound implications for its ecological values. The study, using Climate Futures for Tasmania data, predicts a substantial increase in dryness, extending summer conditions by about eight weeks by 2100 and reducing the window for planned burning by half due to shorter spring and autumn seasons. This shift, already evident from the 2010s, threatens fire-sensitive species like king-billy pine, pencil pine, huon pine, and deciduous beech, potentially reversing decades of progress in fire management. The research highlights the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Tongariro National Park
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Alpine ecosystems, particularly vulnerable to climate warming and plant invasion, experience significant shifts in soil microbial communities due to changes in plant composition. A study in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, found that the invasion of Common Heather (Calluna vulgaris) reduced arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization in native Red tussock grass (Chionochloa rubra), decreased plant size and cover, yet did not alter general microbial group proportions. Additionally, a global analysis using the Warming and Removal in Mountains (WaRM) network revealed that removing dominant plant species significantly impacted fungal and bacterial abundances, while warming had no significant effect. Elevation played a crucial role in microbial biomass and composition, highlighting the importance of understanding alpine elevational gradients for predicting global change impacts on these ecosystems.
City of Bath
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2022 —
WHEF8FC089139
Urban green spaces with higher connectivity to woodlands show increased tick presence and nymph density, particularly during spring. A multi-city study across Bath, Bristol, and Southampton revealed that proximity to woodland positively correlates with tick abundance in urban recreational areas, while Borrelia spp. prevalence in ticks remained low (2.8%) but consistent with rural UK data. Bird-related Borrelia genospecies were dominant, suggesting birds may play a key role in tick infection dynamics in urban settings. The research used geospatial analysis and seasonal sampling to assess risk factors for Lyme borreliosis transmission, highlighting the need for further investigation into human exposure in urban environments.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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2022 —
WHEB29022CBD5
A study conducted in Chhatrakot Rural Municipality, Gulmi District, Lumbini Province, identified 10 invasive alien plant species (IAPS) affecting native vegetation. Key findings include the dominance of <em>Bidens pilosa</em> in agricultural areas and <em>Ageratina adenophora</em> along grasslands and forest borders, with significant impacts on local flora from species like <em>Ageratum conyzoides</em>, <em>Ageratum houstonianum</em>, and <em>Oxalis latifolia</em>. The research used checklists and semi-structured questionnaires to document IAPS distribution and management practices, such as ploughing, picking, burning, and composting. Notably, <em>Ageratina adenophora</em> was introduced around 20–25 years ago with road development, highlighting human activity as a driver of invasion. The study underscores the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate ecological disruption in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2022 —
WHE77D7621446
Deforestation remains the dominant forest cover change process in Mexico's Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, driven primarily by traditional agriculture initially and later by intensified livestock and conventional farming. However, other significant processes like forest degradation from fallow shortening and selective logging, as well as recovery through long fallows and core zone delimitation, are often overlooked in regional-scale assessments. A systematic review of 53 studies revealed that while deforestation is the most investigated process, there's a notable gap in research on sustainable initiatives' impact. The study highlights the need for local-level understanding to differentiate between temporary and long-term forest dynamics, emphasizing the importance of supporting reduced-impact logging, sustainable agriculture, improved fallows, and beekeeping with adequate monetary resources to ensure resilient growth.
