Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba
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Otãmmari architecture, particularly the Tata Somba structures and other earthen habitats, faces significant vulnerability to seasonal rains, threatening their durability without regular maintenance. A key finding is that applying earthen coatings on external surfaces serves as a primary protective measure against extreme weather conditions. This practice, traditionally carried out by women, showcases both technical expertise—using local additives like néré pod decoction and shea butter residue—and aesthetic value through decorative scratching techniques. The study highlights the dual role of these coatings in preserving structural integrity while reflecting cultural craftsmanship.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
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A key discovery links the main scribe and compiler of manuscript C (Paris, BnF, lat. 8630A)—a critical medieval collection of Étienne d’Orléans’s letters—to his immediate entourage as bishop of Tournai (1192–1203). The manuscript, compiled in four phases between 1198 and early 1199, includes 302 letters or documents, a third from Étienne’s episcopate, alongside original cathedral archives. Analysis of the scribe’s hand reveals an act from Tournai’s chapter (April 2, 1198) concerning the altar of Lichtervelde, confirming its close association with the bishop. The scribe is likely either Marcel, Étienne’s chaplain and later abbot of Cysoing, or his brother Stephen, a canon of Tournai. This study reconstructs the manuscript’s genesis through paleographic and codicological methods, providing insight into medieval episcopal administration and textual transmission.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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Entrepreneurial dynamics during the Flemish Renaissance, as exemplified by Christophe Plantin (1520–1589), reveal a paradigm shift from continuity to rupture with past practices. Analysis of archives from the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp demonstrates that Plantin's innovative approach—rooted in intellectual and editorial movements—challenges traditional narratives of entrepreneurial evolution, offering insights applicable to contemporary business thinking.
Castel del Monte
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The use of pink breccia from Gargano (Apulia) in monuments commissioned by Frederick II was not merely an aesthetic choice but carried significant ideological weight, symbolizing a deliberate reference to porphyry. This material, with petrological similarities to coral breccia, was sourced from western Gargano and employed in architectural elements of Castel del Monte and other sites linked to the 'school of Foggia.' Its reintroduction in Capitanata after a Late Antique hiatus marked a Gothic stylistic shift among skilled workers serving the emperor. The study traces its use across key buildings—from Foggia to Castel del Monte, including Pantano, San Severo, Lucera, and Lagopesole—as a manifestation of Frederick II's mature aesthetics. The ideological significance is further underscored by its presence in his tomb in Foggia's cathedral, containing his entrails.
Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944
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An innovative sporting event, the Ultra D-Day Trail, successfully merged athletic challenge with commemorative and patrimonial valorization of Normandy's D-Day landing beaches. Held in June 2014 to mark the 70th anniversary of the landings, this race transformed the coastline into both a sporting arena and a memorial space, leveraging symbols, athlete performances, and messages of peace to foster cross-national exchange. The study analyzed press coverage, social media content, and accounts from participants and spectators, demonstrating how effective communication and media engagement can drive an original process of patrimonialization for these historically significant sites.
Laponian Area
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Recent tourism development in the Arctic, particularly through 'arctification,' has created simplified and strategically essentialized images of the region that serve as powerful branding tools. This study reveals how such arctified visions function as heterotopic spaces—exceptions based on alterity (otherness) and sustainability compensation—challenging conventional notions of sustainability in Arctic tourism. By analyzing three dimensions—exogenous tourist development, territorialization, and a consumptive ethics of planetary care—the research applies biopolitical and Foucaultian frameworks to expose the paradoxes of sustainable growth in Lapland, Finland. The findings underscore how arctification both distances and compensates, shaping contemporary tourism dynamics while raising critical questions about authenticity, sustainability, and governance.
Laponian Area
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Recent tourism marketing in the Arctic has perpetuated 'arctification,' a process of spatial simplification and essentialization that frames the region as exotic and pristine. This study deconstructs arctification through three dimensions: exogenous tourism development, territorialization, and an ethic of planetary care. By applying biopolitical and heterotopic perspectives, it reveals how these practices create spaces of exception, marked by deviation and compensation, while highlighting paradoxes in sustainability efforts. The analysis uses Finland's Lapland as a case study to expose the tensions between tourism growth and environmental stewardship, offering a critical framework for understanding contemporary Arctic tourism dynamics.
Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
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The central expanse known as 'Las Islas' within the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) campus, despite its prominence and UNESCO World Heritage status, lacks clear identity. This study reveals that vegetation was intentionally integrated into the design from its inception, serving an aesthetic purpose rather than purely functional one. It also highlights challenges in interpreting this space correctly. Recommendations for conservation are provided to preserve its unique attributes as part of the broader university heritage.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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A novel interpretation of architectural education during the Enlightenment in Seville reveals its multifaceted nature, blending the study of classical antiquity with practical model-making and the creation of replicas. This approach, centered at the Real Escuela de las Tres Nobles Artes within the Real Alcázar, integrated theoretical knowledge from books, hands-on drawing of antiquities, and the construction of architectural elements or entire structures. The research challenges conventional views by analyzing the school's teachings in relation to other arts and its connection to the Spanish royal palace, using a critical review of existing documentation alongside newly discovered sources. This study, spanning 1771 to 1807, highlights the pivotal role of Francisco de Bruna as both promoter and leading figure in shaping this educational model.
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
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A collaborative study reveals that Stela 87, discovered in situ at Tak’alik Ab’aj, provides critical insights into the Late Preclassic period (100 BC–50 AD) of Maya civilization. The stela's iconography and glyphic text, representing a ruler without a long count date, offer rare evidence for early royal representation on the Pacific Coast region. This finding expands the understanding of early Maya epigraphy and iconography, particularly in the absence of long count dates, which were later adopted in the second part of the Late Preclassic (e.g., Stela 5, 126 AD). The study combines multidisciplinary expertise to analyze this reused sacral element, contributing to a broader reconstruction of early Maya political and symbolic practices.
Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
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Advanced graphic representation techniques, building on the traditional manual documentation by architect Juan Kronfuss, offer new potential for preserving and revitalizing the Jesuit heritage of Córdoba la Nueva. Kronfuss's 20th-century drawings, which captured the architectural details of abandoned Jesuit estates and other buildings, laid the groundwork for modern conservation efforts. This study identifies how contemporary technologies—such as Geographic Information Systems (SIG), drones, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and augmented reality models—can enhance territorial structuring, conservation monitoring, and public engagement with this neo-Andalusian heritage. By integrating these methods, researchers propose a more precise and dynamic approach to safeguarding and reactivating historical sites, bridging the gap between traditional documentation and modern innovation.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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Bioacoustic research on birds from the Revillagigedo Archipelago reveals distinct vocalization patterns among 12 species, highlighting geographic variations at deme, subspecies, or species levels. The study compares island vocalizations with continental counterparts, documenting significant acoustic events such as female vocalizations in certain species and duets in the Socorro mockingbird. It also explores the potential of bird songs for conservation tasks, including population censuses and sex identification. Spectral analyses were used to characterize these vocalizations, offering insights into behavioral ecology and sexual selection while proposing future research directions for this understudied insular region.
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
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La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia stands as the sole UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city, embodying the opulence of 15th- and 16th-century trade. Since its inscription in 1996, the site has undergone strategic urban transformations, including pedestrianization, to enhance public access and appreciation. Its exceptional architectural uniqueness and well-preserved state have solidified its status as a cherished landmark, drawing significant tourism while maintaining cultural respect. This study highlights the site's dual role as both a historical emblem and a dynamic component of Valencia's heritage landscape.
Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli
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2022 —
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The study 'La qualità spaziale del sistema piazzapalazzo: Palazzi Domenico Grillo e Fieschi-Ravaschieri a Genova' explores the spatial quality and significance of the 'piazzapalazzo' system, focusing on two notable palaces in Genoa: Palazzo Domenico Grillo and Palazzo Fieschi-Ravaschieri. These structures are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli,' renowned for their architectural and historical importance. The research delves into the interplay between representation, history, semiotics, and science, highlighting how these elements contribute to the understanding and preservation of such sites. By analyzing the visual and spatial characteristics of the palaces, the study aims to uncover the underlying synergies that define their cultural and historical value, offering insights into their role within the broader context of Genoa's urban landscape.
Historic Centre of Morelia
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A comprehensive framework for the renewal of Latin American historic centers, including Morelia's Historic Centre, is proposed. The study identifies key phases, concepts, and strategies that guide conservation efforts, addressing critical questions on purpose, beneficiaries, and methodologies. It highlights the importance of revitalization while critiquing existing approaches, offering a nuanced perspective on preserving cultural heritage in urban settings.
Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
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A notable shift in the representation of bishops and political authorities in Ravenna's mosaics, spanning the 5th to 7th centuries, is documented. This study reveals that by the mid-6th century, ecclesiastical leaders began appearing alongside sovereigns as collaborators, a change attributed to the aftermath of the Gothic War. Analyzing both written sources, such as Andreas Agnellus' Liber Pontificalis Rauennatis from the 9th century, and mosaics from sites like San Vitale, this research highlights how Ravenna's early Christian monuments reflect evolving power dynamics during Italy's transition into the Byzantine period.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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Research on the Potosí-Cobija colonial route reveals that native Andean transport practices, independent of official infrastructure, played a pivotal role in early mercantile flows. Archaeological and historical evidence, including traditional rest stops (pascanas) and shepherd settlements, suggests a fusion of Andean and Spanish mercantile models during Inca and Bourbon periods. The study combines XVIII and XIX-century documents with remote sensing and surveys to localize the route, uncovering its continuous evolution from Inca road canons to post-Toledo merchantilization and eventual adaptation of Bourbon dictates post-independence.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2022 —
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A study reveals how the figurative repertoire of the Old Testament was transmitted and adapted between two significant early Christian basilicas: St. Peter's in Vatican and St. Paul Outside the Walls, both part of Rome's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research demonstrates that while these sites maintained strong traditions rooted in early Christian art, they also incorporated innovative elements, reflecting the evolving religious and cultural landscape post-legalization of Christianity under the Roman Empire. The analysis focuses on the IV-century basilicas, examining how imperial patronage shaped their artistic development and enduring influence on collective Christian imagery.
Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena
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The Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena, located in central France, features the Lake Chauvet Maar, a volcanic crater formed approximately 10,000 years ago during the end of the last glacial period. This maar, with a diameter of 600 meters and a depth of 73 meters, is part of a larger group of about 100 scoria cones, maars, and lava domes that stretch along the western edge of the Limagne graben, a rift valley formed by the Alpine orogeny starting in the late Mesozoic era. The study highlights the geological significance of this region, which has experienced volcanic activity extending into the Quaternary period, with the most recent eruption dated to around 7,000 years ago at Lake Pavin Maar, located nearby.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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A significant shift in the hydrological system of northeast Hoh Xil, Qinghai Hoh Xil, was triggered by the 2011 outburst of Zhuonai Lake (ZL). This event altered water storage dynamics across four lakes, with a notable reduction in the correlation between individual lake water storage changes (LWSCs) and basin-wide trends post-outburst. Before 2011, all lakes showed increasing water volumes, totaling 1.49 ± 0.08 gigatonnes, primarily in ZL and Kusai Lake (KL). However, after the outburst, three upstream lakes exhibited stagnant LWSCs despite continued basin-wide increases, with over 80% of new water accumulating in Salt Lake (SL), which maintained a strong correlation (0.91) with basin trends. The study leveraged Cryosat-2 and Landsat satellite data to construct monthly LWSC records from 2009 to 2016, validating lake levels and areas through interpolation and digital elevation models (DEM). This approach revealed the outburst's profound impact on regional hydrology.
Lushan National Park
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A significant improvement in land cover occurred in Lushan National Park, Sichuan Province, following the 2013 earthquake, driven by both artificial measures and natural restoration. The study, using remote sensing data from 2012 to 2020, revealed that cropland, forest, built-up areas, and bare land experienced notable changes during this period. Key ecological indicators such as patch density (PD) and landscape shape index (LSI) decreased, while the aggregation index (AI) increased, signaling a positive shift toward more stable and aggregated landscapes. This research provides critical insights for ecological management and long-term restoration planning in earthquake-affected regions.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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Large-scale sugar plantation projects in Ethiopia's Lower Valley of the Omo, such as the Omo-Kuraz scheme, have significantly disrupted local agro-pastoralist livelihoods and land use systems without fulfilling economic or community needs. Despite starting in 2011 with state backing, these projects have remained contentious, failing to align with either governmental goals or pastoralist requirements. The study highlights that shifting development perspectives to prioritize local knowledge and practices could foster cooperation and sustainable adaptation. Using qualitative methods like focus group discussions and key informant interviews, researchers found that the projects imposed pressure on land management while neglecting the needs of pastoral communities.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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A historical analysis of Jeju Island's landscape paintings reveals the first documented collection of significant geomorphological features, including volcanic edifices, lava tubes, fluvial landforms, and coastal structures. The study, based on Governor Lee Iktae's 1695 series 'Ten Scenic Views of Jeju,' highlights how these artworks captured both local and mainland perspectives, establishing enduring stereotypes for Jeju's landscapes. It also underscores the underestimation of certain features like lava tubes due to cultural perceptions and the limited inclusion of ecologically important landforms, reflecting the evaluation criteria of the time.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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A novel machine learning ensemble, LANDMark, demonstrates exceptional performance in identifying biomarkers from high-throughput sequencing data, achieving a balanced accuracy of 0.96 ± 0.06 when applied to metabarcoding datasets from Wood Buffalo National Park. Unlike traditional models, LANDMark uses oblique and non-linear decision boundaries, outperforming Random Forest and other classifiers like Linear Support Vector Machines in synthetic tests and real-world applications. Its ability to maintain high predictive accuracy without recursive feature elimination and its capacity to learn smoother non-linear decision boundaries set it apart as a robust tool for biomarker discovery in complex datasets.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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A study using Landsat time series data reveals significant land cover changes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania. The research identifies substantial forest loss and woody encroachment, particularly in upland forests like Lerai Forest and grasslands of the Serengeti Plains. These changes, driven by both natural processes such as herbivory and rainfall patterns, and human activities including management policies, tourism development, and population growth, threaten livestock livelihoods and wildlife-dependent grazing areas. The study employs a novel monitoring strategy combining regression-based unmixing for accurate land cover mapping and trend analysis techniques like BFAST to quantify changes over time. This provides critical data to support sustainable conservation efforts in the NCA.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
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Research reveals that Bronze Age human dispersal in Sardinia, Italy, was significantly influenced by landscape and geological features. The study found that the majority of nuraghes—megalithic towers—were located near plains or mid-elevations close to river networks, particularly in areas with high landscape diversity. These structures also tended to be situated on elevated outcrops, providing strategic advantages such as raised positions and stable foundations. The analysis suggests that denudation processes, Late Holocene sea level rise, and anthropogenic disturbances were key drivers of palaeolandscape changes. By mapping land units in southwestern Sardinia and comparing them with nuraghe distribution, the study offers insights into the sustenance strategies and behaviors of past communities.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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A significant shift in land use during the Neolithic period on Mainland, Orkney, is marked by a dramatic increase in disturbed land from 3% to 30%, coinciding with the rise of settlements like Skara Brae and Ness of Brodgar. This change, occurring between 3400–3200 cal BC, suggests intensified pastoral activities, aligning with archaeological evidence pointing to cattle-based subsistence economies. The study used the Multiple Scenario Approach (MSA) on Neolithic pollen records, combined with Bayesian chronological modeling and radiocarbon dating, to reconstruct spatio-temporal patterns of human activity and environmental changes. By 2800 cal BC, settlements declined, indicating societal exhaustion rather than resource depletion, as disturbed land persisted elsewhere in the landscape.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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Landslide susceptibility mapping in the Tinau-Mathagadhi section of Palpa District, Lumbini Province, reveals that the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) is a significant factor influencing landslides. The study used high-resolution Google Earth imagery and frequency ratio analysis to assess eight causative factors, including topography, geology, and land-use. Key contributors to landslide risk were identified as distance from the MBT, aspect, land-use, and geology. Validation through ROC-AUC curve achieved 79.6% accuracy, confirming the reliability of this approach for the region.
Darien National Park
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A recent study confirms the presence of jaguars and suggests local extirpation of white-lipped peccaries in Cerro Hoya National Park (CHNP), an isolated remnant of tropical rainforest in Panamá. The research, conducted using camera trap surveys from 2014 to 2015, compared habitat use patterns between CHNP and Darién National Park (DNP), a larger contiguous forest area. Findings revealed that both jaguar and puma populations were negatively affected by anthropogenic disturbance and preferred habitats at higher elevations, with jaguars showing a stronger preference for elevated terrain than pumas. Peccary species exhibited uniform habitat use across sites, unaffected by environmental covariates. The study highlights the critical role of CHNP as one of the last remaining forest habitats outside Panamá's Central Cordillera, emphasizing its importance for wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
South China Karst
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Large-scale rocky desertification reversal has been achieved in the South China Karst region, primarily driven by extensive ecological protection efforts. Between 2005 and 2016, restoration projects led to a net decrease of 26.14% in areas affected by rocky desertification, with the extent of mitigation directly proportional to the intensity of restoration efforts. The study, combining field campaigns, satellite imagery analysis, and project statistics, demonstrated that human intervention significantly enhanced vegetation resilience and resistance against climate variations. This reversal underscores the critical role of targeted ecological initiatives in promoting sustainable development in one of the world's most rapidly changing karst landscapes.
Historic Centre of Florence
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The Scuole Leopoldine, established by Peter Leopold of Habsburg-Lorraine between 1778 and 1781, represented a pioneering educational reform in Florence. These four schools, located across the city's historic quarters, provided free primary education and vocational training in needlework for girls from low-income families, offering them a path to professional independence. The study, based on archival documents from the Archivio Storico del Comune di Firenze, reveals how these institutions evolved administratively until 1976, highlighting their enduring impact as symbols of Enlightenment-era social reform.
Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
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Religious orders, particularly the Jesuits, were highly effective rural entrepreneurs in 17th-century Córdoba, unlike other clerical groups. This study reveals that while Jesuit estates received significant attention in historical research due to their successful management, other religious orders' rural properties were often neglected. The research analyzes the formation of these estates, production strategies, and responses to political and economic crises during the transition from colonial rule to provincial governance. By examining capellanías (pious linkages) and loan collateralization practices, the study highlights the diverse approaches to land acquisition and management among regular and secular clergy, while also capturing the experiences of subaltern subjects within these rural establishments.
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
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A groundbreaking analysis of the star-vaulted ribbed vault in Valencia's Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) reveals intricate geometric and spatial patterns previously undocumented. The research, part of a broader study on Valencian ribbed vaults from the 13th to 16th centuries, employs advanced spatial, geometric, and mathematical modeling techniques to decode the architectural complexity. Funded by the Generalitat Valenciana, this work offers unprecedented insights into the construction methods and design principles of Gothic architecture in Valencia, contributing significantly to the understanding of heritage conservation and structural analysis.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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A groundbreaking study demonstrates the potential of laser-based interventions to preserve and analyze archaeological materials, including human fossils from the UNESCO-listed Atapuerca site. The research, part of the ED-ARCHMAT project funded by the European Union's Marie Skłodowska-Curie program, employs advanced laser techniques to examine fragile artifacts without causing damage. This method offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional conservation approaches, enabling detailed studies on materials that are often too delicate for conventional analysis. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, involving institutions such as the University of Burgos and the Museo de la Evolución Humana in Spain, to advance the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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Traffic-induced vibrations near Rome's Villa Farnesina, despite being below international safety thresholds, pose ongoing risks to its Renaissance frescoes—including works by Raphael—due to their documented susceptibility to damage. A combined approach using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and geophysical monitoring (GM) revealed persistent cracks and deteriorations in the frescoes, even after past restorations, while GM tracked real-time vibration impacts across different floors of the building. The study underscores the need for continuous monitoring at this UNESCO-listed site, located adjacent to one of Rome's busiest roads, to mitigate long-term risks from traffic and historical structural vulnerabilities.
Dholavira: a Harappan City
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A high-resolution isotopic analysis of biogenic carbonates from Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Harappan city, reveals that the region experienced more favorable climatic conditions during the Early Harappan period (4.6–5.2 thousand years ago) than today's arid environment. The study, using laser-based stable isotopic techniques, examined otoliths from estuarine catfish and bivalves to reconstruct monthly climatic variations, including temperature, salinity, and precipitation patterns. Findings indicate a glacial-fed river system mixed with seawater in an estuarine setting during monsoonal seasons, while winter months saw evaporative enrichment due to reduced river discharge. This suggests that Dholavira's agricultural society thrived under conditions of higher riverine flow and precipitation, contrasting sharply with the current semi-arid climate. The research highlights the potential of sclerochronological analyses in reconstructing past environmental dynamics linked to cultural evolution.
Putorana Plateau
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A reconstruction of late-Holocene vegetation and fire history on the western Putorana Plateau, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site in subarctic Siberia, reveals no major vegetation shifts over the last 3.9 thousand years but identifies subtle yet significant changes. Around 3.1 ka BP, forest coverage expanded, followed by gradual degradation around 2.7–2.5 ka BP, with shrubs and tundra becoming dominant. Fire activity surged between 3.0 and 2.0 ka BP, with the most recent sediments showing a sharp increase in macroscopic charcoal accumulation—indicating a rise in fire frequency since the late 19th century that has no precedent in the Late-Holocene record. The study combines pollen and charcoal analysis from three lakes along an altitudinal transect to provide insights into climate-environmental dynamics in this poorly studied region.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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Researchers have uncovered the lateral growth mechanism of the proto-Tibetan Plateau during the Late Paleogene, revealing that the Hoh Xil Basin (HXB) experienced significant crustal thickening to over 70 km, surpassing the protoplateau's crust. This thickening cannot be solely attributed to upper crustal shortening, suggesting a more complex process at play. Using a dense nodal array and receiver function method, the study imaged north-dipping interfaces in the lower crust, indicating widespread imbrication structures. The findings propose that isostatic-driven adjustments and northward injection of the protoplateau's lower crust were key factors in elevating the HXB during this period.
Chartres Cathedral
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A rare artistic influence from Chartres' master workshops extends beyond its immediate region, reaching as far as Saint-Denis and Paris. This study identifies the hand of a distinctive sculptor in the left lateral portal statues of Notre-Dame de Chartres, linking them to works found in Étampes and Châteaudun's Madeleine abbey church. The research traces this secondary master's stylistic impact across multiple sites, revealing a broader network of medieval artistic exchange than previously recognized.
The Dolomites
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A strategic approach to developing oenogastronomic tourism in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, specifically within the Piana Rotaliana Königsberg region, demonstrates significant potential for sustainable growth. This study highlights how collaborative initiatives, such as the 'Incontri Rotaliani' series and the creation of gastronomic and wine guides, can leverage local viticultural heritage to attract diverse audiences—from amateur enthusiasts to industry professionals. By integrating cultural exchanges with European wine regions (e.g., Burgundy) and promoting eco-friendly itineraries like cycling and hiking routes connecting local producers, the region has begun to position itself as a unique destination for both wine tourism and gastronomic exploration. These efforts underscore the importance of synergy between local stakeholders—producers, administrators, and cultural associations—to unlock the economic and cultural value of small, heritage-rich territories.
Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
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The landscape of Buen Retiro in Madrid, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, has undergone significant topographic changes over time. A key finding is that the park's terrain has been progressively flattened to reduce water stagnation, with lower areas filled in and slopes smoothed, likely for practical and economic reasons. This transformation, observed through 19th- and 20th-century plans, also reflects the impact of historical events like the Napoleonic war, which disrupted its original topography. The study highlights how these modifications have shaped the park's current geomorphology, emphasizing the interplay between landscape design, water management, and historical alterations.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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A legal analysis reveals that the principles of acquiescence and estoppel played pivotal roles in the resolution of the Temple of Preah Vihear case, with particular scrutiny on their application's rationality. The study examines how these international legal concepts were utilized in this landmark dispute, drawing comparisons to other cases and incorporating perspectives from judges and scholars. It highlights the legitimacy of acquiescence while questioning the controversies surrounding estoppel, offering a nuanced review that contributes to the understanding of international legal precedents.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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Approximately one quarter (26%) of unvaccinated pig-hunting dogs in North Queensland, Australia, tested positive for Leptospira spp., with the dominant serovar being Australis. While vaccination appeared less effective, 73% of vaccinated dogs also showed seropositivity. The study, which analyzed serum samples and surveyed dog owners, found that pig hunters may face a higher risk of leptospirosis compared to the general population. Human cases were concentrated in the Wet Tropics region, with serovar Arborea being the most common (10.9%), while Topaz emerged as a significant serovar in both humans and dogs—a previously unrecorded finding in Australian dogs. The research highlights the need for a 'one health' approach to manage this emerging zoonotic disease, given shifting climatic patterns that influence human-animal-environment interactions.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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A comparative analysis of the annals from the Benedictine abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Cistercian abbey of Savigny reveals distinct yet interconnected traditions within Norman historiography. The study highlights how these annals, despite differing religious affiliations, share common influences, heritage, and documentary transfers. It situates the role of notable abbés, such as Robert de Torigni (1154–1186) from Mont-Saint-Michel and Geoffroy de Bayeux (1122–1138/9) from Savigny, in shaping these texts. By examining their placement within the libraries of both abbeys, the research sheds light on the circulation and impact of annalistic traditions beyond the Benedictine network, offering new insights into medieval Norman historiography.
Dougga / Thugga
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A newly discovered block from the meta prima of Thugga's circus, unearthed during a 2018 field campaign led by Samir Aounallah and Véronique Brouquier-Reddé, has significantly revised the dating and interpretation of the monument's inscriptions. This finding challenges previous scholarly understandings of the magistrates' roles and the circus's dedication to the imperial family, prompting a reevaluation of its historical significance. The study combines archaeological fieldwork with epigraphic analysis to shed new light on Dougga's ancient urban landscape.
Episcopal City of Albi
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A collaborative exploration of urban governance in medieval and early modern Europe reveals the multifaceted nature of power within cities, marked by dynamic interactions between lay and ecclesiastical authorities. This study, emerging from a multidisciplinary colloquium involving archaeologists, historians, and legal scholars, demonstrates how rivalries among these authorities shaped institutional functions, economic policies, and cultural expressions. The research highlights the enduring legacy of urban authorities as patrons, evident in the architectural and artistic heritage that continues to define European cities today. By analyzing diverse examples across Europe, the study provides a nuanced understanding of power dynamics, institutional functioning, and the long-lasting impact of urban governance on cityscapes.
Historic Town of Zabid
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Aden and Zabid, two prominent ports in medieval Arabia, exemplify the coastal urbanization phenomenon that reshaped the Arab world between the 10th and 11th centuries. This study reveals how these merchant quarters thrived as pivotal commercial hubs along the Red Sea, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing architectural patterns, economic activities, and urban dynamics in both cities to highlight their roles as key nodes in transregional networks. Findings underscore the strategic significance of coastal settlements during this period, offering insights into the spatial organization and socio-economic structures of medieval Islamic port cities.
The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities
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2022 —
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A significant correlation (r = 0.98) was found between total organic compounds (TOC) and pesticide concentrations in sediments from the Hor Al-Hammar Marshes, Iraq, indicating that TOC levels may influence pesticide accumulation. The study, conducted over a year at three stations during low tide periods, identified Lindane as the most prevalent pesticide, with peak concentrations reaching 497.5 μg/kg in February, while Dialdrin showed the lowest levels (0.01 μg/kg) in March and November. No significant correlation was observed between silts and pesticide levels. The research highlights the spatial and temporal variability of pesticide distribution in this critical Mesopotamian wetland ecosystem.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat
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2022 —
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A study of the Kuih Ashura tradition among the Malay society in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, reveals 12 monomorphemic and 9 polymorphemic lexical forms, alongside two cultural forms tied to Islamic New Year celebrations. These forms encapsulate ideas, values, norms, provisions, and communal activities, illustrating the deep interplay between language and culture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research employed qualitative descriptive methods, including note-taking and listening techniques during tradition enactments, to analyze ethnolinguistic relationships. This approach highlights how linguistic structures reflect and sustain cultural practices, offering insights into the preservation of heritage through language.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2022 —
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A groundbreaking LiDAR analysis of the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin (MCKB) in northern Guatemala has revealed a vast network of Preclassic Maya settlements, connected by 177 km of elevated causeways. The study identified over 775 ancient Maya sites within the MCKB and an additional 189 in the surrounding karstic ridge, condensed into 417 cities, towns, and villages across six preliminary tiers based on size and architectural complexity. Many of these sites date to the Middle and Late Preclassic periods (ca. 1000 BCE–AD 150), suggesting sophisticated centralized administrative and socio-economic strategies in early Maya societies. The presence of monumental architecture, consistent construction formats, water management systems, and extensive causeways indicates significant labor investments and governance capabilities that challenge previous understandings of Preclassic Maya political organization.
