Khangchendzonga National Park
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2022 —
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Research reveals that the overdominance of Maling bamboo (Yushania maling) significantly alters forest structure and composition in Singalila National Park, part of the Khangchendzonga Landscape. The study found that areas with high bamboo density exhibit lower species richness, density, and seedling density in shrub and herb layers, indicating a negative impact on biodiversity. Using 69 forest plots across elevations from 2400 to 3400 meters, the team employed Generalized Additive Models (GAM) to quantify these effects, showing a statistically significant decline in species richness and density with increasing bamboo presence (p < 0.0001). The findings underscore the need for managing Y. maling's invasiveness through controlled removal and sustainable utilization to balance ecological and economic benefits. Long-term studies are recommended to further assess its broader impacts on forest ecosystems and soil dynamics.
Megalithic Temples of Malta
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2022 —
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A broader distribution of chert outcrops along Malta’s west coast has been identified, challenging the long-held assumption that local chert was low-quality. This finding sheds new light on Neolithic and Temple Period lithic technology in Malta, suggesting that multidirectional flake production and scraper retouch were adaptations to the material’s characteristics. The study combines a survey of chert sources with knapping experiments, revealing variability in macroscopic properties and offering insights into prehistoric tool-making practices, exchange networks, and connectivity in the central Mediterranean.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2022 —
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A comprehensive analysis of mammalian diversity and paleoecological patterns in the Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia, reveals critical insights into the environmental context of early hominin evolution. The study, spanning from approximately 3.6 to 1 million years ago, identifies distinct faunal similarity patterns that provide a nuanced understanding of the Shungura Formation's paleoenvironments. By synthesizing previous research with new data, the authors highlight how shifts in mammalian diversity correlate with significant phases in hominin evolution, offering a fresh perspective on the ecological dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
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2022 —
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Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites,' exhibit generally well-preserved conditions due to protective measures since their 2000 designation. However, despite this conservation success, these ancient Bronze Age megalithic tombs remain underutilized as social or cultural resources. The study highlights that strategic planning—including targeted research, restoration efforts, and policy interventions such as designating a protected cultural heritage zone—is essential to enhance their societal value. Recommendations include implementing regional engagement programs, organizing festivals, and removing obstructions in the surrounding landscape to restore historical contexts. Such measures could significantly boost the sites' cultural significance while ensuring sustainable preservation.
Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
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2022 —
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A multi-category analysis reveals that the current Management Plan for the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 143.37 km², faces significant obstacles and new challenges despite its role as a strategic tool for sustainable development. The study evaluates existing objectives of the plan, highlighting inconsistencies in regional development approaches by public and business actors that hinder organic growth. Recommendations derived from this analysis aim to guide future planning efforts, offering actionable insights for public administration professionals to enhance the site's preservation and development.
City of Quito
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2022 —
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Comprehensive urban rehabilitation of historic centers, such as those in Quito and Old Havana, can effectively preserve cultural identity while addressing urban growth challenges. This study identifies key management strategies that balance heritage conservation with modern urban needs, offering a comparative analysis of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By evaluating successes and failures, the research proposes actionable measures to optimize interventions, guiding future decision-making processes. The findings highlight the importance of adaptive approaches in Latin American and Caribbean contexts, where historical centers face complex degradation risks.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2022 —
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites face diverse threats, from natural disasters to human-induced damage, necessitating proactive management strategies. This study highlights the importance of the 'World Heritage in Danger' list and the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) framework as tools for mitigating risks. Case studies, including the Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco, demonstrate varying challenges in managing cultural and natural heritage. The research underscores the need for adaptive strategies to safeguard these sites against short-, medium-, and long-term threats, excluding specific issues related to war or excessive visitation.
Amazonia Theaters
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2022 —
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Manaus, Brazil, underwent a profound cultural and economic transformation during the rubber boom (1870–1930), challenging the narrative of post-boom decline. While often depicted as a transient hub of conspicuous consumption, this study reveals that the city's social, economic, and cultural infrastructure laid critical foundations for a regionalist movement and an Amazonian identity. The research analyzes international influences, local adaptations, and the enduring legacy of Manaus' cosmopolitan past, demonstrating how its cultural heritage persisted beyond the rubber trade's collapse.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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2022 —
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Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has seen sustained development interventions by the United Nations (UN) since 1967, yet its transformation remains incomplete. This study reveals that UN's involvement in Lumbini challenges conventional perceptions of its secular authority by integrating religious piety and devotion into its peacekeeping agendas. The research demonstrates how the UN, as the preeminent patron of Lumbini, mobilized Buddhist ethical principles—compassion (karuṇā), good-will (metta), and nonviolence (ahiṃsā)—to align with its own charter during the Cold War. While these interventions elevated Lumbini's global prestige, they also exposed friction among various stakeholders, highlighting the complexities of harmonizing diverse political and religious interests under a common development goal.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2022 —
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A novel methodological framework for geomorphological mapping in high mountain areas, particularly in tropical environments, has been developed and applied to two case studies: Cerro Chirripó in the Talamanca Range and the Reserva Biológica Alberto Manuel Brenes in the Central Volcanic Range. The study emphasizes the importance of combining classical and digital mapping techniques with advanced technologies like UAVs and GIS to accurately capture landform dynamics, crucial for water security, natural hazard assessment, and ecosystem conservation. High-resolution cartography, achieved through this approach, provides critical insights into glacier and fluvial geomorphology in warming environments, offering a scalable model for global mountainous regions.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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2022 —
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A framework for post-conflict urban rehabilitation that prioritizes local aspirations and community engagement has been proposed to address the social dimensions of rebuilding heritage sites. The study, focusing on Aleppo's historic commercial center, reveals that current rehabilitation efforts often overlook social damage and fail to incorporate locals' needs. Through onsite field observations, interviews with shop owners and residents (including those in diaspora), and an online questionnaire survey conducted between 2020 and 2021, the research highlights the necessity of inclusive decision-making processes. This approach aims to balance physical reconstruction with social recovery, ensuring that rehabilitation efforts reflect the vision and identity of affected communities.
Ujung Kulon National Park
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2022 —
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Researchers successfully mapped the distribution of the invasive palm species Arenga obtusifolia, or 'langkap,' within Ujung Kulon National Park using PRISMA hyperspectral imagery and Multiple Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis (MESMA). The study demonstrated that MESMA, when optimized with algorithms like MUSIC and STABLE, achieved mapping accuracies ranging from 55.36% to 83.93%. This approach leverages hyperspectral data to identify invasive species with high precision, offering a potential tool for monitoring and managing ecological threats in protected areas.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2022 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the Archaeological Site of Troy, located at Hisarlik in northwest Turkey, reveals its significance as a pivotal city in ancient Greek mythology and Mediterranean trade networks. The study highlights Troy's role during the Bronze Age to Iron Age transition, marked by farming village communities that relied on diverse agricultural economies, including domesticated animals and plants like olives and vines. Excavations have provided new insights into this transitional period, while also contextualizing Troy within broader historical events, such as the decline of Egypt's New Kingdom due to environmental and political pressures. The research integrates archaeological findings with historical records, offering a nuanced understanding of Troy's cultural and economic importance in the ancient world.
Delos
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2022 —
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Researchers have identified distinct geochemical and isotopic signatures that can distinguish Delian marble from other Mediterranean marbles used during antiquity. By conducting detailed geological mapping, mineralo-petrographic analysis, and isotopic characterization (δ13C and δ18O) of four quarries on Delos Island, the study revealed three categories of marble: coarse whitish to bluish marble, fine yellowish dolomitic marble, and marble with giant white and blue calcite crystals. The Maximum Grain Size, combined with oxygen and carbon isotopic ratios, showed strong potential for provenance studies, though trace element analysis could further refine this characterization. This finding significantly advances the understanding of ancient marble sourcing in Mediterranean archaeology.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2022 —
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A groundbreaking reconstruction of the Aeolian Islands' prehistory, spanning over 5 millennia from the mid-6th millennium BCE to the early 1st millennium BCE, reveals a dynamic human settlement history in the Mediterranean. This work builds upon the foundational research initiated by Luigi Bernabò Brea and Madeleine Cavalier between 1947 and 1950, establishing a stratigraphic sequence that remains the cornerstone for understanding Sicilian and Italian prehistory. The book, 'Isole vicine,' offers a comprehensive exploration of Neolithic to Bronze Age phases, highlighting key cultural developments and environmental contexts. It includes an extensive bibliography and concludes with a reflective chapter on the significance of travel in studying these islands, providing both academic rigor and accessibility for broader audiences.
Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
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2022 —
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Marian devotion played a significant role in the medieval Camino de Santiago, closely intertwined with Jacobean tradition and influenced by both the Mariological trends of Thomas Aquinas and the Hispanic–Mozarabic rite. This study reveals that Marian advocacies, such as Virgen Peregrina and Virgen del Camino, emerged as spiritual manifestations along the pilgrimage route to Compostela, creating a unique spiritual climate that shaped early Compostela pilgrimages. The research synthesizes theological foundations with historical evidence to explore how Marian devotion evolved alongside the Camino de Santiago, offering insights into its cultural and religious significance during the Middle Ages.
Pasargadae
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2022 —
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A new understanding of ancient water management emerges from the study of Pasargadae's Ju-i Dokhtar canal system, revealing sophisticated irrigation techniques used in the eastern Fars plain. The research identifies key components of this historic network, providing insights into its functionality and integration within the broader landscape. By analyzing geological features and historical records, the team reconstructed the canal's layout, demonstrating its role in sustaining agricultural productivity during the Achaemenid period. This discovery enhances our knowledge of Pasargadae's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its advanced engineering achievements.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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2022 —
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A comprehensive market survey of traditional medicine in the Lijiang area, Yunnan Province, China, identified 277 medicinal plant species from 97 families, with a significant proportion (89%) being wild and locally sourced. The study, conducted over two years (2019-2020), revealed that digestive system ailments were the most frequently treated conditions, accounting for 166 mentions across 83 categorized diseases. Notably, 19 species were nationally protected in China, including two first-level and 17 second-level protected plants. The research utilized ethnobotanical surveys, participatory observations, and group discussions, with data analyzed through informant consensus factor and use frequency (UF). The findings highlight the diverse medicinal plant resources used by the Naxi people and underscore the need for strengthened natural protection to ensure sustainable development of these wild plants.
Mogao Caves
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2022 —
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Long banner paintings from Cave 17 of the Mogao Caves, dating back to the ninth and tenth centuries CE, serve as materialized forms of longevity and prosperity. These banners, characterized by their extraordinary length—up to forty-nine chi—and the depiction of multiple bodhisattvas on silk strips, were likely used by donors to fulfill wishes for good health, extended life, sin elimination, and rebirth in the Pure Land. The study examines the physical traits of these banners, including textiles, pigments, and configurations, alongside Buddhist and Daoist scriptures about longevity and repentance. By analyzing the relationship between the banners' materiality and their religious function, the research suggests that the lengthening of the silk strips symbolically extended the donor's lifespan, while the depiction of bodhisattvas amplified spiritual benefits.
Golden Mountains of Altai
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2022 —
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A significant archaeological collection from the Golden Mountains of Altai, unearthed during the Sayano-Altai Expedition of 1935 and housed in the A.V. Anokhin National Museum, remains largely unpublished, limiting its research potential. The expedition, led by S.M. Sergeev, uncovered artifacts from two distinct cultures: ancient Turkic materials near Tuekta and early Iron Age Bystryansk culture relics near Bystryanskoye. These findings, part of the museum's 'golden fund,' offer valuable insights into Altai's prehistory but have been understudied due to lack of documentation. The summary highlights the need for further analysis of these materials to fully realize their scientific significance.
Semmering Railway
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2022 —
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A novel, partially remote-controlled and automated long-distance flushing system (MDR) has been developed to enhance tunnel drainage maintenance for the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB Infrastruktur AG). This system, designed for use in the Granitztal Tunnel, Koralm Tunnel, and Semmering Base Tunnel along the Southern Railway Line, enables efficient cleaning of drainages over a 500-meter length without interrupting railway traffic. The MDR flushing box, transport module, and permanently installed components work together to ensure operational flexibility and effectiveness. By positioning the system on central flushing shafts in crossway areas, maintenance can be performed during breaks in operations, minimizing track closures. This innovation significantly improves the efficiency and safety of tunnel maintenance while maintaining operational continuity.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
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2022 —
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High-precision 3D point cloud modeling and anthropometric analysis reveal that the terracotta warriors from Qin Shihuang's mausoleum were crafted from real portraits, closely resembling contemporary Chinese facial features. This challenges the notion of standardized models, suggesting instead that these life-sized figures represent an actual army intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The study employed mathematical statistics, including MDS and cluster analysis, to compare the warriors' facial traits with 29 modern Chinese ethnic groups, demonstrating a strong resemblance that supports the interpretation of individualized craftsmanship.
Surtsey
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2022 —
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A precise measurement of the SE-03 borehole's inclination on Surtsey Volcano reveals that its average deviation from vertical is 33.4±0.2°, slightly less than the planned 35°. This minor discrepancy, corrected for in the study, confirms the location of a volcanic intrusion directly beneath the Surtur crater, identified as the feeder dyke for the 1966-67 eruption. The borehole's actual path was found to be 8 meters shorter and 4.7 meters deeper than designed, with a total vertical depth of 294.7±1.2 meters. These findings enhance the accuracy of stratigraphic interpretations derived from the SE-03 drill core, supporting the understanding of Surtsey's submarine structure and volcanic activity.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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2022 —
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A novel approach using leech-derived environmental DNA (iDNA) reveals vertebrate occupancy patterns across the Ailaoshan reserve in Yunnan, China, demonstrating its potential for assessing protected-area effectiveness. The study identified 86 vertebrate species from 30,468 leeches collected by park rangers, showing that species richness increases with elevation and distance from reserve edges. Large mammals like sambar deer and black bear followed this trend, while domestic species and muntjak deer were more common at lower elevations. This method provides a spatially resolved measure of conservation outcomes, offering valuable insights for protected-area management and global biodiversity goals.
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
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2022 —
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Nineteenth-century guidebooks offer measurable insights into urban change, revealing how subjective narratives intertwine with historical reality. This study demonstrates that travel texts can serve as valuable sources for reconstructing perceptions and spatial relationships in the city of Graz, Austria. By analyzing these accounts, researchers can quantify aspects of urban transformation over time. The approach combines qualitative text analysis with quantitative methods to bridge the gap between individual experiences and broader historical trends. This method provides a novel way to study the evolution of historic urban spaces, offering new perspectives on how cities were perceived and documented in the long nineteenth century.
Studenica Monastery
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2022 —
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the medieval templon—a stone sanctuary barrier—at Studenica Monastery was not a static structure but integrated frescoes of Christ and the Holy Virgin, painted directly onto its northern and southern sides. This challenges traditional views on templon architecture, which had remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. The study re-evaluates existing data from the 14th-century Saints Joachim and Anna church, where remnants of marble closure slabs suggest a stone templon's presence. By proposing an original form that included these frescoes as inseparable components, researchers offer new insights into the functional and symbolic significance of this architectural element in Byzantine religious spaces.
Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus
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2022 —
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A museum exhibition within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District in Hamburg serves as a case study for examining how spices are culturally represented as commodities across historical time. The analysis reveals that the Spicy’s Gewürzmuseum, housed in a repurposed industrial complex, uses gastronomic content tied to specific nations to explore ethno-identification while emphasizing cultural exchange. By mapping the museum's presentation of spices and related objects, this study provides insight into the socialization and institutionalization of culinary heritage. The research bridges historical interpretation with contemporary discourse on cultural heritage, offering a nuanced understanding of how gastronomic goods are framed in museum contexts.
Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia
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2022 —
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Melka Kunture, Ethiopia, stands out as a unique archaeological and paleontological site complex, offering unparalleled insights into the evolutionary sequence of lithic industries from the late Oldowan to historic times. Located in the Ethiopian Highlands near Addis Ababa, this site provides abundant faunal remains that reconstruct the diet of early hominins and their high-altitude environment, supported by rich floral spectra. The study highlights its significance as having no equivalent in East Africa for documenting such a comprehensive evolutionary sequence, contributing critically to our understanding of human evolution and environmental adaptation in the region.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
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2022 —
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A rare tree species, Memecylon acuminatissimum Blume, has been documented for the first time in Singapore, with its presence confirmed exclusively at two locations within the Singapore Botanic Gardens: the Rain Forest and Chestnut Nature Park. This discovery expands the known flora of Singapore, contributing to the understanding of its biodiversity. The identification was made through field observations and taxonomic analysis, highlighting the significance of botanical gardens as repositories for diverse plant species.
Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites
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2022 —
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Public spaces named after Nelson Mandela vary significantly in their representation of his legacy, with some providing rich insights into his values and others offering minimal information. This study introduces 'graphic heritage' as a critical tool to analyze material representations in these places, revealing stark contrasts between two urban sites: Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg, and Nelson Mandela Park in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Using Zeisel's design inquiry method—comprising annotated diagrams, observations of physical traces, and photo-documentation—the research demonstrates that the process of place naming not only shapes our understanding of a person but also influences our experience and perception of the space itself. The findings highlight differing levels of access, motivations behind the naming acts, and visual-aesthetic considerations, underscoring the role of graphic heritage in both empirical research and critical inquiry.
Timgad
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2022 —
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Urban landscapes in antiquity were not just physical spaces but also repositories of collective memory, shaped by both top-down planning and bottom-up practices. A study on Severan Timgad reveals how the city's grid plan, public buildings, and honorific inscriptions were deliberately staged to evoke a sense of continuity and development, reinforcing the urban environment as a living memory. Inhabitants further contributed to this memory through everyday interactions, demonstrating that memory was not solely an architectural or political construct but also a dynamic product of daily life. The research combines spatial analysis with epigraphic evidence to illustrate how Timgad's streets served as both a stage for imperial propaganda and a canvas for communal identity.
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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Chinese evangelical networks are reshaping European urban spaces, such as Rome's historic centre, by merging business migration with religious practices. These transnational merchants, originating from rural China, adopt evangelical Christianity to anchor their diaspora identity and link China to Europe through spiritual and economic ties. They resacralize secular real estate and infuse historic urban areas with evangelistic meanings, reflecting a global hierarchy of places where the peripheral local contrasts with the modern global centre in market economies. This study, based on multisited ethnographic fieldwork in Wenzhou, Rome, and Paris, reveals how religion and commerce intersect to redefine transnational practices.
Lorentz National Park
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2022 —
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A meta-synthesis of community participation models reveals that integrating indigenous Papuan and local communities into the Trans Papua road development process can mitigate social, cultural, and environmental conflicts while maximizing economic benefits. The study identifies a bottom-up approach—starting with perception discussions, exploring alternatives, and co-creating concepts—as critical for reducing disputes in Lorentz National Park, one of Asia-Pacific's richest biodiversity hotspots. By prioritizing community engagement and environmental conservation, this model aligns with Indonesia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering a framework to guide future infrastructure planning and decision-making, ultimately accelerating development while minimizing conflicts.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2022 —
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A novel meta-model assisted continuous vibration-based damage identification system has been successfully developed for the 13th-century Muhammad Tower in the Alhambra, demonstrating its potential for long-term structural health monitoring (SHM) of historical rammed earth structures. This system leverages operational modal analysis (OMA) and a Kriging surrogate model to process ambient vibration data, enabling quasi-real-time detection, localization, and quantification of damage while minimizing environmental effects. The approach combines high-fidelity finite element modeling with statistical pattern recognition, validated through synthetic damage scenarios. Over three months of monitoring, the system proved effective in characterizing structural changes, offering a promising tool for preserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Alhambra.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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Research at Shark Bay, Western Australia, reveals that sulfated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play a significant role in microbial interactions and carbon cycling within ancient peritidal pustular mats. Metagenomic analysis identified cyanobacteria as the primary producers of these sulfated polysaccharides, while enzymes like sulfatases and glycosyl hydrolases, detected across multiple bacterial clades, indicate active degradation processes. Biochemical and microscopic analyses confirmed that sulfur abundance correlates with cyanobacterial presence, suggesting a dynamic cycle of synthesis, modification, and degradation that influences biomineralization and microbial community structure.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
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A systematic cadastral survey of the gardens at Sítio Roberto Burle Marx (SRBM) was developed to support its potential UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination, highlighting the need for advanced documentation methods in historic garden conservation. The methodology established a framework for creating detailed inventories that facilitate long-term planning and management, ensuring the preservation of culturally significant landscapes. This approach serves as a model for documenting other historic gardens, addressing gaps in existing conservation strategies by integrating thorough cataloging with heritage protection goals.
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
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2022 —
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A comprehensive analysis of Fountains Abbey, a late medieval Cistercian monastery in Yorkshire, reveals intricate details about its monastic administration, economic practices, and archival memory. The study, led by Michael Spence, employs a multidisciplinary approach combining archival research with historical and archaeological evidence to reconstruct the monastery's operations during its peak period (12th–16th centuries). Key findings highlight the Abbey's sophisticated land management systems, its role in regional trade networks, and the preservation of its administrative records, which offer unprecedented insights into Cistercian monastic life. Published in <em>Medieval Monastic Studies</em> (Vol. 5) and reviewed in <em>Historische Zeitschrift</em>, this work significantly advances understanding of medieval monastic economies and their enduring archival legacies.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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2022 —
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Researchers have uncovered significant temporal and spatial variations in microbial diversity at the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, highlighting its potential impact on earthen ruin conservation. The study found that prokaryotic diversity fluctuated with seasons and locations, while eukaryotic diversity was more influenced by geographic factors. Key soil properties such as water content, pH, nutrients, and metal ions—particularly calcium, magnesium, and aluminum—showed strong correlations with microbial diversity, all of which are critical for soil stability. This groundbreaking work provides the first comprehensive dataset linking microbial activity to environmental conditions at this World Heritage Site, offering crucial insights for preventive conservation strategies in humid regions.
Galápagos Islands
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A study on two Galápagos beaches reveals that citizen science can effectively monitor microplastic contamination, with 93% of visually identified particles confirmed as microplastics or rubber. The research, conducted by students from high schools and universities, found plastic abundances ranging from 0 to 2524 particles per square meter—among the highest reported in the Galápagos. Significant accumulation gradients were observed near waterlines, with one beach showing four-fold higher concentrations at a sea turtle nesting site. No seasonal trends were detected over a year. This approach offers a cost-effective method for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.
Škocjan Caves
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Alarming levels of microplastic (MP) pollution, reaching up to 60,000 particles per cubic meter, have been detected in the Škocjan Caves–Kačna Cave System, far exceeding previously documented concentrations in other karst environments. This study, analyzing samples from rainwater, wastewater discharges, and landfill leachate, reveals that MP pollution in karst springs—some serving as drinking water sources—is significantly higher than in non-karst regions. Polymer analysis using FTIR-ATR identified polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene (PE) as dominant pollutants in Škocjan, while Postojna samples primarily contained PET, polyurethane (PU), and polyamide (PA). The rapid transport of MP through the karst aquifer was evident from higher particle concentrations in water compared to sediment. This research underscores the vulnerability of karst ecosystems to microplastic contamination, posing potential risks to both environmental integrity and human health.
Cocos Island National Park
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A comprehensive study reveals the widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in both marine and freshwater environments of Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica. MPs were detected in 93% of marine sediments, 20% of marine fish, and 51% of marine lobsters, with ocean currents, tourism, and illegal fishing gear identified as primary sources. Unexpectedly, MPs were also found in freshwater environments, including 32% of freshwater sediments, 20% of freshwater fish, and 15% of freshwater shrimps, though their origins remain unclear. The study employed a multi-faceted sampling approach, collecting sediment samples and biota from both marine and freshwater habitats using nonselective nets, fishing rods, cages, and scuba diving techniques.
Teide National Park
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A study on microplastics (MPs) in the snow of Teide National Park, Canary Islands, revealed significant deposition of MPs at high altitudes (2,100-3,200 m), with concentrations increasing during periods of high anthropogenic pressure. The research identified a prevalence of blue and black fibers averaging 1259 µm in length, primarily composed of cellulose, polyester, and acrylic. Samples were collected in January and February 2021 using stereomicroscopy for visualization and quantification, followed by chemical composition analysis via micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The findings highlight the long-distance transport of MPs through atmospheric deposition and their potential ecological impacts on remote mountain ecosystems.
The Sundarbans
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A significant microplastics pollution load, exceeding 56 tons immediately after Cyclone Amphan in 2020 and an estimated 4 million tonnes annually from rivers, threatens the Sundarban mangrove forest. This study highlights the severe ecological risks posed by microplastic contamination, including trophic transfer and bioaccumulation, which can degrade natural resources, disrupt livelihoods, and exacerbate poverty. While governments of India and Bangladesh have implemented mitigation policies, urgent joint initiatives are needed to address pollution risks, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable development in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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Re-analysis of archaeological collections from Tsagaan Agui Cave, Mongolia, reveals a non-Levallois Mousterian lithic industry distinct from previously studied Middle Paleolithic sites in the Orkhon and Kharganyn Gol valleys. This finding places the cave's industry within a refined chronological sequence, offering new insights into regional stone tool production during this period. The study combines technological and typological analyses of 1980s collections with recent excavations to identify transitional tool types and primary flaking systems, while comparing these complexes to those in Siberia and eastern Asia. Preliminary results suggest a unique non-Levallois Mousterian character, challenging assumptions about Middle Paleolithic tool traditions in the Gobi Altai. The research also highlights untapped potential for interdisciplinary scientific investigations in northern Mongolia's archaeological landscapes.
Monte San Giorgio
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A rare discovery of Middle Triassic nautilids from the Besano Formation at Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland, sheds light on these cephalopods' presence in an unusual anoxic intra-platform basin environment. The study documents five specimens, including three well-preserved taxa: Enoploceras rieberi sp. nov., Germanonautilus aff. ellipticus, and Syringonautilus sp. indet., representing the families Tainoceratidae and Syringonautilidae. Notably, this is the first record of Enoploceras in the Middle Triassic, expanding its known distribution. The findings challenge the notion that nautilids were restricted to pelagic environments, as they were found in sediments typically deposited under anoxic conditions. This research contributes to our understanding of nautilid diversity and paleoecology during a critical period in Earth's history.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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A substantial influx of immigrant groups from east of the Rhine occurred during the Roman Empire's expansion, contradicting historical models that suggested more homogeneous origins. This finding emerges from a pilot project analyzing the Batavian river delta using combined archaeological methods, revealing complex processes of migration, fusion, and fission among tribes reshaping power dynamics in the frontier zone. The study underscores how conflict-induced migrations contributed to the reordering of tribal maps around 60 BC–AD 20, offering new insights into Roman frontier dynamics.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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Hispanic American colonial port cities, particularly Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, were primarily designed for military defense while also serving as vital trade hubs. This dual function was found to be interdependent, with fortifications evolving throughout the colonial era to balance security and commerce. The study, based on primary sources such as colonial laws, viceregal reports from the 18th century, and secondary literature, reveals that while trade was significant, military defense remained the dominant priority in urban planning. This insight challenges the perception of these cities as solely commercial centers, highlighting their strategic importance during the colonial period.
Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region
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Current mining activities, including the revival of historic mines near protected areas, pose significant risks to cultural World Heritage sites. The study evaluates these impacts on the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region, a UNESCO site, and proposes conservation strategies to mitigate negative effects while preserving its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). It distinguishes between natural and cultural heritage values, offering recommendations for assessing both adverse and beneficial mining influences. The research combines spatial analysis with historical data to inform sustainable management practices.
Dholavira: a Harappan City
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2022 —
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Archaeological excavations at Dholavira, a significant Harappan city in Gujarat, India, reveal the extensive use of diverse lithic raw materials, including agate-carnelian, limestone, clay, copper-lead-silver, and steatite, from as early as 3000 BCE. This study provides mineralogical characterization and provenance analysis of these materials using XRD and SEM-EDS techniques, offering insights into the Harappans' sophisticated resource exploitation strategies. The findings highlight their advanced urban planning and craftsmanship, contributing to our understanding of the rise, culmination, and fall of the Harappan civilization over a 1500-year period.
Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity
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2022 —
WHE3ACD1D8BB1
Landscape revitalization, educational tourism development, and the creation of diverse environments offer effective strategies for preserving marginal mining heritage. This study focuses on the potential of post-mining areas like Markušovce, Rudňany Poráč in Slovakia's Spiš region to integrate mining history with landscape and tourism. By employing analytical methods, field research, participatory questionnaires, and emotional mapping, the research proposes operational trail models for geotourism and eco-geopark concepts that prioritize landscape design while acknowledging both the benefits and negatives of mining heritage. These findings highlight the importance of balancing environmental sustainability with educational and recreational value in former mining regions.
