Xanthos-Letoon
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Roman architectural influence in Lycia, particularly at Xanthos-Letoon, reshaped urban landscapes and contributed to the formation of collective identities by blending Roman design with local traditions. This study reveals how the integration of Roman architecture not only altered the physical appearance of cities but also generated new urban narratives that reflected broader socio-cultural transformations. The research employs an architectural and urban perspective to analyze this process, examining the interplay between imported Roman styles and indigenous practices in Lycia during the Roman period.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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A comparative analysis of the ancient funerary sites Aï Khanum and Sigiriya reveals shared cultural elements linking Greco-Egyptian, Roman-Syrian, and Kushan traditions. Both sites, despite their geographical separation, share features associated with astral cults and rituals related to Paramita, symbolizing the transition to another realm. The study challenges conventional narratives by highlighting unexpected similarities in material culture and ecological contexts, suggesting deeper historical connections than previously recognized. Researchers were invited to reassess these enigmatic sites based on factual evidence from two distinct ecosystems. This work merges findings from separate studies published in 2020 and 2021, offering a novel perspective on cross-cultural exchanges during antiquity.
Golestan Palace
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Golestan Palace Garden, a surviving remnant of Qajar-era royal gardens, has undergone significant transformations under successive regimes, losing its symbolic and social dimensions despite conservation efforts. Research reveals that museum-like restoration approaches, focusing solely on material preservation, fail to revive the garden's intangible heritage, which is crucial for its cultural relevance. The study highlights how political shifts—from Reza Shah Pahlavi’s regime to the Islamic Republic—reshaped the garden's meaning and function, rendering its traditional symbolism ineffective. Even after being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, the garden remains incomplete, underscoring the need for a more holistic approach that integrates social and symbolic elements into conservation strategies.
Las Médulas
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Las Médulas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest Iberia, offers unprecedented evidence of the Roman Empire's large-scale landscape transformation through the 'ruina montium' technique. This method, described by Pliny the Elder, involved stripping mountainsides to extract gold, leaving behind a distinctive, terraced topography that persists today. The study highlights the site's unique geological and archaeological significance, showcasing how Roman mining practices reshaped the Bierzo region between Castile and Galicia. By analyzing the remnants of these ancient mines, researchers provide insights into Roman engineering prowess and environmental impact, contributing to our understanding of historical land-use dynamics.
Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios
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Agrotourism development at Hacienda Guachinango, Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), presents a viable strategy for socioeconomic reactivation. The study identified that leveraging natural, historical, cultural, and social assets can enhance competitiveness and attractiveness in less-favored rural areas. Using spatial analysis, focus groups, descriptive statistics, and environmental assessments, researchers determined the most effective strategies for sustainable growth. This approach serves as a model for similar contexts in Cuba and Central America, offering a blueprint for integrating agriculture with tourism to revitalize local economies.
Mount Huangshan
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Rural residents in Huangshan, China, demonstrate strong support for garbage exchange supermarkets, emphasizing their environmental benefits despite perceived costs. A study using structural equation modeling found that while time spent queuing and sorting garbage are seen as drawbacks, residents remain willing to participate. Environmentally responsible behavior is predominantly compliance-based, with positive perceptions of benefits directly influencing attitudes and satisfaction, which in turn drive pro-environmental actions. This research highlights the potential of such systems in improving rural living environments and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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The Council of Agde, held in 506 under the leadership of Bishop Caesarius of Arles, was convened by Visigothic King Alaric II to strengthen unity among the former Roman provinces amid external threats. This historic event, attended by over thirty Gallic clergy representatives, resulted in forty-seven canons addressing Church discipline. Analysis of the Council's resolutions and the correspondence between Caesarius and Ruricius of Limoges reveals the hierarchical dynamics within the Christian clergy, where seniority of see and social status influenced relationships. The study highlights the interplay between secular and spiritual authorities during this period, offering insights into the political and religious landscape of early medieval Europe.
Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž
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A two-year survey of water features across three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž, Červené Poříčí Castle, and the former Osek Monastery—revealed widespread ecological degradation due to eutrophication, overgrowth, unregulated fishing, and invasive species. The study highlights a critical gap in knowledge regarding sustainable fish stock management and environmental maintenance in culturally significant water bodies, which are often part of historic gardens, castles, or religious complexes. Findings underscore the need for controlled interventions to preserve biodiversity while balancing aesthetic and conservation goals.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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The caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra possess a unique structure shaped by deep ideological and symbolic factors. This study reveals that the planning of these caves was not merely functional but imbued with profound meaning, reflecting the mental paradigms of the Venerable Fathers of early Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery. The research illuminates how these spiritual leaders perceived their environment, offering insights into the sacral contents and symbolic significance embedded in the cave architecture. By analyzing the planning specifics, the study uncovers the layers of meaning that define this historic site's cultural and religious heritage.
Villa Romana del Casale
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A comprehensive recovery and conservation project, completed in 2012, significantly enhanced the resilience of the Villa Romana del Casale UNESCO World Heritage Site to extreme weather events. This was demonstrated during the 'Apollo medicane' in October 2021, which subjected the site to severe flooding. The study, conducted using ground-based and satellite measurements, analyzed the impacts of this event on the monumental complex and compared it with previous damage from a flood in 1991. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the conservation strategies implemented, particularly the new covering system and preventive maintenance protocol, which mitigated the effects of the extreme meteorological phenomenon.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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On-site works are crucial for accurate seismic safety assessments of historic structures, as demonstrated by a study on the Torre de la Vela, a 13th-century fortress tower within the Alhambra UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada, Spain. The research employed finite element modeling and nonlinear static analyses, revealing that incorporating experimental data from non-destructive testing significantly improved the precision of seismic safety evaluations compared to purely bibliographic-based models. This finding underscores the necessity of integrating fieldwork into the analysis of heritage structures located in high-seismic-risk areas.
Tomb of Askia
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The exhibition 'Sahel: Art and Empires on the Shores of the Sahara' at The Metropolitan Museum of Art revealed the rich artistic heritage of West Africa, spanning from the 3rd to the 19th century. It showcased over 200 works from the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, as well as other kingdoms, highlighting their material cultures in stone, clay, wood, bronze, gold, textiles, musical instruments, and illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition spatially anchored these artifacts near historic landmarks, providing a comprehensive historical context. It also introduced lesser-known forms of material culture and utilized interdisciplinary research to bridge gaps between the Sahel's history and its legendary states.
Putorana Plateau
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A study of the Boganid char (Salvelinus boganidae) in Lake Sobatchie, Putorana Plateau, reveals significant variability in growth and demographic parameters. Fish aged 2 to 13 years were observed, with females (7-10 years) outnumbering males (8-11 years). Length ranged from 157 to 620 mm, and weight from 40 to 4000 g, showing substantial variability even among same-aged individuals. Sexual maturity occurs at age 5, with females reaching 307 mm and 348 g, while males reach 286 mm and 275 g. Puberty extends up to 7 years, and individual fecundity varies from 540 to 8207 eggs, depending on age and size. The study concludes that the Boganid char population is limited by the spawning ground capacity of the river Horonen. Research methods included modern ichthyological techniques applied over a six-year period (2013-2018).
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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Agricultural land resources, particularly irrigated lands, play a pivotal role in the agro-economy of Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. This study quantifies their contribution at both regional and district levels, revealing significant economic importance beyond agriculture, including links to other industries. Using tables and diagrams, it highlights the dominance of irrigated arable land while also emphasizing its uneven distribution across districts. The research concludes with practical recommendations for optimizing land use to enhance economic sustainability, offering actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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Samarkand scholars, particularly the Jumadil Kubro family, played a pivotal role in introducing and integrating Islam and Sufism into Indonesian society during the 15th century. Their efforts transformed these religious practices into daily life across the archipelago and beyond, leaving a lasting cultural legacy still revered today. Despite their significant historical impact on Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, their contributions have been understudied by local historians. This study highlights their activities and descendants' roles in spreading Islam, using historical analysis to shed light on this overlooked aspect of Islamic history.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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Samarkand stands out as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, serving as a cultural and scientific hub for millennia. Its strategic location along the historic Silk Road facilitated the convergence of diverse civilizations, religions (including Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity, Manichaeism, and Islam), and intellectual traditions. The city's mild climate and economic prosperity attracted settlers from various backgrounds, fostering a rich tapestry of ethnic and religious experiences. This study analyzes Samarkand's historical evolution as a center of education, architecture, art, and thought, highlighting its role in shaping Central Asian culture and science. By examining the interplay between its geographic position, cultural diversity, and intellectual contributions, the research underscores Samarkand's enduring significance as a 'cradle of civilization.'
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
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A study on San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tenerife, reveals that while the designation has brought economic benefits, particularly through tourism-driven services, it has also exacerbated inequality and threatened local identity. The research highlights how expert-led governance often overlooks community perceptions, leading to mismanagement of heritage and unsustainable development models. This finding is supported by a recent ICOMOS Spain report, which corroborates long-standing concerns raised by civil society. The study underscores the need for inclusive governance that balances heritage preservation with local needs.
Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
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The Sanai Maruyama site, dating to the Middle Jomon period (3500–2000 BC), offers significant insights into Japan's prehistoric civilization. Archaeological excavations uncovered a rich assemblage of artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, clay figures, jade jewelry, and marine bone remains, alongside dwelling, storage, and tomb pits, as well as structural reinforcement columns. These findings highlight the advanced societal organization, technological sophistication, and subsistence practices of Jomon communities during this era. The site's recognition as a special national treasure (2000) and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (2021) underscores its global importance. This study combines archaeological analysis with material culture examination to reconstruct the cultural landscape and social dynamics of the Middle Jomon phase, bridging gaps between origin narratives, empirical evidence, and historical interpretation.
National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers
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A major seismic event in 1842 severely damaged the Sans-Soucis site, a historic palace and outbuildings in Haiti's National Historic Park, despite preservation efforts by ISPAN (Haiti Government) and UNESCO between 1979 and 1990. The site remains vulnerable due to ongoing deterioration, seismic hazards, unstable slopes, and geological anomalies. To address these challenges, the Haitian Government launched the PAST project, aiming to reinforce, restore, interpret, and highlight the monuments while balancing preservation with tourism development. The study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach, integrating geotechnical engineering, history, archaeology, and local social culture. This ensures solutions that respect the monument's integrity while involving the local population in their heritage's restoration.
Santiniketan
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Santiniketan, originally a desolate region notorious for bandit activity, was transformed into a symbol of peace and spiritual renewal through the visionary efforts of Rabindranath Tagore's father, Devendranath. The study delves into the historical and cultural significance of Santiniketan, highlighting its evolution from a rugged landscape to a beacon of wisdom and contemplation. It explores how this transition was driven by Devendranath's attraction to the region's open vistas, which resonated with his spiritual aspirations. The research employs a blend of historical analysis and cultural interpretation to shed light on Santiniketan's unique journey, offering insights into its enduring legacy as an 'asylum of peace.'
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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Saqqara's necropolis is revealed as a dynamic cultural landscape that evolved continuously through the New Kingdom (ca. 1539–1078 BCE), shaped by generations of human activity and memory. Unlike static reconstructions, this study emphasizes its perpetual growth, where past layers intertwine with present experiences, creating a complex urban space for both the living and dead. The research employs a biographical approach to landscape, analyzing material traces, identities, and perceptions to showcase the necropolis's city-like qualities. Despite challenges posed by 19th-century looting and limited systematic exploration, this synthesis underscores Saqqara's enduring significance as a living cultural geography, offering new insights into its layered history.
Namib Sand Sea
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A significant greening trend was observed in the Namib Sand Sea from 2000 to 2018, driven primarily by increased precipitation and atmospheric CO₂ levels. Unlike many global dryland regions, this greening is not linked to direct human activities but rather to environmental factors. Researchers analyzed satellite data using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and found that while overall greening was significant from 2000 to 2012, it diminished slightly by 2018. Precipitation, particularly large episodic events, emerged as a dominant driver, while rising temperatures negatively impacted vegetation growth. Spatially, 75% of the region showed significant greening during the earlier period, with 39.3% maintaining this trend until 2018. This study highlights the importance of precipitation and CO₂ in shaping vegetation dynamics in undisturbed dryland ecosystems.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
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The Banc d'Arguin (BA) in Mauritania is a critical foraging site for green turtles, with an estimated 150,000 individuals, including 8,285 adult females migrating from the Bijagós archipelago after nesting. Satellite tracking of 46 adult females revealed that half of the nesting population travels to the BA post-nesting, underscoring its global significance for immature and adult green turtles. The study combined field assessments with demographic simulations to conservatively estimate turtle abundance, highlighting the BA's importance in a well-protected marine environment with effective fisheries regulations.
Mount Sanqingshan National Park
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A significant positive influence of perceived benefits on place attachment and community satisfaction was found in Mount Sanqingshan National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The study, which analyzed 330 resident perceptions using structural equation modeling, revealed that while perceived costs negatively impacted place attachment, their effect on satisfaction did not hold true. Place attachment fully mediated the relationship between cost perception and satisfaction but partially mediated benefit perception and satisfaction, showing a strong positive effect on community satisfaction. These insights led to the development of the 'SHE-ABC' framework for World Heritage Site (WHS) tourist community satisfaction, offering theoretical value and practical guidance for sustainable heritage tourism management.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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A study in Porto's Historic Centre reveals that community satisfaction with police performance is primarily driven by perceptions of rising criminality and the belief that security measures need improvement. While residents generally approve of police efforts to ensure safety, dissatisfaction correlates with personal victimization experiences and environmental factors such as perceived incivilities. Sociodemographic variables like length of residency or attachment to the area did not influence satisfaction levels. The research highlights critical areas for intervention to strengthen community-police relations and enhance security perceptions in urban heritage contexts.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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This editorial condemns the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting it as a war crime under international law, particularly the 1954 Hague Convention, which protects cultural heritage during armed conflict. It emphasizes that the destruction of Ukrainian cultural sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, is not only a violation of global agreements but also a threat to humanity's shared cultural legacy. The piece calls for immediate action from the international museum community to prioritize the safety of Ukrainian culture workers, who embody living heritage, over material artifacts. It urges museums worldwide to provide safe harbor, technical support, and humanitarian aid to displaced colleagues while documenting war crimes for potential prosecution. The editorial also reflects on historical precedents, such as the destruction of Palmyra, and stresses the ethical responsibility of museum professionals to act as 'Monuments People,' safeguarding cultural memory against state-sponsored violence.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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The Palace of Westminster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Grade 1 listed building, faces rapid deterioration, posing significant risks to its structural integrity. To address this, the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) Programme was launched in 2018 with the aim of safeguarding the site as the home of British parliamentary democracy while ensuring it remains fit for purpose in the modern era. This study highlights how conservation efforts have influenced planning, risk mitigation, and project management, emphasizing the need for heritage awareness and complex governance structures. Key innovations include building information modeling, detailed palace surveys, and sustainability considerations, which reimagine traditional construction methodologies through cross-disciplinary techniques.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
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A study reveals how the production and consumption of space at the Shrine of Santa Maria delle Grazie contribute to the construction of sacredness, offering insights into the interplay between physical environment and religious experience. The research analyzes the spatial dynamics within the shrine, focusing on its architectural and social dimensions to understand how these elements shape pilgrimage practices and the perception of the sacred. By examining the interactions between visitors, the site's design, and historical narratives, the study highlights the significance of spatial organization in fostering a sense of reverence and spiritual connection.
Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite National Park faces escalating environmental hazards, including wildland fires, tree mortality, extreme floods, and rockfalls/slides, which are increasingly severe due to climate change and development pressures. Research reveals that drought correlates with higher tree mortality rates, warmer precipitation advances peak streamflow, prolonged cold triggers rockfalls, and extended precipitation increases slides. These interconnected hazards pose significant risks given the park's high seasonal visitation. The study synthesizes administrative and environmental histories using archival records and long-term data to illustrate how science has evolved in guiding policy and management strategies over time.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Atapuerca successfully maintained its public visibility through innovative science communication strategies. By leveraging technology and framing narratives around human evolution in relation to the pandemic, researchers minimized the impact of confinement on cultural heritage engagement. A qualitative study involving 116 interviews with scientists, communication professionals, and journalists revealed how Atapuerca adapted to the crisis by fostering interconnections between science and society. The findings highlight the multidimensional nature of contemporary scientific knowledge production, demonstrating its relevance across diverse social agents and levels.
Elephanta Caves
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Urban heritage conservation faces significant challenges, particularly for rock-cut caves like those in Mumbai, which have been neglected due to population growth and urban expansion. This study highlights the potential of digital technologies as a solution to preserve these ancient sites, including the well-known Elephanta Caves and lesser-known Buddhist and Hindu temples such as Kanheri, Mahakali, Mandapeshwar, and Jogeshwari. By analyzing two case studies, the research demonstrates how advanced tools can mitigate the risks posed by urban encroachment, offering a scalable approach to heritage conservation in densely populated areas.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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Archaeological excavations at the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh, revealed that the Mound—a late 18th to early 19th-century artificial bank—was formed through a controlled deposition process, likely originating as an informal 'desire path' before being institutionalized. The study identified five distinct deposit types, including coarse sands, mixed dark earth, redeposited bedrock, builder's dross, and gleyed clays, with limited but significant material culture such as ceramics, oyster shell, and architectural fragments. Constrained by space and excavation methods, the research relied on sectional analysis rather than plan-based inspection, providing new insights into the Mound's formation and historical use.
Studenica Monastery
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Amanda Phillips' book, 'Sea Change: Ottoman Textiles between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean,' reveals that Ottoman textiles were integral to global culture, challenging perceptions of their derivative or decadent nature. Through a detailed analysis of museum collections, including the Studenica Monastery's silk wall hanging commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II, Phillips demonstrates the dynamic interplay between technology, trade, and artistic innovation from the 1400s to the 1800s. Her research, grounded in technical and formal analyses of textiles, uncovers the complexities of Ottoman textile production, including the resistance to imperial regulations and the vibrant exchange of goods across empires. Phillips' work expands the understanding of Islamic and Ottoman art by emphasizing non-canonical objects and craftsmanship, offering a nuanced perspective on the empire's economic and social life.
Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions
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A sea defence project along Ghana's coast has significantly enhanced the sustainability and outstanding universal value (OUV) of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising forts and castles. The initiative mitigated coastal erosion, reduced sand and gravel mining hazards, and improved sanitation, thereby bolstering the monument's resilience, protective capacity, aesthetic appeal, and authenticity. Through qualitative methods—including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders—the study revealed that these improvements culminated in a stronger OUV for the site. Recommendations include extending such projects to other coastal heritage areas to foster sustainable development while preserving cultural integrity.
Saloum Delta
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Researchers have documented extensive meadows of Zostera noltei at the Saloum Delta, Senegal, marking the species' new southernmost distribution limit. This discovery, part of a broader seagrass initiative in West Africa—one of the least studied regions globally—identified four seagrass species across seven countries, covering approximately 62,108 hectares. The study also examined seagrass morphology and identified key stressors while proposing conservation strategies to protect these newly documented meadows. The findings provide a critical baseline for monitoring spatial and temporal changes in seagrass extent and health, offering valuable tools for management and research.
Mount Huangshan
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Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) exhibit distinct seasonal activity rhythms and time budgets, shaped by environmental conditions. The study, conducted at Tianhu Mountain County Nature Reserve within Mount Huangshan, China, revealed two daily foraging peaks (9:00–10:00 and 14:00–15:00) and a midday resting peak (12:00–13:00). These primates allocate their time primarily to resting (31.96%), foraging (28.59%), and moving (26.96%), with grooming (6.90%) and other activities comprising the remainder. Foraging and movement correlated positively with fruit and bud availability but negatively with leaf abundance, indicating adaptive behavioral responses to food resource fluctuations. Notably, activity patterns varied by sex and age: adult males prioritized resting, adult females focused on foraging, while young macaques engaged more in play. The research highlights how Tibetan macaques adjust their behavior seasonally to optimize survival in dynamic environments.
The English Lake District
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Higher water temperatures in lakes promote increased phytoplankton taxon richness, with summer populations dominated by Chlorophyta and specific functional groups. A six-year study across 20 English Lake District lakes and a 33-year dataset from Windermere revealed that seasonal patterns of phytoplankton diversity closely mirrored true ecological trends, peaking in summer or autumn. The research found strong correlations between surface water temperature and both taxon richness and the number of functional groups, suggesting that temperature-driven turnover plays a key role in shaping phytoplankton communities. However, competition may also occur when chlorophyll a concentrations are high, indicating potential trade-offs between abundance and diversity.
Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
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A study on macaques (Macaca thibetana) at Mount Emei Scenic Area, China, revealed that 51.19% of the 168 fecal samples tested positive for gastrointestinal parasites, with Gongylonema spp. and Entamoeba spp. being the most prevalent helminth and protozoan parasites, respectively. The prevalence peaked in summer (86.21%) and dropped significantly in winter (7.14%), indicating a strong seasonal variation. While human contact frequency correlated with overall parasite prevalence, no such link was found for specific seasons. These findings highlight the need for enhanced management strategies to control parasite transmission, given their potential to affect both humans and other animals.
Yakushima
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A study on the gut microbiome of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in Yakushima revealed that both diet and host individuality significantly shape microbial composition. Over 13 months, dietary shifts—particularly between leaf-dominated, fruit, and invertebrate-based diets—correlated with changes in gut microbiome diversity and function. Leaf-feeding periods enriched the microbiome with Spirochaetes and Tenericutes, while fruit and invertebrate consumption showed opposite trends. The research highlights the dual influence of environmental factors (diet) and host uniqueness on microbial communities, suggesting that macaques rely heavily on microbial fermentation to process otherwise indigestible plant material.
Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea
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Archaeological excavations at the Eneolithic workshop site Fofanovo XIII on Lake Onega's western shore have revealed that zander fish were likely captured during snow-free seasons, suggesting seasonal specialization and year-round habitation. This finding is based on a detailed analysis of well-preserved zander vertebrae remains, providing new insights into ancient human activity patterns related to faunal resource exploitation. The study represents the first comprehensive faunistic assemblage in Karelian archaeology, enabling a deeper understanding of Eneolithic subsistence strategies.
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
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Seasonal moisture dynamics in the walls of Lalibela's rock-cut churches significantly influence weathering patterns, with complex damage profiles emerging due to contrasting saturation behaviors between wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, deeper layers retain higher moisture levels, leading to surface salt accumulation as constant-rate drying occurs. Conversely, the dry season sees increased surface saturation and subsurface salt buildup, driven by high rock temperatures. This study, using non-destructive Microwave Moisture Measurement System (MMMS) monitoring at two monolithic churches, underscores the vulnerability of these structures to moisture-related decay, particularly due to their lack of impermeable foundations or roofs. The findings reveal a dynamic interplay between moisture and temperature that exacerbates weathering, posing challenges for conservation efforts.
Yosemite National Park
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Repeated burning in Yosemite National Park significantly reduces mid-canopy fuel loads and enhances forest resilience, biodiversity, and ecosystem health without further improvement after a second fire. Researchers analyzed long-term fire histories, LiDAR data, and topo-climatic datasets to assess how fire interactions with climate shape forest structure across elevation-driven gradients. They found that while tree density and mid-canopy strata cover decreased after two fires, subsequent burns did not alter these patterns further. This study provides critical insights for refining fire management prescriptions, balancing wildfire risk mitigation, and promoting ecosystem resilience in protected areas like Yosemite.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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A comprehensive inventory of sedge species (Cyperaceae) in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, reveals that 29 taxa thrive there, most with C4 photosynthetic pathways. Contrary to prior hypotheses, these sedges do not require aquatic environments, challenging the 'aquatic diet' theory for early hominins. The study identifies six species as current foodplants for baboons and humans, highlighting <em>Cyperus esculentus</em> (patrysuintjies) as a potential nutritious C4 superfood due to its energy, protein, and lipid content. This research corrects dietary reconstructions by providing photographic records and nutritional insights, offering new perspectives on hominin subsistence strategies in southern Africa.
Venice and its Lagoon
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Sediment oxygen demand (SOD) rates in Venice's lagoon, measured for the first time after the activation of the MOSE flood defense system, reveal significant variability across 16 sites and seasons. SOD ranged from 0.63 to 24.00 g m−2 d−1, with higher values observed in more confined areas, indicating that sediments can rapidly deplete dissolved oxygen even at moderate water temperatures (above 20°C). The study estimated that under MOSE closures, dissolved oxygen consumption times could vary significantly depending on the lagoon area and temperature conditions. This research highlights the potential impact of prolonged water residence times—resulting from flood defenses—on the oxygen balance of lagoons, posing implications for their ecological functioning.
The English Lake District
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A study on Esthwaite Water in the English Lake District reveals that sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) can effectively track long-term changes in lake bacterial communities, particularly in response to nutrient enrichment. The research found that cyanobacterial richness in sediments closely mirrored historical pelagic records, while other bacterial groups like Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased during recent decades, contrasting with declines in Chloroflexi and Firmicutes. Despite restoration efforts since the 1970s, the bacterial community has not fully recovered from past eutrophication. This study demonstrates sedDNA's potential for paleolimnological reconstructions but highlights the need for better understanding of DNA preservation and degradation processes.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Selective logging does not limit seed dispersal by spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis), potentially aiding the recovery of managed forests. Researchers found that while unlogged sites had 2.2 times more seeds deposited under sleeping trees, logged areas saw 2.3 times more scattered seed dispersal, with most seeds remaining undamaged in both conditions. The study, conducted over five months in Calakmul's tropical humid forest, Mexico, analyzed 15,853 seeds from 20 species found in monkey feces and latrines. Despite similar use of sleeping trees (4.5 ± 4.3 weeks), the findings suggest that primate-mediated seed dispersal persists even in logged forests, offering insights into the resilience of tropical ecosystems under selective logging.
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
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Research identifies Irvingia malayana and Micromelum minutum as highly preferred seedling forage species for large prey mammals, including gaur and sambar deer, which are critical to tiger populations in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. The study, conducted across 150 sampling points from August 2019 to March 2021, analyzed nutritional data from 13 seedling species to assess their potential as alternative food resources for these prey mammals. Findings indicate that the Mun Sam Ngam area holds significant promise for habitat management and conservation efforts aimed at augmenting gaur and sambar deer populations, thereby supporting tiger prey availability. This approach provides a scientific basis for targeted habitat improvement strategies.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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2022 —
WHED79241153A
A combination of retrofitting techniques can significantly improve the seismic performance of historic stone masonry structures, as demonstrated by the case study of Gjirokastra Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Albania. The study employed advanced digital surveying, non-destructive testing (NDT), and nonlinear structural analysis to assess the tower's material properties, dynamic behavior, and potential causes of damage. Findings revealed that while ground improvement solutions were necessary, additional retrofitting was required to meet code-specified performance levels. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in designing effective, integrated interventions for vulnerable historic structures in high-seismicity regions.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2022 —
WHE2336B58A73
Researchers have uncovered evidence of a highly dynamic, trans-crustal magmatic system beneath the Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group in Kamchatka using seismic tremor analysis. The study reveals that tremor sources are distributed across extensive spatial regions and crustal depths, connecting multiple volcanoes within the group. Rapid vertical and lateral migrations of tremor activity suggest fast pressure transients and dynamic permeability, challenging traditional models of magma storage and transport. This finding supports a conceptual model of extended, highly dynamic magmatic systems, providing new insights into volcanic processes that could improve our understanding of eruption styles and mechanisms.
Historic Cairo
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2022 —
WHE596ADD4E3C
A seismic vulnerability assessment of buildings in Al Khalifa district, Fatimid Cairo, reveals that many structures are prone to damage during seismic events despite Egypt's moderate seismic hazard. The study, part of a broader interdisciplinary effort for UNESCO World Heritage Site management, employed large-scale seismic vulnerability analysis and extensive on-site surveys of over 100 buildings. It identified key structural characteristics, deterioration signs, and failure mechanisms, highlighting the need for retrofitting to meet seismic design codes. The findings underscore the urgency of conservation measures to mitigate seismic risk in this historic area.
