Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
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2021 —
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Chinese pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago experience it as a transformative journey of well-being and cross-cultural connection, with authenticity and harmony serving as key elements that align with their traditional values while distancing them from everyday social practices. This study, using phenomenological methods including 112 online travel journals and interviews with 12 pilgrims, reveals that both Chinese and Western pilgrims share similar internal and external journeys but navigate these within distinct sociocultural frameworks. Drawing on Cohen’s (1979) five travel-mode theory, the research highlights the Camino’s potential for sustainable marketing among Chinese tourists while emphasizing its significance as a global cultural heritage route.
Mount Athos
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2021 —
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A rare Greek hagiographic text from Mount Athos, part of Cod. Athos. Panteleemon. gr. 283 (1848), offers a unique window into the life of St Mitrofan of Voronezh, a Russian saint associated with Peter the Great and canonized in 1832. This text, attributed to monk Jacobos Neaksytiotes—a distinguished theologian and historian—represents an uncommon post-Byzantine translation of a Russian hagiographic work into Greek. Codicological analysis reveals Jacobos' role as both author and scribe, while his broader legacy, including his opus magnum <em>Athonias</em>, sheds light on his interest in Russian history. The study reconstructs Jacobos' biography and provides a Russian translation of the Greek text, contributing to our understanding of cross-cultural religious and historical exchanges during the medieval and early modern periods.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2021 —
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Jeddah, known as 'ghayr' (different) in Saudi Arabia, serves as the historic gateway to Mecca, embodying a unique blend of Muslim conviviality and cultural identity. This study challenges traditional notions of cosmopolitanism by focusing on Jeddah's processes of living with difference, rather than strategies that reify hierarchies. It reveals how Jeddah's urban development, social structures, and governance have mediated belonging and foreignness, particularly in the context of pilgrimage and trade. The research employs a richly textured urban history approach, analyzing historical documents, population dynamics, and urban space to explore Jeddah's role as a Muslim city that balances roots and connections. It highlights the city's resistance to foreign intervention, its unique architectural and social functions, and the impact of modernization on its conviviality. The study also examines contemporary challenges, including the shift from pilgrimage as a material and social fabric to tourism, the increasing presence of the state, and the decline of communal donations and guilds in urban life.
Tusi Sites
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2021 —
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Poor accessibility poses significant challenges to the sustainable development of World Cultural Heritage sites, yet few studies have addressed these practical issues. This research introduces a holistic solution that integrates six emerging technology methods to enhance the sustainability of poorly accessible heritage, demonstrated through the case study of Hailongtun Tusi in Guizhou Province, China. The approach leverages 3D digital technology, offering a cost-effective and scalable model for other countries facing similar challenges. By combining multiple interpretation technologies, this work provides a novel framework to promote the preservation and accessibility of world heritage sites while balancing technological simplicity with affordability.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
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2021 —
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A comparative analysis of discursive fields surrounding terrorism reveals how power and knowledge intersect to shape societal narratives, particularly in the context of historical struggles. The study identifies four dominant discursive trajectories—anarchist (1880–1920), anticolonialist (1920–1960s), new left (1960s–1990), and religious (post-1979)—each marked by distinct ideological frameworks. Focusing on the 2008 Mumbai attacks, including the bombing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the research demonstrates how these discourses manifest in synchronized terrorist actions, illustrating their enduring influence on global conflicts. The approach draws from Foucault’s archaeology and genealogy to dissect the interplay between 'truth,' power, and discursive practices, highlighting their role in legitimizing violence while obscuring alternative interpretations.
Lut Desert
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2021 —
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A landscape archaeology approach reveals significant human-environment interactions and settlement patterns in the Shahdad Plain (Dasht-e Lut), a region on the western edge of Iran's Lut Desert, from the 5th to the 2nd Millennium BC. The study highlights Shahdad as a pivotal urban center during the Bronze Age, playing a crucial role in regional networks. Through extensive surface prospection and stratigraphic excavations across multiple seasons, researchers identified distinct phases of human occupation spanning the Chalcolithic period and early Bronze Age. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of how populations adapted to the arid environment, offering insights into the dynamics of prehistoric settlement and cultural development in this marginal yet strategically significant landscape.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2021 —
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A monumental octagonal structure, previously overlooked despite its historical significance, was rediscovered beneath the modern city of Bergama, Turkey. This finding sheds light on Pergamon's complex multi-layered cultural landscape, spanning from Roman times to the present day. The discovery highlights the importance of archival research in unraveling the hidden layers of ancient cities with long research histories. The study examines the Octagon's history across three excavation periods, addressing its preservation state, access challenges, and the research methodology adapted to current conditions. This rediscovery not only enriches our understanding of Pergamon's past but also underscores the value of integrating archival materials into archaeological investigations.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
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2021 —
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Public archaeology at UNESCO World Heritage Sites demands a unique blend of conservation expertise, fieldwork, and community engagement. This chapter highlights the multifaceted role of an Archaeological Survey of India Superintendent, who balances monument preservation with grassroots challenges involving local communities, bureaucrats, and politicians. A notable achievement was the conservation of Gol Gumbaz in Maharashtra, followed by significant contributions to the preservation of Delhi’s Qutb Minar complex—a UNESCO-listed site. The work also included groundbreaking discoveries and extensive restoration efforts at Western rock-cut caves like Bhaja, Pitalkohara, Ajanta, and Ellora. This narrative underscores the dual demands of archaeological research and public administration in heritage conservation.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2021 —
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A new analysis of Neolithic Çatalhöyük reveals previously unknown plant processing practices and foodways, integrating microbotanical evidence with microscopic wear patterns on grinding tools. The study, focusing on the Middle (6700-6500 cal BC) and Late (6500-6300 cal BC) periods, identifies a diverse range of geophytes and wild seasonal resources through phytoliths and starch analyses. By comparing microbotanical proxies with artifact wear, researchers discerned specific plant processing techniques, expanding our understanding of crop utilization at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
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2021 —
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Geospatial analysis reveals that the placement of fortified churches in Transylvania was more influenced by local community decisions and strategic defense needs than previously thought. The study, which evaluated ten competing theories about their density and location, found no single dominant factor but highlighted the significance of hilltop placements, foothill positioning, and roles as watchtowers or part of broader defensive chains. A new database enabled rigorous testing of these hypotheses, demonstrating how geospatial methods can deepen historical research by uncovering nuanced patterns beyond traditional narratives.
Surtsey
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2021 —
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Wave abrasion, a key process shaping shallow-water coastal bedrock, has been quantified through a predictive model linking erosion rates to wave-induced shear stress and bedrock resistivity. Applied to two tephra cones near Surtsey Island in Iceland—Jólnir (storm-exposed) and Syrtlingur (sheltered)—the model reveals distinct abrasion dynamics: Syrtlingur experiences 33% less deep-water wave energy but fourfold more efficient abrasion, with a shallower wave base (34.4 m vs. 51.5 m for Jólnir). The findings highlight how storm exposure and sheltering influence erosion patterns, offering insights into coastal bedrock evolution under varying hydrodynamic conditions.
Sangay National Park
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2021 —
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A new nature tourism route for the Altar Volcano, Sangay National Park, Ecuador, has been designed to enhance visitor experiences while promoting sustainable tourism. The study identified 19 key attractions and structured an itinerary that integrates diverse tourist activities, leveraging GIS mapping (ArcGIS 10.5®) to optimize distances and transportation logistics from base camps. This approach ensures a high level of tourist satisfaction by balancing natural resource visibility with practical accessibility. The research contributes to the sustainable development of tourism in Sangay National Park by providing a scientifically informed framework for future visitor management.
Monte San Giorgio
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2021 —
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A new coelacanth specimen from the Middle Triassic (Ladinian) Kalkschieferzone of Monte San Giorgio is the first definitive record of this group with elongate ribs. The incomplete fossil prevents formal taxonomic assignment, but its scale morphology closely resembles that of Heptanema paradoxum from Northern Italy. While elongate ribs were not noted in H. paradoxum's original description, small rib fragments are visible among its scales. This suggests a possible affiliation with the genus Heptanema, tentatively identified as Heptanema cf. H. paradoxum. The discovery provides new insights into coelacanth evolution during the Triassic period.
Sangay National Park
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified a new cryptic species, Pristimantis petersioides, within the Pristimantis lacrimosus group from Llanganates and Sangay National Parks. This discovery, supported by molecular and bioacoustic evidence, reveals significant genetic divergence (7.9% to 8.4%) from its closest relative, Pristimantis petersi, challenging previous taxonomic assumptions. The study also clarifies the phylogenetic positions of four additional species, expanding our understanding of this diverse frog genus. Given its small distribution range and threats from deforestation, Pristimantis petersioides is suggested for inclusion in the Endangered Red List category.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified an extremotolerant ecotype of the fungus Pseudotaeniolina globosa from the Djoser Pyramid in Egypt's Memphis Necropolis, revealing its remarkable adaptability to harsh environmental conditions. This Egyptian isolate demonstrates significantly greater tolerance to temperature extremes (4–37 °C), pH variations (3.0–9.0), salinity (up to 5 M NaCl), and UV radiation compared to an Italian counterpart, suggesting it is well-suited to the challenging conditions of ancient monuments. The study employed multi-locus genotyping and physiological experiments to confirm its con-specificity while highlighting its unique stress resistance traits. These findings underscore the potential bio-deteriorating impact on cultural heritage, necessitating tailored conservation strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Djoser Pyramid.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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A new lake classification scheme for the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a UNESCO-listed Ramsar Wetland within Wood Buffalo National Park, identifies four distinct patterns of lake-level variation driven by hydrological processes. These include 'Drawdown' (due to evaporation or outflow), 'Stable' levels sustained by rainfall, 'Gradual Rise' from inundation, and 'Rapid Rise' caused by river floodwater input. The study, based on continuous measurements at 50 lakes during the open-water seasons of 2018 and 2019, reveals that river flooding is a significant but under-recognized recharge mechanism, particularly in the Athabasca sector. This classification scheme enhances understanding of lake-level dynamics, which are critical for managing habitat degradation and navigation routes threatened by climate change and upstream energy projects.
Taï National Park
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2021 —
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Researchers developed a novel method to determine the diet of pygmy hippopotamuses (Choeropsis liberiensis), an endangered herbivore, using fecal analysis and plant epidermis fragments. The study, conducted in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, identified at least seven plant species—including monocotyledonae, dicotyledonae, and ferns—as key dietary components. Pygmy hippopotamuses were classified as intermediate feeders, with a preference for specific plants. The method combines Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) of epidermis fragments with visual inspection, offering a non-invasive approach to diet assessment. Findings provide critical insights for conservation strategies and captive breeding programs, particularly for this species with fewer than 2,500 adults remaining in the wild.
Minoan Palatial Centres
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2021 —
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A new Minoan-type peak sanctuary has been identified on Stelida, Naxos, suggesting that the island played a more dynamic role in socio-religious and economic interactions with Neopalatial Crete during the 2nd millennium BCE. This discovery is based on architectural remains, material culture, and strategic location comparable to known Cretan peak sanctuaries. The site's prominence over Grotta, Naxos' main harbor and Bronze Age center, reinforces its significance in Minoan influence across the Aegean. The findings challenge previous assumptions about Naxos' limited engagement with Cretan palatial centers like Knossos.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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Researchers have identified a new species of Characidium, a small freshwater fish belonging to the Crenuchidae family, from the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Brazil. This discovery is significant due to its unique combination of morphological traits, including a scaleless isthmus paired with a single row of dentary teeth, and distinctive coloration marked by inconspicuous vertical bars forming square blotches along the body sides and a dark saddle-shaped mark at the dorsal-fin base. Osteological examination revealed additional unique features, such as fused anal-fin proximal radials contacting the branched third hemal spine, alongside an unusual variation in fin-ray counts among its congeners. The species was discovered in tributaries of the rio Tocantinzinho within the rio Tocantins basin, highlighting the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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Researchers have identified a new species of isopod, Expanathura monile, from Iriomote Island, part of the Ryukyu Archipelago in Japan. This discovery was made through detailed morphological analysis, distinguishing it from similar species such as E. collaris and E. macronesia by unique traits like a V-shaped pigment band on the female's head, specific antennular flagellum structure, and distinct uropodal features. The study also notes male polymorphism in this species, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity in the region. A revised key for identifying Expanathura species is provided, enhancing taxonomic resources.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of Hemidactylus gecko from the southern face peneplain foothills of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, distinct from its close relative, H. hunae, through detailed morphological analysis. This discovery is marked by unique traits such as adult males reaching up to 121.2 mm in snout-vent length, specific dorsal scalation patterns with conical tubercles, and distinctive body markings including black-edged bright saddles from the occiput to the tail tip. The study also provides a comprehensive redescription of H. hunae based on its adult female holotype. The research employs comparative morphological analysis, focusing on key anatomical features to differentiate between species.
Socotra Archipelago
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of gobiid fish, <em>Hetereleotris nasoramosa</em>, from the Socotra Archipelago, distinguished by unique nasal tentacles and suborbital papillae rows. This discovery represents a rare case of hole-associated adaptation in gobiid fishes, with the species thriving in tight rock crevices covered by micro-algae at depths of 811 meters. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed its placement within the genus <em>Hetereleotris</em>, while morphological comparisons revealed differences from related species, including <em>Cerogobius petrophilus</em>. The study provides a full description of the new species and updates the key to identifying <em>Hetereleotris</em> species.
Monte San Giorgio
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of the actinopterygian fish genus Saurichthys from the Middle Triassic Sceltrich beds of Monte San Giorgio. This discovery highlights unique adaptations in its fin structure—unsegmented lepidotrichia and elongated, wide paired fins—which suggest specialized swimming and predatory behaviors distinct from other Saurichthys species. Phylogenetic analysis further indicates a close relationship with the Saurorhynchus species group, expanding our understanding of the genus's evolutionary plasticity and functional diversity during the Triassic period.
Wadi Wurayah
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2021 —
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A new species of leafhopper, Grammacephalus albatus, has been discovered in Wadi Wurayah National Park, United Arab Emirates. This tiny insect, part of the Hemiptera order, adds to the biodiversity of the Arabian Peninsula and provides insights into the region's ecological diversity. The study includes a key to identify five species of Grammacephalus known from the peninsula, contributing to taxonomic knowledge. Additionally, it discusses the relationships between Grammacephalus and another genus, Bampurius, and re-evaluates the taxonomic position of Grammacephalus genoicus. This research enhances our understanding of hemipteran diversity in arid ecosystems.
Mount Wuyi
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified a new frog species within the genus Rana from Mount Wuyi, Fujian Province, China. This discovery was supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses, which revealed that the new species is genetically distinct from its closest relatives in the R. johnsi group. The species exhibits unique morphological traits, including medium body size (41.4–50.3 mm), internal subgular vocal sacs in males, lateroventral grooves on toe tips, and a distinctive creamy white nuptial pad with velvety spines during breeding. Additionally, the dorsal surface of its thighs and tibias features prominent transverse skin ridges, averaging 26.5 ± 2.7 in number. These characteristics collectively differentiate it from known congeners, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Salonga National Park
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of moth, Typhonoya kravchenkoi, within the genus Typhonoya, previously thought to be monotypic. This discovery was made during a year-long expedition in the buffer zone of Salonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study provides detailed morphological comparisons between T. kravchenkoi and its congener, T. prozorovi, including illustrations of their wing patterns, heads, legs, venation, and genitalia. This finding expands our understanding of the biodiversity within this unique moist broadleaf forest ecosystem, contributing to the broader knowledge of Lepidoptera diversity in Central Africa.
Yakushima
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified a new subspecies of Stellaria alsine (Caryophyllaceae) from Yakushima, Japan. This discovery was made using MIG-seq to construct a detailed phylogenetic tree, which revealed the taxon's close relationship with S. alsine. The newly described subspecies, named Stellaria alsine subsp. nanasubsp. nov., adds to the island's rich biodiversity, further highlighting Yakushima's significance as a hotspot for endemic species. This finding contributes to our understanding of plant diversity and evolution in this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Socotra Archipelago
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2021 —
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Scientists have identified a new species of thermosbaenacean, Tethysbaena dioscorida, from Socotra Island, marking the first discovery of its kind in the Socotra Archipelago and the Indian Ocean. This crustacean belongs to the 'Tethysbaena relicta' species-group, with close morphological ties to a species found in Oman. The research suggests that speciation within this group stems from geological events, such as the regression of the Tethys Sea, which created isolated populations during the Oligocene-Miocene transition. Additionally, the study highlights potential threats to Socotra's subterranean fauna due to recent developmental activities, particularly in coastal areas. The findings are based on morphological analysis of females collected from a freshwater cave lake and a brackish coastal well.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2021 —
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A novel model of 'future desirability' in temporal work emerges from this study, revealing how organizational actors navigate uncertainty and urgency by engaging with both desirable and undesirable future outcomes. The research, based on a real-time, in-depth analysis of the Palace of Westminster's Restoration and Renewal program, demonstrates that anticipation of adverse futures can mobilize collective action while preserving heritage and maintaining current operations. This approach advances understanding of strategic time organization in contested, uncertain contexts, offering insights applicable to other pluralistic environments.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2021 —
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A catastrophic flash flood in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Garhwal Himalaya, India, on 7 February 2021, was linked to the detachment of a large rock mass and overlying hanging glacier in the Raunthi catchment. This event dammed the Rishiganga River, causing widespread devastation downstream, including damage to roads, bridges, and hydropower projects. Researchers conducted immediate ground-based and heliborne surveys, supplemented by Google Earth imagery, to identify the plausible causes of this disaster. The study highlights the vulnerability of Himalayan regions to such geomorphological hazards and underscores the need for robust risk assessment and mitigation strategies in ecologically sensitive areas like UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Viking-Age Ring Fortresses
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2021 —
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Archaeological investigations in Helsingborg, Sweden, have uncovered evidence suggesting the presence of a possible Viking-Age ring fort, approximately 70 meters in diameter. This finding, based on excavations at St Clemens Church and nearby areas, supports historical theories about early fortifications in the region, particularly given the resemblance to other known Viking-Age ring forts in southwestern Scania (Borgeby and Trelleborg) and Denmark. The discovery sheds new light on South Scandinavian history during the period AD 950–1050, aligning with dendrochronologically dated Danish fortresses from around 980/981. This research contributes to ongoing debates about the extent and significance of Viking-Age fortifications in Scandinavia.
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
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2021 —
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A recent study along the Tirthan River in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA) revealed 19 odonate species, including eight dragonflies and 11 damselflies, with 17 recorded for the first time. This significantly increases the known diversity of odonates in GHNPCA to 23 species across 18 genera and eight families. Notably, three species—<em>Indothemis carnatica</em>, <em>Agriocnemis femina</em>, and <em>Argiocnemis rubescens</em>—were documented for the first time in the western Himalayas. The study also observed a marked shift in odonate species composition over 18 years, suggesting that climate change-driven microhabitat alterations may be reshaping local biodiversity. This research highlights the vulnerability of high-altitude ecosystems to climatic shifts and underscores the need for long-term monitoring in protected areas.
Major Mining Sites of Wallonia
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2021 —
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Industrial landscape planning in Belgium reveals four distinct clusters of industrial heritage spatial layout, each shaped by regional characteristics and historical development routes. Using ArcGIS spatial analysis and kernel density calculations, researchers identified these clusters, which reflect the spontaneous formation based on social and natural resources. However, urban planning in Belgium lacks unified recreation efforts, often separating itself from the protection of industrial heritage. This study highlights the need for integrated approaches to preserve and utilize industrial landscapes effectively.
Kinabalu Park
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2021 —
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A preliminary survey of the Araceae family, conducted between October 14th and 20th, 2019, in Kadamaian-Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia, revealed a rich diversity of 25 species across nine genera, including at least two undescribed species. This discovery underscores the unique forest ecology of the park, suggesting it should be recognized as a protected area to preserve its biodiversity. The survey covered four trails with varying elevations, from 220 meters to 670 meters above sea level, providing valuable insights into the plant diversity and ecological significance of this region.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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2021 —
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Peasant production within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park faces significant socio-environmental challenges due to restrictive conservation policies. The study reveals that while peasant communities rely on subsistence agriculture, their territorial practices are often at odds with environmental protection measures, leading to conflicts over land use and resource management. Researchers employed active methodologies to analyze the socio-spatial dynamics of these communities, uncovering their strategies for survival and sustainable coexistence within the park's boundaries. This work highlights the need for conservation policies that better integrate traditional practices and local knowledge.
Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé)
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A comprehensive proposal expands the Wirikuta zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred Wixárika route in San Luis Potosí, México, from 138,750 ha to 293,388.42 ha. This expansion incorporates critical hydrogeological, ecological, and social dynamics, addressing gaps in previous studies that relied on linear geometric criteria. The research integrates physiological, hydrological, topographical, meteorological, and climatological factors, along with an assessment of soil toxicity and economic/social elements, while also considering mining concessions. By adopting a watershed-based approach, the proposal aims to protect the site's biodiversity, cultural significance, and natural integrity more holistically.
Western Caucasus
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2021 —
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Between 2006 and 2019, anthropogenic land-use changes on the Aibga Ridge slope in the Western Caucasus intensified mudflow activity by more than sevenfold, increasing the risk to nearby infrastructure and human safety. The study found that construction and development near Krasnaya Polyana transformed 25–30% of the area (up to 50% in some basins), doubling surface runoff and exacerbating erosion and landslides. Using high-resolution satellite imagery, ortho-aerial data, and digital elevation models, researchers quantified the spatial relationship between anthropogenic disturbances and natural processes across three study areas, revealing a direct correlation between land-use changes and mudflow frequency.
Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura
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A unique paleoclimatic environment characterized by arctic tundra, temperate deciduous woodland, and intermittent arid steppe existed in the Ach Valley of southwestern Germany during Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 (OIS 3), spanning ~60,000 to 35,000 years ago. This non-analogue landscape featured significantly colder conditions than today, with higher annual precipitation and pronounced seasonal temperature shifts. Researchers used small mammal records from two Paleolithic cave sites—Geißenklösterle and Hohle Fels—to apply the Bioclimatic Method, which combines linear discriminant functions analysis and transfer functions to quantify past climate variables. The findings align with broader European reconstructions, reinforcing the absence of climatic volatility as a primary factor in Neanderthal decline during this period.
Mount Athos
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2021 —
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A reassessment of Middle Byzantine monumental painting on Mount Athos reveals that the attribution and dating of extant fragments have been largely dependent on their association with artistic environments in Komnenian Constantinople and Thessalonike, due to a lack of textual sources on workshops and patronage. This study offers a comprehensive evaluation based on epigraphic, iconographic, and stylistic evidence, raising new questions about the style, dating, and patrons of these fragments. By analyzing these elements, researchers aim to provide a more accurate understanding of this period's artistic production on Mount Athos.
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
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Gochang region, a central zone of dolmens on the Korean peninsula, exhibits a unique Bronze Age culture characterized by the rapid emergence and dominance of mid-age relics, with minimal evidence of initial or early-phase artifacts. This study reveals that Gochang's cultural sphere was shaped by the integration of Songguk-ri culture from the Geumgang River basin via the Mangyeong-Dongjingang Rivers, which influenced residential patterns and burial practices while maintaining strong local traditions, particularly in dolmen construction. The region transitioned gradually into Mahan society, with a notable decline in both dolmens and Songguk-ri culture following the introduction of ring-rim pottery, which failed to establish itself as a mainstream culture due to sparse settlements and graves. The research divides Gochang into four topographical basins to analyze archaeological data, highlighting its distinct cultural trajectory.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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K'gari (Fraser Island) faces significant road degradation due to vehicular traffic and historical industry impacts, threatening its fragile ecosystem. A review of the island's road infrastructure reveals high volumes of tourism-related traffic contributing to erosion and deep-cuttings, particularly on unpaved sand roads. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions to mitigate environmental damage caused by current road conditions. Photographic evidence supports the argument for a more resilient transport network, balancing tourism demands with ecological preservation.
Okavango Delta
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The Okavango Delta, Botswana, exhibits naturally low solute concentrations due to minimal chemical weathering and absent anthropogenic nutrient sources. However, these solutes accumulate beneath treed-islands via evapotranspiration, offsetting the typical concentration seen in endorheic ecosystems. This unique freshwater environment supports high biodiversity despite its semi-arid setting. The study highlights critical knowledge gaps, including the role of atmospheric deposition and animal excretion as nutrient sources, the impact of hydro-period on trace element distribution in sediments and flora/fauna, and the potential bioaccumulation risks for wildlife and human health. These findings underscore the need for further research to inform effective management strategies.
Historic Centre of San Gimignano
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2021 —
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A comparative study of Italian historic centres, including the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of San Gimignano, has developed and validated a large-scale methodology for assessing and managing risks to cultural heritage. This framework addresses both tangible and intangible values while considering vulnerabilities such as built environment characteristics, community dynamics, risk awareness, maintenance gaps, and regulatory shortcomings. The approach evaluates primary and secondary hazards, site-specific threats, and event impact chains to tailor mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery measures. Applied to San Gimignano and Reggio Calabria, the methodology identifies research gaps and practical opportunities for standardized safety guidelines, offering a comprehensive and inclusive tool for disaster risk management in cultural heritage.
Historic Centre of San Gimignano
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2021 —
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A novel, value-based methodology for disaster risk analysis in historic centers has been successfully applied to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, Italy. This approach, which integrates hazard assessment with vulnerability and exposure factors while prioritizing cultural heritage values, demonstrates significant potential for mitigating risks in fragile urban landscapes. The study highlights its effectiveness in proposing targeted preventive measures that safeguard both tangible heritage assets and built environments. By formalizing risk as a function of these key components, the methodology offers a practical framework for disaster resilience in Italian historic centers, paving the way for further research on monitoring and maintenance strategies.
Rideau Canal
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2021 —
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A slight but statistically significant warming trend of approximately 0.17°C per year was detected over Lake Ontario and surrounding land areas, including the Rideau Canal, from 2003 to 2012. This finding emerged from an analysis using validated satellite-derived temperature data (MODIS LSWT/LST), which demonstrated strong agreement with in situ measurements, particularly at Hill Island, where correlation exceeded 0.99. The study employed linear regression and the Mann–Kendall test to assess trends, revealing that while the overall warming rate slowed slightly to about 0.06°C per year from 2003 to 2018, the most pronounced increases occurred in September and October during the latter half of the studied period (2013–2018). The research highlights the potential of satellite data for long-term aquatic monitoring while underscoring regional temperature variability.
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
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2021 —
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This study challenges the prevailing notion of smart urbanism, arguing that true 'smartness' lies not in digital infrastructure but in social justice and sustainability. It introduces a 'smart right to the city,' grounded in Henri Lefebvre's framework, which critiques technocapitalist approaches that prioritize corporate interests over equitable urban development. Using Graz, Austria, as a case study, the research examines waste and mobility management strategies, revealing them as spatial and technical fixes that perpetuate inequality without addressing root causes. The paper advocates for alternatives that center on the everyday needs of all inhabitants, emphasizing use value, participation, and appropriation as key components of sustainable urban futures.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2021 —
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A pilot study reveals that residents of historic buildings in Mexico City's World Heritage-listed center prioritize heritage values over invasive energy efficiency interventions, even when facing thermal discomfort. They opt for passive solutions like wearing more clothing or closing windows rather than risking costly retrofitting that could degrade the building's cultural and social significance. The research combines semi-structured interviews with environmental monitoring and system dynamics analysis to demonstrate how users' heritage values influence long-term decision-making regarding energy efficiency, highlighting a tension between conservation constraints and comfort needs.
Rideau Canal
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2021 —
WHEB3374E86F7
A spatial and temporal analysis of algae in the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada reveals that environmental factors are the primary drivers of phytoplankton community composition, while spatial and temporal controls have lesser effects. The study used a FlowCam to enumerate and identify phytoplankton, showing that despite changes in its environment since 1995, periphyton biomass demonstrated little temporal variation. This research provides insights into the resilience and adaptability of algal communities in human-altered freshwater ecosystems.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2021 —
WHEF4E1F8A2E1
A spatial iconographic program of Ukrainian Baroque iconostasis has been identified, revealing that side altars and monastic churches within Kyiv's Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra feature specialized thematic programs tied to feast days or saint dedications. Unlike the central altar's year-round service requirements, these programs expand the sacred space beyond the main church's physical boundaries through carefully planned iconographic systems. This discovery highlights a previously unrecognized interaction between additional altars and monastic temples, offering new insights into the spatial dynamics of Baroque-era religious art in Ukraine.
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
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2021 —
WHE6CF55610EC
A significant elevational gradient in the anthropization of Pyrenean landscapes, particularly in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, has been identified, with human activity progressing upward at an average rate of 40 meters per century. This trend is most pronounced from the Bronze Age to the Roman occupation and during the Middle Ages, coinciding with warm climatic phases and the influence of Iberian and northern cultures. The study suggests a link between upward anthropization and historical cultural shifts, including the development of high-mountain pastoralism and transhumance. While the findings are preliminary, they highlight the need for further research to confirm these patterns, especially in less studied areas, and encourage comparative studies across other Pyrenean regions and mountain ranges.
