San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba
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2021 —
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A novel integrated method for landscape assessment (IMLA) has been developed to systematically evaluate and manage the diverse values of landscapes, including cultural heritage. This four-step model combines theoretical sustainability metrics with landscape characterization, valuation, and management recommendations, leveraging both inductive and deductive reasoning. Applied to Santiago de Cuba Bay in Cuba, IMLA identified five landscape scopes, eight first-order units, and 29 sub-units, demonstrating its utility for establishing sound management strategies. The method facilitates the establishment of land-use plans and decision-making processes that prioritize the valuation of cultural landscapes, such as San Pedro de la Roca Castle.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
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A groundbreaking interactive 3D application showcases a 16th-century house in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, offering an immersive exploration of colonial architecture and cultural heritage. This virtual reconstruction, based on historical documentation, allows users to examine construction systems and urban planning from the era when the city was first mapped in 1588 by Leonardo Torriani. The application integrates human-like virtual characters and WebGL technology, providing a dynamic tool for both education and preservation efforts. San Cristóbal de La Laguna's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site stems from its role as the first non-fortified Spanish colonial city, serving as a model for American urban development.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
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Festivals significantly enhance community cohesiveness and attachment, which in turn positively influence residents' well-being. A study on the Jameson Festival at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, found strong relationships between perceived positive festival impacts—particularly those fostering community unity—and both community attachment and well-being. While cultural preservation was linked to attachment, it did not show a significant association with well-being. The research integrates Social Exchange and Affect Theories, employing a quantitative approach with convenience sampling to analyze resident perceptions. These findings offer practical insights for festival organizers and theoretical contributions to the field of festival studies.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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The Pergamon Micro-Region, shaped by tectonic activity forming distinct horst-and-graben structures, exhibits asymmetric geomorphological features between the northern Kozak Mountains and southern Yunt Dağı Mountains. This asymmetry in relief, drainage, and sediment accumulation has created a landscape with wide, flat basins and plateaus, ideal for agriculture and human settlement since at least the Hellenistic-Roman period. The study combines geomorphometric analysis of digital elevation models with satellite image interpretations to reveal how tectonic forces and human activities have co-evolved, leaving lasting imprints on the region's morphodynamics.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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The coastal region of Paraty, Brazil, exhibits varying levels of vulnerability to oil spills, with some areas facing severe ecological and socio-economic risks. Research using the Shoreline Sensitivity Index (ISL) identified distinct sensitivity levels: rocky shores in bays and islands (ISL 1-2), beaches like Taquari and Prainha (ISL 4), southern Jabaquara and Barra de Corumbê (ISL 5), talus deposits and armored coasts (ISL 6), and mangrove areas (ISL 10) as the most sensitive. Fieldwork, including morphological and sediment characterization of six beaches, revealed that oil pollution could cause significant damage to marine ecosystems, tourism, and fisheries. This study highlights the need for targeted environmental protection strategies in Paraty's coastal zones.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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Research reveals that carbon sequestration in the Cerrado bioma, specifically within the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, is significantly reduced during dry seasons due to increased wildfires and low precipitation. The study utilized multiespectral remote sensing techniques, including NDVI, sPRI, and CO2flux indices, to analyze carbon flux across five months in 2019 using Sentinel-2 satellite data. Findings demonstrate a clear correlation between fire activity and reduced carbon sequestration, highlighting the critical impact of environmental factors on this process. This approach provides a robust method for monitoring carbon dynamics in protected areas, offering valuable insights for conservation strategies.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
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A comparative analysis of discursive fields surrounding terrorism reveals that the concept lacks universal consensus, with four dominant historical trajectories shaping its interpretation: anarchist (1880–1920), anticolonialist (1920–1960), new left (1960–1990), and religious (post-1979). The study employs Foucault's archeology and genealogy to dissect how power and knowledge intersect in terroristic discourses, demonstrating that truth is historically contingent and shaped by hegemonic forces. Using the 2008 Mumbai attacks—including the bombing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus—as a case study, the research highlights the fluidity of definitions and the role of retoric in legitimizing actions, emphasizing the need for nuanced, context-specific frameworks to understand terrorism's evolving nature.
Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija
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A probabilistic risk assessment reveals significant health hazards from heavy metal exposure in two contaminated mining areas: Almadén (Spain) and Ponce Enríquez (Ecuador). In Almadén, 70% of adults face unacceptable non-carcinogenic risks due to mercury (Hg) in vegetables and fish, with dietary intake being the primary concern. Meanwhile, in Ponce Enríquez, over 95% of residents—both adults and children—experience elevated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) via tap water, surface water, and sediment ingestion. Sensitivity analyses highlight Hg concentrations in local crops and As levels in water as critical factors driving risk. The study employs probabilistic methods, including bootstrap resampling and Bayesian inference, alongside deterministic assessments to identify high-risk zones, particularly in the southern region of Ponce Enríquez. Findings underscore urgent needs for water source investigations, exposure mitigation strategies, and food safety controls, especially for vulnerable populations like children.
Mudejar Architecture of Aragon
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The facade of the Capilla de San Miguel in Zaragoza, part of the Mudejar architecture of Aragon, reveals distinct geometric compositions between its Gothic windows and the ceramic and brick decoration. Using laser scanning and low-altitude photogrammetry, researchers found that the windows disrupt the continuous geometric modules typical of Islamic-influenced designs, suggesting a blend of Christian and Muslim architectural traditions. The study also links this structure to the ancient Aljama Mosque of Zaragoza and compares it with nearby Islamic architecture, such as the Aljafería Palace and Sijena Monastery, highlighting its historical significance in the transition from the Abbasid Caliphate to Al-Andalus.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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Urban mobility challenges for the elderly in historic centres, such as Porto and Lisbon, reveal significant barriers to pedestrian movement and public transport accessibility. The study identifies key factors that hinder or motivate older residents' and tourists' use of walking and public transit, providing critical insights for designing more inclusive and sustainable cities. By conducting surveys in two UNESCO-listed Portuguese historic areas, researchers pinpointed restrictions tied to infrastructure, social dynamics, and urban planning, offering actionable data for policymakers aiming to balance heritage preservation with accessibility needs.
Socotra Archipelago
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Socotra Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Socotra Archipelago, exhibits exceptional wind energy potential, particularly from June to September, with average speeds ranging between 9.85 and 14.88 m/s—a classification of 'Superb' according to international standards. The study, leveraging five years of meteorological data, calculated high annual wind energy density at altitudes of 10, 30, and 50 meters, with an overall average wind speed of 7.95 m/s. This research provides critical insights for developing renewable energy infrastructure in Yemen, addressing the environmental impact of fossil fuels while offering a viable alternative for sustainable power generation.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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Slovakia's karst caves, home to over 7000 registered caverns and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hold significant speleotourism potential. A study analyzing attendance data from 12 accessible caves between 2010–2019 and visitor surveys revealed that these sites are vital for both domestic and international tourism, as well as nature conservation. The research employed a modified standardization methodology to evaluate quality indicators, ranking the caves based on their speleotourism potential. This approach highlights the importance of preserving and promoting these natural wonders, which attract substantial visitor numbers while contributing to cultural heritage protection.
Garamba National Park
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A significant inverse correlation between temperature and precipitation (r = -0.876, p < 0.00001) was identified in Garamba National Park over three decades, with precipitation showing a positive association with vegetation indices (NDVI: r = 0.496; EVI: r = 0.496). The study analyzed climate-vegetation relationships using non-parametric tests and statistical analyses, revealing that increased rainfall corresponds to higher vegetation density. This finding underscores the sensitivity of Garamba's unique savanna-forest mosaic ecosystem to climatic shifts, critical for its conservation as a UNESCO-listed site.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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Fine particulate (PM2.5) concentrations from fuel burning in prehistoric settings surpassed modern safety limits, with dung fuel producing exceptionally high levels (>150,000 µg m−3), far exceeding WHO and EU standards for indoor air quality. Wood burning also posed significant pollution risks, reaching up to 36,000 µg m−3 over short periods. Conducted in a reconstructed Neolithic building at Çatalhöyük, one of the world's earliest large settlements, the study highlights how dense living conditions, poor ventilation, and hearth design contributed to severe indoor air pollution. These findings offer new insights into the health impacts of early settled communities and the relationship between human habitation and environmental exposure in prehistory.
Baekje Historic Areas
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A content analysis of 318 news articles from 2010 to 2020 reveals that social-cultural perceptions dominate media coverage of the Hanseong Baekje Historic & Cultural Tourism Attractions, with economic and environmental perceptions trailing behind. The study identifies key trends in perception changes over time, including increased focus on employment opportunities, quality of life improvements, and cultural asset protection. These findings underscore the need for targeted tourism policies to sustainably revitalize the site by emphasizing its historical significance and placeness. Additionally, the research suggests leveraging the Korean wave phenomenon and expanding experience programs to attract more tourists, while proposing platform development and customized policies for FIT (Foreign Independent Travelers) and Q tourism certificate systems as potential strategies for central and local governments.
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
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2021 —
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Researchers analyzing moonmilk nanofibers in the Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia, Italy, discovered that the type of rock surrounding these speleothems influences their crystal structure. Moonmilk, a secondary calcite deposit, was found to form finer and thinner nanofibers when associated with Sabbione (a hybrid sandstone) compared to Macco (a calcarenite). This difference is attributed to slower growth kinetics in Sabbione due to its lower calcium content. The study used Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to examine samples from twelve tombs, providing insights into the formation mechanisms of calcium carbonate nanostructures with implications for geomicrobiology, astrobiology, medicine, and nanotechnology.
Komodo National Park
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Tourism development in Indonesia's remote Komodo National Park, particularly on Rinca and Komodo Islands, has significantly transformed local socio-economic landscapes. This qualitative study reveals that while tourism brings economic benefits—such as increased income from homestays, guide services, and small businesses—it also introduces challenges like seasonal employment instability and cultural shifts. The research highlights the need for sustainable tourism models to balance economic gains with long-term community well-being and environmental conservation. By focusing on local perceptions and livelihood changes, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to optimize tourism's positive impacts while mitigating negative consequences.
Putorana Plateau
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A study of the Putorana Plateau's alpine belt revealed a unique avifauna with 33 breeding bird species, including two first-time recordings: the red-necked stint and long-tailed skua, extending their known distribution ranges by 600 and 200 km. The research used route counts along transects to assess spatial differentiation, applying Sørensen's faunal coefficient for similarity analysis and population similarity coefficients. Passeriformes and Charadriiformes dominated (80–88%), with Arctic faunal complex species comprising 52–62% of diversity. Notably, bird abundance and density were higher than in other alpine regions, decreasing with altitude. The study highlights the plateau's ecological significance, showing how its avifauna is shaped by zonal-landscape and altitudinal patterns.
Hubei Shennongjia
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Participation in agricultural cooperatives significantly boosts farmers' net income, according to a study conducted in Dajiuhu Town, Shennongjia, Hubei Province. Using the propensity score-matching (PSM) model and field survey data, researchers found that cooperative involvement enhances income levels while also being influenced by farmers' education level, household factors, production characteristics, and external environmental conditions. The study underscores the potential of cooperatives as a driver for rural industry prosperity and sustainable development, aligning with China's Rural Revitalization Strategy. Recommendations include promoting farmer participation, improving education, upgrading rural infrastructure, and fostering self-development to maximize cooperative benefits.
South China Karst
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Researchers identified that dissolved organic matter (DOM) in Daxiao Cave's groundwater, a subtropical karst site, is primarily influenced by microbial degradation and subsurface leakage during the dry season. Using three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, parallel factor analysis, and excitation-emission matrix techniques, they found that DOM fluorescence fractions were dominated by humus-like, tryptophan-like, and tyrosine-like components, with protein fluorophores playing a significant role. The study also revealed that Ca–Mg–HCO3 was the dominant hydrochemical type in the cave's drip water, with Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3− as key ions. While the exact process linking DOM to water chemistry remains unclear, this research advances understanding of geochemical behavior and sources of DOM in cave systems.
Jongmyo Shrine
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A detailed analysis of the Seosulla-gil area’s alleys near Jongmyo Shrine reveals that these preserved pathways offer valuable insights into traditional living environments, particularly as they relate to residential activities such as rest, play, and laundry. The study found that alley distribution and diversity increase closer to Jongmyo, suggesting their historical significance and utility for residents. By examining the evolution of alleys from a historical perspective, classifying their types and widths, and assessing their current use—especially in improved hanok areas—the research highlights the importance of maintaining these spaces to preserve cultural heritage. The findings underscore the necessity of ongoing conservation efforts to retain the area’s unique historical characteristics.
Mount Taishan
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The Red Gate Palace on Mount Taishan exemplifies a harmonious integration of architecture and natural surroundings, creating a dynamic spatial sequence that blends yin-yang aesthetics with functional design. Its layout, featuring guided pathways like the climbing route and Feiyun Pavilion, along with meticulously proportioned courtyards—including the east-west courtyards and Little Taishan Temple—demonstrates ingenious spatial organization. The structure leverages Mount Tai’s forest environment to evoke a negative yin-yang impression, balancing waterfront views with rear hills while maintaining rhythmic progression. This study analyzes the palace’s historical evolution and current state, highlighting its artistic and functional brilliance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nemrut Dağ
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A groundbreaking analysis of Chalcolithic obsidian tools from Kurdistan, Iran, reveals distinct exchange pathways during this period. Using X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation analysis, researchers traced the origins of artifacts from Namashir, Ghazikhan, and Galali to sources in Anatolia and Armenia. Notably, Early to Late Chalcolithic 1 tools from Namashir were sourced from Meydan Dağ, while Late Chalcolithic 1 tools from Galali originated from Nemrut Dağ. The study also found that during the Late Chalcolithic 2, multiple sources and exchange paths emerged, indicating evolving trade networks. This research sheds light on the complex movement of cultural materials in ancient times.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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A novel analytical methodology is proposed to regenerate urban identity around the Egyptian Museum (GEM) as a sustainable cultural heritage landmark, addressing accessibility challenges and slum proximity near the UNESCO-listed Giza Plateau. The approach emphasizes walkability, controlled land use, and urban extension planning to enhance social and environmental impacts while preserving archaeological integrity. By integrating display control and new usage directions, this study aims to establish a unique urban identity for Giza, serving as a reference model for future developments in World Heritage Sites. The methodology balances tourism growth with conservation, ensuring the GEM's role as an effective sustainable landmark.
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
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S̲h̲īs̲h̲ Mah͎al, a jewel of Mughal architecture within Lahore Fort, exemplifies the zenith of decorative arts under Emperor S̲h̲āh Jahan's reign (1628-1658), renowned for its intricate detailing and use of white stone. This analytical study documents the evolution, design, materials, and techniques of these decorative elements, including Pietra-dura, providing a comprehensive baseline for their interpretation. The research also explores transitions in refinement and cross-references historical textual data to contextualize the transformations observed. This work contributes significantly to the understanding of Mughal craftsmanship during its golden era.
Gdynia Modernist City Centre
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A study of mid-sized Polish cities reveals that greenery has a stronger impact on land surface temperature (LST) and urban heat island (UHI) effects than building geometry. Researchers analyzed data from Gdynia and Szczecin using a combination of CAD and GIS tools, incorporating high-resolution topographic and remote sensing datasets. The findings highlight the importance of strategic greenery placement in mitigating temperature discomfort, offering insights for urban planning. This work introduces a standardized data grid that objectively evaluates temperature comfort based on buildings, greenery, and LST, advancing methods for sustainable city design.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2021 —
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Researchers have uncovered significant anatomical details of Aetosauria, a group of early-diverging 'crocodile-line' archosaurs, through the study of an articulated posterior skeleton from the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation in Argentina. The specimen, resembling but not definitively assignable to the genus Aetosauroides, reveals unique features such as robust body structure and a distinct tail morphology. Notably, it displays extensive appendicular armor and a well-preserved caudal ventral carapace, which consists of only two columns of ventral osteoderms and includes a large cloacal vent. The study also identifies a fusion of posterior ventral paramedian osteoderms into a single element, a previously undocumented characteristic in aetosaurs. These findings challenge existing understanding of aetosaur anatomy and paleobiology.
Delos
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A new geological map of the Mykonos-Delos-Rheneia Metamorphic Core Complex (MCC) reveals continuous interactions between a detachment system and a growing pluton, demonstrating how long-term tectonics influence discrete magmatic events. The study identifies a migmatite-cored extensional dome with a 500 m-thick low-angle shear zone (Rheneia Shear Zone), coeval with granitoid intrusions ranging from granodiorite to monzogranite. Structural compatibility between migmatites and the intrusion indicates similar rheological parameters during emplacement, while syn-kinematic stretching in the granites aligns with mylonites below the Livada and Mykonos Detachments. The research integrates field surveys of Rheneia and Delos, structural analysis, and kinematic observations to trace deformation from lower crustal partial melting to late-stage baryte-iron dykes, highlighting a consistent kinematic framework until ~9 Ma.
Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
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A groundbreaking analysis of ancient genomes from the initial Jomon period, spanning 16,000 years ago, reveals that genetic continuity characterized the Japanese archipelago throughout the Jomon era without significant admixture. The study, the first to examine high-quality mitogenome and partial nuclear genome data from skeletal remains in Kyushu Island, found mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome haplogroups similar to those of later Jomon people. This suggests that genetic differentiation among the Jomon population was driven by regionalization rather than external influences. The findings provide critical insights into the temporal and spatial dynamics of early Japanese populations, although further data are needed to fully elucidate their admixture history with rice farmers.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Tiwanaku civilization, which thrived between 500 and 1000 CE in the Lake Titicaca basin, exerted significant long-range influence across the southern Andes without substantial population movements. Analyzing 17 ancient genomes from individuals dated between 300 and 1500 CE, researchers demonstrated genetic continuity in the region, indicating that cultural and political transformations were not accompanied by large-scale migrations. Conversely, the ritual center of Tiwanaku exhibited high genetic diversity, including individuals with local ancestry and those with foreign admixture or origins from distant regions like the Amazon. Most human offerings at the Akapana platform, dating to around 950 CE, showed pure Titicaca basin ancestry, coinciding with the decline of Tiwanaku as a sociopolitical center. These findings underscore Tiwanaku's complex and far-reaching polity.
Gyeongju Historic Areas
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Wolji Pond, part of the UNESCO-listed Gyeongju Historic Areas in Korea, showcases an advanced ancient water purification system that integrates four interconnected stages to ensure stable oxygen supply and efficient water circulation. The study reveals that its strategic design, featuring differently sized islands and a drainage system, demonstrates sophisticated knowledge of hydrodynamics and long-term maintenance considerations. A water quality survey and flow simulation further highlight the pond's uniquely effective approach to preventing stagnation and maintaining water quality. This ancient system offers valuable insights for modern landscape architecture, providing solutions to contemporary water quality challenges while reflecting both practical ingenuity and aesthetic sensibilities.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2021 —
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A comprehensive analysis of ancient spring tunnels in the Jerusalem Hills reveals significant spatial and hydrological patterns, particularly their accessibility to the Old City of Jerusalem. The study, which examined 130 springs—70 with tunnels and 60 without—highlighted a strong correlation between karstic aquifers overlying the Moza geological formation and the development of these tunnels during Iron Age II (8th century BCE). These findings underscore the strategic importance of Jerusalem’s eastern hinterland, aligning with its rich archaeological record. The research employed statistical analysis of 21 parameters across three categories: geological-geomorphological, physical-hydrological, and spatial, providing new insights into the role of spring tunnels in ancient agricultural systems and settlement establishment.
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
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A comprehensive analysis of ancient stone sculptures in Saryarka, Northern Kazakhstan, reveals significant gaps and challenges in the study of Late Bronze Age menhirs and zoomorphic steles. The research, led by A. D. Kasenova and M. K. Suyundikov, builds on the foundational work of A. H. Margulan, who documented numerous such monuments. However, current fieldwork under Zh. Kurmankulov and A. Z. Beisenov indicates a marked decline in these artifacts compared to historical records, highlighting urgent preservation concerns. The study underscores the need for systematic documentation and theoretical analysis to address the understudied nature of these Late Bronze Age monuments, which are critical to understanding the region's cultural heritage.
M'Zab Valley
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The Pentapolis of M'Zab Valley in Algeria represents a unique example of long-standing urban tradition and architectural adaptation, offering insights into the harmonization of ancient practices with modern living. This study highlights the exceptional preservation of five historic ksour settlements within the valley, showcasing their traditional planning structures and climate-adaptive building techniques tailored to the harsh Sahara desert environment. The research emphasizes the resilience of these communities, which have maintained their urban infrastructure and architectural styles for over a millennium, demonstrating sustainable coexistence with their surroundings. By analyzing macro-level urban design and climate adaptation strategies, this work provides a compelling case study for understanding how ancient traditions can endure in the face of modernity.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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Ancient WEF systems demonstrate long-term sustainability and minimal tradeoffs between water, energy, and food. The study highlights two pre-common era examples—Persian qanats and China's Dujiangyan irrigation scheme—that harnessed local resources and expertise to stabilize agriculture in arid regions. Both systems relied on ingenious infrastructure and decentralized governance, devolved decision-making authority to users, which persists today despite modern challenges like climate change. This suggests that historical WEF governance models may offer valuable insights for contemporary sustainability efforts.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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A demand forecasting model for Andong Hahoe Cultural Village demonstrates significant potential using the Bass Diffusion Model. The study found that visitor diffusion aligns positively with the model's logic, as innovation coefficients were lower than imitation coefficients, indicating healthy market growth. Predictive accuracy was high, with peak demand periods closely matching actual data. This suggests the model is robust for tourism demand forecasting in heritage sites. Policy recommendations emphasize optimizing promotional efficiency and strategically targeting new markets to sustain visitor numbers during the rejuvenation phase of Hahoe's lifecycle.
Angkor
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Tourist perceptions of Angkor are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors reporting experiences that exceed expectations due to cultural enrichment and the friendliness of local people. The study categorizes tourists primarily as cultural visitors, whose motives and experiences are deeply intertwined. While overall satisfaction is high, concerns about environmental pollution, sanitation, local poverty, and language barriers were identified, highlighting gaps in communication and infrastructure. This research, based on a survey using standard questionnaires, provides valuable insights into the factors influencing tourist satisfaction at Angkor, underscoring both its appeal as a cultural destination and the challenges that need addressing to enhance visitor experiences.
Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores
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Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage City in the Azores, Portugal, stands as a testament to its historical significance and architectural richness. Established in 1534, it played pivotal roles in Atlantic navigation and Portuguese history. Despite a devastating earthquake in 1980 that reshaped the city, its strict orthogonal street layout and architectural heritage were preserved. This study highlights Angra's dual value: as a historically significant site and a promising destination for cultural tourism, complementing the region's established nature tourism. By analyzing its historical trajectory and architectural preservation, the research underscores its potential to enhance cultural tourism in the Azores, contributing to both local heritage appreciation and economic development.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
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Recent archaeological evidence reveals that camels, horses, donkeys, and mules played a pivotal role in Trans-Saharan trade from at least the 1st millennium BC. Excavations in the Sahara, particularly at Jarma and Aghram Nadharif, alongside sites like Berenice, Leptiminus, and Carthage, demonstrate the widespread use of these animals for transport and traction. Faunal remains, combined with visual evidence such as reliefs and ostraca from Bu Njem, indicate that camels were used contemporaneously with donkeys and mules/horses in pre-Islamic caravan trade, further supported by the size of Mediterranean amphorae found in Garamantian Fazzān. This research significantly enhances our understanding of ancient North African trade networks and the logistical foundations of Saharan connectivity.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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The study reveals that Paraty's urban expansion within the Serra da Bocaina National Park has led to a significant decrease in native vegetation cover, with growth occurring diffusely and without adherence to municipal or park planning. This finding underscores the ineffectiveness of current Master and Management Plans in mitigating anthropic pressure on the Mata Atlântica Biome. Researchers employed geoprocessing tools to analyze land use changes over three time points (2001, 2006, and 2018) using Landsat satellite imagery, alongside a review of planning documents. The results highlight the urgent need for improved management strategies to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site's biodiversity.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
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Groundwater in northeast Jaipur, India, faces significant quantity and quality challenges due to overabstraction and geogenic contamination. A two-year study revealed that while anthropogenic activities primarily reduce groundwater levels, natural sources—such as high nitrate (up to 550 mg/L) and total dissolved solids (TDS >500 mg/L)—dominate water quality issues, with urbanization exacerbating these problems. However, historic reservoirs play a crucial role in improving both quantity and quality by enhancing recharge. The findings suggest that artificial recharge structures could be key to sustainable water supply management, emphasizing the need for groundwater protection in peri-urban areas.
Rock Art of Alta
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Research at the Padjelanta site in northern Sweden reveals a set of stylized anthropomorphic rock engravings that predate Viking Age/Medieval sailing boats, offering new insights into Sámi mythology and ritual practices. These early images, resembling petroglyphs from Alta, goddess motifs on Sami drums, and the Earth Mother figure in Manrlajsmyths, suggest a potential link to the Sámi goddess Máttaráhkká. The study explores possible ritual contexts, including autumn reindeer hunting, human burials, and small-scale quarrying for asbestos and soapstone, providing a tentative hypothesis that connects these images to broader mythological narratives. The research combines archaeological analysis with mythological interpretation to deepen understanding of Sámi cultural traditions.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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Libraries have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in society, information needs, and architectural techniques. A key insight from this study is the direct relationship between library usage and societal acquisition habits, which influences their spatial design and functionality. The research focuses on four ancient libraries—Ephesus Celsus, Pergamon, Alexandria, and Nineveh—evaluating their architectural structures to understand how they adapted to meet the information demands of their respective eras. Using a documentary screening method, the study analyzed literary sources to assess factors influencing library architecture, providing a comparative analysis of these monumental information centers.
Historic Cairo
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Between 1850 and 1890, the commodification of Islamic antiques intensified during the late Ottoman Empire, marked by domestic reforms and increased European influence post-Tanzimat. Mercedes Volait's study traces the social life of objects from Cairo and Damascus to global markets, revealing the complex agencies involved in architectural salvage and historic handicraft trade. The research uncovers how these artifacts influenced private interiors through creative reuse and Revival design, challenging conventional views on Orientalism in art, interior design, and Islamic architecture. By analyzing both local and global engagements with Middle Eastern heritage, Volait highlights the translocation of historic works of art and its broader cultural implications.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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A trial excavation at the Ethiopian Monastery in Jerusalem's Christian Quarter uncovered late Ottoman-era ceramics, offering valuable insights into the material culture of the region during this period. The study, conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in 2017, employed a multidisciplinary approach involving pottery analysis, photogrammetry, and studio photography to document and analyze the findings. These ceramics provide tangible evidence of the Ethiopian community's presence and cultural practices in Jerusalem during the late Ottoman era.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2021 —
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Archaeological excavations at 5 Ha-Degel Street in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City revealed significant pottery and stone artifacts, shedding light on the area's historical layers. Conducted in May 2017 by the Israel Antiquities Authority with Franciscan Custodia de Terra Sancta funding, the trial excavation uncovered remnants dating back to different periods, providing insights into the region's past. The study employed advanced techniques such as photogrammetry and detailed pottery analysis, led by I. Taxel, with contributions from a multidisciplinary team of experts in pottery, glass, metallurgy, numismatics, and photography. These findings enrich our understanding of Jerusalem's complex history and its cultural evolution.
Itchan Kala
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Digital heritage documentation, including aerial and close-range photogrammetry and panoramic photography, provides a systematic approach for assessing the condition and monitoring changes in historic structures. This method is crucial for analyzing deterioration causes and proposing conservation measures, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Itchan Kala and the Historic Centre of Bukhara in Uzbekistan. The study highlights the importance of detailed documentation to overcome challenges posed by inadequate or missing records, enabling effective condition assessments and change tracking.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2021 —
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A mobile informative system, 'Application of the Introduction of Fossil and Artefact Collection in the Preservation Center of Early Man Sangiran Site Cluster Krikilan Based on Android,' has been developed to address the dissemination challenges at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sangiran. This system leverages fossil and artefact collections from the Sangiran Early Man Museum to educate about the site's significant value in human evolution, culture, early fauna, and environments. The application, designed exclusively for Android devices, serves as an introductory tool for the Preservation Center but is currently limited to this platform, excluding iOS and desktop compatibility.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2021 —
WHE609B46DAC6
Geophysical prospecting methods reveal that the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant colonial buildings in the Dominican Republic, is situated on soil classified as 'C'—very dense soil and soft rock—according to NEHRP standards. This classification, determined using Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) techniques, suggests that the site could experience moderate seismic risk during earthquakes greater than 5.0 Mw, common in Hispaniola due to its location between the North American and Caribbean plates. Georadar tests further confirmed the absence of unknown caverns beneath the cathedral's foundation, validating the seismic classification. The study underscores the importance of such methods for assessing the vulnerability of heritage structures in seismically active zones.
Western Tien-Shan
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2021 —
WHEC3F379695E
Research in the Western Tien-Shan reveals that mineral fertilizers significantly enhance soil moisture and growth of forest seedlings, with varying effects depending on species. Pine seedlings showed a 1.2-fold increase in height growth with higher fertilizer doses, while Korolkov’s hawthorn exhibited an even more pronounced response, growing up to 3.2 times faster. The Sievers apple tree demonstrated robust growth under all experimental conditions but still benefited from increased fertilization, with growth rates up to 1.5 times the control. Notably, fertilizers did not significantly retain moisture in the upper soil layers during summer but improved moisture levels in deeper root-inhabited zones, often exceeding the wilting point of 8%. This suggests that strategic fertilizer application could optimize afforestation efforts in arid mountain regions.
