Wadi Rum Protected Area
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2021 —
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A 22-month ethnographic study of the Zalabieh Bedouins in Wadi Rum, Jordan, reveals a dual identity marked by balanced opposition between their role as desert nomads and their integration into state institutions. The research demonstrates how these Bedouins, trusted for their loyalty and integrity, serve in the army and police while simultaneously challenging state authority on key issues. Camel races and tourism emerge as cultural practices that both reinforce Bedouin identity and construct 'otherness,' with a comparative analysis to Balinese cockfights highlighting their symbolic significance. The study also explores how spatial dynamics within the desert environment shape their existential identities, integrating biological, environmental, and social dimensions.
Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
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2021 —
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Recent surveys of the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site, Ireland, have uncovered a diverse array of late Neolithic ritual and ceremonial structures, including earthen henges, square-in-circle monuments, palisaded enclosures, and pit/post-alignments. These discoveries, made possible by advanced non-invasive technologies like LiDAR and geophysical surveys, as well as the 2018 drought-induced cropmarks, reveal a landscape of extraordinary diversity yet architectural commonality with earlier passage tombs. The findings suggest both parallels with British Neolithic traditions and insular developments unique to Brú na Bóinne, offering new insights into the later Neolithic period without relying on excavation.
Iguazu National Park
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2021 —
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National parks in Brazil and Argentina emerged not as isolated conservation efforts but as products of complex interactions between conservation goals and colonial legacies. Unlike the 'Yellowstone Model,' which prioritized pristine wilderness, these parks reflected local political, social, and ecological dynamics. Kaltmeier and Freitas analyze how Iguazu National Park, straddling the Brazil-Argentina border, exemplifies this entangled history, blending indigenous land use, scientific conservation, and geopolitical interests. Their review synthesizes two books—Kaltmeier's <em>National Parks from North to South</em> and Freitas' <em>Nationalizing Nature</em>—revealing how colonial narratives shaped modern conservation practices in the region.
Rock Carvings in Tanum
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Rock carvings in Tanum, Sweden, traditionally linked to agrarian settlements due to their proximity to clay-soil plains, are now understood as markers of seasonal maritime interactions during the Bronze Age. A comprehensive shoreline study revealed that many of these plains were submerged sea bottoms, challenging long-held assumptions about land use. Reanalyzing rock art panels and surrounding terrain demonstrated that carvings were often placed near contemporary shores, suggesting a ritual significance tied to maritime activities. This reinterpretation shifts focus from terrestrial settlement patterns to the social and cultural dynamics of coastal communities during this period.
Western Tien-Shan
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2021 —
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Bioclimatic modeling reveals that the distribution of <em>Tulipa kaufmanniana</em>, an endemic tulip species in the Western Tien-Shan, is closely tied to the mountain system's boundaries in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The study identifies optimal climatic conditions for this species as sufficient temperature and annual precipitation, providing critical insights into its ecological requirements. Researchers used MaxEnt and ArcGIS software to analyze past, current, and future potential distributions, offering a data-driven understanding of how climate factors shape the habitat suitability of this endemic plant.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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2021 —
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Biocrusts (BC) inside and outside Mimosa luisana resource islands (M. luisana-RI) act as reservoirs for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), harboring 12 species compared to just five in open areas, while also protecting AMF from environmental stressors. Seasonal variations suggest water availability drives AMF assemblages. The study found that BC, particularly outside M. luisana-RI, buffer soil AMF loss, forming potential mycorrhizal inocula. Researchers analyzed spore abundance, species richness, and propagation potential in both rainy and dry seasons using laboratory and greenhouse experiments.
Monastery of Batalha
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Lichens significantly contribute to the biodeterioration of limestone at Batalha Monastery, Portugal, through mechanical penetration and chemical dissolution. The study used advanced microscopy (OM, LV-SEM + EDS) and X-ray micro-diffractometry (μ-XRD) to analyze stone fragments, while NGS metagenomic DNA testing identified bacterial communities within biofilms. Air quality monitoring revealed that sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus-rich pollutants may fuel microbial growth, exacerbating limestone degradation. This research highlights the complex interplay between biological colonization and environmental factors in cultural heritage preservation.
Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
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2021 —
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Research on the Salón de Reinos, part of the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain, reveals significant biodeterioration driven by microbial activity. The study identified 10 bacterial and 14 fungal strains from deteriorated paintings, with proteolytic and lipolytic activities being the most prevalent metabolic functions. While less common, some isolates also exhibited gypsum and calcite solubilization, as well as acid production. These findings highlight the complex interplay between microbial colonization and environmental factors like humidity in degrading historical artworks.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2021 —
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A phytosociological study of Wadi Al-Quf Nursery Reserve, located northwest of Hebron in Palestine, identified 82 plant species, including 16 endemic ones (19.51%), distributed across 90 vegetation plots. The research, employing Braun-Blanquet methodology and Salvador Rivas Martínez's land classification, revealed three novel plant associations and alliances within the reserve, which spans arid to sub-humid climates influenced by Mediterranean, Negev, Sinai Desert, and Red Sea regions. Cluster analysis distinguished two major groups: one representing climatophilous forests, shrublands, and copses, and another dominated by pino copses, both shaped by climatic factors. This study highlights the reserve's significant biodiversity and its transitional ecological position.
Santiniketan
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2021 —
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A significant biogas potential was identified from kitchen waste at Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, offering a viable solution for waste management and energy generation. The study assessed waste types in university hostels to estimate total in-campus biogas potential, prioritizing ecological justice and economic feasibility. By analyzing kitchen waste data, researchers conceptualized a model that could integrate into social cost-minimization frameworks and carbon budgets, addressing both environmental and economic challenges posed by waste generation.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
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2021 —
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A comprehensive analysis of sea catfish (Ariidae) populations in West African estuarine, lagoon, and coastal ecosystems reveals significant ecological insights. The study, conducted across multiple sites including the Banc d'Arguin National Park, identified three dominant species: <em>Carlarius latiscutatus</em>, <em>Carlarius parkii</em>, and <em>Carlarius heudelotii</em>. <em>C. latiscutatus</em> accounted for 65% of samples, while <em>C. parkii</em> and <em>C. heudelotii</em> made up 29% and 6%, respectively. These species exhibit high environmental tolerance, thriving in salinity ranges from 0 to 50, temperatures between 19 and 34°C, and depths of 1.7 to 15 meters. Notably, <em>C. heudelotii</em> was found in less saline, cooler, and less transparent waters compared to the other two species. The study also estimated first maturity sizes for females (27–28 cm for <em>C. latiscutatus</em>) and documented rare cases of oral incubation by females. Diet analysis confirmed their role as generalist predators, consuming crustaceans, fish, and mollusks. This research, based on data collected from 1980 to 2013, provides critical baseline information for understanding the biology and ecology of these exploited species in West African waters.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2021 —
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Research in Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, reveals that species richness in grasslands and wetlands peaks at specific biomass levels, forming humped-back curves. Maximum diversity occurs at 750 g/m² for grasslands and 2000 g/m² for wetlands, with litter identified as a key factor limiting richness in highly productive ecosystems. The study analyzed eight grassland and five wetland types, examining relationships between total aboveground biomass, litter, and species diversity across productivity gradients. These findings provide critical insights for conservation strategies, balancing productivity with biodiversity to sustain ecosystem health.
Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija
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2021 —
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Researchers have developed a biomonitoring method using tree barks to differentiate between gaseous and particulate mercury (Hg) species in atmospheric samples, addressing a critical gap in existing Hg monitoring techniques. The study, conducted around the Almadén mining site in Spain, found that while leaves of Platanus hispanica bioaccumulated only gaseous Hg (Hg0 and Hg2+) during daylight hours, barks accumulated both total gaseous mercury (TGM) and particulate-bound mercury (PBM) day and night. By merging data from leaves and barks, the team created indicative maps delineating primary sources of TGM and PBM emissions in the urban area, offering a comprehensive approach to Hg biospeciation that complements existing monitoring systems. This method enhances risk assessment capabilities by providing detailed atmospheric Hg speciation data, which could be further validated across diverse environmental contexts.
Göbekli Tepe
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Göbekli Tepe, the world's oldest known place of worship, has undergone significant changes since its discovery, transforming from a local site into a globally recognized tourist destination. This shift has alienated the local population, severing their deep-rooted connection to the site and threatening the continuity of their ancestral beliefs, rituals, and cultural heritage. The study reveals that while Göbekli Tepe's reimagining as a commercialized tourist attraction has drawn visitors from around the world, it has simultaneously marginalized the region's inhabitants, turning them into 'others' in their own land. Through qualitative research involving interviews with 20 participants from six villages near Göbekli Tepe, the study highlights the social and spatial disconnection experienced by locals, who now view the site as a foreign space dominated by tourism rather than a meaningful cultural landmark.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2021 —
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Brazil, home to the highest bird diversity in the Americas, faces significant challenges with 166 threatened species. However, targeted conservation efforts—including the establishment of protected areas (79,500 hectares), private land initiatives, and direct species management—have shown promise in reversing this trend. Notable successes include population recovery for the Hyacinth Macaw in the Pantanal region and ongoing reintroduction programs for the critically endangered Spix's Macaw. Community engagement, bolstered by platforms like WikiAves and eBird, has filled critical knowledge gaps while fostering societal awareness. Despite political hurdles, integrated conservation strategies backed by scientific data and public participation offer hope for mitigating Brazil’s alarming status as a global hotspot for bird endangerment.
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
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2021 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of bird remains from the Sima del Elefante site, dating back 1.1 to 1.5 million years, reveals critical insights into the paleoenvironmental conditions during the arrival of the first Europeans in the Iberian Peninsula. The study, which examines nearly 10,000 avian remains representing at least 26 taxa, identifies the oldest records of several bird species in the region, including the Imperial Eagle and Corvus pliocaenus. The assemblage suggests a dominant open environment with minor woodlands and water bodies, aligning with previous proxy data. This research provides evidence that the first humans inhabited under Mediterranean climate conditions, which gradually deteriorated as reflected by avian turnover in later Pleistocene assemblages.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
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A study of the Lalitavistara relief panels at Borobudur Temple reveals 22 bird species, including the Green Peafowl and Rock Dove, each carrying distinct symbolic meanings. The research analyzed 120 panels, identifying birds based on morphology, behavior, and habitat preferences, while contextualizing them within the narrative of the reliefs. These findings suggest that birds not only serve as artistic decoration but also convey deeper cultural significance, potentially indicating time markers or geographical settings through their natural behaviors. This new perspective enriches the interpretation of Borobudur's intricate storytelling.
The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
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2021 —
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New archival evidence challenges the long-held belief that Bishop Vincenzo Arrigoni commissioned Filippo Zaniberti’s altarpiece for Šibenik Cathedral. Analysis of Lucija Ivetić’s 1626 will and 1635 acquisition records from Venice reveals the altarpiece was likely commissioned by a different patron, despite shared origins with Arrigoni and Zaniberti in Brescia. This discovery reshapes understanding of post-Tridentine artistic patronage in Šibenik, highlighting the need for rigorous archival scrutiny to avoid attributional assumptions based on regional connections.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2021 —
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Black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) demonstrate advanced cognitive navigation skills, adapting mental maps similar to humans by integrating route-based knowledge with spatial awareness. Researchers tracked five groups of these endangered primates for a year in Palenque National Park, Mexico, observing their movements across 91.5 km over 250 days. Unlike simulated random movement models, the monkeys consistently revisited specific routes and fruit trees from select directions, suggesting they use mental maps that incorporate both familiar paths and knowledge of distances and directions to navigate efficiently. This study highlights the complex cognitive abilities of black howler monkeys in their natural habitat, offering insights into their foraging strategies and spatial memory.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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Archaeological evidence of musical activity in the Andean highlands of Bolivia, particularly at Tiwanaku, is scarce compared to that from early Peruvian coastal cultures. A 17th-century creation myth by Bernabe Cobo describes humans being fashioned from mud at Tiwanaku, each endowed with language to sing their multiplicity of songs. The study explores the cultural and historical context of musical traditions in Bolivia, highlighting the influence of the Inka Empire's expansion around 1450, which introduced Quechua-speaking groups into key regions like Cochabamba and Tarija. Additionally, it examines the role of Jesuit missions in promoting European-style music while sometimes adapting indigenous instruments to suit new musical styles.
The Porticoes of Bologna
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Late Quattrocento Bologna emerged as a unique center of artistic expression, where the city's ancient university became a catalytic force for visual culture. Through collaborative efforts between artists and scholars, a distinct Bolognese iconographic tradition developed, celebrating the scholar as both an heir to ancient knowledge and a nurturer of future generations. This study reveals how artists like Francesco Francia, Lorenzo Costa, Marcantonio Raimondi, and Amico Aspertini engaged with university discourse, integrating humanist literature, city chronicles, and scholarly treatises into their works. The research employs iconographic analysis alongside historical and literary sources to demonstrate the deep interconnection between picture-making and academic scholarship during the Bentivoglio era (1463–1512).
Viking-Age Ring Fortresses
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Archaeological excavations and surveys at Borgring, Denmark, have uncovered the fifth Viking-Age ring fortress with Trelleborg-like geometry and construction, revealing a strategic network of fortifications. Unlike its counterparts, Borgring exhibits distinct features while maintaining key similarities in design and location. Radiocarbon dating (wiggle-matched 14C) confirms its chronological placement within the Viking Age. Artifacts, including beads, ornaments, and iron tools, provide insights into military activities and trade links with other fortress sites.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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2021 —
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Black coral forests, previously thought to be rare and limited to Isla del Coco, have been discovered in multiple sites within the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG) in Costa Rica's north Pacific. This study identifies two dominant species, <em>Myriopathes panamensis</em> and <em>Antipathes galapagensis</em>, with distinct depth distributions: <em>M. panamensis</em> thrives between 15-35 meters, while <em>A. galapagensis</em> is found at 30-45 meters. The research involved visual censuses and laboratory analysis of samples to characterize these ecosystems, revealing no significant morphological variations compared to other regions. Associated fauna, including the anemone <em>Nemanthus californicus</em>, bivalve <em>Pteria sterna</em>, and longnose hawkfish <em>Oxycirrhithes typus</em>, were documented but require further study to understand their ecological roles. The findings underscore the ACG's critical role in marine biodiversity conservation, particularly for these understudied antipatharian ecosystems.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
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Botanic gardens serve as vital living repositories, conserving over 80,000 plant species globally through approximately 6.13 million accessions. These institutions play a crucial role in conservation, research, display, and education, with notable examples including the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in India, the Royal Botanic Garden in Australia (the oldest in the country), and the Missouri Botanical Garden in the U.S., which houses around 51,000 live plants. Established in 1859 by the Ari–Horticultural Society, the Singapore Botanic Gardens exemplifies this global network of botanical gardens, contributing significantly to biodiversity preservation and scientific study.
Rock Drawings in Valcamonica
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Rock art in the Valcamonica region prominently features depictions of alpine animals such as bouquetins (a type of wild goat) and chamois, spanning from the Epipaleolithic to Protohistoric periods. These representations highlight the enduring significance of wildlife in prehistoric Alpine art, offering insights into ancient human-animal interactions and cultural practices. The study employs a chronological analysis of zoomorphic imagery across phases, revealing consistent themes that reflect both ecological and symbolic dimensions of these animals in past societies.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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Bourbon-Era Mission Reform reveals that the Spanish colonial strategy of congregating indigenous populations into European-style mission communities led to significant demographic collapse due to resistance and disease. The study examines the implementation of a new mission model in the Sierra Gorda, Baja California, among the Guarani in South America, and with the Chumash in California, focusing on the grid-based urban planning, congregation processes, and their consequences. This approach, aimed at rapid integration into colonial society, proved detrimental to indigenous populations, highlighting the unintended impacts of colonial policies.
Historic Centre of Urbino
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Donato Bramante, celebrated for his architectural prowess during the High Renaissance, is recognized for pioneering painted façades that blend complex spatial illusions with artistic innovation. His work, rooted in the humanistic traditions of Urbino and influenced by Piero della Francesca, Melozzo da Forlì, and Mantegna, introduced a renewed perspective to Lombardy's artistic landscape upon his relocation from Urbino to Milan. Bramante's approach, characterized by collaborative efforts among architects, designers, and painters, established him as a key figure in 15th-century art, merging the cultural heritage of Urbino with Paduan-Mantegnesque techniques. This study highlights Bramante's dual role as an architect and painter, underscoring his foundational impact on Renaissance artistic and architectural development.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2021 —
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A comparative analysis of Çatalhöyük (Turkey) and Tell Sabi Abyad (Syria) challenges the assumption that spatial continuity of houses is essential for Neolithic social depth. Both sites, once seen as opposites—one densely agglomerated and the other dispersed—share patterns of breaks in settlement continuity, suggesting that social anchors to the past can be constructed in diverse ways. The study reinterprets archaeological evidence to highlight how discontinuities, often overlooked, shaped settlements and societies. By integrating spatial analysis with social theory, it argues that direct house continuity is not the sole means for maintaining temporal depth.
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
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Fertility control can effectively reduce overabundant koala populations to sustainable levels, even when compensatory breeding mechanisms may partially offset its effects. A study analyzing data from two management programs—one using surgical sterilization and the other levonorgestrel implants—found that both methods successfully lowered population densities in Budj Bim National Park (Victoria) and Kangaroo Island (South Australia). The research revealed that female koalas' breeding success is strongly influenced by body condition, with sexual maturity determined by age and body weight rather than reproductive experience. Reduced population density likely decreased intraspecific competition for food and territory, leading to increased breeding success in untreated individuals at one site. Despite these compensatory responses, sustained fertility control remains a viable long-term strategy, provided annual targets are met. The study also supports levonorgestrel implants as the preferred method due to their lower invasiveness and cost-effectiveness.
Western Caucasus
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2021 —
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Research identifies bridges as valuable geoheritage viewpoints, offering unique perspectives of geological and geomorphological features that enhance comprehension and tourism. In the Western Caucasus, eleven bridges were assessed using a novel semiquantitative approach, revealing two with high utility for geotourism. While accessibility varies due to permissions and fees, these bridge-based viewpoints contribute significantly to optimal route planning and sustainable geotourism development.
Group of Monuments at Hampi
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A critical re-evaluation of the 'heritage vs. development' narrative at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS), reveals that the conflict was not rooted in local discourses but in the expert gaze. While heritage experts and agencies framed the controversy as an opposition between conservation and developmental needs—often typecasting locals as ignorant advocates for development—the study demonstrates that residents sought bridges to connect their historical contributions to the Vijayanagara Empire's legacy, challenging the binary opposition. Through ethnographic fieldwork and archival analysis spanning nearly three decades, the research exposes how expert perspectives perpetuated dissonance, suggesting that heritage-development conflicts are often constructed rather than inherent.
Agra Fort
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A rare firsthand account from Fanny Parkes reveals the cultural and political dynamics of Mughal India during the early 19th century, particularly focusing on Agra Fort. Her extensive travels across northern India, facilitated by her husband's employment with an ice company, allowed her to observe Hindu festivals in Banaras, Muslim Muharram processions, and elite marriages, providing invaluable primary source material. Parkes also documented British misconduct, including the irreverence toward the Taj Mahal and the sale of Mughal artifacts from Agra Fort, alongside a claimed discovery of a secret grave within the palace. Her observations highlight the decline of the Mughal dynasty under British rule, offering a poignant narrative of cultural erasure and political adversity.
Chavin (Archaeological Site)
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The Inca Empire's expansion was marked by remarkable cultural flexibility, knitting together diverse environmental and cultural landscapes into the Tawantinsuyu—'the four parts together.' This study highlights that Chavin de Huantar served as a pivotal site for interregional connections, driven not by state bureaucracy but by the spread of a religious cult. It traces the evolution of Andean prehistory, from highland sites like Chavin to coastal societies such as the Nasca and Moche, emphasizing the Inca Empire's development from a long history of social complexity. A notable aspect explored is the enduring influence of deceased rulers within Inca society.
Western Caucasus
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Researchers have identified distinct broad-leaved forest communities in the North-Western Caucasus, proposing new suballiances and syntaxa within the alliance Crataego–Carpinion caucasicae. Using 224 relevés collected between 2014 and 2018, they applied Braun-Blanquet classification and DCA-ordination to analyze species composition in relation to environmental variables such as elevation, geographical coordinates, and tree canopy density. The study found that forests in this region, characterized by species like Carpinus betulus, Quercus petraea/hartwissiana/robur, and Fraxinus excelsior, exhibit unique floristic differences compared to similar forests in Central Caucasus, Turkey, the Balkans, and Crimea. These differences are influenced by elevation and longitude, with higher diversity observed in associations like Aro maculati–Carpinetum betuli and Abies nordmanniana–Carpinus betulus communities. The research also clarifies the classification of these forests within the order Carpinetalia betuli, emphasizing their distinctiveness from related forest types.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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Researchers have identified <em>Bromus husainii</em>, a new species of brome grass within the Poaceae family, discovered in Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand, India. This species is distinguished by its rhizomatous habit, purple-tinged spikelets, and unique heteromorphic inflorescence structure with a band of hairs on its collar—a characteristic not found in related species like <em>B. confinis</em>. The discovery highlights the park's rich biodiversity and contributes to the understanding of bromes in this UNESCO-listed region. The study employed morphological analysis to differentiate <em>B. husainii</em> from other bromes, emphasizing its robust spikelets as a key distinguishing feature.
Trans-Iranian Railway
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British imperial officials envisioned trans-Iranian railway projects as more than strategic tools; they aimed to reshape space transimperially by linking Europe with Asia through railways and steamships, positioning Iran as a pivotal corridor between East and West. This civilizational project sought to revive Iran's historical role, transcending mere geopolitical interests. The study examines pre-World War I proposals, revealing how these officials framed their ambitions in the language of progress and cultural revival.
The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales
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A previously undescribed building stone for Caernarfon has been identified, expanding the understanding of quarry operations and stone sources in North West Wales. This study re-examines the use of specific stones in Edward I's Castles by identifying identical materials in later buildings, providing broader insights into their periods of operation and the local character defined by these stones. The research also summarizes building stones used in major settlements like Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, Beaumaris, Bangor, Y Felinheli, and Porthmadog, along with notable structures such as St Beuno's Church, slate barons' 'castles,' the Cob at Porthmadog, and key bridges. By analyzing stone materials across time and space, this work reconstructs historical quarrying practices and their impact on the architectural identity of the region.
Virunga National Park
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SOCO International's oil exploration activities in Virunga National Park sparked unprecedented global backlash. The study highlights the ethical and operational challenges faced by multinational corporations when balancing profit motives with conservation imperatives in ecologically sensitive regions. Using a case study approach, the research examines SOCO's 20-year trajectory of navigating high-risk environments while delivering investor returns—culminating in intense controversy over its operations in Virunga's biodiversity-rich landscape. The analysis underscores the complex intersections of corporate strategy, environmental governance, and public perception in protected areas.
Historic Cairo
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A revitalized courtyard garden, or Bustan, at Bayt Yakan in Historic Cairo demonstrates how sustainable urban design can restore both climatic and social functions of historic buildings. This initiative re-engages the community in gardening while harmonizing with the site's heritage context. By selecting native plants and integrating local economic partnerships, the project not only revives traditional oasis-like courtyards but also aligns with UNESCO’s Heritage Urban Living (HUL) approach to preserve Cairo’s cultural landscape. The design balances ecological, aesthetic, and social dimensions, offering a model for regenerating abandoned heritage structures in arid urban settings.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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A recent survey of butterfly biodiversity on Isla Socorro, Mexico—a volcanic island in the UNESCO-listed Revillagigedo Archipelago—reveals that five of the eight previously recorded species remain present, while a new species, <em>Pyrisitia lisa centralis</em>, has established itself since the last study over 30 years ago. The research, conducted in November 2019, also used DNA barcoding to support the taxonomic status of the endemic hairstreak <em>Strymon istapa socorroica</em>. Meanwhile, the island's habitat recovery post-feral sheep eradication in 2012 may have benefited butterfly populations, though further sampling is needed to confirm whether three previously recorded species are now extinct. The study highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of this unique ecosystem.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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A reexamination of shell artifacts from Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, particularly those from the significant Beaded Burial at Mound 72, reveals new insights into the craftsmanship and symbolic significance of these objects. The study identifies a decline in bead crafting over time and proposes that porcupine quills or similar biological materials were used as drill tips for columella beads, a method applicable to stone and bone beads as well. Additionally, paired shell artifact emplacements within Mound 72 mirror the ritual significance of paired human interments from the Beaded Burial, suggesting these artifacts served as symbolic conduits of human spirits and power. The research also clarifies that previously identified gorgets are actually shell cups, with one notably large example, likely sourced from the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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Researchers have identified <em>Calamagrostis nandadeviensis</em>, a new grass species belonging to the Poaceae family, found in India's Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks. This discovery expands the diversity of the <em>Calamagrostis</em> genus, with <em>C. nandadeviensis</em> distinguished by its deeply bifid palea and fused lodicules, setting it apart from related species like <em>C. lahulensis</em> and <em>C. scabrescens</em>. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions, distribution data, habitat insights, and biotic associations, supported by illustrations and comparative photographs. This finding contributes to the understanding of grass biodiversity in the region, particularly within UNESCO-listed ecosystems.
Galápagos Islands
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The 2018 eruption of Sierra Negra volcano in the Galápagos Islands revealed a unique caldera resurgence mechanism, where prolonged magma supply to a shallow reservoir drove significant uplift and seismicity over 13 years. Despite co-eruptive subsidence of up to 8.5 meters, the inner-caldera experienced permanent resurgence of 1.5 meters due to trapdoor faulting. This study combines multiparametric data to demonstrate how intra-caldera faulting influences resurgence and eruption dynamics in the absence of well-developed rift systems, providing new insights into volcanic behavior in shield volcanoes.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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A study employing camera traps in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, uncovered that water-filled tree holes (dendrotelmata) serve as critical resources for 21 bird and 9 mammal species. These species utilize dendrotelmata primarily for foraging and drinking, with a notable increase in drinking behavior among birds during the dry season. The study highlights the multifaceted use of these natural water sources across different seasons, providing insights into the ecological significance of dendrotelmata in neotropical forests.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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Cultural policies and knowledge production serve as powerful tools for decolonization, enabling marginalized Indigenous and Afro-diasporic communities to reclaim their narratives, demand rights, and challenge historical silencing. This study demonstrates that such strategies can transform heritage discourse, as seen in the recognition of Tava (Guarani) and Quilombola agricultural systems in Brazil. By analyzing institutional interactions and knowledge systems, it reveals how these processes intersect with broader heritage policies, including UNESCO-listed sites like the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis. The research highlights the potential for plural narratives to reshape cultural production, offering a model for overcoming colonial legacies.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain
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The Camino Francés, spanning nearly 800 kilometers through Spain, is part of a vast network of pilgrimage routes that have attracted travelers from across Europe and beyond for over a millennium. This study highlights the European dimension of the Camino de Santiago, tracing its historical significance as one of the three major Christian pilgrimages since the 9th century. It reveals that pilgrims from diverse regions—including Germany, Scandinavia, France, England, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Armenia—have contributed to the route's enduring legacy. The research approach combines historical analysis with a focus on the transnational nature of these paths, emphasizing their role in cultural and spiritual exchange.
The Roças of Sao Tome and Principe: Colonial Agricultural System and Forced Migration
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2021 —
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São Tomé and Príncipe remains deeply entrenched in an agrarian-export economy, marked by subsistence agriculture that perpetuates rural poverty despite the decline of sugar as its dominant cash crop. While coffee and cocoa emerged as key exports in the 19th century, the archipelago has failed to diversify or industrialize, leaving its rural population dependent on a fragile market for survival. A field study in Monte Café (2018–2019) reveals how weak state capacity post-independence solidified this precarious model, with nearly all rural households trapped in poverty due to limited economic opportunities and underdeveloped infrastructure.
Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
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2021 —
WHE2F16D1F814
East African rift basalts, particularly those in the Kenya rift, show significant potential for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration through mineral carbonation. This study identifies 19 basalt groups with thicknesses ranging from a few meters to 1500 meters, offering efficient geological storage due to their divalent mineral content and proximity to stationary CO2 sources. The research assesses four key parameters: water availability, subsurface temperature, permeability and porosity of the target formation, and accessibility to geothermal systems. The central Kenya rift is ranked as the most suitable region for CO2 sequestration, followed by the northern and southern regions. However, challenges such as toxic gas emissions, leakage risks, induced seismicity, and economic costs must be addressed. This study provides a foundation for identifying viable carbon sequestration areas that could mitigate climate change impacts.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2021 —
WHE3D54E18BB3
Geographical Indications, such as the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for bouchot mussels from the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, can effectively promote sustainable shellfish farming. The study found that the PDO framework, with its inclusive process and institutional support, has provided a suitable structure for implementing environmentally responsible mussel farming practices in the bay. However, to further strengthen the legitimacy and market protection of the PDO label, more adaptive management is recommended. This research involved a retrospective analysis of the PDO application process, focusing on environmental and regulatory challenges, and a comparative assessment with other labelling strategies like organic certification. The study evaluated sustainability across economic, environmental, and governance dimensions, highlighting the potential of PDO to address growing market demands for environmentally preserved marine products while also noting inconsistencies among EU labelling schemes.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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2021 —
WHE2845E703DE
Establishing a geopark in Abu Roash, located just 9 km north of the Great Pyramids of Giza, could significantly benefit the local community by promoting geoeducational opportunities and geotourism. A detailed field study mapped potential areas for the geopark, while a questionnaire assessed stakeholders' knowledge and attitudes toward geoheritage and geopark establishment. The research suggests that integrating geotourism with existing ancient Egyptian sites in the region could provide substantial economic advantages to residents of Abu Roash City. This proposed geopark would be the first in metropolitan Cairo, offering both scientific and public engagement while expanding Egypt's geotourism sector.
