Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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2021 —
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A comparative analysis of mosque entry hierarchies within the Tabriz Grand Bazaar and Qaysari Bazaar of Isfahan reveals distinct spatial and functional organization patterns. The study identifies key differences in architectural and social dimensions, highlighting how these mosques serve as focal points for community interaction and religious practice. By employing a structured approach that examines entry sequences, spatial layouts, and symbolic elements, the research provides insights into the cultural and historical significance of these heritage sites. This work contributes to the understanding of Islamic architectural traditions and their adaptive use in urban bazaar contexts.
Virunga National Park
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2021 —
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A study comparing landscape changes at Virunga National Park, East Africa, from 1990 to 2018 reveals that human activities are the primary drivers of transformation, particularly in central and northern regions. The research highlights how volcanic eruptions reshaped 8.36 km² of the park into new lava flows, while grasslands and shrublands also underwent significant changes due to volcanic plumes and gas emissions. Using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS), the study analyzed Landsat images and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data to assess these dynamics. The findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate human impacts and volcanic effects on protected areas, serving as a baseline for future management efforts.
Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice
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2021 —
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A comparison of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data reveals distinct advantages for mapping ice-marginal lakes at the southern margin of Vatnajökull, Iceland. While Sentinel-1's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) proved superior in detecting the number of such lakes, Sentinel-2's optical data excelled in delineating their boundaries with precision. This study, conducted between 2016 and 2020 using object-based image analysis and time series, underscores the complementary strengths of these satellite datasets for glaciological and geomorphological studies, as well as hazard assessment. The findings highlight the potential of integrating both optical and SAR data to enhance monitoring efforts in dynamic glacial environments.
Grand Canyon National Park
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Helicopter surveys outperform aerial thermal infrared (TIR) imagery for estimating bison populations in dense canopy cover areas, offering more accurate results at a fraction of the cost. A study comparing TIR and helicopter surveys on the Powell Plateau in Grand Canyon National Park found that TIR surveys detected fewer bison (101 to 127 individuals) and were 367% more expensive than helicopter surveys. The TIR estimate was also 18.8% lower than a larger dataset of helicopter detections, while the helicopter survey was only 9.3% lower. Despite limitations, this research suggests that current methods for bison abundance estimation in such environments favor helicopters due to their balance of accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Further investigation is needed to assess these techniques in more open landscapes.
Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
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Electric drive significantly reduces external costs compared to diesel and LNG when powered by renewable energy, despite higher fuel cost savings with LNG. A study on the Kamenari–Lepatane ro-ro ferry route in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor found that while switching to liquefied natural gas (LNG) offers greater economic benefits, electric propulsion using renewables minimizes environmental impacts. The research analyzed total fuel costs and externalities—such as emissions and health effects—assuming full internalization of external costs. These findings underscore the importance of renewable energy adoption in maritime transport to align with global emission reduction trends and regulations.
Virgin Komi Forests
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A study comparing the ground cover and soil chemical composition of two distinct fir-spruce forest types—bilberry-feathermoss (BFM) on podzols and boreal tall herb (BTH) on brown soils—in the Pechora-Ilych State Nature Reserve, Northern Urals, revealed significant differences in plant species composition and nutrient accumulation. BTH forests exhibited a higher proportion of nemoral and nitrophilous species while lacking 28% of the boreal species found in BFM forests. Nutrient analysis showed that Mg, Zn, Mn, and Al were accumulated in both shoot and root systems, whereas Ca, K, S, and P were primarily stored in roots. The chemical composition varied by plant functional group and forest type, with tall herbs in BTH forests showing the highest levels of Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, and S. Soil analysis indicated that brown soils had 50% higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Zn, P, and S compared to podzols, attributed to litter fall rich in Al and Fe. This research highlights the ecological significance of soil type and plant community structure on nutrient dynamics in these UNESCO-listed forests.
Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor
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2021 —
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Old recovered primary forests at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Selangor Forest Park exhibit significantly higher stumpage values compared to young recovered forests, underscoring the long-term economic and ecological benefits of reforestation. The study estimated stumpage values for four fields—two representing old (72–93 years) and two representing young recovered primary forests—using residual value techniques. Findings revealed that the stumpage value of older forests surpassed those of other Malaysian forest reserves, highlighting FRIM's unique status as a nearly 100-year-old artificial forest. This research not only quantifies the monetary richness of FRIM's biodiversity but also supports its bid for UNESCO World Heritage recognition by demonstrating the universal value of man-made forests in conservation efforts.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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Stakeholders in Gjirokastra, Albania, show strong interest in developing cheese tourism as part of the Cheese Road, a niche culinary tourism route. This study reveals that local inhabitants prioritize culinary experiences, particularly cheese-related ones, for tourism growth. Using descriptive statistics on questionnaire data, researchers identified both potential and obstacles to implementing this initiative. The findings highlight cheese tourism's significance in leveraging Gjirokastra's rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, offering a model for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites seeking sustainable culinary tourism development.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2021 —
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Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genome of Chondria tumulosa, a red alga from Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll) within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The genome spans 172,617 base pairs and encodes 231 genes, including protein-coding, transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, and non-coding RNA genes, mirroring the structure of other Rhodomelaceae family members. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that C. tumulosa is a distinct species within the Chondrieae tribe, representing an early diverging lineage relative to other known Chondria species. This discovery sheds light on the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of red algae in this region, with potential implications for understanding invasive traits.
Aldabra Atoll
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Research on Rhizophora mangroves in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) reveals distinct long-distance dispersal routes shaped by ocean currents and historical migration events. Using chloroplast genome analysis, scientists identified three major haplogroups of Rhizophora mucronata, with haplogroup A showing ancient origins in the Seychelles and eastern Madagascar, while haplogroup B indicates a recent expansion from northern Madagascar toward the African mainland. Haplogroup C, found south of Delagoa Bight, suggests a unique bottleneck dispersal event. The study also highlights spatial haplotype diversity at Aldabra Atoll, with nuclear ribosomal RNA variants confirming admixtures in the Seychelles and Aldabra. These findings provide critical insights into the origins and connectivity patterns of R. mucronata, offering valuable information for marine conservation efforts across the WIO.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
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2021 —
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Complex small-holder agroforestry in the buffer zone of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lankasupports higher abundance and diversity of endemic birds compared to tea plantations or forest fragments. The study found that tree gardens, characterized by multi-strata vegetation, hosted more bird species across various ecological traits than other land-use types. While forest fragments and tree gardens showed similar overall bird abundance, their species assemblages differed significantly. Additionally, increased shade tree richness in tea plots correlated with greater bird diversity. This research underscores the potential for small-scale agroforestry to enhance biodiversity conservation within protected area buffer zones, offering a practical model for sustainable land management.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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Historical bazaars, such as Tabriz's Amir Complex, exhibit resilience shaped by their physical-functional dimensions. This study identifies key components—including spatial organization, structural integrity, and adaptive reuse—that underpin the enduring functionality of these heritage spaces. By analyzing the Amir Complex, researchers reveal how its layered architectural features, from open-air corridors to enclosed workshops, facilitate both economic activity and cultural continuity. The findings underscore the importance of preserving functional adaptability in historic bazaars to sustain their social and economic roles. This approach combines spatial analysis with historical documentation, offering a model for assessing resilience in UNESCO-listed sites.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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A comprehensive study of the Perequê-Açu river basin in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reveals significant insights into its ichthyofaunal diversity. The research identified 23 native fish species across seven orders and ten families, with Cyprinodontiformes and Siluriformes dominating the composition, accounting for 87.2% of the total abundance. Notably, Phalloceros anisophallos and Schizolecis guntheri contributed to 63.2% of the sampled individuals. The study found that fish composition varies significantly across different sub-basins, with the Sertões River sub-basin exhibiting the highest species diversity (18 species). Additionally, approximately 78.3% of the drainage's species are residents, with a notable concentration in the Carrasquinho River sub-basin. The research utilized twelve sampling campaigns and employed statistical analyses such as PERMANOVA, PCoA, and SIMPER to assess distribution patterns and conservation status, providing critical data for understanding and protecting this understudied coastal drainage within the Atlantic Forest.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2021 —
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A spatial database combining historical maps, field surveys, and GIS technology has been successfully developed to document and protect the architectural heritage of Al-Balad, Jeddah's historic district. This tool, integrated with photographic surveys and historical data, enables users to explore and learn about Old Jeddah's cultural significance through a mobile application. The research addresses critical challenges in preserving UNESCO-listed sites by providing a systematic approach to mapping and managing cultural heritage, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for sustainable tourism development.
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
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A comprehensive study of the rock-cut structures at Geghard Monastery identifies critical vulnerabilities and proposes effective reinforcing solutions. Through visual, instrumental, and laboratory analyses, researchers documented extensive damage—including cracks, crevices, destructions, and erosions—and assessed the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone samples. The study recommends the use of Mapegrout, a ready-made dry mixture mortar from Mapei, for crack filling due to its proven efficacy in similar underground structures. Additionally, it evaluates the compatibility of reinforcing materials with sandstone, ensuring long-term structural stability. These findings provide actionable insights for preserving Geghard Monastery's unique rock-cut architecture while addressing the root causes of degradation.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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A conceptual framework for identifying key elements (KE) in Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) was successfully applied to the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces System (HHRTS), revealing six critical components: grain crops, rice species biodiversity, terrace construction and maintenance techniques, Hani traditional festivals, Hani traditional foods, and virgin forest. The study found that stakeholder groups—farmers, businessmen, tourists, officers, and researchers—prioritized these elements at different levels (micro, middle, macro), reflecting their distinct motivations and potential action strategies. This approach provides a theoretical basis for IAHS research and offers insights into balancing diverse stakeholder demands to enhance conservation management. The framework effectively addresses challenges like component element ambiguity and the obscurity of conservation boundaries in dynamic heritage systems.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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A novel governance approach for tourism event management was identified through the examination of stakeholder participation and collaboration processes during the George Town Festival. The study found that these processes fostered innovative communication channels, enhanced public engagement, and facilitated the selection of committed performers. Utilizing qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and thematic analysis, the research highlighted the importance of multi-disciplinary governance mechanisms in promoting effective tourism planning and policy development.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park
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Dominica's 183.5 km Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT), the Eastern Caribbean's first and only national trail, was designed to link rural communities and promote ecotourism. A study found that while strong community support exists for the WNT, reliable funding for maintenance remains a critical future challenge, with 100% of survey respondents highlighting this issue. Topographical challenges and private landowner negotiations were significant during construction. The trail, officially opened in 2013, continues to face recovery efforts post-Hurricane Maria (2017). The research, based on questionnaires, interviews, and literature review, also identified potential issues with marketing, public engagement, and visitor safety while proposing strategies for the trail's sustainability.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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A multi-layered shingle aquifer model, constrained by volcanic stratigraphy and palaeosol layers, has been conceptualized for Jeju Island's lava tube caves. This model reveals that water inflow to caves is primarily driven by storm-induced discharge from exposed palaeosol layers on cave walls, rather than ceiling drips. Monthly monitoring over a year confirmed the substantial contribution of wall inflow, with rapid drainage through cave floors observed at all sites. The study identified the lateral extent of palaeosol layers using drill core logs and coastal outcrops, suggesting that multiple perched aquifers form between lava flows during volcanic hiatuses, connected vertically by discontinuities in these low-permeability layers. This model improves understanding of groundwater recharge, flow, and contaminant transport in volcanic aquifers, offering a more accurate representation than previous models and aiding in better groundwater management.
Amiens Cathedral
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Amiens Cathedral's portal, created in the fourteenth century, depicts relic processions that were no longer practiced by Ouen’s time. While these images may have reflected contemporary civic processions, the movement of relics on an ad hoc basis was more a matter of memory than practice. The study highlights how the cult of relics underwent significant transformation by the end of the twelfth century, altering both documentation and character of relic movement. It challenges modern perceptions of timeless, communal relic processions, emphasizing their historical specificity and changeability.
Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns
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Central Greece, though less prominent than the Peloponnese in Mycenaean studies, hosted significant palatial centers like Thebes, Orchomenos, and Gla during the Late Bronze Age. This study challenges the assumption that Mycenaean political organization was uniformly centered around monumental sites such as Mycenae or Pylos, revealing instead a diverse range of sociopolitical formations across the region. While tholos tombs—characteristic of Peloponnesian funerary architecture—were adopted later in central Greece, elaborate funerary enclosures and chamber tomb cemeteries, particularly at Thebes, Chalkis, and Athens, indicate alternative pathways to social differentiation. Additionally, the presence of imported pottery, especially from Crete, underscores central Greece's role in Aegean trade networks, with sites like Thorikos serving as key hubs for copper and silver exchange. The study also highlights the shifting dominance in maritime trade, marked by Mycenae's rise and Aegina's decline during the LH IIIA period.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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Research reveals significant connectivity between endolithic microbial communities and biological soil crusts (BSCs) in the cold mountain desert of Eastern Pamir, Tajikistan. While endolithic bacterial communities exhibit a distinct structure dominated by Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and Cyanobacteria, BSC communities show a similar but slightly varied composition with lower representation of other bacteria. Notably, cyanobacterial communities within endoliths are rich in Chroococcidiopsaceae, Nodosilineaceae, Nostocaceae, and Thermosynechococcaceae, whereas BSCs are dominated by Nodosilineaceae, Phormidiaceae, and Nostocaceae. The study also identified potentially novel species of Chroococcidiopsis, Gloeocapsopsis, and Wilmottia through 16S rRNA gene analysis. Despite niche-specific adaptations influenced by microenvironmental factors, the findings highlight interrelations between endolithic communities and surrounding BSCs in certain regions, with subregional differences observed only in cyanobacterial community structures from BSCs.
Fuerte de Samaipata
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Over three decades, the Society of Investigation of Rupestrian Art in Bolivia (SIARB) developed a comprehensive model for the conservation and management of rock art at Fuerte de Samaipata. This model integrates preventive and curative conservation strategies with community engagement, research, and sustainable tourism practices. Key achievements include the establishment of institutionalized protocols, collaboration with local governments and indigenous communities, training programs for 'guardaruinas' (site guardians) and tour guides, and the implementation of short- to medium-term management plans. The study highlights the importance of scientific and technical approaches in conservation, contrasting them with detrimental interventions by other institutions lacking proper expertise.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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This chapter reveals how cultural heritage law, particularly through the World Heritage Convention framework, plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives and promoting transitional justice efforts at sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau (Poland), Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Japan), and Robben Island (South Africa). It highlights the tension between preserving historical memory and fostering reconciliation, while also exploring the revitalization of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) as a tool for healing in post-conflict societies. The study analyzes legal mechanisms that protect ICH, such as international listing, to safeguard practices like Glasoechko male singing in North Macedonia—endangered due to community dispersal during and after Yugoslav wars—and draws parallels with Colombia's conflict resolution efforts. By examining these case studies, the chapter underscores the potential of heritage conservation to bridge past injustices and foster social cohesion.
Mount Wutai
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Mount Wutai, recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Landscape Heritage since 2009, faces significant challenges in balancing conservation with sustainable tourism development. This study identifies critical shortcomings in its current tourism framework, including image perception and transportation infrastructure, which hinder its potential for sustainable growth. By analyzing these issues, the research proposes targeted solutions to enhance Wutai's cultural landscape protection while fostering tourism-driven development. These findings offer valuable insights not only for Mount Wutai but also serve as a reference for other heritage sites globally, emphasizing the importance of integrated strategies in preserving cultural landscapes.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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The dingo population on K’gari (Fraser Island) exhibits significantly lower genetic diversity compared to mainland populations, with a fourfold reduction in effective population size. This finding, derived from an analysis of 9 microsatellite loci across 175 K’gari and 264 mainland dingo samples, reveals strong genetic differentiation between the island and mainland groups. The study attributes these patterns to founder effects and bottlenecks, common in small, isolated island populations. As the first large-scale genetic assessment for K’gari dingoes, this research underscores the need for genetic and demographic monitoring to mitigate human-induced mortality risks and ensure long-term conservation success.
Gdynia Modernist City Centre
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Post-war modernist architecture, exemplified by Gdynia's city centre, faces significant conservation challenges despite Poland's legal frameworks for monument protection. This study reveals that while legal structures exist to safeguard such heritage, their implementation is often inadequate, leading to deterioration or loss of valuable architectural assets. The research employs a multi-faceted approach, analyzing both the legal and organizational aspects of monument protection alongside practical conservation issues. It highlights gaps between policy and practice, emphasizing the need for more effective strategies to preserve Poland's modernist legacy.
Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno
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A groundbreaking assessment reveals the conservation status of continental Mysida and Stygiomysida crustaceans, with 86 species identified globally. Three species are critically endangered (CR), including Diamysis pusilla from the Eastern Caspian Sea, last recorded in the 1930s, and two from Italy's Salento Peninsula. Three stenoendemic species are endangered (EN), such as Troglomysis vjetrenicensis from Vjetrenica Cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while two others are vulnerable (VU). The study highlights threats like hydrological changes, habitat degradation, sediment intrusion, and deforestation, posing risks to these poorly studied invertebrates. This first comprehensive evaluation provides critical data for global and national conservation efforts.
Nahanni National Park
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A comprehensive framework for the conservation and management of lakeside zones in Nahanni National Park's northern boreal mountains has been developed, integrating ecological insights with practical guidelines. The study, led by Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCS Canada), combines extensive field research on wildlife behavior and ecosystem dynamics with collaborative efforts involving local communities, regulatory agencies, and commercial stakeholders. It provides actionable principles for protected area design, species monitoring, habitat restoration, and landscape management, drawing from WCS Canada's decade-long expertise in large-scale conservation initiatives across Canada. This work builds upon a century of global conservation leadership by the Wildlife Conservation Society, offering tailored strategies to address critical threats to vulnerable species like grizzly bears, lynx, wolverines, and woodland caribou while fostering sustainable community-based conservation practices.
Khangchendzonga National Park
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A critical analysis of conservation policies in Khangchendzonga National Park, India, reveals that the fortress model—combining pastoralist removal and eco-tourism promotion—fails to benefit either biodiversity or local communities. The study found that grazing bans and tourism-driven transitions from traditional yak herding to non-native livestock disrupted pastoral culture, reduced economic stability, and altered vegetation diversity, while increasing human-wildlife conflicts. Using mixed methods (48 interviews, 10 key informant discussions, and two focused group sessions), researchers concluded that current policies prioritize state interests over inclusive development, often harming both society and ecology. The findings underscore the need for trans-boundary conservation planning that integrates pastoralist practices to balance cultural preservation with ecological goals.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
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Refugia serve as vital conservation tools by buffering environmental conditions and safeguarding species and communities. This study introduces three novel definitions for refugia—persistent, future, and temporary—that integrate ecological and evolutionary dynamics into a decision-making framework applicable across varying temporal and spatial settings. These definitions are supported by criteria for identification, core value, and management strategies to guide both short- and long-term conservation efforts. Using the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests (WHGR) of eastern Australia as a case study, the research illustrates how recognizing buffer zones, corridor connections, and emergency species translocations can protect critical assets following extreme events like the 2019–2020 fires. The findings emphasize the importance of safeguarding ecological and evolutionary processes across scales to enhance biodiversity conservation outcomes.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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Conserving the Cerrado and Amazon biomes in Brazil can significantly protect the soy economy from extreme heat, offering substantial economic value. The study estimates that lost soy revenue due to extreme heat from native vegetation loss between 1985 and 2012 reached $99 per hectare (in 2005 USD) for the 2012-2013 growing season. Projections suggest that by 2050, this value could increase by 25% to 95%, depending on agricultural density, rates of native vegetation loss, and climate change. The research combines empirical estimates of ecosystem conversion's influence on extreme heat, the impacts of extreme heat on agricultural yields, and regional land use data. The findings highlight that ecosystem conservation in these biomes can create considerable economic value for the soy sector by regulating extreme heat exposure.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified <em>Constantimarinum furrinae</em> gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel marine bacterium isolated from the unique saline volcanic rock aquifer (lava seawater) of Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. This discovery was made through polyphasic taxonomic analysis, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, phenotypic characterization, and genomic comparisons. The bacterium exhibits distinct features such as optimal growth at 30°C, pH 7.5, and 4% NaCl, along with unique fatty acid profiles and metabolic activities that differentiate it from related species like <em>‘Altibacter lentus’</em> and <em>Marixanthomonas ophiurae</em>. Phylogenomic analysis further supports its classification as a new genus within the Flavobacteriaceae family. This finding expands our understanding of microbial diversity in extreme marine environments, particularly in volcanic ecosystems.
Mount Taishan
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A study reveals that eastern China, particularly Shandong province, has been emitting significantly more trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) than previously estimated. Using local observations from 2012 to 2018 at five sites—including rural areas and background stations like Mount Tai and Tuoji Island—the research found CFC-11 mixing ratios 17–23% above global background levels, with even larger enhancements in air masses passing through the Shandong Peninsula's polyurethane foam industry. Tracer-based estimates using carbon monoxide (CO), chloroform (CHCl₃), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) suggest CFC-11 emissions in eastern China ranged from 12.0 ± 1.6 to 20.8 ± 3.9 gigagrams per year, averaging 14.7 ± 4.3 Gg/year between 2014 and 2018. These findings indicate that actual emissions may be higher than global models suggest.
Historic City of Ahmadabad
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Ahmadabad's designation as India's first UNESCO World Heritage city in 2017 reveals the dual politics of heritage narrative construction, both internationally and domestically. While globally, Ahmadabad is framed as a multicultural site to attract global audiences, internally it serves as a subtle tool for ethno-nationalist control, curating Islamism while excluding Muslim and migrant populations most closely tied to its heritage. This study, using semi-structured interviews and document analysis, uncovers how socio-political and economic forces manipulate built heritage to shape national identity, highlighting the complex interplay between international recognition and internal exclusion.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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Constructive resistance emerges as a multifaceted political tool, wielding emotions and symbolic representations to challenge established truths. This study reveals how repetitive acts—through narratives, photographs, or artifacts—shape alternative worldviews over time, bridging immediate authority resistance with delayed meaning-making struggles. It examines cases like the Preah Vihear temple conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, migrant body discourses in Swedish museums, and climate activism, demonstrating that emotions fuel political engagement while figurations (posters, buildings) anchor contemporary debates. The research combines interview data and empirical analysis to theorize resistance's temporal and affective dimensions, offering new lenses on gender, nationalism, and environmental justice.
Upper Svaneti
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Archaeological evidence from Upper Svaneti, Western Georgia, reveals significant cultural exchanges between Bronze-Early Iron Age societies and contemporary cultures across the Caucasus and beyond. Close contacts with Upper Imereti, pre-Maykop, Dolmen, Proto-Colchian, Maykop, Digoria, Mtkvari-Araks, Beden, and Proto-Hittite cultures are documented through pottery, stone artifacts, and metal objects. These interactions likely occurred via Central Caucasus mountain passes, facilitating the movement of goods such as bronze axes from Central Transcaucasia to Western Georgia. Imported pottery in southwestern Colchis further suggests ties with Asia Minor. The study highlights Upper Svaneti's role as a cultural bridge, integrating local traditions with broader Eurasian networks during this period.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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This study reveals the dynamic and contradictory ways contemporary residents of Oświęcim (Auschwitz) construct meaning around their town's complex past, blending pre-war Catholic-Jewish coexistence, wartime Nazi occupation, the Holocaust, and post-Communist Poland narratives. Drawing on fieldwork and interactional sociology frameworks—inspired by Mead and Goffman—it examines how these memories evolve in both offline and online contexts. The research highlights the fluidity of historical memory, showing that residents' narratives adapt to social interactions, challenging static interpretations of collective remembrance.
Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor
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A new approach to Silk Road archaeological research is proposed, emphasizing the integration of Soviet-era findings, international collaboration, and global cultural cooperation. The study highlights the significance of A.N. Bernshtam's pioneering work from the mid-20th century as a foundation for contemporary investigations. It advocates for moving beyond nationalism to foster cross-border research, citing South Korea's Asian Archaeology conference as an exemplary model. Additionally, it underscores the importance of active engagement with international bodies like UNESCO to enhance cultural cooperation and contribute to Silk Road studies in the 21st century.
Mount Athos
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Pilgrimage tourism on Mount Athos is marked by a dynamic contestation of authenticity, where monks and visitors engage in reciprocal exchanges that redefine traditional monastic roles and practices. This study reveals how the demand for personalized spiritual experiences reshapes hospitality norms, transforming passive tourists into active pilgrims. Through an anthropological lens, it examines two rival monasteries to illustrate how claims to authenticity serve as both a tool for identity formation and an arena of competition among religious groups. The research highlights the evolving interplay between market-driven spirituality and traditional monastic values, emphasizing the importance of visitor commitment in pilgrimage experiences.
Roșia Montană Mining Landscape
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A study reveals that the local community at Roșia Montână, Romania, advocates for traditional mining practices rooted in local ownership and labor identities, contrasting sharply with the neoliberal vision of globally competitive, technologically advanced gold extraction promoted by mine owners. This divergence highlights how economically marginalized groups may not align with the material interconnections shaping neoliberal capitalism. The research analyzes shifting roles of capital, state, civil society organizations, and local communities over two decades, uncovering distinct cultural, social, and economic priorities that define opposing stances on mining development.
Serengeti National Park
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Herbivore dung significantly contributes to soil organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) in the Serengeti National Park, with ruminant species like buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest showing a 1% higher N increase compared to non-ruminants such as elephants. This study analyzed dung decomposition and nutrient dynamics across three distinct soil textures—clay, sandy loam, and sand clay loam—in Serena, Barafu, and Seronera sites. Over 18 weeks, dung pats were monitored for weight change, OC, N, pH, and particle size distribution, revealing that while soil texture influenced OC addition, neither texture nor treatment significantly affected N increase. The C/N ratios (11 in controls vs. 15 in treatments) indicated a potential for dung to enhance soil fertility, with fluctuations attributed to weather changes. This finding underscores the ecological role of herbivore dung in maintaining nutrient cycles in grazed ecosystems.
Galápagos Islands
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A study on Santa Fe Island, Galápagos, found that conventional insecticide treatments targeting the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) were ineffective due to their failure to reach queen ants nestled underground. Despite prior control measures, including residual insecticides like aldrin and DDT, W. auropunctata persisted on tourist trails, raising concerns about potential island-wide spread during the rainy season. The research highlights the limitations of surface-applied insecticides in controlling this invasive species, which poses ecological threats to the fragile Galápagos ecosystem.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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A comparative analysis of green space interventions in Padua (Italy) and Moscow (Russia) reveals that both Prato della Valle and Zaryadye Park leverage vegetation and water management to address urban sustainability challenges, such as heat island mitigation and CO2 sequestration. Despite their chronological separation—spanning over two centuries—their designs embody contemporary sustainable ideals while rooted in classical urban landscaping principles. The study highlights how these interventions, though driven by different objectives, effectively mitigate current environmental issues using age-old strategies, underscoring the enduring relevance of 'rus in urbe' concepts.
Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
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Numerical modeling of the Kenya Rift reveals a three-stage early rift evolution that explains asymmetric rifting dynamics, bridging geological and geophysical observations. The study demonstrates how initial strain localization occurs via a single border fault, followed by hanging-wall faulting and upper-crustal deformation in the rift-basin center, culminating in reduced asymmetry before basinward deformation. By varying random noise distributions to simulate tectonic inheritance, researchers show that first-order fault configurations with variable symmetry can emerge from identical setups, offering insights into along-strike rift variability in active asymmetric rifts worldwide.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2021 —
WHEF770122322
In the socially tolerant multi-level society of Guinea baboons (Papio papio) in Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park, adult males and females share nearly equal influence in initiating group departures, unlike other multi-level societies where males dominate decision-making. Analysis of 146 group departures and 100 progressions from 131 baboons revealed that while bachelor males led during movement, primary males and females were distributed uniformly across the group. This pattern contrasts with hamadryas baboons but aligns more closely with uni-level societies, suggesting social organization alone does not dictate coordination dynamics. The study used detailed behavioral observations to examine individual success in initiating departures and positional preferences during progressions.
Uvs Nuur Basin
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2021 —
WHE1FE65369FF
A groundbreaking study reveals that spores of coprophilous fungi, preserved in lake sediments, serve as a reliable indicator for reconstructing human population density and grazing pressure over millennia, independent of climate fluctuations. Researchers analyzed spore concentrations from Lake Bayan Nuur in Mongolia's Uvs Nuur Basin, focusing on two fungal genera: <em>Sporormiella</em> and <em>Sordaria</em>. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between historical population records and spore abundance, suggesting these fungi as robust proxies for tracking livestock-based societies. No link was found between spore levels and climate change, reinforcing their utility as standalone indicators. This approach offers a novel method for paleoecological reconstructions in regions with limited historical data.
City of Cuzco
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2021 —
WHE95383A7739
Luxury hotels in Cusco, Peru, are increasingly engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions to benefit indigenous Quechua communities, though challenges persist. While there is a growing commitment among hotel representatives to support local communities through education, training, health projects, and fair-trade supplier partnerships, a key hurdle remains the time required to overcome sociocultural barriers and build strong relationships with community members. The study highlights diverse CSR approaches, including philanthropic activities, demonstrating how the hospitality sector can contribute to societal betterment while emphasizing the need for more consistent and structured efforts in this area.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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2021 —
WHEF34E7E457F
A novel methodology has been developed to quantitatively analyze the correlation between environmental factors and water saturation-induced deterioration of earthen relics, using the UNESCO World Heritage site of Liangzhu City as a case study. The research identifies 11 key influencing indexes—including groundwater levels, soil moisture, temperature at various depths, atmospheric radiation, and rainfall—and establishes their weight rankings in contributing to the deterioration process. By employing a monitoring system that tracks these parameters alongside surface imaging, the study provides a regression model that can guide the quantitative control of atmospheric conditions for the preservation of earthen archaeological ruins in humid environments.
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
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2021 —
WHE9C005830AC
The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur exemplifies India's cosmic architecture, blending astronomical innovation with deep-rooted cultural and religious principles. This study reveals that the site's design, rooted in medieval traditions, reflects a sophisticated understanding of celestial mechanics, challenging contemporary perceptions of its historical significance. By analyzing literary works, medieval texts, and modern research, the research uncovers how Jantar Mantar's architecture integrates astronomical precision with ancient models from India and Arab nations, offering a unique lens to study the evolution of architectural thought in South Asia.
