Kasbah of Algiers
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Between 1830 and 1962, Algiers underwent dramatic urban transformation under French colonial rule, resulting in irreversible alterations to its historic fabric. The study reveals that while new districts were built outside the Ottoman fortifications following European architectural trends, construction within the Kasbah—Algiers' 'White City'—led to significant loss of its original urban environment. This period saw profound social, economic, and spatial changes, reshaping Algiers from a traditional Mediterranean city into a modern colonial capital.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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A comprehensive network of pedestrian zones is essential for enhancing the tourist potential and preserving the historical and cultural heritage of Kyiv's historic center, which spans three hills: the Upper Town, Pechersk, and Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Current transport infrastructure in Kyiv does not support the formation of new pedestrian areas, leading to central squares like Independence Square and Troitska Square being primarily used for administrative, political, and commercial purposes with limited comfort or social identity. The study introduces a spatial analysis method to evaluate public spaces and proposes design solutions to integrate transit and stationary spaces into a citywide pedestrian network, connecting key axes such as Volodymyrska and Khreschatyk.
Palace and Park of Versailles
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The Gardens of Versailles face significant challenges in maintaining their traditional landscaping techniques while adapting to modern environmental and budgetary constraints. A key finding is that patronage has become a crucial income source, allowing the gardens to avoid reliance on chemical products by proactively adopting large machinery for efficient management. However, this shift risks compromising the inheritance of traditional skills, particularly in topiary shaping and the repair of old lead pipe canal networks, where specialized training is scarce. The study highlights the tension between preserving heritage techniques and embracing contemporary sustainability practices to ensure long-term viability.
Yakushima
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A comprehensive fecal metabolite analysis of Japanese macaques on Yakushima Island revealed distinct differences between two monkey groups, primarily driven by variations in nucleic acid metabolites and free amino acids. Using LC-MS/MS, researchers quantified 59 substances, including key components of the citrate cycle, while LC-QTOF-MS detected over 12,000 compounds, highlighting discrepancies in plant secondary metabolites such as cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolics. This study underscores the potential of fecal metabolite profiling to elucidate dietary and ecological differences among primate populations.
Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
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Competition among fish species in temporary water bodies drives distinct feeding strategies, with some species specializing while others generalize their diets. This study found that the annual killifish <em>Millerichthys robustus</em> and <em>Poecilia mexicana</em> exhibit niche overlap but adjust their feeding breadth inversely under competitive pressure, suggesting specialization in response to resource constraints. Meanwhile, <em>Cynodonichthys tenuis</em>, <em>Astyanax aeneus</em>, <em>Dormitator maculatus</em>, and amphibian larvae show overlapping niches with generalized feeding habits, likely as an adaptive strategy. The research analyzed feeding guilds and niche dynamics in a temporary pool near Tlacotalpan, Mexico, revealing two cohorts of <em>M. robustus</em> with differing strategies, possibly linked to variable environmental conditions. The study highlights the complex coexistence mechanisms in fish communities facing temporal ecosystem changes.
Simien National Park
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Walia Ibex (Capra walie), an endemic and endangered species in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, exhibits a generalist foraging behavior that contributes to crop raiding complaints from local communities. The study, conducted through scan sampling between October 2009 and November 2011, identified over 28 plant species in their diet, with Festuca sp., Lobelia rhynchopetalum, Helichrysum citrispinum, and Helichrysum horridum being the most commonly used. Walia Ibex were primarily active during early morning and late afternoon, dedicating significant time to feeding compared to other diurnal activities. The percentage of time spent on major plant species remained consistent between wet and dry seasons, with a tendency towards browsing over grazing. This behavior likely drives their range shift towards higher altitudes, emphasizing the need for community-based conservation strategies that account for foraging ecology.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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Residents and visitors to Porto's historic center perceive the urban landscape differently, with residents prioritizing heritage conservation and transport mobility, while visitors focus more on pedestrian mobility and aesthetic quality. This study highlights the significance of considering diverse stakeholder perspectives in urban landscape management, offering valuable insights for local authorities. Using a survey applied in Porto's city center, researchers employed Cronbach’s alpha to assess reliability and the Mann-Whitney test to identify significant differences between resident and visitor perceptions. The findings underscore residents' strong sense of place and concern for historical heritage, contrasting with visitors' tourism-oriented priorities.
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
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Effective tourist development in urban regeneration hinges on strategic urban policies, community engagement, and cultural heritage education. The study identifies the inscription of Turin's Residences of the Royal House of Savoy on UNESCO's World Heritage List (1997) and its hosting of the 2006 Winter Olympics as pivotal milestones that propelled the city's transformation into an international tourist destination. Through a comparative analysis of three districts—Porta Palazzo, Mirafiori Nord, and Barriera di Milano—the research categorizes factors such as urban history, demographic composition, and economic situation to assess their impact on regeneration outcomes. Additionally, the author's involvement in Atelier Héritage, an urban workshop for children in Barriera di Milano, provides a unique lens to study grassroots urban practices. The findings underscore that sustainable tourist development requires a multifaceted approach, balancing policy-driven initiatives with community participation and heritage education.
Yosemite National Park
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Research reveals that the Tuolumne intrusive complex (TIC) in Yosemite National Park underwent significant feldspar recycling during its Half Dome and Cathedral Peak stages, indicating dynamic magma-mush interactions. The study found that contacts between major plutonic units are gradational zones up to 3 km thick, with distinct K-feldspar compositions in the equigranular Half Dome (eHD) and evidence of mixing between porphyritic Half Dome (pHD) and Cathedral Peak (CP) magmas. Plagioclase populations in eHD and CP suggest hybridization to form pHD, implying an evolving magmatic system with crystal-melt exchanges before final crystallization. Field mapping, petrographic analysis, and geochemical studies of feldspar populations provided these insights.
Rock Carvings in Tanum
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Rock art from the Nordic Bronze Age reveals significant insights into female agency and social structures. Analyzing 3,372 anthropomorphic figures in Sweden and Norway, researchers found that sexual differences, bodily features, and objects depicted in carvings reflect complex social realities of the period. A notable focus is on the 'mourning woman' motif at Vitlycke, Tanum, which challenges traditional interpretations by highlighting female roles beyond passive mourning. The study applies frameworks like Amartya Sen's capability approach and gender theory to interpret these visual representations, suggesting that rock art offers a nuanced window into Bronze Age Scandinavian society.
Costiera Amalfitana
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A deep-rooted, symbiotic bond between women and the terraced landscape of the Amalfi Coast has been revealed, showcasing how rural women—termed 'Furmechelle' or 'little ants'—have sustained this unique environment through centuries. The study highlights their pivotal role in agricultural labor during prolonged male absences, fostering high autonomy and intricate knowledge of the terrain. Women’s endurance and pride in their work ('Avimmo faticato sempre') persist today, offering a potential model for landscape conservation. The research combines qualitative interviews with older women and ethnographic analysis to uncover this historical and cultural dynamic.
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
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Three woody plant species—Byrsonima microphylla, Chamaecrista ramosa, and Vellozia dasypus—in Salvador de Bahia’s urban restinga exhibit distinct reproductive and vegetative phenological patterns. B. microphylla and C. ramosa display continuous flowering and fruiting, while V. dasypus shows an annual explosive pattern with intermediate synchrony levels. These species are perennial, and their fenophases do not correlate with abiotic factors. Notably, B. microphylla and C. ramosa provide simultaneous floral and fruit resources year-round, supporting pollinators and frugivores in this seasonally dynamic ecosystem.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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A recent study reveals a concerning 41.1% increase in the feral cat population on Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical habitat for endangered marine birds and endemic species. Researchers estimated the current population at 439 cats (CI95%: 283-680) with a density of 46 animals/km², highlighting an urgent need for population control or eradication to protect native wildlife. The study employed live trapping using tomahawk traps and various baits over two fieldwork periods in 2018–2019, alongside linear transect surveys. Despite extensive trapping efforts totaling 5,376 hours, no cats were captured, underscoring the challenges of managing this invasive species. The findings emphasize the ecological threat posed by feral cats to the archipelago's biodiversity and its status as a human heritage site.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil, holds significant potential to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, combining geological heritage conservation with sustainable economic development. This study highlights the archipelago's geodiversity and its role in fostering local economies through sustainable tourism, environmental protection, and the creation of geo-based products (geoproducts) and foods (geofood). The research builds on prior work by Brazil's Geological Service (CPRM), which identified key geological sites (geosites) on the island. By proposing Fernando de Noronha as a geopark, the study demonstrates how such initiatives can balance ecological preservation with economic growth, offering a model for other coastal regions. The approach involves leveraging geological heritage to attract tourism while ensuring sustainable practices, thereby benefiting both conservation and local communities.
Lower Valley of the Awash
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A study of Ethiopia's Lower Valley of the Awash reveals that large-scale agricultural investments, despite their potential to create jobs, are not significantly driving internal migration. While 34.4% of respondents were migrants (higher in Abobo at 45.1% and lower in Merti at 23.5%), fewer migrants found employment on commercial farms than expected. Regression analysis showed a weak or non-significant positive association between farm employment and migration status, suggesting that migration may be driven more by expectations of opportunity rather than actual job availability. This challenges the assumption that large-scale investments necessarily lead to substantial employment-driven migration.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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A ritual deposit behind the J3 Structure of Group IV, Palenque, reveals hierarchical collective ceremonies characteristic of Classic Mayan societies. These ceremonies, often culminating in festivals and communal meals, show varied archaeological signatures, complicating their interpretation. The study focuses on a specific deposit linked to an elite residential space occupied by a distinguished noble lineage, providing insights into the practices of officiants and assistants during such events. Through careful excavation and analysis, researchers uncover evidence of food and beverage consumption, offering a rare glimpse into the ceremonial and social dynamics of this ancient Mayan city.
Huascarán National Park
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Local communities' demands for compensation and mitigation of environmental degradation in the Peruvian Andes constitute claims to citizenship, challenging state absence and corporate social responsibility rhetoric. A case study of the Antamina mining project near Huascarán National Park reveals conflicts over land transactions, road construction, and differing perceptions of environmental risk, highlighting how unexpected alliances—such as between NGOs and investors—can reshape extractive industry practices and temporarily balance local and corporate interests.
The par force hunting landscape in North Zealand
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White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of North Zealand's par force hunting landscape do not avoid hikers, contrary to expectations. A study using unbaited motion-activated camera traps found no spatial or temporal avoidance of hiking trails by deer, challenging assumptions about human-wildlife interactions in protected areas. This suggests that factors such as habituation to humans, trail-altered habitats, or the use of humans as predator refuges may play a role in deer distribution. The research highlights the need for further investigation into how recreation influences wildlife behavior and browsing pressure, which could inform management strategies for overabundant deer populations.
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
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A fine-scale genetic analysis of the Miyako Islands, part of the UNESCO-listed Ryukyu Archipelago, reveals distinct subpopulations with divergent demographic histories. Using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 1,240 individuals, researchers identified three subpopulations—Miyakojima northeast, Miyakojima southwest, and Irabu/Ikema—with the latter showing unique gene flow patterns linked to historical immigration during the Gusuku period (900–500 BP). Haplotype-based analyses and coalescent demographic inference suggest that the Irabu/Ikema population split from the ancestral Ryukyu group around 41 generations ago, followed by further divergences. These findings provide critical insights into the genetic structure of modern Miyako populations, with implications for disease association studies.
Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas
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Researchers have uncovered the first evidence of vivianite, a phosphate mineral, in human bones from a third millennium BC Domus de Janas tomb in Sardinia. This discovery, documented in Filigosa Tomb 1 near Macomer, represents one of the oldest occurrences of this mineral in Italy and predates the use of iron. Vivianite forms through the interaction of phosphate, iron, and water, suggesting unique environmental or burial conditions that facilitated its preservation. The study, conducted on osteological samples from a well-preserved tomb excavated in 1965, provides insights into prehistoric funerary practices and mineralization processes in Sardinian archaeological sites.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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Archeomagnetic data from nine pottery kilns at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, provide the first full vector determinations for Northern Mexico. This study challenges the existing Mexican secular variation curve by showing that geomagnetic field behavior in this region aligns more closely with the Western North American curve and the global SHAWQ2k model. The findings suggest that the previously modeled peak in inclination around 1200–1300 CE does not occur, offering new insights into regional geomagnetic history. Researchers used rock magnetic experiments to identify a Ti-poor titanomagnetite phase and applied alternating field/thermal demagnetization and the Thellier-Thellier protocol to estimate characteristic directions and archeointensities, correcting for anisotropy and cooling effects.
Aldabra Atoll
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Aldabra Atoll, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site, shows rapid coral recovery post-bleaching. Research reveals a 2-3 year increase in juvenile coral abundance from 7.4 ± 0.5 to 22.4 ± 1.2 colonies per m² between 2015 and 2019, with significant regional variations. Coral recruits, dominated by Pocilloporidae (64-92%), were 7-47 times more abundant inside the lagoon than outside, peaking at 2164 ± 453 recruits per m² in October-December 2018. This aligns with broadcast spawning during warmer water temperatures (26-29°C), suggesting a link between temperature and coral reproduction. The study provides critical baseline data for understanding reef resilience and connectivity in the Seychelles Outer Islands.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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Researchers have documented the first occurrence and range extension of the invasive Asian freshwater clam, Corbicula fluminea, in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region of Goiás, Brazil. This discovery expands the known distribution of C. fluminea to a conserved area within the Cerrado biome, highlighting its presence in regions of significant conservation interest and integral protection units. The study contributes to understanding the ecological impact of this invasive species, which is widely distributed across Brazil's major hydrographic basins and poses environmental and economic risks.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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Scientists document the first occurrence of the soil-feeding termite <em>Pericapritermes nitobei</em> on Okinawa Island, part of Japan's UNESCO-listed Ryukyu Archipelago. This discovery challenges prior assumptions about termite dispersal, as <em>P. nitobei</em>, which thrives in soil rather than wood, was absent from previous exhaustive surveys across the region. The team suggests human activity—likely via transportation or trade—recently introduced this species to the Motobu Peninsula, mirroring patterns seen with other invasive termites like <em>Odontotermes formosanus</em>. Their findings imply that non-wood-dependent termites can establish in new environments, expanding our understanding of how these insects colonize and adapt beyond their native ranges. The study highlights the role of human-mediated dispersal in shaping termite distributions, with broader implications for biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
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Thai historical water management offers sustainable lessons for modern flood resilience. The study highlights how ancient Thai cities—including Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Wiang Kum Kam—integrated waterways into their urban planning for defense, transportation, and agriculture. These strategies, rooted in indigenous knowledge, demonstrate adaptive solutions that could inform climate change mitigation today. The research synthesizes historical records and expert insights to identify best practices, emphasizing the need to blend traditional wisdom with contemporary technology for future sustainability.
Dutch Water Defence Lines
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A coastal double-dike system, featuring parallel flood defenses with a culvert for tidal exchange, offers negligible improvement in flood protection compared to a single dike when the seaward dike is tall. The study, focusing on the Double Dike between Eemshaven and Delfzijl (Netherlands), quantifies hydraulic loads like overtopping, overflow, erosion, and discharge through the culvert during storms. While such systems aim to enable multifunctional land-uses in the inter-dike zone—such as aquaculture or salt marsh restoration—their primary benefit lies in supporting these activities rather than enhancing flood risk reduction. The research provides a framework for assessing double-dike safety, emphasizing that the landward dike must be sufficiently high to retain water during culvert non-closure events to achieve any meaningful flood protection.
Iguaçu National Park
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A comprehensive floristic survey of the Acanthaceae family within Iguaçu National Park, Paraná, Brazil, identified 13 native species across seven genera, with <em>Justicia</em> being the most diverse. Notably, 12 species were recorded for the first time in the park, including eight new to its Semideciduous Seasonal Forest ecosystem. The study also highlighted three threatened species—one vulnerable and two endangered—emphasizing the park's critical role in in-situ conservation. Conducted through monthly collections from August 2015 to July 2016 across key areas, this research integrated fieldwork with herbarium records (UNOP, EVB, HCF, MBM) and virtual databases (Reflora, SpeciesLink), providing botanical illustrations, identification keys, and species descriptions. This work underscores the park's biodiversity significance amid Atlantic Forest ecosystems.
Kinabalu Park
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A study at Kinabalu Park, Sabah, identified two Rafflesia species—Rafflesia pricei and R. keithii—with 19 individuals (3 flowers, 16 buds) detected across five plots. The research revealed a high tree density of 1238 individuals per hectare, dominated by Lauraceae (11.05%) and Annonaceae (8.61%). Notably, Xantophyllum macrophyllum (3.60% prevalence) and Baccaurea lanceolata were found in close proximity to Tetrastigma hosts, suggesting a strong ecological association with Rafflesia habitats. While family similarity between plots was high (70.19–48.23%), species similarity was low (4.31–1.54%), indicating limited overlap at the species level despite shared floral communities. The study highlights the importance of these plant species in supporting Rafflesia ecosystems.
Putorana Plateau
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A recent survey of the Putorana Plateau, conducted between 2018 and 2020, uncovered 61 new plant species for the region. Among these, eight were previously unknown to the entire Taimyr Municipal District of Krasnoyarsk Territory (TSR), including species like <em>Poa vivipara</em> and <em>Carex buxbaumii</em>. The study also documented 29 species new to the Putorana Plateau itself, with several listed in the Red Data Book of the Krasnoyarsk Territory due to their rarity or endangered status. Additionally, 24 previously rare or localized species were recorded at new sites, contributing valuable data for conservation efforts. The findings expand the known flora of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and highlight its ecological significance.
Old Town of Lijiang
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Research on the Old Town of Lijiang reveals that soundscape perception—encompassing preference, comfort, and richness—significantly influences tourists' flow experiences, which in turn affects their behavioral intentions. The study identified four dimensions of soundscape flow experience: time distortion, control, enjoyment, and concentration. While preference and richness positively impact flow, comfort does not show a significant effect. This application of flow theory to soundscape research provides actionable insights for tourism destinations to enhance the quality of auditory experiences, thereby shaping visitor behavior.
Namib Sand Sea
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Research at the Namib Sand Sea reveals that fluvial and lacustrine sediments in the Naukluft Mountains' foreland and Tsauchab Valley serve as critical geoarchives for understanding Late Quaternary landscape and climate change in Southern Africa. The study highlights the unique potential of these bounded catchments—including the BtillsPort Playa, Tsauchab, and Tsondab rivers—to isolate regional climatic influences, offering unprecedented insights into Holocene and Late Glacial rainfall patterns. Analysis of desert flash flood deposits traces drainage history from pre-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) times to modern periods, identifying extreme monsoonal rainfall events during the Late Termination I as a driver for high flow rates that raised the Urikos Terrace. Additionally, sediments from the Little Ice Age provide a rare framework for reconstructing past ecological conditions, excluding supra-regional influences and emphasizing the region's significance in palaeoclimatic studies.
Socotra Archipelago
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A comprehensive checklist of flying fishes (Beloniformes: Exocoetidae) in the Socotra Archipelago, northwestern Indian Ocean, identifies 13 species from five genera, with four additional nearby species. Notably, the study reclassifies <em>Exocoetus socotranus</em> Steindachner, 1902, as a junior synonym of <em>Cypselurus naresii</em>, resolving a taxonomic ambiguity. The research synthesizes published and original data to provide species identification keys, contributing to the region's ichthyological understanding. This work enhances biodiversity documentation in Socotra with implications for conservation efforts.
Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
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Nativity scenes, originating from medieval Christian pilgrimages to Bethlehem and symbolized by the first sculptural depiction in Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral (late 13th century), evolved into a genre blending liturgical function with artistic expression. This study traces their development through Renaissance and Baroque eras, highlighting key works like Arnolfo di Cambio’s group, Giotto’s fresco of Saint Francis’ Miracle of Greccio, and Caravaggio’s novel interpretations. It also explores the integration of mystery play elements, such as shepherds, into nativity scenes to embody the miracle for believers. The study underscores the cultural significance of these scenes in Hungary during the 17th century, including the medieval Adoration of the Shepherds group by Pál Lőcsei (now in Levoča) and contributions from immigrant artists like Georg Schweitzer and Franz Anton Maulbertsch. The research synthesizes historical sources, liturgical practices, and artistic evolution to illustrate the enduring symbolism and adaptability of nativity scenes across centuries.
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
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Fontainebleau stands out as a unique artistic and natural landmark, blending historical prestige with enduring appeal. Its forest serves as a muse for artists, offering a distinctive charm that transcends its status as a tourist destination. The site's artistic legacy spans centuries, from Renaissance influences to modern movements, attracting figures like Rousseau and Millet who drew inspiration from its natural beauty and cultural significance. Despite its popularity, Fontainebleau retains the tranquility of natural forests, providing both artistic inspiration and ecological repose.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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Excavations at the Roman town of Aelia Mursa, near the Danube frontier in Croatia, have uncovered an extraordinary assemblage of food remains dating to the early 2nd century AD. The findings include a diverse range of economically significant plants such as barley, bread wheat, lentils, and broad beans, alongside fruits, nuts, herbs, and vegetables like carrots, garlic, figs, grapes, and olives. Notably, exotic foods including pepper, rice, and pomegranate were also identified, providing rare evidence of long-distance trade on the Roman frontier. The study analyzed plant remains from a series of pits, offering unprecedented insights into the dietary habits, agricultural practices, and trade networks of the Roman Empire's Danube region.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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Yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) in the subantarctic range exhibit significant foraging plasticity, with 62% of their foraging trips categorized as pelagic, contrasting with the predominantly benthic behavior observed in mainland populations. This study, conducted over two breeding seasons on Enderby Island, Auckland Islands, New Zealand, analyzed GPS data from 91 foraging logs to reveal that foraging distances and areas were greater for females and pelagic foragers, while benthic foragers traveled further from shore on average. The research also found that foraging area size increased in years with higher breeding effort and fledging success (2016), suggesting that environmental conditions and individual preferences play crucial roles in their foraging behavior. These findings imply that subantarctic foraging conditions may differ significantly from those in mainland New Zealand, potentially influencing future breeding success.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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Between 1996 and 2016, the forest area in Lumbini Province, Nepal—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—expanded by 199 km² (2.1%), rising from 49.3% to 50.3% of the total land cover. Projections using a hybrid cellular automata Markov chain model suggest further growth: an additional 81 km² by 2026 and 195 km² by 2036, reaching nearly 51.4% forest coverage. This increase aligns with global sustainability goals, including SDG-15 (Life on Land), the land degradation neutral world initiative, and the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2031). The study, based on Landsat satellite imagery and spatial modeling, underscores the potential for forest landscape restoration (FLR) in Lumbini while highlighting the need for robust legal frameworks and coordinated policies to sustain this positive trend.
Khangchendzonga National Park
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A high dependence on forest resources (Resource Dependence Index: 0.60) was observed in fringe villages of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Singalila National Park within Khangchendzonga Landscape, India, with significant disparities in resource use patterns between villages. While Alnus nepalensis is the preferred fuel species (probability of use: 0.791), Rhododendron arboreum remains underutilized (probability: 0.09). Selective harvesting of preferred medicinal plants and wild edibles, such as Yushania maling, exacerbates pressure on specific plant groups despite their limited availability for broader uses like fuelwood. The study, based on interviews with 233 households and market surveys, highlights a critical gap between resource demand and production, suggesting potential over-extraction from reserve forests. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation policies to balance ecosystem sustainability with local livelihoods.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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Beetle biodiversity in Mediterranean mountain beech forests is significantly influenced by forest stand structure and the abundance of coarse woody debris (CWD), according to a study conducted in two protected areas: Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park (GSML) and Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni National Park (CVDA). The research found that biodiversity indices for saproxylic and non-saproxylic beetle communities were positively correlated with CWD volume, fungal infections, clefts in the sapwood, and woodpecker cavities in GSML. In CVDA, beetle abundance was linked to basal area and crown broken microhabitats. The study employed standard measurements of forest structural traits, quantitative assessments of tree microhabitats and deadwood, and beetle collections using window flight traps and emergence traps. These findings underscore the importance of structural diversity and CWD in conserving beetle biodiversity, suggesting that increasing these elements could enhance conservation efforts in protected Mediterranean beech forests.
Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor
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Kuala Langat South Forest Reserve (KLSFR) demonstrates a uniform distribution of tree species with mixed composition, characterized by low diversity and evenness indices. The study identified 47 tree species from 21 families, with Annonaceae, Guttiferaceae, and Myrsticaceae being the most speciose. Goniothalamus malayanus and Koompassia malaccensis exhibited absolute dominance, contributing significantly to the forest's biomass. Total biomass was estimated at 406.90 t/ha, with above-ground biomass (AGB) accounting for 349.61 t/ha and below-ground biomass (BGB) at 57.29 t/ha. The tree distribution followed a De iocourt’s factor procedure, indicating natural regeneration patterns. This study provides critical insights for the conservation and sustainable management of KLSFR, highlighting its ecological significance amidst proposals for oil palm plantation development.
Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua
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Botanical gardens worldwide, numbering over two thousand, serve as vital repositories of plant diversity. The Padova Botanical Garden stands out as the oldest, with a history spanning more than four centuries, while the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, boasts the largest living collection, encompassing over forty thousand species. These institutions play a crucial role in conservation and scientific research by preserving and studying a vast array of plant life, contributing significantly to global biodiversity efforts.
Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret
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Le Havre's post-war reconstruction stands as a pioneering example of academic modernism, blending classical and contemporary architectural styles into a cohesive urban vision. This study highlights the innovative approach taken by Auguste Perret, which integrated academic classicism with modernist principles, creating a unified urban structure that remains relevant in contemporary planning. The research explores how this reconstruction exemplifies holistic thinking about urban space, offering insights into the interplay between historical and modern architectural philosophies. By analyzing Perret's work, the study underscores its significance as a forgotten yet influential model for urban development.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
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A critical analysis of the discourse surrounding terrorism, particularly in relation to the 2008 Mumbai attacks at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, reveals how power and knowledge intersect to shape societal perceptions. The study employs Foucault's concepts of archaeology and genealogy to dissect the historical evolution of discursive fields—anarchist, anticolonialist, new left, and religious—highlighting their influence on contemporary understandings of terrorism. It argues that 'truth' in discourse is not neutral but constructed through power dynamics, illustrating this with the Mumbai attacks, where institutional responses were framed within dominant narratives. The research avoids methodological formalism, instead focusing on comparative analysis to expose how discursive practices both reflect and reinforce societal hierarchies.
Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex
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Archaeological evidence from the Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex reveals that fortifications in early Bolgar, dating to pre-Mongol times (late 9th to early 13th centuries), were constructed with a systematic approach involving ramparts and ditches. Excavations uncovered filled ditches, suggesting that earth from earlier ramparts was reused for subsequent defensive structures. Notably, traces indicate overlapping fortifications, where newer ditches were dug adjacent to older ones with an outward offset, hinting at evolutionary changes in the city's defenses. However, precise dating remains elusive due to limited data, leaving the sequence of these fortifications unclear. Future research aims to clarify their chronological and spatial development through further topographic analysis and excavation.
Ephesus
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2021 —
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Four Latin gravestones, dating from the late 14th to mid-15th centuries, provide new insights into the Italian presence and cultural exchange in medieval Ephesus. These tombstones, discovered on the terrace of Ayasuluk near the Byzantine Church of St John the Evangelist, include two previously unpublished inscriptions that were unearthed in 2017. The study combines epigraphic analysis with historical context to shed light on the Frankish community's integration and religious practices during a transitional period in the region's history. This research contributes to understanding the multicultural dynamics of medieval Ephesus by examining Latin inscriptions alongside their archaeological surroundings.
Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
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2021 —
WHEA4F3706FC8
Research on potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in urban soils from Salzburg, Thessaloniki, and Belgrade reveals that while PTE levels in polluted parks exceed those in unpolluted areas, they remain lower than other European soils. Sequential analysis identified Al, Cr, and Ni as predominantly lithogenic with low mobility, contrasting with Cu, Pb, and Zn, which showed significant anthropogenic influence. Salzburg exhibited the highest concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, and Zn of anthropogenic origin, reflecting local geological and pollution dynamics. A health risk assessment found no significant risks for children or adults from exposure to these elements.
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
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2021 —
WHEF0F84E047E
A rare discovery of 12 Roman sculpture fragments, preserved at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, sheds light on imperial portraiture and artistic practices. Among these, ten depict notable figures such as Hadrian, Antinous, Commodus, Caracalla, and possibly Elagabalus, while another fragment features a head with a ringlet hairstyle, potentially representing a female family member or servant. The twelfth fragment is the only known replica of a head also housed in the Louvre, suggesting both are Roman copies of a lost Hellenistic original. This study contributes to understanding the circulation and replication of sculpture during the Roman period by analyzing these fragments through art historical methods.
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
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2021 —
WHEEA40155B96
Rare fragments of Campana tiles, depicting the iconographic motif of Victory on a chariot, were uncovered during excavations at the Palazzo di Villa Adriana in Tivoli. These terracotta architectural elements, uncommon in the site's context, provide valuable insights into the villa's decorative schemes and stylistic influences. The study employs formal and stylistic comparisons to interpret the fragments' significance, contributing to our understanding of Roman iconography and its diffusion during the imperial period.
Iguaçu National Park
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2021 —
WHE88FCC0B494
Research in Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, has uncovered three micro-gastropod species, including two new truncatelloid caenogastropods: <em>Potamolithus mirim</em> and <em>Heleobia iguassu</em>, alongside a detailed anatomical study of the poorly understood chilinid <em>Chilina megastoma</em>. These findings highlight the park's rich biodiversity and the need for protective measures due to their high endemism. The study employed morphological and taxonomic analyses, contributing significantly to our understanding of these species' phylogeny and taxonomy.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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2021 —
WHE2E36C89039
A rare 7th/13th-century Ibadi manuscript letter from Djerba, Tunisia, to the Algerian community of Warjalān sheds light on premodern Maghrib communication and intellectual ties. The unedited letter, part of a neglected corpus in private libraries like El Barounia Library, reveals how Ibadi scholars maintained connections through correspondence. This study highlights the significance of preserving such manuscripts, which have been overlooked due to their fragmented nature and limited accessibility. By contextualizing al-Ṣidghiyānī’s letter within its historical setting, the research underscores the role of epistolary archives in understanding Ibadi intellectual networks.
