Iguaçu National Park
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A rich and diverse ichthyofauna, including numerous endemic species, thrives in the last free-flowing stretch of the Lower Iguaçu River and its tributaries upstream of the Iguaçu Falls. The study, conducted between 2010 and 2016, recorded 76 fish species across 87,702 specimens, with Characiformes and Siluriformes being the dominant orders. Notably, 42% of the species were endemic, including rare or endangered species like Steindachneridion melanodermatum and Gymnogeophagus taroba. The research also identified key indicator species for different habitats, such as Ancistrus mullerae and Rhamdia branneri in tributaries within Iguaçu National Park (INP), highlighting the park's critical role in conserving endemic fish fauna. These findings underscore the ecological significance of undammed river stretches and tributaries, providing crucial insights to mitigate potential impacts from planned hydroelectric developments like the Baixo Iguaçu Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia
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Rock art at Musayqira, Saudi Arabia, spans multiple historical periods—Late Neolithic to Islamic—with distinct artistic traditions reflecting shifting socioeconomic and ecological conditions. Iconographic analysis revealed diverse human and animal depictions, while archaeometric measurements using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) estimated varnish accumulation rates, providing age estimates for the petroglyphs. However, some art was incised in fracture fill rather than true varnish, complicating interpretations. The study combines iconographic data with archaeometric techniques to shed light on the temporal layers of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's rock art.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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The restoration of the Trinity Gate Church's iconostasis at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (1979–1982) revealed previously unknown 18th-century Ukrainian Baroque painting techniques and woodcarving details, advancing knowledge of the region's artistic heritage. The study analyzed pre-restoration conditions, applied scientific conservation principles, and documented methodologies to preserve authenticity while addressing historical alterations. Findings included the identification of original iconography and craftsmanship, contributing new data to art history and informing future preservation efforts for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers
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Haiti's identity and national heritage, shaped by its revolutionary history as the world's first Black republic, are explored through an analysis of the preservation processes of its historical monuments between 1940 and 1990. The study reveals how the institutionalization and designation of these sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Parc National Historique – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers (PNH-CSSR), reflected the political significance of cultural heritage in post-independence Haiti. By examining the construction of these fortifications and the evolution of preservation policies, the research uncovers the foundations of Haitian national identity and the development of its cultural landscape, offering insights into the interplay between state formation, heritage conservation, and collective memory.
Historic Centre of Florence
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Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence, Italy, exhibits significant seismic vulnerability due to its slender masonry structure. A refined numerical model, developed using finite element analysis and laser scanning data, reveals critical insights into its dynamic behavior under earthquake loads. The study incorporates soil-structure interaction effects, providing a comprehensive assessment of the tower's response to natural accelerograms. Findings suggest targeted preservation strategies to mitigate seismic risks, ensuring the long-term stability of this iconic heritage structure. This approach offers a robust framework for analyzing similar historic towers across Europe.
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
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Western Africa's freshwater ecosystems are critical for global biodiversity, housing entire populations of threatened species such as fishes, molluscs, and aquatic plants. A recent study identifies and validates key sites—including Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve—as essential for conservation due to their high endemism and unique biodiversity. However, the report reveals a significant gap in monitoring data, with many species unobserved for decades, hindering efforts to track conservation trends. Threats to these sites are outlined, along with urgent recommendations for surveys and research actions to safeguard this irreplaceable biodiversity.
Mount Athos
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A 14th-century decorated wooden door from the Dionysiou Monastery on Mount Athos, Greece, reveals a rare combination of inorganic and organic colourants, including orpiment, lead white, red lead, cinnabar, carbon black, gypsum, anhydrite, calcite, and an indigoid dye. This finding, derived from advanced microscopy (SEM-EDX) and spectroscopy (micro-Raman, FTIR), sheds light on late Byzantine artistic techniques and material use. The study also identified the varnish type and its condition, providing critical data for restoration efforts to preserve this UNESCO-listed site's cultural heritage.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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A critical fodder supply deficit of 12.9% annually exists in Nyangatom, Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia, with potential to worsen to 219,977 tonnes under climate change and large-scale sugarcane development projects. Hotspots of overgrazing are identified near the Kibish River, marked by high livestock density and insufficient fodder supply, while better conditions persist in southwestern and northeastern regions. The study integrates primary data from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations to map seasonal and location-specific fodder supply-demand dynamics. Findings underscore the need for collaborative policy changes and sustainable rangeland management to mitigate constraints on food security and agro-pastoralist livelihoods.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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2021 —
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National identity transformations significantly reshape urban public spaces, particularly under authoritarian and post-authoritarian regimes. This comparative study of central public spaces in Kiev, Moscow, Berlin, and Warsaw reveals how historical, cultural, social, ideological, and political factors influence the architecture and perception of these spaces. The research demonstrates that structural changes in historic centres reflect deeper identity shifts, offering insights into the interplay between urban planning and national identity. By analyzing the evolution of these capital cities throughout the 20th century, the study provides a framework for understanding the complex dynamics shaping public spaces in post-socialist contexts.
Historic Centre of Agadez
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Contemporary Iklan communities in Niger are redefining their social boundaries and resisting historical marginalization through innovative visual culture, particularly jewelry aesthetics. This study reveals how formerly enslaved groups, historically subjected to Tuareg noble control, now employ tactics such as adopting elite Tuareg styles or incorporating new market goods to assert autonomy. By analyzing two Tamasheq-speaking regions—Tillabéri and Tahoua-Agadez—the research demonstrates the impact of postcolonial economic shifts, NGOs, and societal changes on iklan identity formation. Iklan, once labeled as 'slaves' or 'captives,' are challenging racialized status hierarchies by reinterpreting visual symbols, such as silver jewelry and anklets, to reflect their contemporary agency.
Old Walled City of Shibam
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Advanced digital modeling techniques applied to Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Yemen, reveal the city's unique morphological structure as a pioneering example of sustainable urban architecture. The study demonstrates how these methods can uncover the essence and historical significance of cultural heritage, supporting efforts to protect and preserve it under Objective 11.4 of the UN's Agenda 2030. By integrating archaeological and architectural survey tools, researchers aim to restore Shibam's identity, addressing challenges in documenting fortified cities in high-risk areas.
Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye
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A new perspective on 15th–16th century Russian architecture reveals that the Council of Ferrara and Florence (1437–1439) marked a pivotal moment for architectural discourse, influencing the so-called Russian Renaissance. The study highlights the role of Italian architects from diverse backgrounds—Bologna, Venice, Tuscany—in shaping four iconic Moscow religious buildings: the Dormition Cathedral (1475), Archangel Cathedral (1505–1508), Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye (1532), and Saint Basil's Cathedral (1555–1561). Analysis of an overlooked 18th-century source, combined with stylistic examination, suggests that Saint Basil’s design may have involved an Italian master. These structures exemplify how foreign architects adapted to local needs by balancing traditional Moscow styles with Renaissance elements, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural exchange in Russian architecture.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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A novel pedagogical approach leveraging performative arts has been developed to enhance the emotional and sensory engagement with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, specifically Mantua and Sabbioneta. This method, rooted in participatory and body-centered experiences, aims to deepen the connection between individuals and cultural heritage beyond traditional intellectual understanding. The research, conducted by the University of Milano-Bicocca, demonstrates that integrating artistic expression—such as performance and exploration—can foster a more immersive and meaningful interaction with historical environments. By blending scientific inquiry with poetic and sensory dimensions, this approach offers a transformative way to interpret and value cultural heritage for both residents and visitors.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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A significant reflection on the mafia phenomenon, rooted in the 2018 'Convertitevi!' letter by the Sicilian Episcopal Conference (CESI), underscores the enduring impact of Pope John Paul II's 1993 visit to Agrigento. This visit, marked by his powerful call for peace during a mass at the Valle dei Templi, remains a pivotal moment in Sicily's struggle against organized crime. The letter, authored by Sicilian bishops and presented in Agrigento under the auspices of Cardinal Montenegro, extends its critique beyond regional boundaries to address mafia-like structures across Italy. By linking historical and contemporary challenges, this discourse offers a moral and spiritual framework for combating systemic corruption, bridging theological reflection with societal action.
Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century
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Ivrea, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 20th-century industrial heritage, presents a unique case study in urban heritage management. Despite extensive architectural and urbanistic studies since the mid-1990s, the city's Olivettian residential neighborhoods—still inhabited in a shrinking urban context—were excluded from the core and buffer zones of the UNESCO designation. This exclusion highlights the complex interplay between cultural events like UNESCO nominations and the material, immaterial, and policy dimensions of heritage preservation. While such events offer opportunities for economic, ecological, and social sustainability, they also pose risks of urban fragilization. The study underscores the need for innovative approaches to balance heritage valorization with community engagement and sustainable urban development.
The Porticoes of Bologna
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Bologna's porticoes reveal a deep-rooted tradition of stone re-use, driven by the region's natural scarcity of marble and its ideological significance. This study traces key examples from medieval to modern times, showcasing how re-purposed elements like Giovanni di Balduccio’s altar—originally for Galliera’s papal fortress but later dispersed—and Bentivoleschi capitels, salvaged after their original structure’s demolition, were integrated into new architectural contexts. The research also highlights 19th-century collector Cesare Mattei’s eclectic re-use of sculptures from the Dalle Masegne and Jacopo della Quercia to adorn his eccentric Rocchetta estate. Through these case studies, the paper underscores how re-employment in Bologna has served both practical and symbolic functions, reflecting broader cultural and political narratives.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
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Post-World War II reconstruction efforts at the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' revealed complex challenges and controversies. The study highlights significant restoration interventions between 1943 and 1948, following severe damage from Allied bombings that targeted Milan. Archival analysis sheds light on the scale of these efforts, the roles of key stakeholders—including institutional figures and professionals—and the debates they sparked. These challenges mirrored broader issues in post-war reconstruction, including technical difficulties, limitations in heritage preservation, disciplinary ambiguities, political tensions, and personal conflicts. The findings underscore the intricate interplay between conservation needs, historical significance, and socio-political dynamics during a pivotal yet contentious period in Milan's rebuilding.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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Ilha Grande, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paraty and Ilha Grande, stands out as one of the regions in Rio de Janeiro state with the highest records of bat species, both in terms of abundance and diversity. A long-term ecological study confirmed the presence of 36 bat species on the island by analyzing specimens from zoological collections and conducting mist net sampling in previously unstudied areas. The research compared five distinct studies conducted on Ilha Grande, each with varying objectives and sampling techniques, to 34 fauna inventories across Rio de Janeiro state. This comprehensive approach revealed that Ilha Grande not only boasts a rich bat diversity but also represents an area of significant capture effort, underscoring its importance for conservation efforts.
Monastic Island of Reichenau
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A new interpretation of the Pre-Romanesque frescoes in the Church of Saint George at Oberzell, part of the UNESCO-listed Monastic Island of Reichenau, reveals a coherent programmatic meaning centered on the role of the priesthood and its intermediation in salvation. The study, analyzing eight scenes decorating the church's walls, suggests that these murals reflect the Benedictine monks' vision of ecclesiastical society around the year 1000, mirroring contemporary reforms at Cluny and Fleury. This finding is supported by a comparative analysis with illuminated manuscripts from the Liuthar group, particularly the Bamberg Collection (Msc. Bibl. 22), which share similar theological and societal intentions.
Rock Carvings in Tanum
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A comparative analysis of Bronze Age ship settings on Gotland with rock carvings and metalwork from South Scandinavia suggests that the largest ship settings may have served as cult houses or symbolic representations of the island itself, akin to mainland Bronze Age cult structures. The study explores two key interpretations: one linking vessels to solar mythology, particularly their role in transporting the sun, and another emphasizing their association with the dead. By examining depictions across multiple media—ship settings, rock carvings, and decorated metalwork—the research reveals nuanced insights into the cultural significance of seagoing vessels during this period, potentially reflecting the distinctive social organization of Gotlandic communities.
Old Town of Lijiang
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A community participatory method, the 'Imagine' approach, has shown potential for adaptation to the Chinese context, particularly for managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Old Town of Lijiang. This study tested and contextualized the method, originally developed in Australia, through workshops with residents in three housing clusters within the site. The findings suggest that balancing top-down and bottom-up processes can enhance community engagement in heritage management, addressing challenges posed by rapid urbanization. Further research is recommended to refine this approach for broader application across China.
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
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Woodblock prints from late nineteenth-century Japan, particularly those depicting the Tomioka Silk Mill, reveal a dual narrative of modernity and social control. These images portrayed young female workers in idealized settings, blending traditional attire with industrial progress, yet systematically erased their agency to align with Meiji society's male-dominated hierarchy. While not overtly propagandistic, these visual tropes shaped public perception, reinforcing the mill's role in Japan's modernization while maintaining low labor costs and export competitiveness through the exploitation of female workers.
Town of Luang Prabang
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Heritage conservation at Luang Prabang, Laos, serves as a dynamic arena where multiple national identities—French, Laotian, and Thai—are negotiated and reinforced through interactions with cultural others. Unlike traditional studies that link heritage to singular colonial or national narratives, this research reveals how friction between stakeholders reaffirms diverse identities simultaneously. French experts frame conservation within a civilizing mission, Laotians emphasize Laos' purity of Buddhism, and Thai tourists project their nation's modernity. The study demonstrates that heritagization is not only repressive but also creative, fostering evolving, dynamic identities through collaborative yet contentious preservation practices.
Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli
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Genoa's historic center, particularly the areas of Molo, Maddalena, and Prè, has experienced significant demographic shifts due to immigration, primarily from North Africa and Central America. This study reveals that these areas, once abandoned by traditional residents, now attract new immigrants seeking more affordable housing options. The research highlights a notable change in real estate demand dynamics, driven by economic factors such as lower property prices and the reduced economic capacity of the immigrant population. The findings underscore the profound social and economic transformations in Genoa's historic center, reflecting broader trends in European urban migration patterns.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
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A significant decline in genetic diversity of Celtis zenkeri, a valuable tropical tree species, has been linked to anthropogenic activities in South-West Nigeria. The study, which analyzed 130 accessions using chloroplast microsatellite markers across four forest ecosystems—two pristine (SNR, Akure; Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove) and two degraded (OA3, Eda)—revealed that allelic richness was markedly higher in pristine forests, indicating their long-term potential for adaptability. While observed heterozygosities showed no significant difference between pristine forests and one degraded site (OA3), the findings suggest traditional conservation methods like taboos may help preserve genetic diversity. However, unchecked human activities in Eda forest reserve pose a severe threat to the species' viability, necessitating ex-situ conservation and sustainable harvesting measures.
Vatican City
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COVID-19 has severely disrupted pilgrimage tourism, with profound effects on economic, social, and spiritual dimensions. A study focusing on Lumbini, Nepal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha—reveals that pandemic restrictions and nationwide lockdowns have led to significant challenges for Buddhist pilgrims, monks, and nuns. The research highlights disruptions in travel, employment, and daily monastic life, while also emphasizing the broader impact on global pilgrimage destinations such as Mecca, Vatican City, Israel, and India. Using qualitative methods, including interviews with stakeholders and secondary data analysis, the study underscores the multifaceted consequences of the pandemic on pilgrimage tourism, affecting both local economies and spiritual practices.
Vatican City
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical activities in Vatican City State experienced significant disruption, with a 22.4% decline in procedures from 2019 to 2020. The most pronounced reductions occurred during the lockdown period (March–May 2020), where general/emergency activities dropped by 61.1%, specialty consultations by 85.3%, radiology examinations by 95.8%, and diagnostic procedures by 96.5%. While nearly all specialties saw a decrease, legal medicine, psychiatry, and angiology experienced increases. Despite the challenges, rapid organizational adaptations enabled near-normal recovery of medical services post-lockdown.
Roman Walls of Lugo
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Herbicide treatments applied to the Roman Wall of Lugo were found to have minimal mineralogical impact on its construction materials. A 20-year study involving glyphosate, sulphosate, glufosinate–ammonium, oxyfluorfen (Goal Supreme®), and essential oils from Origanum vulgare, Thymus zygis, and Thymus vulgaris revealed that only glyphosate and physical treatments (infrared and burning) altered vermiculite clay minerals in schist. Oxyfluorfen increased chloride, nitrate, and sulphate contents in granite but caused no significant mineralogical changes. The most recent study found that Thymus zygis essential oil slightly lightened granite. These findings highlight the need for cautious herbicide use to preserve the integrity of historic structures.
Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia
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A significant increase in unmet domestic water demand, potentially reaching 760 MCM by 2030 under high population growth scenarios, threatens water security in the Upper Awash sub-basin, Ethiopia. This study reveals that while climate change impacts are less severe compared to population growth and water leakage (23% of unmet demand), unsustainable groundwater abstraction without complementary surface water reservoir schemes risks depleting groundwater resources by over 20 meters, particularly in the Akaki catchment supplying Addis Ababa. The research demonstrates that conjunctive use of surface and groundwater can alleviate these pressures, boosting domestic water demand coverage from 26% to 90% under climate change scenarios with minimal impact on groundwater levels. To ensure sustainable water utilization, policies must prioritize conjunctive management strategies while addressing water leakage.
Mount Taishan
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Converting Robinia pseudoacacia stands from seedling to coppice plantations significantly reduces soil quality and alters bacterial community composition, potentially undermining the species' role in soil restoration. The study found that while total carbon and nitrogen decreased in rhizosphere soils, nutrient availability increased, with notable shifts in bacterial diversity and structure. Proteobacteria and Rhizobium abundance rose, while Actinobacteria declined, correlating with reduced nutrient availability. Nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) emerged as a key factor influencing bacterial distribution, explaining 15.12% of the variation. These changes suggest spatial-temporal homogenization in microbial communities, which may accelerate the decline of R. pseudoacacia and its effectiveness in restoring barren mountain lands.
Škocjan Caves
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Visits to caves, particularly in closed smaller ones, can disrupt their natural microclimates if disturbances do not quickly revert. Research at Škocjan Caves reveals that while temperature recovers within 3-6 hours post-visit due to efficient exchanges with cave walls, CO2 concentration disturbances persist longer, influenced more by draughts than direct emissions. In contrast, the impact of visits is negligible in wide-open caves like Murmuring Cave, where external changes dominate. The study used continuous monitoring data from 2013-2016 to assess temperature and CO2 dynamics, providing experimental evidence for theoretical models on microclimate recovery.
Galápagos Islands
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Coral skeletal architecture significantly impacts geochemical climate reconstructions, potentially introducing biases that alter paleoclimate interpretations. This study demonstrates that integrating coral density data with geochemistry can improve the accuracy of sea surface temperature (SST) reconstructions by up to 20%. Researchers analyzed paired geochemistry-density records from three <em>Porites lobata</em> corals at Wolf Island in the Galápagos, categorizing sampling transects based on skeletal architecture quality. They found that suboptimal transects, characterized by off-axis corallite orientation or changing growth direction, correlated with nonclimatic variations in trace elements like Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, and Mg/Ca. By excluding these transects, the study achieved reconstructed SSTs closer to instrumental means while reducing reconstruction errors. These findings highlight the importance of skeletal architecture in refining coral-based paleoclimate records.
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
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A deadly rain event in Israel's semi-arid Negev desert, particularly around the Tzafit river gorge near Dimona, was significantly influenced by both local and non-local moisture sources. Research using factor separation techniques revealed that local ground moisture substantially increased Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), leading to heightened precipitation and lightning rates, especially near Jerusalem. Meanwhile, non-local moisture sources facilitated weak but widespread convection, with localized peaks in the Tzafit river area. The combined effect of these moisture sources intensified convective activity, contributing to severe flooding on April 26, 2018. This study underscores the importance of accurately depicting soil moisture in forecast models for the Levant, particularly during the typically dry spring season, to improve predictions of convective rainfall and associated hazards.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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A striking pattern of seismic damage emerged from the 2020 Samos earthquake, challenging conventional models of isoseismal lines. Unlike typical earthquakes, this M7.0 event caused severe, localized destruction in multi-story buildings in İzmir—far from the epicenter—while sparing nearby areas like northern Samos. This unusual distribution suggests that similar patterns may have occurred during historical quakes in the region, potentially explaining large meizoseismal areas documented in ancient records. The findings also imply that monumental structures, such as Greek and Roman temples with long-period columns, which are usually resilient to seismic loads, can still suffer damage under amplified background accelerations—a phenomenon observed in the Heraion temple at Samos. By analyzing this earthquake's atypical effects, researchers propose a new framework for modeling ancient seismic events, offering insights into the vulnerability of heritage sites like Pythagoreion and Heraion.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
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Tourism has positively impacted the livelihoods of women in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, by increasing their income. However, women still face significant barriers to formal employment within the tourism industry and have limited influence on community decision-making. The study, which used Sara Longwe’s (1995) empowerment framework to analyze survey data and semi-structured interviews, found that while women have made progress in enhancing their livelihoods, they remain marginalized in terms of access to opportunities and power dynamics within the community.
The Persian Caravanserai
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Mughal garden tombs, epitomized by the Taj Mahal, owe their evolution significantly to Nur Jahan's Persian influence during Jahangir's reign. This study highlights her pivotal role in integrating Persian arts and crafts into Mughal architecture, fostering a unique amalgamation of styles that enriched funerary traditions. Nur Jahan, an influential Mughal queen with deep Persian roots, commissioned structures that showcased subtle yet profound Persian elements, such as Chahar Bagh and Hasht Bihisht, while nurturing the growth of artists and artisans. The research establishes her imperative contribution to bridging Persian and Mughal artistic traditions, emphasizing her lasting impact on architectural innovation in India.
Komodo National Park
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A case study of Komodo National Park demonstrates the successful implementation of good governance principles, including transparency, accountability, responsibility, independence, and fairness. The research employed a descriptive interpretive Yin approach, gathering data through observations, interviews, and documentation to explore how these principles are applied in practice. Findings highlight tangible benefits for park management and stakeholders, offering a model for effective governance that can be referenced by other national parks. This study provides valuable insights into the practical application of good governance in conservation management.
The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá
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García-Montón's study reveals how the Genoese entrepreneur Domenico Grillo’s factors exploited unprecedented privileges to expand the Spanish American asiento trade, challenging established Sevillian and Lima consulados while engaging in smuggling activities beyond the charter's limits. The research demonstrates that this expansion required collaboration with local merchants, middlemen, and political authorities, who quickly benefited from the trade. This dynamic of competition and cooperation set the stage for future trading relationships within the Spanish Indies and broader global trade circuits. By focusing on the Isthmus of Panama and Pacific South America, the study provides a detailed, intra-imperial perspective on the complexities of monopolistic trade during the 17th century.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
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Misleading media reports about the Victoria Falls drying up due to climate change-induced drought had significant negative impacts on tourism, despite such claims being inconsistent with the natural seasonal characteristics of the Zambezi River. A content analysis of news articles and interviews with tourism operators revealed that inaccurate reporting, often during the dry season, damaged the destination's image and economic prospects. The study underscores the critical need for science-based, accurate media coverage to protect both local economies and the reputation of iconic World Heritage Sites like Victoria Falls.
Khami Ruins National Monument
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New radiocarbon dates from Khami Ruins National Monument reveal that the interaction between Sotho (Icon) and Kalanga (Khami) peoples over approximately 200 years played a pivotal role in the emergence of Venda as a distinct language and cultural entity. The study, using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating, identified two pulses of occupation: Pulse 1 (AD 1400–1480) with eight sites and Pulse 2 (AD 1520–1590) with eight components or sites. While Kalanga people occupied fertile agricultural land near the Limpopo floodplains, Sotho peoples inhabited the southern plateau, leading to an unequal but significant resource-sharing dynamic. Initiation schools on ethnic boundaries facilitated cultural exchange, contributing to the formation of Venda's linguistic and macro-cultural identity.
Historic Centre of Lima
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Urban renewal projects in Lima's historic center face significant challenges due to urban deterioration driven by exclusion and spatial segregation. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Peru's legal framework for urban renewal, focusing on three case studies: 'Casa de las Columnas,' 'Conjunto de Vivienda La Muralla,' and 'Proyecto Piloto Martinete.' The research finds that while urban law provides regulatory instruments to address deterioration in central areas, its implementation often lacks precision, particularly in managing public administration's roles in land transformation. By analyzing the scope of legal frameworks and intervention procedures, the study highlights critical gaps in Peru's urban renewal policies, offering insights for improving heritage protection and sustainable urban development.
Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex
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Improper garbage management in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, significantly attracts wildlife, with 38 vertebrate species, including globally vulnerable Malayan sun bears and long-tailed macaques, drawn to dumpsites. The study found that food waste quantities correlated with tourist numbers, influencing species diversity, abundance, and visitation patterns. Highly abundant species visited more frequently than less common ones, and feeding behavior at dumpsites may alter ecological roles, leading to increased populations and human-wildlife conflict. Camera traps deployed over 601 trap nights (May 2018–January 2019) revealed that diurnal species were most prevalent, followed by nocturnal and crepuscular ones. Proper waste management is critical to mitigate negative impacts on threatened species amid rising tourism-related waste.
Old City of Salamanca
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Architect Julio Cano Lasso's work exemplifies the profound interconnectedness between urban landscapes and architectural design, as demonstrated through his sketches. These drawings, characterized by their rapid and dynamic nature, capture the essence of cities like Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela, Toledo, and Cuenca, revealing a deep resonance with both natural and artificial landscapes. The study highlights Cano Lasso's unique approach, which treats historical cities not just as subjects but as active participants in architectural creation. By analyzing his drawings, the research uncovers a coherent process where landscape and architecture engage in a continuous dialogue, ultimately shaping his projects. This innovative perspective offers a fresh understanding of Cano Lasso's contributions to urban design.
Villa Romana del Casale
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A groundbreaking project, VILLAE, merges archaeology and game design to revolutionize public engagement with the 4th-Century CE Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extensive Roman mosaics. Despite its cultural significance, the site remains underappreciated due to accessibility challenges. The project utilizes WebGL technology to create an immersive online game that combines accurate 3D reconstructions with narrative storytelling, focusing on the life of pioneering archaeologist Ersilia Caetani-Lovatelli and the evolution of modern Italian archaeology. This innovative approach addresses the balance between digital accuracy and meaningful gameplay, offering a novel method for both academic and public engagement with historical sites.
Paphos
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Research reveals that the 'Hellenistic' House in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, exhibits architectural design principles rooted in mathematical harmony, specifically adhering to Ptolemaic artistic traditions despite its Roman-era construction. By applying metrology studies and cosine quantograms, the study identifies a module system governing both the general layout and decorative elements of the residence. This dual analytical approach clarifies the predominant stylistic influence within a multicultural archaeological context, offering insights into the origins and evolution of Graeco-Roman architectural traditions.
Tower of London
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Research at the Tower of London's Wardrobe Tower reveals that hydraulic lime mortar (NHL3.5) less effectively regulates moisture in Reigate Stone masonry compared to lime putty mortar, yet older NHL mortars can perform similarly despite initial incompatibility. Non-destructive testing over two years showed that while pointing mortar type influences stone moisture regulation, its impact is secondary to the stone's inherent properties and micro-contextual factors like exposure and topography. The study underscores the need for tailored conservation strategies addressing specific decay mechanisms, including additional protective measures against moisture ingress, to ensure sustainable preservation of vulnerable historic masonry.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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2021 —
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A study of Goguryeo royal-class tombs from the 4th and 5th centuries reveals that while the physical structure of these tombs transitioned from Stone-mound Tombs to Stone-Chamber Tombs with a Mound, the ancestral rites and ritualistic ideas remained consistent. The research highlights the integration of Chinese influences into Goguryeo's traditional tomb styles, particularly in the Jian Usanha Tomb No. 3319, which combines elements of both Stone-mound and corridor-style stone chamber tombs. Additionally, the study identifies the unique Calendar Era System 'Taisui' in records related to these tombs, distinct from Chinese traditions, and notes the presence of specific ritualistic petroglyphs. This suggests a harmonization of cultural influences while maintaining core Goguryeo practices.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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2021 —
WHE71F336E3C1
Christopher Plantin's pricing strategy for emblem books in 16th-century Antwerp was influenced by multiple factors, including production costs, illustration techniques (woodcuts vs. copper engravings), and market conditions. Analysis of Plantin's business records, such as the Master Ledger (1563–1567) and manuscript m 296—containing over 20,000 European book titles with prices—revealed that he carefully balanced these elements to determine break-even points. Additionally, his press's reputation and broader economic conditions played a significant role in shaping his pricing decisions.
The Dolomites
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2021 —
WHEA2A5DB976A
A novel approach using wearable long-range transceivers and ground sensors, combined with proximal sensing techniques, effectively monitors natural hazards such as floods, rockfalls, and tree falls in the Geoparc Bletterbach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Dolomites. This study demonstrates that real-time tracking of tourism activities can significantly mitigate risks for visitors, who are increasingly drawn to the region's spectacular landscapes and geological formations. By integrating these technologies, researchers achieved proactive hazard detection, reducing the likelihood of dangerous incidents in this high-traffic area with 60,000 annual visits.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2021 —
WHE4C677F58A9
A revised management approach for the Tristan rock lobster fishery at Inaccessible Island, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, has been identified as optimal with a trap limit (Itar) set at 5.0 kg/trap. This recommendation is based on analyzing both commercial catch per unit effort (CPUE) and biomass survey data to refine the total allowable catch (TAC) setting formula. The study integrates multiple data sources to enhance fishery sustainability, balancing commercial and conservation objectives in this remote and ecologically significant marine environment.
