Phoenix Islands Protected Area
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2021 —
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A study of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) reveals that coral reefs are becoming more resilient to marine heatwaves over time. Analyzing an 18-year record of coral cover across three major bleaching events, researchers found that coral mortality due to thermal stress has decreased in recent heatwaves compared to earlier ones. This suggests that selective survival through successive heatwaves may be shaping the coral community's response to future warming. The findings highlight the potential for corals to adapt under repeated thermal stress and underscore the importance of identifying conditions that facilitate coral survival and recovery to effectively manage reefs amid climate change.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
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2021 —
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A new, persistent lagoon, Bellaât 1, has emerged within the Banc d'Arguin National Park (PNBA) due to a localized breach in the coastal barrier and marine incursion into inland areas. This phenomenon, previously unrecorded, raises questions about its natural origins or potential link to rising sea levels. Authorities conducted multiple follow-up missions to assess the timing, causes, and ecological impacts of the breach. Preliminary findings highlight the need for cautious monitoring of similar marine incursions in urban coastal zones across Mauritania.
Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia
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Indigenous communities possess unique knowledge and belief systems that are crucial to the preservation of heritage monuments, often conflicting with Western conservation approaches. A study on Nan Madol, a 1,000-year-old ceremonial site in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, highlights this tension. While inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, Nan Madol faces threats from silting waterways, encroaching vegetation, and storm surges exacerbated by climate change. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) mission identified these issues but emphasized the need for cultural translation to develop sustainable preservation strategies. Collaboration among local, indigenous, and international stakeholders is essential for inclusive knowledge co-production, balancing materialistic Western methods with indigenous values.
Kakadu National Park
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Indigenous-led responsible innovation protocols for drone use in Kakadu National Park demonstrate how traditional worldviews can guide ethical technological integration. These protocols empower Indigenous governance, foster trusted research relationships, and enable ongoing Indigenous-led technological advancement. Applied at Jarrangbarnmi, a biocultural landscape owned by the Jawoyn people, the protocols ensure that cultural responsibilities for knowledge sharing and stewardship inform the co-design of innovations like drones. This approach offers a model for adaptive co-management of Indigenous lands, balancing technological progress with deep cultural values.
Lake Baikal
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Aerosol pollution from industrial emissions and wildfires significantly impacts the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lake Baikal, threatening its unique ecosystem. The study, conducted during a July 2018 expedition, reveals that fine particle numbers, PM10, and black carbon (BC) mass concentrations are elevated due to industrial activities in Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk regions, as well as wildfires from the Republic of Yakutia. Highest pollution levels were observed near harbor and touristic areas, with residential biomass burning contributing to the problem. Lidar sounding and meteorological observations provided insights into aerosol optical properties, including scattering, spectral absorption, and Absorption Angstrom Exponent (AAE), indicating varying pollution sources. The research underscores the severe ecological impact of aerosol deposition on Lake Baikal's pristine environment.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
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2021 —
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Industrial fishing near UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Banc d'Arguin National Park and the Bijagós Archipelago, poses significant risks to mobile marine predators like elasmobranchs. Despite no industrial fishing occurring within these Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), 72-78% of their buffer zones were fished, with trawling, drifting longlines, and fixed gears dominating. The study, using AIS data and fisheries observer records, found increased elasmobranch catches in recent years, particularly for migratory species, with seasonal peaks varying between Mauritania and Guinea Bissau. These findings suggest that industrial fishing near ecologically vital MPAs may disrupt ecosystem functioning by targeting predatory species.
Yakushima
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Sympatric freshwater eels, <em>Anguilla marmorata</em> and <em>A. japonica</em>, exhibit distinct habitat preferences on Yakushima Island, Japan, with the tropical species favoring clear, fast-flowing mainstems and tributaries characterized by larger substrates, fewer fallen leaves, higher current velocity, and lower turbidity, while the temperate species dominates stagnant, muddy environments like estuaries, backwaters, irrigation channels, and reservoirs. This segregation persists across life stages and body sizes, indicating strong environmental preferences that must be considered for conservation in sympatric zones. The study analyzed habitat use patterns using field observations to elucidate these ecological distinctions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Encroachment on ecosystem resources within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has significantly diminished the availability of tangible goods, such as timber and fuel wood, over the past three decades. This degradation directly correlates with host community well-being, primarily driven by land scarcity and poverty. The study, involving 32 households, reveals that these factors compel communities to exploit protected areas, exacerbating ecological decline. Recommendations emphasize empowering local communities to mitigate encroachment rates.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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A novel C-STEAM curriculum, integrating art history, architecture, gardening, programming, and engineering design, was developed to enhance students' creative thinking and comprehensive Internet application skills using Kulangsu as a model. This interdisciplinary approach leveraged the cultural background of Kulangsu to foster an IoT mindset in problem-solving. The curriculum included a sandbox teaching aid with 150 architectural puzzles, Arduino boards, and expandable sensors, which was evaluated for its effectiveness through statistical analysis of students' performance.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2021 —
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Researchers have documented the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by two key benthic marine organisms—Ascidiacea and Amphipoda—in the Ilha Grande Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Brazil. The study highlights a significant environmental concern, as these organisms, integral to the bay's ecosystem, are affected by MPs, which disrupt behavior, consumption, and nutritional rates. The findings underscore the pervasive impact of plastic pollution on even remote heritage sites, despite their protected status. The research employed field sampling and laboratory analysis to assess MP ingestion levels, providing critical data on the extent of marine litter contamination in this globally recognized natural area.
Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital
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A proposed extension of the Beijing Central Axis, a UNESCO-listed symbol of ancient Chinese capital planning, offers new strategies for balancing heritage preservation with urban development. Researchers analyzed the axis's historical evolution, ecological integration, and urban relationships using a 'Historical Urban Landscape' framework. They developed a comprehensive management system addressing control scope, spatial expansion, traffic, water systems, green spaces, and governance—aiming to harmonize cultural legacy with modern urban needs. This approach could serve as a model for sustainable development in historic cityscapes.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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Recent research challenges the long-held assumption that carbon black was the primary ink used in ancient Graeco-Latin papyri from Herculaneum. A groundbreaking study employing X-Ray Phase Contrast Tomography (XPCT) revealed significant lead content in some ink fragments, suggesting lead may have been a key component rather than an exception. This discovery opens new avenues for non-invasive analysis of still-rolled scrolls using synchrotron light to distinguish text from parchment without unrolling, potentially revolutionizing the study of preserved but inaccessible manuscripts.
Tower of Hercules
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A significant source of indoor radon pollution in heritage buildings, such as the Tower of Hercules in Corunna, Spain, has been identified: inner wall fillers used in thick structural elements like bearing walls and vaults. These fillers exhibit radon exhalation rates comparable to those found in soils, often one to two orders of magnitude higher than the construction materials themselves (e.g., granite). The study employed an exhalation method-based approach, revealing that these fillers contribute substantially to indoor radon concentrations uniformly across building storeys, regardless of elevation or distance from the soil. This challenges conventional assumptions that soil is the primary source of radon gas and suggests that mitigation strategies must address emissions from all sources, including inner wall fillers.
Costiera Amalfitana
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An 800% increase in man-made infrastructures along the Amalfi Coast, particularly in Minori, has been linked to heightened vulnerability to debris flows. This finding emerges from a study comparing photogrammetric datasets from 1956 and 2017, which revealed that while terraced areas remained stable, their surroundings experienced significant anthropogenic changes. Researchers utilized digital elevation models, orthophotos, and the normalized remaining vegetation index to assess vulnerability. The study also employed object-based image analysis (OBIA) to extract terraced regions, providing a novel method for linking human modifications to environmental risks.
Białowieża Forest
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Approximately 40% of tourists in the Białowieża Forest region exhibit high or very high demand for sustainable and innovative transport solutions, particularly e-mobility. This study addresses the challenge of improving tourist accessibility in peripheral areas while minimizing environmental impact by developing an intermodal model combining public transport with electric bicycle and car rental. The model was verified using heuristic research methods, including brainstorming, the Delphi method, case studies, and a diagnostic survey involving 421 respondents. The Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique natural values, served as the case study. The findings highlight the potential of e-mobility to enhance tourism development in peripheral regions while promoting sustainable transport solutions.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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Urban regeneration strategies can effectively prevent the shrinkage of traditional settlements and improve their image, even in contexts where population displacement to larger urban centers is prevalent. This study proposes innovative intervention approaches for small towns, aiming to address the challenges posed by population decline and overcrowding in megacities. By analyzing successful case studies from both similar and differing contexts, the research highlights context-independent strategies that can be applied universally. The findings suggest that strategic urban interventions hold significant potential for revitalizing shrinking cities, offering a viable solution to the global trend of urbanization and its associated issues.
Tikal National Park
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A previously overlooked fragment of Maya hieroglyphic text from Tikal National Park, Guatemala, reveals the earliest known mention of the enigmatic title 'tumam' and provides insights into an unknown royal lineage from the Petén region during the Early Classic period. This discovery stems from a 2013 project focused on re-documenting ceramic collections at the Tikal Conservation and Research Center (CCIT). The research, part of the 'Epigraphic Atlas of Peten, Phase I,' aimed to analyze lesser-studied hieroglyphic texts preserved in the park. By systematically re-examining ceramic fragments, the study uncovered significant epigraphic evidence that contributes to our understanding of Maya dynastic accounts and titles during this crucial period.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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A rare insect, Eudorylas lepus (Rafael, 1990), has been documented for the first time in Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO-listed archipelago off Brazil’s coast. This discovery contributes to the understanding of Hexapoda diversity in oceanic islands, where such species are often scarce or overlooked. The study, published in <em>Entomological Communications</em>, records the insect in low numbers and provides a brief characterization. Researchers used field collections to identify this new occurrence, highlighting the importance of remote archipelagos like Fernando de Noronha for biodiversity studies.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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A study on the Brazilian Atlantic Islands of Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas reveals that two epidemiologically significant species of bloodsucking Tabanidae, <em>Tabanus occidentalis</em> and <em>T. pungens</em>, dominate the insect diversity in this oceanic archipelago. <em>T. occidentalis</em> accounted for 99.6% of collected specimens across both rainy and dry seasons, while <em>T. pungens</em> was rare, comprising only 0.4%, primarily during the dry season. These species, likely introduced accidentally, pose risks to livestock health and tourism due to their pestering behavior and potential pathogen transmission. The study also highlights the role of the invasive aquatic plant <em>Pistia stratiotes</em> as a larval habitat for these tabanids, recommending its removal from local ponds to control their populations.
Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia
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A multidisciplinary investigation challenges the diagnosis of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) on the GAR IVE hemi-mandible, an early Homo infant fossil from Melka Kunture, Ethiopia. Using synchrotron imaging and analysis of associated fauna, researchers found that traits previously linked to AI can be attributed to normal growth or taphonomy, refuting the pathological diagnosis. This study underscores the need for cautious interpretation of dental pathologies in fossils and provides new insights into the emergence of childhood in early Homo, a critical stage in human ontogeny.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
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A breakthrough in the digital preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly for Borobudur Temple, has been achieved through an integrated high-definition visualization framework. This method successfully combines disparate data sources—including photos, CAD drawings, and written descriptions—to create a comprehensive 3D digital archive, even for damaged or inaccessible parts of historical structures. By employing stochastic point-based rendering (SPBR), the framework enables precise and comprehensible visualization of entire sites, addressing gaps left by traditional 3D scanning limitations. The approach is scalable and adaptable to other large-scale cultural heritage sites, offering a robust solution for long-term digital preservation and analysis.
Medieval City of Rhodes
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Non-destructive techniques (NDT) offer significant advantages for cultural heritage preservation, providing critical data on decay diagnosis, conservation interventions, and environmental management without causing damage. Applied to the Medieval City of Rhodes and other historic sites in Crete, these methods—including Digital Image Processing, Ultrasonics, Infrared Thermography, and Fibre Optics Microscopy—enable an integrated approach to safeguard cultural heritage. The study demonstrates their effectiveness in assessing architectural surfaces and structures, from Byzantine and Venetian monuments to more recent ones, highlighting their potential for broad-scale on-site applications.
Lower Valley of the Awash
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Integrating satellite rainfall estimates with hydrological models significantly improves water resource management, particularly in data-scarce regions. This study demonstrates that combining Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR) satellite rainfall products with the GR2M hydrological model enhances flow simulation accuracy in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia. The findings reveal that 80% of calibrated and 60% of validated watersheds achieved lower percent bias (<±10), indicating better performance. However, certain watersheds like Melka Kuntire, Mojo, Metehara, and Kessem showed poor accuracy with higher bias (≥±25). The study underscores the potential of satellite rainfall data for effective water resource planning but emphasizes the need for ground-based validation and bias correction to improve model reliability.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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A novel integration of laser scanning (TLS) and photogrammetry enhances the accuracy and completeness of Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), addressing critical challenges in digital heritage documentation. The study demonstrates that combining TLS for structural reconstruction with photogrammetry—particularly effective for surface details, radiometric data, and irregular objects—yields superior 3D textured models. Hybrid workflows, tested at two historic sites (Matbouli House Museum in UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah and Asfan Castle), show that TLS excels in capturing basic shapes while photogrammetry refines geometry and parametric tracing, even on complex facades or shadowed terrains. By leveraging ICP algorithms for data registration, the approach achieves reliable BIM mapping of intricate architectural elements, offering a scalable solution for heritage preservation.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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A novel integrated modelling approach for seismic assessment of complex unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings, exemplified by the Podestà Palace in Mantua, Italy, demonstrates how combining Structural Element Models, Macro-Block Models, and Finite Element Models can provide a comprehensive understanding of seismic behavior. This method allows for the estimation of dynamic interactions among structural units while enabling detailed analysis of critical areas, such as vaults prone to local mechanisms. The findings highlight that in-plane stiffening of vaults could be an effective strengthening solution to improve seismic action redistribution in such intricate structures. This approach bridges computational efficiency and accuracy, offering a rational basis for conservation strategies at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Persepolis
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Persepolis, the Royal Ensemble of the Achaemenid Empire, exemplifies a groundbreaking architectural language that symbolized imperial unity and cultural synthesis. Built from 521 to 486 BCE by Darius I, its design—characterized by sacred square forms, proportional systems, and intricate bas-reliefs—set a precedent for Persian architecture that endured through centuries. The site's integrity as a World Heritage property hinges on its territorial context in Fars, Iran, where Achaemenid elements, including the Royal Terrace at the foot of Mehr Mountain and nearby tombs, contribute to its historical significance. This study evaluates the cultural landscape's integrity by analyzing its original urban plan, architectural motifs, and the enduring influence of Persepolitan design on subsequent Persian architecture, while also considering the site's destruction by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE.
Gros Morne National Park
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Under heavy moose browsing, balsam fir-dominated forests in Gros Morne National Park (GMNP) face significant decline, with growing stock decreasing by 38% and spruce expansion increasing by 32% over a century compared to light browsing scenarios. The study used a forest estate model to assess these impacts and restoration strategies, revealing that reforestation through planting could recover 97% of disturbed areas in heavy browsing conditions, boosting total growing stock by 22% and annual allowable cut (AAC) by 12%. Combining planting with moose population management was identified as the most efficient approach for forest restoration under high browsing pressure. The model also estimated AAC at 120,979 m³ in light browsing scenarios—21% higher than sustainable levels under heavy browsing.
Mount Kumgang – Diamond Mountain from the Sea
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Inter-Korean relations have stagnated since the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi in 2019, primarily due to South Korea's prioritization of its ties with the United States and increased dependence on it. This shift has hindered the implementation of the Sunshine policy, such as reopening the Kaesong Industrial Complex and Mount Kumgang tourism zone. Additionally, linking inter-Korean economic cooperation to North Korea's denuclearization has further strained relations. The deterioration in June 2020 indicates that Pyongyang is more interested in engaging with the United States than Seoul, especially given the deadlock in US-North Korean nuclear negotiations. The study analyzes these dynamics from 1998 to 2020, highlighting how geopolitical tensions, particularly between China and the United States, could exacerbate inter-Korean relations and complicate a political settlement on the Korean Peninsula.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
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In January 2021, Senegal detected the spread of Eurasian highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) to its territory, marking a significant intercontinental jump from Europe. The virus was identified on a poultry farm in Thies and in great white pelicans within the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. This study provides evidence for the transcontinental movement of H5N1, highlighting the role of migratory birds in viral dissemination across continents. Researchers analyzed samples to trace the virus's origin and spread, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures at World Heritage Sites like Djoudj to mitigate risks associated with avian influenza.
China Danxia
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A study of degraded wooden components from Danxia Temple's ancient architectures reveals that four tree species—Quercus, Ulmus, Salix, and Populus—were primarily damaged by fungal decay. Quercus spp. suffered severe cellulose loss due to brown rot fungi, while Ulmus spp. experienced degradation of both cellulose and lignin by white rot fungi. All four species were also highly susceptible to insect attacks. The research used bright field microscopy along with polarized and fluorescence light observations to analyze cell wall compositions, providing insights into the internal causes of wood damage in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rideau Canal
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A study of the Rideau Canal reveals how British Royal Engineers, despite being geographically distant from the canal's operations, established a robust internal control system to discipline civilian lockmasters and encourage self-governance. Analyzing an 'Order Book' maintained at the Isthmus Lockstation between 1832 and 1854, researchers found that directives emphasized thorough documentation, physical asset control, and proper authorization of activities. These orders mirrored those used for Royal Engineers in 1831, indicating a transfer of accounting technologies from military to civilian workforce management. This suggests an early example of governmentality at a distance, where centralized authority was maintained through decentralized yet disciplined labor processes.
Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape
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LEMCO's beef packing model, initially successful in South America, faced significant challenges when replicated in colonial Namibia due to ecological and human factors unique to the region. Despite its multinational scope enabling navigation through Anglo-German rivalries during World War I, severe droughts and South African regional imperialism expedited LEMCO's exit from South West Africa by 1940. The study highlights how specific environmental conditions, such as recurrent droughts and sparse human populations, along with international disease controls, hindered the company's ambitions to expand markets in Germany and South Africa.
Palace and Park of Versailles
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A novel interdisciplinary approach enhances the teaching of landscape architecture by integrating the 'trident' technique—a compositional method observed in historic palace and park ensembles like Versailles, Peterhof, and Tsarskoye Selo—into lecture courses. This method, rooted in comparative analysis, enriches intellectual engagement and problem-solving in landscape-urban design. By examining functional, scenario, and stylistic features of the 'trident' technique across 17th to 20th-century European cities, students gain deeper insights into architectural methodologies, empowering them to apply these techniques effectively in design tasks. The approach aligns with federal educational standards and professional requirements, demonstrating its relevance in modern curriculum development.
Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice
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A study on visitor interpretation in Ásbyrgi, part of Vatnajökull National Park, reveals that verbal communication by guides or rangers is the most preferred method for delivering information to tourists. This approach enhances visitor satisfaction while effectively conveying key messages about geology, cultural history, and environmental sustainability. The research, based on observations and interviews with visitors, guides, rangers, and managers, found that most stakeholders were satisfied with the current interpretation methods. However, it also highlighted the need for improved compliance with safety and environmental instructions to ensure sustainable tourism development. These findings provide actionable insights for managing visitor experiences in nature-based destinations, balancing economic growth with ecological preservation.
Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura
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A geoarchaeological study reveals that the apparent gap in Gravettian artifacts between the Ach and Lone valleys in the Swabian Jura, SW Germany, is likely due to differential cave erosion rather than human depopulation. Using ERT, EC-logging, and GPR data, researchers found that sediments and archaeological materials eroded from caves and were deposited above river incisions after 37-32 Kcal BP in both valleys. The study proposes that cave erosion was more intensive in the Lone Valley due to earlier phases of downcutting and hillside erosion. Radiocarbon dating gaps in both valleys, interpreted as evidence of cave erosion, support this hypothesis. Additionally, geochronological data from the Danube Valley suggest that terrace formation moved westward, potentially triggering regional landscape changes that led to differential erosion.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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Silicon isotopes serve as powerful proxies for weathering and element cycling, with their interpretation hinging on three key parameters: parent mineral isotope ratios, partitioning between solute and secondary phases, and fractionation factors tied to clay formation. This study reveals that these parameters vary systematically along an erosion gradient, from the kinetically limited Rhone Valley in the Swiss Alps to tectonically inactive highlands of Sri Lanka. Differential weathering of primary minerals leads to distinct silicon isotope signatures in solubilized rock, while clay mineralogy and composition—particularly Si-poor clays—control mass balance and fractionation factors. Larger fractionation factors correlate with Al availability, suggesting a mechanistic link. These findings provide a quantitative framework for using silicon isotopes to reconstruct past and present weathering processes.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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A field survey of Przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) in the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed a 100% prevalence of intestinal parasites, with strongyle-type eggs detected in all 79 fecal samples analyzed. The study identified an average of 1287 eggs per gram (EPG), indicating high fecal egg-shedding levels, and found that Cyathostominae were the dominant parasite subfamily, with Strongylus vulgaris being the most prevalent strongylin at 40.5%. Additionally, 27.8% of horses tested positive for Parascaris sp., while 2.5% harbored Oxyuris equi. The research also noted a higher prevalence of Triodontophorus serratus and Poteriostomum spp. in juveniles and observed that horses with S. vulgaris exhibited lower EPG levels. This was the first comprehensive study of intestinal parasites in this population, providing critical insights into their health dynamics within the Pentezug Wildhorse Reserve.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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Research on biomass burning in the Brazilian Cerrado's Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks reveals that intraseasonal variability in greenhouse gas emission factors (EFs) may only slightly offset carbon mitigation gains from early dry season (EDS) prescribed fires. Using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-mounted sampling system, the study analyzed over 800 smoke samples during EDS and late dry season (LDS), finding no statistically significant differences in CO₂, CO, CH₄, or N₂O EFs between seasons. However, N₂O EFs for open Cerrado were notably lower than previously estimated, suggesting potential overestimation of fire contributions to the N₂O budget. The findings imply that while EDS burning may reduce burned area and carbon consumption, its greenhouse gas mitigation benefits are limited by intraseasonal EF variability.
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve
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A tribute to Edward P. Glenn (1947–2017) celebrates his pioneering work in hydrological processes, particularly focusing on the Colorado River Delta and its transboundary significance. The special issue highlights four key areas: hydrology in the delta, riparian ecosystem water use, plant ecophysiology, and evapotranspiration modeling. Glenn's research, spanning over four decades, advanced ground-based transpiration quantification to validate remote sensing methods, crucial for understanding water balance in dryland deltas. The Colorado River Delta, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve,' plays a vital role in the Northern Gulf of California ecosystem. The 16 studies in this issue honor Glenn's legacy by addressing his core research interests, including improving satellite and airborne remote sensing for evapotranspiration estimation.
Iguazu National Park
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This study challenges conventional historical narratives by shifting the focus of Atlantic forest destruction from Brazil's coast to its borderlands, particularly within Iguazú and Iguaçu National Parks. It argues that these parks, established in the 1930s as tools for nationalizing border areas, are central to understanding the shared history of deforestation involving Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The research compares the two parks to other American national park models, analyzing their role in border creation and conservation while situating them within recent literature on borders. By reorienting the geographical center of this historical process, it underscores the interconnectedness of environmental degradation across these nations.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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Public spaces in city centers, particularly those of capital cities, serve as tangible reflections of political, social, and economic transformations, encapsulating the historical development of nations. A notable trend observed is the ideological influence on urban planning, especially evident in European capitals like Kiev, Moscow, Berlin, and Warsaw during the 20th century under authoritarian regimes. The active redevelopment of historic central districts has become a defining feature of contemporary urban planning and architecture across Europe. This study highlights how these spaces materialize the complex interplay between historical narratives and modern urban restructuring, offering insights into the evolution of public space in post-socialist contexts.
Trans-Iranian Railway
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A novel approach to understanding the Trans-Iranian Railway reveals its role not merely as a tool for national integration under authoritarian rule, but as a catalyst for contestations over mobility. This book challenges conventional narratives by analyzing the railway project through the lens of spatial and qualitative mobility, examining how it reshaped both physical movement and individual embodied experiences. The study demonstrates that the railway's implementation led to new spatial categories and differentiated mobile subjects, contributing significantly to discussions on globalization, infrastructure, and space. It synthesizes multiple interconnected stories, offering a nuanced perspective on the project's impact.
Ilulissat Icefjord
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Local fishers in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, are adapting their fishing strategies to rapid environmental changes driven by climate change. The study reveals that increased ice clearing events during winter have shifted traditional dogsled fishing to boat-based methods when the main fjord becomes navigable. However, deteriorating sea ice conditions and reduced accessibility in the southern branch of the fjord system have led fishers from Qasigiannguit to visit the area less frequently. Despite these challenges, Ilulissat Icefjord remains a critical fishing and hunting ground due to its larger Greenland halibut and ringed seal populations compared to Disco Bay. The research highlights the immediate impacts of climate change on local ecosystems, including altered ice conditions, fjord accessibility, and the emergence of Atlantic cod, which were previously absent in significant numbers. This study combines interview surveys with Inuit and local knowledge to document these changes.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
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A unique landscape harmony exists at Sítio Roberto Burle Marx in Rio de Janeiro, where native vegetation thrives without artificial intervention. This study reveals that the site's botanical-paisagístico inventory demonstrates exceptional ecological balance, contrasting with global norms of landscaped properties. Researchers employed a comprehensive approach to document plant species and their spatial relationships, assessing the site's current state. The findings underscore the importance of preserving such natural-human interactions for future heritage conservation.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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Post-pandemic, the Alhambra, Generalife, and Albayzín UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Granada serve as a model for integrating design, art, and technology to foster resilience and innovation. The study highlights how transdisciplinary approaches—combining artificial intelligence, machine learning, and circular economy principles—can bridge gaps between artists, artisans, designers, and recyclers. A hybrid management model rooted in knowledge communities and eco-design is proposed, leveraging the economic potential of creativity, circularity, and collaboration. Institutional support, such as the first university cátedra for innovation in craftsmanship, art, and design at the University of Granada, accelerates research, transfer, and training, empowering young creatives to drive sustainable development and entrepreneurship.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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A groundbreaking analysis of strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) in cattle tooth enamel reveals that the majority of livestock at Great Zimbabwe were raised 40–120 km south of the site, debunking earlier theories of transhumance. Modern plant data from southern Zimbabwe shows significant variation in strontium ratios across geological substrates, providing a baseline for tracing cattle origins. Serial sampling of tooth enamel indicates that most animals spent their first year in this southern region before potentially being transported to Great Zimbabwe. Few cattle originated from the site's own substrate, and none from areas underlain by basalt (>120 km south). These findings challenge long-held assumptions about livestock procurement and herding practices, offering new insights into the economic networks that sustained Great Zimbabwe as a powerful ancient Shona center (1200–1700 CE).
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2021 —
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A rapid landslide on Ronti Mountain, part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, triggered a catastrophic flash flood in the Rishi Ganga/Dhauli Ganga River system on February 7, 2021. The event, caused by a combination of heavy snowfall and rising temperatures, resulted in a high-velocity (198 m/s) landslide that descended from ~5900 m to ~3900 m elevation within approximately 20 seconds, generating moraine-filled floodwaters that surged downstream. Geospatial datasets—including MODIS, Sentinel-2B, SRTM, ICESat-2, and ERA5—revealed pre-existing conditions of weathering and erosion on the mountain's back-slope, contributing to instability. The study highlights how climate-induced factors exacerbated landslide risk in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing the need for integrated monitoring of such vulnerable regions.
Kathmandu Valley
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2021 —
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Groundwater levels in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, exhibit strong seasonal fluctuations directly tied to monsoonal rainfall, with agricultural areas showing significant recharge and built-up zones experiencing limited replenishment due to high extraction and surface sealing. A two-year analysis of 35 citizen-scientist monitored wells revealed groundwater depths ranging from −0.11m (above ground) to 11.5m, averaging 4.24m with a standard deviation of 2.29m. While agricultural land uses demonstrated an 80% strong and statistically significant correlation between rainfall and groundwater levels, non-agricultural areas showed weaker correlations due to anthropogenic factors. Highly permeable sand and gravel zones in northern districts act as consistent recharge sources, whereas less permeable clay and silt areas display greater seasonal variability. The study underscores the potential of citizen-generated hydrogeologic data and emphasizes the critical role of land-use planning in sustaining groundwater resources amid rapid depletion.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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2021 —
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A survey of primary and secondary school students revealed key insights into their understanding, interest, and learning preferences regarding Liangzhu Civilization, informing more effective museum education strategies. The study, conducted at the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Zhejiang Province, aimed to bridge the gap between museum educational offerings and adolescent engagement. By analyzing responses from young learners, researchers identified patterns that can guide future social education initiatives, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of this global cultural heritage. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring educational approaches to meet the needs and expectations of target audiences, thereby enhancing both learning outcomes and cultural preservation efforts.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2021 —
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Over the past three decades, the combined area of four lakes in the Zhuonai Lake–Salt Lake Basin, part of Qinghai Hoh Xilhas expanded by 18% due to climate change. This finding stems from an analysis of remote sensing data spanning 1989 to 2018, which revealed that increased precipitation and decreased lake evaporation were the primary drivers behind this expansion. Researchers used meteorological data from 28 stations and a single-layer lake evaporation model to quantify these changes, showing that annual evaporation declined sharply after 1995 while precipitation rose, leading to net growth in lake volume. Lake evaporation emerged as the dominant factor influencing areal changes, with total evaporation ranging between 615.37 and 921.66 mm annually during the study period.
