Historic City of Ahmadabad
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A participatory design approach in low-income settlements can enhance user satisfaction but may lead to contradictory environmental outcomes due to limited awareness and financial constraints. This study, conducted in Ahmedabad, India, demonstrates that combining post-occupancy evaluation (POE) with participatory design reveals complex power dynamics and hierarchical agencies within the built environment. It underscores the need for a socio-technical approach that integrates environmental standards with contextual socio-cultural needs while planning for future growth. The research highlights the importance of incremental, affordable demonstration projects to foster inclusive development and long-term sustainable transitions in housing developments.
Vredefort Dome
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Post-impact faulting has been identified in the Holfontein Granophyre Dike (HGD) of the Vredefort Impact Structure, South Africa, suggesting long-term crustal processes shaped the Earth's largest preserved impact crater. The study, combining remote sensing, geophysics, and geochemistry, revealed that the dike was segmented by an ENE–WSW trending sinistral strike-slip fault zone after solidification, despite no major post-impact tectonic events in the region. Geophysical modeling confirmed the shallow depth of the melt rock (<5 m), while petrographical and geochemical analyses showed indistinguishable compositions between dike segments. This segmentation is consistent with progressive uplift of the crater floor, mirroring long-term crustal adjustments observed in lunar craters.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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A shift towards environmental conservation over socio-cultural heritage within the Serengeti-Ngorongoro Biosphere Reserve has exacerbated human-wildlife conflicts and strained park-people relationships, despite its potential as a model for effective area-based conservation. The study, employing qualitative methods including focus groups and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, reveals that current management strategies, rooted in the Global-Local Drivers of Change model and TEEB framework, fail to address population growth, cultural change, and landscape transformation adequately. To mitigate these challenges, the reserve must adapt its institutional structure and operational approaches to align with modern conservation practices.
Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
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Research identifies significant potential for developing agro-tourism around the Balinese water-control system (Subak) in Catur Angga Batukaru. The study reveals 20 existing Subak systems across the area, with three distinct tourism opportunities: sightseeing, spiritual tourism, and trekking. These activities leverage the cultural landscape's rice terraces, temples like Tamba Waras and Muncaksari, and traditional agricultural practices, including red rice cultivation and religious ceremonies. While safari tours and spiritual tourism show early growth, they remain underdeveloped due to lack of organization by local authorities and government support. The findings underscore the need for structured community-led development, facilitated by training and consultation, to preserve and enhance the site's cultural and ecological value.
Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
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2021 —
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Pietro Lorenzetti's Passion Cycle frescoes at the Assisi Basilica, completed during the Trecento Renaissance period (1306–1340), exemplify the profound influence of Franciscan patronage on religious and artistic pilgrimage. The Lower Church, serving as St. Francis of Assisi's burial site since 1230, transformed from a purely religious destination to one also revered for its Renaissance art and architecture after Lorenzetti's frescoes adorned both the Upper and Lower Churches. This shift underscored the basilica's dual significance—spiritual and aesthetic—contributing to its 1997 designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite scarce records on Lorenzetti's life (born c. 1280–1290 in Siena) and his works (only five signed, often misspelled), the Passion Cycle stands as a testament to Franciscan influence on Renaissance art, blending religious devotion with artistic innovation.
Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande
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2021 —
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This study reveals the coexistence of distinct architectural temporalities within the historic neighborhood of Cidade Velha, Belém, Pará. It highlights how modern urban planning, exemplified by Praça do Arsenal, contrasts with organic, nature-oriented spaces like Parque Naturalístico Mangal das Garças. The research explores user perceptions of these spaces, demonstrating their unique roles in the neighborhood's identity and daily life. By analyzing spatial configurations and usage patterns, the study contributes to understanding the evolving character of Cidade Velha, bridging its colonial roots with contemporary urban development.
Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region
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2021 —
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A study on Fasil Ghebbi, Ethiopia, reveals significant gaps in visitor management practices that hinder sustainable tourism development. Despite its potential as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site faces challenges such as low implementation levels, limited stakeholder involvement, insufficient budget and attention, lack of skilled personnel, basic visitor facilities, and negligible responsibility awareness. These issues contribute to poor visitor management, which could otherwise mitigate negative impacts on the site. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys with 246 visitors, interviews with six key informants, and observational data. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved visitor management strategies to ensure the preservation and sustainable development of Fasil Ghebbi.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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Effective cross-institutional cooperation in managing Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia, has successfully balanced cultural conservation with sustainable tourism growth. This study highlights the coordinated efforts of stakeholders and government agencies to align conservation goals with economic development, demonstrating a model for integrating heritage preservation with business management. Using qualitative descriptive methods, researchers evaluated organizational performance and found that Prambanan's management system achieves both national economic benefits and long-term tourist sustainability, positioning it as a benchmark for professional heritage site administration.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
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2021 —
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Recent comprehensive field research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sambor Prei Kuk has uncovered three distinct temple complexes—Prasat Sambor, Prasat Yeai Poeun, and Prasat Tao—that represent a pivotal prototype in Khmer temple architecture. These square enclosures with central shrines and adjacent precincts laid the foundation for the complex temple designs that later flourished during the Angkorian period, culminating in iconic structures like Angkor Wat. Analysis of Prasat Sambor's dimensional layout revealed its role as an early pyramidal state-temple, serving as a central religious facility while also elucidating the planning techniques and construction units used in its design. This study sheds light on the architectural evolution from pre-Angkorian single-brick shrines to the sophisticated temple complexes that defined Khmer civilization.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
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The Sítio Roberto Burle Marx (SRBM) serves as a pivotal site for understanding modernist tropical landscape practices, with its botanical-landscape heritage shaped by collaborative knowledge exchange and hands-on activities. This study proposes a systematic approach to inventory these practices through the lived experiences of social agents involved in SRBM's history, integrating historical trajectory, documentation processes, and oral memories. By translating natural elements into aesthetic compositions, SRBM emerges as a key node in Brazilian modernist landscaping, reflecting ongoing cultural-natural dynamics. The research introduces a theoretical framework for documenting such practices, drawing from firsthand accounts of past and present participants.
Moravian Church Settlements
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New excavation at the Staré Město – 'Špitálky' site, near a Great Moravian church, revealed intensive prehistoric occupation north of the church's foundations. Despite no continuation of the ecclesiastical area or cemetery in this direction, two graves were uncovered: one from the final phase of the Corded Ware culture and another likely from the Urnfield culture (UFC). The study highlights the site's significance for understanding settlement structures during different prehistoric periods, including the Moravian Painted Ware culture (MPWC) and UFC. This research builds on earlier excavations (1949–1950), providing fresh insights into the region's complex archaeological history.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
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2021 —
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Archaeological excavations at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya, India, have uncovered significant artifacts linked to Buddhist pilgrimage traditions. The findings, documented in <em>Precious Treasures from the Diamond Throne</em>, reveal a rich tapestry of material culture associated with the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. Researchers employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining stratigraphic analysis, artifact documentation, and historical contextualization to shed light on the complex's layered history and its role as a focal point for Buddhist devotion. The study highlights the enduring significance of Bodh Gaya, offering new insights into the material practices and spiritual experiences of pilgrims across centuries.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
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Recent excavations at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya, India, have uncovered significant archaeological finds linked to the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. These discoveries, documented in <em>Precious Treasures from the Diamond Throne</em>, provide new insights into the material culture and religious practices associated with one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining archaeology, art history, and epigraphy to analyze artifacts dating from ancient to medieval periods. Key findings include rare inscriptions, sculptural fragments, and votive offerings that shed light on the evolution of Buddhist worship and iconography at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Samarra Archaeological City
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New archaeological evidence challenges long-held assumptions about the Samarra Horizon, revealing that the visual similarities between Islamic green splashed ware and blue painted ware, as well as Chinese ceramics from the 8th to 10th centuries CE, may stem from multiple influences rather than a single origin. This study re-examines these ceramic traditions by analyzing imports found across Middle Eastern sites, highlighting the complex mutual influence between Islamic and Chinese pottery during the early Abbasid period. The research employs comparative material analysis to unpack preconceptions about stylistic development in this region.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2021 —
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Jaguars in the southern Pantanal exhibit highly opportunistic foraging behavior, with cattle (31.7%), caimans (24.4%), and peccaries (21.0%) comprising their primary prey. Contrary to expectations, jaguar predation patterns did not favor forested habitats; instead, kills were distributed proportionally across available vegetation types. The study also revealed dynamic spatial ecology among jaguars, with female avoidance during the wet season and extensive male home range overlap year-round, challenging earlier assumptions about territorial behavior. These findings highlight the adaptability of jaguars to varying landscapes and underscore the need for long-term, large-scale monitoring to better understand their social interactions and conservation implications.
Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur
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2021 —
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A groundbreaking approach to digital conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur, Bangladesh, has been developed using predictive 3D modelling and virtual reality (VR). This innovative method allows for the reconstruction of ruined structures in near-real conditions, enabling a virtual journey from the present to the past. The study integrates archaeological data with advanced IT tools, guided by the London Charter (2006) and Seville Principle (2011), to achieve high-quality outputs that facilitate the forecasting and regeneration of cultural heritage. Unlike traditional statistical forecasting, this approach focuses on predicting the past, offering a new paradigm for archaeology in Bangladesh.
Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai
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2021 —
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Recent archaeological research in Mongolia has significantly advanced our understanding of the region's prehistoric and medieval cultural sequences, particularly through the development of precise chronologies and regional studies. The study highlights unique data from Mongolia that contribute to global archaeological discourse while addressing long-standing questions about early human habitation, the transition to food-producing economies, Bronze Age social transformations, and the emergence of centralized polities. By synthesizing findings across the Upper Paleolithic, Epipaleolithic/Neolithic, and Bronze Age periods up to the Xiongnu era, this review offers a comparative framework for further examination. The research underscores Mongolia's role as a key region in northeastern Asia, bridging gaps between steppe and broader global prehistory.
Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape
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2021 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of prehistoric salt mining at the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, Austria, has revealed new dendrochronological chronologies spanning from 1393 BCE to 425 BCE. These findings, derived from over 760 small wooden fragments, provide precise dating for various tree species—fir, spruce, larch, and beech—using advanced crossdating techniques and radiocarbon wiggle matching. The study sheds light on the Hallstatt period (800–400 BCE), a pivotal epoch in European prehistory, by leveraging the exceptional preservation of organic materials within rock salt deposits. This research not only refines our understanding of prehistoric mining activities but also offers unprecedented insights into ancient timber use and environmental conditions.
Krzemionki Prehistoric Striped Flint Mining Region
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2021 —
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A previously unknown prehistoric mine of chocolate flint, a significant raw material for early industry and trade, has been identified in Poręba Dzierżna, Poland. This discovery extends the known distribution of chocolate flint deposits by 130 km from the Holy Cross Mountains, challenging existing interpretations of its extraction and use in Central Europe. Excavations at Site 24 revealed mining shafts, spoil heaps, and workshop traces, providing direct evidence of prehistoric mining activity. The study combines archaeological fieldwork with detailed analysis of anthropogenic relief and geological outcrops to characterize the site's significance for understanding prehistoric economies, trade networks, and inter-regional contacts.
Proto-urban Site of Sarazm
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2021 —
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Excavations at the Sarazm-2 site in the Zeravshan valley have uncovered the first evidence of Afanasievo culture burial mounds, revealing significant cultural interactions between local agricultural populations and pastoralists during the Late Eneolithic and Early Bronze Age. These findings suggest close contacts that influenced material culture, offering a new perspective on the genesis of the Afanasievo culture around 4000 BCE. The study, conducted in summer and autumn 2020, provides preliminary insights into the archaeological significance of Sarazm-2, contributing to broader understandings of proto-urban development in the region.
Komodo National Park
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2021 —
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A preliminary study on Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia, reveals that tourism activities significantly contribute to litter pollution, with plastic waste dominating the 146 items collected. Filter cigarette butts (33.56%), candy wrappers (12.33%), and wet tissues/wipes (11.64%) were the most prevalent types of litter, linked to smoking, food consumption, and hiking activities. The research highlights the urgent need for stronger awareness strategies and controls to mitigate environmental degradation caused by tourism in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pasargadae
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2021 —
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Climatic conditions significantly influence the performance of air lime-based mortars, enhancing their hydrophobicity and superficial durability without adverse effects on setting time or calcium carbonate formation. A study found that adding sesame cooking oil to these mortars improved their properties when cured under natural outdoor conditions at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pasargadae and Persepolis, unlike in controlled laboratory settings where such additions negatively impacted permeability and carbonation rates. The research involved synthesizing mortars with oil additives and comparing their curing outcomes under different environmental parameters.
Everglades National Park
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Prescribed fires in Everglades National Park play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, particularly in subtropical wetlands. They help reload soil nutrients in drier, oligotrophic wetlands and disperse phosphorus in wetter, phosphorus-enriched wetlands through lateral transport. This novel application of prescribed fires not only reduces fuel loads and minimizes the risk of catastrophic wildfires but also controls the expansion of exotic species while preserving fire-adapted biodiversity. The study, published in <em>Ecosphere</em>, combines field observations and experimental data to demonstrate how hydrology and fire interactively shape biogeochemical processes, offering insights into sustainable wetland management.
Brasilia
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2021 —
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A concerning prevalence of microplastics (MPs) was detected in 100% of tap water samples collected from residential and commercial areas in Brasília, Brazil. The study, conducted between 2020 and 2021, analyzed 32 samples using fluorescence microscopy, revealing an average of 97 ± 55 particles per 500 mL in the South Wing area and 219 ± 158 particles per 500 mL in the North Wing area. MPs ranged from 6 to 50 microns in size, highlighting a significant contamination level that raises public health concerns, particularly as tap water is not the sole source of MP exposure for humans.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2021 —
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During World War I, the Certosa di Padula in Italy served as one of the largest POW camps, primarily known for its role in forming the Czechoslovak Legion. However, the experiences of Hungarian prisoners—who constituted thousands of detainees—remained largely overlooked until now. This study sheds light on their lives by analyzing letters and memoirs to explore four key aspects: religion, health, grievances, and labor conditions. It also provides a comprehensive list of Hungarian prisoners, filling a significant gap in historical records. The research reveals the harsh realities faced by these detainees while contributing to a broader understanding of their role in the camp's operations.
Chaco Culture
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Research reveals strong evidence that prehistoric cultures, such as those in Chaco Canyon and the Adena region, intentionally designed large-scale geometric patterns across landscapes. The study distinguishes between random alignments and intentional design by testing 26 prominent Adena mounds against river confluence points and mountain peaks, finding a high probability of deliberate surveying. Similar analyses at Tikal's Temple IV and Chaco Canyon's great kivas also suggest designed ceremonial foci. The approach involves modeling random point sets to compare the frequency of precise three-point alignments and right-angles, with results indicating intentional geometric planning in these ancient landscapes.
Choirokoitia
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A probable case of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), a rare condition characterized by abnormal bone growth, has been identified in a male individual from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic site of Khirokitia in Cyprus, dating to the 7th-early 6th millennium BC. This discovery represents the first documented instance of DISH in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East during this period, offering new insights into the health status of early Neolithic populations. The study, based on a paleopathological examination of one of the largest series of human remains (MNI = 243) from this era, also revealed co-occurring osteoarthritis in the affected individual. This finding contributes to our understanding of skeletal disorders in prehistoric societies and their potential impact on population health.
Curonian Spit
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A unified legal framework for cross-border protected natural areas remains elusive, as demonstrated by the challenges faced in establishing consistent regulations for the Curonian Spit—a UNESCO World Heritage Site straddling Lithuania and Russia. The study identifies key obstacles, including jurisdictional conflicts, differing national priorities, and gaps in international cooperation. Researchers analyzed existing legal instruments, comparing national laws with cross-border agreements to assess their effectiveness. Findings highlight the need for stronger institutional coordination, harmonized environmental standards, and enhanced transnational governance mechanisms to ensure coherent protection of such fragile ecosystems.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2021 —
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Indigenous communities in Luzon, Philippines, actively shaped the concept of 'idolatry' during colonial investigations in 1679–1687 to serve their own interests and navigate colonial pressures. These investigations, conducted by missionaries, involved interviews with indigenous respondents whose transcriptions are preserved in Seville's Archivo General de Indias. The study reveals that indigenous agents were not mere informants but active producers of knowledge, generalizing their religious beliefs strategically to protect themselves from persecution and reinterpret indigenous deities within a colonial context.
Mount Wuyi
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2021 —
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Coromandel lacquer screens, crafted in China during the Qing Dynasty and exported to Europe via Dutch and English East India Companies, played a pivotal role in 17th and 18th-century global interaction and consumer culture. These screens, typically featuring twelve panels with continuous scenes of human figures, landscapes, or bird-and-flower motifs, were not merely commodities but active participants in cross-cultural exchange. The study reveals that their production was influenced by Chinese domestic traditions focused on social prestige, while their consumption in Europe reflected exotic luxury and sparked stylistic changes in chinoiserie. Historical records, including the 16th-century book <em>Xiu Shi lu</em> and inscriptions on the screens, provide insights into their production techniques, themes, and purposes. The research also highlights parallels between lacquer screens and contemporary paintings, as well as their inspiration from landscape woodblock prints.
Paphos
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2021 —
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A multi-faceted study of ceramic oil lamps from Hellenistic and Early Roman Nea Paphos, Cyprus, reveals significant transformations in local production over time. These changes, observed in lamp shapes, manufacturing techniques, and clay recipes, correlate with shifts in the origin of imported lamps and the influence of other production centers. The findings suggest that these patterns are likely linked to political transformations and urban development in the region. The research integrated macroscopic analysis with advanced techniques such as WD-XRF spectroscopy, thin section petrography, and refiring tests to provide a comprehensive understanding of lamp production and supply dynamics.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2021 —
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A study on the Sangiran Early Man Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Pleistocene-era archaeological significance, reveals key factors influencing tourist visits and willingness to pay. Travel costs, age, gender, and monthly income were found to significantly impact visitation rates. Additionally, ticket pricing, age, gender, income, education level, and respondent origin influenced acceptance of market-based ticket offers. Sangiran's rich cultural and artistic heritage, including traditional arts and local architecture, enhances its appeal. The research employed quantitative analysis to assess socioeconomic impacts on tourism, providing insights for sustainable development in the region.
Stevns Klint
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Paleontologists have identified two mosasaur tooth crowns from the Maastrichtian chalk sequences of Stevns Klint and Møns Klint, Denmark, belonging to the genus Prognathodon. This discovery marks the first record of this mosasaur genus in Denmark, adding to the existing diversity documented by previous findings of Plioplatecarpus, Mosasaurus, and Carinodens. The study highlights the coexistence of four mosasaurid genera in Danish chalk, mirroring similar assemblages from the Maastrichtian type areas in the Netherlands and Belgium. By analyzing fossilized teeth, researchers reconstructed the paleobiodiversity of marine reptiles during the late Cretaceous period, providing new insights into the evolutionary history and ecological dynamics of these apex predators.
Historic Centre of Puebla
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2021 —
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Participatory urban and architectural projects can effectively engage communities, even in historically underrepresented areas. This study demonstrates that through tailored processes involving local stakeholders, universities, and government agencies, meaningful citizen participation becomes feasible. Two cases from Puebla, Mexico—one addressing extreme poverty in peripheral areas (PIUS) and the other focusing on heritage conservation in a 16th-century neighborhood (Casa Analco)—highlight adaptable frameworks for organization, promotion, awareness, knowledge sharing, time management, evaluation, and adaptability. These experiences provide actionable insights for urban regeneration initiatives worldwide, emphasizing that successful participation requires flexibility and deep community integration.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2021 —
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Recent research has shed light on the sophisticated acoustics of Baroque-era theatres in Northern Italy, challenging the long-held assumption that sound optimization was not a priority in Renaissance architectural design. The study, led by the Audiokommunikation team at Technical University Berlin, analyzed the Teatro Scientifico in Mantua and the Teatro degli Antichi in Sabbioneta using advanced measurement techniques and historical data. Findings indicate that these structures achieved high levels of acoustic performance, comparable to modern concert halls, through innovative architectural designs. The research also highlights the overlooked contributions of prominent architects like Scamozzi and the Bibiena dynasty to theatre acoustics, providing insights into their design principles and their influence on later musical eras, including those of Haydn and the Romantic period.
Wadden Sea
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Sea-level rise (SLR) of up to 2.0 meters by the end of the century could significantly alter tidal dynamics in the North Sea, with substantial regional variations depending on vertical accretion rates in the Wadden Sea's intertidal flats. The study found that while the spatial pattern of M2 tide amplitude changes remains stable for a moderate SLR (0.8 m), sensitivity to accretion rates is pronounced, particularly in the North Frisian Wadden Sea and remote areas like the Skagerrak. Without vertical accretion, regions such as the German Bight and Danish west coast may experience reduced M2 amplitudes, whereas keeping up with SLR could lead to increases. Extreme scenarios (SLR of 2.0 m) amplify these effects, with local tidal wave distortions potentially enhancing sediment import in German estuaries. These findings underscore critical implications for coastal protection and navigation strategies.
Teide National Park
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Teide National Park, one of the world's most visited natural areas, faces significant challenges due to mass tourism, including traffic congestion, pollution, and high noise levels. Research reveals that visitors are willing to adopt sustainable transportation options if given the opportunity. Studies show strong preference for a public bicycle-sharing system, willingness to pay for shuttle-bus services to reduce environmental impact, and substantial recreational economic value tied to the site's sustainability. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers to implement demand management strategies that balance visitor experience with ecological preservation, offering a model for other high-traffic natural parks.
Roșia Montană Mining Landscape
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2021 —
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Long-term mining activities in the Roșia Montană European Historical Mining Area have significantly degraded environmental quality, creating chronic pollution that adversely affects local ecosystems. A study identifies two distinct management zones: an upper reference area and a lower zone requiring remedial actions to mitigate historical pollution and prevent future ecological accidents, particularly concerning proposed infrastructure like a decyanidation dam and lake. The research highlights the severe impact on fish and benthic macroinvertebrates, with the Corna River exhibiting varying ecological statuses due to mining-induced stress. Technical solutions are proposed to address these challenges and improve environmental conditions in this historically impacted Carpathian valley basin.
Samarra Archaeological City
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A proposed sustainable urban design for the area surrounding the Great Samarra Mosque aims to enhance tourism and economic growth by leveraging its historical significance. The research identifies key SWOT factors (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) shaping the region's potential, focusing on its archaeological importance near Al-Malwaiya. Using a descriptive and analytical methodology, the study seeks to create a cultural and recreational hub that attracts tourists, students, and scholars while preserving local materials like bricks, which have defined Iraqi architecture for centuries. The design proposal targets increasing tourism rates by transforming the area into a destination rich in heritage, meeting diverse visitor needs.
Vlkolínec
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A novel methodology, 'SCOPE MANAGEMENT,' is proposed for monument conservation, integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and ICOMOS Burra Charter to systematically manage project scope and control variables in heritage site preservation. This approach prioritizes maintaining historical integrity while addressing urbanization pressures threatening UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Vlkolínec. By hierarchically structuring management processes—considering tangible, intangible elements, weaknesses, and opportunities—the methodology aims to prevent unnecessary changes and revive cultural landscapes without compromising authenticity. The framework offers a comprehensive, regular schedule for conservation operations, aligning with global heritage charters to ensure sustainable preservation.
Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair
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A groundbreaking discovery of over 40 large, deep burial shafts arranged in three rows outside the Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair (Switzerland) sheds light on early medieval burial practices, potentially dating to the 6th century Lombard era. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the convent's territorial boundaries and highlight its significance beyond its enclosed walls. The study employed advanced geophysical techniques—archaeological magnetic surveys and ground-penetrating radar—to map previously unexplored fields adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the research uncovered a broad pathway identified as an original Roman road, along with intricate field systems and distributary channels that delineate the convent's natural borders on a massive alluvial fan. This pilot project expands our understanding of Müstair's historical landscape, revealing its complex layers from Carolingian to Roman periods.
Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat
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Bangladesh, with its rich natural and cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat, has significant potential to become a top global tourist destination. However, current tourism development lags behind this potential due to underutilized resources and limited marketing efforts. The study identifies key factors that could propel Bangladesh's tourism sector forward, focusing on its unique attractions like rivers, beaches, archaeological sites, and religious landmarks. It highlights the role of statutory bodies such as the Bangladesh Tourism Board in shaping tourism policy but notes gaps in data availability and implementation. Recommendations for future development aim to address these challenges, offering a roadmap for transforming Bangladesh into a premier tourist destination.
Doñana National Park
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Doñana National Park, renowned for its rich predator community, has witnessed the alarming extinction of the Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), a non-exigent falcon species. Originally abundant with 50–60 pairs, the hobbies were unique specialist hunters of swifts and dragonflies, occupying a distinct niche within the raptor assemblage. The study attributes their rapid decline post-2000 to synergistic factors including prey depletion, farmland intensification, chemical contamination, predation, and climate warming, with most drivers traceable to external pressures like farming practices and climate change. This extinction underscores mounting broad-level pressures on ecosystems, even in well-managed protected areas, highlighting the need for increased knowledge, quality monitoring, and rapid management action to mitigate such losses. The study suggests that unexpected species extinctions will become more common in protected areas due to growing anthropogenic pressures and climate change.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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Industrial Integration Development (IID) emerges as a highly effective strategy for conserving Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS), including UNESCO-recognized sites like the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. The study demonstrates that IID, when grounded in ecological and cultural values, leverages local resource advantages, and integrates multi-stakeholder coordination, significantly enhances heritage preservation outcomes. Researchers analyzed four Chinese IAHS sites—Longji Terraces (Guangxi), Honghe Hani Rice Terraces System (Yunnan), Aohan Dryland Farming System (Inner Mongolia), and Huzhou Mulberry-dyke & Fish-pond System (Zhejiang)—to validate this approach. The findings underscore the necessity of aligning IID with site-specific characteristics while emphasizing policy synergy and stakeholder collaboration to sustain agricultural heritage systems amid development pressures.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
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During the Middle to Late Bronze Age (XVIII-XII centuries BC), Sardinia's Nuragic culture developed sophisticated territorial control systems, primarily through fortified structures like nuraghi—cyclopean towers—positioned strategically across the island. These monuments, analyzed via GIS techniques including least-cost path analysis, reveal a network designed to surveil and exploit key natural resources while controlling transit routes. The study demonstrates how these systems reflected growing social complexity, hierarchy, and potential militarization, with implications for understanding Protohistoric landscapes in the Western Mediterranean.
Monastery of Batalha
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A provenance study of the limestone used in the construction and restoration of the Batalha Monastery in Portugal reveals distinct sources for different architectural elements. Analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) identified that the baluster likely originated from the Valinho do Rei or Reguengo do Fetal quarries, while other components such as part of the church railing, north-aisle eaves arch, and Royal Cloister came from the Pidiogo or Cabeço do Roxo quarries. These findings were supported by Ca-Sr binary diagrams and petrographic evidence, providing insights into the historical construction practices and material sourcing of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Angkor
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Agricultural production at Angkor, one of the most extensive preindustrial cities, was organized to support urban growth efficiently. The study reveals that farming labor generated increasing returns through supra-household-level organization, challenging traditional economic anthropology views on decreasing marginal returns. Spatial patterns indicate land-use choices considered transportation costs to the urban core, suggesting a system more akin to modern urban production than smallholder farming. The research leverages extensive documentation of the Greater Angkor Region to analyze these spatial and social dynamics.
Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)
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2021 —
WHE7E33DA55F8
A groundbreaking initiative in the conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 'Proyecto Tetuán,' demonstrates how research and education can synergistically preserve historical architecture. Focusing on the Medina of Tétouan—a 1997-listed site renowned for its exceptional preservation—this project integrates fieldwork by the AEDIFICATIO research group with undergraduate teaching in Architecture Technical studies. By designing and implementing targeted activities within the historic center, it bridges the gap between academic learning and practical conservation efforts, offering a model for sustainable heritage management. The approach underscores the Medina's dual role as both a living cultural landscape and an educational laboratory, contributing to global discussions on preserving built heritage while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
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2021 —
WHE2AAB52EC52
A comprehensive survey of pteridophytes in four mountainous sectors adjacent to the Alejandro de Humboldt Natural Monument, Venezuela, reveals 66 species belonging to 13 families and 32 genera. Notably, 29 species represent new records for Monagas state, including two South America-restricted ferns: <em>Niphidium mortonianum</em> and <em>Tectaria amphiblestra</em>. The study highlights low floristic similarity among sectors but significant diversity within dominant families such as Polypodiaceae (18 spp.), Pteridaceae (12 spp.), Dryopteridaceae (8 spp.), and Aspleniaceae (7 spp.). Terrestrial and corticicolous ferns predominate, accounting for 40.91% and 39.39% of the species, respectively, while rupicolous ferns are less common (12.12%). These findings underscore the rich biodiversity and unique ecological conditions—characterized by shade and high humidity—that support this diverse group of plants in the region's mountainous terrain.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2021 —
WHE181974C96C
Post-war public spaces, when designed with community engagement and inclusion, can serve as powerful tools for conflict transformation and reconciliation. This study highlights the contrasting outcomes of Mostar's Old Bridge reconstruction and the United World College (UWC) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the bridge's reconstruction, despite its symbolic significance, failed to foster lasting reconciliation among ethnic groups, the UWC's emphasis on community participation and inclusion has shown promise in promoting healing and democratization. The research employs comparative political anthropology, incorporating interviews and ethnographic observations to evaluate processes, agency, structures, and emotional aspects of identity and politics. It concludes that community engagement in public space reconstruction facilitates reconciliation more effectively than top-down approaches, which can be perceived as coercive.
