Saint Catherine Area
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2020 —
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A rare and endangered plant, Primula boveana, survives exclusively in the Saint Catherine Protectorate of Egypt. This study predicts its current and future distribution using environmental data, revealing that only 796 individuals exist across a tiny area (250 m²), with key factors including elevation, precipitation, temperature, and soil pH. Field surveys confirmed five previously recorded localities as extinct while no new populations were found. Under climate change scenarios, P. boveana's range may shift upward, contracting at lower elevations but expanding above 2000 meters in southern parts. Conservation efforts are urgently needed, with recommendations for in situ reinforcement and reintroduction actions to protect this critically endangered species.
Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance in Nancy
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2020 —
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Nancy's urban landscape stands as a testament to its rich architectural and cultural evolution, particularly under the influence of Stanislas in the 18th century. The city's transformation during this period showcased a harmonious blend of architecture, sculpture, and wrought ironwork, creating one of the world's most celebrated public squares. Additionally, Nancy emerged as a cradle for decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century with the rise of its namesake school, which significantly influenced European art movements. This study highlights Nancy's dual legacy: its Renaissance origins under Charles III and its subsequent development into a hub for artistic innovation during the Art Nouveau era.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2020 —
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Aeolian Islands' Lipari reveals critical insights into Neolithic obsidian sourcing, with implications for Mediterranean trade and community mobility. The study identifies distinct geological characteristics of Lipari's obsidian flows, providing a foundation for reconstructing prehistoric supply chains. Through fission track dating of artifacts and radiocarbon analysis of paleo soils, researchers established precise chronologies for obsidian sources, shedding light on Neolithic extraction techniques and inter-island movement patterns. This dual-method approach offers unprecedented resolution in tracing raw material diffusion across the Mediterranean, challenging assumptions about Neolithic resource management.
Curonian Spit
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2020 —
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Lake Chaika, the sole major water body within the sand barriers of the South-Eastern Baltic shoreline, was formed around 500 years ago. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about its origin and provides insights into the region's environmental history. The study, conducted by Napreenko et al., employed a combination of sediment core analysis, organic matter content assessment, macrofossil examination, radiocarbon AMS-dating, and bathymetric surveys to unravel the lake's formation phases. It revealed that the lake's kettle was not submerged during the Littorina transgressions and experienced three distinct ecosystem phases: a period of alder carrs (5390–510 cal. yr BP), a 'sand disaster' phase (≈550–500 cal. yr BP), and its current lake stage (500 cal. yr BP to present). Notably, the 'sand disaster' began 200-250 years earlier in this region compared to the main Curonian Spit territory.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2020 —
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A new ethno-archeological study of Sefidkuh Makran (Baluchistan) reveals that the rugged south-eastern Iranian plateau—home to Bronze Age centers like Shahr-i Sokhta and Shahdad—has sustained continuous human settlement from the Neolithic onward, often with minimal cultural disruption. While neighboring regions saw rapid shifts, Makran’s harsh terrain fostered localized, resilient traditions, serving as both a crossroads for Mesopotamian, Sindh Valley, and Iranian cultural exchange and an isolated refuge preserving deep-rooted continuity. The research combines ethnographic observation with archeological survey to map these enduring patterns.
The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
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2020 —
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A study of fungal contamination in two rupestrian churches within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, identified six dominant fungal species: Parengyodontium album, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Lecanicillium psalliotae, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Botryotrichum atrogriseum. These fungi, with a 99–100% similarity to known species, pose risks to the structural integrity and aesthetic value of the churches, as well as to the health of visitors and guardians due to spore diffusion. The research employed genomic DNA extraction from fungal cultures, followed by PCR amplification and sequencing of ribosomal DNA (ITS) and β-tubulin gene regions, with sequences deposited in the EMBL database. This detailed characterization aims to inform future environmentally friendly restoration efforts.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2020 —
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Domestic cats (Felis catus) pose a significant threat to endemic bird species in the Yambaru region of northern Okinawa Island, including the flightless Yambaru rail (Gallirallus okinawae). A local ordinance requiring microchip registration for pet cats has proven effective in distinguishing between domestic and feral cats, facilitating targeted feral cat management. This study highlights the critical role of regional collaboration in mitigating predation risks to vulnerable endemic species, emphasizing the need for island-wide efforts to sustain conservation outcomes.
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
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2020 —
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Tajima Yahei Sericulture Farm, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites, represents a pivotal advancement in sericulture farmhouse design with a focus on ventilation. The study reveals that Yahei's experiments led to the development of the 'seiryō-iku' theory, which revolutionized silkworm breeding practices and shaped sericulture architecture. This research examines the adaptation of former farmhouses and landscapes while addressing challenges in preserving this cultural heritage. It proposes future directions for the revitalization of Tajima Yahei Sericulture Farm and its buffer zone, emphasizing the need to balance industrial legacy with environmental sustainability.
Historic Centre of Puebla
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2020 —
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Company towns in Mexico, such as La Constancia Mexicana in Puebla, face significant preservation challenges due to urban expansion and modern development. These historic sites, which once housed entire communities with work, housing, and stores, are at risk of being lost or altered by new social housing projects and private developments. The study highlights the need for cultural sustainability, suggesting that converting historic buildings into museums or interpretive centers can raise historical awareness and contribute to the preservation of architectural heritage. By analyzing the taxonomic classification of these towns' architectural characteristics, researchers aim to advance sustainable city planning and develop cultural identity while recognizing significant industrial heritage facts.
Virgin Komi Forests
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2020 —
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The Virgin Komi Forests, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site spanning the Pechora-Ilych Reserve and Yugyd Va National Park, represent one of Europe's last expanses of primary forests. This study reveals how Soviet-era scientific efforts, driven by industrial development pressures, successfully preserved over 200 natural monuments across the Komi Republic between the 1940s and 1980s. Leveraging archival sources, it highlights the pivotal role of USSR Academy of Sciences researchers in balancing conservation with resource management, culminating in the establishment of Yugyd Va National Park as a landmark scientific achievement.
Red Fort Complex
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2020 —
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A long-standing tradition of preservation and restoration has successfully mitigated the degradation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Delhi and Agra, including the Red Fort Complex. These monuments, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), have faced deterioration due to factors such as political shifts, vandalism, natural wear, urbanization, and industrial encroachment. The ASI's restoration efforts, ongoing since the early 20th century, have achieved significant success in reviving original components across multiple sites, including Humayun’s Tomb Complex, Red Fort Complex, Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort Complex. Phased restoration strategies have ensured satisfactory conservation outcomes, demonstrating effective long-term preservation practices.
Tongariro National Park
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2020 —
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Tongariro National Park, home to the iconic Mt Ruapehu, faces growing pressures from increased tourism and climate change, threatening its sustainability. While ski fields like Whakapapa operate seasonally, relying on unreliable snow conditions, the park's potential for year-round activities remains underutilized. A key insight is that landscape planning can mitigate environmental damage caused by unmarked trails and overuse while enhancing visitor experiences. The study proposes sustainable, accessible pathways that immerse users in the landscape, reducing erosion and ecological harm. By diversifying activities beyond skiing and promoting responsible tourism, this approach aims to preserve Mt Ruapehu's outstanding natural value for future generations.
Ogasawara Islands
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2020 —
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A study on Haha-jima, part of Japan's Ogasawara Islands, reveals that 30.4% of green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), an invasive species, tested positive for Salmonella enterica in their large intestines. Notably, 37.5% of these Salmonella strains exhibited resistance to oxytetracycline, a commonly used antimicrobial agent. This suggests that green anoles may contribute to the transmission of Salmonella on the island, posing potential risks to both public and ecological health. The research analyzed samples collected between 2009 and 2010, assessing resistance against 12 antimicrobial agents.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2020 —
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Research reveals that the prevalence of Flavescence dorée (FD) phytoplasma-infected Scaphoideus titanus, a key vector in vineyard ecosystems, is significantly higher outside cultivated vineyards (up to 48%) compared to inside them (up to 34%). The study, conducted across seven diverse sites in Piedmont, Italy, also found that the abundance of these vectors decreases sharply from late July onwards, particularly within vineyard boundaries. Analyzing yellow sticky trap collections over two months in 2015, scientists correlated vector population levels, infection rates, and disease prevalence in both cultivated and wild Vitis plants with landscape features. The findings suggest that wild compartments play a critical role in the epidemiology of FD, with infection rates increasing throughout the season in both environments.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2020 —
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A study on Tokunoshima Island, Japan, reveals a high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among free-ranging cats, with 47.2% testing positive for antibodies against the parasite. The research, conducted using serum samples from 125 cats, found significantly higher seropositivity rates (57.4%) in cats weighing over 2.0 kg compared to smaller cats (12.5%). Additionally, infected cats were detected across 17 of 23 settlements on the island, indicating widespread distribution. This is the first study to document T. gondii prevalence in free-ranging cats on Tokunoshima Island, providing critical data for preventing transmission among animals and humans.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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2020 —
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (A-BSM) implemented targeted measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission among employees and visitors. Despite being one of the world's most visited memorial sites, no COVID-19 cases were reported among staff for over 21 days after closing to visitors. The museum established an Expert Team that identified high-risk employee groups and locations, provided personal protective equipment (PPE), and installed devices to maintain microbiological cleanliness. Visitors were educated on precautions and offered disinfection points, while attendance was reduced. Procedures developed for employees remained effective post-reopening, demonstrating a scalable model for pandemic management in heritage institutions.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
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2020 —
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A successful long-term mechanism for seismic protection of museum collections has been demonstrated at Quanzhou Museum. The study introduces innovative preventive technologies that effectively safeguard cultural artifacts during earthquakes, including advanced seismic design methods and performance-verified anti-seismic products for showcases. By implementing a comprehensive seismic monitoring system, the research ensures the stability and preservation of museum collections in Fujian, China. This case study highlights the practical application of these technologies, offering a scalable model for earthquake-resistant conservation in heritage sites worldwide.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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2020 —
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Long-term primate research in Sector Santa Rosa, Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, reveals critical insights into the life history, social dynamics, and ecology of white-faced capuchins, Geoffroy's spider monkeys, and mantled howler monkeys. This study, one of the longest continuous primate studies globally, demonstrates that decades-long monitoring is essential for understanding long-lived species' reproductive success, familial relationships, behavioral repertoires, and dietary patterns. The research highlights significant inter- and intra-annual variations in forest productivity, providing a unique lens to study ecological and social interactions. Notably, this longitudinal approach has directly contributed to the conservation of the critically endangered dry forest biome, supporting education, community initiatives, and forest restoration efforts.
Timbuktu
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2020 —
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The first conviction by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the destruction of cultural heritage, delivered against Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, marks a landmark in international law. This case, stemming from the conflict in Mali, highlights the ICC's role in addressing war crimes targeting historical sites, such as Timbuktu's manuscripts and shrines. The study examines the legal proceedings, from the referral by Mali's Ministry of Justice to the reparations phase, emphasizing the innovative approach to categorizing victims and assessing damages. This precedent sets a significant standard for future cases involving the destruction of cultural heritage, underscoring the global importance of protecting intangible and tangible historical assets.
Hubei Shennongjia
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2020 —
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A new species of primrose, Primula sunhangii, has been identified from the Shennongjia Forestry District in Hubei Province, Central China. This discovery was supported by both morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, which revealed its close relationship with Primula involucrata Wall. ex Duby while distinguishing it through unique traits such as glabrous sepals, short petiole, cylindrical calyx, and capsule. The study utilized genetic data from nuclear and cpDNA genes to validate the species' distinctiveness, providing a significant contribution to the understanding of primrose diversity in the region.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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2020 —
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A key insight from this study is that the type of materials used ranks as the most critical factor for economically sustainable infill structures in historical contexts, particularly around UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex. This finding was derived through a structured analysis involving expert questionnaires and interviews, processed using Expert Choice software. The research also highlights the significance of climate compatibility and cultural land-use suitability, providing a prioritized guideline of 25 indicators to aid designers in balancing economic sustainability with historical integrity. While the findings are tailored to Tabriz's conditions, the methodology offers a replicable approach for similar contexts.
Zagori Cultural Landscape
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2020 —
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Svilaja, a mountain in Dalmatian Zagora, boasts an exceptionally rich flora, including numerous endemic, endangered, and protected species. Among its notable plant life are Arenaria orbicularis, Astragalus monspessulanus ssp. illyricus, and various orchids such as Coeloglossum viride and Ophrys dinarica. Despite extensive field research since 2013 aimed at cataloging the region's vascular flora, precise counts remain challenging due to variations in study boundaries and imprecise locality data. The study highlights significant changes in vegetation driven by depopulation, reduced traditional agriculture, and frequent wildfires, underscoring the urgency for systematic flora investigations.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2020 —
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A process-oriented approach to managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) enhances stakeholder engagement and improves outcomes, as demonstrated by its application to Venice and Split. This study proposes a new management meta-model that integrates theoretical concepts into practical processes, using Unified Modelling Language (UML) to document activities and responsibilities within a hierarchical structure. The approach bridges UNESCO directives with on-the-ground managerial systems, offering potential benefits for WHS managers, scholars, and experts alike. By focusing on stakeholder collaboration and process architecture, this method aims to optimize outputs and outcomes while addressing key challenges in heritage city management.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2020 —
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An archaeological evaluation at the Standing Stones Hotel, Stenness, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney,' revealed no significant archaeological features during a trial trench excavation. This study, conducted prior to hotel expansion and parking facility development, employed standard archaeological methods to assess potential impacts on the site's heritage value. The absence of notable findings suggests minimal subsurface disturbance in this area, providing valuable baseline data for future preservation efforts.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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2020 —
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Imperial territorial claims over the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis were more about discursive manipulation than enforceable control, revealing the tension between juridical battles and local interethnic relations. The study demonstrates that Spain and Portugal used mapmaking as a strategic tool to circumvent Native actors in border demarcations, leading to prescriptive rather than practical territorial control. This approach highlights how imperial administrators employed 'discursive gymnastics' to claim vassalage while evading responsibility, ultimately resulting in unenforceable borders that did not reflect the region's actual power dynamics.
Vredefort Dome
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2020 —
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A study of the Vredefort impact structure in South Africa reveals that pseudotachylite veins, traditionally thought to be chemically identical to their host rocks, can exhibit distinct compositions due to material mixing during impact. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about these melt rocks and suggests that such processes may have occurred at the upper levels of the structure. The research utilized micro-X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry mapping to analyze a lithic clast containing a pseudotachylite vein, which was found to be derived from the near-surface environment of the impact crater. Additionally, the study identified spatial relationships between shocked zircon and monazite crystals and the vein, indicating elevated shock pressure and shear stress concentrated along the vein’s plane during impact.
Komodo National Park
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2020 —
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Research confirms that Komodo National Park (KNP) harbors a significantly larger population of the critically endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo (<em>Cacatua sulphurea</em>) than previously estimated, with approximately 1,113 individuals residing on Komodo Island. This finding challenges prior conservative estimates and underscores KNP's role in preserving Indonesia’s rarest cockatoo species, likely due to its protection of the iconic Komodo dragon (<em>Varanus komodoensis</em>). The study employed density surface modeling (DSM), combining distance sampling with topographic and habitat data to predict local densities. High-density hotspots were identified in wooded valleys, with DSM predictions validated by independent observations (93% accuracy). Annual counts by KNP staff also showed population growth from 2011 to 2017, reinforcing the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This is the first application of DSM to a critically endangered species, demonstrating its potential for identifying abundance hotspots and estimating global populations in threatened taxa.
Murujuga Cultural Landscape
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2020 —
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A study on Murujuga, also known as the Dampier Archipelago, reveals that coexistence between industrial operations and cultural heritage can yield significant benefits while posing substantial challenges. The research highlights that formalizing and enumerating heritage values enhances targeted management, stakeholder collaboration, impact assessment, and a values-driven approach. However, it also identifies difficulties such as increased regulation, activism, and reputational risks. Despite these challenges, the study notes that certain structures inherent in heritage listing can be leveraged to mitigate these issues. The findings underscore the potential for positive outcomes when balancing industrial development with the preservation of cultural landscapes.
Petra
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2020 —
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A novel 'Three R' strategy for archaeological consolidation is introduced, focusing on the preservation of ancient structures while addressing structural risks. This approach emphasizes respectful, recognizable, and reversible techniques to maintain the constructive information of historical sites over centuries. The study highlights three significant case studies: two in the Dhofar district (Sumhuram–Al Balid) and one in Jordan's Petra district (Shawbak). By replacing walls with or without mortar joints, researchers demonstrate a method to mitigate recurrent structural problems while ensuring minimal intervention that remains reversible and culturally sensitive. This strategy offers a practical solution for conserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites, balancing technical precision with ethical considerations.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
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2020 —
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A critical review of the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage suggests that material culture of national significance should be recognized and protected alongside immoveable cultural heritage, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research argues for an expansion of protection mechanisms to include highly significant objects in nomination applications, thereby safeguarding them under the Convention against environmental and manmade threats. This approach is supported by case studies from three World Heritage museums: The Hyde Park Barracks (Sydney, Australia), Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum (Paola, Malta), and Vindolanda – Hadrian’s Wall (Northumberland, Great Britain). These collections, marking significant historical periods, demonstrate the potential for a more comprehensive protection framework that encompasses both moveable and immoveable heritage.
Old Town of Lijiang
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2020 —
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Shuhe Ancient Town, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town of Lijiang, exemplifies the challenges of balancing tourism development with cultural heritage protection. Despite being a pilot project for sustainable tourism, rapid modernization led by real estate companies under government guidance has significantly altered its original character, displacing indigenous Naxi inhabitants and eroding its historical significance. The study reveals that while tourism brought economic benefits, it also highlighted systemic issues in heritage preservation, including weak enforcement of protection laws and misaligned priorities between local authorities and UNESCO standards.
Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs
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2020 —
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A study of the Champbenoîst site in Provins, France, reveals that despite its historical significance as a Benedictine monastery dating back to the late 12th century, only two modern or contemporary vernacular buildings remain on the original location. The monastery was relocated within the urban enclosure in 1625, leaving behind a modest domain center for land management. This research highlights the contrast between Provins' medieval heritage and its modern architectural remnants, offering insights into the site's evolution over centuries.
Western Tien-Shan
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2020 —
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Researchers have identified seven new grassland communities, including pseudosteppes and meadows, within the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains, marking a significant advancement in understanding the vegetation borderland between the Irano-Turanian and Euro-Siberian regions. This study distinguishes 13 distinct communities, grouped into four orders, with diagnostic species identified using the phi coefficient. The findings highlight key environmental predictors such as altitude, proportion of perennial vs. annual species, and latitudinal position, contributing to the broader vegetation survey of dry and mesic grasslands in Central Asia. The research employs a robust methodological approach, including Braun-Blanquet sampling, k-means clustering, and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), to classify and analyze 198 relevés collected between 2013 and 2018.
Socotra Archipelago
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2020 —
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Punica protopunica Balf., the Socotran pomegranate, emerges as a critical yet overlooked species in the Punica genus, with significant implications for taxonomy and medicinal research. Endemic to the Socotra Archipelago, this plant is considered the ancestor of the widely distributed common pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). The review highlights its unique morphological features, distribution patterns, and cultivation challenges while emphasizing its potential in traditional medicine and antioxidant properties. Unlike its globally recognized counterpart, P. protopunica has been largely ignored, despite its genetic and medicinal significance. This study bridges that gap by synthesizing existing knowledge on its taxonomy, ecological vulnerability, and bioactive compounds, offering a foundation for further exploration of its therapeutic applications.
Lamu Old Town
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2020 —
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The Swahili of Lamu, Kenya, embody a dynamic cultural framework that integrates traditional African beliefs, Islamic practices, and cosmological concepts to achieve psychological wellness. This study reveals how the Swahili seek purity and balance through social interactions, intermarriage, trade, and spiritual engagement, continuously reshaping their health and illness paradigms. The research combines ethnographic insights from a decade-long study by Gearhart with clinical observations by Abdulrehman, a Lamu native nurse practitioner. It highlights the importance of culturally appropriate healthcare delivery, offering valuable perspectives for medical professionals working with Swahili communities.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2020 —
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A study of post-wildfire fungal communities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park revealed 27 previously unrecorded pyrophilous fungi, expanding biodiversity estimates by nearly 1%. Researchers documented 41 taxa of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota over two years, identifying 22 Pezizales species as early responders to severe burn zones, with only one prior record in the park. Five obligate pyrophilous fungi were confirmed, along with two fire-enhanced species. Fungal fruiting peaked 4–6 months post-fire but persisted up to 2.5 years. The study also detected cryptic endemic lineages and proposed a new fungal combination, Hygrocybe spadicea var. spadicea f. odora.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2020 —
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Pythagorean mathematical principles, particularly triples and harmonic proportions, were systematically applied in ancient temple designs as early as the 6th century BC. The study demonstrates this through the architectural layouts of the Athena temple at Paestum and the Polycratean temple of Heraion on Samos, showing unprecedented precision and alignment with Pythagorean philosophy. Additionally, it highlights the mathematical sophistication behind Eupalinos' tunnel engineering, suggesting a deep integration of mathematics into ancient Greek technical achievements. By comparing these structures to the Hellenistic temple of Apollo at Didyma, the research concludes that Pythagoras' geometric methods and proportional concepts were fully developed during his lifetime and later influenced architectural practices, persisting through Plato's ideas to modern times.
Los Alerces National Park
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2020 —
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A geochemical and mineralogical analysis of Lake Futalaufquen's sediments in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina, reveals critical environmental processes spanning the last 1600 years. This pristine glacial lake, influenced by westerly winds and volcanic ash from the Southern Volcanic Zone, offers a unique record of climate variability in Northern Patagonia. The study leverages the lake's limited human impact to reconstruct past environmental conditions, providing insights into regional climatic shifts.
Canaima National Park
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2020 —
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A significant increase of 64% in fire incidence was observed between the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 periods within Canaima National Park (CNP), Venezuela, with total burnt areas reaching 64,200 ha and 106,000 ha respectively. This surge coincided with one of the most severe El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episodes, 'Godzilla,' during which extreme drought conditions led to 45,000 ha burning in January 2016 alone—accounting for 43% of the year's total fire damage. While grassy savannas were predominantly affected, forests also experienced heightened vulnerability under these extreme atmospheric conditions. The study, utilizing Landsat-8/OLI satellite data and QGIS analysis, provided the first high-confidence quantification of fire activity in CNP, offering critical insights for identifying vulnerable zones and developing targeted fire management strategies.
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
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2020 —
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A study using ESA’s Sentinel-2 satellites (S2A and S2B) reveals significant differences in spectral separability between tropical tree composites at Mount Kenya, highlighting the importance of SWIR and red-edge wavelengths for accurate forest classification. The research validates ESA’s 2016 prototype land cover map of Africa, identifying overrepresentation of tree cover areas and underrepresentation of water bodies. By employing a decision tree based on altitudinal ranges and supported by Google Earth imagery and Kenyan Forest Service data, the study discriminates four natural forest subclasses and one non-natural class, contributing to improved tropical forest monitoring methodologies.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2020 —
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Quasi-static tests on scaled-down arch segments of the Old Bridge in Mostar reveal critical insights into the load-bearing behavior and durability of historic masonry structures. The study, conducted using 1:3 scale models, demonstrates how connection elements such as wrought iron clamps, dowels, liquid lead, and mortar contribute to structural stability and resistance against external forces. These findings are particularly relevant for understanding the resilience of the original bridge, constructed in 1566 and reconstructed in 2004, providing valuable data for validating and refining existing mathematical models. The research highlights the ingenuity of historical construction techniques and their enduring effectiveness, offering a foundation for future numerical analyses.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2020 —
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Jeju Island, a volcanic wonder formed by Quaternary eruptions, harbors a complex network of 178 lava tubes, many still undiscovered. A study reveals that these underground cavities pose significant deformation risks, particularly during nearby construction, with ground surface deformations measured at up to 2 mm/year using InSAR techniques. The research found no correlation between lava tube distribution and specific geological units, but identified high collapse risks in areas with ongoing artificial developments. Machine learning applications further confirmed the instability of shallow lava cavities, underscoring the need for thorough physical exploration and risk assessment before intensive construction projects proceed.
City of Quito
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2020 —
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During Quito's COVID-19 curfew, tropospheric ozone (O3) pollution surged by 96% to 109% compared to pre-pandemic levels, primarily due to a sharp drop in NOx emissions. This reduction, while lowering other pollutants like NO2, CO, and PM2.5, paradoxically allowed O3 to accumulate unchecked, reaching midday peaks. Despite these increases, daily O3 concentrations remained below safety limits. The study highlights how strict controls on primary pollutants can inadvertently worsen secondary pollutant levels like O3, offering critical insights for designing more effective urban air quality policies.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2020 —
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Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, serves as a constructed landscape that reinforces a national identity rooted in whiteness and Hispanicism while excluding African ancestry. This study reveals how colonial architecture, monuments, street names, and memorials—shaped by Spanish colonial and US imperial influences—create a heritage vision that perpetuates anti-blackness and patriarchy. Through visual analysis of personal and archival photographs, the research demonstrates how these structures shape collective memory, particularly through the dissemination of anti-Haitian ideology during US military occupation. It also highlights instances of Dominican resistance to US imperialism, critically examining the archives tied to these protests.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2020 —
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A groundbreaking exploration of rural marginality through sound reveals how Radio Solitude en Cévennes, a 1976 France Culture initiative, transformed the voices of isolated Cévennes residents into cultural narratives. By analyzing archival radio broadcasts and written records, this study demonstrates that even in marginalized regions, local expressions can be amplified to challenge dominant representations. The research highlights the tension between institutional culture (France Culture's urban-centric focus) and rural authenticity, showing how temporary radio production in the Cévennes National Park created a unique sonic landscape of anonymity and agency. This approach offers a novel method for studying marginalized spaces through media archaeology.
Yakushima
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2020 —
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Japanese macaques on Yakushima exhibit strategic home range shifts and travel rate adjustments to optimize foraging efficiency amid seasonal fluctuations. The study, conducted over 17 months with supplementary data from a five-year census, revealed that the macaques shift their home range seasonally—occupying higher-altitude primary forest in eastern Yakushima during warmer months (May–September) and logged western areas rich in herbs and small trees during cooler periods. This shift, observed consistently across multiple years, allows them to capitalize on food availability while conserving energy during colder temperatures. Additionally, travel rates increased when foraging for fungi or flowers, which are less densely distributed than fruits, suggesting a fine-tuned response to habitat heterogeneity. The findings underscore the macaques' adaptive behavior in navigating seasonally variable environments.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2020 —
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Since 2000, lakes in the endorheic basin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) have experienced rapid expansion, with significant variations across regions. While glacier retreat may contribute to lake growth, increasing annual precipitation emerges as the primary driver behind this phenomenon. Permafrost degradation further accelerates lake expansion by releasing meltwater from ground ice and soil moisture. Notably, lakes on the northern slope of the Gangdise Mountains, fed by rapidly retreating glaciers, remained stable or contracted, contrasting with significant expansions observed in non-glacier-fed lakes in the Hoh Xil region and central endorheic basin—primarily driven by the greatest increase in precipitation. This study analyzed spatial-temporal lake changes using Landsat images, meteorological data, glacier data, and permafrost monitoring data from 2000 to 2017, revealing statistically significant trends (0.01–26.29 km²/year) and highlighting the complex interplay of climate factors in shaping lake dynamics on the QTP.
Statue of Liberty
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2020 —
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Copper patinas, the blue-green coatings formed on copper surfaces through oxidation, typically develop over long periods. The Statue of Liberty's iconic green hue is a result of such patina formation, which usually takes decades to manifest. A recent study demonstrates that these patinas can be rapidly generated in a simple chemical process using copper coins, offering a practical and accessible activity for educational purposes. This method allows for quick observation—within tens of seconds—making it ideal for in-class demonstrations or online learning. The experiment's adaptability to varying conditions also lends itself well to exploratory learning exercises, providing both academic and general audiences with an engaging way to understand the chemical processes behind copper patina formation.
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
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2020 —
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A comprehensive analysis of French military cartography in the 19th century reveals how strategic fortification efforts on Elba and Palmaria islands were advanced through innovative planimetric, panoramic, and three-dimensional representations. The study highlights the pivotal role of French Corps of Engineers-Geographers and Military Genius engineers in developing geodetic projections, detailed maps, and relief models to optimize defensive structures. Notably, Elba's complete triangulation linked it to Corsica, Sardinia, and the Tuscan archipelago, while Palmaria became a key 'fortress island' defending the Gulf of La Spezia, later influencing battery designs in collaboration with Italian engineers. The research underscores the enduring impact of these cartographic advancements on post-Napoleonic military infrastructure.
Virgin Komi Forests
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2020 —
WHEE177592D4B
Yugyd va National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Virgin Komi Forests,' harbors 120 species of rare and protected vascular plants, including nine listed in Russia's Red Data Book. This study identifies unique distributions, such as Arctic endemics Astragalus gorodkovii and Castilleja arctica subsp. vorkutensis, and highlights the park's critical role in preserving narrow-ranged species. Additionally, it reveals 31 taxa exclusive to the Republic of Komi, some with isolated populations at risk from mining threats. The research underscores the need for conservation programs, population monitoring, seed banking, and reintroduction efforts to protect these vulnerable species.
