Sceilg Mhichíl
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2020 —
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Media-driven tourism has significantly altered the perception of cultural heritage sites, such as Skellig Michael, by overshadowing traditional authenticity with mediatized pseudo-authenticity. This study employs a sociological perspective to analyze how visual imagery in marketing campaigns, particularly those tied to global franchises like Star Wars, reshapes the relationship between media, tourism, and heritage. The research finds that while media creates and reproduces reality, it increasingly blurs the line between actual and mediated experiences, raising questions about the preservation of genuine cultural significance in the face of commercialized narratives.
Lushan National Park
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2020 —
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An assessment framework for community participation in cultural World Heritage management reveals significant variability in practices among Chinese UNESCO sites. While some, like the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces and Kulangsu, demonstrate high levels of engagement, most, including Lushan National Park, show minimal involvement. The framework, developed from heritage policies and literature, includes four criteria and 23 indicators, tested on 36 cultural properties inscribed between 1987 and 2018 using content analysis. This study highlights the need for improved community participation in heritage conservation globally.
Delos
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2020 —
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A recent study challenges the traditional view of 'stationes' as official Roman outposts, revealing them instead as integral to the social and economic networks of eastern merchants who resided permanently in western ports like Puteoli and Delos. By analyzing these structures within the context of voluntary associations, the research demonstrates that stationes functioned as hubs for cross-cultural trade and community organization, blending formal institutional roles with informal merchant networks. The study employs comparative analysis of archaeological and historical sources to highlight how these stations operated as dynamic intermediaries between Roman administrative systems and foreign merchant communities.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
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2020 —
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Illegal resource extraction within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda, is more pervasive and diverse than previously documented. A study near four hydropower projects identified 17 types of illegal activities, with medicinal plant collection and poaching being the most widespread. Poaching showed significant spatial variation across sites (p = 0.03) and increased with distance from park boundaries at two locations (p = 0.05). Community surveys revealed that 68% and 44% of respondents engaged in medicinal plant collection and poaching, respectively, while nearly all (98%) recognized the park as a vital source of natural resources. The findings, derived from in-park plot assessments, nonplot-based methods, community surveys, and ranger patrol records, highlight the need for extended patrols deeper within the park to mitigate illegal activities effectively. This baseline study provides critical data for monitoring temporal and spatial changes during the hydropower projects' duration.
Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park
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2020 —
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Beaches within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park (DMNP) in Sudan's Red Sea were found to be relatively clean, with an average density of 0.4 items per square meter, primarily due to locally sourced marine litter rather than long-distance accumulation. Plastic debris dominated the collected litter, accounting for 57.23% of the total 3037 items sampled over a 10-month period across six sites. The study, conducted quarterly from January to October 2017, revealed a steady decrease in beach litter flux—from 21.9 to 16.43 items per 100 meters per day—suggesting limited external marine litter input. This baseline assessment highlights the potential for targeted interventions, such as waste management and recycling initiatives, to further improve beach cleanliness and support sustainable tourism in this protected area.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2020 —
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed 2,275 years ago by Li Bing during China's Warring States period, inherently embodies STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) principles. This study, leveraging cultural-historical activity theory and content analysis, identifies key STEM components within the system—such as hydraulic principles, cobblestone construction techniques, water-level measurement, and mathematical calculations for sand discharge. By integrating these findings with UNESCO's educational pedagogy of learning from daily life, this research offers a novel framework for designing globally applicable STEM curricula rooted in cultural-historical events. The approach provides a replicable model for incorporating interdisciplinary knowledge into education, bridging historical engineering marvels with modern pedagogical strategies.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2020 —
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A new species of parasitic flatworm, Stemmatostoma cribbi, has been discovered in freshwater fishes within the Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland, Australia. This digenean parasite, belonging to the family Cryptogonimidae, was identified in the intestines and pyloric caeca of grunter fish (Hephaestus fuliginosus and Hephaestus tulliensis) and Jungle perch (Kuhlia rupestris). Distinguishing it from its only known relative, Stemmatostoma pearsoni, are fewer oral spines (14 vs. 16) and notable genetic differences across three rDNA regions, with up to 7.2% divergence in the ITS2 region. Phylogenetic analyses using partial LSU data further elucidated its evolutionary relationships within cryptogonimid species from freshwater ecosystems.
Virunga National Park
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2020 —
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A significant reduction in Virunga National Park's forest and open land areas is projected by 2030, driven primarily by agricultural expansion and urban development. This finding stems from a study that simulated future land cover changes using advanced modeling techniques, including machine learning algorithms and Markov chain analysis. Researchers analyzed satellite images from 2010, 2015, and 2019 to identify key drivers of these changes, such as landscape topography and proximity to human activities. The study provides critical insights for data-driven decision-making, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and offering recommendations to mitigate environmental degradation while supporting sustainable development in the region.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2020 —
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Stonehenge's historical significance extends beyond its iconic sarsen stones, with evidence suggesting the presence of additional stone circles, including one of blue stones within the sarsen horseshoe. This indicates a layered construction over an extended period, highlighting its importance to its builders and subsequent adapters. English Heritage, responsible for managing Stonehenge since it came into public ownership in 1919, has undertaken extensive conservation efforts, including re-erecting fallen stones and stabilizing the monument's structure with concrete. The study draws on expert advice from specialist committees and technical staff to ensure the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
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2020 —
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A comprehensive study of the medieval and modern defensive wall at Strasbourg's Grande Île, specifically focusing on the section at place Sainte-Madeleine / rue du Fossé des Orphelins, has revealed significant insights into its architectural evolution. The research, conducted between 2018-2019, utilized multi-phase analysis to document the wall's structure, which is primarily visible from its interior face due to adjacent school buildings obscuring the exterior. Key findings include detailed observations of the wall's construction techniques and historical layers, providing critical data for ongoing restoration efforts on this Monument historique. The study highlights the importance of preserving such structures while offering a deeper understanding of Strasbourg's defensive architecture.
Danube Delta
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2020 —
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The Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot, faces significant challenges in developing ecotourism that balances economic benefits with ecological sustainability. This study identifies strategic options for harnessing the region's natural beauty—renowned for its wildlife and maritime landscapes—to drive sustainable tourism growth while mitigating the impacts of globalization. It highlights the need for greater public awareness of ecotourism’s economic potential, both now and in the future, to foster long-term conservation efforts. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing global ecotourism trends and their socio-economic consequences, with a focus on the Danube Delta as a case study. Key findings underscore the interdependence between globalization-driven tourism demands and local sustainable development strategies, offering actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.
The English Lake District
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2020 —
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UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) inscription for the English Lake District in 2017 reflects a successful integration of strategic planning and place branding, revealing how these processes shape a landscape's universal value. The study highlights that governance through a partnership model, led by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), enabled the articulation of an 'evolving' cultural landscape encompassing agro-pastoral, artistic/literary, and conservation identities. This approach balanced sustainable development goals with branding imperatives, demonstrating how WHS designation can be achieved through collaborative governance that leverages multiple landscape narratives. The case study spans 2006–2018, illustrating the interplay between planning frameworks and promotional strategies in securing international recognition.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2020 —
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Urban resilience to future epidemics can be enhanced by three key strategies: decentralization of facilities, hierarchization of transport and public services, and redundancy of public functions. This insight emerges from a comparative analysis of the Paris en Commun and Milano 2020 post-COVID urban strategies against the epidemic prevention area (EPA) framework proposed by researchers in China. The study highlights that these factors not only improve a city's preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks but also contribute to its quality, equity, and overall resilience.
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
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2020 —
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A model for analyzing and preserving the silhouette of historical cities, particularly UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has been developed. This approach integrates landscape-visual analysis to evaluate urban views and panoramas, providing a system of criteria that supports sustainable development goals. The study focuses on Saint Petersburg's historic center, where urban transformation risks altering its iconic visual identity. By examining existing tools for view protection and local experiences, the research proposes legislative improvements and practical recommendations to safeguard the city's silhouette while accommodating modern urban development.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2020 —
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A significant gap exists between street food hygiene practices and consumer expectations in George Town, Penang—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its gastronomic appeal. Research involving 200 consumers (100 locals and 100 international tourists) and 30 hawkers, alongside seven in-depth interviews, revealed that hygiene issues persist despite variations in perceptions between local and international groups. The study underscores the need for urgent intervention by authorities and vendors to address these concerns through targeted initiatives, ensuring food safety without compromising George Town's cultural and culinary heritage.
Tchogha Zanbil
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2020 —
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A structural analysis of the vaults in Chogha Zanbil's underground tombs reveals that these 3,300-year-old constructions exhibit remarkable durability due to advanced Elamite architectural techniques. The study found that bending forces in the vaults are effectively converted into pressure, which is resisted by brickwork, contributing to their long-term stability. Using SAP software, researchers analyzed force transmission, bending moments, and shear forces based on field observations and literature data. This analysis underscores the exceptional craftsmanship of Elamite architects, whose methods have preserved these tombs in excellent condition despite millennia, thereby sustaining Chogha Zanbil's outstanding universal value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Susa
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2020 —
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A significant new model explains the role of the Susa Shear Zone (SSZ) in the exhumation of meta-ophiolite units within the Western Alps, revealing its function as a first-order shear zone that couples tectonometamorphic units with distinct pressure-temperature (P–T) peaks. The study identifies two key shearing events (T1 and T2) during Alpine subduction and exhumation, characterized by contrasting kinematics—'apparent reverse' Top-to-E during early exhumation and Top-to-W during late exhumation. Detailed fieldwork and structural analysis allowed the reconstruction of four main deformation phases (D1 to D4), clarifying their relative timing and geometrical relationships. This four-step geodynamic model underscores the SSZ's critical role in shaping the axial sector of the Western Alps, offering insights into the complex tectonic processes governing mountain building.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
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2020 —
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Floodplain forests are a crucial complement to terra firme forests in terms of Amazonian woody plant diversity. This study, conducted in the remote Central Amazon Conservation Complex, reveals that while species richness is greater in terra firme forests, floodplain forests exhibit some of the highest regional species richness. The research highlights significant differences in structure and species composition between these forest types, with many species being forest type-specific despite some overlap. To investigate this, the study inventoried 97 plots across both terra firme and seasonally flooded forests, analyzing family- and species-level floristic composition, diversity, and structural variability. This findings underscore the importance of floodplain forests in maintaining Amazonian biodiversity and have implications for climate regulation and conservation planning.
Putorana Plateau
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2020 —
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Researchers have demonstrated the remarkable homogeneity of the Nadayansky Lava Flow, a key marker in the Siberian Trap Province, covering approximately 48,000 km² with an average thickness of 30 to 50 meters. This study reveals that both major and trace elements in the flow exhibit minimal variation, with concentrations such as SiO₂ (48.31%), TiO₂ (1.26%), and others remaining consistent within analytical uncertainties across hundreds of kilometers. The Nadayansky Flow's distinct glomerophyric texture further aids its identification from underlying and overlying formations. By comparing it to adjacent geological units like the Morongovsky and Mokulaevsky formations, the study highlights subtle but significant differences in TiO₂ concentrations (1.19% to 1.3%), crucial for stratigraphic correlation. These findings underscore the compositional uniformity of erupted magmas in continental flood basalt provinces, offering a geochemical framework for correlating distant volcanic sequences.
Medieval Town of Toruń
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2020 —
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This study reveals that the Struga Toruńska, an artificial watercourse in Toruń, played a multifaceted role in medieval and early modern times. It was not only vital for maintaining public health and supporting local economies through fish farming and milling but also served as a defensive barrier during attacks. The research highlights that inhabitants of the Mokre suburb were primarily responsible for maintaining the riverbed, ensuring clean water flow by removing vegetation and debris. Unlike the Vistula, which was seen as untamed and destructive yet essential for transport, the Struga was meticulously regulated to benefit the city's daily life and security. This is the first analysis of legal regulations concerning the Struga in relation to its socio-economic significance.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2020 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of Capparis, C. florida, from the Hin Nam No National Protected Area within the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park in Lao PDR's Khammouan Province. This discovery belongs to the sect. Monostichocalyx and is characterized by its erect shrub form, widely ovate or elliptical leaf-blade, serial flowers in supra-axillary rows, and slender ovary with an evident style. The study compares C. florida with related taxa, such as the widespread C. micracantha, to elucidate its affinities and assesses its conservation status. This finding contributes to the understanding of Capparis diversity in Lao PDR's karst habitats.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2020 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of Capparis, C. lianosa Fici & Souvannakhoummane, from the limestone regions of Muang Ngoi District, Luang Prabang Province in northern Lao PDR. This discovery belongs to the section Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx Radlk. and is closely related to C. zeylanica L., but distinguished by several key morphological differences, including shorter stipular thorns, acuminate leaf apices, and a glabrous or glabrescent gynophore with a flattened stigma. The study contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in the region, particularly within the Capparaceae family, and highlights the importance of limestone habitats for species diversity.
Historic Centre of Macao
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2020 —
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Research on the Putuo Zongcheng Temple in Macao's historic center reveals that nonblood Yi Ma Wu Hui (YMWH) techniques were used in its ancient coatings, a discovery confirmed through advanced analytical methods. The study employed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize the YMWH layer and compare it with commercial restoration materials. This comparison validated the use of nonblood YMWH processes, enabling a successful restoration that preserves the temple's original structure. The findings enhance understanding of traditional coating techniques, offering valuable insights for the preservation of ancient cultural architecture.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2020 —
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Shallow groundwater in the Sangiran Dome exhibits distinct flow patterns and chemical characteristics, primarily concentrated in the Kalibeng Formation with neutral to basic pH levels. The study identified diffuse flow in the Pucangan Formation and irregular flow in the Kabuh and Notopuro Formations, where acidic conditions were also detected. Groundwater electrical conductivity (DHL) was low across most formations except for moderate levels in the Kalibeng Formation. This research used spatial analysis of geological maps, slope data, and hydrological parameters to map groundwater behavior, providing critical insights into the hydrogeology of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
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2020 —
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A numerical analysis revealed that using a blower system in the attic space of Horyu-ji Temple's treasure house effectively reduces relative humidity, mitigating risks of mold and pest damage to burned wall paintings. This finding is critical for both preserving the paintings under closed conditions and enabling future exhibitions, where visitor-induced heat and moisture could exacerbate biological deterioration. The study evaluated two scenarios—preservation and exhibition—to quantify the impact of environmental control on humidity levels, providing actionable insights for managing microclimates in heritage conservation settings.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2020 —
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A study on Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geological and biodiversity significance, reveals that community participation in tourism development is critical for sustainable socio-economic and environmental outcomes. The research, conducted by Tran (2020), found that effective engagement of local communities—through empowerment in planning, management, and advisory roles—enhances the success of tourism initiatives. Using Pretty's (1995) 7-step participation scale and evaluating factors such as awareness, motivation, and barriers across 32 criteria, the study assessed community involvement in this globally recognized destination. The findings underscore the need for targeted policies to overcome obstacles and maximize local contributions, ensuring tourism aligns with both conservation goals and community benefits.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2020 —
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A new optimization method for the spatial structure of peak forest landforms in Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area has been developed to protect its ecological integrity. The study reveals that Wulingyuan's karst peak forests exhibit stronger karstification and greater surface fragmentation compared to non-karst areas, with vegetation showing lower fragmentation but artificial landscapes becoming increasingly fragmented over time. Researchers used GIS, digital topographic analysis, and tree theory to assess landscape patterns, identifying depression zones through contour tree node serialization. The proposed optimization strategy balances centralization and decentralization while enhancing the quality of artificial ecosystems, aiming to mitigate environmental degradation in this unique geological formation.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2020 —
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A comprehensive study of Sparkling Lake’s Dyke in Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan Province, reveals that the tufa thickness ranges from 8 meters to 22.78 meters, underlain by glacial till, with a formation age spanning 4.3 thousand to 27 thousand years ago. Carbon-14 dating indicates a deposition rate of 2.25 mm to 9.35 mm per year, challenging the assumption of simple bottom-up overlaying in tufa deposition. The research, conducted post-earthquake, combines large-scale geological surveys, drone imagery (dronestagram), and minor-caliber backpack drilling to analyze the dyke’s structure and evolution, providing critical data for ecological restoration efforts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Samarra Archaeological City
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2020 —
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Groundwater near Shari Lake in Samarra exhibits elevated pH and sulfate levels, indicating significant influence from the lake's watershed and underlying limestone structures. The study analyzed samples from Jelam 1, Jelam 2, and other locations across Samarra, revealing that Jelam sites had the highest pH values while the SDI factory recorded the highest sulfate concentrations. These variations suggest groundwater is affected by dissolved salts and minerals, particularly due to limestone dissolution in the region's geology.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2020 —
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Adams Island, the second-largest island in New Zealand's Auckland Islands group and the largest without established introduced mammals, supports a unique and abundant avifauna due to its predator-free environment. The island's diverse habitats—ranging from forest to shrubland, grassland, fellfield, and herb-fields—foster high densities of bird species, closely resembling pre-human conditions with the notable exception of the Auckland Island merganser. A total of 48 bird species have been recorded on Adams Island, including 22 land birds and 26 seabirds, with 34 species confirmed or likely to breed there. Additionally, eight introduced species, six of which probably breed, add to the island's ecological complexity. This study provides a comprehensive description of the island's ornithological history and current avifauna status, highlighting its significance as a pristine ecosystem in the Subantarctic region.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2020 —
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Managing collections within high-risk, heritage-designated buildings like the Palace of Westminster presents unique challenges for conservation and archival practices. This study highlights the complexities faced by the UK Parliamentary Archives during two significant projects: a temporary exhibition in UNESCO-listed Westminster Hall and legislatively mandated upgrades to storage spaces in Victoria Tower. The research reveals the necessity for tailored emergency planning, collaborative efforts between heritage teams and service departments, and the impact of building environments on collections. These projects underscore the delicate balance required when working within operational, ceremonial, and conservationally sensitive spaces, offering insights into the intersection of built heritage and collection management.
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
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2020 —
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A long-term monitoring study of the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct in France, reveals that seasonal temperature fluctuations significantly influence rock deformations beneath its foundations. Using instrumented bolts and temperature probes installed in the rocky support of Pile VII, researchers observed daily and seasonal variations linked to atmospheric conditions and river floods. These findings were corroborated by analytical simulations, explaining the magnitude of observed deformations. The study highlights the interplay between thermal effects and geological stability, offering insights into the structural behavior of this UNESCO-listed site under environmental stress.
Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
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2020 —
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A study of the Wolffsohn’s viscacha (<i>Lagidium wolffsohni</i>) in Patagonia, Argentina, reveals that this rock-specialist herbivore exhibits a highly selective summer diet, favoring grasses and specific shrubs near rocky outcrops. The research found that the viscacha's diet is narrow (Bst = 0.31 ± 0.04), with 81% composed of high-quality grasses such as <i>Festuca pallescens</i>, <i>Pappostipa spp.</i>, and <i>Poa spp.</i>, alongside the shrub <i>Berberis heterophyla</i>. This selective feeding behavior, similar to that of the southern vizcacha, suggests an adaptation to maximize nutrient intake while minimizing foraging effort. The study used microhistological analysis of fecal pellets from 83 groups and vegetation cover estimates on three rocky outcrops to assess diet composition and trophic specialization. These findings highlight the viscacha's reliance on specific food sources in summer, which may have implications for its conservation status, currently listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN.
Gunung Mulu National Park
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2020 —
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Gunung Mulu National Park's limestone hills harbor extensive fossil and active cave systems, shaped by complex fluvial activity both above and below ground. The study reveals that the region's drainage pattern was initially influenced by northwest tilting of the sedimentary prism but was later modified by active uplift along a northeast-southwest axis, forming an elongate dome centered on Gunung Mulu. This geological evolution explains the distribution of cave systems and terraces in the Melinau valley. The research integrates sedimentary sequences with surface and underground hydrology to reconstruct the park's dynamic geomorphological history.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2020 —
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A groundbreaking survey of the Ochtiná Aragonite Cave, a UNESCO-listed karst phenomenon, reveals its intricate labyrinthine structure through advanced terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and digital photogrammetry. The cave's unique morphology—characterized by parallel tectonic halls, phreatic passages, and small-scale solution features—was mapped with unprecedented accuracy, providing critical data on its morphometry, including ground plan area, surface volume, and spatial dimensions. TLS enabled rapid field surveys of complex areas, while digital photogrammetry delivered high-resolution models for detailed small-scale analysis. These findings not only advance the understanding of cave genesis but also offer a foundation for environmental protection and sustainable tourism management.
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 <em>Strobilanthes flexicaulis</em>, a monocarpic perennial plant from Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals that cultivation may alter its reproductive traits, shifting it toward polycarpy. The research observed three cultivated individuals, finding synchronized flowering initiation but variable termination among them and between treatments involving disbudding (flower bud removal). While disbudding did not affect survivorship, individual variation in reproductive traits suggests an intermediate evolutionary state between polycarpic perennials and periodical mass-flowering plants. This study sheds light on how cultivation influences the reproductive strategies of this species.
Susa
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2020 —
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A synchronous event across Seleukos’s mints in Babylonia and Susiana, marked by the erasure of the anchor symbol on the last reverse dies of Group 7 coins, provides a precise chronological peg for the final issues of Alexandrine coinage from the Susa mint (311–304/3 BC). This discovery updates the dating of these coins by a decade relative to previous proposals. The study identifies three distinct groups of coinage issued during this period: Groups 5 and 6, which bear a laurel wreath symbol (with Group 6 featuring additional symbols) and were struck simultaneously during the Babylonian War (c. 311/0–309/8 BC), and Group 7, characterized by the anchor symbol that replaced the laurel wreath post-war. The research employs a die study approach to analyze these groups, revealing insights into the chronological and symbolic evolution of Seleukos’s early coinage.
Historic City of Toledo
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2020 —
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A Special Issue on ‘Sustainability and Visitor Management in Tourist Historic Cities’ presents innovative methods to assess tourism impacts, focusing on environmental, physical, cultural, and social effects. It highlights the use of big data technology for measuring these impacts and examines resident perceptions and conflicts arising from tourism activities. The collection includes case studies from historic cities such as Toledo (Spain), Venice (Italy), and Porto (Portugal), providing practical tools and policy recommendations for sustainable tourism management. By addressing emerging trends, this work offers actionable insights to mitigate negative social problems while promoting balanced visitor experiences.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2020 —
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A numerical investigation reveals the hydrodynamic and topographical mechanisms that have sustained the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (DIS) for over 2300 years, allowing it to automatically divert water and sediment while mitigating flood risks. The study demonstrates how the system leverages natural features—such as river morphology and hydrology—to discharge excess sediment and floodwater downstream, ensuring environmental sustainability without human intervention. Researchers developed a two-phase flow model based on Shallow Water Equations (SWEs) and coupled it with a Sediment Mass (SM) model to simulate fluid and sediment dynamics under varying discharge conditions. Findings highlight the system's ability to harness natural forces for long-term resilience, offering insights into ancient engineering solutions that remain effective today.
Historic Centre of Évora
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Integrated Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD) can drive sustainable strategic planning in both metropolitan and medium-sized cities, but their effectiveness is hindered by limited citizen and stakeholder involvement. A comparative study of Barcelona and Évora reveals that while ISUD provides a framework for addressing socioeconomic challenges—such as depopulation in Évora or neighborhood disparities in Barcelona—it struggles to fully engage local stakeholders during planning and implementation. The analysis highlights the need for stronger participatory approaches to align ISUD with broader policy goals, including territorial cohesion, raising questions about its potential to reverse depopulation trends in medium-sized towns.
Sacred City of Kandy
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2020 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of Kandy's Esala Perahera rituals reveals that the sacred city's geometry and architecture embody sustainable urban principles through intricate spatial relationships. The study demonstrates how 15-day ritual performances establish deeper dimensions of sacred geometries, linking people, temples, rivers, valleys, and mountains in a spiritually resonant landscape. By employing multidimensional geometrical analysis—spanning two, three, and higher dimensions—the research uncovers the spiritual and physical layers of Kandy's cityscape, contrasting traditional sacred geographies with modern developments. This approach strengthens phenomenological, anthropological, and ethnographical insights, offering new perspectives on how ritual spaces can inform sustainable urban design.
Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto
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2020 —
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Sawahlunto, a historic coal-mining town in West Sumatra, Indonesia, stands as a testament to Dutch colonial infrastructure from the late 19th century. Its well-preserved railway, mining structures, and harbor have become pivotal for historical tourism, drawing global attention. A qualitative observational study identifies sustainable conservation strategies to maintain its UNESCO World Heritage potential while integrating it into cultural heritage management frameworks. The research proposes a development plan that balances preservation with new functions as a tourism destination, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2020 —
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Overtourism poses significant threats to the sustainability of Art Cities, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Florence. A study, conducted as part of the Atlas Project in 2019, identified nine best practices for managing tourism flows and promoting residents' quality of life. These strategies focus on accommodation policies, monitoring tactics, and promotional offerings, addressing common management challenges faced by European Art Cities such as Edinburgh, Bordeaux, Porto, and Santiago de Compostela. The research highlights gaps in current strategies regarding environmental concerns, climate change impacts, crisis management, and cultural development plans, suggesting the need for further investigation to enhance heritage planning processes.
Soltaniyeh
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2020 —
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A sustainable development framework for historical cities, exemplified by Soltaniyeh, Iran, reveals that integrating historical, cultural, social, natural, and climatic principles into architectural design can preserve the city's heritage while fostering modern urbanization. The study demonstrates how a research-based approach—analyzing past projects and synthesizing diverse data—can guide an integrated design process that aligns contemporary architecture with Soltaniyeh’s rich background. This methodology offers a replicable model for balancing development with historical integrity in small, culturally significant cities.
Historic Centre of Naples
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2020 —
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A four-week monitoring campaign in Naples' historic center revealed that vehicular traffic significantly elevates fine particle (FP) concentrations, with levels on streets allowing average traffic being twice those observed in comparable European cities. Pedestrian-only streets exhibited FP levels similar to other urban areas, while spatial analysis indicated minimal contribution from food service businesses to overall pollution, though emissions were not measured at rooftop level. The study also found a correlation between street aspect ratio (H/W) and FP concentration, suggesting that street geometry plays a critical role in air quality dynamics. These preliminary findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring to inform sustainable development strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yungang Grottoes
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Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate Buddhist carvings blending Chinese and Western artistic traditions, faces increasing pressure from rising tourism numbers. Research indicates that sustainable development of such cultural heritage sites requires balancing preservation with innovation while engaging stakeholders like governments, institutions, media, citizens, and tourists. The study suggests that integrating protection, utilization, inheritance, and innovation can enhance the site's appeal and promote long-term stability in China's tourism sector. This approach aims to alleviate environmental and operational pressures while improving visitor experiences.
Comoé National Park
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2020 —
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Researchers discovered that chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast, sustainably peel the bark of kapok trees (Ceiba pentandra) to access the cambium beneath, a behavior observed across multiple communities and age/sex classes. This activity occurs primarily during late rainy and early dry seasons when other food sources are scarce, suggesting an adaptive strategy to avoid resource depletion. Unlike baboons (Papio anubis), which consume the bark itself, chimpanzees target the cambium, with most peeled trees healing within two years without permanent damage. Only 6% of trees were reexploited after a year, indicating a sustainable use pattern. The study highlights parallels between chimpanzee and human past resource exploitation in harsh environments, underscoring the ecological significance of such behaviors.
Mount Etna
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2020 —
WHE18A62E9C8F
Mount Etna faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with sustainable local development. A study published in <em>Sustainability</em> (2020) introduces an innovative approach using 'rough sets' theory to guide policy-making for Etna Park. This method helps formulate strategies that integrate traditional agro-silvo-pastoral activities and other human endeavors while ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The research demonstrates how active community participation can enhance specific territorial resources, mitigating the impacts of human activity in protected areas. By providing a framework to navigate the complexities of sustainable development, this model offers valuable insights for managing similar UNESCO sites globally.
Upper Svaneti
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2020 —
WHE6BDF170290
Upper Svaneti, a remote region in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, has preserved ancient cultural traditions and rituals, including those tied to gender-specific domestic spaces. Research reveals that the traditional Svanetian house (<em>machubi</em>), characterized by its single-volume design, uses its central fireplace as a symbolic axis dividing male and female spaces within the <em>machub</em> (ground floor). This study, part of the 3DPast project, employs architectonic survey and documentary analysis to interpret these spatial dynamics through space anthropology. The findings highlight how isolation and military settlement structures in Upper Svaneti contributed to the preservation of archaic practices, such as animal sacrifices and blood feuds, while also shaping gendered domestic rituals—particularly those performed by women. The <em>machub</em>’s design reflects a layered cultural history, blending practical living needs with deep-rooted symbolic meanings.
Danube Delta
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2020 —
WHEEB69973360
A combination of Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Pleiades satellite data can accurately map wetland macrophytes in the Danube Delta, with reed (Phragmites australis) distinguishable from other aquatic plants at over 90% accuracy. The study found that time series analysis of Sentinel-1's backscatter coefficients effectively separates reed classes, while interferometric coherence aids in detecting cut reed. Random forest classification using optical and radar data, alongside in situ observations, successfully discriminated reed from submerged, emergent, floating broad-leaved, and floating vegetation. While the approach improves mapping accuracy for most macrophyte communities, Myriophyllum spicatum L. remained challenging to classify.
