Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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A rapid emergency survey using advanced digital imaging and laser scanning technologies has successfully documented the structural condition of Fort San José, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The study, conducted by researchers from the Italian Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activities, integrated laser scanner data for accessible areas with aerial photogrammetry to capture details of the fortress facing the sea. This approach enabled the first comprehensive architectural survey of the fort, which has been plagued by flooding due to land subsidence. The findings provide critical insights into the ongoing instability of the structure, offering essential data for future conservation strategies and intervention plans.
The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainaut)
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Over a century, the Walloon province of Hainaut in Belgium witnessed the flourishing of numerous artist societies, marking a significant chapter in regional artistic history. This study reveals that these groups emerged in waves, starting with early 19th-century circles in Tournai, Mons, and La Louvière, followed by an expansion during the interwar period, particularly in Charleroi and Châtelet. Post-1945, the landscape diversified further, with groups reflecting varied ideologies, techniques, and esthetic movements, from collective heritage preservation (Cuesmes 68) to individualism (Hainaut 5) and protest art (Maka). The research synthesizes this historical trajectory, highlighting how these societies shaped regional taste and contributed to the formation of a distinct artistic patrimony. Methodologically, it employs archival analysis and historical documentation to trace the evolution of these groups from 1884 to 1984.
Dougga / Thugga
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A newly discovered statue base from Thugga reveals an important dedication by the civitas Aurelia Thugga to L. Septimius Severus, the grandfather of Emperor Septimius Severus and great-grandfather of Caracalla. This inscription suggests that Thugga, a community aspiring to Roman citizenship, sought to honor Severus not only as a relative of emperors but also as a symbol of provincial success in achieving higher status. The dedication underscores Thugga's strategic efforts, which culminated in its promotion to municipium by Septimius Severus and Caracalla in 205 AD. Previously known only through a Wikimedia Commons photo and the Clauss/Slaby epigraphic database, this artifact provides new evidence of Thugga's historical ambitions and its connection to imperial lineage.
The English Lake District
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A novel approach combining natural language processing (NLP) and geographic information systems (GIS) reveals temporal and spatial shifts in the Lake District's flora, addressing a gap in pre-20th-century floristic records. By integrating historical texts with Kew’s Plants of the World Online database, researchers traced changes in plant-naming conventions from 1682 to 1904. Collocate analysis and geoparsing identified locations linked to plant names, enabling GIS-based visualization of historical distribution patterns. This methodology bridges digital humanities and environmental science, offering a scalable framework for studying environmental change in UNESCO-listed regions like the Lake District.
The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa
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Research at Iron Pig Rock Shelter, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, reveals new insights into the Late Pleistocene Later Stone Age (LSA) occupation of northeastern South Africa. The site provides a well-dated sequence from >16000 to <9000 cal BP, associated with the Robberg techno-complex. Lithic analysis of layers 5 and 6 suggests gradual temporal shifts in technology, indicating short-term changing traditions. Comparative review highlights significant research gaps in the region, emphasizing the need for further study. This work contributes to a broader understanding of human behavior during the Late Pleistocene in South Africa.
Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
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St. John’s Baptistery in Pisa, renowned for its exceptional reverberation among medieval central-symmetry buildings, stands out acoustically even when compared to similar structures, piquing scholarly interest. A study leveraged virtual acoustics and numerical simulations calibrated with in situ measurements, material properties, and liturgical use data to dissect the factors influencing its unique sound behavior. By modeling both the current geometry and early design hypotheses, researchers aimed to unravel the architectural evolution shaping its acoustic signature. The analysis of a specifically recorded Gregorian chant further supported the necessity for large reverberation in this historic site, offering critical insights for its preservation.
Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena
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Researchers have identified a new, micro-endemic bryophyte association, the Gymnomitrio corallioidis-Barbilophozietum sudeticae, uniquely found on the summit of Puy de Dôme in the Chaîne des Puys. This permanent, pioneer community thrives on pulverulent domite outcrops amidst cryophilic heathlands and is characterized by species such as Gymnomitrion corallioides and Barbilophozia sudetica. The association, likely once more widespread, exhibits high sensitivity to climate change, raising concerns about its long-term survival on this relatively low-altitude summit. The study highlights the ecological significance of this specialized community within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
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The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, China, stands as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. This collection of over 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures, originally brightly colored and intricately detailed, was part of the elaborate tomb complex of Emperor Qin Shihuang (259-221 BCE), China's first emperor. The discovery has provided unprecedented insights into Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE) culture, history, politics, and art, with over 300 burial pits and tombs uncovered so far, spanning 17.6 square miles. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the First Emperor's understanding of himself and his world, as well as the artistic practices of the time. Despite global exhibitions, few accessible K-12 teaching resources exist about the Terracotta Army, highlighting a gap in educational materials for younger audiences.
Red Fort Complex
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Delhi and Agra, including the Qutb Complex, Humayun’s Tomb, Agra Fort, Red Fort, and Taj Mahal, represent a significant cultural and architectural legacy spanning from the 12th to the 17th century. These monuments are recognized for their exceptional historical-cultural and aesthetic value, reflecting a fusion of Hindu, Timurid, and Persian influences. The Qutb Complex exemplifies the convergence of Persian architectural elements with traditional Hindu artistry, while the Red Fort symbolizes the synthesis of multiple cultural traditions. The Taj Mahal, renowned globally, embodies themes of love and national identity, underscoring its profound impact on popular imagination.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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UNESCO World Heritage designation at Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam, has spurred significant economic growth through tourism but raises concerns about social and environmental sustainability. The study highlights challenges such as land speculation, inflation, cultural commodification, and environmental degradation, which threaten the long-term viability of heritage management in developing countries. Researchers analyzed these impacts using a case study approach, revealing that while Hoi An attracts large tourist numbers and achieves economic success, unsustainable practices risk undermining its heritage value.
Sun Temple, Konârak
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A significant advancement in recognizing the geological and cultural importance of heritage stones, 22 natural stones have been globally acknowledged by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) as Global Heritage Stone Resources. This recognition underscores their pivotal role in shaping civilized societies from antiquity to modern times, evident through their use in constructing monumental structures like forts, temples, and palaces worldwide. The study highlights three Indian UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Hampi’s monuments (14th–17th century), the 13th-century Sun Temple at Konârak, and Chittorgarh Fort—as prime examples of such heritage stones in action. It also elucidates the functions of the IUGS and its Heritage Stone Subcommission in preserving these geological resources, which are intrinsic to cultural identities and architectural traditions.
Town of Luang Prabang
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Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang, Laos, inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995, represent 'shared shrines' or 'contested sanctuaries,' reflecting intersecting cosmological perceptions. These include local Laotian Buddhist beliefs, the state's modernist vision, and Western heritage narratives tied to colonial nostalgia. Long-term ethnographic research since 2006 reveals ongoing debates among locals, officials, and tourists over rituals, time, and material culture, creating a fragile balance of conflicting cosmologies. The study highlights how these sites become ambiguous spaces where harmony is temporary, shaped by divergent worldviews.
Hwaseong Fortress
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Hwaseong Fortress challenges conventional perceptions of military architecture by showcasing Korean fortification techniques such as the 'Gongsimdon' and 'Jangdae.' These structures reflect unique cultural adaptations to warfare, diverging from European models. The study emphasizes that the design and construction of fortifications are deeply rooted in societal values and strategic needs, illustrating how different cultures manifest their military ethos through architecture. This insight is drawn from an analysis of Hwaseong Fortress's historical and architectural significance, supported by John Keegan's theoretical framework on warfare as a cultural expression.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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A significant finding of this study is the identification and development of the relationship between tangible and intangible heritage as essential, interconnected resources for sustainable development. The research examines two illustrative UNESCO application paths: the recognition of The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato as a Cultural Landscape of World Heritage under the 1972 Convention, and the inscription of The Celebration of Celestinian Forgiveness in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage under the 2003 Convention. By analyzing these case studies, the study advances an interdisciplinary reflection on safeguarding, enhancing, and increasing accessibility of cultural heritage. It derives insights into living within organic landscapes, collective identities, inclusive places, sociability, communicative restitution, participatory management, and integrated sustainability.
Gonbad-e Qābus
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Designating UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) can significantly influence destination branding, as demonstrated by the Gonbad-e Qābus Brick Tower in northeast Iran. This iconic structure, symbolizing ancient cultural exchange between Central Asian nomads and Iranian civilization, was registered as a WHS in 2012. A study involving 20 interviews with tourism experts and local people revealed that while international branding can enhance the site's visibility, it poses challenges for unifying global and local identities. The research highlights the tension between UNESCO’s mission of promoting cultural heritage and the acceptance of this branding by the Turkmen minority community, who may perceive it as an imposition on their own cultural identity.
Hill Forts of Rajasthan
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The ancient aqueduct system of the Bawri-Stepwell at Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur, demonstrates a sophisticated water conservation technique that effectively channels rainwater and hill catchment water into stepwells without mechanical energy. This system, designed with gradient-based canals and underground channels, showcases the ingenuity of Rajasthan's ancient rulers in addressing water scarcity. The study, based on live surveys and literature reviews, highlights how this traditional method could be rejuvenated to mitigate current water crises. Such findings underscore the potential of historical water management practices in sustainable solutions for modern challenges.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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This study highlights the harmonious relationship between the traditional Caiçara community and environmental conservation within the Bocaina Mosaic. It demonstrates how the community's indigenous knowledge and practices contribute significantly to the preservation of the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro. The research, conducted through fieldwork at São Gonçalo village, emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with conservation strategies to maintain biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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Hyla hallowellii, a tree frog endemic to the Central Ryukyus, exhibits a unique evolutionary pattern distinct from other amphibians in the region. Genetic analyses of eight island populations revealed low overall differentiation but notable divergence between northern and intermediate populations, contrasting with known patterns in other species. Morphological and karyotype studies showed no clear interpopulation differences, suggesting a complex evolutionary history influenced by geographic isolation and genetic exchange.
Redwood National and State Parks
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A three-year collaboration between the Schatz Energy Research Center (SERC) and Humboldt State University demonstrated that undergraduate engineering students can effectively design, implement, and monitor renewable energy systems for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Between 2000 and 2002, interns developed solar thermal water heaters, DC-powered lighting, and grid-connected solar electric systems for Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California. These projects reduced reliance on non-renewable energy sources while providing hands-on training for students in real-world engineering challenges. The study highlights the feasibility of involving undergraduates in sustainable infrastructure projects, offering a scalable model for similar initiatives.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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High-throughput genotyping reveals subtle hierarchical genetic structures within the coral reef fish Elacatinus lori across the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, including previously undetected patterns of isolation by distance and differentiation between the barrier reef and Turneffe Atoll. The study compared three marker sets—2,418 SNPs, 89 microsatellites, and 57 nonrepetitive nuclear loci—finding that SNPs were most effective at resolving fine-scale structure. Sampling 1,129 individuals from 35 sites at ~10 km intervals demonstrated the power of high-resolution genetic data to uncover complex metapopulation dynamics in marine systems.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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The Bolshoy Moskvoretsky bridge, intended as a pivotal structure in Moscow's 1935 General Plan, was designed to symbolize the ideological hub of world communism and lead to Red Square. However, its artistic realization remained incomplete due to creative conflicts between architect A.V. Shchusev and sculptor V.I. Mukhina. This study reveals that unimplemented urban planning concepts can significantly impact the formation of a capital city by analyzing the bridge's design stages and the consequences of its non-implementation. Using methods such as graphical virtual reconstruction, system-structural analysis, and formal-logical research, the study provides insights into the potential effects of abandoned monumental projects on urban development.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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Researchers have uncovered unusual arsenic-rich silicate mineralization within fumarolic sublimates of the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, marking a significant advancement in understanding high-temperature volcanic processes. This study provides the first systematic data on fumarolic-origin silicates, including nesosilicates (e.g., forsterite, andradite), cyclosilicates (a Cu,Zn-rich roedderite analogue), inosilicates (e.g., enstatite, diopside, aegirine-augite), and phyllosilicates (e.g., fluorophlogopite, yanzhuminite). The findings highlight unique crystal-chemical features and the distribution of these minerals in active fumaroles, challenging conventional knowledge about their formation. The study also offers evidence supporting the fumarolic origin of such mineralization, contributing to broader insights into volcanic activity and mineral diversity.
Los Alerces National Park
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Researchers have documented two new, reliable records of the Guigna (Leopardus guigna), a small, endangered felid native to Argentina and Chile's Valdivian Temperate Forests. These sightings occurred in Los Alerces National Park, Chubut Province, marking the southernmost confirmed presence of the species within a protected area. One individual was found dead near Amutui Quimei Lake, while another was captured in a trap near Menéndez Lake, both in Nothofagus-dominated forest habitats close to watercourses. The study underscores the critical need for habitat connectivity between protected areas, particularly in regions with significant human activity, to ensure long-term Guigna population viability. Further fieldwork is recommended to expand knowledge on its distribution, ecology, and habitat use.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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Upland peatlands within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area serve as critical water storage reservoirs, holding up to 60,600 ± 33,500 megaliters (ML) of water across the region. A detailed study of Lake Baraba in Thirlmere Lakes National Park revealed a local storage capacity of 150 ± 17.3 ML, underscoring their significance even during dry periods. The research quantified these systems' water-holding potential using peat depth measurements and water content calculations, providing empirical evidence for their role in maintaining water supply resilience. These findings highlight the urgent need to conserve peatlands amid climate change and anthropogenic threats, given their vital function in Sydney's water catchment.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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A new paleogeographic reconstruction of the Upper Elk Point subgroup in northeastern Alberta reveals critical insights into evaporite dissolution, karstification, and carbonate diagenesis. The study identifies the La Crete sub-basin as a hotspot for active gypsification—where anhydrite rehydrates to gypsum due to meteoric inflow—and links this process to the formation of porous dedolomite zones in carbonates. These zones act as aquifers, contributing high-salinity Devonian water inflows to oil sands mine pits. Detailed net-thickness mapping of halite, anhydrite, and gypsum shows that sulphate dissolution progresses top-down, with circular karst lakes serving as surface indicators of underlying meteoric conduits. This research provides a robust framework for understanding evaporite distribution, dissolution patterns, and their implications for both geological processes and economic impacts in the region.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
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A close connection exists between the sacred worship of the Osun goddess and nature within the UNESCO-listed Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, revealing a biocultural relationship that blends material and metaphysical elements. This study explores how Yoruba philosophy, rooted in mythology, influences urban dwellers' wellbeing through ecosystem services like provisioning and socio-cultural benefits. By analyzing qualitative data from the grove, researchers found that traditional beliefs and nature are intertwined, offering culturally driven strategies for sustaining biocultural identity amid urbanization.
Medina of Marrakesh
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Urban gentrification in Marrakesh's medina reshapes social and spatial dynamics while preserving its unique cultural identity. The study reveals that despite economic and social transformations, the medina retains a strong sense of belonging for inhabitants, a critical value that must be protected amid global urban changes. Researchers analyzed data from participatory observation and field interviews (2018–2019) alongside bibliographic sources to assess how gentrification affects architectural heritage appropriation. The findings underscore the need to balance cultural diversity with the preservation of the medina's distinct social, urban, and architectural specificities, ensuring its continued uniqueness as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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Urban geotourism in Poland, particularly in cities with rich cultural heritage and geodiversity, has shown significant potential for tourism growth. A study highlights that while urban geotourism is gaining traction in large cities like Kraków, Kielce, and Wrocław, as well as in postindustrial regions such as Lower and Upper Silesia, its development remains largely spontaneous and often lacks strategic planning or management. The research emphasizes the untapped geoeducational potential of many Polish towns, which could be leveraged to boost tourism and economic benefits if properly recognized and managed by local governments.
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
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European capital cities, designed to represent nations both domestically and internationally, face growing challenges as tourism intensifies. This special issue reveals that while these cities boast monumental architecture and cultural heritage, they also grapple with questions of representation, social carrying capacity, and economic sustainability. Through nine case studies—spanning Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Barcelona, Lisbon, Prague, Budapest, Skopje, and other Macedonian cities—the research examines the evolving relationship between urban planning and tourism, highlighting regional disparities in Europe's geographic distribution. The findings underscore the need for balanced development that accommodates both heritage preservation and the increasing demands of modern tourism.
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
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A comprehensive system for protecting urban planning objects within UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been developed, focusing on the historic center of Saint Petersburg. The study identifies key components such as individual cultural heritage objects and their ensembles, using notable examples like Kirov Department Store, G. F. Voldt’s Summer house, and the Estate of E. I. Lopukhina ('Aspen Grove') to illustrate its approach. By analyzing these sites, the research provides a methodological framework for defining and safeguarding complex heritage areas, ensuring their preservation while maintaining their cultural significance.
Historic Town of Zabid
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Historical cities, such as Zabid—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993—face significant urban challenges due to the dominance of larger metropolitan areas. This phenomenon, known as urban primacy, leads to deterioration in historical infrastructure, loss of cultural identity, and diminished economic benefits for local communities. The study proposes a development strategy to counteract these declines by preserving authenticity while enhancing tourism and cultural appeal. Using an analytical-descriptive approach, it examines Zabid's urban transformation through two frameworks: one descriptive, tracking historical features and changes, and another analytical, offering solutions to revitalize degraded environments. The research aims to restore Zabid's role as a vibrant cultural and tourist hub, addressing the broader issue of historical city preservation in the face of modern urban pressures.
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
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A groundbreaking approach using capoeira as both a tool for engagement and analysis revealed the complex, enduring legacies of Rio de Janeiro’s Valongo Wharf, particularly its role in racial discrimination and urban redevelopment cycles. The study demonstrates how this cultural practice can disrupt everyday dynamics in the port area, offering new insights into the selective valorization of cultural goods and their impact on urban history. By analyzing 'products' from the 2012–2016 Valongo Wharf Circle project, researchers uncovered the contingencies and transformations that reshape our understanding of Rio’s port heritage.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (TCV) in Mexico, recognized for its high biodiversity and ancient agricultural significance, supports 652 vertebrate species and 765 insect species. A study reveals that 107 wild animal species are used by local communities—primarily Nahua, Cuicatec, Popolocan, Ixcatec, Mazatec, and Mestizo—for food (65.42%), ornamental (27.52%), and medicinal (21.10%) purposes. These practices include manual capture, hunting, trapping, relocation, and captivity care, with some involving temporal or spatial planning and communal regulations. The research, based on a review of 38 documents and case studies from 1967 to 2018, highlights the valley's biocultural significance while identifying gaps in ethnozoological knowledge for Mixtec, Chinantec, and Chocholtec groups. Nearly 178 species used elsewhere in Mesoamerica remain undocumented in this region.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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A study using public Earth observation data reveals that the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) experienced significantly lower mangrove loss compared to areas outside the reserve. Between 1996 and 2017, the BBRRS lost approximately 89 hectares of mangroves, while outside the BBRRS, the loss was 2703 hectares during the same period. Nationwide, Belize's overall mangrove cover declined by 5.4% over 36 years, from 76,250 hectares in 1980 to 72,169 hectares in 2017. The research highlights that almost 75% of the mangrove loss outside the BBRRS was concentrated in zones associated with tourism infrastructure. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Earth observation systems in tracking progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Targets 15.2 and 14.2, providing a use case for monitoring changes in baseline data to support sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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A Bayesian multistate occupancy model revealed that seabird and shorebird occupancy probabilities vary significantly across species and habitats—such as islands versus glacial outwashes—in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. The study found strong site persistence for most species, with occupancy more likely at sites previously occupied. While area closures showed weak evidence of impact on species occurrence, detection probability differed notably between survey methods (ground vs. vessel) and among states (occupancy, nesting, abundance). This approach optimized the use of existing survey data, offering insights to improve future monitoring efficiency by identifying preferred survey methods and sampling periods for specific waterbird species.
Macquarie Island
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Residual contamination from remediated fuel spill sites at Macquarie Island poses minimal risk to adjacent marine communities, according to a comprehensive toxicity assessment. The study, using an expert judgment response matrix, found that even under worst-case exposure conditions—undiluted and continuous—native marine invertebrates showed variable and slow responses, with some species exhibiting no adverse effects. Natural site dynamics, such as rapid dilution due to high rainfall and energetic receiving environments, further mitigate potential risks. While toxicity was observed in certain species over extended periods (up to 21 days), no consistent patterns linked to hydrocarbon concentrations were identified. This research provides robust evidence that residual groundwater contamination at remediated sites is unlikely to harm marine ecosystems, offering critical insights for environmental risk assessment in sub-Antarctic regions.
Historic City of Toledo
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Research reveals that tourist spatial behavior in World Heritage Cities, such as Toledo (Spain), is significantly influenced by the location of attractions and mixed-use areas. Using thousands of geotagged Flickr photos, advanced GIS techniques reconstructed visitor trajectories, identifying overcrowded streets and underexplored 'shadow areas.' Findings underscore how urban environments shape tourist movement, offering new insights for managing heritage assets and mitigating overcrowding effects in touristified cities.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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Genetic analysis reveals that black rat populations on two islands within the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil, exhibit significant differentiation with minimal or no gene flow between them. This finding suggests that if rats were eradicated from Rata Island, reinvasion from the main island is unlikely. The study employed D-Loop sequences and 14 microsatellite markers to assess genetic connectivity, providing critical insights for targeted conservation efforts. These results support the implementation of a rat eradication program on Rata Island, following the success of a similar initiative on nearby Meio Island.
Bisotun
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A high-accuracy method combining GIS and DANP successfully identifies sinkholes and potential formation areas with 98.73% correctness, revealing vegetation (22.59%), elevation (12.12%), and lithology (11.94%) as critical factors in the Bisotun-Parav Karstic Basin—vital for water resources in Kermanshah. While completeness (79.86%) and quality (79%) metrics suggest some unaccounted areas, the approach remains robust for detecting both existing and potential sinkholes, offering a precise tool for karst management.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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A compensation scheme for carnivore depredation on livestock in Calakmul, Mexico, shows that while three-quarters of livestock producers are aware of the scheme, only half understand its functionality. Satisfaction with the scheme's operation is linked to ease of contacting staff, whereas satisfaction with results depends on trust in staff. This insight was derived from a research-action approach involving 165 questionnaires and participatory workshops, which revealed key criteria for local actors' evaluations. Recommendations include targeting information to areas where awareness is low and vulnerability to predation is high.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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The Inaccessible Island Rail, the world's smallest flightless bird, is estimated to have a population of approximately 10,300 individuals on its namesake island. This study utilized playback surveys at 350 sites to overcome the challenges posed by the bird's secretive behavior and the rugged terrain, revealing a stable population that warrants continued 'Vulnerable' status. The research highlights the critical threat of alien mammal introductions, emphasizing the need for their removal from neighboring islands to mitigate potential catastrophic impacts on this unique species.
Mount Huangshan
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A decade-long assessment of the Xin'anjiang River in Huangshan, China, reveals stable water quality from 2008 to 2017 but highlights significant pollution at the Pukou sampling point. The study, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation on 960 monthly samples, identified nutrient and organic pollution as major factors degrading water quality. Agricultural activities, erosion, domestic, and industrial discharges were pinpointed as primary sources of contamination. PCA accounted for 87.24% of the variance, while IDW interpolation mapped spatial-temporal changes, guiding targeted pollution control efforts. This combined approach proves effective in managing water quality and mitigating eutrophication pressure in Thousand Island Lake, offering a robust framework for environmental safety.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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A significant reduction in sand encroachment has been observed in Al Ahsa Oasis following the implementation of the Sand Reservation Project, as demonstrated by remote sensing and GIS analysis. The study utilized the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) to assess land cover changes, revealing a notable decrease in areas affected by sand movement. This project, a collaborative effort between local authorities and researchers, highlights the effectiveness of targeted interventions in mitigating environmental degradation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings underscore the potential of remote sensing techniques for monitoring and evaluating large-scale conservation efforts.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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Stonehenge's prehistoric acoustics were significantly enhanced, with stone reflections creating an average mid-frequency reverberation time of 0.64 ± 0.03 seconds and amplifying speech by 4.3 ± 0.9 dB. This study used acoustic scale modelling, a novel approach for prehistoric monuments, to quantify these effects. Unlike the current ruin or a full-size replica, the model's accurate representation of ancient geometry revealed that Stonehenge's sound environment improved both musical sounds and speech communication within its circle compared to outside. While different configurations of bluestones had minimal impact on acoustics, suggesting sound was not the primary motivation for their arrangement, the findings imply that ritualistic activities at Stonehenge likely involved sophisticated auditory experiences.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Artificial water troughs effectively mitigate the impact of water scarcity on wildlife during dry seasons, particularly benefiting the Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata). A study in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, found that these troughs were consistently used by agoutis and other mammals and birds, with a relative abundance of 160.08±85.44 individuals recorded over 1121 days of monitoring during the dry season of 2019. The research employed camera traps to estimate abundance and activity patterns, revealing primarily diurnal visits. This approach provides insights into habitat modification strategies in protected areas, demonstrating that artificial water sources can support biodiversity even under drought conditions.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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A high degree of Inka intervention and control characterized the Quebrada de Humahuaca, positioning it as a unique case of provincialism within the empire. The study reveals that transversal routes, which connected the central sector to other regions, were strategically adapted for intensive agricultural production and the crafting of luxury goods in Pucar de Tilcara. These routes also played a pivotal role in disseminating religious practices centered around worship at sacred sites (wakas). Functional, architectural, and spatial analyses of the road system, alongside the identification of tambos (rest stops or waystations), underscored their significance in facilitating resource exchange and reinforcing imperial control in this frontier region. The findings highlight the Quebrada de Humahuaca's role as a key node in the Inka network, despite its distance from the empire's core.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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A combination of wind and solar electricity generation with seawater heat pump systems can cover 67% of the energy load for Dubrovnik's Old City while significantly reducing CO2 emissions by 433.71 tonnes annually. The study found that integrating thermal energy storage with these renewable sources further optimizes system performance, cutting storage capacity requirements by up to 78% compared to solar-only systems and 60% for wind-only systems. However, battery energy storage, while more compact (40 times smaller in volume), incurs substantially higher investment costs and levelized cost of heat—13 times greater than thermal storage. The research highlights the potential of power-to-heat technologies in decarbonizing heating and cooling sectors, particularly in heritage-protected areas where outdoor infrastructure is restricted.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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2020 —
WHE0347403C37
Bitter almond emerged as the most salt-tolerant rootstock for Hassawi peach, surviving salinity levels up to 3500 ppm NaCl, outperforming both peach (2500 ppm) and ghwj (2000 ppm). This study utilized biotechnology tools to evaluate the performance of eight rootstocks under progressive salinity stress, identifying bitter almond as the optimal choice for grafting in Al-Ahsa oasis due to its high tolerance and compatibility with Hassawi peach. The research also recommended excluding plum rootstock because of its low salinity tolerance and poor harmonization with peach, which negatively impacts grafting success.
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
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2020 —
WHECFA3CD58B1
Valongo Wharf serves as a powerful symbol of Brazil's complex relationship with its history of slavery and racial inequality. The site, which has been the focus of archaeological and sociopolitical action, reveals uncomfortable truths about the subjugation of Black people by Whites that persist in collective memory. This study highlights the challenges and limitations faced by White archaeologists in investigating such sensitive sites, emphasizing the need for Afro-descendants to take a more active role in the recovery and interpretation of their own past. By examining Valongo Wharf's significance, the research sheds light on contemporary issues of racial recognition, social justice, and the ongoing struggle for fundamental rights for Brazil's Black population.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2020 —
WHE6936128418
Serra da Capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Brazil, generates an estimated annual recreational use value of R$ 7.1 million through tourism, with potential for up to R$ 2.1 billion if fully realized. This valuation highlights its significance as a cultural and natural destination, attracting visitors who prioritize landscape observation, museum visits, and archaeological sites. The study used the Travel Cost Method via an online survey of tourists in June 2019, revealing that most visitors are highly educated and affluent, willing to pay entrance fees for conservation. These findings underscore the need for infrastructure investments and environmental protection to sustain both ecological integrity and economic tourism.
