Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2020 —
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The Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, has experienced significant land value appreciation due to capital redirection toward real estate, exacerbated by high inflation and tourism growth following its UNESCO World Heritage designation. A multiscalar study analyzing property prices from 2004 to 2018 revealed that the region's economic transformation stems from investment-seeking refuge in stable assets, coupled with increased tourist demand. The research suggests that while the area's economy is heavily reliant on tourism—making it vulnerable to global crises—the post-COVID-19 scenario may see a decline in property values and economic depression, posing challenges for sustainable development.
The Sundarbans
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2020 —
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Residents of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh, show significant willingness to pay for ecosystem services, with marginal willingness-to-pay (MWTP) values ranging from Tk. 0.015 to Tk. 0.329 across different options, indicating a potential demand despite lower MWTP in some cases. The study used a choice experiment approach, involving focus group discussions and surveys in seven villages, to measure MWTP and compensating surplus (CS) for services like fish, shrimp larvae, crab capture, and fruit/honey collection. Key factors influencing choices included age, income, education, family composition, and occupational status. The findings highlight the economic value of ecosystem services in the Sundarbans, with option 3 yielding the highest surplus (Tk. 0.551), suggesting strong local support for conservation efforts.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2020 —
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Badlands, such as those found in Dinosaur Provincial Park, exhibit accelerated erosion and are perpetually near threshold conditions, making them highly sensitive to variations in geomorphic processes. This study reveals that adjacent units within badland slope profiles can respond differently to similar extrinsic thresholds due to variations in lithology durability and intrinsic qualities. Over a ten-year period, researchers analyzed spatial and temporal variability in erosional and depositional processes, examining how different surface types adjust their form and character in response to external factors. The findings highlight the challenges in identifying erosion thresholds and understanding landform responses during subthreshold periods, emphasizing the disequilibrium nature of badlands.
Lake Baikal
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2020 —
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Wildfires in Siberia significantly alter the chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols over Lake Baikal, increasing concentrations of ions (NH4+, K+, NO3−, SO42−), elements (B, Mn, Zn, As, Sr, Cd, Pb), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These changes, driven by smoke emissions from wildfires, pose a greater environmental risk than regulated anthropogenic sources in the region's central ecological zone. The study analyzed aerosol composition near Lake Baikal during fire events, revealing that submicron particles and trace elements indicate air mass transport from fire-prone areas. While sporadic, these natural disturbances disproportionately impact smaller tributaries, contributing to pollution across Baikal's ecosystems.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
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2020 —
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Radon dose levels in the Altamira Cave can vary by up to 500% depending on assessment approaches, highlighting significant uncertainty in radiation exposure estimates. The study found that the mean annual radon concentration inside the cave (3500 Bq m⁻³) far exceeds international safety limits for both occupational and non-occupational settings. Researchers analyzed dose rates under four equilibrium scenarios between radon and its progeny, incorporating the unattached fraction of radon progeny (fₚ) derived from particle concentrations. The findings underscore the need for site-specific studies to determine equilibrium factors (F) and fₚ to reduce variability in dose assessments, particularly relevant for show caves with high radon levels.
Surtsey
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2020 —
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A comprehensive dataset of vascular plant occurrences on Surtsey Island, Iceland, documents the early stages of primary succession from 1965 to 1990. This rare record of unperturbed colonization over three decades provides an invaluable baseline for studying ecological processes in pristine conditions. The dataset includes 10,094 georeferenced plant observations, offering a unique opportunity for comparative research on plant dynamics and succession. Surtsey's isolation and early protection efforts minimize human disturbance, making it an ideal natural laboratory for tracking ecosystem development on new volcanic substrates.
Vatican City
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2020 —
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Vatican City, the world's smallest sovereign state, likely ranks as the most visited country due to its strategic location within Rome and its status as a premier pilgrimage destination. This study highlights how Vatican City's unique transfrontier relations and constant border crossings contribute significantly to its tourism dynamics. By analyzing geopolitical factors, scale limitations, and resource constraints, the research provides insights into the microstate's tourism challenges and opportunities. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between geopolitics and tourism in small, dependent territories.
Macquarie Island
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2020 —
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Macquarie Island has undergone rapid vegetation change following the successful eradication of feral rabbits, rats, and mice in 2011. This large-scale project revealed that the absence of grazing pressure allows plant species distribution and vegetation structure to be primarily influenced by abiotic factors like climate. Research using repeat photographs over 34 years and satellite imagery demonstrated geographic variation in vegetation trends post-eradication. Spatial analysis showed that south-westerly winds were more damaging to plants than prevailing westerlies, while steep air temperature lapse rates limited diurnal and seasonal variation. Tussock grass and megaherbs, which declined by 2009, rebounded by 2014 without grazing pressure. However, high-elevation feldmark vegetation showed no consistent trends linked to rabbit impacts or climate change. Species distribution models indicated that generalist plant species have a smaller 'core range' where they dominate. The study highlights the ongoing ecosystem recovery and the interplay between climate change and the absence of grazing in shaping Macquarie Island's lowland vegetation.
Komodo National Park
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2020 —
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The savanna ecosystems of Padar and Komodo Islands, crucial habitats for the endangered Komodo dragon (<em>Varanus komodoensis</em>), exhibit 60% species composition similarity despite distinct local characteristics. The study identified 17 plant species across 11 families, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae being dominant. Using nested plots and PRIMER software for cluster analysis and ANOSIM testing, researchers confirmed that while both islands share common vegetation traits, their savannas retain unique species profiles. These findings underscore the dual conservation threat posed by invasive alien plant species (IAPS) to these fragile ecosystems, emphasizing the need to protect remaining savanna habitats to safeguard Komodo dragon populations.
Curonian Spit
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2020 —
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Between 2007 and 2017, the Curonian Spit National Park experienced contrasting vegetation dynamics on its lagoon and sea sides. While forest cover expanded and sand stabilization increased along the lagoon due to protective measures, sea-side foredunes eroded under wind, wave, and recreational pressure, reducing forest area and increasing exposed sands. High-resolution ALOS and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, combined with automated classification algorithms (Random Forest and Maximum Likelihood Estimation), enabled precise mapping of these changes. The study quantified key ecosystem indicators—forest cover percentage, coniferous tree share, waving sand extent, and vegetation-fixed sand coverage—revealing critical shifts in park structure over a decade.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2020 —
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A fuzzy linear programming model offers a nuanced approach to balancing tourism's economic benefits and its negative impacts on destinations, as demonstrated by its application to Venice. This methodology addresses data uncertainty by incorporating fuzzy numbers derived from surveys of both tourists and residents, providing a more flexible framework than traditional 'crisp' models. The study highlights that such an approach can help destinations like Venice better understand the challenges of sustainable tourism development, evaluate policy impacts on sustainability, and design strategies for managing tourist flows more effectively. By simulating scenarios that maximize monetary gains while controlling undesirable tourism effects, this model presents a practical tool for policymakers to navigate the complexities of overtourism.
Village of Sidi Bou Saïd
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2020 —
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A novel psychoacoustical and qualitative approach to assessing urban soundscapes has been successfully demonstrated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sidi Bou Saïd. This study highlights the feasibility of combining quantitative acoustic measurements with subjective perceptions from local stakeholders, revealing that such an integrated method can effectively capture the complexity of sound environments in dense urban settings. The findings underscore the importance of blending objective data with qualitative insights to fully understand and preserve the auditory character of heritage landscapes.
Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels)
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2020 —
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Victor Horta’s Hôtel Tassel (1893–1895) stands as a pioneering work in architecture, blending symbolic depth with innovative design. The study reveals that the building’s interior—particularly its sky-lit staircase and vegetal motifs—encapsulates a broader 19th-century environmental consciousness, drawing from glasshouse aesthetics, evolving scientific views of nature, and masonic symbolism. While Horta contributed his architectural expertise, client Émile Tassel, a scientist, anchored the design in contemporary biological theories and artistic interpretations of nature, especially those inspired by 'Far Eastern' influences. This interplay between architecture, science, and art underscores how the Hôtel Tassel transcends its time, embodying poetic communion with natural forces.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
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2020 —
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Over 60 million European citizens and more than 300 million international tourists with specific needs face barriers to accessing cultural heritage sites, including the Via Francigena—a historic pilgrimage route. Despite Italy's advanced legal framework for accessibility (e.g., Plans to Remove Architectural Barriers), persistent gaps remain, particularly in touristic practices. This study highlights how solutions designed for those with disabilities often benefit the broader community, as seen with voice-activated phones or remote controls. By analyzing Italian and European good practices, it argues that inclusive design can transform the Via Francigena into a model for universal tourism, akin to France's Santiago de Compostela route, which attracts 300,000+ pilgrims annually. The research evaluates physical and cultural barriers to propose sustainable, resilient solutions for all.
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
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2020 —
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A unique and well-preserved German (Saxon) heritage exists in southern Transylvania, Romania, where seven fortified villages—Biertan, Câlnic, Dârjiu, Prejmer, Saschiz, Valea Viilor, and Viscri—stand as a testament to nearly nine centuries of cultural and architectural influence. These UNESCO-listed sites, studied under the project '3d Past, Living & virtual visiting European World Heritage,' offer an unparalleled example of European medieval craftsmanship and feudal autonomy. The research analyzes conservation strategies to ensure the authenticity and integrity of these sites, contributing to their long-term preservation.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2020 —
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A virtual reality simulation of Avebury Stone Circle and Henge, dating to circa 2300 BCE, revealed that believability significantly enhances the sense of place experienced by visitors. The study involved over 1200 public participants, who interacted with the simulation through exploration, sensory stimulation, and communication. Analysis of questionnaire data from 388 visitors showed that personal characteristics such as age, gender, or familiarity with technology had minimal impact on enjoyment or learning outcomes. This suggests that immersive simulations could broaden accessibility to heritage sites, appealing to diverse audiences regardless of demographic factors.
Angkor
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2020 —
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Visitor management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Angkor, must now integrate public health goals alongside traditional sustainability objectives. This study reveals that COVID-19 has introduced a new dimension to visitor strategies, requiring collaboration among tourism authorities and health agencies. While pre-pandemic approaches focused on balancing economic, social, and environmental factors, post-COVID-19 management demands proactive risk mitigation. The research employed qualitative methods, including participant observation for pre-COVID-19 data and expert recommendations for post-pandemic strategies, using grounded theory and Atlas.ti software for analysis. Findings highlight potential conflicts between public health measures and other sustainability goals, particularly economic and social objectives, while emphasizing the need to adapt to a 'risk society' paradigm.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
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2020 —
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A significant gap exists between visitors' expectations and their perceived experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, highlighting challenges for sustainable heritage tourism. The study assessed tourist motives, expectations, and post-visit perceptions using structured questionnaires, focusing on five key aspects (5A's) to evaluate destination competitiveness. Findings reveal discrepancies in visitor experiences that could inform better positioning and planning strategies for the site. This research underscores the importance of aligning visitor expectations with actual heritage tourism offerings to enhance satisfaction and preservation efforts.
Angkor
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2020 —
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A comprehensive analysis of visitor experiences at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and top-rated global landmark, reveals overwhelmingly positive sentiments among travelers. Using big data analytics on 32,394 TripAdvisor reviews from 2015 to 2019, researchers found that themes like sunset/sunrise views, temple structures, guided tours, and immersive experiences correlated with high ratings (four or five stars). Conversely, negative sentiments were tied to crowding, persistent selling, clothing restrictions, and expenses. These insights provide actionable data for site managers to enhance visitor satisfaction through targeted marketing and operational adjustments.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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2020 —
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A notable finding in the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, reveals how visual art served as a tool for asserting power during the Danish crusades. Marble columns depicting biblical figures and early Christian saints, including a Norwegian king adorned with Byzantine regalia but bearing Norman insignia, illustrate the fusion of warrior imagery with ecclesiastical authority. This artistic adaptation reflects contemporary ideals of rulership, blending crusade contexts with the aspirations of emerging Christian elites, such as those in Gniezno (Poland) and Schleswig (Denmark). The study analyzes architectural and iconographic elements to demonstrate how visual performances reinforced political ambitions within a limited elite circle during this period.
Historic Centre of Macao
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2020 —
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A-Ma Temple in Macau, China, serves as a focal point for folk religion and ancestor worship practices, offering a visual and reflective exploration of these traditions. Through seven images captured during a visit to the temple, the essay delves into the historical significance and religious adherence associated with this coastal region. It highlights the lore behind A-Ma Temple, particularly its role in ancestor worship, providing insights into cultural and spiritual practices that have persisted over centuries. The approach combines visual documentation with historical context, offering a unique perspective on how these traditions are maintained and expressed in contemporary Macau.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2020 —
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A study reveals that the Venets Khrystov (1688) by Antoniy Radyvylovskyi, produced at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's printing house, employs Baroque aesthetics to transform traditional sermon illustrations into a metaphorical representation of the Church Year. Through a structural and semiotic analysis, researchers found that 53 narrative engravings—previously used in homiletic collections—were repurposed to symbolize the annual cycle of church services as a 'rose crown' gifted to the Savior. This innovation in Ukrainian book culture of the 17th century demonstrates the influence of Baroque style on visual metaphorization, blending graphic and verbal elements to create a cohesive artistic device. The research highlights a previously understudied aspect of Ukrainian typography, offering new insights into how Baroque aesthetics reshaped religious literature.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2020 —
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Vittorio De Sica's film <em>La porta del cielo</em> (1944) offers a unique lens into the intersection of religious pilgrimage, wartime survival, and cinematic innovation. Shot entirely within Rome during its 1944 occupation, the film reconstructs a journey to Loreto's Holy House within the extraterritorial confines of San Paolo fuori le Mura Basilica, circumventing dangerous external filming due to war. De Sica's work anticipates neorealism by focusing on the daily struggles of sick pilgrims and their companions, while also providing refuge for over 400 marginalized individuals—including Jews, political dissidents, and draft dodgers—who used the film production as a means to evade Nazi round-ups. The study highlights how cultural production during conflict can serve both artistic innovation and survival, blending historical documentation with narrative experimentation.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2020 —
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Research on Guinea baboons (Papio papio) in Niokolo-Koba National Park reveals that vocal convergence—where males within the same social groups produce more acoustically similar grunts—is driven by increased social interactions rather than genetic relatedness. This implicit form of vocal learning, observed across multi-level societies with nested units and gangs, suggests a shared sensory-motor integration mechanism between these primates and humans, distinct from the explicit, goal-directed vocal learning unique to human speech. The study analyzed 351 dyads within and between gangs and 169 dyads within and between parties, finding small but significant effects of social structure on grunt similarity, which did not correlate with genetic relatedness.
Pitons Management Area
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2020 —
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During the COVID-19 lockdown, Piton de la Fournaise volcano's eruption (2–6 April 2020) demonstrated the feasibility of managing volcanic crises entirely through remote monitoring. The Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF) successfully maintained real-time data collection and stakeholder communication using teleworking, satellite observations, and field instruments without physical access to the site. This validated the robustness of its monitoring networks during a double crisis—volcanic activity and pandemic restrictions—highlighting the potential for remote volcanic surveillance in future emergencies.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2020 —
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A new analysis of the fresco paintings in St. Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, reveals that Prince Volodymyr the Great and his consort Anna Porphyrogenita were symbolically linked to Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother Helena, reflecting their roles as Christian baptizers and founders of a new Christian capital. This study identifies Anna's image within the cathedral's iconography, emphasizing the pairing of Volodymyr and Anna with the Byzantine saints. The frescoes demonstrate an organic synthesis of universal and national symbolism, likely created during Volodymyr's reign, and suggest active preparation for their canonization. The research leverages scholarly authorities' accepted identifications to trace this consistent church and political concept.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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2020 —
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Virtual reality (VR) technologies show significant promise as a complementary tool for Silk Road museums, enhancing traditional exhibitions and addressing the challenges posed by the geographical dispersion of Silk Road heritage. A collaborative study between Lublin University of Technology and Samarkand's museums developed a virtual exhibition to test this concept, employing 3D digitization and dissemination techniques. Survey results indicated that VR is widely accepted by visitors and effectively supplements conventional museum experiences, offering an innovative way to preserve and present the cultural legacy of the Silk Road.
City of Cuzco
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2020 —
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Research on the usage of the possessive form 'vuestro/a' in Cusco Spanish reveals its dual function: as a formulaic phrase (e.g., 'vuestra atención, por favor') and a strategic tool to contrast actions or states between plural addressees and the speaker's group. This phenomenon, previously overlooked in American Spanish, is analyzed through three hypotheses linking it to colonial and early post-independence Spanish influences, with consideration of potential notional transfer from Quechua to Spanish. The study contextualizes this linguistic development within Cusqueno society, highlighting its role in shaping an idiosyncratic mestizo identity.
Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
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2020 —
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A study reveals the significant climate vulnerability and resilience of communities within the Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, following severe impacts from hurricanes Karl and Matthew in 2010. The research highlights how these communities adapted to climate-related challenges, emphasizing the role of educational approaches in enhancing resilience. Investigators analyzed data from three localities—Cardel, Tlacotalpan, and Cotaxtla—to assess vulnerability factors such as infrastructure, socioeconomic conditions, and community preparedness. Findings underscore the importance of integrating climate education into disaster risk reduction strategies to strengthen community adaptability.
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
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2020 —
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Research at Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana, revealed that the temple's structure is resilient to blast-induced ground motions. The study found that high-frequency vibrations from nearby blasting at the Devadula Lift Irrigation Project were significantly filtered by the soft clay bed beneath the temple, resulting in minimal shaking within the heritage site. This suggests that such structures may be less vulnerable to damage from controlled blasting than previously assumed. The investigation employed velocity meters and accelerometers to measure subsurface and ground vibrations, providing quantitative data on vibration intensities and their impact on the temple's stability.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2020 —
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Venice's coastland, a significant low-lying area in Italy, faces severe threats from relative sea-level rise (RSLR), which combines climate-induced sea-level changes with land subsidence. This study reveals that even minor land subsidence rates of a few millimeters per year can critically impact the region, home to valuable ecosystems, historical heritage, and economic activities. The research employs an index-based model at a regional scale, integrating high-resolution satellite data on land subsidence, ongoing and projected sea-level rise trends, and the morpho-physiographic characteristics of the coastland. This approach highlights the uneven distribution of subsidence across Venice's diverse environments—including farmlands, estuaries, deltas, lagoons, and urban areas—underscoring the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to address RSLR vulnerabilities.
Macquarie Island
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2020 —
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Climate change is enhancing the invasive capabilities of two weed species, Poa annua and Cerastium fontanum, on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. The study found that warmer, less variable temperatures accelerate plant growth and phenological development in P. annua, while temperature variability negatively impacts both species. Despite their distinct reproductive strategies, both species successfully produce seeds across all studied sites, demonstrating remarkable acclimation to extreme conditions. This suggests that climatic warming could significantly boost the invasiveness of alien plants even in remote sub-polar regions, underscoring the urgent need for proactive management to prevent further spread.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
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2020 —
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Medieval urbanization along the Upper and Middle Rhine Valley, particularly in the 13th century, demonstrated the critical role of water as both an economic resource and an environmental challenge. The study reveals that despite the region's humid climate, water management was a complex issue, requiring regulation and political negotiation among town lords, townspeople, and communes. It also highlights how deforestation for urban expansion exacerbated flood risks, posing significant threats to settlements. The research addresses methodological challenges posed by the scarcity of historical sources from this early medieval period, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of water's significance in shaping urban landscapes.
Talayotic Menorca
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2020 —
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A large prehistoric cistern, excavated at the Talayotic settlement of Torre d’en Galmés on Menorca, reveals sophisticated water collection systems used by pre-Talayotic and Talayotic communities (2300–123 BCE). The cistern, which fell into disuse after the 7th and 8th century CE, provides insights into how these societies managed water scarcity, particularly in arid limestone regions. The study links this structure to known architectural features of domestic spaces from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE and compares it with other prehistoric and historic water storage systems on the island. By analyzing the cistern's design and function alongside broader settlement patterns, researchers highlight its significance in understanding ancient water management strategies in Menorca.
Abu Mena
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2020 —
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Rising groundwater levels at Abu Mena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt's desert, pose significant threats to archaeological monuments due to water logging and salt accumulation. The study attributes this phenomenon to hydrological changes, poor drainage systems, and unregulated irrigation practices exacerbated by urban sprawl in the West Al-Nubaria area. Geospatial techniques were employed to analyze these issues, revealing severe land and water resource degradation. The research recommends implementing controlled irrigation, drainage, and sewage management strategies to mitigate these environmental challenges.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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2020 —
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In Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka's dry zone, water scarcity poses significant challenges for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. A study reveals that current irrigation systems fail to meet farmers' demands in terms of adequacy, reliability, and timeliness, despite the region's potential for increased paddy fields through improved water management. The research analyzes monthly reservoir conditions, including rainfall, irrigated area, water yield, and storage levels, focusing on major reservoirs like ParakramaSamudraya, Giritale, Minneriya, and Kaudulla. It highlights the critical need to address water distribution inefficiencies to sustain food production amid growing competition from domestic and industrial sectors. The findings underscore the urgency of optimizing irrigation scheduling to mitigate water scarcity in this vital agricultural region.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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2020 —
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A comprehensive analysis of water quality in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, reveals significant spatial variations in pollution levels. Using 14 water quality parameters from 41 sampling sites collected in 2019, the study identified four distinct clusters through cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The first principal component indicated that Cluster I and II sites exhibited higher overall pollution levels compared to Cluster III. Notably, the second principal component distinguished between organic and inorganic pollution, with Cluster I and II scoring high for organic pollution while Cluster II also showed elevated inorganic contamination. This suggests localized hotspots of water quality degradation within the bay, warranting targeted conservation efforts.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2020 —
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Agricultural and climate policies, not conservation priorities, are the dominant drivers of smallholder maize production changes in Calakmul, Mexico. Despite slightly positive rainfall trends, increased intensity and delayed onset of precipitation events, coupled with shifting agricultural policies, have led to intensified production on smaller areas, shorter fallow periods, and greater reliance on subsidies and inputs. The study, based on 40 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and quantitative precipitation analysis, reveals that successful conservation measures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site must align with agricultural and climate change policies to effectively address water scarcity challenges.
Grand Canyon National Park
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2020 —
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A study on the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park reveals that water temperature dynamics are primarily controlled by shortwave radiation and hydropeaking flow conditions, with significant variability due to topographic shading. The research adapted a dynamic river routing and temperature model to simulate temperatures over 18 years, achieving high accuracy (RMSE of 0.93°C). Findings indicate that reservoir release temperatures dominate upstream thermal regimes, while downstream influences shift toward discharge, shortwave radiation, and air temperature. This underscores the critical role of spatial and temporal shading patterns in predicting water temperatures in canyon-bound rivers.
Tchogha Zanbil
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2020 —
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Archaeological research at Tchogha Zanbil, Iran, reveals an ancient surface water management system that could be adapted for modern conservation efforts. The site faces significant water-risk challenges due to heavy rainfall and insufficient runoff control strategies, which exacerbate damage to its earthen structures. By analyzing the authenticity values of the site and assessing current water-management issues, this study proposes sustainable approaches inspired by historical techniques. The findings highlight the potential of integrating ancient solutions with contemporary practices to enhance the resilience and preservation of World Heritage Sites.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
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A study on waterborne pathogens in Jaipur, India, reveals that conventional 100 mL grab sampling for E. coli may underestimate microbial risks in urban groundwater supplies. Despite the absence of culturable E. coli in 90% of samples (n=20) over a 10-day period, advanced methods like dead-end ultrafiltration (DEUF) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) detected genes associated with protozoan and bacterial pathogens (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and enterotoxigenic E. coli) in three out of nine groundwater samples (volume 59 to 122.4 liters). Two of these positive DEUF samples corresponded to grab samples that tested negative for culturable E. coli, highlighting the limitations of traditional monitoring methods. This research underscores the need for more sensitive techniques to accurately assess and manage pathogen-specific risks in drinking water supplies.
Teide National Park
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2020 —
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A novel approach to semantic segmentation using weakly supervised learning significantly outperforms traditional methods, such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), when applied to hyperspectral imaging data from Teide National Park. The proposed Deep Seeded Region Growing system leverages a neural network trained on seeds generated by an SVM, progressively increasing pixel-level supervision through a region-growing algorithm. This method enhances the accuracy and efficiency of vegetation mapping in remote sensing applications, offering a promising alternative for large-scale environmental monitoring.
Ichkeul National Park
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2020 —
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A web-based GIS mapping tool, 'Géoweb Ichkeul,' has been developed to promote ecotourism and raise awareness about the ecological significance of Ichkeul National Park in Tunisia. This application offers a cost-effective, user-friendly platform for spatial analysis, benefiting various stakeholders including visitors, managers, and state organizations. The study demonstrates how interactive web mapping can enhance virtual exploration of the park, support sustainable tourism practices, and improve ecosystem conservation efforts. By analyzing the efficiency of web map usage across Tunisian organizations, the research highlights the potential of such tools to streamline ecotourism services and protect biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2020 —
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The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) serves as a focal point for examining the lasting impact of nuclear weapons use during WWII, where conflicting memories converge. This study delves into the complexities of remembering such a history by analyzing primary sources on nuclear weapon proliferation and their consequences in Japan. It culminates in an innovative approach to reimagining the final 10 feet of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, aiming to deepen public understanding through inquiry-based global learning. The research employs a multidisciplinary method, blending historical analysis with educational redesign, offering both academic insight and practical application for remembering and reflecting on nuclear history.
City of Quito
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2020 —
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The COVID-19 lockdown in Quito, Ecuador, revealed a significant shift in the photochemical regime of ozone production. Despite dramatic drops in primary precursors like NO and CO due to mobility restrictions, ambient ozone levels remained unchanged. Using a chemical box model constrained by observations of ozone, NOx, CO, and meteorology—along with VOC/CO ratios from Mexico City—a study found that reduced NOx during morning rush hours increased ozone production rates by more than 100%, reaching up to 23 ppbv h−1. Further analysis, simulating post-lockdown conditions while maintaining pre-lockdown VOC levels, tripled ozone production in mid-morning and sustained elevated rates throughout the day. These findings highlight the complex interplay between NOx reductions and VOCs in urban photochemistry, offering insights into potential scenarios for ozone accumulation.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2020 —
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Ancient Cahokia's urban development and decline were intricately linked to evapotranspiration, a process central to its culture and spirituality. The research reveals that the city's flourishing during the Medieval Climate Optimum (900–1300 CE) was sustained by the ritualized use of steam baths, which symbolically transferred healing power through water-to-steam transubstantiation. However, drought conditions beginning in the 1100s disrupted this process, contributing to Cahokia's decline. The study combines climate data with archaeological and anthropological evidence to demonstrate how hydrosocial changes—rooted in ontological shifts—shaped the trajectory of Mississippian societies.
Okavango Delta
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2020 —
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A study on the Okavango Delta reveals that elephant movements significantly influence human vulnerability and adaptation strategies, particularly in the context of climate change. The research highlights how perceived risks from elephant encounters shape community resilience, with findings suggesting that proactive adaptation measures can mitigate these risks effectively. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis to assess risk perception, vulnerability, and adaptive behaviors among local communities. This work underscores the importance of integrating ecological dynamics into climate change adaptation frameworks in biodiversity hotspots like the Okavango Delta.
Olympic National Park
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2020 —
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A comprehensive assessment of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) populations across seven Pacific State national parks reveals significant vulnerability to non-native white pine blister rust and climate-driven mountain pine beetle outbreaks. The study, conducted by the National Park Service, found that blister rust infected 29 to 54% of trees in most parks, except for Sequoia & Kings Canyon and Yosemite, where infections were minimal (0.3% and 0.2%, respectively). Mortality rates due to beetle outbreaks ranged from 10 to 43% in the affected parks, with projections indicating a potential 25% population decline over the next century under worsening conditions. The research utilized a stochastic, size-structured population model based on Crater Lake data to forecast future trends, highlighting the urgent need for monitoring and conservation efforts to mitigate these threats.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2020 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of seals from Shahr-i Sokhta, Iran, challenges the long-standing assumption that men were primarily responsible for administrative roles in ancient societies. By comparing seals found in necropolises with those used for administrative sealing, researchers identified a striking similarity between seals buried with women and those employed in site administration during the mid-third millennium BC. This suggests that women likely controlled most administrative functions at Shahr-i Sokhta, offering new insights into gender dynamics and economic organization in ancient economies.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2020 —
WHE7D256F83D4
A 'rights in the city' approach better captures the complex tensions and conflicts arising from short-term vacation rentals (alojamento local) in Lisbon and Porto, revealing diverse and often conflicting rights claims among stakeholders. The study analyzes interconnected discursive practices—legislation, media coverage, and social media—to demonstrate how regeneration, gentrification, and touristification reshape historic neighborhoods. Unlike Lefebvre’s 'right to the city,' which frames justice and inclusion, this approach highlights overlapping yet contradictory stakeholder interests, offering deeper insight into urban transformations in UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
