Selous Game Reserve
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2020 —
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Nearly half of the licensed hunting practitioners in Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve (SGR) do not comply with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) sustainability principles for trophy hunting, despite these principles being a legal framework. The study, conducted between August and October 2018 across five administrative sectors, found that familiarity with IUCN principles and longer working experience significantly predict compliance. Researchers used the theory of planned behavior to analyze predictors of compliance and the unmatched count technique (UCT) to estimate unsustainable practices, employing semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, field observations, and documentary reviews. The findings highlight critical gaps in awareness and enforcement, urging stronger emphasis on education and monitoring to ensure sustainable hunting practices.
Red Fort Complex
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2020 —
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A study at the Red Fort Complex identifies three distinct bands of willingness to pay (WTP) among tourists, offering a flexible pricing model that accommodates diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Using contingent valuation method (CVM), researchers analyzed data from 385 tourists through multiple regression analysis to assess the relationship between WTP and various factors. The findings suggest a framework for enhancing services and facilities at the site while promoting economic sustainability. This approach provides valuable insights into pricing strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, balancing accessibility with financial viability.
Taï National Park
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2020 —
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In Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) exhibit distinct spatial positioning within their social groups that significantly influences their activity budgets. Females and high-ranking individuals of both sexes tend to occupy more central positions, leading to increased feeding and resting times compared to males and low-ranking individuals. This study used focal behavioral observations, recording 5,115 locations for 29 individuals over 15-minute intervals, to investigate how rank, sex, and spatial position jointly affect activity budgets. The findings suggest that social status confers fitness benefits by allowing individuals to adopt advantageous positions within the group, providing new insights into primate socio-ecology and social dynamics.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2020 —
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Research reveals that women remain marginalized in the discourse and decision-making processes surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Sites, despite gender equality being a priority for inclusive development. Focusing on the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Italy), the study finds that dominant heritage narratives are often male-driven, which may hinder women's participation. Through interviews with local female wine producers, it compares official heritage discourses with women's perceptions of their role in shaping identity and heritage. The findings suggest that lack of representation influences women's willingness to engage in managing heritage that does not reflect their values, raising questions about the desired forms of participation for greater inclusivity.
Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region
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2020 —
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Collaborative conservation strategies for the royal painted tombs of Queen Qalhata and King Tanwetamani at El-Kurru, Sudan, demonstrate how community engagement and material analysis can enhance long-term preservation while improving visitor access. The study, part of the International Kurru Archaeology Project, developed sustainable treatment plans tailored to the remote site's constraints, prioritizing locally available materials and stakeholder input for rapid yet durable implementation. These efforts aim to stabilize the tombs, ensure safety, and serve as a model for future heritage conservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Gebel Barkal.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2020 —
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A study on the Marquesas Islands reveals how indigenous concepts of mana and place are intricately linked to ancestral traditions, shaping cultural practices and environmental stewardship. The research highlights the significance of these beliefs in sustaining traditional knowledge systems, which are critical for the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Te Henua Enata. By analyzing oral histories, archaeological data, and ethnographic observations, the study demonstrates how mana—spiritual energy or power—interacts with physical landscapes to influence community decision-making and resource management. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of how indigenous frameworks can inform conservation strategies, bridging traditional wisdom with modern scientific practices.
Wadden Sea
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2020 —
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A novel Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) was successfully applied to assess the climate risks facing the Wadden Sea. This first-of-its-kind workshop, held in Hamburg in 2020, brought together international experts to evaluate the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the site using robust climate science. The CVI methodology provides a rapid, expert-driven framework for assessing vulnerability, applicable to both natural and cultural World Heritage properties. By synthesizing existing climate data and expert knowledge, this approach offers a scalable tool for prioritizing conservation actions in the face of climate change.
Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region
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2020 —
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Women's exclusion from Okinoshima, a remote and uninhabited island central to Japan's cultural and religious heritage, gained international attention during its World Heritage inscription process. Despite the island's significance as part of the 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region,' which was inscribed in 2017, its restrictive access policies—particularly barring women due to religious beliefs—remained a contentious issue. The study highlights how this exclusion clashed with global heritage values, prompting petitions to national and international bodies from July 2015 onward. While the island's tangible heritage, such as shrines and artifacts, has been extensively documented in Japanese scholarship, the social and ethical dimensions of its preservation received comparatively less attention until its World Heritage recognition.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
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2020 —
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A critical examination of the intersection between UNESCO World Heritage designation and human rights reveals that while the program aims for universal recognition, it often clashes with local cultural values and economic interests. The study highlights the 'original sin' of excluding people from heritage narratives, leading to contradictions in legal frameworks and practices across Asia-Pacific and globally. It emphasizes the need for localized, context-specific approaches over abstract universalism, citing cases like Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia, where fragile religious practices face erasure under official cultural reabsorption. The research advocates for ethnographic methods and cross-referencing between local groups and international bodies to address power imbalances and ensure dignity in heritage conservation.
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
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2020 —
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The intentional destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan spurred international action and legal reforms, leading to the inscription of the Bamiyan Valley on UNESCO's World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2003. This study reviews the historical context, international doctrine, and debates surrounding the reconstruction of cultural heritage sites, particularly focusing on the Bamiyan Valley. It highlights the development of new legal instruments following the destruction and examines emerging debates around rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. The research approach involves tracing the site's inscription history and analyzing the World Heritage Committee's actions post-destruction.
The Grand Canal
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2020 —
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World Heritage Site (WHS) inscription along the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, China, can significantly enhance heritage conservation and tourism development when paired with a gradualist approach that empowers local communities. The study finds that WHS designation boosts conservation efforts but also poses challenges due to scalar mismatches—discrepancies between global heritage standards and local practices—which can hinder sustainable tourism growth. By analyzing three historic districts, the research demonstrates how inclusive community engagement, rather than top-down authority-driven models, fosters long-term balance between preservation and economic benefits. This approach offers a scalable model for other UNESCO sites facing similar tensions.
Pyu Ancient Cities
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2020 —
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A key finding from this study is that the implementation of UNESCO's World Heritage sustainable development policy often faces challenges due to mismatches between formal policy goals and local management practices, even when participatory models are intended. The research focuses on Sri Ksetra, part of Myanmar's Pyu Ancient Cities to analyze how site management practices can hinder community involvement in conservation efforts. The study highlights the need for both robust policy frameworks and practical, inclusive conduct by management systems to effectively integrate sustainable development into heritage conservation. It underscores that successful implementation requires alignment between policy statements and on-the-ground actions.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2020 —
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Approximately 19% of Wrangel Island's toponyms are derived from zoology vocabulary, reflecting the island's rich fauna and its significance to human activities such as hunting, fishing, and conservation. This finding underscores toponymy's role as a historical record, capturing distinct phases of the island's development—from initial exploration to modern environmental protection—over roughly 150 years. The study analyzed specialized guides, memoirs, cartographic materials, and interviews with reserve officials, revealing how naming conventions shift with human activity and ecological focus. Notably, the prevalence of zoology-related terms highlights both cultural priorities and objective features of Wrangel Island's diverse animal world.
ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture and Extermination
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2020 —
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The Ex-ESMA, a former clandestine detention and torture center turned memorial museum, undergoes continuous transformation to shape visitor experiences and collective memory. Research reveals that museological interventions—such as rethinking the museum's script and visit formats—alter how visitors interact with the space, influencing their emotional engagement and understanding of Argentina's dark history. The study traces evolving debates on what should be included or excluded in memorialization, reflecting shifts in official policies and societal perceptions. By analyzing curatorial intentions and visitor responses, it highlights the dynamic interplay between memory construction and spatial design in sites of historical significance.
Robben Island
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2020 —
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Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, is recognized globally as a symbol of the fight against injustice and oppression. However, its dominant narrative has emerged through contestation, often silencing alternative interpretations of its history and significance. Beyond its symbolic role, the material conditions of prison life on Robben Island played a crucial part in shaping post-apartheid South Africa's narrative of nation-building, democracy, and citizenship. This study examines prison memoirs to argue that the island's institutional characteristics as a prison space subtend the influential story of South Africa's struggle against racial oppression and its transition to democracy.
Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda
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2020 —
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Researchers used X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to analyze bricks from historical sites in Olinda, Brazil, revealing distinct chemical signatures that correlate with age and manufacturing origins. The study identified five clusters of bricks based on their elemental composition, distinguishing between Dutch-made bricks from the 17th century—likely used as ship ballast—and locally produced bricks dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. Quartz dominated the mineral content, while trace elements like iron (Fe), potassium (K), and titanium (Ti) varied slightly among samples. Principal component analysis of XRF data further confirmed these groupings, offering new insights into the provenance and historical context of Olinda's architectural heritage.
Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
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2020 —
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A collaborative effort by professionals from diverse disciplines, including linguistics and literature, has successfully created a bilingual children's book that bridges Mexican Sign Language (LSM) or indigenous languages with the rich pre-Hispanic cultural heritage of Mexico. The book, set against the backdrop of the archaeological site of Xochicalco, features narration in Spanish and Nahuatl, accompanied by meticulous illustrations. This innovative approach aims to make complex historical narratives accessible and engaging for a broader audience, including those who rely on sign language or indigenous languages for communication.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2020 —
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Recent analysis of Herculaneum papyri using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) reveals that some inks contain traces of metal, challenging the assumption that they are composed solely of carbon. The study, conducted at the Biblioteca Nazionale in Naples, examined external portions of papyri rolls—known as 'scorze'—which were mechanically removed from their original rolls in the 18th century. By targeting these fragments, researchers aimed to detect metallic elements within the ink, providing new insights into the composition and preservation of ancient texts from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Herculaneum.
Castel del Monte
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2020 —
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Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium transmitted by spittlebugs, poses a severe threat to Puglia's historic olive groves and its olive oil industry. The study highlights the potential for large-scale replacement of vulnerable cultivars with resistant ones or abandonment of olive cultivation in affected areas, marking a significant economic shift for the region. Through extensive fieldwork conducted in spring 2019, including interviews with olive growers and producers, the research captures the emotional and practical responses to this crisis—ranging from optimism to desperation—as well as the broader implications for Puglia's agricultural landscape and economy.
Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent
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2020 —
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Sophia Alekseyevna, a prominent figure in Russian history, defied conventional norms by becoming the regent for two tsars, leveraging her intelligence and character. Her reign faced challenges, including unsuccessful military expeditions under Vasily Golitsyn, which weakened her position. Ultimately, she was sidelined by Peter the Great and imprisoned in the Novodevichy Convent, where she attempted but failed to regain power. This study examines Sophia's historical significance, contrasting her with other influential women in Russian history such as Zoe Palaiologina and Marina Mniszech, highlighting her unique role in breaking from traditional expectations.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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2020 —
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Research on goldsmithery in Chojnice during the 18th century reveals that the town, though overshadowed by nearby Gdańsk, had a small but significant craft tradition. The study identified five goldsmiths and one apprentice, nearly all connected by family ties, who operated a single workshop for most of the century. Notable works include items crafted by Johann Friedrich Felsch I, such as an incense boat in Chojnice and a set of spoons now housed in the Malbork Castle Museum, which bear both his master's mark and evidence of guild membership in Malbork. The findings also highlight the influence of Gdańsk's style on local craftsmanship, with works showing average artistry but clear dependence on regional trends.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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2020 —
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Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) since 1999, has faced dual dilemmas of development and demographics due to rapid tourism growth. A longitudinal study reveals that while tourism has driven economic benefits and conservation funds, it has also led to the 'museumification' of the core zone—characterized by architectural renovations and a 20% population decline—as traditional residences were converted into commercial spaces. Concurrently, the buffer zone experienced accelerated development, though craft villages around its perimeter showed potential for revitalization. The research combines interviews, census data, spatial planning guidelines, and maps to highlight the social sustainability implications of WHS zoning, offering insights for more integrated adaptive-reuse policies in living heritage sites globally.
Stari Grad Plain
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2019 —
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Autochthonous grape varieties, particularly bogdanuša, are identified as key elements for the future success of Hvar's wine industry. These grapes hold multiple registers of value, including uniqueness, perceived quality, heritage significance, and cultural patrimony, allowing them to navigate both local and globalized discourses of authenticity and quality. The study explores how grape and wine producers on the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscape, leverage these attributes to enhance their product's value amidst economic challenges and shifting agricultural practices.
Rock Art of Alta
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2019 —
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The Bergbukten 4B panel in Alta, northern Norway, reveals a sophisticated cosmographical representation by Stone Age hunter-fisher-gatherers, dated to approximately 6000–7000 years ago. This panel, one of the largest in northern Europe with over 200 figures, integrates real and imaginary landscapes within a three-tiered cosmological framework. The rock art's figures interact with natural features, suggesting a visual depiction of activities and places mirroring actual locations. This 'world as we know it' reflects a complex memoryscape stored in the rocks, blending practical knowledge with cosmographical understanding.
Island of Saint-Louis
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2019 —
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A critical examination of seventeenth-century Christian missions on the Island of Saint-Louis reveals that African women played a pivotal role in shaping Senegal's social and cultural landscape. The study highlights how 'signareship'—a term describing the influence and agency of African women—evolved during France's prolonged occupation (pre-1758). Drawing from accounts by Geoffroy de Villeneuve, who documented Wolof marriage patterns after living in Saint-Louis and Goree (1785–88), the research underscores the enduring relevance of these dynamics. It also notes the distinctive flair of Senegalese women in adornment, a tradition that persists today. The analysis challenges colonial narratives by centering African perspectives, offering new insights into the intersection of power, gender, and culture during this period.
Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche
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2019 —
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Over 90% of visitors to the Cave of Chauvet 2, a physical replica of the UNESCO-listed Decorated Cave of Pont d'Arc (Grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc), reported an authentic heritage experience, with many experiencing hyperreality—a phenomenon where reality and simulation merge subconsciously. This study challenges traditional notions of authenticity in heritage sites by comparing physical replicas to digital reproductions, focusing on the visitor's perception rather than academic definitions. Researchers conducted interviews and observations at Chauvet 2 (2016–2017) to analyze how visitors engage with the replica, revealing its potential to evoke deep emotional and sensory responses akin to those of the original cave.
Site of Xanadu
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2019 —
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Coleridge's poem 'Kubla Khan' reveals striking architectural parallels between Xanadu, the Mongol summer palace, and Islamic structures, suggesting a fusion of historical mimesis and imaginative symbolism. The study identifies resemblances between Xanadu's pleasure-dome and Islamic paradise gardens (chaharbagh), as well as similarities with Kashmir's geographical spaces, supported by accounts from Marco Polo and other travelers. It further compares Xanadu to the Taj Mahal and Mecca, exploring its allegorical significance in relation to Islamic paradise or Jannah. The research examines possible influences on Coleridge’s poem, including historical narratives and his dreams, while retracing the symbolism of this fabled city.
Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin
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2019 —
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Former coal mining sites in Belgium and France, once central to industrial development, now serve as valuable brownfields with significant adaptation potential. A study analyzing post-mining facilities—such as C-Mine (Genk), Bois du Cazier (Marcinelle), Delloye (Lewarde), and Dourges (Oignies)—revealed their contemporary practical significance, spatial role, and impact on regional identity preservation. Conducted through field research in 2017, the study diagnosed challenges and opportunities in repurposing these sites, offering insights for evaluating post-mining transformations across Europe.
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
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2019 —
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Archaeological explorations at Quirigua, Guatemala, reveal how power dynamics—rooted in 19th and 20th-century nationalism, imperialism, and institutional competition—shaped the interpretation of Maya civilization. Early researchers like John Stephens and Alfred Maudslay, as well as corporate entities such as United Fruit Company, wielded influence that skewed scientific narratives. The study highlights how these geopolitical forces, alongside personal ambitions, influenced archaeological methodologies and findings, underscoring the need to critically assess the sociocultural context of 'objective' scientific truths.
City of Verona
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2019 —
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A rare Italian codex of Saint Augustine's 'City of God,' copied by nun scribe Veronica in 1472 at the Benedictine convent Santo Spirito in Verona, reveals how women religious interpreted and engaged with this influential text. Unlike known iconographic models, Veronica’s manuscript features unique pen-and-ink miniatures that convey emotional tension, philosophical depth, and allegorical mediation, offering a distinct visual and intellectual lens on Augustine's work. The study also highlights the convent’s vibrant scribal culture, supported by a c. 1475 library inventory and other extant manuscripts, showcasing both elementary and advanced devotional literature accessible to its community. This is the first analysis of a vernacular 'City of God' produced by a nun, shedding light on women's active role in medieval humanist practices and their unique contributions to religious scholarship.
Monastery of Batalha
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2019 —
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A unique architectural canopy from the medieval Monastery of Batalha, now part of the MET Cloisters Collection, exemplifies remarkable micro-architecture and artistic quality. This 14th-century piece, originally surmounting one of the Apostle statues at the monastery's main portal, reflects the dual function of Portuguese medieval monasteries as both divine temples and royal funerary places. The study traces the canopy's journey through restoration, art markets, and its current location, while analyzing its composition in relation to the monastery’s architecture. It highlights the canopy's significance as a singular example of master Huguet’s work on the Batalha construction site.
Monastery of Batalha
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A combined petrographic and geochemical study reveals distinct limestone provenances used in the construction and restoration of the Batalha Monastery, Portugal. By analyzing calcium and strontium alignment via X-ray fluorescence (XRF), along with thin-section petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), researchers identified multiple quarry sources contributing to different parts of the monastery. This finding provides critical insights for future studies on stone decay and conservation strategies, ensuring the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kronborg Castle
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking collaboration between Odin Teatret and diverse theatrical traditions showcased the potential of intercultural artistic integration at Kronborg Castle. The study reveals how Odin Teatret's 'Ur-Hamlet' production in 2006, performed at Elsinore Castle, Denmark, demonstrated the efficacy of their 'third theater' concept by blending actors with varied Western and Eastern backgrounds and professional trajectories. This research highlights the distinct artistic practices employed by Odin Teatret, emphasizing the impact of diverse theatre training and experience on the production's success.
Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses at Kladruby nad Labem
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2019 —
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The landscape surrounding Kladruby nad Labem and Selmice in the Pardubice Region is recognized as a globally unique, artistically designed agricultural landscape, nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. This study highlights its exceptional authenticity, preserved through centuries of use for breeding and training ceremonial carriage horses of the Old Kladruby breed. The research focuses on the landscape's compositional analysis, examining its historical development, structural elements (buildings, water, vegetation), and their interplay to justify its nomination. By integrating historical context with detailed spatial analysis, the study underscores the landscape's cultural significance and universal value, distinguishing it as a rare example of harmonious human-land interaction.
Mount Wuyi
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2019 —
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Scientists have identified a new species of horned toad, Megophrys ombrophila, from Mount Wuyi, China. This discovery was made through a combination of morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular analyses of 12S and 16S mitochondrial DNA. The species is characterized by its rotund body, distinct tympanum, smooth dorsal skin with granules and ridges, and unique reproductive traits. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that M. ombrophila is closely related to Megophrys obesa from Guangdong Province. The study highlights the importance of fine-scale molecular and phenotypic assessments in uncovering cryptic species within the hyper-diverse subfamily Megophryinae.
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
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2019 —
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Recent decades have seen unprecedented destruction to the ancient landscapes of Cyrene, Libya, threatening its UNESCO World Heritage status. Urban expansion, demographic pressure, and unsustainable resource exploitation have accelerated damage, overwhelming local heritage protection efforts. To address this crisis, researchers propose a strategic framework using core and buffer zones to safeguard Cyrene's archaeological integrity. Building on prior studies documenting necropolis degradation since 2011, the proposal outlines a collaborative approach involving the Department of Antiquities (DoA), UNESCO, and academic institutions like the University of Chieti. The study combines field assessments with policy recommendations, aiming to mitigate encroachment while preserving Cyrene's unique historical landscape for future generations.
Baekje Historic Areas
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2019 —
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A comprehensive analysis of Baekje costume experience content reveals three critical dimensions—functionality, aesthetic value, and cultural specificity—that shape tourist engagement with UNESCO-listed Baekje Historic Areas. The study identifies gaps in current offerings and proposes targeted improvements to enhance user satisfaction, economic benefits, and the preservation of historical authenticity. Using in-depth interviews and KJ method analysis, researchers mapped visitor needs and experiences, providing actionable insights for developing adaptive, culturally resonant content that aligns with 4th Industrial Revolution standards.
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
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2019 —
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Tourists at China’s cultural heritage sites prioritize coordinative green development and high-quality tourist experiences over commercialization, with overall satisfaction at three key sites—West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, Ancient City of Pingyao, and Confucius Temple in Nanjing. This study introduces an indicator system for assessing such development (CGDTECT) and applies fuzzy comprehensive evaluation alongside importance-performance analysis to gauge tourist perceptions. Findings suggest that while tourists value green development and experience, they are generally satisfied with current conditions, supporting the adoption of continuous improvement strategies. The research offers actionable insights for balancing tourism growth with cultural preservation, aiding sustainable heritage management.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
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2019 —
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A systematic expert-based assessment reveals that while conservation efforts for the Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) have successfully reduced hunting threats, significant challenges remain in addressing predation by dogs and power line impacts. The study identifies priority threats across key sites, including Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaziranga National Park, and Stoung-Chikreang Bengal Florican Conservation Area (BFCA), where conservation achievements are notable but require scaling up. It proposes a framework for collaboration to tackle these threats, emphasizing the critical role of D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in India. By replicating good practices from high-performing sites, the study suggests that the extinction risk of the Bengal Florican can be mitigated if priority actions are implemented effectively.
Erbil Citadel
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking application of 360° 3D LiDAR technology has enabled the non-intrusive documentation and virtual reconstruction of Rashid Agha's diwakhana within Erbil Citadel. This method circumvents the need for physical intervention, which could otherwise risk damage to these fragile structures. The study demonstrates how LiDAR-derived point clouds can be used to create immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, facilitating both research and public engagement without compromising archaeological integrity. By leveraging data collected from ground-based or aerial platforms, the approach offers a precise, scalable solution for preserving and exploring historical monuments in their original state.
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve
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Keith Marroquin's art, centered on the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, serves as a powerful tool for conservation advocacy by fostering emotional connections to wild landscapes. His work captures the untouched beauty of the Sonoran Desert, highlighting its unique features such as sand horses and bleached whale bones while challenging human-made constructs like the U.S./Mexico border wall. Marroquin's perspective, rooted in a deep connection with vast, untouched spaces, reflects a geologic timescale that transcends short-term human concerns, offering comfort and a long-view outlook on environmental change.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
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Heritage Malta, the national agency overseeing multiple historical sites including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and Megalithic Temples, is actively addressing challenges related to accessibility while preserving cultural heritage. The study highlights that rendering heritage accessible inherently involves risks, prompting key questions about the nature of accessibility, potential impacts, and the balance between access rights and conservation. Through past and future projects, Heritage Malta demonstrates innovative solutions to make cultural heritage universally accessible, emphasizing the benefits of centralized management for multiple assets. This approach not only ensures public appreciation but also reinforces the agency's mission in safeguarding heritage for humanity.
Yungang Grottoes
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Acidic solutions significantly degrade the structural integrity of sandstone from the Yungang Grottoes. Research shows that exposure to sulfuric (H₂SO₄) and nitric (HNO₃) acids at increasing concentrations leads to a marked decrease in compressional wave velocity, reduced compressive strength, and increased effective porosity—indicators of microstructural damage. Unlike water treatment, acid exposure alters the sandstone's chemical composition, complicating its structure post-weathering. The study highlights the potential deterioration risk posed by environmental pollutants like SO₂, NOₓ, and PM₂.₅, which form sulfates and nitrates, threatening the preservation of stone relics in the grottoes.
Margravial Opera House Bayreuth
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The Margravial Opera House Bayreuth, a well-preserved 18th-century Baroque court theatre, offers unique acoustic insights into historical opera house design. Recent measurements reveal its reverberation time (RT), early decay time (EDT), and clarity factor, providing a benchmark for comparison with contemporary Italian theatres of similar age. Using balloons and hand-claps as sound sources, researchers characterized the auditorium's impulse response post-renovation, highlighting its intact bell-shaped design and decoratively painted canvas. This study contributes to understanding the acoustic evolution of opera houses, bridging historical preservation and modern acoustical analysis.
Bale Mountains National Park
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A revised ECOSERV model, tailored for ecotourism contexts, identifies that the current ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia, falls short of visitor expectations. This study, based on surveys of 293 international visitors, revealed a significant service gap, indicating negative disconfirmation and highlighting the need for park management to address these deficiencies to enhance visitor satisfaction and competitiveness. The model, comprising seven ESQ dimensions and 28 attributes, provides a framework for improving ecotourism experiences in protected areas.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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2019 —
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Halong Bay and its adjacent Cat Ba and Long Chau archipelagos, recognized as a unique cluster of limestone islands with global heritage significance, face challenges due to administrative separation. Despite Halong Bay being designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994, the proposal for Cat Ba-Long Chau's inclusion was only submitted in 2014. The study highlights that while these areas share geological and ecological similarities, their divided governance presents unprecedented institutional hurdles for UNESCO recognition. However, an integrated management approach was adopted in 2015, designating the 'Halong Bay – Catba limestone island marine area' as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA). This decision underscores the potential for sustainable conservation-based economic development, benefiting not only the local regions but also Vietnam and global heritage preservation efforts.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
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A comprehensive analysis of the spatial and geographical characteristics of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (40 tombs) located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, reveals critical insights for their efficient management and local utilization. The study identifies key urban environmental factors influencing these historical sites, which serve as significant regional assets reflecting past landscapes and topography. By integrating GIS technology and Space Syntax analysis, researchers quantitatively assessed the tombs' locational attributes, providing actionable recommendations for regulatory frameworks and sustainable preservation strategies. This approach offers a data-driven foundation for balancing heritage conservation with community engagement in Gyeonggi Province.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
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2019 —
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Virtual restoration of lost 18th-century mural paintings in San Agustín Church, part of the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain, has been achieved using DStretch image analysis. This free software, typically used for rock art research, employs decorrelation processes to enhance image readability and support objective virtual reintegration. The study demonstrates that digital documentation and advanced image processing can effectively recover historical artwork damaged by a 1964 fire, offering a rigorous methodology for preserving cultural heritage.
Socotra Archipelago
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A comprehensive catalogue of beetles (Coleoptera) from the Socotra Archipelago reveals that nearly half (47%) of the 645 recorded species are endemic to the region, highlighting its unique biodiversity. The study identified 24 new species for the archipelago and corrected five previous misidentifications. It also documented three species previously unknown on nearby islands, Abd el Kuri and Samha. Additionally, Lithocharis socotrana, a species described from Socotra, was recorded for the first time in continental Yemen. The research combines taxonomic identification with geographic distribution analysis, providing insights into the archipelago's beetle diversity and its connections to broader Afrotropical and Saharo-Arabian regions.
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
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2019 —
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Ant communities in tropical mountain chains, particularly those in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, show significant resilience to early mining disturbances but are more vulnerable in forest habitats. A study comparing ant richness and species composition across three vegetation zones—highland meadows, transition savannahs, and altitudinal forests—revealed that while meadows and savannahs remained relatively stable between mining prospecting sites and nearby undisturbed areas (World Heritage Sites), forest habitats exhibited notable differences. Despite variations in weather and soil variables, such as soil pH, vegetation structure emerged as the primary factor influencing ant assemblage composition. This finding underscores the critical role of native forest protection and rehabilitation in successful mine site restoration efforts.
