Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
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2018 —
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A newly documented set of linear geoglyphs and structures, dubbed the 'Chincha lines,' has been identified in Carmen Pampa within the upper Chincha valley of southern Peru. These geoglyphs, similar to those found in nearby Nasca and Palpa valleys, date back to the Paracas period (400–200 BCE) with potential use extending into AD 100. The complex comprises linear geoglyphs, small mounded structures, and larger platform mounds, offering significant insights into ancient Peruvian cultural practices and regional interactions. This discovery expands our understanding of pre-Columbian art and architecture in the region.
Khami Ruins National Monument
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2018 —
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New radiocarbon dating reveals Khami, the precolonial capital of the Butua kingdom in southwestern Zimbabwe, emerged as a significant political and economic power by the late 14th century—earlier than previously thought. Analysis of material culture from both walled and non-walled areas indicates household-based craft production was widespread, with pottery making, metalworking, ivory working, agriculture, and animal husbandry forming key economic pillars. The presence of local and exotic objects suggests Khami's integration into regional trade networks, reinforcing its role as a major center during the late medieval period.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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2018 —
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The Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, houses one of the world's largest ex situ conservation programs for orthodox seed-bearing wild plants, encompassing 39,669 taxa from 189 countries and all nine biogeographic regions. A comprehensive analysis reveals that 74% of these collections possess significant natural capital or population value, including economic, ecological, social, cultural, or scientific importance. Additionally, over 20% are endemic to their respective regions. Since its inception in 2000, the MSB has distributed more than 11,182 seed samples globally for conservation, research, education, and display. The study identifies gaps in geographic representativeness, taxonomic diversity within large angiosperm families, and coverage of threatened taxa, underscoring the need for further analysis to optimize future collection efforts.
Komodo National Park
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2018 —
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A coral-killing sponge, <i>Chalinula nematifera</i>, has been identified as a common substrate generalist in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This sponge, originally from the Marshall Islands, is raising concerns due to its rapid range expansion and ability to overgrow various coral species. Observed at six out of ten sites in October 2016, it was found interacting with living corals belonging to 13 species, some of which are new host records. Additionally, it colonized dead coral colonies previously covered by algae or sediment, as well as encrusting coralline algae, showing no clear preference for specific hosts or depth ranges. The study highlights the sponge's adaptability and potential impact on coral ecosystems.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2018 —
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Research at the Sangiran Early Man Site reveals that 11 genera of sharks inhabited the Java Sea during the Plio-Pleistocene epoch (2.8 to 1.8 million years ago). This ancient marine environment, characterized by lagoons and coastal swamps, preserved diverse shark teeth fossils with distinct morphological shapes. The study employed morphological comparison and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify these genera using modern shark teeth collections from the Research Centre for Oceanography - LIPI in Jakarta. By comparing fossilized teeth from Sangiran Museum, BPSMPS Karanganyar, and UGM Yogyakarta with contemporary specimens, researchers reconstructed shark diversity during this transitional period.
Mogao Caves
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2018 —
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Windblown sand, driven by high-velocity winds, is a significant factor in the deterioration of mural paintings on the east wall of Cave 285 in the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves. Despite being less exposed to moisture and solar radiation compared to other walls, the east wall exhibits notable damage, including detachment, flaking, and fading, attributed to sand adhesion and collision. This study highlights the dual impact of wind velocity on both the physical structure and artistic integrity of the murals, offering critical insights for conservation efforts in arid environments.
Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
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2018 —
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Shore platform stromatolites (SPS) provide a unique modern analogue for Precambrian fossil stromatolites, offering insights into ancient microbial ecosystems. These SPS, found along southern African coasts, southwest Australia, Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Hebrides, thrive on well-indurated shore platforms in high wave energy settings, often near headlands. Unlike other extant stromatolites, SPS primarily form through mineral precipitation, with minor trapping and binding. The study suggests that SPS could be preserved in the geological record as micritic lenses on palaeo-shore platform surfaces, despite differing atmospheric and oceanic conditions from the Archean. Additionally, terraces associated with former oceanic or lacustrine flooding surfaces on Mars are proposed as potential targets for searching palaeo-SPS, expanding the scope of astrobiological research.
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking collaboration between Museums Victoria and the Gunditjmara community resulted in the creation of the Field Guide to the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape app, the first of its kind to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific biodiversity data. The app features over 250 species from the Budj Bim Cultural Heritage Landscape, including 854 previously unrecorded species discovered during a 2011 Bush Blitz survey, with traditional names, uses, and stories for two-thirds of them. This innovative project combines Gunditjmara expertise with scientific findings, offering educational value to local communities, researchers, and visitors while serving as a model for similar initiatives globally.
Lut Desert
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2018 —
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A new spider species, Oecobius fahimii (Oecobiidae), has been discovered and described from the Lut Desert, Iran. This finding is part of the first comprehensive inventory of spider fauna in one of the world's hottest deserts. The study identified 15 species across 12 families, including three species—Devade tenella (Dictynidae), Gnaphosa ukrainica, and Haplodrassus caspius (both Gnaphosidae)—reported for the first time in Iran. The research was conducted during the Iranian Biological Expedition in November 2016, providing critical baseline data on arachnid biodiversity in this extreme environment.
Samarra Archaeological City
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2018 —
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Advanced Abbasid glass production and imports were confirmed through high-resolution analysis of glass artefacts from Samarra, revealing distinct compositional profiles linked to local craftsmanship and selective Byzantine influences. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) identified two related plant ash groups in architectural glass, pointing to a thriving ninth-century industry near the Abbasid capital. The study also corroborated historical accounts of glass production in Samarra while highlighting the cultural significance of luminous, reflective glass walls in Islamic palaces.
<i>Aflaj</i> Irrigation Systems of Oman
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2018 —
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Oman's traditional aflaj irrigation systems, which have sustained agriculture and livelihoods for centuries, face sustainability threats due to the economic implications of small water and land holdings. A study on one falaj system revealed that these smallholdings prevent farmers from achieving economies of scale, leading to high average costs and low farm profits. As aflaj are community-managed, the low economic value may result in insufficient funds for maintenance, potentially undermining their sustainability. The research highlights a critical challenge for community-based water management systems in arid regions.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2018 —
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Tourist satisfaction at UNESCO World Heritage Sites can significantly promote cultural integration and reduce marginalization, particularly when visitors engage deeply with objective authenticity—such as historical traditions and architecture—and existential authenticity—experiencing the true value of traditional culture. A study analyzing 430 Chinese tourists in Korea’s Hahoe and Yangdong villages found that higher cross-cultural awareness enhances interest in these aspects, while immersive experiences amplify appreciation for them. Using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, researchers confirmed that both types of authenticity positively influence satisfaction, which in turn fosters acculturation. These insights provide a framework for sustainable management of World Cultural Heritage Sites, balancing protection with inclusive development.
Monastery of Batalha
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2018 —
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Research reveals that environmental conditions significantly influence the alteration of stained-glass windows, with potash-lime silicate glass being the most susceptible to degradation. The study exposed soda-lime, potash-lime, and mixed-alkali silicate glasses in three Portuguese monuments—Monastery of Batalha, Monastery of Jerónimos (Lisbon), and Cathedral of Évora—for 10 and 20 months. Analysis using optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that crystalline deposits varied based on atmospheric conditions, with high humidity environments like those in Batalha and Jerónimos leading to more severe alteration layers. While the Cathedral of Évora exhibited dust and salt accumulation without severe chemical damage, the findings underscore the importance of environmental factors in preserving stained-glass heritage.
Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region
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2018 —
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UNESCO World Heritage designation significantly influences the preservation and development of culturally and naturally significant sites, as demonstrated by the case of Plaošnik in Ohrid. This archaeological site, home to the oldest Slavic monastery and university in the Balkans, faces pressures from redevelopment projects that threaten its integrity. The study highlights how international legal instruments like the World Heritage List can mitigate these risks by shaping local conservation practices and urban evolution. Researchers analyzed the interplay between heritage protection and development, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches to safeguard key elements of recognized sites without compromising their historical significance.
National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking catalog of over thirty previously undocumented sculptures from the Chocolá site, including stelae, pedestal monuments, and cupule altars, reveals a rich artistic corpus blending Olmec and Maya motifs. The study also suggests that the enigmatic 'Shook Altar' likely originated at Chocolá, potentially linked to water worship rituals. By analyzing recovered fragments and historical records, researchers expanded the known corpus from a single stela fragment to diverse monuments, including a potbelly monument and a 'capture' monument, while tracing the diaspora of other carved artifacts from the region.
Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
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2018 —
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Ravenna's mosaics, dating from the 5th to 6th centuries, offer unparalleled insights into early Christian art, serving as a critical link between Western and Eastern artistic traditions. These works, numbering more than any other city of their time, reflect Ravenna's significance during Late Antiquity, when it was a pivotal Mediterranean hub. The mosaics' stylistic diversity, influenced by Constantinople and the East, provides a unique lens to study medieval and Byzantine art, revealing complex political, cultural, and theological narratives. Research on these monuments has focused on their style, technique, iconography, viewer reception, and color theory, contributing significantly to chronological narratives of early Christian visual culture.
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
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2018 —
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A detailed examination of Thomas Jefferson's activities and correspondences between February and August 1819 reveals his multifaceted role as a founding member of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors, where he facilitated institutional development, including securing builders and establishing a classical preparatory school. The analysis also highlights Jefferson's personal routines—such as a vegetarian diet, morning foot baths, and horseback riding—as well as his intellectual pursuits, including discussions on Greek pronunciation with peers like John Adams. Additionally, the volume documents challenging events, such as financial strain due to a friend's bankruptcy, property damage at Poplar Forest, and familial conflicts involving his grandson-in-law and grandson. This comprehensive collection of 637 documents provides insight into Jefferson's leadership, personal life, and the broader social and intellectual landscape of early 19th-century Virginia.
Antigua Guatemala
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2018 —
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Heritage politics in Antigua Guatemala reveal how UNESCO and state regulations intersect with tourism economies, shaping urban aesthetics and everyday practices. The study finds that residents' heritage aesthetics, influenced by materiality and cultural performance, lead to unexpected political outcomes tied to economic activities. Using Latour's assemblage theory and Rancière's aesthetic regimes, the research interprets the heterogeneous contributions of the cityscape—particularly the Arch of Santa Catalina—to social, economic, and political dynamics. This approach demonstrates how heritage sites function as assemblages that articulate with daily practices, challenging conventional understandings of urban heritage management.
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
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2018 —
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Archaeological research at Gua Kajang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia's Lenggong Valley, reveals significant insights into prehistoric human lifeways between 11,000 and 4,000 years ago. The study, based on two human burials and associated artefacts—including stone tools, fauna remains, and pottery—demonstrates that early inhabitants were likely cave-dwellers or hunter-gatherers relying heavily on forest resources. This challenges previous assumptions about prehistoric populations in the region and expands our understanding of cave archaeology in the Malay Peninsula. The findings underscore the site's importance as a window into ancient human behavior, adaptability, and cultural practices during a critical period of environmental transition.
Site of Palmyra
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2018 —
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A critical analysis reveals that the 3D-printed reconstruction of Palmyra’s Arch of Triumph falls short of ethical standards for heritage preservation, raising concerns about digital reconstructions. The study identifies four key failures: neglecting human loss and political context, inaccuracies in material and scale, limited public access due to patent restrictions, and a reckless approach that disregards the needs of affected communities. While UNESCO and ICOMOS lack formal guidelines for such reconstructions, this research underscores the urgent need for ethical frameworks to govern digital heritage restoration, ensuring accountability and respect for historical integrity.
Garajonay National Park
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2018 —
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A genetic analysis of the endangered Canary Islands endemic <i>Sambucus palmensis</i> reveals that 30 years of conservation efforts, primarily through translocation using cuttings, have successfully increased population heterozygosity while preserving unique genetic diversity. The study, conducted in Garajonay National Park (La Gomera), genotyped 402 samples from restored and natural populations using seven microsatellite markers. While clonal reproduction remains prevalent due to propagation methods, the Liria population emerged as a critical genetic reservoir. Species distribution modeling identified new suitable reintroduction areas, guiding future conservation strategies. The findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted reinforcement while highlighting the importance of preserving native genetic variation.
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
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2018 —
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Contemporary Indigenous struggles over land and territory in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras, are both historical contests and present-day battles against state and elite dehumanization. Despite landmark legislation awarding territorial rights to Miskito Territorial Councils since 2013, the Miskito peoples face persistent threats from colono land invasions and extractivist development, which perpetuates colonial logics of race and gender. This study reveals that biodiversity conservation and extractive development are intertwined, often employed to marginalize Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Using a blend of ethnographic data, news media, archival documents, development reports, and secondary literature, the research exposes the violence embedded in these practices, challenging narratives of modernity and development while highlighting the resilience of Miskito land defenders.
Matobo Hills
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2018 —
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A century of research and conservation efforts on the rock art sites of Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe, reveals significant challenges and opportunities for their preservation. The study highlights that despite extensive documentation and management by individuals, government agencies, and organizations, economic instability and land reform in Zimbabwe have negatively impacted the appreciation and protection of these heritage sites. The paper suggests potential improvements in management strategies to better safeguard this invaluable cultural resource for future generations.
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
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2018 —
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The rock-hewn church of Nazugn Maryam, located near Lalibela, Ethiopia, is an endangered example of ancient hypogeum architecture. Despite its historical significance and traditional attribution to Abunä Musé, the second bishop of Ethiopia, it has received little scholarly attention or professional conservation efforts. This study reveals that its architectural integrity is threatened by natural factors such as torrential rainfall and sunlight, as well as past restoration attempts using modern materials like cement and basaltic stone, which have exacerbated deterioration. The research employed interviews, field observations, and archive analysis to document the church's architecture and conservation challenges, highlighting the urgent need for compatible restoration strategies that preserve its cultural heritage without compromising structural stability.
Erbil Citadel
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2018 —
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Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest preserved cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant challenges that hinder its potential as a tourism hub. Key issues include poor connectivity between the citadel and its surrounding precinct, visual inconsistencies, and negative activities that deter both tourists and locals. The study identifies these deficiencies through land use classification via direct survey and GIS mapping, followed by problem adjustment based on local and international standards. It proposes creative strategies to revitalize the urban fabric, foster local-global interactions, and attract foreign investment in tourism. This approach aims to transform Erbil Citadel into a dynamic cultural and economic asset, addressing both functional and accessibility gaps while aligning with global best practices.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2018 —
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Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) emerges as a critical tool for safeguarding World Heritage Sites, balancing preservation with development while mitigating adverse effects. A qualitative study involving interviews with site managers, archaeologists, and governmental bodies in Turkey and Egypt revealed that both the Historic Areas of Istanbul and the Giza Pyramids face significant threats from infrastructure and development projects. The research highlights a pressing need for local expertise in HIA to reduce reliance on foreign experts, as current practices often lack comprehensive mitigation strategies. By applying HIA methodology, stakeholders can make informed decisions that protect heritage integrity while supporting sustainable development.
Site of Palmyra
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2018 —
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International efforts to protect cultural heritage have evolved from politicization and criminalization to securitization, particularly in conflict zones like Syria and Iraq. This shift is evident in responses to attacks on archaeological sites such as Palmyra. The study employs a discursive lens to map the narrative threads constructed by key international actors, revealing how cultural heritage has become increasingly framed through security discourse. By analyzing recent incidents, it offers a tentative explanation for this securitization process, highlighting its implications for under-researched fields like heritage protection.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2018 —
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A structural analysis of the Sikhote-Alin fold system in Central Russia reveals that its gold-sulfide mineralization is closely linked to Cretaceous-era folding characterized by northeast-southwest (50-60°) orientation, formed under conditions of crustal shortening and left-lateral shear. The study identifies type-morphic features indicating this folding resulted from longitudinal bending with flow during a period of tectonomagmatic activity spanning the Aptian to late Cretaceous. The research employs structural-kinematic correlation to elucidate the relationship between folding dynamics and gold mineralization, offering insights into the geological processes controlling ore formation in this region.
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
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2018 —
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World Heritage Site (WHS) designation significantly alters sociocultural dynamics for local communities, impacting social cohesion, privacy, heritage conservation, and interactions between residents and visitors. A study of the 'Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama' in Japan reveals that while tourism boosts global recognition and economic benefits, it also introduces challenges such as congestion, loss of community 'feel,' and strained local-visitor relationships. The research employs a mixed-method approach, analyzing social pathology changes, conservation efforts, and local perceptions to highlight the complex interplay between heritage status, tourism, and community well-being.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
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2018 —
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Turkestan, home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, stands as a pivotal spiritual and cultural hub for the Turkic peoples, with its historical significance dating back over two centuries. This study reveals Turkestan's role as the capital of the Kazakh Khanate, highlighting its importance in trade, culture, and burial practices for notable Kazakh tribes. The research employs historical analysis and comparison to examine the city's architectural heritage, including underground mosques like Kulala Komsic and Aulie-ATA, while also introducing new approaches to determining the city's age. By synthesizing archaeological data, archival materials, and scholarly works, the study offers fresh insights into Turkestan's layered history, emphasizing its enduring legacy as a symbol of Turkic identity.
Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
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2018 —
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Felix Romuliana, an Imperial retreat palace located in Gamzigrad, Serbia, reveals a sophisticated use of diverse building materials. The palace and its fortifications primarily employ local hornblende andesite, volcaniclastic sandstone from Magura Hill, and regional Sarmatian sandy limestone, alongside Mediterranean marbles for decorative elements like column shafts and capitals. This study highlights the strategic selection of materials, including silty-marly limestone for the first fortification and lithic wacke for the tetrapylon on Magura Hill, reflecting both practical and aesthetic considerations in Roman architectural design.
Jongmyo Shrine
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2018 —
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Jongmyo Shrine, a symbol of national identity during the Chosŏn dynasty, underwent significant destruction and reconstruction following Japan's 1592 invasion. The study reveals that while efforts were made to rebuild the shrine, financial constraints and famine delayed immediate action. Notably, debates arose over modifying the shrine's design based on ZhuXi’s theory, which ultimately did not proceed. This analysis highlights a pivotal shift in ritual understanding during the later Chosŏn period, emphasizing resilience in preserving cultural heritage amid adversity.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2018 —
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A shift from traditional management models to participatory approaches could reduce social tensions, foster local development through tourism, and improve quality of life for Indigenous communities at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study examines the case of Palenque, Mexico, analyzing how tourism impacts local development while considering the role of Indigenous peoples in archaeology and UNESCO policies. The research highlights the empowerment processes of modern Mayan people and their reactions to governmental investments in tourism infrastructure. Fieldwork data collected in 2014 and 2016 reveal that effective implementation of World Heritage policies by both government and local stakeholders is crucial for sustainable development.
Tr’ondëk-Klondike
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2018 —
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Gold mining during the Klondike Gold Rush (1890–1940) initiated long-term systemic alienation of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in from their traditional lands and resources, driven by both environmental degradation and colonial bureaucratic interventions. The study reveals that placer and dredge mining not only transformed the Klondike landscape but also disrupted Indigenous resource access through state-imposed land-use policies that prioritized colonial practices over local traditions. While colonial administration was often contested among external authorities, Indigenous Yukoners actively resisted displacement and challenged imposed changes, shaping the complex dynamics of colonization in the region. This work highlights the dual impact of mining—physical environmental alteration and bureaucratic marginalization—as key drivers of Indigenous displacement.
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
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2018 —
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Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Qatar, offers a unique glimpse into the urban design principles of Islamic cities. The study reveals that the city's preserved urban fabric, untouched since its abandonment in the early 1900s, reflects sociocultural and economic factors that shaped its development. Analyzing the site using Petruccioli's methodological approach, which examines the urban organism, urban fabric, and building types on three scales, the research demonstrates how Al Zubarah manifests key principles of Islamic urbanism. These findings provide valuable insights for modern urban regeneration projects in Qatar, offering a vision for sustainable and culturally informed urban development.
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
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2018 —
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A Microsoft Windows-based multi-media graphical system offers new insights into the construction methods of St. George's Church, a UNESCO-listed 12th-century monolithic hypogea in Lalibela, Ethiopia. The system simulates two proposed engineering approaches—MEOI (Measure, Excavate, Outside, Inside) and MSOI (Measure, Simultaneous excavation, Outside, Inside)—allowing learners to virtually reconstruct the church using ancient or modern tools, varying labor forces, and volcanic tufa of different hardness levels. By providing interactive exploration of dimensions, material properties, and construction decisions, the system bridges historical gaps in engineering knowledge while inspiring sustainable modern construction techniques inspired by ancient methods.
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study challenges the conventional narrative of cultural and architectural transfer between Britain and Germany during the late 18th century. Focusing on three lesser-explored structures within the UNESCO-listed Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, this research reveals a complex process of replication, translation, and adaptation in design, with one case—the 'Schlangenhaus' or 'snake house'—suggesting it may have influenced British pattern books, potentially reversing the direction of cultural exchange. The study also sheds light on copyright and authorship issues of the era, where German publications copied British designs without attribution. Employing a comparative analysis of British and German pattern books, literature reviews, expert consultations, and site visits, this work re-evaluates the significance of these structures within the broader architectural discourse of 18th-century Europe.
Khangchendzonga National Park
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2018 —
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A study of timberline forests in Khangchendzonga National Park reveals that tree density here is significantly higher than in other parts of the Western Himalayas. The research identified 20 woody species, with Abies densa, Rhododendron lanatum, and Sorbus microphylla dominating 50% of the importance value index (IVI). Notably, Betula utilis, a common treeline species in the region, was absent. Environmental factors such as elevation, slope, and humus were found to influence species composition, while species dominance negatively correlated with diversity and richness. The study also observed irregular spatial patterns of timberline elements, suggesting that upslope advancement is unlikely in the near future, but treeline densification may occur. These findings provide a baseline for understanding timberline dynamics in this critical Himalayan ecosystem.
Mount Wuyi
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2018 —
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site's brand significantly boosts its tourism attractiveness. At Mount Wuyi, natural landscapes, tea culture, ecological conditions, accommodation, transportation, ticket pricing, staff service quality, and the world heritage brand all positively influence tourist satisfaction. Cultural relics, security, and individual characteristics did not show significant impacts. The study used questionnaires and factor analysis to assess tourism attraction while employing an ologit model for regression analysis of satisfaction.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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Zimbabwe boasts a diverse range of tourist attractions, including natural wonders like the Victoria Falls—one of the world's largest waterfalls—and cultural and historical sites such as Great Zimbabwe Monuments. The study provides a comprehensive database of local tourism destinations, addressing a gap in existing literature on the subject. Data was collected in March 2018 through document interrogation or literature surveys, offering insights into tourist arrivals, facility occupancy, challenges, and opportunities. The research highlights the significance of Zimbabwe's tourism sector, emphasizing its potential for growth and development.
Sundarbans National Park
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2018 —
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Adaptive co-management (ACM) significantly enhances governance in protected areas, particularly through its adaptive elements that foster iterative learning among stakeholders. A study on Bangladesh's Lawachara National Park and Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary found that ACM improved key governance principles such as participation, accountability, transparency, power dynamics, rule of law, and social learning. The approach successfully broadened stakeholder engagement and collaboration, with the adaptive component proving most impactful by enabling behavior change and attitude shifts toward conservation. This research provides empirical evidence for developing countries on how ACM can sustainably improve governance in nature-based tourism destinations.
Gelati Monastery
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Georgia's Imereti region, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, presents significant tourism potential due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and strategic location. The study highlights Georgia's unique blend of ancient history, architecture, and natural beauty, including mountains, seaside resorts, and health spas, all concentrated within a small territory. Recent government efforts to restore Kutaisi, the regional capital, have further enhanced its appeal as a cultural and historical destination. The research emphasizes the region's potential for sustainable tourism development, leveraging its heritage assets while ensuring preservation and safety.
Teide National Park
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2018 —
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Research reveals that the recreational value of Teide National Park, when calculated using discrete choice models independent of labor market factors, significantly differs from traditional wage-based approaches. By analyzing trade-offs between time and money in transport mode choices among 801 visitors, the study estimates distinct travel time values for different stages of the trip and transport modes. This novel method, combining Mixed Logit models with Zonal Travel Cost Method, challenges conventional practices by focusing on the opportunity cost of leisure rather than work time, offering a more accurate assessment of recreational value.
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study leverages high-resolution COSMO-SkyMed satellite imagery to document human-induced disturbances at the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa' in Peru. The research identifies two significant events—December 2014 and January 2018—using interferometric SAR (InSAR) techniques, which detect temporal decorrelation linked to landscape changes. These findings align with photographic evidence, published reports, and official records from Peruvian authorities. Additionally, Sentinel-2B data reveal surface reflectance changes in the Pampa de Jumana, exposing underlying clay layers beneath darker pebble surfaces. This study underscores the value of SAR imagery archives for retrospective analysis and digital preservation, offering critical geospatial insights into heritage conservation.
Old City of Sana'a
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2018 —
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Adaptive reuse of traditional neighborhoods (Haras) in Sana'a's Old City has shown mixed outcomes, with economic benefits for residents and the revival of traditional handicrafts. However, increased vehicular accessibility and the conversion of public spaces into parking areas have disrupted resident privacy, particularly affecting women, who have retreated indoors. The study, conducted through on-site spatial observations, measurements, and structured interviews in Hara Al-Abhar, highlights these trade-offs, offering insights for balancing development with cultural preservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Taxila
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2018 —
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A study at Taxila, Pakistan, identifies critical traffic congestion issues at unsignalized intersections along the N-5 highway, where complex roadway geometries exacerbate problems like accidents and high operational costs. The research quantifies these challenges through traffic flow analysis, aiming to assess system performance and its interaction with land use activities. By deriving actionable insights from traffic data, the study proposes solutions to improve efficiency, offering recommendations for policy changes and infrastructure adjustments—such as banning heavy vehicles during peak hours or expanding road capacity—to mitigate congestion and enhance safety.
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
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2018 —
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Research on fortifications along the northern stretch of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro in Mexico reveals significant transformations over three centuries, reflecting inherited construction techniques and strategic occupation patterns. Unlike isolated studies on individual fortifications, this work provides a comprehensive analysis of multiple fortified sites, tracing their evolution as tangible evidence of historical processes. The study highlights how these structures, built both individually and collectively, embody enduring knowledge and adaptability, underscoring their cultural and architectural significance within the UNESCO-listed Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
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2018 —
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Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest no-take marine protected area (MPA) in the Philippines, has been identified as a global hotspot for reef sharks. This study, the first comprehensive assessment of elasmobranchs in TRNP, reveals some of the highest densities of grey reef sharks (<em>Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos</em>) and whitetip reef sharks (<em>Triaenodon obesus</em>) worldwide. Using underwater visual census (UVC) and baited remote underwater video (BRUV) surveys conducted between 2015 and 2016, researchers documented eight species via UVC with an average density of 7.18 sharks per hectare, while BRUV surveys recorded 14 species at a catch rate of 2.09 elasmobranchs per hour. The findings underscore the critical role of large, well-managed MPAs like TRNP in conserving reef-associated elasmobranch populations amid global declines driven by anthropogenic stressors.
Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar
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2018 —
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New LIDAR surveys of Koh Ker, Cambodia, reveal the site as a complex network of habitation, significantly altering our understanding of its settlement history. Previous research focused on isolated temples and visible structures, but these findings highlight the importance of exploring communication channels like streets and hydraulic systems, as well as surrounding settlements and industries. This approach provides critical insights into human environmental intervention and the development of Koh Ker, a former royal center, offering a more comprehensive framework for interpreting its past occupation.
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking approach to the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been demonstrated at Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) in Jordan. The research, led by CNR-ITABC, successfully integrated advanced techniques such as laser scanning and photogrammetry to create detailed geometric models of two Byzantine churches and their mosaic floors. These models not only enabled precise documentation of the archaeological area but also provided critical data for interpreting the masonry and mosaics' conditions. The study's innovative methodology offers a blueprint for planning restoration projects, focusing on arresting the decay of mosaics by identifying key conservation challenges and designing sustainable tourist pathways. This work underscores the potential of integrated digital techniques to enhance the protection and valorization of culturally significant sites.
