Takht-e Soleyman
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2017 —
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A comprehensive survey of the Takht-e Soleyman area in northwest Iran reveals extensive evidence of ancient gold and mercury mining, including previously undocumented archaeological sites. The study, covering 5000 km², combines geological analysis with detailed documentation of mining relics, highlighting the region's historical significance as a center for metal extraction. Key findings include traces of ore processing techniques and new archaeological discoveries that shed light on ancient metallurgical practices in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Socotra Archipelago
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2017 —
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A new species of ant, <em>Cataglyphis socotranus</em>, has been identified from the Socotra Archipelago, contributing to the understanding of the region's unique biodiversity. This discovery highlights the archipelago's distinct zoogeography, with Socotra hosting a mix of endemic and widespread ant species. The study analyzed 120 ant samples across 38 sites, revealing that Socotra's ants are closely related to those in East Africa but exhibit notable adaptations to its arid environment. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the new species' placement within the <em>Cataglyphis</em> genus, while distribution patterns suggest limited dispersal between islands. The research underscores Socotra's importance as a biodiversity hotspot and provides baseline data for conservation efforts.
Golestan Palace
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2017 —
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Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy has been demonstrated as a rapid, cost-effective, and non-destructive technique for identifying photographic glass plate emulsions, offering significant advantages over traditional visual or optical microscopic analyses. This study applied µ-FTIR to analyze glass plates from the Golestan Palace photo archive, confirming its efficacy in revealing material composition without requiring destructive sampling. The findings highlight the potential of this method as a routine diagnostic tool for heritage conservation, enabling deeper insights into photographic materials and ancient techniques while supporting preservation efforts.
Selous Game Reserve
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2017 —
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Between 2000 and 2010, the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania experienced a significant decline in vegetation density, as revealed by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) analysis. The study, which used Landsat TM and ETM+ images to map land cover changes, found that dense vegetation (NDVI ≥ 0.72) shrank from covering 46.5% of the reserve in 2000 to just 8.04% by 2010. This decline highlights the importance of integrating remote sensing and GIS for monitoring land cover variability, detecting habitat fragmentation, and informing wildlife conservation strategies.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
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2017 —
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A participatory food waste management strategy for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historic City of Ayutthaya, demonstrated that converting domestic food waste into bio-extract or bio-fertilizer is an effective approach to improve waste separation and urban environment. The study, employing quantitative methods and Participatory Action Research (PAR), found that while 87.2% of participants separated recyclable garbage, only 72.2% separated food waste due to attitudes toward waste management. PAR revealed that producing bio-fertilizer from food waste could enhance community engagement in waste separation, offering a sustainable solution for preserving Ayutthaya's heritage status by addressing waste-related image concerns.
Historic Centre of Siena
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2017 —
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A novel hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node enables autonomous, real-time monitoring of underground environmental conditions without external power sources. The system harnesses energy from flowing water using a watermill principle, making it ideal for deployment in historic underground aqueducts like Siena's 'Bottini.' This innovation minimizes maintenance and supports the preservation of ancient sites by providing continuous data on environmental parameters. Tested at 'Fontebranda,' one of the largest fountains in the network, the node integrates power generation, data acquisition, and wireless transmission, demonstrating its feasibility for long-term, independent operation.
Asmara: A Modernist African City
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2017 —
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Asmara, Eritrea's modernist capital, stands as a groundbreaking example of colonial urban planning and architecture that challenges Eurocentric narratives. The city's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) in 2016, supported by nearly two decades of interdisciplinary research, highlights its unique blend of innovative functional zoning, modernist design, and local cultural integration. Unlike many post-colonial settings, Asmara's conservation approach emphasizes preserving early colonial-era architecture, offering a critical lens to reassess global heritage perceptions. The research aims to secure the city's WHL inscription while addressing the underrepresentation of African and modernist sites on the list, fostering stability and prosperity.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
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2017 —
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Research on the Historic City of Ayutthaya reveals that tourism-related livelihoods in urban areas are inherently unsustainable when measured by self-reliance, as residents heavily depend on external sources. The study, using DFID’s Sustainable Livelihood Framework, highlights conflicts between the urban poor and both the Thai government and neighboring industrial zones due to tourism and development pressures. These tensions raise concerns about the potential loss of World Heritage status. The findings challenge traditional sustainability metrics by emphasizing that urban livelihoods cannot be evaluated solely on self-reliance, given their reliance on external inputs.
Western Ghats
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2017 —
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Researchers found that while the Muthirapuzha River Basin (MRB) in the southern Western Ghats, India, experiences significant gross soil erosion at 14.36 tons per hectare per year, net erosion is substantially lower at 3.60 tons due to deposition processes. About 86% of the basin undergoes slight erosion, while nearly 3% acts as a depositional environment for sediments. Human activities in agricultural areas and tea plantations significantly accelerate soil erosion compared to natural vegetation belts. The study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) combined with transport-limited sediment delivery (TLSD) modeling to quantify soil erosion and deposition, providing critical data for land management strategies to mitigate soil degradation in tropical mountain river basins.
Auschwitz Birkenau <br /><small>German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)</small>
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2017 —
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Auschwitz and After offers a profound exploration of memory, time, culpability, and survival through the lens of a Holocaust survivor's memoir. The work, penned by CP Delbo—a member of the French resistance—examines the enduring psychological and societal impacts of Nazi atrocities, often referred to as the 'afterdeath' of the Holocaust. Lawrence L. Langer's updated introduction deepens the analysis, contextualizing Delbo's account within broader scholarly discourse on trauma and historical culpability. This edition expands on the original with a new bibliography, enriching its significance in Holocaust studies.
Purnululu National Park
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2017 —
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Australia's involvement in the World Heritage Convention (WHC) has been significant, contributing to the preservation of nine iconic properties listed for their outstanding universal value. These include Kakadu National Park, Great Barrier Reef, and Purnululu National Park, each inscribed under specific criteria such as natural beauty, ecological significance, or cultural heritage. The chapter highlights Australia's role in the WHC processes, including the List of World Heritage in Danger (LWHD), which identifies properties at risk of losing their values due to serious threats. By examining these properties—ranging from rainforests and reefs to fossil sites and islands—the study underscores Australia's diverse contributions to global heritage conservation, emphasizing both natural and cultural landmarks that reflect the country's unique ecological and historical richness.
Historic Centre of San Gimignano
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2017 —
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A Bayesian approach successfully updates finite element models of historic masonry towers, addressing critical uncertainties in material properties and geometry. Using dynamic experimental data from San Gimignano's towers, the study refines numerical models by incorporating measured natural periods and accounting for measurement errors and modeling uncertainties, such as restraint effects from neighboring buildings. This method enhances seismic risk assessment, a key factor in preserving cultural heritage. The findings highlight the potential of Bayesian model updating to improve structural analysis in historic masonry towers, with future applications extending to seismic studies.
Skogskyrkogården
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2017 —
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World Heritage Sites, including Skogskyrkogården, are constructed through highly standardized, transnational processes that transcend national boundaries and redefine heritage as a global phenomenon. This study reveals that UNESCO and expert bodies act as powerful producers of culture, providing a 'global grammar' to coordinate dispersed local phenomena into a unified World Heritage framework. Unlike traditional heritage regimes tied to nations, World Heritage reflects humankind as an imagined moral community, allowing sites from diverse times and places to take on new global significance. The research employs qualitative analysis of institutional routines, beliefs, and practices, alongside historical context, to demonstrate how World Heritage is engineered through expertise while serving a broader socializing project.
Virunga National Park
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2017 —
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Nature conservation strategies at Virunga National Park, implemented post-conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), face significant resistance from local populations. While elites employ overt political contestation, peasants utilize 'weapons of the weak,' engaging in covert, everyday resistance through customary land access practices. This multi-dimensional resistance reflects broader conflict dynamics in eastern DRC while embedding them within conservation efforts, which are tightly intertwined with global dynamics. The study highlights how these resistance strategies challenge re-enclosure practices and underscores the complex interplay between local agency and global conservation frameworks.
University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia
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2017 —
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Fado of Coimbra, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage with significant touristic value, contributes to the distinction of the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia. This study reveals that Fado's aesthetic expression, rooted in lyricism and musicality, is deeply intertwined with the city's cultural legacy and holds substantial economic potential in global tourism markets. The research employs bibliographical, documental analysis, and direct observation to trace the genre's origins, unique characteristics, and its complex relationship with Lisbon Fado, while also examining its social history and evolution. The findings underscore Fado's role as a living tradition that enriches Coimbra's heritage and its broader cultural significance.
Butrint
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2017 —
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Archaeological excavations at Butrint, Albania, have revealed significant insights into the urban layout and historical shoreline of Bouthrotos during its Archaic and Classical periods (8th–4th century BCE). The Roman Forum Excavations (RFE) Project uncovered stratified material beneath the forum, allowing researchers to reconstruct the evolution of the acropolis and the Temple of Athena Polias. Notably, the study identified the temple's partial remains and traced the formation processes of the Butrint headland, providing a clearer understanding of its development in relation to Greek colonization in the region.
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
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2017 —
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Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bihar, India, stands as a testament to the ancient Buddhist educational system's sophistication. A study on its modern iteration, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University (NNMU), reveals how it effectively manages education, administration, and finances while preserving its historical legacy. The research highlights NNMU's innovative approach to faculty management, ensuring both academic excellence and institutional growth. By analyzing contemporary educational practices within a UNESCO-listed context, the study provides insights into sustainable heritage management in higher education.
Bagan
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2017 —
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A multidisciplinary approach to heritage documentation has proven effective in assessing and managing the conservation of vulnerable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Bagan. The study demonstrates that integrating diverse documentation techniques—including both image-based and non-image-based methods—can provide a robust foundation for monitoring and retrofitting actions, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters like seismic events and flooding. By documenting four temples in Bagan, researchers tested the flexibility of their methodology, evaluating its strengths and limitations across different architectural designs. This work also emphasized capacity-building efforts, training local professionals and archaeologists in advanced digital documentation techniques, thereby enhancing technical knowledge and on-site expertise.
Taï National Park
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2017 —
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A significant reduction in bushmeat consumption—exceeding 62% after four multimedia campaigns—was observed in rural households near Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. The study highlights the effectiveness of recurring awareness campaigns, combining theatre and film screenings, in curbing bushmeat intake, particularly among poorer households with more dependent children. Bushmeat, primarily composed of rodents and bovids, accounted for 13% of animal protein consumed in these communities. Researchers conducted surveys in 144 households across 20 localities between July and December 2012 to assess the impact of poverty and awareness campaigns on bushmeat consumption patterns.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2017 —
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Coral reefs near Stone Town, Zanzibar, exhibit significantly lower calcium carbonate production (8.47 ± 4.37 kg CaCO₃ m⁻² yr⁻¹), coral cover (52.4 ± 13.9%), and biodiversity compared to those farther away or within marine protected areas, where values peak at 16.90 ± 9.70 kg CaCO₃ m⁻² yr⁻¹, 67.4 ± 8.7% cover, and higher diversity (H′ = 1.74 ± 0.20). This gradient suggests that human activities—such as fishing pressure, pollution, unregulated tourism, and anchoring—severely degrade reef health, while protection measures mitigate these impacts. The study highlights the critical role of distance from urban centers and management regimes in shaping coral community structure, with reefs closest to Stone Town dominated by stress-tolerant species like <em>Porites lobata</em> and <em>P. rus</em>. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation efforts to preserve Zanzibar’s reef ecosystems.
Tongariro National Park
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2017 —
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A study on Te Maari volcano, Tongariro National Park, reveals that the amplitude source location (ASL) method can produce significant location discrepancies—up to 1.0 km laterally and 500 m in depth—when using independently determined velocity models, attenuation factors, and site amplification factors (AFs). Sensitivity tests show that while attenuation and velocity have a moderate influence on ASL accuracy, AFs strongly impact location precision, potentially introducing substantial uncertainties. The research demonstrates that model uncertainties can affect either lateral or depth estimates depending on input parameters, station corrections, and source-station geometry, providing critical insights for refining seismic monitoring techniques in volcanic regions.
Matobo Hills
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2017 —
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Euphorbia cooperi, a tree-like succulent found in the Matobo Hills of Zimbabwe, exhibits a unique canopy architecture that optimizes photosynthetic surface area while minimizing water loss. This candelabra growth form allows the plant to expand its branch surface area as it matures, enhancing photosynthesis without significantly increasing transpirational water loss due to its heavily suberized trunk and concave branch morphology. Simulations suggest that while a square cross-sectional morphology maintains a stable surface-to-volume ratio with minimal photosynthetic benefit, deep concave flutes maximize surface area but may increase drought sensitivity. This study highlights the adaptive advantages of E. cooperi's structure in arid environments.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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2017 —
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Hoi An Ancient Town faces significant climate change impacts that threaten its tourism-driven economy and heritage assets. Research reveals three key challenges: coastal erosion from sea-level rise along Cua Dai, increased storm severity damaging wooden houses, and reduced tourist attractiveness due to mitigation efforts. While the city relies heavily on tourism for economic growth, excessive visitor numbers both exacerbate climate risks and suffer their consequences. Despite these pressures, long-term solutions remain underdeveloped, highlighting urgent needs for adaptive strategies.
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
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2017 —
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Despite significant financial investments, the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara in Tanzania face persistent threats to their integrity due to insufficient government commitment, lack of local community involvement, and destructive conservation practices that compromise archaeological deposits—key components of their Outstanding Universal Values (OUV). A recent study reveals that while these sites have been removed from UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger, their long-term preservation remains at risk without adherence to established Management Plans and professional guidance. The research highlights the critical need for multi-focused conservation strategies that balance financial resources with stakeholder engagement and expert oversight to safeguard these cultural landmarks for future generations.
Historic Centre of Évora
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2017 —
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The historical city centre of Leiria, Portugal, exhibits significant architectural and cultural heritage value despite the absence of an integrated conservation policy. A detailed characterisation of its building stock reveals notable discrepancies in construction materials and techniques, even among similar urban centres like Porto, Lisbon, Guimarães, and Évora. This study highlights the importance of individualised analysis for each historic centre to effectively safeguard their unique heritage. The research employed non-destructive inspection methods to document pathologies and assess preservation needs, underscoring the necessity for tailored conservation strategies to protect these invaluable cultural assets.
Ilulissat Icefjord
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2017 —
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A study of Jakobshavn Isbræ, the fastest retreating glacier in Greenland and a significant contributor to ice-sheet mass loss, reveals that its meltwater export forms a buoyant coastal gravity current extending 10 km offshore and reaching depths of 100 meters. The research, conducted using hydrographic observations and inert geochemical tracers, provides the first quantitative description of glacially-modified waters exported from the Jakobshavn/Ilulissat Icefjord system. These waters contain submarine meltwater (up to 2.5 ± 0.12%) and subglacial discharge (up to 6 ± 0.37%), along with entrained ocean waters, suggesting a deep-reaching overturning cell driven by glacial buoyancy forcing. The findings highlight the potential impacts of increased freshwater discharge on ice melt feedbacks, marine ecosystems, and regional ocean circulation.
Rila Monastery
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of Zahari Zograph’s nave wall paintings in the church 'The Nativity of the Virgin' at Rila Monastery, Bulgaria, reveals the use of azurite—a pigment not previously identified in other murals from this site. This discovery is significant as it uniquely links these paintings to Zograph's artistic style. Researchers employed vibrational spectroscopy and SEM–EDX analysis to identify pigments such as smalt (blue background), green earths (green color), and red lead (red-orange color). Additionally, the study characterized the gilding mordant using drying oil, resin, and siccative metal oxides, providing insights into the materials and techniques employed by Zograph during the 19th century.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2017 —
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Bikini Atoll, once chosen by the US government for nuclear testing under the guise of advancing global peace, remains uninhabitable due to severe environmental damage caused by these tests. Despite initial assurances that the displacement of Marshallese islanders would be temporary, the atoll's contamination persists, threatening future generations. This study highlights the ongoing health and socio-political impacts on Marshallese communities, including radiation-related illnesses, dietary dependence on imported Western foods, and climate-induced displacement risks. Through an analysis of Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner’s protest poetry, the research reveals how contemporary Pacific Islanders leverage global platforms to raise awareness and seek redress for these interconnected issues.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2017 —
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Residential buildings in Hebron's Old City exemplify a harmonious integration of architectural design with environmental and social needs, reflecting broader Islamic urban planning principles. These structures feature internal backyards, narrow streets, covered markets, and stone-paved courtyards, designed to optimize privacy, comfort, and collective living for extended families while adhering to Islamic construction rules. The buildings' shared external walls create a protective barrier around the city, providing shade and security. This study highlights how Muslim architects prioritized residents' welfare by adapting designs to local environmental conditions, ensuring both functional and aesthetic cohesion.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2017 —
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Over a million objects from the Yuanmingyuan, or Summer Palace—a significant imperial Chinese palace complex—were looted during the Second Opium War and dispersed globally. This study reveals how Western museums, including the Royal Engineers Museum in Kent, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Musee Chinois at Château de Fontainebleau, shaped the display of these artifacts over 150 years, reflecting European cultural, political, and aesthetic biases rather than the original context of the Yuanmingyuan. By analyzing museum practices, the research offers insights into Western representations of China during this period.
Namhansanseong
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2017 —
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A study on Sungryeoljeon, a historic structure within Namhansanseongreveals distinct column-leaning patterns in Korean traditional wooden architecture. Using 3D scanning technology, researchers measured the displacement of 12 columns, finding they generally lean southward and rotate clockwise, though at varying rates depending on direction. This method offers precise, periodic data to track structural changes over time, providing insights into the behavior of such heritage structures. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring to understand and preserve architectural characteristics that are already in motion.
Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region
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2017 —
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A comparative analysis of the UNESCO World Heritage inscription processes for 'The Southwestern Coast Tidal Flats' in Korea and 'The Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region' in Japan reveals two key differences: shared awareness among stakeholders in Japan, leading to systematic participation and governance, versus fragmented engagement in Korea. While Japan's site was inscribed in 2017, Korea's remains on a tentative list after seven years, highlighting the importance of cohesive local stakeholder involvement and policy network dynamics for successful heritage recognition.
Tchogha Zanbil
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2017 —
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A significant finding from this study is that Iran's adobe architectural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bam Citadel and Tchogha Zanbil, faces severe threats from seismic activity and urban development. The research highlights the vulnerability of these structures to earthquakes, as demonstrated by the devastating 2003 Bam earthquake, which caused extensive damage to one of the world's largest adobe complexes. The study critically assesses current conservation strategies in Iran, identifying deficiencies that exacerbate the risk of further deterioration. It proposes technical solutions and policy recommendations based on international best practices to safeguard these cultural treasures from future seismic events, aiming to preserve their social, historical, and economic value.
Kaziranga National Park
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified coprophilous fungi, particularly Sporormiella, Saccobolus, Ascodesmis, Cercophora, and Sordaria, in the dung of the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) within Kaziranga National Park, India. This discovery marks the first documentation of these fungi in rhino dung across both forest and grassland habitats. The Sporormiella–Ascodesmis–Saccobolus assemblage is notably abundant, providing insights into the ecological relationships between rhinoceroses, flora, and other fauna. By analyzing fungal spore distribution, the study offers a novel approach to reconstructing past herbivory patterns (paleoherbivory) and ecosystem dynamics (paleoecology), with implications for understanding historical animal distributions in India and surrounding regions.
Minoan Palatial Centres
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2017 —
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The Late Minoan II period (c. 1470–1420 BC) at Knossos marked a transformative phase in Aegean Bronze Age history, serving as the foundational experiment for Mycenaean palatial administration. This study reveals that Mycenaeans, upon gaining control of Knossos—previously an unmatched administrative center—adapted to ruling a complex palatial system, a novel experience for them. This period, often overshadowed by later Mycenaean dominance, provided the blueprint for mainland palaces that would shape Aegean politics for centuries. The research contextualizes the rise of Late Helladic III culture within this critical transition, emphasizing Knossos as a pivotal site in Mycenaean history rather than merely a Minoan legacy.
Taos Pueblo
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2017 —
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Local food systems at Taos Pueblo foster positive farming ideologies that reciprocally strengthen native identity and heritage preservation. A three-month ethnographic study involving 16 interviews and participant observation revealed how youth-led agricultural movements reinforce cultural pride, suggesting these systems could mitigate language loss and cultural erosion. The findings highlight a covert but significant link between food sovereignty and indigenous identity, offering potential strategies for community development and future quantitative research.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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2017 —
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A multidisciplinary approach to architectural research, particularly for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, can effectively engage students and foster comprehensive understanding. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in architecture education, as demonstrated by a course module at TU Wien focusing on the Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra in Albania. This module encouraged students to develop their own research projects, integrating various disciplines to analyze architectural identity. The research approach taught in this module emphasizes holistic analysis, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, thereby enhancing students' interest and capability in conducting independent research.
Derwent Valley Mills
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2017 —
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The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Research Framework, edited by David Knight, provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the significance of this UNESCO-listed area. It identifies key research priorities that focus on the industrial heritage, technological innovation, and cultural landscape of the 18th- and 19th-century mills along the River Derwent in England. The framework integrates historical analysis with archaeological and environmental studies to uncover the site's role in the Industrial Revolution. By synthesizing existing knowledge and outlining future research directions, it aims to deepen the understanding of how these mills contributed to industrial development while preserving their legacy for future generations.
Göbekli Tepe
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2017 —
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Archaeoastronomical analysis of Göbekli Tepe reveals that the 'Vulture Stone' may serve as a date stamp for 10950 BC ± 250 years, aligning closely with the proposed Younger Dryas event (10890 BC). The study matches low-relief carvings on pillars to star asterisms and meteor showers, suggesting Göbekli Tepe functioned as an observatory for tracking cometary encounters, particularly the Taurid meteor stream. This finding proposes a direct link between Göbekli Tepe and the Younger Dryas event, potentially supporting the theory of coherent catastrophism.
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
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2017 —
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Despite widespread demographic decline and out-migration during the colonial period, Jesuit mission settlements in Spanish Latin America demonstrated remarkable resilience. A comparative study of the Guaraní missions (Paraguay/Río de la Plata) and Chiquitos missions (eastern Bolivia) reveals that these communities persisted through the 18th century, with descendants still inhabiting former mission sites today. The research traces demographic trajectories from the 17th to early 19th centuries, challenging narratives of mission settlements as either utopian refuges or oppressive institutions. By extending analysis beyond the 1767 suppression of the Jesuits, the study highlights long-term survival and cultural persistence in the face of colonial pressures.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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2017 —
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Researchers have determined that the density of leopards (<em>Panthera pardus kotiya</em>) in Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka, is approximately 11.7 adult individuals per 100 km², marking the first robust estimate for this species in Sri Lanka's montane zone. This finding provides critical baseline data for managing the endangered, endemic Sri Lankan leopard population. The study employed remote cameras within a spatially explicit capture-recapture framework to estimate leopard density and distance sampling to assess prey availability. Notably, sambar density was found to be 178 individuals per km² in central grasslands, highlighting these areas as key resources for both sambar and leopards.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2017 —
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A new monogenean species, Afrogyrodactylus ardae, has been discovered from the African tetra, Rhabdalestes septentrionalis, in the Niokolo-Koba National Park and Gambie River, Senegal. This finding represents a novel host record for the genus Afrogyrodactylus and distinguishes itself from three known species through its smaller opisthaptoral hard parts and unique sickle-shaped marginal hooks. The study, conducted during 2008, provides critical insights into the diversity of monogeneans in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, contributing to our understanding of parasitic relationships in aquatic ecosystems.
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
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2017 —
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A mobile application leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons effectively engages young people in exploring the cultural heritage of Nikko, Japan. By combining real-time information—such as historical context, maps, and local services—with interactive quizzes, the app capitalizes on psychological principles like the Zeigarnik effect to enhance learning. Trials demonstrated positive reception for basic features and improved cultural understanding among young users who utilized quiz functions. The application also facilitates community integration by providing notifications about local businesses and transportation, fostering a sense of living heritage. This innovative approach addresses challenges in traditional signage while offering scalable solutions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study leverages synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from both airborne and satellite platforms to detect and measure landscape disturbances threatening the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nasca and Palpa, home to the iconic Nasca Lines. The research demonstrates that even pedestrian-scale disturbances are discernible using L-band SAR correlation images, while C-band SAR data from ESA’s Sentinel-1 satellites offers high-resolution insights into landscape changes with a repeat pass interval as short as six days. This allows for precise identification of disturbance time windows (1–3 weeks) without compromising spatial coverage. The study also introduces pixel value stretching techniques and statistical methods to quantify and validate landscape changes, providing a robust framework for monitoring archaeological sites and ecosystems under threat.
Bisotun
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2017 —
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A significant economic value, exceeding $1.2 million annually, has been attributed to the historical monuments of Bisotun based on individuals' willingness to pay (WTP). This study employs a contingent valuation method to quantify the non-market benefits derived from preserving and maintaining these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By analyzing respondents' stated preferences through surveys, researchers provide empirical evidence supporting the substantial economic importance of cultural heritage conservation efforts at Bisotun.
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
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2017 —
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Augmented Reality (AR) applications offer a promising solution for the dissemination and conservation of rock art, as demonstrated by their successful implementation at the Cova dels Cavalls site. This study presents two innovative AR approaches: one using marker recognition to display virtual content, and another that overlays information directly onto recognized real paintings. These techniques enhance visitor engagement while promoting non-invasive conservation by eliminating direct contact with the fragile surfaces. The research evaluates the effectiveness of these methods, providing a methodology for their development and application in cultural heritage contexts.
Mogao Caves
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2017 —
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A user evaluation of the Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library (DL) reveals that while it effectively supports simple information-seeking tasks, its performance declines with more complex queries. The study, one of the first to assess cultural heritage digital libraries from a user experience perspective, identifies specific usability issues through statistical analysis and qualitative interviews. It proposes improvements for better user engagement and serves as a methodological reference for evaluating visually centered digital heritage resources.
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking geomatics workflow successfully documented the complex rock art of Cova dels Cavalls, part of the UNESCO-listed Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. This 3D digital representation method offers a reliable way to preserve and transmit archaeological heritage to future generations. The study meticulously captured the site's intricate details through various stages, from data acquisition to producing photorealistic models. These high-precision models provide unprecedented insights into the rock art, ensuring its conservation and accessibility for both academic research and public engagement.
Itchan Kala
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2017 —
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A collaborative effort spanning from 2008 to 2015 has successfully established a methodology and GIS database for documenting the historic buildings and dwellings within three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan: Bukhara, Itchan Kala, and Samarkand. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan and UNESCO, addresses critical gaps in heritage documentation and systematic monitoring, which have been threatening these sites. The research consolidates a robust framework for understanding the outstanding heritage values of these cities, enabling the development of effective preservation and management strategies. By integrating traditional historic houses—often lacking legal protection—into digital databases, this work preserves not only physical structures but also the cultural history, urban fabric, and traditions spanning centuries.
Group of Monuments at Hampi
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Research reveals that dolomitic lime, rather than the more common Carboniferous limestone, was used in plasterworks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Alampur (6-7th AD) and Lotus Mahal, Hampi (1336-1570 AD). This finding indicates a higher risk of damage due to wetting and necessitates specialized conservation efforts. The study analyzed mineralogical and chemical compositions, showing that hydraulic components were added to enhance durability in Alampur's plasters. Additionally, variations in the ratio of binder to inert materials suggest differing provenances for Hampi's plasterworks, complicating provenance studies. These insights provide critical data for technological evaluation and guide conservators in re-plastering efforts.
