Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)
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A groundbreaking study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Umm ar-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) in Jordan has successfully delineated the northern boundaries of its Byzantine–Umayyad settlement, a task previously confined to theoretical discourse. The research, conducted between 2021 and 2023 as part of an ongoing multidisciplinary project initiated in 2013, employed a novel combination of remote sensing technologies, archaeological surveys, laser scans, and geophysical prospecting. This multi-methodological approach allowed for the first shared interpretation of the settlement's configuration, offering significant insights into its spatial organization during this pivotal period.
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
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Intensified surface water runoff and localized water inundation pose significant threats to key monuments at the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus. Projections indicate that climate change will exacerbate hydroclimatic extremes in the Mediterranean region, particularly affecting the Roman Odeion and central parts of the site's ensemble. This study employs a value-based risk assessment approach, integrating GIS-based hydrological modeling (HAND), field observations, material assessments, and NARA Grids to link exposure, vulnerability, and potential value loss. The findings highlight the need for site-specific climate change adaptation strategies, prioritizing drainage enhancement, preventive conservation, and continuous monitoring to preserve the site's Outstanding Universal Values under changing climatic conditions.
Historic Centre of Cordoba
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The Bell Tower of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, standing 54 meters tall, is revealed as a 'vertical palimpsest'—a composite structure where successive historical layers have reshaped its form while preserving traces of past iterations. This study deciphers the tower's evolution through archival analysis, 2D/3D reconstructions, and on-site surveys, uncovering how the original caliphal minaret, later Christian masonry additions, and modern interventions interact structurally. The findings provide a geometric and structural framework essential for future seismic and geotechnical assessments of this complex heritage site.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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A five-minute VR meditation session at Sri Lanka's Ruwanweli Maha Seya, part of the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Anuradhapura, demonstrated measurable physiological benefits: a 5.4 BPM decrease in average heart rate and a 10-point increase in heart rate variability (HRV). This suggests that immersive VR environments can replicate the stress-reducing effects of traditional meditation at sacred sites, regardless of physical location. The study used a Unity-based application to simulate four Atamasthana sites, tracking real-time physiological responses via heart rate and HRV monitoring. Findings highlight the potential of VR to bridge cultural preservation with digital wellness, offering scalable solutions for mental relaxation while advancing research on both religious heritage and biometric feedback in meditation practices.
Redwood National and State Parks
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A proposed connector trail aims to link the unincorporated community of Orick, California, with Redwood National and State Parks, offering residents and tourists a pedestrian and cycling route. This study identifies key constraints hindering the trail's implementation: insufficient funding, absence of a project proponent, and challenging terrain. Collaboration among organizations, community engagement, and strategic prioritization are critical for success. The research, based on planning documents, field observations, participant observation, and stakeholder interviews, highlights competing priorities in rural development as a recurring obstacle. Future revisits to this project could yield better outcomes with increased resources, capacity, and focus.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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A recently discovered fortified settlement in the Khurkh River Valley, identified through satellite remote sensing and confirmed by field research in 2023 and 2025, provides new insights into the spatial distribution of Xiongnu-period settlements. The settlement, located near significant aristocratic burial complexes (Duurlig Nars and Bor Bulag), offers critical data for understanding the function and purpose of Xiongnu fortified structures in Mongolia's Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Future research will focus on analyzing rectangular irrigation channels surrounding the site to clarify its role, potentially shedding light on ancient water management practices.
Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve
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Abramis brama, commonly known as the silver bream, has been documented in the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve, Tajikistan, specifically in the Kairakkum reservoir and the lower reaches of the Vakhsh River. This study contributes to the understanding of its distribution and conservation status in the region, revealing that it is classified as vulnerable according to local assessments (Saidov, 2017), though globally considered least concern by IUCN standards (Freyhof and Kottelat, 2008). The research involved examining specimens caught between 2003 and 2018 in floodplain lakes and riverbeds within the reserve. This finding underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect this species in its Tajikistani habitat.
Las Médulas
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Roman hydraulic system supplying Las Médulas gold mine, spanning 1110 km, served purposes beyond mining. Using advanced geomatic techniques and a novel Matlab script, researchers identified 41 canals—33 in La Cabrera and eight in El Bierzo—with 14 directly feeding Las Médulas. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about water sources and construction methods, providing a detailed map that also serves as a methodological model for studying ancient hydraulic systems worldwide.
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
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2025 —
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A preliminary study in the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, Côte d'Ivoire, identified five carnivore species—golden cat (Caracal aurata), African civet (Civettictis civetta), African genet (Genetta genetta), marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), and brown mongoose (Crossarchus obscurus)—with the Viverridae family being the most abundant. The research, conducted from 2020 to 2024 using line transect counting and camera trapping, found carnivores distributed across four habitat types: dense lowland forests, dense montane forests, gallery, and secondary forests. Abundance was notably higher in the southern and northern regions of the reserve. The study highlights the need for further research on prey spectra and activity patterns to deepen understanding of ecosystem dynamics and support sustainable conservation efforts.
Historic City of Yazd
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The historic city of Yazd exhibits distinct spatial hierarchies and circulation networks that deeply influence its socio-cultural dynamics. A study using Angular Segment analysis revealed how the city's urban fabric integrates traditional social practices and cultural values into its built environment, shaping everyday functionality and heritage identity. This approach uncovered patterns of integration, foreground-background relationships, and movement networks, offering insights that bridge spatial analysis with cultural interpretation. The findings underscore the importance of preserving these socio-spatial dynamics for the liveability and integrity of historic cities, contributing significantly to debates on urban conservation and planning.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2025 —
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Slovakia's rich karst landscape, home to over 8,100 caves, offers unparalleled opportunities for geoscience education. These subterranean environments serve as natural laboratories for studying geological processes, hydrological cycles, climate change, and the history of life on Earth. Accessible caves provide a unique platform for both experts and the general public to explore these phenomena through educational activities and guided tours. This study characterizes Slovakia's accessible caves, assessing their current state, protection measures, utilization, and presentation methods. By leveraging these geological wonders, the research highlights their potential as valuable tools for enhancing public understanding of Earth sciences.
Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
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Syrian merchant communities in post-Roman Europe played a significant role in transmitting Eastern Mediterranean architectural and liturgical traditions to the West, likely influencing early Christian architecture from Ravenna to Ireland. The study identifies octagonal baptisteries and cathedrals—such as those in Milan and Ravenna—as hallmarks of Antiochian architectural influence, suggesting direct imitation or involvement of Syrian craftsmen. Archaeological and historical evidence supports the presence of these communities, with parallels drawn to better-documented merchant groups, like Greek traders in Ukraine. The research highlights how even small, resourceful migrant groups can leave a lasting cultural imprint.
Golestan Palace
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Mir Seid Ali's photographic archive from Golestan Palace reveals a distinct Iranian photographic modernism characterized by metacritical awareness of representation and power, challenging conventional narratives that pit institutional conservatism against artistic innovation. His strategic use of formal elements, such as the balustrade motif and dual representational modes, served as theoretical propositions on photographic mediation and social classification. This 'institutional avant-garde' approach not only prefigured visual strategies used during the Constitutional Revolution but also positions Mir Seid Ali as a pivotal figure in late Qajar visual culture. The study analyzes his corpus to demonstrate how his work, when compared with contemporaries like Antoin Sevruguin, offers new insights into the development of modernism and class representation in Iranian photography.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
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2025 —
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Acoustic Emission (AE) shows promise as a non-invasive tool for monitoring the structural health of historic masonry, despite challenges posed by material heterogeneity. A field test at the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie demonstrated that AE can provide qualitative insights into damage initiation and progression when combined with conventional monitoring methods. The study highlights AE's potential to complement traditional techniques in heritage conservation, offering a more comprehensive interpretation of structural behavior under load tests.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2025 —
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Adaptive reuse of historic dwellings into cafés in Hebron’s Old Town preserves cultural heritage while enhancing functionality. The study found that integrating traditional architectural features—such as niches and cabinets—with sustainable solutions effectively addresses challenges like humidity and outdated infrastructure, reducing costs without compromising historical integrity. This approach not only maintains aesthetic value but also strengthens local identity. The research analyzed multiple dwelling models using a scientific analytical methodology, combining literature reviews, interviews, and surveys to assess the success of transformations. It underscores the importance of thoughtful interventions that balance preservation with modern needs, offering a model for similar contexts.
Komodo National Park
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A key finding from this study is that sociodemographic factors significantly influence local communities' attitudes toward conservation and their willingness to engage in sustainable tourism practices, which are critical for the long-term viability of Komodo National Park. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), researchers analyzed how these factors interact to either support or hinder habitat conservation while promoting responsible tourism growth. The study highlights that adaptive management programs and community-centered strategies play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable outcomes. Policy recommendations emphasize education on sustainable practices, adaptive management, and stronger community involvement to balance biodiversity protection with tourism development.
Dougga / Thugga
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2025 —
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A fortified landscape emerged in Thugga (modern Tunisia) during the 6th and 7th centuries, marked by strategic fortifications that reshaped late antique settlement systems. This study reveals how forts, city walls, and watchtowers adapted to evolving security needs, while also uncovering decision-making processes behind their construction through analysis of spolia—a first for Byzantine North African archaeology. The research applies landscape archaeology to trace material resource use and fortification strategies, offering a model for future studies in the Maghreb.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2025 —
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Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP) in Senegal successfully transitioned from the UNESCO World Heritage List of Danger to regular status by 2024, marking a significant conservation achievement. This success was driven by regional and international cooperation, enhanced monitoring, and community engagement, which mitigated threats such as poaching, livestock grazing, and dam construction. The study highlights the complex challenges and governance needs in heritage conservation, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment from national governments and international partners to ensure sustainable financing through ecotourism, recognition, or ecosystem services. The case also underscores the positive impact of improved national governance and collaborative partnerships involving NGOs and the private sector on conservation efforts, particularly in regions with severe human interference and socio-economic pressures.
Selous Game Reserve
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A critical update on the status of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in the Selous-Nyerere landscape, southern Tanzania, reveals one of Africa's most important remaining populations. Using camera trap surveys across 4,674 km² from 2020 to 2022, researchers identified 222 wild dogs and estimated a population density of 2.14 ± 0.45 adult and yearling individuals per 100 km² in Selous Game Reserve (GR). This study highlights the potential of camera traps for monitoring endangered carnivores but also notes limitations for this species. While not directly addressing mortality, it underscores the need for long-term conservation efforts to protect this vital stronghold against identified threats.
San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
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A significant shift in Castilian art and governance emerged after the death of Muslim general al-Manṣūr in 1002, marking a period of relative isolation from Europe due to sustained conflict within the Iberian Peninsula. This study reveals how Count Fernán González's hereditary rule and autonomous yet subservient position to León laid the foundation for Castile's distinct identity. The research focuses on art produced between c. 970–1030, analyzing surviving sites in Burgos—such as Cardeña, Covarrubias, and San Millán de la Cogolla—and comparing them with neighboring regions like Soria and the Kingdom of León. Sculptural fragments provide evidence of additional structures, offering insights into Castile's unique artistic and political development during this transformative era.
Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square
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A critical reassessment of Giovanni Tiepolo's ceiling fresco (1750–53) in the Würzburg Residence reveals two enduring eighteenth-century interpretations that challenge reductive views of cosmopolitan conviviality. These interpretations emphasize situatedness, spatio-temporal particularities, and limitations—finding relevance for contemporary cosmopolitan philosophy and practice. The study employs close analysis of the fresco's historical context to propose modifications in how cosmopolitanism is understood and applied today.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) exhibits significant age-dependent climate sensitivity, with radial growth strongly influenced by previous-year August temperatures and drought conditions. Researchers analyzed 191 increment cores from trees at various ontogenetic stages, revealing that climate-growth relationships vary markedly across life stages—with stage-specific chronologies explaining up to 98% of variance, while cambial-age-based models showed minimal predictive power (R² = 0.03–0.14). These findings underscore the critical need to incorporate ontogenetic structure in dendroclimatic studies and climate reconstructions for Korean pine-dominated ecosystems in the Southern Sikhote-Alin Mountains.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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Agricultural suitability in Pergamon's environs varied significantly over time, with the western Bakırçay plain consistently supporting crop cultivation due to stable climatic conditions. In contrast, the eastern plain and foothills showed greater variability, necessitating adaptive land management strategies. This study challenges the notion of a uniform 'Roman Climate Optimum,' highlighting local agroclimatic nuances that influenced ancient societies' economic dependencies on trade networks. Researchers used paleoclimate simulations integrated with the EcoCrop niche model to reconstruct spatio-temporal changes in agricultural potential from 400 BCE to 400 CE, validated by pollen-based reconstructions.
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
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Chihuahua, Mexico's largest state, holds significant potential for developing high-quality thermal tourism, though its current balnearios and hot springs are relatively simple. A study identifies the need to enhance these attractions by differentiating between leisure, pleasure, and health benefits while leveraging Chihuahua's cultural heritage tied to the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. The research employs a mixed-method approach, including surveys of users—focusing on socio-demographics, travel motives, and destination preferences—and interviews with stakeholders from the Pueblo Mágico de Casas Grandes. This methodology aims to examine thermalism as both a therapeutic practice rooted in ancient traditions (Arab, Greek, Roman) and a means to strengthen regional identity, particularly among indigenous groups like the Rarámuris, Tepehuanos, and Guarijíos.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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Alba, Italy, is renowned for its medieval towers, which once symbolized the political and military power of leading families. While often described as the 'city of a hundred towers,' this perception is an overestimation, yet it reflects the significant density of these structures in the city's historic core. A notable aspect of this research is the identification and documentation of both visible and latent tower structures—those integrated into building facades or concealed underground—which are crucial to understanding Alba's architectural heritage. The study proposes strategies for preserving and enhancing these structures, emphasizing their importance within the cultural policies of a city that leads the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Langhe-Roero-Monferrato. By focusing on both evident and latent traces, this work aims to foster greater citizen involvement and sensitivity among tourists, contributing to the sustainable development of Alba's cultural landscape.
Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve
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A previously unknown species of fish, Alburnoides holciki, has been identified in Tajikistan's rivers, including the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve. Genetic and morphological analysis revealed that this species, initially thought to be Alburnus bipunctatus or Alburnoides bipunctatus eichwaldi, belongs to a recently described taxon (Alburnoides holciki). The discovery was made through examination of 39 specimens from the IBIW_FS collection and additional preserved samples. This finding highlights the biodiversity significance of Tajikistan's riverine ecosystems, particularly within protected areas like Tigrovaya Balka, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research underscores the importance of genetic studies in unraveling cryptic species diversity in freshwater environments.
Kasbah of Algiers
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Algiers' colonial transformation (1830–1962) exemplifies how Western urban planning imposed civilizational dominance while preserving multicultural layers. French architects, prioritizing European styles like Neoclassic and Neo-Moorish, demolished parts of the Casbah to build colonial districts, symbolizing Western superiority. The 'Prost' master plan accelerated this shift, using architecture as a tool for segregation—evident in the Diar-el-Mahsoul housing complex—which reinforced social fragmentation. This case reveals Mediterranean multiculturalism's complexities, where architecture became both an instrument of coercion and a means to organize coexistence. Legacy effects persist today, shaping Algiers' fragmented structure and post-colonial identity struggles.
Kasbah of Algiers
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Algiers, known as the 'White City,' reflects the enduring impact of colonialism and post-colonial struggles on its urban landscape. The city's distinct European and indigenous quarters, along with an interstitial buffer zone, highlight the dual identity shaped by 132 years of French occupation. This legacy has hindered Algiers' modernization, creating a sense of alienation and limiting its potential as a globalizing nation. The study examines 'Arab Modernism' through Algiers' urban form and architecture, revealing how colonial history continues to influence its development in the 21st century.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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Intensified human activities during the Roman Imperial period in the peri-urban surroundings of ancient Pergamon triggered significant sediment dynamics, leading to the burial of the Bakırçay alluvial plain by the prograding Araplı alluvial fan. This study identifies distinct phases of landscape development using sediment cores from the Araplı alluvial fan, analyzed through macroscopic and geochemical methods alongside radiocarbon dating. The research reveals that while the Early Holocene period was characterized by a floodplain with seasonal water bodies, human activities during the Roman Imperial period likely increased soil erosion, altering sediment deposition patterns more prominently in peri-urban areas compared to rural regions. This finding underscores the local variability of sediment dynamics in response to historical transformations, mirroring modern-day land degradation trends.
Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia
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Aquileia, a Latin colony in northeastern Italy, emerged as the pivotal hub for Roman cultural and economic influence over Noricum, predating Rome's direct annexation. This study reveals that Aquileia's strategic position fostered deep pre-Roman exchanges with Noricum, shaping its political, economic, and cultural trajectory from early interactions to the Severan period. By analyzing epigraphic and archaeological records, the research highlights Noricum's role as a resource-rich frontier, facilitating trade, military distribution, religious syncretism, and artistic influences. The findings underscore Aquileia's transformative impact on local governance, business, and public service, offering new perspectives on provincial life in the Roman Empire.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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Research reveals that the distribution and diversity of pine (Pinus) and oak (Quercus) species in Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve are significantly influenced by human activities, such as logging and agriculture. The study found that while alpha diversity did not vary with elevation, beta diversity exhibited an inverted hump pattern at both high and low elevations, likely due to anthropogenic disturbances. Pinus pseudostrobus and Quercus laurina emerged as the dominant species, with the least abundant species showing the most restricted geographic ranges. To analyze these patterns, scientists established six elevation transects (2,250–3,300 m above sea level) with 32 points spaced 150 meters apart, recording 25 trees per site with a diameter at breast height of at least 10 cm. This work underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies to preserve the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by these crucial tree species.
Yungang Grottoes
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A coupled weathering mechanism involving moisture–mineral interactions and salt crystallization has been identified as the primary driver of sandstone degradation at the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The study reveals that illite-rich siltstone nodules and pore structure heterogeneity accelerate microcrack propagation and cavity formation due to hydration-induced clay mineral adjustments and crystallization pressure from sulfate salts like gypsum. These findings underscore the synergistic role of clay-related structural weakening and salt damage in sandstone deterioration, providing critical insights for assessing weathering risks and guiding conservation efforts in similar semi-arid environments.
Lamu Old Town
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Mega-infrastructure projects, once central to state development strategies and local contestations, often recede into the background of everyday life as their initial goals falter. A study on Lamu Port, Kenya, reveals that such projects can become overshadowed by shifting political dynamics, leadership changes, and societal adaptations, rather than achieving their anticipated transformative impact. Fishermen displaced by the port's construction adapt precariously to new material conditions, while some actors begin to question whether the project will ever materialize, viewing its lack of progress as more threatening than the infrastructure itself. The research underscores the analytical value of studying infrastructure over time, highlighting how ambivalent temporalities demonstrate that once-spectacular or disruptive projects gradually become nebulous nodes within complex state-society relations and contestations.
Stevns Klint
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New evidence from Stevns Klint, Denmark, confirms that ammonites survived the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. Researchers analyzed fossil specimens from the Cerithium Limestone Member, revealing that most ammonites in this unit are autochthonous Danian survivors, not redeposited Maastrichtian fossils. Only one specimen was identified as reworked from the Maastrichtian era. The study combines taphonomic and sedimentological analyses to support this conclusion, challenging previous assumptions about ammonite extinction. This finding raises questions about what ultimately caused the demise of the last surviving ammonites on Earth.
Iguaçu National Park
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Iguaçu National Park, the largest inland fragment of the Atlantic Forest and a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, harbors 31 amphibian species, including two first records for Paraná State. The study reveals that while the park's anuran assemblage shares strong similarity with Argentina's Iguazú National Park—sharing 24 species—the distinct vegetation types (Semideciduous Seasonal Forest and Mixed Ombrophilous Forest) shape unique local distributions, with some species exclusive to each type. This highlights the importance of both parks in conserving regional biodiversity despite their proximity. The research combined field sampling of adults and tadpoles from 21 water bodies with historical records, uncovering a reproductive diversity comparable to other Atlantic Forest regions.
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
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A groundbreaking ornithological discovery has expanded the known distribution of the Nicaraguan Seed-Finch (Sporophila nuttingi) to include Honduras, marking a significant range extension for this species. Previously documented only in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and northwest Panama, the finch was first observed in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve's cultural zone, particularly within the Miskito indigenous territory of BAKINASTA (Wampusirpi), during a survey in 2023. Researchers identified both male and female individuals, later corroborated by additional sightings in neighboring regions of Guatemala and Honduras. This finding suggests a broader presence of this humid forest specialist than previously assumed, with implications for conservation efforts across Central America's Atlantic slope.
Abu Mena
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A recently discovered Menas ampulla from the Agora excavations in Dara (Anastasiopolis), dating between 620 and 640 AD, provides tangible evidence of the city's historical connection to Egypt and Abu Mina, a significant Christian pilgrimage site. These small terracotta flasks, typically adorned with depictions of Saint Menas flanked by camels, were produced in Abu Mina and carried holy water or oil by pilgrims returning from their journeys. The ampulla's excavation stratigraphy confirms its late date, offering insights into the enduring influence of Abu Mina during Late Antiquity (500–640 AD) and the broader network of Christian devotion across regions.
Ajanta Caves
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Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India, stand as a testament to the pinnacle of ancient Indian art and architecture from 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE. This study reveals Ajanta's artistic brilliance through its thematic richness, stylistic innovations, and sophisticated techniques, particularly in depicting Buddhist narratives like Jataka tales with profound emotional depth and naturalism. The integration of architecture, sculpture, and painting within the caves showcases a rare holistic artistic vision. Beyond historical significance, the research explores Ajanta's contemporary relevance, including its influence on modern Indian art movements such as the Bengal School, its role in cultural diplomacy, heritage tourism, and conservation challenges. The study underscores Ajanta's enduring impact on global art history and its deep-rooted connection to ancient Indian religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals the sophisticated ancient coating technology used at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka's 5th-century rock fortress. The study identifies key materials such as Sesame oil, Dorana oil, Hal Dummala, and plant gums through modern chemical studies, offering insights into their compositional properties. This research not only sheds light on the advanced techniques of ancient civilizations but also opens avenues for developing sustainable, environmentally friendly coatings that could inspire future material science innovations beyond historical replicas.
Nyungwe National Park
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A comprehensive annotated checklist of terrestrial small mammals in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, identifies 58 species, including 40 rodents and 16 shrews, with six species found outside the natural forest. Recent field reassessments (2009–2023) and advanced taxonomic methods revealed around 20 previously unrecorded species, updating existing checklists. The study used voucher specimens and Cytb sequencing to confirm cryptic species, providing critical data for biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts in the park.
Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin
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A groundbreaking approach to retrofitting social housing in the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin demonstrates that inhabitant participation can significantly enhance energy efficiency and combat energy poverty. The study, conducted over three years with Maisons & Cités, reveals that involving residents from the project's inception leads to more tailored and effective retrofit strategies, addressing behavior-driven energy consumption—responsible for half of a home's total usage. This participatory method not only improves energy outcomes but also fosters democratic design practices and empowers local communities. The research challenges traditional power dynamics by embedding architects permanently in project sites, acting as 'local architects' to bridge communication gaps between residents and decision-makers. This innovative model, tested in the Cité d’Orient estate, offers a scalable solution for sustainable urban development.
Old Walled City of Shibam
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Shibam's historical cityscape, renowned for its ancient multi-story mud-brick skyscrapers, stands as a model of cultural memory and sustainable urban identity. Research reveals that preserving Shibam’s original structure while integrating traditional construction with modern techniques can enhance resilience without compromising authenticity. This approach offers a blueprint for historic cities to balance heritage conservation with contemporary sustainability needs. The study analyzed Shibam's architectural and social elements through literature review, emphasizing its unique role as both a cultural symbol and a practical example of sustainable urban development.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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Researchers found that molar wear patterns differ significantly between Ryukyu Long-Furred Rats (Diplothrix legata) on Okinawa Island and Amami-Oshima Island, complicating age estimation methods. By analyzing 106 skulls—87 from Okinawa and 19 from Amami—the study identified seven distinct stages of molar wear, with Stage I (minimal wear) only observed in Okinawa rats, suggesting these were recently weaned individuals under 50 mm in skull length. However, Amami rats showed inconsistent relationships between fur growth, skull size, and tooth wear, indicating that age estimation based on molar wear may not apply uniformly across islands. The findings highlight the need for island-specific approaches to studying this endangered species' lifespan and ecology.
Salonga National Park
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New research reveals that the Great Lakes spiny reed frog (Afrixalus lacustris), previously thought to be endemic to the Albertine Rift mountains, has a broader range extending westward into lowland rainforests of the Northeastern and Central Congolian Lowlands. DNA barcoding and phylogeographic analysis indicate that A. lacustris likely diversified in isolated forest refugia during the Middle Pleistocene, while its sister species, A. phantasma, thrived in montane forests. The study also highlights distinct differences in oviposition behavior between A. lacustris and related species, such as laying eggs in folded leaves—a trait not previously documented for this frog.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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A novel, low-cost method for sampling floral visitors in down-facing flowers has been successfully developed and tested. The Entomological Rod method, utilizing a light stem with a 50 ml Falcon tube attached, enables direct capture of insects without the need for pruning or sudden movements. This approach was applied to Clusia grandiflora (Clusiaceae) in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, demonstrating its efficiency and ease of use in accessing difficult-to-reach flowers. The method offers a practical solution for studying pollinator interactions with pendent flowers, which are known for their protective mechanisms against resource loss.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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A unique Egyptian mummified crocodile from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Preserve, dated to the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BC), reveals new insights into ancient sacrificial practices and species identification challenges. Radiocarbon dating and chemical analysis confirmed its age, while morphological examination of the external mandibular fenestra suggested it may belong to the West African crocodile (<em>Crocodylus suchus</em>), though genetic confirmation is needed. The study also identified evidence of a precise, concealed stab wound, indicating deliberate sacrificial killing—a practice more complex than previously recognized. This research contributes to our understanding of animal mummification in ancient Egypt and highlights the need for further species identification studies.
Khangchendzonga National Park
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Indigenous communities in West Sikkim, home to the UNESCO-listed Khangchendzonga National Park, rely on a rich repository of 70 medicinal plant species for treating 31 health conditions. Sacred groves, culturally protected forest patches, play a pivotal role in conserving these plants while reinforcing community-led biodiversity stewardship. The study, conducted through interviews with 218 informants, revealed that herbs dominate traditional remedies, with roots being the most frequently used plant part and decoction the preferred preparation method. Notably, Cordyceps sinensis showed the highest use value (0.96) and Relative Frequency of Citation (1), highlighting its significance in local remedies. The research underscores the importance of preserving traditional medicine and conservation practices like sacred groves to protect cultural heritage and advance future drug discovery.
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
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2025 —
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Graz, Austria, stands out as a replicable model for sustainable mobility within the EU, demonstrating significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through its 'eco-transformation' strategy. The city's focus on 'soft mobility'—walking, cycling, and public transit—has proven effective, with quantitative analysis showing that environmental and temporal variables influence cycling behavior. This study highlights Graz as a leading example of how urban areas can transition to sustainable transportation, aligning with broader EU climate goals and offering insights for other cities aiming to mitigate the ecological impacts of fossil-fueled mobility.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2025 —
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Researchers have identified six key story resources from Hahoe Village, including the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori (traditional mask dance), Hahoe World Mask Museum, and legendary figures like Hur Do-ryeong, which can transform tourism experiences into thematic journeys. By categorizing these elements into interactive 'courtyards'—such as Playground Courtyard, Legend Courtyard, and Gentry Courtyard—the study demonstrates how storytelling can enhance visitor engagement and position Hahoe Village as a thematic tourism destination. The approach involved literature reviews, field observations of performances, and content analysis, with peer validation ensuring rigor.
Nyungwe National Park
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2025 —
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A recent expedition to Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, revealed the presence of 13 fish species within the park and its buffer zones, challenging previous assumptions that cold river temperatures precluded fish diversity. The study, conducted in 2022, found limited fish diversity within the park proper—primarily two putative species of Amphilius cf. kivuensis—but higher diversity in lower-altitude rivers of the buffer zone, including a clariid species and two Enteromius species. Near the mouth of the Kamiranzovu River, 11 species were recorded, four of which were non-native, including guppy (Poecilia reticulata), Astatotilapia burtoni, blue-spotted tilapia (Oreochromis leucosticus), and Egyptian mouth-brooder (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor). The research highlights Nyungwe's role as an ichthyological borderland, with distinct species distributions influenced by altitude and watershed dynamics.
