Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
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2019 —
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Research suggests that the artistic decoration of Assisi's Basilica of San Francesco, particularly the scene of St. Francis' stigmatization, may reflect the theological thinking of Bonaventure, a prominent Franciscan leader who visited the site during his tenure as minister general. This finding implies that the artwork could date to after the completion of Bonaventure's influential work, the Legenda Maior. The study also highlights the significance of a large dated crucifix in Perugia, though its direct connection to Bonaventure remains less certain. By analyzing Franciscan art from this period, scholars aim to identify potential influences of Bonaventure's theological ideas on visual representation.
Australian Convict Sites
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2019 —
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This study reveals that cross-disciplinary art and design projects, rooted in specific regional contexts, can effectively articulate complex ecological and cultural narratives while addressing challenges of conservation communication. Focusing on three Tasmanian Midlands projects—Kerry Lodge Archaeology and Art Project, Species Hotel, and The Marathon Project—the research demonstrates how creative practices can bridge gaps between scientific, historical, and community perspectives. By engaging with local histories, biodiversity hotspots, and colonial legacies, these projects highlight the potential of small-scale, ephemeral interventions to shape regional identity and foster sustainable land management. The study also examines institutional challenges in place-based research, emphasizing the need for long-term, iterative approaches that integrate diverse voices and stakeholders.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2019 —
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A systematic analysis of archaeological remains in the ancient civitas Cananefatium, located between the Lower Rhine and Meuse rivers in present-day South Holland, Netherlands, reveals significant insights into the formation and evolution of a border community during Roman times. This study provides an unprecedented overview of how the Roman state influenced local administrative regions, highlighting interactions among urban, military, and rural communities along the empire's frontiers. By examining spatial patterns, material culture, and social structures, researchers have uncovered nuanced differences between this region and other border areas, offering a deeper understanding of Roman governance and its impact on peripheral societies.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2019 —
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A new species of Collembola, Archisotoma jariani, has been discovered from the intertidal sand of Atol das Rocas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and oceanic atoll off Brazil. This marks the first record of this genus in the region, expanding its known distribution and habitat range. The species belongs to the besselsi group, characterized by small size, specific tibial spurs, maxillary head structure, and trichobothria arrangement on abdominal segment VI. The study provides a taxonomic key for all Brazilian Archisotoma species, contributing to biodiversity documentation in this unique marine environment.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the stupas at Sanchi and their associated relic cults represent complex architectural manifestations of the 'Buddha body,' with their potency amplified by intersecting Indic religio-cosmogonic symbologies. The study demonstrates that stupa construction was not only a ritual practice but also played a pivotal role in early forms of land ownership and tenure, challenging existing theories on monasticism, urbanization, and courtly urban ideology. By integrating landscape patterns, monastery settlement data, and lesser-known datasets like monastic rock-shelters—previously linked to hunter-gatherer populations—the research paints a nuanced picture of the social environment that nurtured early Buddhist communities in central India.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2019 —
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Research on Lingula anatina, a threatened brachiopod species in Japan, reveals its breeding season spans from summer to early autumn, longer than previously documented for other populations. The study, conducted in Kasari Bay, Amami-Oshima Island, Kagoshima, used gonad index measurements and seasonal size distribution analysis to track life history traits post-settlement. Findings indicate that settlement occurs in winter after a planktonic stage, with maturity reached within two or three years. Longevity exceeds four years, and the species breeds annually. This study contributes critical insights into the reproductive biology of Lingula anatina, aiding conservation efforts for this endangered species.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
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2019 —
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Bridgetown, Barbados, the capital city nestled along Carlisle Bay's arc, stands as a significant trade hub and tourist destination. Originally constructed on reclaimed swampland, its strategic location has contributed to its prominence in regional commerce and tourism. The publication provides an overview of Bridgetown's historical development, emphasizing its transformation from marshland to a bustling urban center. Key insights include its role as a cultural and economic nexus, shaped by Barbados' colonial past and modern economic activities.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
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2019 —
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Researchers identified 17 species of epiphytic bryophytes (3 liverworts and 14 mosses) on 28% of trees surveyed across urban areas in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, including plazas and parks. This study highlights the diversity and distribution of bryophytes in urban environments, providing insights into their ecological adaptations and the host plants that support them. The findings contribute to understanding bryophyte biodiversity in urban settings, which is crucial for conservation efforts in World Heritage Sites like San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Bisotun
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2019 —
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Bisotun features one of the most significant rock reliefs from the Achaemenid Empire (6th–4th centuries BCE). The relief depicts Darius I, the empire's founder, alongside an inscription detailing his conquests and divine mandate. Bruno Jacobs' study in 'Abstracta Iranica' explores the monument's historical context, its artistic significance, and its role in Achaemenid propaganda. By analyzing the relief's iconography and inscriptions, Jacobs provides insights into the political and religious narratives of the period. The research contributes to understanding the Achaemenid Empire's cultural and historical legacy, particularly through its monumental art and inscriptions.
Putorana Plateau
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2019 —
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Molecular barcoding of bryophytes has revealed significant range extensions for four species, challenging established distribution records. Brachythecium baicalense was confirmed beyond the Altai’s Listvyaga Range, while Brachythecium irinae extended its known habitat to the West Taimyr and Putorana Plateau. Additionally, Schistidium grandirete and Schistidium tenuinerve were documented in Yakutia’s Indigirka River basin and the North Urals, respectively. This study leveraged DNA barcoding to identify bryophyte species with high precision, providing critical data for understanding their ecological distribution and conservation status. The findings underscore the importance of molecular techniques in refining biodiversity records, particularly in remote or understudied regions like the Putorana Plateau.
Curonian Spit
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2019 —
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Atmospheric deposition of trace elements, including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel, zinc (Zn), strontium (Sr), rubidium (Rb), bromine (Br), and calcium (Ca), varies significantly in moss across different coastal habitats of the Russian sector of the Curonian Spit. This variation is influenced by wind transport, marine aerosols, and leaching from plant residues, as revealed through correlation and principal component analysis. The study highlights bryophytes' potential as bioindicators for environmental monitoring, with contamination factors calculated to assess elemental accumulation. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used to analyze moss samples, providing insights into the complex interactions between natural and anthropogenic factors in coastal ecosystems.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2019 —
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A bryofloristic survey of Serra da Capivara National Park, located in the Caatinga biome of Brazil, identified 62 species of bryophytes, including mosses, hepatics, and a hornwort. The study revealed that about 60% of these species have broad distributions across Brazil, while others exhibit moderate or restricted distributions. Notably, 22 species were recorded for the first time in the Caatinga biome, 34 in the state of Piauí, and two in the Northeast Region of Brazil. This survey underscores the significance of Serra da Capivara National Park as a critical area for bryophyte conservation, highlighting the importance of continued floristic inventories in Brazil to better understand its diverse and understudied bryoflora.
Stevns Klint
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2019 —
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Bryozoan limestone, a distinctive Danian formation underlying younger geological layers, exhibits unique mechanical properties influenced by its mineralogy and porosity. This study reveals that the similarity in mineral composition between Bryozoan limestone and Cretaceous chalk leads to comparable mechanical responses, despite variations in flint content and other materials. Investigations at Stevns Klint provide critical insights for infrastructure design, such as rock anchors. The research leverages an extensive database of geological data from major projects, including borehole registrations, wireline logging, and advanced laboratory tests, to interpret the mechanical behavior of Bryozoan limestone. This comprehensive approach enhances our understanding of this formation's structural characteristics and its implications for engineering applications.
Alto Douro Wine Region
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2019 —
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A new enotourism 'Stakeholder Analysis' model is proposed to integrate Wine & Food heritage into tourism experiences while fostering sustainable interactions among stakeholders. This approach aims to balance business competitiveness, cultural authenticity, site conservation, and landscape promotion in the Alto Douro Vinhateiro UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research, based on documentary analysis, literature review, and fieldwork, advocates for responsible behavior among all stakeholders to align their agendas with territorial development and heritage preservation, ensuring a sustainable future for wine tourism in the region.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2019 —
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Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palenque reveals that the Picota Group, a civic-ceremonial center established during the Early Classic period (a.d. 250–500), was designed to manage and symbolize water resources in a region with restricted availability. The study combines traditional archaeology, labor estimates, and ethnographic comparisons with the Tzotzil community of Chamula to demonstrate how social organizations evolved to cope with water scarcity. Findings suggest that these artificial pools served both practical and ceremonial functions, reflecting sophisticated environmental adaptation by the Classic Maya civilization.
Choirokoitia
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2019 —
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A study evaluating the accuracy of Bundle Adjustment (BA) and photogrammetric reconstruction from unordered aerial datasets collected using kite platforms reveals that while these methods are affordable and user-friendly, they introduce factors that can hinder 3D model reliability. By reprocessing datasets from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Khirokitia Vouni in Cyprus using commercial software and DBAT (Damped Bundle Adjustment Toolbox), researchers assessed the geometric accuracy and spatial resolution of the reconstructions. The findings highlight the challenges posed by unordered data collection, which contrasts with the more controlled and accurate approaches enabled by modern Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This study underscores the need for improved network design in kite-based aerial photography to enhance photogrammetric outcomes.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2019 —
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Research reveals that the northern Tibetan Plateau, specifically the Hoh Xil Basin (HXB), experienced significant vertical exhumation of approximately 4–2.7 km and 4–2.3 km beginning around 30–25 Ma and 40–35 Ma in the eastern and western HXB, respectively. This finding challenges the prevailing model of synchronous Miocene exhumation across the entire plateau, suggesting instead an episodic pattern. The study utilized detrital apatite and zircon (U-Th)/He dating combined with regional geological constraints and modeling to trace sediment deposition and burial reheating. The differential exhumation in the HXB is proposed to be influenced by oblique subduction of the Qaidam block beneath the basin. Additionally, the research suggests that mechanisms such as continental subduction, mantle lithosphere removal, and magmatic inflation may contribute to elevation without altering exhumation rates, providing a more nuanced understanding of the plateau's geological evolution.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2019 —
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Recent observations of bush dogs (<em>Speothos venaticus</em>) in east-central and southeastern Costa Rica, including Barbilla National Park and La Amistad International Park, suggest a potential range expansion or previously underestimated distribution. This small, pack-hunting neotropical canid has historically been considered rare, with its range possibly extending up to 120 km north-northwest in the Talamanca Mountains at elevations reaching 2,119 meters. The study highlights challenges in documenting their current and future distribution due to their inherently low density. Researchers used repeated observations to assess these findings, contributing new insights into the ecology and conservation of this elusive species within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Byblos
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2019 —
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Byblos, often perceived solely as a center for wood trade during the Late Bronze Age, emerges as a dynamic and multifaceted city deeply intertwined with regional geopolitics. Marwan Kilani's study reveals how Byblos evolved through periods of prosperity and decline, shaped by complex interactions of economic, political, and ideological factors. The research combines written sources with a fresh reanalysis of archaeological evidence to reconstruct the city's 'biography,' offering new insights into its role beyond mere trade. This approach highlights Byblos as an active participant in broader Late Bronze Age dynamics, challenging simplistic narratives about its historical significance.
Hubei Shennongjia
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2019 —
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Mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaved forests in Shennongjia, China, exhibit distinct stoichiometric patterns for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). The study found that C concentration, C:N, and C:P ratios were highest in the plant community, followed by litter and soil. Conversely, N and P concentrations, along with N:P ratios, were highest in litter, then in the plant community, and lowest in soil. Notably, leaf N and P concentrations varied significantly between evergreen and deciduous species, while bark showed the highest N:P ratio with the least variability. Compared to other forest types, this ecosystem displayed lower C:P and N:P ratios in the plant community but higher ratios in litter, with soil stoichiometric ratios aligning with subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests. The research employed biomass-weighted mean methods to analyze these patterns, providing insights into the ecological functions of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2019 —
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Cahokia, the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, experienced a dramatic collapse in the 12th century A.D. that left its sustaining region abandoned for centuries. Research suggests environmental degradation, likely due to intensive societal metabolism and public works, rendered the area unsuitable for settlement. The study examines key factors such as urbanization trends, elite growth, rural population dynamics, and environmental changes in the American Bottom to understand Cahokia's decline. By analyzing these interconnected elements, the research provides insights into the fragility of complex societies facing resource strain.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
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2019 —
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Archaeological analysis of the Qaṣr of Madīnat Al-Zahrā’ reveals distinct residential categories among its inhabitants, identifying four key groups: the caliph and heir, high state functionaries, domestic supervisors, and servants. This finding sheds light on the social hierarchy and daily life within this 10th-century Caliphal city. The study focuses on the 'private' sector of the palace complex, using architectural evidence to differentiate roles based on living quarters and functional spaces. By examining spatial organization and structural features, researchers uncover how power dynamics were reflected in residential design, offering new insights into Umayyad governance and elite culture.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2019 —
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Border conflicts between nations can be significantly influenced by the domestic political interests of key actors, often serving as tools for maintaining or gaining power. This study highlights how the 2008-2011 Preah Vihear temple dispute between Cambodia and Thailand was exploited by political leaders in both countries—Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen (CPP) and Thailand's Prime Ministers Abhisit Vejjajiva (PD) and Yingluck Shinawatra (Pheu Thai Party)—to advance their domestic agendas. Unlike previous analyses that focused on descriptive or chronological accounts, this research shifts the narrative by emphasizing the strategic use of international disputes for domestic political gain, offering a fresh perspective on conflict dynamics in interstate relations.
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
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2019 —
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Garden exhibitions in Germany serve as significant spaces for cultural integration, with sacral elements playing a pivotal role. These exhibitions, including 13 exhibition areas from eight events (such as the IGA and BUGA), incorporate religious and cultural references in various forms—ranging from large-scale green temples to small chapels and theme gardens. The study reveals that sacral aspects are integral to human life, fostering social cohesion and preserving cultural traditions. This recognition underscores the importance of religious motives in contemporary garden exhibitions, demonstrating their ability to function as both temporary landscape accents and permanent landmarks. By analyzing these exhibitions, the research highlights the enduring relevance of faith and religion in shaping community identity and landscape design.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2019 —
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In the subtropical coastal waters of Saco do Mamanguá Ría, part of Brazil's Bay of Ilha Grande, autotrophic plankton production does not balance the ecosystem’s carbon metabolism. Research reveals a persistent net community production deficit—ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mg m⁻² d⁻¹—suggesting heterotrophic respiration exceeds primary production. The study proposes that nano-heterotroph grazing on bacteria may offset this imbalance, a finding applicable to broader meso-oligotrophic Brazilian shelf waters. The investigation analyzed photosynthetic carbon fixation and plankton metabolism over time, employing field measurements and ecological modeling to quantify carbon flow dynamics.
Kakadu National Park
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2019 —
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Scientists have identified <em>Caridina biyiga</em>, a new species of freshwater shrimp from Leichhardt Springs, Kakadu National Park, Australia. This discovery is notable for its distinctive morphology, including unique features such as the dactylus of pereiopod 5 and the absence of a comb-like row of spiniform setae typical of the genus <em>Caridina</em>. Molecular analysis using mitochondrial 16S rDNA and COI gene fragments revealed genetic distances of 5.1–6.0% and 10.4–15.1%, respectively, supporting its classification within the 'thermophila' group of <em>Caridina</em> species. The study also provides a preliminary key for identifying Northern Territory <em>Caridina</em> species and highlights the conservation significance of Leichhardt Springs and its aquatic fauna.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of freshwater shrimp, Caridina malanda, within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in north-eastern Queensland, Australia. This discovery was made through integrated molecular and morphological analyses of specimens from the Atherton Tablelands, revealing that C. malanda is distinct yet intermediate to three known species: Caridina zebra, C. confusa, and C. spinula. The study provides a key for identifying this species alongside its congeners, along with insights into its distribution, ecology, and conservation significance in the UNESCO-listed region.
Semmering Railway
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2019 —
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Carl Ritter von Ghega, an Austrian engineer of Albanian descent born in Venice, was honored as the 2018 Surveyor of the Year for his groundbreaking contributions to geodesy and engineering. His most notable achievement, the Semmering Railway—a project deemed impossible at the time—was later recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998. This paper examines von Ghega's professional trajectory, educational background, and significant works, including the Borovnica Viaduct in Slovenia. Through historical analysis and technical documentation, it highlights his enduring impact on the engineering profession, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in railway and structural innovation.
Serengeti National Park
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking study on carnivore parvovirus ecology in the Serengeti National Park (SNP) reveals that feline parvoviruses are endemic among wild carnivores, with new host species identified, while canine parvoviruses predominantly circulate in domestic dogs. Notably, vaccine-derived virus strains were detected for the first time in naturally occurring populations of domestic dogs, underscoring the importance of epidemiological research. The study also found limited evidence of transmission between wild and domestic carnivores, suggesting a complex interplay between these viral strains in the ecosystem. Researchers employed molecular techniques to analyze samples from both wild and domestic carnivores, providing critical insights into parvovirus dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2019 —
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Stone monuments in Orkney, from Neolithic to Norse times, reveal a complex interplay between cultural memory and ritual practice. The study highlights how the Norse inhabitants of Orkney integrated earlier Pictish and Neolithic stone heritage into their own material culture, particularly through the carving of crosses on medieval churches—a practice that sacralized space for religious rituals. Inscriptions in stone provide key evidence of this ambivalent relationship with the past, where stone both commemorates history and shapes the landscape's emotional and economic significance. Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered cairn roofed in stone, serves as a tangible example of how Norse settlers encountered and interpreted these ancient structures. The research underscores Orkney's stone heritage as a living legacy, reflecting successive cultural constructions while remaining central to its identity.
City of Valletta
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2019 —
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A hybrid cooling strategy successfully integrated into the Malta Stock Exchange demonstrates that architectural integrity can be preserved while addressing thermal comfort in exposed urban environments. The study, based on the conversion of a 19th-century garrison church in Valletta, shows how passive and active cooling techniques can coexist without compromising the building's historical and aesthetic qualities. The approach involved collaboration between architects (Architecture Project) and environmental consultants (Brian Ford and Associates), leveraging the site's strategic location—overlooking Grand Harbour—to optimize natural ventilation while mitigating overheating in a high-exposure setting. Completed in 2003, this case study offers a model for retrofitting heritage structures with modern climate-resilient solutions.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2019 —
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Historical cadastral records often excluded royal sites, but the Ensenada cadastre of the 18th century uniquely documented these special places alongside the Crown's goods and rents. This study reveals that even minor Royal Sites—such as the Alcázar in Seville, the Royal Alcazares, and the Alhambra—were systematically recorded, along with other royal properties in Toledo, Seville, and Granada. By analyzing this overlooked data, researchers provide new insights into the spatial distribution and economic significance of royal assets during a pivotal period of Spanish history.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2019 —
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A critical shift in the conservation trajectory of the Critically Endangered Fatu Hiva Monarch (<em>Pomarea whitneyi</em>) on Te Henua Enata (Marquesas Islands) reveals that while rat predation was initially assumed to be the primary threat, feral cat predation—particularly targeting juvenile birds—has emerged as the limiting factor for population recovery. Despite significant efforts since 2010, including enhanced trapping methods and increased effort in 2016–2017, the species remains on the brink of extinction. However, a promising development is the observed zero mortality among monarch chicks, fledglings, and immature birds during this period, suggesting that targeted cat control may be yielding positive outcomes. This study underscores the need for continued vigilance in predator management to prevent extinction and to establish a viable population capable of repopulating the island post-eradication or facilitating translocation efforts.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2019 —
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Infectious disease, particularly tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii, and conspecific trauma are the leading causes of adult mortality in New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri), an endangered species endemic to New Zealand. The study, which analyzed 136 sea lions across two populations—one on remote Enderby Island and another recolonizing the mainland—revealed that these factors accounted for 37% and 24% of diagnosed deaths, respectively. Anthropogenic trauma emerged as a significant threat in the mainland population, highlighting the growing risk from human interactions as both human and pinniped populations expand. This research underscores the critical need to manage human-pinniped conflicts to ensure the species' recovery.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2019 —
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Metropolitan Serapion's diaries from 1804–1824 offer unprecedented insights into the state and significance of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's caves, revealing their role as a central geographical and religious landmark in early 19th-century Kyiv. These diaries, previously understudied, document construction activities, emergency responses, and daily life details, providing a rare firsthand account of the caves' condition and their importance to the city. The study categorizes information into three types: cave conditions, temple constructions above them, and tangential notes, highlighting Serapion's dual role as Metropolitan and archimandrite. His detailed descriptions also serve as early touristic guides, emphasizing the caves' enduring but unexplored historical value.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified <em>Cellulomonas telluris</em> sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium capable of producing endoglucanase, isolated from the Badain Jaran Desert's sand. This discovery was made through phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic characterization, and DNA-DNA hybridization studies, revealing its distinct genetic and biochemical traits. The bacterium exhibits optimal growth at 28°C and pH 7.0, with unique fatty acid profiles and polar lipids that differentiate it from related species like <em>Cellulomonas oligotrophica</em>. Its low DNA-DNA hybridization value (7.1%) and average nucleotide identity (79.8%) confirm its status as a novel species. This finding expands our understanding of microbial diversity in extreme desert environments, particularly within UNESCO-listed sites like the Badain Jaran Desert.
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
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2019 —
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Recent research challenges the assumption that Central Asian köshks, characteristic buildings with corrugated outer walls dating from the 7th to 13th centuries AD, were exclusively fortified structures. While these buildings exhibit features suggesting defensibility, they lack key elements typical of military architecture, indicating a shift in function over time. Unlike earlier pre-Islamic structures that served military roles, Islamic-period köshks primarily functioned as residential spaces. However, the Great Kyz Kala at Merv, Turkmenistan, stands out as an exception, retaining its defensive capacity longer than other köshks, according to findings from the UCL Institute of Archaeology Ancient Merv Project. This study compares defensive elements across different periods to trace the evolution of these structures, providing insights into their dual residential and military roles during the Islamic period.
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale
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Historians' perspectives on the Norman Kingdom of Sicily reveal that while its royal court featured a blend of Arab, Byzantine, and Latin cultural elements, the central power structure underwent significant transformation over time. Contrary to previous interpretations suggesting the kingdom's feudal nature, research indicates it emerged as a negation of feudalism. A consistent aspect throughout the Norman period was the fixed capital at Palermo, where Christian kings were surrounded by Muslims, highlighting the court's multi-cultural dynamics.
Göbekli Tepe
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New evidence from Göbekli Tepe reveals that cereal processing played a significant role at the site during the Early Neolithic period (10th/9th millennium BC). Analysis of starch residues and other microfossils indicates that cereals were not only consumed but also processed in ways that suggest their importance in social or ritual contexts, challenging previous assumptions about the site's primary functions. The study employed multi-proxy analysis, including microscopic examination and chemical characterization, to identify cereal types and processing techniques used by its inhabitants. This finding sheds light on the complex subsistence strategies and cultural practices of one of humanity's oldest known monumental sites.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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A comprehensive exploration of Ceylon's human geography, archaeology, and religious practices reveals the intricate layers of its historical landscape. The book 'Ceylon' (1939) by L. Holden integrates observations on diverse archaeological sites, including Sigiriya, with the island's cultural and colonial history under British occupation. By calibrating these elements, it provides a nuanced understanding of how environmental and human factors have shaped Ceylon's identity over centuries. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, blending historical records, archaeological evidence, and ethnographic insights to reconstruct the island's past.
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
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A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis reveals that the topographic features of the Shohgawa River Valley significantly influence the thermal environment within Gassho-style houses, a renowned Japanese vernacular architecture. The study demonstrates that these houses, particularly in Shirakawa Village, are not only adapted to local climate and culture but also optimized for passive thermal performance through their unique design. By integrating regional topography into CFD models, researchers identified how the valley's terrain affects temperature distribution and airflow within the houses, offering insights into their resilience against harsh winter conditions. This finding underscores the importance of considering geographical context in architectural studies, providing a deeper understanding of how traditional designs can be both culturally significant and environmentally efficient.
Sacred City of Kandy
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Sustainable tourism in ancient cities, particularly UNESCO World Heritage Sites, faces significant challenges that hinder its effective implementation. A case study of Kandy, Sri Lanka, reveals critical obstacles to sustainable practices, offering valuable insights for other heritage localities. The research employs a qualitative approach to analyze these challenges, providing actionable recommendations for balancing tourism development with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. This study underscores the need for strategic planning to ensure that ancient cities can benefit from tourism while maintaining their historical integrity.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2019 —
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A critical analysis of the challenges to free access to holy sites in Jerusalem reveals that while historical decrees and international resolutions have long sought to guarantee religious freedom, post-1967 policies—particularly Israel's designation of the Old City as antiquities—have significantly restricted renovations and access for Muslims and Christians. The study highlights how geopolitical tensions, legal frameworks (e.g., the Protection of Holy Places Law), and historical disputes (e.g., the 1929 Western Wall conflict) continue to complicate efforts to preserve religious rights in Jerusalem. Methodologically, it draws on historical records, legal texts, and international resolutions to trace the evolution of access restrictions.
Bale Mountains National Park
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Over the past 50 years, fire-exclusion policies within Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, have led to a significant reduction in heathland fire sizes compared to areas outside the park. This study reveals that strict fire management has effectively mitigated large-scale fires, offering valuable insights for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) strategies. Researchers analyzed fire regimes using remote sensing data and field observations, comparing trends inside and outside the park. The findings highlight the potential of protected areas to serve as models for sustainable land management in regions prone to frequent fires.
Fanjingshan
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Beech (Fagus) forests on Mt. Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest China, exhibit significant variation in carbon storage across an elevational gradient (1095–1930 m). Total ecosystem carbon pools range from 190.5 to 504.3 Mg C ha⁻¹, with biomass and soil contributing the most (33.7–73.9% and 23.9–65.5%, respectively), while litter and woody debris contribute minimally (<4%). Notably, ecosystem carbon storage increases significantly with elevation, driven primarily by rising biomass and woody debris, whereas litter and soil carbon show no elevational trend. Climate and stand age emerge as key drivers of these patterns in Guizhou Province's beech forests, contrasting with global trends where stand age dominates. This study underscores the importance of local climate and stand age in shaping carbon accumulation, providing critical data for regional carbon budgets and conservation strategies.
City of Valletta
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2019 —
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Urban tourism destinations, particularly those shaped by affluent elites, increasingly adopt 'styled-for-status' aesthetics that reflect the preferences of wealthy groups. This shift is driven by processes of commodification and mediatisation, where tourists and other stakeholders unconsciously align with elite aesthetic norms under neoliberal influences. The study introduces the concept of 'aesthetic common sense,' illustrating how both top-down placemaking (structural design) and bottom-up place-making (human agency) contribute to this phenomenon. Valletta, Malta's capital, serves as a case study, demonstrating how such dynamics create visually cohesive yet status-driven urban landscapes that influence tourism experiences.
Mount Etna
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A significant shift in the eruptive style of Mount Etna's South-East Crater (SEC) since 2011 has been identified, marked by longer and more voluminous lava flows that pose increased hazards to tourist facilities. Analyzing 154 well-documented eruptions from 1998 to 2018, researchers found a cumulative lava volume of approximately 135 million cubic meters, with an average output rate of 0.21 m³/s. This change has led to a revised hazard map covering around 15 km², extending down to altitudes as low as 1,500 meters above sea level. The study highlights the need for updated hazard assessments and territorial planning to mitigate risks in at-risk areas.
Rock Art of Alta
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2019 —
WHE0E04261A40
Analysis of the Rock Art of Alta reveals distinct diachronic morphological and stylistic changes in petroglyphs, depicting humans, animals, spirits, and boats, over 5000 years. These variations suggest shifts in beliefs, rituals, identities, and technological advancements, reflecting both continuity and discontinuity in stories and cultural practices within a small geographic area. The study highlights the influence of outside contacts, including agricultural societies from southern Scandinavia and foragers from eastern Fennoscandia, on how people in the Alta fjord region understood their environment. Changes in boat depictions also indicate evolving coastal mobility, resource exploitation, and social networks.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2019 —
WHE4B5DA1547A
Archaeological and historical analysis at the Basilica di San Pietro, Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura, and Abbazia delle Tre Fontane reveals significant insights into the lives of St. Peter (ca. 10–64 CE) and St. Paul (5–67 CE), two foundational figures in early Christianity. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating epigraphic, architectural, and textual evidence to reconstruct their movements, activities, and the development of Christian worship sites during their lifetimes. Key findings include the identification of possible burial locations and the evolution of liturgical practices at these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, shedding light on the transition from pagan to Christian traditions in Rome.
St Kilda
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2019 —
WHEE4FB7F5072
Research on St. Kilda's unmanaged Soay sheep population reveals limited diversity in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class IIa haplotypes, with only eight distinct haplotypes identified across seven loci. The study, spanning 15 years, used a stepwise sequencing approach to characterize alleles at DRB1 and DQA/DQB loci in 118 sheep, confirming haplotype consistency in an additional 94 individuals. Evidence of historic positive selection was found at multiple loci, though no single locus captured the full extent of expressed variation. This work highlights the genetic structure of a unique island population, offering insights into immune diversity and evolutionary pressures in unmanaged ecosystems.
