Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
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Research on the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan reveals its pivotal role as both a historical and scientific landmark, shaping the development of architectural studies in Kazakhstan. The study highlights the mausoleum's significance beyond religious and cultural heritage, positioning it as a central hub for theoretical-scientific exploration in Central Asia. Analyzing restoration efforts from the early 20th century to the present, the research evaluates contributions from key scholars like A.A. Semenov, S.K. Orlov, and B.T. Tuyaqbaeva, comparing the strengths and weaknesses of Soviet-era scientific expeditions and post-independence policies for cultural preservation. Using methods such as historical-comparative, structural-architectural, archaeological, and documentary analysis, the study provides actionable insights for preserving and restoring heritage sites, with applications in tourism, urban planning, digital documentation, and restoration science.
Complex of Hué Monuments
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A multidisciplinary approach successfully restored the original architectural design of the Chieu Kinh Dien Temple, a lost heritage building within Hue Imperial City. Using historical documents, archaeology, and proportion analysis—with reference to the Long Duc Dien Temple—the study reconstructed critical elements such as floor plans, roof designs, and facades. This methodology offers a blueprint for authentic heritage reconstruction, aligning with the Nara Convention's principles for preserving cultural integrity. The findings provide actionable guidance for restoring Hue Imperial City and similar sites in Vietnam, ensuring fidelity to early Nguyen Dynasty architectural intent.
Asante Traditional Buildings
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Ghana's Asante Traditional Buildings (ATBs) lack standardized evaluation criteria for their preservation. This study proposes the use of Historic Building Quality Assessment Criteria (HBQAC) to address this gap, ensuring timely and efficient restoration. The research employs an interpretivist methodology, reviewing existing literature to identify current standards for evaluating heritage structures in Ghana. Findings highlight a dearth of information on such standards, underscoring the need for HBQAC to guide preservation efforts effectively.
Agra Fort
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Mughal architecture under emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan (1556–1658) reached its zenith with a harmonious blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences, marked by flawless proportions, intricate inlays, and innovative material use. The study analyzes key monuments—such as the Taj Mahal, Red Forts, and Shalimar Gardens—revealing their architectural evolution from red sandstone grandeur (Akbar) to white marble perfection (Shah Jahan). By examining historical significance, cultural impact, and stylistic development, this research underscores the Mughals' enduring legacy in shaping India's architectural identity. The approach combines historical analysis with material study, offering insights into the emperors' patronage and artistic vision.
Tashkent Modernist Architecture. Modernity and Tradition in Central Asia
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A critical reassessment of Soviet-era modernist architecture reveals that its aesthetic appeal, from brutalist concrete to 'socmod chic,' often obscures its socialist roots. Hatherley's analysis challenges the prevailing narrative by asking whether these structures retain any ideological significance beyond their visual charm. The study examines works across Central Asia and Eastern Europe, employing a comparative approach to dissect the interplay between modernity and tradition in socialist architecture. This research underscores the need for deeper contextual understanding beyond superficial trends, highlighting how architectural legacies are reinterpreted in contemporary discourse.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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Mexico's arid and semi-arid zones, including the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, are revealed as ecologically distinctive and biologically rich landscapes through a multidisciplinary examination. This comprehensive study highlights the unique climatic, physical, and biological characteristics of these regions, focusing on emblematic plant and animal species, ecological processes, and human impacts. The research emphasizes conservation priorities, particularly in protected natural areas and germplasm resources, with cacti serving as umbrella taxa. Additionally, it documents the medicinal and biologically active products derived from arid-zone flora, underscoring their ecological and cultural significance. By integrating case studies across four major arid regions—Baja California Peninsula, Chihuahuan Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley—the study provides integrative analyses of biodiversity trends and conservation strategies.
Las Médulas
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Roman gold mining in NW Iberia, marking the first major 'gold rush' in history, relied on extensive canal networks spanning over 1,500 km to supply essential water for extraction. Recent research at Las Médulas and Sierra del Teleno, using advanced cartographic techniques like Digital Terrain Models (DTM), has revealed the scale and evolution of these hydraulic systems. The study highlights the ingenuity of Roman engineering in overcoming geographical challenges to sustain large-scale mining operations.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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A comparative analysis of art and architecture reveals three distinct creative methods—Chiaroscuro, Analytique Drawing Method, and Palimpsest Collage—that can enhance the representation and design of built environments. The study examines artistic characteristics such as layers, space, balance, and hierarchy through case studies, including the Rietveld Schröder House (Utrecht, Netherlands), the Glass House (New Canaan, Connecticut), the Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao, Spain), and an unbuilt mausoleum by Philip Johnson. By identifying common features between art and architecture, this research provides actionable strategies for architectural design and offers self-guided exercises to stimulate imaginative and representational skills.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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A local memorial site in Cambodia emerged as a space where art facilitated transgenerational remembering of Khmer Rouge violence, blending international memory work with national narratives and local postmemories. Youth participants acted as artistic intermediaries, translating fragmented survivor narratives into visual forms, creating new memoryscapes that intertwine old and new memories. However, the national political framework of collective suffering constrained this process, preventing a nuanced exploration of blurred victim-perpetrator subjectivities in the village's past and present.
Sun Temple, Konârak
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The Konark Festival, held annually at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sun Temple in Odisha, India, significantly boosts cultural tourism and regional economic growth. The study reveals a marked increase in tourism-related revenue during the festival period, benefiting the hospitality sector, local artisans, and micro-enterprises. By showcasing classical Indian dance forms like Odissi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak, the festival enhances Odisha's global appeal as a cultural destination through strategic branding and public-private partnerships. However, challenges such as visitor management, environmental degradation, and seasonal tourism concentration are identified, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to ensure long-term benefits. The Konark Festival serves as a replicable model for leveraging art festivals to promote cultural tourism while balancing preservation with economic development.
Matobo Hills
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Rock art from the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe, reveals complex social and cultural dynamics among Late Stone Age hunter-gatherers (13000–2000 BP). This study demonstrates that the 'fine-lines' iconographic tradition played a pivotal role in shaping territorial identities, social structures, and spiritual landscapes over millennia. By analyzing thousands of decorated sites within this granitic massif, researchers identified significant variability in placement, density, themes, styles, and techniques—suggesting diverse functions and chronologies. The findings challenge simplistic models of occupation, such as Nick Walker's, by integrating rock art into broader socio-economic and mobility networks. This interdisciplinary approach combines archaeological evidence with stylistic analysis to reconstruct how hunter-gatherers renegotiated their relationship with the landscape through persistent symbolic practices.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly reduce the ecological impact of coastal marinas while maintaining economic viability, as demonstrated by a comparative study of Monaco and Ibiza. In Monaco, AI-driven initiatives like the SEA Index® and predictive maintenance led to a 28% drop in CO2 emissions between 2020 and 2025. Meanwhile, Ibiza achieved an 85% landfill diversion rate through AI-assisted waste systems, solar power, and biodiversity conservation efforts. The study categorizes AI tools into supervised learning, anomaly detection, and rule-based systems, assessing their effectiveness using statistical techniques like t-tests and regression R² values. While AI shows promise in reconciling economic imperatives with ecological conservation, challenges such as ethical oversight, regulatory coherence, and replication across regions persist. Practical steps forward include promoting AI-as-a-Service models, piloting regulatory sandboxes, improving access to open-source platforms, and establishing common standards for marine environmental data stewardship.
Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve
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A critically endangered fish species, Aspiolucius esocinus, has been documented in the Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve, Tajikistan. This discovery highlights its restricted distribution within the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins, including the lower reaches of the Vakhsh River. The study confirms its presence outside the Kairakkum Reservoir and suggests potential occurrences in other large rivers of the Amu Darya basin, such as the Panj, Kafirnigan, and Kyzyl-Su. Conservation assessments classify it as Critically Endangered (Saidov, 2017) or Endangered (Karimov, 2020), emphasizing urgent protection needs. Specimens were observed between 2003–2018 in the Vakhsh River bed, underscoring its vulnerability and the importance of targeted conservation efforts in this UNESCO-recognized region.
Delos
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A new analysis reveals that wealth inequality on the ancient island of Delos decreased by approximately 20% between its early and late periods of independence (314–167 BCE). The study, which relies on inscriptions detailing property ownership and artisanal wages, introduces a probabilistic approach to quantify ancient economic disparities while accounting for uncertainties. Researchers attribute this shift to the island's new autonomous political status in 314 BCE, suggesting that middle-class wealth accumulation played a significant role in reducing inequality. This finding challenges traditional narratives about economic stability during the Hellenistic period and provides a data-driven perspective on socio-economic dynamics in ancient Mediterranean societies.
Saint Catherine Area
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Climate change is reshaping the distribution of three critically endangered endemic plants in Egypt’s Saint Catherine Protectorate, with projections indicating potential range contractions for Origanum syriacum subsp. sinaicum and expansions for Anarrhinum forskaohlii subsp. pubescens and Polygala sinaica var. sinaica under future scenarios. Using species distribution models (SDMs) incorporating bioclimatic and soil variables, researchers identified wind, temperature, moisture, and elevation as key determinants of their habitats. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation measures—such as reintroduction programs and habitat protection—to mitigate threats from drought and rising temperatures, emphasizing the vulnerability of these plants to climate-driven ecosystem shifts.
Aldabra Atoll
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Seychelles' mangrove ecosystems store approximately 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), with Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage and Ramsar site, holding the highest carbon stocks at 67% of the country's total. This first blue carbon assessment for Seychelles reveals that soils account for 70% of these stocks, despite a shallow organic layer due to limestone dominance. The study highlights the critical role of mangroves in climate mitigation and adaptation, particularly for Small Island Developing States vulnerable to climate change impacts like sea level rise and cyclones. Field data underscores their potential to support Seychelles' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitments, with 85% of its 2195 hectares of mangroves already protected.
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
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Qatar's coastline is predominantly highly vulnerable to sea level rise (SLR), with the exception of Doha, which exhibits low risk due to extensive coastal modifications and protective infrastructure. This finding emerges from a study that employs an index-based approach using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess vulnerability. The research integrates both physical and socio-economic parameters, calculating separate Physical Vulnerability Index (PVI) and Socio-Economic Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores, which are then combined into a final Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI). Areas such as Al Khor, Ras Laffan, Dukhan, and Al Zubarah show significantly higher vulnerability, underscoring the urgent need for targeted adaptation and resilience strategies to mitigate SLR impacts in Qatar.
Rideau Canal
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Stormwater discharge significantly impacts the water quality of the Rideau Canal Skateway (RCS), potentially affecting ice formation and resilience, according to recent research. The study found that stormwater events degrade water quality for 1-7 days, particularly during the skating season, with worse conditions observed in urban sections like Downtown Ottawa. To assess these effects, researchers collected data on temperature, specific conductivity, and stormwater discharge from 2021 to 2023 along the RCS. The findings highlight the need for better stormwater management to protect this UNESCO-listed site—Canada’s longest natural ice rink—against climate change impacts.
Hyrcanian Forests
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A comprehensive analysis of the Hyrcanian Forests reveals critical vulnerabilities to forest fires due to climate change and human activities. The study identifies key indicators such as precipitation, elevation, biodiversity, and socioeconomic factors that significantly influence fire susceptibility in this region. Using advanced techniques like geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and machine learning, researchers developed a forest fire vulnerability index that maps areas with high exposure and sensitivity but low adaptive capacity. These findings highlight urgent intervention points for policy-making, community engagement, and environmental management to mitigate the impacts of forest fires on this vital ecosystem.
Keoladeo National Park
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Shallow inland wetlands, such as Sambhar Lake and Keoladeo National Park, play a crucial role in carbon storage, serving as potential natural climate solutions. This study quantified soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in these Ramsar sites, revealing significant spatial and seasonal variability. SOC stocks were found to be 143 t C/ha at Sambhar Lake and 251 t C/ha at Keoladeo National Park during the post-monsoon season, with notable reductions during pre-monsoon periods. The research used ground-based observations and remote sensing data, analyzing factors like bulk density, pH, and vegetation indices through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study highlights the importance of these wetlands in mitigating climate change and contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, particularly SDG-13 on climate action.
Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands
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Research on the Bolshoy Solovetsky Island's lake-channel system reveals that 19 of its 48 lakes exhibit meromictic characteristics, with six confirmed through hydrological studies. The study assesses the stability of these meromictic lakes and the potential for chemocline destruction in autumn, as well as the likelihood of wind-induced thermocline destruction in dimictic lakes during summer. Findings indicate that in dimictic lakes, convective mixing driven by higher surface layer mineralization dominates water mixing in autumn, rather than wind-induced processes.
Henderson Island
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Effective remote island beach cleanups require careful planning, local engagement, and innovative technologies to balance benefits with potential harms. A study comparing Henderson Island in the South Pacific and Kruzof Island in Southeast Alaska identified key strategies for managing plastic pollution in isolated regions. Using a six-step cleanup framework, researchers evaluated approaches based on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and co-benefits. The findings highlight that while downstream cleanups are necessary, they must be executed with caution to avoid ecological disruption or unintended consequences. This research provides actionable insights for marine debris management in remote locations.
The Dolomites
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Alpine carabid beetle communities in the Brenta Dolomites exhibit heightened vulnerability to extinction at higher altitudes, particularly in limestone cliffs, screes, and alpine grasslands. This finding emerges from a study that mapped the Index of Natural Value (INV) across Natura 2000 habitats, revealing a positive correlation between vulnerability and altitude. The research used INV—a metric based on specialized species' frequencies—as a proxy for disturbance sensitivity. While alkaline fens hosted the least vulnerable communities, intermediate levels were observed in bush and forest habitats. This study underscores the critical conservation priority of high-altitude carabid beetle assemblages within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nyungwe National Park
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Women's participation in conservation activities around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, significantly enhances environmental outcomes. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.712, p < 0.05) was found between women's engagement in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and water management, and improved forest cover, reduced deforestation, and biodiversity. Despite challenges like resource scarcity and cultural barriers, women play a pivotal role in community-based conservation. The study, using mixed-methods including surveys (391 women) and interviews (5 local leaders), underscores the need for greater empowerment of women through education, resources, and policy involvement to sustain environmental benefits.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is driven primarily by wild boars, which cause significant agricultural damage, livestock losses, and infrastructure destruction. Spatial analysis identified conflict hotspots near forest and tea plantation boundaries, highlighting the impact of land use on HWC intensity. While farmers employ multiple mitigation strategies with varying effectiveness, the study emphasizes the need for region-specific solutions to foster sustainable coexistence between wildlife and local communities. The research combined field surveys, expert interviews, satellite imagery, and analytical techniques like the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to quantify economic and ecological costs.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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Local habitat heterogeneity does not significantly influence anuran species richness but plays a crucial role in supporting higher abundance and stability of frog populations in the Caatinga biome. Researchers recorded 16 anuran species across five families within Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, most of which are endemic or widespread taxa. The study highlights that while species diversity remains consistent, heterogeneous environments enhance population stability, offering key insights for conservation strategies. This research updates the park's anuran checklist and provides evidence for the importance of habitat diversity in maintaining healthy amphibian communities.
Nyungwe National Park
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Buffer zones around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, are largely ineffective in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs), particularly against crop raiding by primates. A study found that over 71% of respondents perceived these zones as inadequate, with land-use changes like agricultural expansion and settlements undermining their protective role. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining GIS analysis, household surveys, and key informant questionnaires to assess conflict patterns and buffer zone characteristics. Findings highlight the need for multi-layered buffer strategies, incorporating non-palatable agroforestry crops and deterrent plant species, alongside improved land-use planning and community engagement to foster sustainable human-wildlife coexistence.
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
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A strong connection between people's knowledge and their emotional bonds to place, termed 'epistemic bonding,' significantly influences perceptions of ecosystem governance. This study found that higher epistemic bonding correlates with long-term residency, family history in the area, and a more negative stance towards official nature protection in Finland. By analyzing survey data from 306 residents of the High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site, researchers demonstrated that epistemic bonding is closely tied to place dependence and identity. This concept highlights how diverse ways of knowing shape responses to environmental decision-making, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance that recognizes multiple forms of knowledge.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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Climate change is significantly destabilizing the Causses and Cévennes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in France. A study using multi-sourced remote sensing data from 1985 to 2020 revealed that this Mediterranean agro-pastoral landscape experienced warming and drying trends, leading to a decline in woodland coverage (from 76% to 66.5%), increased fragmentation, and shifts among land cover types like cropland, shrubland, and grasslands. Landscape stability showed marked spatiotemporal variations with an overall downward trend. Precipitation emerged as the dominant climatic factor influencing landscape stability, particularly through its interaction with temperature. These findings highlight vulnerabilities in Mediterranean heritage sites, offering critical insights for sustainable conservation strategies.
Trang An Landscape Complex
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A novel study quantifies the economic value of Vietnam's Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, revealing that cultural heritage contributes 49.31% to its total economic value (TEV), followed by natural heritage at 38.99%, and settlement heritage at 11.71%. The research employs an improved Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) with integral values ranking, addressing limitations of traditional models for more precise weight determination. Notably, archaeological value was found to be underestimated at just 1.05%, despite evidence of early human occupation dating back circa 20,000 years. The findings underscore the dominance of non-market values and provide actionable insights for policymakers, UNESCO, and local authorities to balance heritage preservation with economic resilience. This holistic framework offers a new approach to assessing the multifaceted contributions of heritage features in World Heritage Sites.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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Diving tourism systems, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), demonstrate resilience to complex changes such as the COVID-19 pandemic, urban development, and governance transformations. A study of Ponta do Ouro, Maputo National Park, Southern Mozambique, engaged 71 stakeholders from the diving industry, businesses, park authorities, and communities in 2022 and 2023. Stakeholders identified interconnected changes with both negative and positive effects, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement in planning resilience strategies. The research underscores that participatory approaches can mitigate conflicts and benefit small communities in LDCs, ensuring sustainable development for diving tourism systems.
Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands
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2025 —
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Research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals that nearly half of the 48 lakes analyzed exhibit meromictic conditions, with six confirmed through hydrological studies. These lakes maintain stable stratification due to chemoclines, which can be disrupted in autumn, leading to bottom water mixing. In contrast, dimictic lakes show resilience against wind-induced thermocline destruction during summer, with autumn mixing driven primarily by convective processes influenced by surface layer mineralization. The study combines morphometric data and hydrological assessments to evaluate lake stability and chemocline behavior, providing insights into the unique hydraulic dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic City of Vigan
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A critical evaluation of UNESCO's capacity-building initiatives reveals that while such programs aim to empower local communities as heritage custodians, their effectiveness may be limited by preexisting community capabilities and social dynamics. The study, conducted using an ethnographic approach in Vigan, Philippinesexamined how homeowners interacted with a co-developed manual designed to educate them on conservation techniques. Findings suggest that capacity-building efforts must account for varying levels of social capital and adapt to local contexts to fully meet the needs of communities. The research provides actionable insights for future program designs, emphasizing the need for flexibility in addressing the complexities of heritage management at World Heritage sites.
Elephanta Caves
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Raigad district, Maharashtra, India, holds significant potential as a tourist destination due to its natural beauty, historical forts, coastal landscapes, and cultural heritage. However, it faces substantial challenges that hinder sustained tourism growth, including poor internal road connectivity, underutilized rail and waterway options, uneven accommodation availability, sanitation deficits, safety concerns, and lack of coordinated marketing. A mixed-methods study involving structured questionnaires from 150 tourists, interviews with 20 stakeholders, and a review of secondary sources identified these constraints. Strategic recommendations for infrastructure upgrades, integrated transport planning, regulation and standardization of accommodation, community-based tourism initiatives, and targeted marketing are proposed to position Raigad as a sustainable tourism destination, balancing economic development with environmental protection and community welfare.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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A study assessing wheelchair accessibility in the UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah District reveals significant barriers to physical access, with route crossing signals and connectivity scoring lowest. Researchers developed a 14-indicator checklist and observation strategy to evaluate 14 walking routes, highlighting inconsistent compliance with accessibility standards. The findings underscore the need for improved regulations to enhance social sustainability and equal access in historic urban spaces. This practical method offers a cost-effective approach for other heritage sites worldwide to prioritize wheelchair inclusion.
South China Karst
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A significant portion (89.63%) of urban green spaces (UGS) in South China Karst exhibits low quality, with ecological services showing a distinct 'high in the east and low in the west' pattern, while landscape perception services vary nonlinearly. The study, using a multi-dimensional attribute index system and TOPSIS method, identifies that the indicator SC holds the highest weight (20.89%) among evaluated factors. Notably, there is a strong correlation between ecological benefit indicators, with GSA showing significant relationships with seven other metrics. This assessment provides critical insights for sustainable urban management in Karst regions globally.
Aksum
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Groundwater quality in the volcanic rock areas of Axum, Northern Ethiopia, is significantly compromised for drinking purposes, with 24% classified as excellent and only 44% as good according to the Water Quality Index (WQI). The study reveals that groundwater chemistry is primarily influenced by calcite, dolomite, gypsum, fluorite, and halite dissolution, along with ion exchange processes. Several critical parameters, including electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and trace metals, often exceed WHO permissible limits, indicating severe pollution threats. Hydrogeochemical evolution analysis identified dominant water facies such as Ca–Mg–Na–HCO3 and Mg–Ca–HCO3, with anthropogenic influences contributing to water chemistry degradation. The research underscores the urgent need for continuous monitoring and effective management strategies to safeguard drinking water quality in this region.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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Between 2000 and 2020, Al-Ahsa Oasis—a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia—experienced significant land cover changes (LCC), with vegetation declining by 324.35 hectares and desert shrinking by 1625.81 hectares, while bare ground and urban areas expanded by 1389.79 and 560.37 hectares, respectively. A binary logistic model (BLM) identified key sustainability factors influencing these changes: climate change, elderly farmers (>50 years), and small farm sizes increased LCC likelihood (odds ratio >1), while modern irrigation techniques, technology adoption, and labor availability mitigated it (odds ratio <1). Urban sprawl had a non-significant negative effect. The study recommends targeted interventions—such as promoting sustainable practices among elderly farmers, enhancing plant resilience, and scaling up farm sizes—to preserve Al-Ahsa’s agricultural heritage amid climate pressures.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
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A critical need for inclusive tourism policies emerges from this study, which highlights the diverse perceptions of residents in Osun State's host communities regarding tourism activities. The research, employing a mixed-methods approach with surveys and interviews involving 1,778 participants, reveals that while tourism brings socio-economic benefits, it also presents challenges that require resident feedback to address effectively. Key demographic insights include a majority of respondents being married (53%), holding tertiary qualifications (52.3%), and earning between 50,000 to 100,000 Naira monthly (61.3%). The findings underscore the importance of community engagement in tourism initiatives to maximize positive outcomes for both residents and visitors.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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Contamination by mining-related elements (Ni, Cr) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is widespread throughout New Caledonia's lagoon, extending from coastal areas to the barrier reef. A study analyzing 36 contaminants in ~400 coral reef fish revealed that fish body size was the strongest predictor of contaminant concentrations, followed by monthly rainfall for POPs and reef area for metallic compounds (MTEs). Mining activity significantly influenced contamination levels, particularly for Ni and Cr, while mercury (Hg) contamination showed strong dependence on biological variables. The research used boosted regression trees modeling to predict and map contaminant distribution at the community level, providing critical spatial data for policy-making.
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps
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A pilot project in Carinthia, southern Austria, has uncovered new evidence of prehistoric settlement dynamics along lake shores and wetlands, bridging gaps in the region's archaeological record. The study, conducted between 2021 and 2024, combined archival research, underwater surveys, sediment coring, and laboratory analyses to identify and document submerged archaeological structures dating from the 5th to 3rd millennia BC. Notably, the discovery of a pile-dwelling site on Kapuzinerinsel in Lake Wörthersee highlights the potential for targeted assessments to reveal previously unknown heritage. The research provides new radiocarbon dates and insights into human-environment interactions during the Neolithic and Copper Age, reinforcing Carinthia's significance as an inner-Alpine corridor linking Europe's archaeological landscapes. This interdisciplinary approach sets a foundation for future heritage protection and regional studies.
Nyungwe National Park
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Community-based conservation interventions significantly enhance biodiversity protection around Nyungwe National Park (NNP), Rwanda, by fostering positive behavioral changes and reducing illegal activities. A strong correlation coefficient of 0.942 indicates that these interventions effectively shape local attitudes toward conservation. Between 2021 and 2023, illegal activities spiked due to increased efforts to monitor them, but a marked decline occurred in 2024—likely attributed to community engagement. Notably, 56.3% of snares (3,848) were uprooted by community eco-rangers during joint patrols with park rangers. The study recommends scaling up community involvement, income-generating projects, and environmental education to sustain these gains. Conducted through questionnaires and Earth Ranger data analysis, the research highlights the critical role of local communities in combating biodiversity threats.
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
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A critical gap in the institutionalization of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) hinders watershed conservation efforts at Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), despite supportive national policies and stakeholder engagement. The study, which analyzed key informant interviews and secondary data, revealed that while enabling factors such as clear property rights for the Mandaya indigenous community and existing environmental laws exist, constraints like limited institutional capacity, inadequate water management data, and weak representation of local stakeholders in governance bodies pose significant challenges. The absence of a national PES framework further disrupts conservation initiatives due to government transitions. To overcome these barriers, the research recommends prioritizing capacity building, stakeholder engagement, sustainable funding, and aligning local actions with national policies. Active participation by MHRWS lead bodies in the ongoing Payment for Water Ecosystem Service (P-WES) institutionalization process could catalyze PES implementation, enhancing watershed management and ensuring a sustainable water supply.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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A study assessing sustainable tourism indicators in Gjirokastra, Albania, reveals heightened community awareness of the region's natural and cultural heritage but highlights significant gaps in planning and stakeholder involvement. The research, involving surveys with 112 local residents and 168 visitors, analyzed socio-economic, environmental, infrastructural, and institutional factors to evaluate tourism sustainability. While visitors positively rated socio-economic and environmental conditions, the findings underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to prioritize sustainable development without compromising biodiversity conservation or local quality of life.
Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)
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A study at the Sanctuary of Eukleia in Aigai (Vergina, Greece) demonstrates that UAS-LiDAR technology can achieve high planimetric and vertical accuracy in archaeological site mapping, with LiDAR-derived DSMs showing a planimetric accuracy of 1.4 cm in X and 0.9 cm in Y, and a vertical accuracy of 7.5 cm. While RGB-PPK products outperformed LiDAR in vertical precision (2.4 cm), UAS-LiDAR proved superior for mapping under dense vegetation, such as streambanks, due to its ability to penetrate canopies. The research involved acquiring RGB, multispectral images, and LiDAR data using a Hesai XT32M2X system mounted on a WingtraOne GEN II UAS, with accuracy assessed through field-measured checkpoints and RTK-GNSS calibration.
Papahānaumokuākea
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A red macroalgal species, Chondria tumulosa, has been identified as a nuisance in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), particularly at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll), where it overgrows native coral and algal communities. This study employed high-resolution satellite imagery from WorldView-2 and -3 to map its spatial distribution across the forereef and backreef over a 12-year period (2010–2021). By analyzing dark patches in time-series animations—first observed in 2015—and validating them against field survey data, researchers achieved an average accuracy of 78% in classifying C. tumulosa using machine learning. The findings highlight the potential of remote sensing for monitoring invasive species in remote marine environments, offering a tool for long-term management and conservation efforts.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2025 —
WHE4322B361BD
Mosquito species richness, diversity, and evenness peak at the forest edge of Tijuca National Park, suggesting that edge effects significantly influence mosquito distribution in Atlantic Forest remnants. This finding emerges from a study assessing 27 mosquito species across three environmental gradients—forest edge, 35 m inland, and 500 m inland—using CO₂-baited CDC light traps, Shannon traps, and human-protected attraction methods over 19 months. Statistical analysis revealed higher abundance and diversity at the forest edge compared to deeper interior points, challenging assumptions about uniform distribution in conserved areas. The study highlights the need for expanded sampling to fully capture ecological patterns, underscoring the park's role as a biodiversity hotspot and its importance for both conservation and public health monitoring.
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
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2025 —
WHE58FAD6B3F8
A multicriteria analysis reveals that while Romania's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, including the Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania, are highly exposed to natural and human-induced hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and floods, their vulnerability varies significantly. Some sites exhibit lower vulnerability despite susceptibility, highlighting the importance of intrinsic factors such as structure age, height, construction materials, and infrastructure effectiveness in mitigating risks. The study integrates geophysical data and GIS mapping to assess multi-hazard susceptibility across nine heritage categories, providing actionable insights for site managers and authorities to enhance monitoring, maintenance, and budget allocation for protection efforts.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2025 —
WHECFC5127DF6
Urban quiet areas, traditionally defined by noise thresholds, benefit significantly from natural elements such as soundscape, vegetation, and water bodies. This study reveals that integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning can enhance the perception of quietness in Istanbul's Historic Peninsula, offering a model for acoustic-quality green infrastructure. Researchers employed noise mapping, in situ sound recordings, and surveys to analyze relationships between sound environments and physical factors influencing quietness. Findings underscore the potential of NBS strategies to improve urban greening by prioritizing auditory perception in space planning.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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2025 —
WHE71B246662A
A pioneering research programme, 'An Atlas of Kraków’s Intangible Heritage,' aims to comprehensively document and safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of Kraków, Poland. The project identifies and studies phenomena such as legends, folk tales, rites, customs, and musical folklore that align with UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Through an interdisciplinary approach involving historians, ethnologists, and cultural anthropologists, the programme employs a robust research apparatus, including field observations, in-depth interviews (IDI), focus group interviews (FGI), and surveys. The initial phase focuses on former villages and jurydyki west of Kraków’s Old Town, incorporated in the 19th and 20th centuries. The project seeks to not only inventory these cultural phenomena but also interpret, present, and popularize them among the public, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
