City of Quito
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2019 —
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Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods prove effective for identifying optimal locations for electric bike recharging stations, as demonstrated in Quito. The study applied similarity preference ranking and weighted overlay techniques, both yielding consistent results with a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The analytic hierarchy process determined criterion weights, while standardization established an overall performance index. This approach highlights MCDM's utility in urban planning, offering data-driven solutions for sustainable mobility infrastructure.
Lower Valley of the Awash
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2019 —
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A collaborative geological approach has significantly advanced the understanding of paleoanthropological sites in Ethiopia's Lower Valley of the Awash. This method integrates sedimentary, stratigraphic, and structural analyses to reconstruct the complex depositional history of these critical fossil-bearing regions. By focusing on key geological features such as unconformities and sedimentary structures, researchers have been able to refine chronological frameworks and environmental reconstructions, providing a more precise context for interpreting human evolutionary records. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in unraveling the intricate relationships between geological processes and paleoanthropological evidence.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2019 —
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Biyangdo volcano, located in the northwestern part of Jeju Island, Korea, provides a unique example of monogenetic volcanic activity that occurred during a period of lower sea levels. The study reveals that the volcano's geological structure, composed of spatter layers, pyroclastic deposits, and pāhoehoe lava flows, formed approximately 26,000 years ago in a terrestrial environment. This volcanic activity resulted in the creation of a spatter cone, which was later eroded by wave action, leaving behind iconic landforms such as 'elephant rocks' and sea stacks. The research utilizes absolute dating techniques to estimate the age of the lava flows and examines the volcanic processes that led to the formation of these distinctive features. Biyangdo's geological history is notable for its textbook example of monogenetic volcano formation and subsequent erosion, making it a significant site within Jeju Island's UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Susa
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2019 —
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A detailed geological map of the Susa Shear Zone (SSZ) in the Western Alps reveals its role as a first-order tectonic feature that drove the exhumation and juxtaposition of distinct oceanic and continental margin units. The SSZ, characterized by a block-in-matrix structure with mylonitic calcschists embedding various rock blocks, evolved through two major tectonic events: an initial phase featuring apparent reverse top-to-E shear planes, followed by extensional top-to-W structures. This study combines geological mapping and structural analysis to elucidate the overprinting relationships among shear planes, providing critical insights into the SSZ's complex tectonic evolution. The findings contribute significantly to understanding the dynamic processes shaping the inner sector of the Western Alps.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2019 —
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A comprehensive Historic Building Information Model (HBIM) of Mantua Cathedral's façade demonstrates that effective conservation planning requires deep, interdisciplinary knowledge. The study reveals that HBIM development cannot be automated; it demands thorough understanding of a building's geometric survey data, historical phases, material properties, and construction techniques to create a coherent model. This integrated approach enhances the effectiveness of planned conservation efforts by serving as an organized archive for all relevant data, ensuring long-term management of cultural heritage assets.
Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia
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2019 —
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A comprehensive geomorphological map of the Melka Kunture Palaeolithic site, Ethiopia, reveals significant water-related degradation processes and structural landforms in the Upper Awash Basin. This is the first detailed study to integrate high-resolution airborne and satellite data with extensive fieldwork, identifying and visualizing key geomorphological features. The research also highlights areas affected by intensive erosion and anthropic activities using multispectral satellite imagery. The resulting 1:15,000 scale map, available as an interactive WebGIS application (www.roceeh.net/ethiopia_geomorphological_map/), provides a valuable resource for understanding the landscape dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape
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2019 —
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Lake Hallstatt, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut, serves as a natural laboratory for studying subaquatic landslides. The study reveals that larger mass-transport deposits (MTDs) in the lake are likely triggered by earthquakes, with sediment cores documenting distinct event deposits linked to historically recorded floods and moderate seismic activity. High-resolution bathymetry, reflection seismic data, and sediment core analyses were used to characterize recent (<200 years) landslides, including rock falls, subaqueous slope failures, and shore collapses. The lake's high sedimentation rate (c. 0.5 cm per year) provides a detailed record of these events, suggesting deeper subsurface evidence of even larger mass-movement processes that warrant further investigation with longer cores.
Doñana National Park
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2019 —
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Research in Doñana National Park reveals advanced geopedological processes on its dunes, marked by the presence of dark-colored Arenosoles with clay and iron/manganese enrichments at 60 cm depth. These soils exhibit higher magnetic susceptibility, vermiculite biogenic clays, and incipient luvic and chromic properties, indicating intense pedogenesis—likely driven by Juniperus turbinata savin forest's phytostability. The study employed standard physicochemical and mineralogical characterization methods to analyze soil profile SOJ-2, uncovering patterns of sand washing that suggest differentiation between environmental conditions. This finding challenges the typical aeolian characteristics of Doñana's littoral sheet, offering insights into its complex pedological dynamics.
Vredefort Dome
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2019 —
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A geophysical study of the Daskop granophyre dyke (DGD) at the Vredefort impact structure reveals that it is currently at its lowest termination depth, either due to erosion or a fundamental process in impact cratering. Magnetic and resistivity surveys showed limited subsurface volume and shallow penetration (<3 m), suggesting the DGD's current position may not be an erosional coincidence but could reflect broader structural dynamics within large impact craters. This finding challenges assumptions about the emplacement history of granophyre dykes, which are remnants of impact melt sheets, and underscores the need for further investigation to determine if other similar dykes share this characteristic.
La Grand-Place, Brussels
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2019 —
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A geophysical survey of Brussels' Grand Place revealed subsurface features predating the 17th century, overcoming urban challenges like limited space and electromagnetic noise. Researchers combined Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) with capacitively coupled resistivity surveys using three offset arrays to probe depths of 1, 1.5, and 2 meters, compensating for the shallow penetration of GPR in clay-rich substrata. This method successfully identified buried structures, demonstrating an effective approach for urban archaeological prospection despite environmental constraints.
Historic Cairo
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2019 —
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Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest Jewish temple in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant seismic and environmental hazards due to its age and construction without seismic considerations. A study assessing its vulnerability found moderate earthquake activity in the region, posing risks to this historic structure. The research employed integrated geotechnical and geophysical investigation techniques to evaluate damage from recent earthquakes and provide technical recommendations for restoration and retrofitting. Findings highlight the urgent need for risk assessment and mitigation strategies to preserve such culturally significant heritage sites, contributing valuable insights for global preservation efforts.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2019 —
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Geotourism emerges as a viable alternative to mass tourism in the Vila de Trindade, located on the coast of Paraty's Serra da Bocaina National Park. The study highlights the area's geodiversity and cultural heritage, particularly the caiçara culture, while proposing sustainable activities that promote conservation and local community engagement. By analyzing the region's intrinsic, cultural, aesthetic, economic, functional, and scientific/educational values, researchers identified key strategies for geoconservation. Notably, initiatives like the Escola do Mar, which promotes caiçara culture, play a crucial role in achieving geotourism goals. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness of geopatrimony to mitigate the impacts of mass tourism on UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2019 —
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A new species of ibis, Geronticus thackerayi, has been identified from the Kromdraai fossil site in South Africa's Cradle of Humankind. This discovery, based on a well-preserved fossilized skull, provides insights into the avian fauna that coexisted with early hominins during the Pleistocene epoch. The species is distinguished by its unique cranial morphology, contributing to our understanding of ibis evolution and paleoecology in this significant World Heritage Site. The study employed comparative anatomical analysis and phylogenetic methods to characterize the fossil, revealing its distinct traits and evolutionary relationships within the Threskiornithidae family.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2019 —
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A study on Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park identified four key factors influencing tourists' perceived value of cave tourism services: perceived quality, behavioral price, price, and emotional response. Perceived quality emerged as the most significant factor, while emotional response had the least impact. The research used Petrick's (2002) model and analyzed data from 147 questionnaires through linear regression, offering insights for policy-making to enhance tourists' experiences in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2019 —
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Ulleung Island exhibits significantly higher geothermal potential compared to Jeju Island and inland South Korea, with average thermal conductivity of 1.69 W/mK (Ulleung) versus 1.76 W/mK (Jeju), and geothermal gradients of 86.55 °C/km (Ulleung) versus 24.65 °C/km (Jeju). This study, published in the <em>Journal of Coastal Research</em>, analyzed geothermal reserves using GIS to compare coastal volcanic islands—Jeju and Ulleung—in South Korea. The research revealed that Ulleung Island's higher heat flow (127.06 mW/m²) and heat production rate (3.75 µW/m³) stem from distinct geological origins, unlike Jeju Island's lower values (40.13 mW/m², 0.76 µW/m³). The findings highlight Ulleung as a promising site for geothermal energy development to support South Korea's climate goals, while Jeju's potential is constrained by its volcanic formation.
Western Ghats
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2019 —
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Approximately 59% of the studied river basin in the Southern Western Ghats, India, is identified as having moderate groundwater potential, with high and low potential zones covering 11% and 29%, respectively. The study employed a combination of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) techniques to delineate these zones using 12 thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, rainfall, soil, and topography. This approach, validated with local groundwater data, achieved an overall accuracy of around 85%. The findings highlight the effectiveness of GIS-based methods in rapidly assessing groundwater potential, offering crucial insights for sustainable water resource management in tropical river basins.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2019 —
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A novel GIS-based information system offers a systemic approach to analyzing and enhancing the Sele river basin within Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, revealing how fluvial territorial systems can drive sustainable local development. By integrating multi-scale georeferenced maps, photographic documentation, and contextual data, the study demonstrates that geographic differences in water culture and territory fluidity are key to informing tailored development policies. This innovative tool provides detailed, systemic reports that capitalize on research findings, enabling a holistic evaluation of territorial excellence and supporting virtuous value creation processes.
Blue and John Crow Mountains
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2019 —
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Conservation efforts in Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains demonstrate the successful integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with formal science, contrasting sharply with contestation observed in the Cockpit Country. The study highlights that differences in engagement between formally trained scientists and local TEK holders significantly influence conservation outcomes. Managers in the Blue and John Crow Mountains were more receptive to incorporating local cultural understandings into governance, suggesting that collaborative approaches can bridge global environmental norms and local practices. This research underscores the potential for scientists and policymakers to leverage informally generated knowledge, particularly in developing countries where protected area management often faces complex socio-cultural dynamics.
Göbekli Tepe
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2019 —
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Göbekli Tepe experienced significantly different environmental conditions during its occupation compared to today. Research indicates that the site was surrounded by denser vegetation and widespread sediment cover, contrasting with the current arid landscape. The study employed literature review, remote sensing data, terrain modeling, and field-based geomorphological mapping to analyze Late Quaternary geomorphodynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean region. These findings suggest that humans at Göbekli Tepe may have perceived a lush, sediment-rich environment, which could inform narratives about their landscape creation motives. The research also proposes hypotheses for future studies on environmental changes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene.
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
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2019 —
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Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, located between the southeastern foothills of the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea, holds significant historical insights. Research reveals that rock engravings and carpet figures in Gobustan suggest Azerbaijan as a potential cradle of civilization, indicating it was one of the earliest prehistoric human settlements. These findings propose a new approach to understanding human history through mythology, philosophy, and antiquity, highlighting the interconnectedness of rock arts across seventeen countries. The study also identifies priorities for developing ethnic festivals in Gobustan to attract tourism and promote cultural heritage. By analyzing calendars, toponyms, and material sources, the research offers novel arguments about historical ties among global nations.
Amiens Cathedral
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2019 —
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Amiens Cathedral's construction, along with other medieval cathedrals, was significantly funded by commoners' contributions, often surpassing those of nobility and royalty. This challenges the conventional narrative that delays in cathedral building were solely due to wars and natural disasters. The study examines financial flows, patronage dynamics, and historical records from wills and documents, revealing that commoners played a pivotal role in sustaining these monumental projects. Case studies of cathedrals like York, Toulouse, Poitiers, and Lyon illustrate how political disputes, conquests, and social hierarchies further influenced construction timelines.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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2019 —
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Göreme Open Air Museum, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, stands out for its unique blend of natural and cultural significance. This region, active from the 4th to the 13th century, served as a hub for monastic life, with rock formations carved into monasteries, churches, chapels, dining halls, kitchens, and living spaces. The museum's churches are notable for their use of two distinct painting techniques: correction-based methods and secco (tempera) or fresco techniques on rock surfaces, often depicting biblical themes and the life of Jesus. Founded by St. Basil, an influential figure in early Christianity, the site also played a pivotal role in the development of monastic education systems, later influencing other regions like Soğanlı, Ihlara, and Açıksaray. The museum's architectural and artistic features reflect both natural erosion processes and human ingenuity in adapting these rock formations for religious and communal purposes.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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2019 —
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A study of Varadero coral reef in Cartagena, Colombia, reveals that the gorgonian octocoral community exhibits lower species richness and abundance compared to other Caribbean regions. This is attributed to the unique ecological characteristics of the area, including sedimentation processes and the influence of dredging activities for a large vessel access channel, which pose significant risks to this fragile ecosystem. Researchers analyzed seven sites within the mixed coral reef zone, typically found at depths between 6 and 10 meters, highlighting the vulnerability of these sessile benthic communities to environmental pressures.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2019 —
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State policies in Calakmul, Mexico, inadvertently undermine smallholder agricultural sustainability by incentivizing and imposing intensification through subsidies and regulations. Research combining household surveys and key-informant interviews reveals that while such policies aim to balance conservation and livelihood goals, they lead to increased reliance on external inputs and prolonged cultivation periods between fallows—threatening the resilience of traditional agroecosystems. This finding highlights the unintended consequences of state-driven intensification in forest frontiers, where limited livelihood alternatives exacerbate the risks.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2019 —
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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) emerges as a highly effective non-destructive testing (NDT) tool for assessing the structural integrity and seismic vulnerability of Florence's UNESCO-listed monumental buildings. This study demonstrates that GPR, combined with micro-drill hole inspections and sonic/ultrasonic tests, can accurately define masonry structures and consistency without historical documentation, addressing critical gaps in conservation efforts. Key findings highlight GPR's performance in evaluating the static and dynamic behavior of iconic sites like Palazzo Vecchio, Brunelleschi's Cupola, Giotto's Bell-Tower, and San Giovanni Baptistery, while emphasizing the need for age-specific masonry knowledge to interpret data correctly. The research underscores GPR's potential as a cornerstone for seismic vulnerability assessments in cultural heritage conservation, aligning with Italy's 2011 guidelines on integrity and authenticity.
City of Valletta
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2019 —
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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) investigations at St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, revealed discrepancies between the current mosaic floor inscriptions and the original burial sites beneath them. Historical records suggested that not all visible grave markers corresponded to genuine sepultures, a hypothesis supported by GPR data. The study mapped buried tombs under the main nave and lateral chapels, providing new insights into the cathedral's complex history. By employing high-resolution GPR scans, researchers identified anomalies in subsurface structures, offering a non-invasive method to study this UNESCO World Heritage Site without disturbing its architectural integrity.
Vredefort Dome
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2019 —
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Researchers have discovered 'former reidite in granular neoblastic' (FRIGN) zircon within granite clasts trapped in the Vredefort granophyre dikes, South Africa. This finding provides the highest-pressure shock estimates (≥30 GPa) yet recorded in the Vredefort structure and supports the deep injection model for impact melt in large craters. The study suggests that these clasts were captured near the top of the impact melt sheet during a 2.02-billion-year-old meteorite impact, then transported downward through fractures, traveling approximately 8–10 km to the lowest stratigraphic levels of the structure. By analyzing shocked minerals within supracrustal xenoliths, the researchers constrained the emplacement history and conditions affecting target rocks near the impacted surface, offering new insights into the dynamics of large impact structures.
Gros Morne National Park
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2019 —
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Gros Morne National Park, despite being labeled as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, is far from 'storyless.' A critique by Vannini and Vannini (2019) challenges the implication that such labels erase human narratives. The park's rich history, spanning indigenous artifacts and over two centuries of settler life, contradicts this notion. Berger argues that UNESCO's designation does not render these stories irrelevant; instead, they remain integral to the park's identity. The study relies on existing publications and oral histories, demonstrating the enduring significance of human experiences in shaping Gros Morne's cultural landscape.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2019 —
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Groundwater ecosystems in the Wet Tropics of Queensland play a crucial role in moderating agricultural contaminants that flow into marine zones, including the Great Barrier Reef. This study reveals strong connectivity between agricultural soil ecosystems and underlying groundwater aquifers, with spatial variability in groundwater chemistry attributed to the heterogeneous nature of the aquifer alluvium. Researchers monitored seasonal changes in groundwater chemistry and identified microorganisms inhabiting these systems, shedding light on their potential role in contaminant mitigation. The findings highlight the importance of understanding groundwater microbiology in agricultural catchments for broader environmental management strategies.
Historic Cairo
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2019 —
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Historic Cairo faces significant threats from rising groundwater levels, which endanger the stability and conservation of its historic buildings. This phenomenon stems from the 19th-century filling of open water resources like birkat al-Azbakkiyya and al-Khalij al-Masri canal, leading to substantial changes in the city's built fabric and environmental conditions. The study assesses the impact of groundwater on selected monuments and proposes retrofitting solutions that focus on controlling rising dampness, collecting groundwater, and reintegrating water features into public spaces. These approaches aim to enhance the climatic conditions of the historical city while regenerating its urban fabric and interpreting its outstanding values. The research adopts a qualitative approach, drawing from international examples to suggest suitable models for Historic Cairo.
City of Quito
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2019 —
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Urban agriculture (UA) in Quito, Ecuador, can significantly enhance food access and equality for marginalized groups when analyzed through an intersectional feminist lens. This study demonstrates that integrating gendered experiences into UA programming can promote transformative change, improving nutritious food access, social inclusion, and urban environments. It highlights the need to link place-based case studies across diverse political contexts to inform policy and development strategies effectively. The research employs feminist political ecology to explore how intersections of social location—such as gender, class, and race—influence UA participation and outcomes. By centering these perspectives, the study offers a framework for more equitable and inclusive urban agricultural initiatives.
Aqaba Marine Reserve
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2019 —
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A study of the brown marine alga <em>Padina pavonica</em> in the Aqaba Marine Reserve, Red Sea, reveals that July is the optimal month for harvesting due to peak levels of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and other nutrients. This phase corresponds with the algae's vegetative growth, marking it as a promising resource for food and industrial applications. Conversely, January shows heightened stress responses, indicated by increased antioxidant enzyme activity and proline accumulation. The research highlights the potential of <em>P. pavonica</em> under the pristine conditions of the Gulf of Aqaba, emphasizing the need for sustainable harvesting methods to maximize its benefits.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2019 —
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The Pergamon Museum on Berlin's Museum Island, constructed between 1910 and 1936, faces significant foundation challenges after a century of use. A deep geologic sinkhole beneath its foundations, extending to approximately -12 meters NHN, necessitated extensive foundation reinforcement and new construction techniques. Traditional shallow foundations and water management systems proved insufficient to reach the stable bedrock at ~45 meters depth. The study highlights the critical role of real-time monitoring of vibrations and settlements during the South Wing's ongoing renovation, ensuring minimal impact on the museum's structural integrity while maintaining its operational functionality. This case underscores the complexities of preserving historical structures in sensitive geological conditions.
Aksum
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2019 —
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Aksum's mysterious queen Gudit, long debated in historical accounts, is now confirmed as an empress who led a campaign against Christianity and ended the Aksumite dynasty. Modern scholarship has re-examined her life, religion, and significance, integrating legends with historical events to offer new interpretations. This study synthesizes Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian sources, challenging traditional narratives while providing a nuanced understanding of Gudit's role in Aksum's history.
Susa
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2019 —
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A study on the orthopteran species <em>Saga pedo</em> in the Susa Valley, Italy, reveals that its habitat preferences extend beyond xerothermic oases to include xeric agricultural environments, particularly abandoned vineyards. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the species' ecological niche and highlight the importance of open, non-forested areas for its survival. The research, based on field observations from 2016–2018 and biometric comparisons between two survey areas, also suggests potential differences in morphology that warrant further investigation. Additionally, the study notes a correlation between adult presence and high prey densities, offering insights into the species' ethology. These results contribute to the understanding of <em>S. pedo</em>, a protected species threatened by the encroachment of shrub and tree vegetation.
Taï National Park
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2019 —
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Research reveals critical insights into the habitat preferences and movement patterns of the endangered pygmy hippopotamus (<em>Choeropsis liberiensis</em>) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. The study identifies key micro-habitat features that support this cryptic species and documents its daily activity patterns, contributing vital data for conservation efforts. Using camera-trap images and direct observations of hippo signs, the research maps the species' home range and locomotion behavior in one of its last strongholds. Findings highlight the importance of intact forest habitats for pygmy hippopotamus survival, with implications for mitigating threats like habitat fragmentation and hunting. This work advances ecological knowledge to inform evidence-based conservation strategies.
The Sundarbans
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2019 —
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Researchers discovered that Halomonas rhizobacteria from the Sundarbans' Avicennia marina mangroves significantly promote rice growth under combined saline and arsenic stress conditions. The key mechanism involves the bacteria's production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), which enhances osmotic tolerance and sequesters arsenic, thereby mitigating toxicity. The study demonstrated a positive feedback loop where salt and arsenic stresses trigger EPS production, which in turn improves plant resilience. Through in vivo and in vitro assays, purified EPS was shown to effectively bind salt and arsenic, with characterization via FT-IR and SEM-EDX confirming its substrate-binding properties. Pot experiments further validated that both the bacteria and pure EPS individually enhance rice growth, underscoring EPS's direct role in stress mitigation and plant promotion.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2019 —
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The Hani Rice Terraces of Honghe, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, represent a unique cultural landscape where traditional rice farming, spiritual values, and governance have sustained a breathtaking terrain for over a thousand years. This study highlights the terraces' intricate spatial structure—integrating forests, water systems, and villages—and identifies the physical factors that preserve this harmony between nature and human activity. The research emphasizes the indispensable role of Hani culture in maintaining the landscape, while also addressing challenges posed by modern tourism and development. By analyzing traditional practices and their ecological impact, the study offers insights into preserving such landscapes amid contemporary pressures.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2019 —
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A transboundary network of six protected areas spanning Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and Tajikistan has been established to advance conservation and sustainable development along the Silk Road. The Bam-e-Dunya Network, formed through a regional workshop in Lanzhou, China (2018), aims to strengthen ecosystem management and biodiversity protection across the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Pamir Landscape (HKPL). This initiative, led by ICIMOD and Lanzhou University with input from global experts, seeks long-term collaboration among park officials and international partners. The network focuses on integrating conservation efforts while addressing development challenges in one of the world's most ecologically significant regions.
West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord
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2019 —
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Norwegian ship technology company Havyard Group has secured government funding to pioneer the development of a zero-emissions ROPAX vessel for the West Norwegian Fjords World Heritage site. The project, FreeCO2ast, aims to integrate hydrogen fuel cells with batteries to power coastal vessels, aligning with Norway's push towards sustainable maritime transport. This initiative represents a significant step toward reducing emissions in protected marine areas while advancing the country's regular coastal route network. The vessel will operate within the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen-powered transportation in ecologically sensitive regions.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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A novel HBIM (Historical Building Information Modeling) methodology has been developed to streamline the documentation, management, and planned conservation of historic buildings, particularly focusing on non-geometric information. This approach addresses key limitations of traditional HBIM by simplifying 3D modeling requirements and providing a flexible, user-friendly system for storing, organizing, and sharing historical data. The system integrates a standalone database with BIM software, accessible via both a desktop application and a web interface, ensuring adaptability to diverse assets and ease of use for both skilled and unskilled users. Case studies involving the Cathedral of Parma and Ducal Palace of Mantua demonstrate the system's effectiveness in supporting conservation efforts.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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The Bauhaus Dessau, designed by Gropius et al. in 1925, exemplifies how architectural innovation historically aligned with fossil-fuel economies, particularly coal. This study reveals that the building's design was shaped by the energy policies of its time, raising critical questions about its sustainability in a post-carbon future. By analyzing the intersection of architecture and energy policy, the research underscores the challenges of transitioning iconic structures away from fossil-fuel dependence while preserving their historical significance. The approach combines architectural history with energy policy analysis to contextualize the Bauhaus's legacy within broader energy transitions.
Byblos
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2019 —
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A two-year study at Bentael natural reserve, Byblos-Lebanon, revealed that road construction adjacent to the site led to significant heavy metal pollution, particularly affecting the geophyte species <em>Urginea maritima</em>. The research found that lead levels in plant leaves increased over time, while chromium uptake decreased post-road inauguration. Aluminium and cadmium showed initial spikes following construction but later declined. Photosynthetic activity was adversely impacted, with chlorophyll levels initially declining before rebounding, whereas pheophytin concentrations surged near the road. These findings highlight the risks of landscape activities on natural reserves, demonstrating that <em>U. maritima</em> serves as a sensitive biomonitor for airborne pollution.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2019 —
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Hebron's Old Town exemplifies the complex interplay of ethno-territorial, political, and religious dynamics central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The city's unique status as a shared holy site for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity—particularly as Abraham's burial place—crystallizes these tensions, notably in the H2 area under Israeli control. This study reveals how Hebron's urban space is segmented by a multidimensional system of separation, both materially and administratively, reflecting a struggle for legitimacy rooted in religious claims and political interests. The research analyzes the politics of control, marked by strategies ranging from military power to heritage narratives, highlighting the intricate configuration of holy cities that blend communal meaning with formal division.
Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana
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2019 —
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A new species of Helichrysum, H. massanellanum, has been identified within the Serra de Tramuntana UNESCO World Heritage Site on Mallorca, Spain. This discovery was made through a detailed morphological analysis that distinguished it from its previously classified subspecies, H. italicum subsp. microphyllum. The new species is characterized by unique traits such as the absence of axillary buds, shorter and less densely indumented basal leaves, and larger, fewer inflorescences. These findings were based on field observations and herbarium studies, revealing that populations previously considered part of H. italicum subsp. microphyllum are distinct enough to warrant recognition as a separate species. This study contributes to the understanding of Helichrysum biodiversity in Mediterranean regions and highlights the importance of precise taxonomic identification for conservation efforts.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2019 —
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Hebron's heritage is not just a 'ghost' or 'divided' city but a 'captured city,' systematically rewritten to legitimize Israeli colonial settlement and erase non-biblical/Jewish narratives. The study reveals how heritage necropolitics—violent targeting and rewriting of history—serves as a tool for social killing, fragmenting Palestinian territories and identities while inducing a Zionist version of Hebron's past. This approach challenges conventional labels by exposing the agency of heritage in reshaping urban geography and sociopolitical dynamics.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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2019 —
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Heritage tourism, pivotal to economic vitality and sustainability, is increasingly vulnerable to disasters, particularly in Japan and Nepal. This study highlights how Japan's cultural resilience and technological advancements have enabled it to mitigate large-scale disasters effectively, offering valuable lessons for heritage management in Nepal. By examining Shikoku and Lumbini—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the research underscores the importance of preserving tangible and intangible heritage while addressing contemporary challenges. The findings suggest that Japan's approach could serve as a model for Nepal to develop and sustain its tourism sector, ensuring long-term preservation and resilience.
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
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A heritage tourism trail developed in Kampung Luat, Lenggong Valley, Perak, demonstrated significant potential to enhance the site's appeal as a UNESCO World Heritage destination. The study, involving USM researchers and local communities, proposed a four-hour trail with seven stops, engaging 20-30 residents in its design. Testing with 20 respondents revealed high visitor satisfaction, particularly for rural activities, while also identifying key challenges such as community readiness, facility shortages, and communication gaps. These findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts by federal and state governments, alongside stakeholder involvement, to refine the trail and bolster Lenggong Valley's competitiveness in heritage tourism.
The English Lake District
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2019 —
WHE2FB437A0A2
A critical examination of heritage participation reveals that narratives centered on endangerment may not be the most effective motivators for public engagement. The study, focusing on a fell shepherd's practices in the English Lake District, demonstrates that alternative motivations drive meaningful contributions to cultural heritage beyond traditional endangerment appeals. This challenges conventional approaches and suggests that resilient heritage futures can emerge by moving away from endangerment-driven participation models.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2019 —
WHEED3C14E785
Despite the Bauhaus school's progressive ethos, women were systematically marginalized within its influential architecture and design programs. Josenia Hervás Heras' doctoral research reveals that while women could enroll, they were often steered toward 'feminine' disciplines like textiles and pottery rather than physically demanding fields such as metalwork or carpintería, despite the school's stated commitment to creativity without gender restrictions. The study analyzes archival records from Weimar, Dessau, and Berlin to highlight the experiences of three pioneering female architects—Fred Dicker, Wara Meyer-Welderck, and Anne Marie Wilke—challenging the narrative that Bauhaus was a truly egalitarian institution. Key findings underscore how institutional biases persisted even in avant-garde spaces, limiting women's professional trajectories despite their artistic merit.
