Island of Gorée
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2019 —
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Gorée, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, serves as a poignant symbol of the transatlantic slave trade's impact on Senegal over three centuries. The island's dual narrative—marked by the oppressive quarters of enslaved people and the opulent villas of slave traders—draws global attention while preserving collective memories of slavery. This study reveals that popular cultural expressions, including festivals, artistic productions, and traditional Senegalese struggles, play a pivotal role in spatially and temporally mobilizing these painful memories within a tourist development framework. By analyzing these cultural tools, the research highlights their capacity to bridge Africa and its diaspora while also uncovering complex economic dimensions and stakeholder dynamics that shape Gorée's heritage landscape.
M'Zab Valley
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2019 —
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New ksour developments in the M’Zab Valley (1995–2016) reveal both continuity and transformation in Mozabite social solidarity, a cornerstone of their survival. Unlike traditional ksour, these modern extensions prioritize material comfort and lifestyle changes while relying on enduring institutions for financing, beneficiary selection, construction, and post-occupation management. A monographic study of six new ksour—combining architectural expertise with anthropological fieldwork (2014–2016)—highlights how evolving societal needs both sustain and challenge the adaptive resilience of Mozabite solidarity systems.
Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape
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2019 —
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Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria stand as enduring testimonies to the pre-Hispanic Amazigh civilization, blending material and immatériel heritage. This study reveals how these landscapes encapsulate centuries of cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and astronomical observations, offering a unique lens into the Amazigh worldview. Through interdisciplinary analysis—spanning archaeology, anthropology, and astroarchaeology—the research deciphers the symbolic significance of sacred sites like Risco Caído, where rituals, water management, and celestial alignments intersect. The findings underscore the landscape's role as a living cultural matrix, preserving traditions from oral histories to architectural forms. This work contributes critical insights for UNESCO’s heritage preservation efforts, emphasizing the need to protect both tangible structures and intangible knowledge systems.
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
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2019 —
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A significant architectural innovation emerged in the diocese of Carcassonne between the late 13th and early 14th centuries, characterized by the introduction of 'rayonnant' style elements, notably the use of tracery. This feature, first appearing in the cathedral of Carcassonne, originated from northern France and was later adopted in surrounding churches. Tracery, both structural and decorative, divided windows into intricate compartments for stained glass and sometimes adorned walls or portals. By analyzing the stylistic evolution of these elements across the region's religious buildings, researchers have uncovered valuable insights into the development of 'rayonnant' architecture in southern France.
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
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2019 —
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This study highlights the evolving approach to managing 'living' or 'continuing' cultural landscapes as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, emphasizing the shift from protection towards 'management of change.' It argues that such landscapes should be viewed through concepts like layeredness and path dependency rather than focusing solely on material authenticity. The research uses five case studies—Dresden, the rice terraces of the Cordilleras, the Beemster polder, the Altes Land near Hamburg, and the Dutch/Belgian Colonies of Benevolence—to illustrate these challenges. By involving landscape architects and adopting cautious yet quality-driven changes, the study proposes a framework for sustainable management of these landscapes.
Khangchendzonga National Park
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2019 —
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The World Heritage Convention (WHC) has proven to be a powerful mechanism for global conservation, effectively protecting sites of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) from threats like climate change and unplanned development. By leveraging the WHC's accountability, resources, prestige, and visibility, many iconic wilderness areas, including Khangchendzonga National Park, have been better preserved. This study highlights how the WHC contributes to biodiversity conservation and the preservation of cultural and natural assets, serving as a critical tool for large landscape conservation worldwide.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2019 —
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The Russian State Library (RSL) plays a pivotal role in shaping the modern book industry through its active participation in socio-cultural events, such as the annual 'Red Square' book festival. This study highlights how RSL leverages its vast collections and publishing capabilities to stimulate the book market, positioning itself as a key driver of socio-cultural value. By analyzing major RSL projects within the 2019 festival and aligning them with Russia's 'Culture' National Project (2019–2024), the research identifies emerging trends in publishing, distribution, and library modernization, including the development of municipal regional libraries and the National Electronic Library (NEL). The findings underscore the importance of multi-level communication in expanding library-information spaces and addressing industry challenges.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
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2019 —
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LiDAR technology offers a powerful tool for assessing the structural health of historical buildings, particularly in detecting anomalies such as out-of-plumb walls and signs of collapse. A recent study applied LiDAR data analysis to the Baths-Church at Hierapolis-Pamukkale, revealing high-accuracy models capable of identifying block layouts, cracks, and rotational mechanisms. These models facilitate both visual analysis and advanced computational assessments like Finite Elements (FE) and Discrete Elements (DE) analysis. The research demonstrates that LiDAR-derived orthophotos and mesh models can enhance conservation efforts by providing detailed geometric data without the need for on-site inspections.
Umm Al-Jimāl
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2019 —
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Ancient craftsmen at Umm el-Jimal, Jordan, used innovative techniques to create durable lime-based cement materials for construction during the Byzantine era. The study reveals that hydraulic properties were achieved by incorporating natural scoria and recycled pottery fragments into the mortar and plaster. Notably, charcoal addition in some samples resulted in grey coloring, while others maintained a white-beige hue due to straws, bones, and higher amounts of scoria and ceramic. These findings highlight the sophisticated understanding of material science among ancient builders, who likely produced lightweight, porous cement through strategic aggregate-binder ratios and fiber reinforcement.
Umm Al-Jimāl
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2019 —
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Ancient craftsmen at Umm el-Jimal, Jordan, employed a sophisticated technique for creating lime-based mortar and plaster with hydraulic properties by incorporating natural scoria and recycled pottery fragments. Archaeometric analysis of samples from House XVII-XVIII revealed that the addition of charcoal in some cases produced grey-colored materials, while others retained their characteristic white-beige hue due to straws, bones, and higher amounts of scoria and ceramic. The study suggests that the grain size distribution and binder-aggregate ratios remained consistent across these variations, indicating a deliberate approach to material composition. This research sheds light on advanced construction practices in Byzantine-era Jordan, demonstrating the ingenuity of ancient builders in producing lightweight, porous cement materials.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2019 —
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Archaeological excavations on the Aeolian Island of Lipari reveal that the Diana Culture's Neolithic settlement was a significant obsidian workshop, characterized by greater artifact variability compared to importing sites. This suggests a specialized role in prehistoric trade and production. The study analyzed obsidian from trenches XVII, XXI, and XXXVI using technological and typometric methods, alongside pXRF analyses to trace sources. Findings indicate that Lipari's strategic location facilitated the development of complex exchange networks during this period.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2019 —
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A comprehensive illustrated list of 47 species of dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) from the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche, Mexico, was compiled through intensive fieldwork during both dry and rainy seasons in 2014. This study represents a significant contribution to regional biodiversity records, with 35 species documented for the first time in Campeche. Species were collected using baited pitfall traps and direct sampling, providing valuable insights into their distribution and ecological roles within this UNESCO World Heritage Site's tropical forests.
Litomyšl Castle
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Litomyšl Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bohemia, exemplifies the transformative potential of architectural ambition and urban planning. Since 1989, the town has undergone significant development through a range of interventions—spanning new construction, reconstruction, urban space redesign, and street furniture—demonstrating how architecture can reshape a city's identity and political dimension. The study highlights Litomyšl as a case where small-scale projects and bold statements have collectively revitalized the urban fabric while adhering to heritage preservation principles. It also explores trends in contemporary Czech architecture, offering insights into the interplay between conservation, innovation, and public-private collaboration.
The Sundarbans
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2019 —
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A study on the Sundarbans mangrove forests, Bangladesh, reveals that these ecosystems efficiently store and cycle carbon and nitrogen. The research found that annual litterfall production averages 1005.9 ± 7.0 g m−2 yr−1, with leaves being the primary contributor. During decomposition, litterfall loses 20% of its mass in the first 60 days and 50% by the end of 196 days, with no significant difference observed across different positions or sites. The study also highlights that mangroves growing along oligohaline zones show higher nutrient concentrations, indicating their ecological significance. The research analyzed litterfall production, decomposition patterns, and nutrient accumulation using field experiments to understand the role of Sundarbans in carbon and nitrogen cycling.
Cologne Cathedral
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A notable discovery from medieval liturgical texts reveals that the Church, particularly during the Middle Ages, crafted specialized prayers and rituals for travelers, pilgrims, and seafarers. These included Mass forms such as 'Pro iter agentibus,' 'Pro peregrinantibus,' and 'Pro navigantibus,' alongside rites for blessing travel equipment and welcoming returning pilgrims. Intriguingly, while these texts were widespread across Europe—from England to Poland—they are absent in Cologne missals, despite the significance of Cologne Cathedral's relics of the Three Kings, revered as patrons of travelers. The study focuses on one such Mass form, 'De tribus magis pro iter agentibus,' which elaborates on the journey of the Three Kings from the East to Bethlehem, guided by a mystical star. The Church's prayers for pilgrims invoked protection, peace, and prosperity, often referencing Christ as their guide and an Angel of Peace as their companion. This research sheds light on the theological and liturgical practices surrounding medieval pilgrimage, particularly in relation to the veneration of saints.
Chitwan National Park
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2019 —
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A decade-long analysis of leopard livestock depredation around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, revealed that goats were disproportionately targeted (87.3% of cases), leading to significant economic losses and compensation payments totaling $24,621 over ten years. Despite a general decline in incidents from 2007–2016, no clear correlation was found between depredation and factors such as human or livestock population density, forest area, or environmental variables like rainfall or temperature. Depredation hotspots were identified through a conflict map, highlighting clustering in specific buffer zone areas. The study suggests that improved husbandry practices, livestock insurance schemes, and conservation education could mitigate conflicts and enhance public support for leopard conservation.
Minoan Palatial Centres
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2019 —
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A ceramic analysis of Eastern Crete during the advanced Late Bronze Age (1450–1200 BCE) reveals that Cretan society underwent significant transformations following the violent destructions of LM IB palatial centres, challenging assumptions about Mycenaean influence. The study suggests that while Greek-speaking elites may have taken control of Knossos and imposed centralized administration using Linear B script, Minoan cultural identity persisted in Eastern Crete, indicating a complex interplay rather than complete assimilation. This finding sheds new light on the post-collapse dynamics between Crete and the Mycenaean Mainland, emphasizing continuity and resistance in local traditions despite broader political shifts.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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2019 —
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A significant disconnect exists between the rhetoric surrounding World Heritage Sites (WHS) and their actual impact on local communities, as revealed by a study focusing on the Maasai community within Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area. While tourism offers limited economic benefits, the majority of residents perceive the WHS status as burdensome due to land access restrictions, livelihood threats, inadequate decision-making involvement, and unsatisfactory benefit-sharing mechanisms. These factors contribute to low appreciation for conservation efforts among the Maasai. The research highlights that meaningful community participation in both decision-making and benefit-sharing is crucial for the perceived success of WHS initiatives.
Chitwan National Park
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A small fraction of tiger and leopard individuals in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, account for the majority of human-wildlife conflicts despite overall coexistence. The study found that carnivores predominantly consume wild prey, with human attacks being accidental, and that buffer zone programs have significantly reduced wildlife impacts on local communities. Human tolerance towards these large carnivores can be enhanced through community involvement in conflict management, targeted interventions to mitigate damages, promotion of alternative income sources, and rapid compensation for losses. The research highlights the potential for sustainable coexistence by addressing both biological needs of carnivores and social factors influencing human tolerance.
Historic Centre of Naples
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2019 —
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A key insight from this study is that the use of local materials significantly enhances the quality and perception of urban space, reinforcing a sense of belonging to place. This finding underscores the importance of sustainable exploitation of local resources for the regeneration of urban areas, particularly in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Naples. The research, conducted by the Urban Planning Board and Land Management Laboratory as part of a larger project on the enhancement of Naples' historic centre, explores how 92 municipalities within the Metropolitan City can preserve their distinct cultural profiles while addressing shared administrative challenges. It employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating urban planning, architecture, and environmental sustainability to propose strategies for regenerating urban space that respect local identities and resources.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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Archaeologists have identified Boroma and Chizhou Hill as key sites that provide critical insights into the demise of Great Zimbabwe from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Local narratives, indigenous histories, and documented written sources reveal a complex process involving resettlement by migrants from the Mutapa State and regional dynamics. Boroma, described in Portuguese accounts as a 'fortress' linked to Great Zimbabwe, along with Chizhou Hill, offers a nuanced understanding of post-fifteenth-century developments that contributed to the decline of this iconic monument.
Venice and its Lagoon
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The lagoon of Venice has shown significant improvement in its ecological status since 2010, following decades of anthropogenic impacts. This recovery is marked by a notable reduction in nutrient concentrations both in the water column and surface sediments, alongside a shift towards higher ecological value macrophyte species while opportunistic ones like Ulvaceae are declining. The study leverages long-term datasets—nutrient data since 1948 and macroalgal maps since 1980—to analyze trophic changes and project future environmental trajectories. This research underscores the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts in transitional ecosystems, providing a model for managing similar sites under the European Water Framework Directive (WFD).
Taï National Park
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Chimpanzees in Taï National Park exhibit significant interannual variations in their diet, with fruit constituting 73.76% of the 503 food items from 363 plant species consumed by two habituated groups over four decades. This long-term study highlights the ecological flexibility and diversified food selection strategies of chimpanzees, revealing strong changes in food composition across years. The research, based on daily observations of four chimpanzee groups, provides critical insights into their socioecology and adaptability within the Taï Forest ecosystem.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2019 —
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Research reveals that the Ericaceous Belt in Ethiopia's Bale Mountains has exhibited long-term resilience to fire, with a positive feedback loop between Erica vegetation and wildfire operating since approximately 14,000 years ago. This finding challenges assumptions about the vulnerability of this tropical African montane ecosystem to human-induced disturbances like fire and grazing. The study employed pollen and charcoal analysis from Lake Garba Guracha (3950 m.a.s.l.) to reconstruct millennial-scale fire history, identifying periods of intense burning, particularly during the early Holocene (10.8-6.0 cal ka BP). The results suggest that controlled burning could be a viable strategy for landscape management in Bale Mountains National Park, promoting ecosystem resilience while mitigating negative impacts from modern human activities.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Vehicle collisions pose a growing threat to the endangered Hawaiian goose (Nēnē) in and around Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, with mortality rates increasing over nearly four decades despite stable per-capita risk. A 40-year dataset revealed that while absolute Nēnē deaths rose from 1977 to 2014, the rate remained consistent. Mortality peaked during breeding season (November–December) and was concentrated along just three road segments, with no significant variation by location or sex. Surprisingly, mortality showed no correlation with visitor numbers or traffic volume, nor did it depend on population density. These findings highlight the need for targeted mitigation strategies, particularly in high-risk areas and during critical life stages.
Archaeological Site of Mystras
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2019 —
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A significant spatial and temporal disparity exists in the distribution of Byzantine religious structures—including chapels, churches, hermitages, and monasteries—in Laconia, a region of the Peloponnese. This uneven development, analyzed through statistical methods and digital mapping using data from diverse sources and field surveys, highlights the dynamic evolution of the Late Byzantine built landscape beyond the confines of Mystras' city walls. The study reveals that religious architecture in this era was not uniformly distributed but instead reflected complex patterns of settlement, abandonment, and renewal across time and space.
Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
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2019 —
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Xochicalco's calendars, inscribed on the site's reliefs, offer a unique window into Mesoamerican calendar systems during the Epiclassic period (600–900 CE). By analyzing and reconstructing the sequence of days and years—comprising 52-year cycles known as 'siglos'—researchers have pieced together a previously fragmented understanding of pre-Hispanic calendrical practices. The uniformity of these inscriptions, derived from a single site over a defined period, bridges the gap between earlier (Classic) and later (Postclassic) calendar traditions, providing critical insights into how such systems evolved across Mesoamerica. Additionally, the eclectic artistic styles and graphic representations in Xochicalco's calendars reflect broader trans-regional influences, underscoring the site's role as a cultural nexus during this transitional era.
Maya Site of Copan
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Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán reveals how Maya elites strategically integrated a multi-ethnic population through cultural identity formation. By analyzing epigraphic, archaeological, and bioarchaeological data alongside settlement patterns, the study demonstrates that Copán's peripheral location relative to the Maya heartland allowed its ruling class to adopt and adapt high-status cultural elements from Tikal (5th century CE) as a unifying ideological tool. This approach sheds new light on how peripheral Maya states maintained political cohesion while distinguishing themselves culturally, offering insights into the dynamics of identity and power in Classic-period Mesoamerica.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2019 —
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Xochimilco faces significant social and ecological transformation driven by urbanization and environmental degradation. Research reveals that despite these challenges, the region exhibits resilience through adaptive governance and community-led initiatives. The study identifies key pathways of change, including shifts in land use, water management, and cultural practices, which have both negative and positive impacts on the site's sustainability. By analyzing historical data, interviews, and participatory mapping, the authors highlight the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific approaches to mitigate loss and foster sustainable development. This work provides critical insights for balancing conservation efforts with the needs of a growing urban population.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2019 —
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Climatological evidence from cave stalagmites reveals that the flourishing Classic Maya civilization, which thrived between AD 300 and the tenth century, was significantly impacted by a series of drought cycles. These environmental shifts, combined with social disorder and warfare, led to the collapse of southern Maya city-states such as Tikal, Uaxactún, Calakmul, Palenque, and Copán. The study also highlights how the Maya civilization evolved from its roots in the Olmec tradition along the Gulf of Mexico Coast and Yucatán, developing complex institutions like kingship and written glyphs by AD 300. Following the collapse, the political center shifted northward to the Yucatán Peninsula, where it persisted until the Spanish arrival in the fifteenth century.
Monastery of Alcobaça
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A monumental catalog of ecclesiastical libraries in Portugal, spanning from the medieval period to 1834, reveals the vast scope and diversity of religious book collections before institutional suppression. The work, 'Clavis Bibliothecarum,' compiles 901 library catalogs and inventories from approximately 400 religious institutions, along with 348 related documents, organized by order and geographical location. Notably, it includes early modern records such as Frei António de Araújo's 16th-century catalog of the Monastery of Alcobaça, which describes both its books and decorative elements. This comprehensive resource provides unprecedented insight into the history of book collecting, reading practices, and ecclesiastical cultural heritage in Portugal, supported by a digital companion platform hosted by the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal.
Los Alerces National Park
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Wild boar (Sus scrofa) preferentially select Lomatia hirsuta forest over other habitats, such as Nothofagus pumilio forest and Valdivian evergreen rainforest, in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina. This preference is consistent across both spring-summer and autumn-winter periods, with microhabitat selection favoring low slopes and high canopy cover, particularly on southeast-facing areas with intermediate ground cover. The study, one of the first to analyze wild boar habitat use at macro and micro scales in Patagonian protected areas, provides critical insights for managing this invasive species and understanding its ecological impact.
Pitons Management Area
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A study of Piton de la Fournaise volcano reveals that magma interactions and crystal mush formation during caldera collapse and lateral eruptions differ significantly from other mafic ocean island volcanoes. The research, using olivine crystal compositions and melt inclusions, shows that the 2007 eruption was driven by rapid magma crystallization at shallow depths without significant magma mixing. Geophysical data indicated that magma intrusion began approximately a month before the eruption, migrating from ~3 km below sea level to about 1 km above sea level. The chemical zoning of olivine crystals suggests lateral movement of crystal mush towards the surface within days to months. Post-caldera samples also showed significant hydrogen loss due to depressurization. These findings contrast with other volcanoes like Kilauea and Etna, where magma mixing is more common, and are attributed to variations in magma supply rates from depth.
Pitons Management Area
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A study of Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion, France) reveals that the 26 May 2016 eruption was fed by a single batch of magma quickly disconnected from its source. The research, combining InSAR and GNSS data with advanced modeling techniques, identified a 2,700-meter-long sill located 800 meters above sea level, connected to the eruptive fissure by a subvertical dike. The intrusion stalled for approximately five hours before final upward propagation and eruption, suggesting limited magma supply. Two potential mechanisms—magmatic gas pressure or eastward flank slip—may have triggered the eruption.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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Melaka, Malaysia, serves as a model for integrating climate adaptation and mitigation policies through multi-level governance, demonstrating how supportive sub-national policies can bridge gaps between national and local scales. This study highlights the city's role as a testing ground for climate mitigation projects, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while fostering dynamic horizontal and vertical interactions across administrative levels. A dual approach—combining top-down and bottom-up collaboration—emerges as a key strategy for effective governance, with potential applications for other Malaysian states and regions with similar ecological and economic contexts.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2019 —
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Neolithic Britain and Ireland's visual imagery, particularly on decorated portable artefacts, reveals that mark making was a central practice, not peripheral. This insight emerged from the Making a Mark project, which used advanced digital imaging techniques to analyze artefacts made of chalk, stone, bone, antler, and wood from southern England, East Anglia, the Irish Sea region, and Northeast Scotland and Orkney. The analysis uncovered widespread practices of erasure and reworking, challenging previous understandings of these enigmatic objects. The study also compared these practices with those found in passage tomb art, rock art, and pottery decoration, providing a comprehensive view of Neolithic visual culture across Britain and Ireland.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
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Borobudur Temple, one of Indonesia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the world's largest Buddhist temple, faces sustainability challenges due to rising tourist numbers. A shift towards a sustainable tourism paradigm, integrating spiritual and religious themes, is proposed as an effective solution. This approach not only aligns with Borobudur's Buddhist heritage but also shares responsibility among Buddhists globally. The study analyzed existing research using content analysis with an interpretive approach, emphasizing the need for a new management model that prioritizes sustainability while maintaining its cultural and spiritual significance.
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
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A groundbreaking high-resolution animation reveals the dynamic nature of post-glacial uplift and shore displacement in the High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage site, where land rises at rates exceeding 8 mm per year. The study employed a mathematical model to transform digital elevation models (DEMs) over ~9300 years, integrating LiDAR-derived DEMs from Finland and Sweden with bathymetric data of the Gulf of Bothnia. By leveraging geophysical uplift rate surfaces and ancient shoreline observations, researchers derived an exponential model that accurately describes the non-linear correlation between elapsed time and land uplift. The animation, rendered at 4K resolution with a five-year interval between frames, provides a visually intuitive representation of this decelerating phenomenon, highlighting regional differences in post-glacial history. While future improvements may include removing post-glacially developed features like rivers, the current model offers unprecedented continuity and clarity in visualizing shore displacement.
Shiretoko
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A high-density brown bear population on Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula shows relatively even male reproductive input, with 19 males siring 82 offspring from 54 litters over a decade. Paternity analysis using microsatellite DNA revealed that while some years favored certain individuals, breeding tenure typically lasted 1 to 6 years. Human-caused mortality in peripheral areas disrupted this balance, highlighting the impact of human activity even within protected zones. Male reproductive success peaked at ages 10–14, aligning with physical maturity. These insights advance understanding of solitary mammal breeding systems and inform conservation strategies for vulnerable populations.
Iguaçu National Park
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Iguaçu National Park, established in 1939 to protect the iconic Iguaçu Falls and a pristine subtropical forest, is revealed as one of the richest areas in mammal biodiversity within the Atlantic Forest. A comprehensive study, combining extensive camera-trapping (over 23,000 trap-days/nights), roadkill surveys, and bibliographic reviews, identified 84 mammal species, including three exotic ones, with an additional 18 potentially present. This makes Iguaçu a critical priority for mammal conservation, though isolation and illegal poaching pose significant threats to its wildlife. The research underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection measures and expanded scientific inquiry to safeguard this vital remnant of the Atlantic Forest.
City of Valletta
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This study reveals that sustainable conservation of historic fortifications can drive economic development, as demonstrated by four out of five fortified cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it also highlights a critical trade-off: while these management models succeed in preserving cultural heritage and boosting tourism, they fail to sustain local communities within the walls due to rapid population decline and loss of social services. The research employs comparative case studies—including Famagusta (Cyprus), Istanbul, Acre, Rhodes, Dubrovnik, and Valletta—to analyze governance structures, conservation practices, and socio-economic impacts. Quantitative data on tourism growth, population shifts, and service provision reveal the tension between economic and social development. The study proposes actionable insights for Famagusta, balancing heritage preservation with community revitalization through improved management frameworks.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) underwent significant management changes to address visitor pressure and infrastructural development. The new Management Plan, implemented after the previous one expired in 2017, introduced a refined zonation system to better conserve biodiversity and geodiversity while enhancing visitor experiences. This approach increased the Strict Conservation Zone by 13.9% but reduced the Active Management Zone due to succession and habitat degradation, particularly in grasslands. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) methodology was used to define six visitor experience classes, ensuring a balance between conservation needs and recreational opportunities. The study demonstrates how adaptive management strategies can protect fragile ecosystems while accommodating human activities.
Heard and McDonald Islands
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The Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Marine Reserve, one of the world's most remote marine protected areas (MPAs), has successfully balanced sustainable fisheries with biodiversity conservation. Despite its harsh conditions and isolation, the reserve has seen no illegal fishing since 2006/07, thanks to collaboration between managers and the fishing industry. Commercial fishers actively monitor the area, report infringements, and conduct annual ecological surveys, providing critical data for environmental tracking. This partnership, underpinned by secure fishing rights, demonstrates that remote MPAs can achieve conservation outcomes when governance integrates industry participation and robust monitoring. The study highlights the potential for similar models in other remote large MPAs, offering a blueprint for cost-effective conservation strategies.
City of Valletta
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A transformative approach to heritage management, exemplified by St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, demonstrates the power of vision and holistic planning in revitalizing a historically significant site. The cathedral, once in dilapidated condition, was restored to its rightful grandeur through synchronized capital works and daily management, ensuring its preservation for future generations. A key innovation, the 'pay or pray' system, leveraged entry fees to fund restoration efforts, blending tourism revenue with religious significance. This case study underscores the potential of integrated strategies in cultural heritage conservation.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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A new characterization of Mesozoic stratiform iron-manganese formations in the Central Sikhote-Alin and Nadanhada-Alin regions reveals distinct mineralization patterns. Primary Jurassic ores, found as interlayers within clay-siliceous sequences, consist of aggregates of manganese and iron oxide-group minerals like psilomelane-pyrolusite and goethite, alongside detrital quartz and accessory minerals such as sphalerite, galena, and cassiterite. In contrast, vein ores from the Glubinnoe region exhibit spessartine and rhodonite forming veins and breccia cements, with manganese oxides occurring as oxidation products of primary hydrothermal-silicate and carbonate minerals under hypergene conditions. Notably, stratiform ores contain cobalt, nickel, zinc, and lead, whereas vein ores lack these elements, which instead appear in sulfides and sulfoarsenides like Co-gersdorffite and Ni-cobaltite. This study provides the first detailed description of these formations, offering insights into their genesis and mineralogical diversity.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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Researchers have documented the first characterization of stratiform ferromanganese deposits and vein manganese ores within Mesozoic chert formations in Central Sikhote-Alin (Katen River, J3) and Nadanhada-Alin (Khuntseling settlement, J2–3), as well as a vein manganese deposit at Glubinny (central Sikhote-Alin). These deposits contain distinct mineral assemblages: stratiform ores feature Mn and Fe oxides (psilomelane–pyrolusite group) alongside eroded sialic rock products and accessory minerals, while vein ores exhibit spessartine, rhodonite, and supergene manganese oxide crusts. Notably, the latter lack Co, Ni, Zn, and Pb, which are present in sulfide and sulfoarsenide phases of stratiform ores. The study also identifies a range of additional minerals, including magnetite, barite, chalcopyrite, and intermetallic compounds, highlighting the complex mineralization processes in these regions.
Great Barrier Reef
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Researchers have identified two extreme mangrove lagoons on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) that support taxonomically diverse coral populations thriving under conditions of low pH (<7.6), low oxygen (<1 mg l-1), and highly variable temperatures (>7°C). These environments, which mimic predicted seawater conditions for the coming century, act as hot-spots of resilience for corals, challenging current understanding of their stress tolerance mechanisms. The study found that coral cover in these lagoons was typically low but patchy, with established colonies present. Physiological plasticity and flexibility in Symbiodiniaceae taxa associations were crucial in supporting coral survival. The research highlights the ecosystem service value of mangrove lagoons for corals, spanning from refuge to stress preconditioning, and underscores the need to study such extreme environments to better understand coral resilience.
Galápagos Islands
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2019 —
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Mangrove forests in the Galápagos Islands cover approximately 3,657 hectares, accounting for 35% of the coastline. A recent study revealed that 80% of this mangrove cover is concentrated on Isabela Island, with 90% located in the western and central south-eastern bioregions. The research utilized high-resolution Google Earth imagery to map mangroves, achieving a classification accuracy of 99.1% when validated against field data. On-screen digitization proved significantly more accurate than semi-automated methods, with Maximum Likelihood Classification yielding the best results among automated techniques. Between 2004 and 2014, mangrove coverage increased by 24%, primarily through the expansion of existing patches rather than the formation of new ones. The study also suggests that mangrove cover and growth may be inversely proportional to the geological age of the islands, though other factors such as nutrient availability, currents, and wave exposure could also influence this pattern.
Pyu Ancient Cities
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2019 —
WHE796704B8F0
Ancient metal Buddha statues from Bagan, Myanmar, reveal distinct manufacturing techniques and alloy compositions spanning different dynasties. Statues from the Pyu city state (2nd to 9th century) are primarily composed of Cu-Sn alloys with high tin content (16-25 wt%) but no lead, suggesting advanced metallurgical practices without heat treatment beyond casting. In contrast, statues from the Bagan dynasty (5th to 13th century) and Konbaung dynasty (18th century) incorporate ternary Cu-Sn-Pb alloys with heterogeneous distributions of lead and tin, indicating evolving techniques over time. A silver Buddha statue from the 18th century uniquely includes copper (>1 wt%) without additional metallic components. The study analyzed nine statues using archaeological methods to identify alloy compositions and manufacturing processes, providing insights into the technological sophistication and continuity of metalworking traditions in ancient Myanmar.
Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí
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2019 —
WHE68558E82FF
Digital preservation techniques, such as video mapping, have successfully restored and showcased medieval Romanesque paintings in the Catalan Pyrenees, revitalizing tourism in the Vall de Boí region. The study highlights how digital architectural design can enhance heritage experiences, particularly in lesser-visited destinations like this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A project called Taüll 1123, launched in 2013, demonstrated that technology-driven interventions can significantly boost local tourism while preserving cultural heritage. Using a qualitative approach, the research underscores the potential of digital tools to reinterpret and promote understudied historical sites.
