Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
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2019 —
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Official marketing practices significantly hinder millet production in the Dogon region of Mali, contributing to post-harvest losses of 20-40%. A buffer-stock scheme supporting a parallel market could more effectively stimulate production and stabilize prices than the current system. The study highlights traditional and 'invisible' technological solutions employed by the Dogons to mitigate these losses, offering insights into sustainable agricultural practices in the Sahelian zone.
Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
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2019 —
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Post-genocide Rwanda, survivors' engagement with memorial sites reveals complex temporal practices that challenge linear narratives of time. Care-taking rituals and imaginative processes create a symbolic time-reversal, while the materiality of memorials preserves the past in the present. Annual commemoration ceremonies construct multiple temporal logics, including homogenization and cyclical trauma-time, countering simplistic 'before and after' transitional justice frameworks. The study, based on extensive fieldwork and participatory observation, demonstrates that survivors actively reshape their relationship with time through mnemonic practices, offering a nuanced understanding of post-traumatic temporality.
Archaeological Site of Mystras
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2019 —
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A comparative analysis of Late Byzantine architectural trends reveals distinct patterns in monastic centers, second cities, and newly established urban sites. While Mount Athos and Thessalonike experienced monastic-driven construction with aristocratic patronage mirroring Constantinople's complexities, Mystras emerged as a defensively oriented city shaped by steep topography, lacking orthogonal planning yet maintaining strong architectural ties to the imperial capital. The study highlights how regional variations in patronage—monastic in Thessalonike versus aristocratic in Mystras—reflect broader socio-political dynamics of the period.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified two new vagrant bird species for the Brazilian avifauna, including the first South American record of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), a Palearctic migrant. The study, focusing on Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves in Brazil, highlights the archipelago's significance as a hotspot for transatlantic vagrants, primarily from the Palearctic and African regions. By compiling records of approximately 50 Palearctic species documented from mid-Atlantic islands, the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago, or other South American countries, the study predicts potential future vagrant species to Brazil, particularly with improved ornithological coverage in these areas.
Iguaçu National Park
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Researchers have identified three new species of brachypterous katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, alongside a previously recorded species. The study highlights distinctive morphological traits such as male genitalia, stridulatory files, cerci, and subgenital plates for all four species. Notably, one of the new species, Xenicola xukrixi, exhibits an unusually high carrier frequency in its calling song, peaking above 70 kHz. This discovery enriches the biodiversity documentation of the region and provides insights into the bioacoustics of these insects.
Ujung Kulon National Park
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2019 —
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A mathematical model reveals that the Javan rhino population at Ujung Kulon National Park is stagnating around 50 individuals due to competition with Javan bulls and an Allee effect, which impairs mating success. The study demonstrates that despite sufficient habitat, inbreeding and solitary behavior limit population growth. Bifurcation analysis identifies critical thresholds where small population declines trigger irreversible collapse. Simulations suggest targeted conservation strategies—such as reducing bull density or enhancing social interactions—could reverse the trend.
Mistaken Point
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2019 —
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Research reveals that the quilted 'Bama Sokkets' footwear, introduced at Mistaken Point UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect its ancient fossils from erosion caused by visitor traffic, perform poorly under wet conditions in repelling sediment. This undermines their effectiveness as a geoconservation tool. The study, which builds on materials science findings about footwear-induced rock surface erosion, demonstrates that hydrophobic footwear would be more suitable for preserving geoheritage sites. These insights have already influenced policy at Mistaken Point, marking a significant shift in how such vulnerable sites are managed.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
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A novel method for planning brick structures in the Sambor Prei Kuk Monuments, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been revealed. This study builds on recent advancements in understanding the dimensional planning of Khmer temple complexes, particularly focusing on the Prasat Sambor monuments from the Pre-Angkor and Angkor periods. The research sheds light on the architectural techniques used in these significant historical sites, which were previously understudied despite their registration as a World Heritage Site in 2015 for their historical importance. By analyzing the planning methods of brick structures, this study contributes to the ongoing restoration efforts and deepens our understanding of ancient Khmer urban planning.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2019 —
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A taxonomic reassessment of <em>Isopterygium ambiguum</em>, a moss species endemic to Gough Island, reveals it is conspecific with <em>I. tenerifolium</em>, expanding the known distribution of the latter across the South Atlantic. This finding corrects its taxonomic status and identifies Gough Island as the southernmost occurrence of <em>I. tenerifolium</em>. The study also documents additional collections from Tristan da Cunha and Nightingale Island, contributing to a broader understanding of moss biodiversity in this remote region. Morphological details were illustrated, and distribution patterns were mapped, providing insights into the biogeography of South Atlantic mosses.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2019 —
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Tourists visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) spontaneously convey its peace messages online under specific conditions, acting as 'accidental conveyors of memories' of the atomic bomb. This study analyzed over ten years of online reviews using interdisciplinary analytics, revealing that tourists often internalize and transmit the site's sociocultural significance when they perceive themselves as stewards of its legacy. The findings highlight the role of digital word-of-mouth in shaping public memory and heritage perception, with implications for how stakeholders communicate intended messages to visitors.
Surtsey
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking drilling project at Surtsey, Iceland, revealed unprecedented insights into the volcano's subsurface structure and thermal dynamics. The 2017 SUSTAIN project successfully drilled three boreholes, including a deep angled hole reaching 354 meters (~290 m vertical depth), traversing the volcano's conduit and intrusions. This provided the first detailed vertical profile of a young volcanic system, offering critical data on thermophiles, alteration processes, and innovative concrete applications in extreme environments. The project utilized advanced drilling techniques, including seawater-based drilling fluids and wireline logging, to maintain sterility and gather high-quality core samples. Over 650 meters of core were analyzed, contributing to our understanding of volcanic systems and their potential for geothermal energy and construction materials.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of the Villa of Poppaea in Oplontis reveals new insights into the pigments and conservation history of its marble furnishings. The study employed non-invasive imaging techniques to examine sculptures and reliefs, comparing results with analytical data and archaeological research. This approach uncovered previously unknown details about the vibrant colors used in the villa's ornate decorations, providing a deeper understanding of Roman artistic practices and preservation challenges. The findings contribute significantly to our knowledge of the Villa of Poppaea, one of the most opulent marble-furnished buildings of its time, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
City of Quito
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A population-based survey of 12-year-old children in Quito, Ecuador, revealed high prevalence rates for oral health issues, with dental caries affecting 60.3% and gingival bleeding reaching 92%. The study also found significant occurrences of traumatic dental injuries (20.7%), fluorosis (63.7%), calculus presence (69.9%), and malocclusion (25.8%). Conducted across 31 public schools, the research employed calibrated examiners to assess six oral health outcomes using standardized clinical examinations. The findings suggest that periodontal health and fluorosis are particularly prevalent in Quito's child population compared to similar urban settings. This comprehensive epidemiological survey provides critical data for understanding oral health disparities and informing public health interventions.
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point
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2019 —
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Research at the Poverty Point World Heritage Site reveals that its monumental earthworks may represent a horned owl, aligning with oral traditions of a Muskogee-identified community. The study suggests that ancient peoples cultivated perspectival embodiments through everyday life in owl-shaped villages, challenging conventional ontological frameworks by emphasizing sensory and bodily perspectives intertwined with land. Contemporary descendants' return to the site reactivates shared multispecies sensory fields, described as 'Owl's teachings,' highlighting deep Indigenous histories of connection. This work advocates for an archaeology rooted in Native American and Indigenous studies, exploring how mounds can inspire resurgent possibilities through historical entanglements.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2019 —
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Tourism and conservation are intricately linked in the management of Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, where annual visitor influxes to witness monarch butterfly overwintering present both opportunities and challenges. An ethnographic study revealed that current tourism infrastructure—including trails, signage, visitor management, and educational strategies—effectively mitigates anthropogenic impacts while enhancing conservation efforts. The research highlights the need for refined strategies to balance ecological protection with immersive visitor experiences, offering actionable recommendations to sustain this iconic protected area.
Namib Sand Sea
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Namib Sand Sea, one of the world's oldest deserts, has experienced orbital-scale hydroclimatic variability over the past 50,000 years. Contrary to previous predictions, this variability is in phase with northern tropical cycles, with increased local summer insolation coinciding with periods of heightened aridity. The research, utilizing stratified rock hyrax urine deposits, provides the first continuous high-resolution terrestrial climate record for the Namib Desert. It links these changes to variations in atmospheric pressure cells, modulated by hemispheric and land-sea temperature gradients, and remote controls on the South Atlantic anticyclone, impacting upwelling and sea-surface temperatures.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2019 —
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Subalpine forests on Jeju Island, Korea, serve as significant carbon reservoirs, storing substantial organic carbon primarily in soil. A study comparing three dominant woody plant communities—<em>Abies koreana</em>, <em>Taxus cuspidata</em>, and <em>Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii</em>—revealed that while aboveground vegetation carbon stocks were highest in the <em>A. koreana</em> forest, soil organic carbon was most abundant in the <em>J. chinensis</em> forest. Unlike subalpine-alpine forests in India, where aboveground carbon dominates, Jeju's subalpine zone stores more carbon belowground. The research, conducted between 2014 and 2016, analyzed vegetation form, litter production, soil carbon, and respiration, providing insights into the ecosystem's carbon budget and its potential for high ecosystem services.
Aalto Works
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2019 —
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Organic architecture, as explored in 'Organic Design in Twentieth-Century Nordic Architecture,' is revealed to be a thematic unification of the built environment through allegorical expressions of interaction between designer, architectural brief, and building-as-process. This study examines how architects like Sigurd Lewerentz, Jørn Utzon, Sverre Fehn, and the Aaltos (Aino, Elissa, and Alvar) evolved their work by embracing organic design principles. The research approach involves analyzing their works and writings, demonstrating a concerted effort to harmonize architecture with its environment. With over 140 images, this book offers valuable insights for both students and professionals in the field.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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A study on the Red Ecoturística Calakmul (REC) reveals that community-based ecotourism initiatives significantly benefit women's empowerment and local economic development. The research found that REC enhanced women's organization, fostered productive activities like ecotourism, and boosted local economies while promoting education and personal growth. Women involved in the program gained confidence, time management skills, and recognition for their traditional knowledge. However, challenges such as a lack of gender perspective, economic conflicts, and limited municipal support persist, hindering further progress. The study used qualitative methods including group interviews, in-depth interviews, and participant observation to assess the impact of REC on women's empowerment and community development.
Bourges Cathedral
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Medieval councils, including the one held at Bourges Cathedral in 1225, were organized through formal letters of convocation that specified time, place, and purpose. The council's location in Bourges was predominantly supported by contemporary sources, with seven chronicles and five letters attesting to its occurrence there, while only Walter of Coventry disputed this claim. Hosted by Simon, a prelate with ties to the crusade, the council likely served as a platform for recognizing his contributions and advancing the cause. Participants included high-ranking clergy such as archbishops, bishops, abbots, and deans, who gathered for a liturgical event marked by claims of metropolitan primacy, notably from Lyon over Sens and Rouen over Bourges, Auch, and Narbonne. This study reconstructs the council's organization and significance based on primary sources.
Wadden Sea
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Salt marshes in the Wadden Sea store significant amounts of organic carbon (OC), but the origin of this carbon—whether from external sources or locally produced by vegetation—remains unclear. This study reveals that allochthonous OC (AllOC) from sediment sources contributes more to topsoil OC stocks when livestock grazing is absent, while grazing reduces its relative contribution. Additionally, spatial factors like surface elevation and distance to sediment sources influence AllOC contributions, with one salt marsh showing a negative effect of distance to creeks. These findings highlight the importance of geomorphological and land-use factors in determining carbon storage dynamics, offering critical insights for blue carbon crediting and sustainable land management.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2019 —
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A new educational program by the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation builds on Oskar Schlemmer's innovative approaches to the Bauhaus stage, offering contemporary learning experiences for children and young people. This initiative aims to integrate historical perspectives with modern pedagogical strategies, fostering creativity and critical thinking through interactive engagement with Bauhaus design principles. The program reflects a dynamic reinterpretation of Bauhaus stage practices, bridging the gap between heritage education and current educational needs.
Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
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2019 —
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This study reveals the dual-edged impact of tourism on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly Bursa and Cumalıkızık, which represent the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. While tourism can drive economic benefits for local communities by preserving cultural authenticity, unplanned commercialization risks turning these sites into mere marketing tools, stripping them of their historical and cultural essence. The research focuses on two distinct regions: Cumalıkızık Village in Bursa, with its 700-year history, and Taraklı in Sakarya, recognized as a 'Slow City' for retaining its unique identity. Through fieldwork and data analysis, the study explores how the balance between authenticity and commodification can be maintained to ensure sustainable tourism, offering insights into preserving cultural heritage while maximizing economic gains.
Palace and Park of Versailles
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The poem collection 'Ours' by Cole Swensen explores the concept of public versus private property through the lens of seventeenth-century French baroque gardens, notably those designed by André Le Nôtre for Louis XIV at Versailles. By analyzing the metaphorical use of gardens, Swensen delves into themes such as human society and poetic structure, questioning ownership with a subtle irony rooted in the French phrase 'le nôtre,' which translates to both 'ours' and 'Le Nôtre's.' The work examines how these gardens, originally designed for aristocracy, have transitioned into public parks, probing the intersections and blurrings of their dual meanings. This poetic inquiry offers a unique perspective on the historical and social dimensions of garden design.
Garamba National Park
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2019 —
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A critical analysis of Garamba National Park's ivory poaching narrative reveals that the portrayal of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) as the primary poacher and funder of terrorism oversimplifies complex dynamics. This 'LRA ivory–terrorism' narrative, while legitimizing military interventions, ignores broader historical and contextual factors, including state capacity issues and other poaching actors. The study demonstrates that such narratives often serve specific agendas rather than address practical conservation challenges, and that military actions against the LRA have paradoxically worsened poaching. By examining discursive tools and echo-chambers, the research highlights the need for nuanced solutions that go beyond defeating the LRA to include local dynamics and conservation actors.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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Research identifies two distinct campo rupestre provinces—Chapada Diamantina and Southern Espinhaço—in the Espinhaço Range of eastern South America, characterized by exceptionally high plant endemism levels. These provinces, supported by network clustering analysis of 1,748 endemic angiosperm species from the Brazilian Flora 2020 Project and GBIF data, challenge traditional biogeographical classifications within the Chacoan dominion. The Southern Espinhaço province is further subdivided into three districts: Diamantina Plateau, Grão-Mogol, and Iron Quadrangle. This formalization underscores the campo rupestre's unique biodiversity and contributes to standardized bioregional recognition under the International Code of Area Nomenclature, aiding future conservation and biogeographical studies.
Venice and its Lagoon
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Overtourism poses significant challenges to global destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Venice. This phenomenon, driven by factors such as increased prosperity and technological advancements, strains local infrastructure and cultural integrity. The volume proposes a framework for effective visitor management strategies to mitigate negative impacts, emphasizing the need for balanced tourist distribution and coordinated efforts between political actors and public authorities. By integrating research with practical solutions, it offers actionable insights for academics, professionals, and policymakers in tourism, sustainability, and heritage conservation.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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Dubrovnik's urban planning can benefit from integrating socialist-era resort models to address overtourism challenges. The study proposes an 'urban armature' that connects the old and modern city, reclaims tourist spaces for locals, and creates inclusive open spaces, addressing segregation and marginalization of local groups like students and seasonal workers. This interdisciplinary approach combines research by design methodology with rapid ethnography, offering practical solutions inspired by ex-Yugoslavian resorts.
Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun
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The Danish archaeological expedition led by Peter Vilhelm Glob (1953–) uncovered the ancient capital of Dilmun and its surrounding harbor on Bahrain's north coast, a site now recognized as Qal’at al-Bahrain. This discovery, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, traces urban development from 2200 BCE to the construction of the Bahrain Fort in the 15th century CE. The expedition, initially a collaboration between Aarhus Museum and Aarhus University, expanded across the Arabian Gulf region, contributing foundational research still supported by Moesgaard Museum and regional institutions. Key findings include Dilmun's significance as a historical hub, with artifacts now central to national museums in the Gulf.
Costiera Amalfitana
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The 3rd World Meeting on Terraced Landscapes, held in Europe for the first time (6–15 October 2016), revealed the significance of terrazzed landscapes as a global heritage, blending academic rigor with practical insights. The event, organized by Italian institutions under the International Terraced Landscape Alliance (ITLA), showcased diverse approaches to preserving and managing these landscapes through keynote speeches, thematic conferences, group discussions, and field trips across Italy. Key findings emphasized the need for collaboration among academics, policymakers, and local communities to address challenges while celebrating excellence in terrazzed regions—from Friuli Venezia Giulia’s coastal areas to Campania’s Amalfitana Coast. The meeting underscored the importance of direct engagement with local stakeholders and cross-disciplinary cooperation in shaping sustainable futures for these landscapes.
Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture
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The Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, stands out as a model for sustainable development strategies in the Azores. This protected landscape, integrated into Pico Natural Park and the region's Protected Areas Network, has been celebrated for its cultural significance and environmental conservation efforts. In 2018, it received the National Landscape Award, further solidifying its status as a symbol of excellence in landscape preservation. The study highlights the site's role in promoting sustainable practices and its potential to inspire similar initiatives globally.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2019 —
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A detailed architectural survey of the Palazzo Ducale in Sabbioneta, Italy, reveals its historical significance and evolution from a ducal residence to a contemporary exposition space. The study highlights the Renaissance urban fabric of Sabbioneta, which contributed to its inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2008. By analyzing decorated rooms within the palace, researchers provide insights into its architectural development and potential for future preservation and development. This survey employs photogrammetric techniques to document and assess the structural and decorative elements, offering a comprehensive understanding of this culturally rich site.
Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche
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Aesthetic analysis of the lion panel in Chauvet Cave's last room reveals Paleolithic artistry with sophisticated compositional techniques, including directional motion, spatial creation, and symbolic representation. The study highlights the exceptional preservation of this 36,000-year-old artwork, which, despite being older than other renowned caves like Altamira and Lascaux, maintains remarkable detail and structural integrity. Researchers attribute its pristine condition to natural disasters sealing cave entrances, preventing degradation. The panel's significance lies in its well-preserved human and animal footprints, dating back tens of thousands of years, which have led experts to restrict access to protect the site. This investigation combines literature review with aesthetic analysis to interpret the panel's symbolic meaning, contributing to a deeper understanding of Paleolithic artistic expression.
Site of Palmyra
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Palmyra's ruins, long a subject of fascination for archaeologists and historians, bear the scars of recent ideological struggles, particularly those perpetrated by ISIS during the Syrian conflict. The destruction of cultural heritage sites in 2015 not only inflicted physical damage but also added layers of symbolic significance to the conflict. While global initiatives have emerged to document these damages and plan for restoration, the study highlights that reconstruction cannot erase the historical event responsible for the destruction. This paper examines Palmyra's complex history of ruin and struggle, emphasizing the broader implications of heritage destruction in contemporary conflicts.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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A pollen analysis of the Pucangan Formation at Sangiran reveals significant insights into Early Pleistocene environmental dynamics, particularly the impact of high-frequency volcanism on vegetational landscapes. The study identifies three distinct palynostratigraphic subzones and demonstrates that savannahs, riparian forests, and mangroves thrived during this period, with montane forests dominating higher elevations. Frequent volcanic eruptions in the upper stratigraphic profile led to the dominance of homogenous Casuarina junghuniana forests, replacing diverse montane ecosystems. This research highlights the complex interplay between geological events and ecological shifts, providing a detailed reconstruction of past environmental conditions.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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A rare and significant discovery sheds light on the early history of the Moscow Patriarchate. Analysis of historical documents from the late 16th to mid-17th century reveals the existence of a lost panagia/encolpion-reliquary, a precious church insignia made in Moscow for Patriarch Jeremia II of Constantinople during the approval of the Moscow Patriarchate in 1589. This hypothesis is supported by iconographic details and circumstantial evidence. By comparing this artifact with similar preserved works in collections such as those of the Moscow Kremlin Museums and the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, researchers estimate its value and reconstruct unknown details about this pivotal historical event.
Site of Palmyra
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A survey of parasitic copepods on fishes at Palmyra Atoll, Central Pacific, identified 17 species, all previously documented in the Indo-Pacific but representing new geographical records for the site. This finding underscores the significance of large-scale parasite dispersion strategies across remote marine environments. Researchers collected 849 fish individuals from 44 species in the intertidal lagoon flats, revealing a diverse copepod community associated with various host fishes, including species from the families Carangidae, Lutjanidae, and Acanthuridae. The study highlights Palmyra's role as a critical node for marine parasite biodiversity and dispersion in the Central Indo-Pacific region.
Chitwan National Park
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Chitwan National Park, Nepal, faces significant park-people conflicts primarily centered around resource extraction and livestock grazing. Key issues include insufficient permissions for collecting roofing materials, fuelwood, and timber; bans on animal grazing in public forests; inadequate compensation for wildlife-related damages; uncooperative park administration behavior; and lack of measures to mitigate monsoon flooding. These conflicts highlight critical gaps in park management and governance that necessitate policy improvements to enhance community development and conservation outcomes. The study employed a questionnaire survey involving 90 households (45 near the park, 45 far from the park) and interviews with 15 park authorities to gather data on sociodemographic characteristics, park-people interface, crop raiding, livestock depredation, and human/animal losses.
Nyungwe National Park
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Nyungwe National Park's conservation efforts, while benefiting local communities through tourism revenue sharing and income-generating activities, face challenges in achieving sustainable participation. Despite procedural involvement—such as job opportunities, loans, and market-oriented productions—the study reveals a persistent top-down management model that limits true community empowerment. Misunderstandings about funding mechanisms and slow mindset shifts hinder deeper engagement, though socio-economic incentives have reduced illegal activities like poaching (except for crop damage). The research, based on qualitative interviews with stakeholders, highlights the gap between Rwanda's community-based conservation goals and its implementation in state-controlled parks.
China Danxia
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Two new species of Parnassia, Parnassia zhengyuana and P. simianshanensis, have been discovered in the mountainous regions of Chongqing City, southwest China. Parnassia zhengyuana, found in a limestone cave near Mt Jinfo, is characterized by its spoon-shaped leaves and undivided staminodes with green apices. Parnassia simianshanensis, discovered on red sandstones in the Danxia landform of Mt Simian, stands out due to its rhombic leaves and unique four- or five-branched staminodes. Both species are assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) for P. zhengyuana and Vulnerable (VU) for P. simianshanensis according to IUCN criteria. The study highlights the significant role of karst and Danxia landforms in the speciation process, contributing valuable insights into the biodiversity and conservation challenges of these unique habitats.
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
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Archaeological evidence from Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) suggests that the site may have functioned as a significant pilgrim hub during the Parthian period. This hypothesis is supported by architectural features and Aramaic inscriptions, which indicate a structured approach to religious tourism or pilgrimage. The study analyzes inscriptions and architectural elements to reconstruct the site's role in regional religious practices, providing insights into the social and cultural dynamics of the time.
Hegmataneh
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Archaeological excavations at Tepe Hegmataneh in Hamedan, western Iran, have uncovered 14 Parthian burial sites, revealing diverse burial practices. These include both coffin and non-coffin burials, with the latter being simple dug graves or pits, often associated with the Stone Lion cemetery. Coffin burials feature clay caskets shaped like boats, humanoid forms, or rectangular stone coffins, most of which are empty. Burials are oriented northeast-southwest, with skeletons positioned in open arched postures facing right, left, or straight, covered by thin stone slabs. Notably, many of these burials were discovered accidentally during construction, highlighting the potential for further archaeological insights in Hamedan's historical landscape.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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A participatory monitoring protocol for small-scale fisheries in Tarituba, Brazil, revealed the potential of integrating fishers' knowledge with scientific approaches to address socioecological sustainability challenges. The study employed SocMon, a pioneering method that improved communication between fishers and managers, reinforcing legitimacy through community involvement. However, delays in implementing agreed-upon terms led to frustration and mistrust among fishers, highlighting critical barriers to long-term engagement. This research underscores the importance of timely action and sustained collaboration in balancing conservation goals with local livelihoods within protected areas.
Golden Mountains of Altai
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A unique interspecies partnership between Kazakh pastoralists and golden eagles in the Altai Mountains reveals a model of co-domesticity, where eagles are temporarily integrated into human domestic life without hierarchical dominance. This study demonstrates that deep ethno-ornithological knowledge and mutual agency enable Kazakhs to cultivate relationships with eagles, mirroring their interactions with other livestock. The research highlights parallels in migration patterns and landscape use between eagles and pastoralists, challenging human exceptionalism by emphasizing interspecies communication as a means of understanding the world. The study employs multi-species ethnography to explore apprenticeship dynamics, where both humans and eagles engage in reciprocal learning, offering insights into non-dominant human-animal relationships.
Palmeral of Elche
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A study comparing the perception and management of two distinct types of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Elche—an intangible heritage (Misterio de Elche) and a material one (Palmeral)—reveals that community perception significantly influences preservation efforts. While the intangible heritage thrives due to its dynamic nature, the Palmeral's permanence risks losing authenticity when adapted to meet community expectations. This research highlights the tension between maintaining originality and aligning with societal values in heritage conservation.
Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox
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A critical examination of the Museo Cultural de Arte Religioso de Mompox reveals that its collection, while showcasing the splendor of Mompox's goldsmithing tradition, lacks 'dolientes'—mourners or figures representing the dead—which are integral to its cultural significance. This oversight highlights the selective and often exclusionary nature of patrimonialization processes, raising questions about the values and uses attributed to heritage. The study, conducted between 2012 and 2014 through unstructured interviews, field observations, and analysis of the museum's collection, challenges conventional narratives by exposing how certain elements of cultural heritage are marginalized or forgotten in the name of preservation.
Maritime Greenwich
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Historical representations of Britain's naval past at the Greenwich Night Pageant (1933) revealed how romanticized narratives were employed to counter perceived declines in patriotism during a period of imperial decline. The study, led by historian Arthur Bryant and Admiral Barry Domvile, analyzed archival materials from institutions like the National Maritime Museum and the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives to demonstrate how naval heritage was strategically used to shape national identity amid pre-WWII geopolitical tensions.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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Biodiversity and community composition of bathyal demersal fauna in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) vary significantly with location, influenced by environmental factors such as bathymetry and oxygen concentration. The study, which analyzed data from Clipperton, Galápagos, Revillagigedos, and Malpelo archipelagos using Deep-Ocean Dropcams, found higher biodiversity closer to the equator and continent, with notable differences in fish family richness and invertebrate order diversity among sites. While the Galápagos exhibited the highest fish family biodiversity, Clipperton showed significantly lower values. The Revillagigedos also displayed lower invertebrate biodiversity compared to other locations. Environmental factors like Bathymetric Position Index (BPI) and dissolved oxygen positively correlated with fish diversity metrics. These findings underscore the importance of these archipelagos as stepping-stones for species connectivity across the TEP and wider Pacific, highlighting their critical role in maintaining regional and global biodiversity.
Comoé National Park
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2019 —
WHE548AB8F2DF
Research in Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, reveals that chimpanzees frequently exploit the honey of stingless bees, particularly <em>Meliponula ferruginea</em>, within a forest-savanna mosaic. The study identified five bee species across 16 one-hectare plots in three habitat types: mature forest island (4.2 beehives/ha), secondary forest island (1.9 beehives/ha), and gallery forest (1.1 beehives/ha). Bees nested primarily in <em>Dialium guineense</em> trees, with no significant influence of tree diameter or beehive height on chimpanzee exploitation. These findings suggest that bee species diversity may play a critical role in the survival of chimpanzees in such landscapes.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2019 —
WHEDE3190EA09
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's architectural ensemble, particularly during the second half of the 17th to 18th centuries, exhibited a distinctive pattern of development characterized by the strategic placement of temples and monastery buildings on high riverbanks. This approach maximized the interaction between architecture and natural terrain, creating expressive and hierarchical layouts. The Assumption Cathedral and the Great Bell Tower were positioned at the highest point, surrounded by less prominent structures, establishing a clear Orthodox hierarchy. The study employed historical analysis, comparative methods, and synthesis to comprehensively analyze the stone building's evolution, identifying its unique features and patterns.
