Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2019 —
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A 30-year remote sensing study of Xochimilco Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland, reveals significant changes in vegetation cover and water extent between 1987 and 2016. Using normalized indices (NDVI, NDWI, MNDWI) derived from Landsat satellite data, researchers classified five land-cover types—water, water with vegetation, dry vegetation, watered vegetation, and other materials—with 89% reliability. The findings highlight the environmental challenges facing this internationally recognized conservation area, despite its protected status.
City of Potosí
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2019 —
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Research reveals that indium (In) in the Huari Huari district of Potosí, Bolivia, is primarily concentrated in iron-rich sphalerite and stannite, with its distribution strongly influenced by copper activity. The study found that In incorporation into sphalerite occurs via a coupled substitution mechanism involving Cu+ and In3+, while in stannite, it follows an In3+ ↔ (Cu+ + ½ Sn4+) substitution. Coexisting sphalerite and stannite yielded the highest In concentrations at temperatures between 350–250 °C. The research used paragenetic sequence analysis, compositional studies of sphalerite, and district-scale spatial distribution to constrain these findings. This insight sheds light on the controls governing critical metal accumulation in xenothermal vein deposits.
Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija
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2019 —
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Recent sediments in the Adriatic Sea reveal significant mercury (Hg) contamination, with coastal areas near the Gulf of Trieste showing particularly high levels due to prolonged mining activities and industrial discharges. The study integrated two datasets—surface sediment samples and short cores—to map Hg distribution across the basin, identifying multiple anthropogenic sources dating back to the sixteenth century. While Hg concentrations have declined in recent decades, indicating a recovery phase, some areas like Otranto Strait show delayed contamination signals from northern sources. This research highlights the long-lasting impacts of historical mercury emissions and the complex dynamics of sedimentary Hg transport.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2019 —
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Ozone levels at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) have significantly decreased since the early 2000s, correlating with reduced nitrogen oxide emissions from regional power plants. This study analyzed ozone trends from 1989 to 2016 across six monitoring sites, revealing that while exposure increased with elevation up to 823 meters, it plateaued afterward. Ozone episodes (consecutive hours with concentrations ≥ 60 ppb) have declined in frequency and duration, with the highest recorded concentration of 135 ppb occurring in 1998. The shift from mid-summer to spring for maximum ozone exposures suggests seasonal changes influenced by regional emissions controls. These reductions, linked to the Clean Air Act Amendments, appear to benefit park vegetation, marking a period of the cleanest air in GRSM's recorded history.
Taï National Park
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2019 —
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A high concentration of forest elephant activity was observed in the southern regions of Taï National Park (TNP), Côte d'Ivoire, with distinct diurnal and nocturnal patterns. Using 87 camera traps deployed systematically over 120 days, researchers documented that solitary elephants were more active during daylight hours, while group activities peaked at night. This spatial distribution may be influenced by the proximity of small, remote settlements, offering insights for park surveillance and conservation strategies. The study highlights the utility of camera traps in monitoring elephant behavior and underscores the need for further research to elucidate the underlying factors driving these patterns.
Kakadu National Park
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2019 —
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Invasive African para grass (Urochloa mutica) significantly displaces ecologically and culturally significant native species, such as wild rice, in Kakadu National Park's monsoonal floodplains. A multi-scale analysis revealed that while para grass frequently invades wild rice communities, its establishment and persistence vary greatly with depth-habitat conditions and recent fire histories. This dynamic pattern, previously undocumented, offers opportunities for targeted management to preserve high-value conservation areas. The study used high-resolution satellite imagery, historical aerial-photo mapping, and machine-learning techniques to track inter-annual changes from 1986 to 2010.
Iguaçu National Park
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2019 —
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Jaguars (Panthera onca) in Paraguay's last remaining Atlantic forest exhibit extreme isolation, with 75% of their locations within protected areas. The study, using GPS telemetry, found that their mean home range size was approximately 160 km², comparable to Brazilian populations but smaller than those in Argentina and other regions. Surprisingly, human population density or the Human Footprint Index did not influence home range size or movements, underscoring the critical role of protected areas for these endangered big cats. This research highlights the precarious survival of Paraguay's Atlantic forest jaguars, emphasizing their dependence on conservation efforts within isolated remnants.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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2019 —
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Potamocorbula laevis, the dominant macrobenthic species on Ganghwa tidal flat—the largest intertidal flat on South Korea's west coast—prefers specific spatial conditions. It thrives in areas with elevations of 407–498 meters, gentle slopes (<14 degrees), northern aspects, proximity to channels (within 30 meters), and high channel density. This species also favors substrates rich in silt and clay but low in sand. Researchers used a frequency ratio (FR) analysis via GIS to quantify these relationships, providing critical insights into intertidal estuarine ecosystems. The findings serve as a baseline for future spatiotemporal comparisons of macrobenthos distributions.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2019 —
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A significant correlation between juvenile and adult coral distributions suggests that adult assemblages are partly shaped by short-term recruitment patterns. This finding highlights the dynamic nature of coral reef ecosystems, where past recruitment events can influence current assemblage structures. The study investigated spatial distribution and interannual variability (2006–2008) of coral assemblages across 10 stations in New Caledonia's southwestern lagoon, evaluating cross-shelf gradients. Coral cover, generic richness, and abundance varied among fringing, mid-shelf, and barrier reefs, with abundance increasing with distance from shore. While assemblage composition was generally habitat-related, some overlap existed between mid-shelf and fringing reefs. Interannual changes were minimal but detected in specific genera at mid-shelf and barrier reefs, indicating localized high turnover rates.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2019 —
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Elk migrating westward into Banff National Park face significantly lower predation risk from wolves, cougars, and bears compared to resident elk and eastern migrants. This study employed a novel, non-invasive method using predator scats to assess summer predation risk in Ya Ha Tinda, Alberta, Canada. By combining scat-based resource selection functions with DNA analysis, researchers identified that elk were more frequently preyed upon by wolves and bears in areas with high herbaceous forage biomass and open habitat, while cougars targeted eastern migrants in regions with dense forest edges. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional predation risk assessment methods, providing valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of multi-predator communities and their impact on elk behavior.
Great Barrier Reef
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2019 —
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A high-resolution, spatially explicit model of coral dynamics on the Great Barrier Reef reveals that coral resilience is negatively impacted by river plume conditions and reef accessibility, with outer shelf communities exhibiting the highest growth rates due to favorable environmental conditions. Despite being in no-take marine protected areas, inner-shelf reefs showed lower resilience primarily due to poor water quality. The model projects a mean annual coral loss of −0.67%/year from 1996 to 2017, driven mainly by cyclones, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, and bleaching. This validated platform identifies reefs at risk of biodiversity loss and those with potential to persist under increasing disturbance regimes.
Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands
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2019 —
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Research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals distinct spatial variation in pine tree-ring growth, with synchronous growth patterns observed across different habitats during specific historical periods. The study analyzed 14 dendrochronological sites, identifying clusters of chronologies that reflect habitat-specific growth characteristics. Notably, pines in mixed forests and green-moss pine forests showed growth linked to July temperatures and September precipitation, while those on sandy substrates responded uniquely to August temperatures. This spatial variability provides insights into the ecological and climatic dynamics influencing pine growth in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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2019 —
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A significant portion of paddy fields in the Polonnaruwa district exhibits critical deficiencies in soil health, with 98% of the area showing low exchangeable potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) levels, alongside very low organic matter content (<3%) across 98% of the land. While 58% of the fields have excess phosphorus (P), soil salinity is not a major concern in 98% of the district's paddy fields. These findings were derived from a systematic study using a grid-based sampling approach, where soil samples were collected at 2.5 km intervals and analyzed for key chemical properties. Thematic maps generated via ArcGIS 10.5 revealed spatial variations, enabling precise identification of areas requiring remedial measures to optimize crop yield while conserving environmental health.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2019 —
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A first predictive model of monarch butterfly distributions along their migratory route reveals critical seasonal patterns and habitat suitability, offering new insights for conservation efforts. The study found that suitable habitats expand significantly during North American reproduction months (June to September) but shrink dramatically during overwintering (December to February). Edaphic variables, such as vegetation and floral resources, emerged as key factors in 11 of 12 months, underscoring the importance of nectar-rich plants. The research compiled georeferenced records from Mexico, USA, and Canada, using habitat suitability models (HSM) with abiotic, edaphic, and topographic data to identify high-priority areas for conservation actions like pesticide reduction and road safety measures.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2019 —
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A study on rook colonies in Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed that while early nesters laid larger clutches and showed breeding synchrony, their reproductive success did not differ from late nesters. However, hatchling survival and offspring number increased with local nest density, suggesting that late nesters benefit from clustering in densely populated areas. The research used spatio-temporal tracking of a 1999 rook colony to analyze nest location choices and breeding timing, showing that rooks exhibit non-random settlement patterns. These findings hint at adaptive strategies in colonial breeding, with potential insights from game theory to further explore the evolutionary significance.
Yellowstone National Park
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2019 —
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A pronounced climate change signal in Yellowstone National Park, marked by substantial warming, declining snowpack, and increased drought frequency, significantly impacts vegetation greenness and productivity. The study reveals that green-up is highly sensitive to elevation and climate, with La Niña-induced conditions or deep snowpack delaying this phenological stage. Drought patterns also play a crucial role, enhancing greening during winter-spring droughts but reducing it in spring-summer droughts. While the park shows overall positive productivity trends due to post-fire lodgepole pine recovery, undisturbed areas exhibit no warming-induced greening. The research leverages remotely sensed data from AVHRR and MODIS, along with Daymet climate data, to analyze spatio-temporal variability in vegetation indices over 1982–2015, providing insights for ecological vulnerability assessments and climate adaptation strategies.
Namib Sand Sea
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2019 —
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A new conceptual model of the spatiotemporal dynamics of fog and low clouds (FLCs) in the Namib Sand Sea has been unveiled, revealing significant seasonal and diurnal variations. Satellite and ground-based observations show that FLC patterns differ between coastal and inland regions, with coastal areas experiencing earlier onset times due to advective processes. The study also highlights a strong correlation between FLC timing and distance from the coastline, suggesting dominant advective influences. This research advances our understanding of Namib-region fog dynamics by integrating coherent spatial and temporal data, addressing previous gaps in knowledge.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2019 —
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Grizzly bears in Canada's Rocky Mountains, including Banff and Yoho National Parks, are more likely to use railway networks near railroad sidings, at intermediate distances from human-use features, and close to rugged terrain or wet areas. Research using GPS collar data from 27 bears between 2000 and 2016 revealed that bears predominantly cross railways rather than continue along them, with such crossings occurring more frequently in spring and fall. Surprisingly, bear-train collisions were negatively correlated with locations where bears continued along the railway, contrary to initial predictions. This suggests that while railways may offer easier travel or better forage, the mechanisms behind collisions remain unclear. Mitigation efforts could focus on areas with concentrated past strikes to protect grizzly bears and other sensitive populations.
Vredefort Dome
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2019 —
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A special issue of <em>Meteoritics & Planetary Science</em> honors Wolf Uwe Reimold, a pioneering expert in shock metamorphism and impact cratering research. Reimold's career spans over four decades, marked by groundbreaking contributions to the study of terrestrial and extraterrestrial impact structures, including seminal work on the Vredefort Dome (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and discoveries such as the Tswaing, Roter Kamm, Kalkkop, and Kgagodi craters in southern Africa. His research encompasses petrography, geochemistry, and age dating of impact melt bodies, pseudotachylitic breccias, and lunar rocks, advancing understanding of crater formation processes. The issue features 25 manuscripts by collaborators, students, and peers, reflecting his influence on the field. Reimold's leadership in organizing conferences and his editorial roles further solidify his legacy.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2019 —
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Plant-pollinator interactions in the grasslands of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, Alberta, exhibit high levels of reciprocal specialization driven by biological constraints such as floral symmetry and pollinator traits. These interactions are not randomly distributed but are shaped by morphological or phenological mismatches between species. Landscape degradation alters network topology, shifting from specialized, symmetrical connections in less disturbed sites to generalized hub-and-connector patterns in disturbed areas. While evidence for strong evolutionary dependence among related species was weak, keystone species appear to anchor local specialization. The study integrates network structure, habitat disturbance, and phylogenetic information to provide insights into the resilience of plant-pollinator networks under environmental stress.
Ivindo National Park
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2019 —
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A study conducted at Ivindo National Park (INP) and surrounding areas revealed significant differences in tabanid species composition and diurnal activity between secondary forest and anthropized environments. Tabanids, particularly those of the genus <em>Tabanus</em>, were more abundant in the forest (7.12 per trap/day) compared to village-town sites (0.77 per trap/day), with a peak activity period between 12-14H in INP and 14-16H in anthropized areas, dominated by females. Eleven species of <em>Tabanus</em> were recorded at INP, with <em>T. taeniola</em> being the most prevalent (57.76%), alongside two species of <em>Chrysops</em> and one of <em>Haematopota</em>, which were exclusively found in the park. In contrast, village-town sites hosted five <em>Tabanus</em> species, with <em>T. ricardae</em> dominating (73.91%). The study highlights the ecological differences in tabanid populations between protected and human-altered landscapes.
Historic Town of Ouro Preto
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2019 —
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Colonial South American mining towns, such as Potosí and Ouro Preto (Vila Rica do Ouro Preto), used festivals to display wealth, power, and cultural identity. These events, often glorifying the crown and church, also served as platforms for local communities—including creoles, Indigenous peoples, and people of African descent—to assert their own agendas. While European festivals were well-documented, those in Spanish America were sparse until Lisa Voigt's work, which analyzed texts from Potosí (1608–1716) and Minas Gerais (1733–1749). Findings reveal that festivals featured allegorical performances, mock battles, and literary works, blending self-promotion with subtle contestation. For instance, Potosí's 1622 celebrations included a float depicting the mountain of Potosí, critiquing Basque dominance, while Minas Gerais' festivals emphasized piety and local identity. The study highlights the multiplicity of agendas in these events, challenging simplistic interpretations of colonial power dynamics.
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
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2019 —
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Split, Croatia, stands as a testament to resilience and historical continuity. Originally built around the Palace of Diocletian, a Roman Emperor's retreat, the city has preserved its ancient and medieval architecture despite significant damage during World War II. This preservation, coupled with its strategic Adriatic location, makes Split a unique cultural and tourist destination. The study highlights the enduring legacy of Roman and medieval structures, which remain largely intact and attract global attention. This resilience is attributed to both historical fortuitousness and modern conservation efforts, offering insights into the sustainability of heritage sites under adverse conditions.
Kaziranga National Park
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2019 —
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A highly fatal outbreak of goat pox, clinically indistinguishable from the known disease, emerged in villages surrounding Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, during September and October 2017. The outbreak affected a previously naïve local population due to a trend of avoiding external animal purchases, leading to significant financial hardship for smallholder goat keepers who rely on goats for savings and income. The study, conducted through clinical examinations, interviews, and participatory village meetings, highlighted the role of local grazing practices in both spreading and controlling the disease. Laboratory confirmation was deemed unnecessary due to specific clinical signs. Awareness of the disease and its association with farming practices could offer opportunities for future control measures, enhancing animal welfare and rural prosperity.
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)
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2019 —
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Research on the Stylite Tower at Umm Ar-Rasas, Jordan, reveals critical insights into its stability and seismic vulnerability, offering foundational data for potential retrofit interventions. The study employed in situ experimental tests, including Schmidt-hammer tests on stone blocks and passive seismic measurements, to analyze soil and structural material properties. Stability was assessed assuming an elastic-perfect plastic behavior in compression for masonry, while a push-over seismic analysis using finite solid element modeling with a Drucker-Prager yield criterion further evaluated its vulnerability. These findings provide essential guidance for preserving this unique historical structure against seismic risks.
Ningaloo Coast
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2019 —
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Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, primarily rely on pelagic primary and secondary productivity over approximately three years, as revealed by stable isotope analysis of their dermis. This study provides new insights into the foraging behavior and diet of whale sharks, a highly migratory species, by comparing isotopic values (δ13C and δ15N) from whale shark dermis with those of potential prey like krill, zooplankton, and polychaetes. The consistency in δ13C values suggests regional foraging ranges across Ningaloo Reef and the western Australian coast, while variability in δ15N values indicates diverse foraging patterns among individuals. Additionally, evidence of 15N enrichment with increasing size in both male and female whale sharks hints at ontogenetic shifts in trophic level or feeding grounds. This research underscores the importance of understanding temporal and spatial foraging dynamics for effective conservation management of this elusive species.
Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao
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2019 —
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A key insight from this study is that the UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach offers a practical framework to balance preservation and development in dynamic urban World Heritage Sites, such as Willemstad, Curaçao. The research examines how urban landscapes—characterized by high spatial dynamics and ongoing changes—face challenges in maintaining their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) while adapting to modern demands. By analyzing case studies like Rio de Janeiro and the Amsterdam Canal Ring, the study highlights the potential of HUL to reconcile conservation with sustainable development, advocating for its stronger integration into UNESCO’s management strategies. The approach emphasizes ICOMOS’s role in guiding adaptive preservation, ensuring that urban heritage remains both culturally significant and responsive to contemporary needs.
Keoladeo National Park
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2019 —
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A stochastic two-species prey-predator model with prey refuge reveals critical dynamics: predators face certain extinction without prey, while prey populations stabilize between zero and infinity when isolated from predators. The study derives the Radon-Nikodym Derivative for this model, offering new mathematical insights into predator-prey interactions. Asymptotic analysis and moment estimation further quantify these dynamics. Applied to Keoladeo National Park, Indiathe model demonstrates how prey refuges influence species coexistence, providing a framework for understanding biodiversity conservation in such ecosystems.
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
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2019 —
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Apex predation in whales is revealed through the first direct evidence of diet in Basilosaurus isis, a late Eocene archaeocete from Wadi Al-Hitan, Egypt. Analysis of stomach contents shows it preyed on smaller whales (juvenile Dorudon atrox) and large fishes (Pycnodus mokattamensis), confirming a predator-prey relationship between the two most frequently found fossil whales in the site. This discovery extends understanding of their paleoecology and highlights Basilosaurus isis as an apex predator, akin to modern killer whales (Orcinus orca) and late Miocene Livyatan melvillei. The study underscores the need for greater attention on whales as apex predators throughout the Cenozoic era.
Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua
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2019 —
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Research identifies stomatal structure as a key indicator of adaptive capacity in Solidago L. species, with higher relative transpiration area (I_ot) correlating to greater invasiveness and expansion potential in secondary habitats. The study analyzed 21 quantitative stomatal characteristics across nine alien Solidago species from Padua's Botanical Garden, revealing three distinct adaptability groups based on I_ot values: high (≥25%), medium (15-25%), and low (<15%). Strategies increasing transpiration—such as larger stomata, higher stomatal density, or expanded leaf/shoot structures—were linked to enhanced adaptive traits. These findings provide a predictive tool for monitoring invasive spread, offering critical insights for managing alien species in natural ecosystems.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2019 —
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Stonehenge, Britain's most iconic prehistoric monument, has been revealed to hold profound significance tied to the seasonal solar cycle and potential ritual, burial, and ceremonial functions. Recent research, including studies on its chronological and structural sequence, has deepened understanding of its complex history. The origin of the bluestones, whether from glacial drift or transported from south Wales, remains a key question. However, Stonehenge's expansion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site—now including Avebury—has sparked controversy over balancing visitor access with environmental protection amid rising traffic volumes.
Historic City of Ahmadabad
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2019 —
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Street vending in Ahmedabad, India, significantly enhances urban vibrancy, safety, and inclusivity by increasing foot traffic, fostering social cohesion, and allowing diverse groups to participate in economic exchange. A study analyzing 4,000 vendors across four time points, combined with perception studies of clientele (disaggregated by gender, income, and age) and spatial relationships with land-use and street hierarchy, demonstrates that street vendors are vital to equitable and dynamic public spaces. This research underscores their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 8 (decent work) and 11 (sustainable cities), offering insights for global urban planning.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2019 —
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Advanced structural health monitoring of the Holy Aedicule in Jerusalem's Church of the Resurrection reveals critical risks to its preservation, including microclimatic fluctuations due to visitor traffic and local climate, rising damp, seismic hazards, and structural movements post-restoration. The study employs a sophisticated network of sensors—air temperature/humidity monitors, moisture content detectors for masonry, geodetic total stations, and accelerometers—to enable real-time remote assessment and risk analysis. This proactive approach ensures data-driven decision-making for Christian communities involved in the monument's upkeep, balancing sustainability with historical integrity.
City of Cuzco
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2019 —
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A significant portion of Cusco's historic center could see reduced seismic vulnerability through targeted retrofitting interventions. This finding emerges from an empirical study that assessed the seismic risk of dwellings in the area using data collected from an extensive in-situ survey. Researchers adapted a methodology previously used for Italian historic centers to account for Cusco's unique structural typologies. The study, conducted by a team including institutions from Italy and Peru, utilized GIS mapping to visualize building statistics and derive fragility curves. These curves were then employed to evaluate the potential benefits of large-scale retrofitting strategies, offering actionable insights for preserving this culturally significant site.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2019 —
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Archaeological analysis of graves at Shahr-i Sokhta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Iran, reveals significant ethnic diversity and migration patterns among its inhabitants during the 3rd millennium BCE. The study identifies at least five distinct geographical origins for the site's population, linked to trade routes connecting Central Asia, Baluchistan, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. Changes in burial alignment and positioning over centuries suggest cultural exchanges and demographic shifts driven by migration along these commercial pathways. The research examines skeletal remains, grave offerings, and tools from the cemetery to reconstruct the complex social dynamics of this ancient society.
Putorana Plateau
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2019 —
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Research on the Putorana Plateau reveals that forest expansion at the upper timberline, particularly on south- and southwest-facing slopes, is driven by climate warming over centuries. The study found significant changes in the altitudinal position of tree vegetation boundaries, with correlations between trunk diameters and phytomass fractions. By analyzing age structures, diachronous topographic maps, and satellite images, scientists reconstructed historical dynamics of tree stands, highlighting how shifts in climate conditions facilitate forest growth at higher elevations.
Studenica Monastery
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2019 —
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Studenica marble, a key material in medieval Serbian cultural heritage, was rediscovered through detailed characterization to enable precise restoration of the Virgin’s Church at Studenica Monastery. This 1986 UNESCO World Heritage Site suffered repeated destructions, necessitating the reidentification of its original quarry deposits. The study successfully matched the marble used in the church’s façades and architectural elements, ensuring authentic conservation efforts for both Studenica and Sopocani monasteries. Beyond restoration, the research highlighted the significance of local marble deposits as part of Serbia’s national heritage, advocating for their sustainable preservation under the Studenica Monastery Cultural Landscape Management Plan.
Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina
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2019 —
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Chitosan-based membranes developed for water filtration demonstrated promising efficacy in absorbing heavy metal ions, offering a potential solution to improve the water quality of the Ribeirão das Pedras sub-basin in Diamantina, Brazil. The study, conducted by Amaral et al. (2019), addresses the environmental impact of population growth and technological development on local water resources, particularly concerning heavy metal pollution from historical mining activities. Researchers prepared membranes using chitosan biopolymer and tested their filtration capacity with water samples collected from the sub-basin. While the membranes showed efficiency in removing pollutants, further investigations are recommended to refine formulations and conduct seasonal sampling for comprehensive assessment. This approach highlights the potential of biopolymer-based filtration systems as a sustainable method for mitigating heavy metal contamination in degraded aquatic ecosystems.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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Accelerated weathering tests reveal that limewash applied to Islamic plasterworks in Seville's Real Alcázar offers limited protective benefits, particularly against capillary absorption, while showing significant detachment during immersion tests—a behavior not observed in the original structures. The study suggests capillarity tests more accurately simulate real-world conditions for these ornamental elements. Researchers prepared gypsum plaster specimens with compositions mirroring those of the Alcázar's plasterworks, applying limewash layers and subjecting them to cycles of water absorption (via capillarity and immersion) and drying. Despite minimal durability improvements, limewash demonstrated a protective effect in samples with higher water/plaster ratios, highlighting its potential for targeted conservation strategies.
The Great Wall
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2019 —
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AHP-TOPSIS emerges as the more accurate method for assessing damage to earthen sites of the Ming Great Wall in Qinghai Province, offering a closer alignment with real-world conditions compared to Fuzzy-AHP. This study evaluates 18 earthen sites by integrating their environmental context, material properties, deterioration patterns, and construction techniques. The findings highlight AHP-TOPSIS's potential for broader application in assessing similar heritage sites across Northwest China, providing a robust framework for targeted conservation efforts.
Simien National Park
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2019 —
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A dramatic shift in land cover types within Simien Mountain National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia, has been revealed through satellite imagery analysis. While agricultural and barren lands expanded significantly from 1972 to 1994, a reversal occurred between 1994 and 2017, with montane forests and grasslands increasing notably—particularly the latter at an accelerated rate of 260.5 hectares per year. Conversely, agricultural land declined sharply (272.8 ha/year), signaling potential ecosystem restoration. However, intensified grazing remains a critical threat to ecological processes in the park, necessitating long-term strategies for sustainable resource management.
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
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A study of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, China, reveals that boundary spaces are predominantly composed of linear elements and exhibit a prevalence of miniature courtyards (xs) and side courtyards (s), with most featuring trees and stones as key landscape elements. The research analyzed 137 abstract diagrams to identify spatial composition rules, highlighting that the 'paste' space type is most common while S-type and M-type scales dominate courtyard designs. This insight provides a deeper understanding of the architectural and landscaping principles underlying Suzhou's classical gardens.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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2019 —
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A study reveals the intrinsic correlation between furniture and architecture in the Rietveld Schröder House, designed by Gerrit Rietveld, a master of De Stijl. The research finds that the architectural space is constructed based on 'architectural furniture' design vocabulary, while the furniture itself exhibits characteristics of 'furniture building.' By analyzing structural systems rooted in scaffolding principles, spatial ratios derived from golden segmentation, and color systems utilizing primary colors, the study elucidates how these elements integrate seamlessly within the Schröder House. This holistic approach underscores Rietveld's design philosophy and its impact on De Stijl architecture.
Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
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2019 —
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Salt industry heritage sites, including Poland's Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines, France's Ark-Sennan Royal Saltwork, and Austria's Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, exhibit significant cultural value that aligns with UNESCO World Heritage Assessment Standards. These sites, primarily selected under the cultural heritage criterion (iv), demonstrate authenticity and irreplaceability in their representation of salt culture. The study highlights the importance of integrating these sites more systematically with international standards to better reflect their unique contributions to global heritage. While other countries, such as China, also possess rich salt industry relics, Europe remains a focal point for these World Heritage designations.
The Grand Canal
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Tourists exhibit a preference for, yet superficial and comprehensive experience of the Grand Canal's cultural heritage, with room for improvement in their engagement. The study, leveraging Python web crawling and ROST text analysis software, reveals that while tourists appreciate the site's cultural significance, their sentiment and overall image perception need enhancement. This research provides insights into the mechanisms underlying tourist perceptions and proposes strategies to promote deeper cultural heritage engagement, offering clear directions for the Grand Canal's tourism development.
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
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2019 —
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Ancient Zapotec water management systems in Monte Albán, Mexico, offer modern solutions to urban water challenges. These systems, used between the 6th century BCE and 9th century CE, included terraces, canals, dams, and wells, which were integral to the Zapotec worldview and rituals. Today, rapid urbanization threatens these remnants, but an interdisciplinary project is revitalizing this lost knowledge by redesigning ancient hydraulic technology. This approach aims to restore natural environments, enhance urban living quality, and protect archaeological heritage. The study combines historical research with modern engineering to create sustainable water management strategies that bridge the past and present.
Erbil Citadel
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2019 —
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None of the three selected mosques in Erbil—Great Mosque of Erbil Citadel, Rashad Mufty Mosque, and Madina Mnawara Mosque—fully applied the golden ratio in their designs. The highest adherence was found in Rashad Mufty Mosque (82%), followed by the Great Mosque (74%), while Madina Mnawara Mosque achieved only 61%. This study highlights that historical and contemporary mosque designs in Erbil, despite their spiritual significance, do not consistently prioritize human scale and proportionality. The research used the golden ratio as a measurement tool to assess aesthetic and comfort aspects within prayer halls, offering insights for modern architects to reconsider these principles in future designs.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2019 —
WHE83C18A7E50
Polychrome ceramics from the Tiwanaku Valley (AD 500–1100) reveal that aesthetic iconography played distinct roles in shaping political power, social cohesion, and cultural identity. Central to Tiwanaku's statecraft, these artifacts were used to foster solidarity during large-scale feasts, symbolize elite status through intricate tomb vessels, and engage peripheral communities through playful reproductions. The decline of Tiwanaku-style production in the 12th century underscores its integral role in sustaining political authority. This study analyzes motifs across serving wares, combining motif categorization with contextual analysis to demonstrate how visual culture mediated power dynamics—uniting ceremonial centers, elites, and distant regions under a shared symbolic framework.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2019 —
WHE5B17A2AFFB
By 2060, Mexican montane conifers will face significant habitat loss—up to 77%—with the highest elevations hit hardest. Five dominant species, including Abies religiosa (the Monarch butterfly's overwintering host), may need human assistance to migrate upward as their climate niches shift 300–500 meters higher. Using bioclimatic modeling with Random Forests and climate projections from 17 general circulation models under RCP 6.0, researchers found that traditional conservation efforts will be insufficient without active intervention.
Old City of Salamanca
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2019 —
WHE0B007B633E
Abandoned granite quarries near the Old City of Salamanca hold potential for supplying high-quality stone blocks for monument restoration. Research reveals that Martinamor granite outcrops exhibit a dense fracturing pattern with joint spacing less than one meter, making large-scale exploitation impractical. Instead, only small blocks suitable for heritage conservation can be extracted, necessitating the protection of these sites to preserve both historical extraction techniques and geological significance. The study proposes geoconservation strategies to safeguard quarries, ancient mining areas, and their role as a reminder of society's reliance on geological materials.
