Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2019 —
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Recent academic discourse on heritage management has often framed state-led conservation and community involvement as opposing forces, treating cultural heritage as a static object rather than a dynamic social process. This study challenges such dichotomies by analyzing the Qhapaq Ñan, an Andean road system, to demonstrate how heritage can serve as a space for negotiation and democratic participation. It critiques existing narratives that position scholars or managers as sole interlocutors while sidelining local voices. Instead, it advocates for a model of co-management that prioritizes the agency of all stakeholders, ensuring their active involvement in shaping heritage practices. By reframing the Qhapaq Ñan as a living process rather than a fixed discourse, this approach aims to foster social recomposition and democratize heritage governance.
Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
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2019 —
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Groundwater and surface water hydrochemistry around the Menengai Caldera geothermal field, Kenya, reveals significant mixing between meteoric, irrigation, and Lake Nakuru waters. Geothermal wells exhibit high cation/anion concentrations with isotopic signatures indicating a predominantly meteoric origin, though some show evaporitic influences from Lake Nakuru, particularly MW-09, which also displays evidence of water-rock interaction and oxygen isotopic exchange. Seasonal shifts in Lake Nakuru's ionic and isotopic values correlate with reduced water inflow and increased evaporation, further illuminating the hydrological dynamics. This study provides critical insights for assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of geothermal power production in the region.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
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2019 —
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A survey of frontline forest personnel in Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Project Tiger reserve, reveals critical insights into their quality of life, workplace conditions, and skill gaps. The study, covering 300+ staff across 60 camps within the park's 500 sq. km area, highlights challenges related to job responsibilities, camp environments, and community interactions in fringe areas. Key findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance the efficiency of conservation efforts while improving the well-being of frontline workers. The research, part of the Manas Tiger Conservation Programme (MTCP), aims to support a 50% increase in tiger population through better protection measures, research, and livelihood initiatives. By addressing gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes, this study provides actionable data for holistic growth and improved conservation outcomes.
St Kilda
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2019 —
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Reproduction in wild Soay sheep carries significant survival costs, mediated by increased parasite infection and reduced body weight. A 20-year study on St. Kilda, Scotland, found that females that gave birth—especially those that successfully weaned lambs—experienced higher faecal egg counts of strongyle nematodes during the lambing season. Structural equation modelling further revealed that these reproductive costs negatively impacted overwinter survival by reducing parasite resistance and body weight. This suggests a trade-off between current reproduction and future fitness, where resource allocation to offspring weakens immune defences against parasites.
City of Cuzco
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2019 —
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A parallel culture thrived in Cuzco during the 17th century, blending Inka traditions with colonial Catholicism through cofradías (confraternities). This study reveals that Huaca worship persisted despite Spanish conquest efforts, facilitated by native elites who actively participated in religious festivities like Corpus Christi. Archival research and multidisciplinary analysis demonstrate how Inka practices were subtly integrated into colonial structures, creating a 'Shadow Empire' that endured until the 18th century. The study challenges the narrative of Inka eradication, showing instead a complementary coexistence that allowed Andean culture to adapt and survive.
Susa
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2019 —
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Archaeological soundings at Susa reveal a significant cultural transition between the 4th and 3rd millennia, marking its shift from Mesopotamian to Proto-Elamite influence. Conducted over four decades by the Susa Mission, these excavations on the Acropole tepe and Ville Royale tepe established a detailed chronological sequence, capturing the period when Susa evolved into a distinct cultural entity within the Iranian Plateau's Bronze Age landscape.
Susa
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2019 —
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A re-examination of the Susa Funerary Texts (SFT), a group of seven late Old Babylonian Akkadian texts discovered in a grave at Susa, reveals that their unusual find spot may be linked to a magical function. The study provides improved readings and translations of these texts, long studied since their 1916 publication by Jean-Vincent Scheil. It also refutes the claim that these texts reflect Mesopotamian belief in psychostasia (the weighing of souls), demonstrating instead their affiliation with personal prayers and reports of oracular visions. The research employs philological analysis to challenge previous interpretations, offering new insights into the cultural and religious context of ancient Mesopotamia.
Surtsey
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2019 —
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The SUSTAIN drilling project at Surtsey, Iceland, provides unprecedented insights into the hydrothermal and microbiological changes occurring in basaltic tephra and minor intrusions over 50 years post-eruption. By analyzing two vertical boreholes (152 m and 192 m deep) and an inclined borehole (354 m measured depth), researchers tracked mineralogical, geochemical, and microbiological alterations from 1979 to 2017, revealing temperature-dependent processes ranging from 25–141 °C. The study also identified a diatreme extending at least 100 m beneath the Surtur crater, enhancing understanding of eruption dynamics. Rigorous drilling protocols ensured minimal environmental impact on this UNESCO-listed site.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2019 —
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A participative management model has been identified as effective for sustaining the cultural heritage values of Troy, an ancient city with significant historical background. This study, conducted through interviews with public institutions, local communities, and NGOs, highlights the need for improved interinstitutional coordination and increased public participation to ensure sustainable management. The research underscores the importance of a comprehensive management plan that integrates these elements to preserve Troy's cultural heritage effectively.
Kaziranga National Park
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2019 —
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A sustainable livelihood approach for fringe dwellers of Kaziranga National Park (KNP), Assam, emphasizes community-driven development by integrating local priorities, assets, and entrepreneurial efforts with professional conservation practices. The strategy aims to enhance community engagement in park-related activities while ensuring equitable benefit-sharing. It proposes nurturing traditional knowledge, scientific biodiversity preservation, and sustainable rehabilitation options for fringe dwellers. This approach not only strengthens the connection between communities and KNP but also empowers locals as key partners in protecting the site from threats. The study highlights the importance of honoring local rights over common property resources while fostering long-term conservation efforts.
Mount Huangshan
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2019 —
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A significant conflict exists between sustainable development and heritage tourism at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS), particularly in developing countries. A study of Mount Huangshan, a mixed WHS in China, identified seven key themes reflecting sustainable tourism practices that balance environmental conservation, inclusive social development, and economic growth. These themes highlight the challenges and opportunities in managing WHS for long-term sustainability while accommodating increasing tourist demand. The research suggests future directions, such as value-based management approaches and stakeholder coordination, to address these complexities. This work advances both theoretical understanding and practical strategies for sustainable tourism development at WHS globally.
Tongariro National Park
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2019 —
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Tongariro National Park in New Zealand exemplifies sustainable tourism, showcasing how effective policies, strategic planning, and management can conserve natural habitats, built structures, culture, heritage, history, and social interactions for future generations. The chapter highlights key milestones in the 20th and 21st centuries that underscore the importance of protecting these resources while meeting the growing demand for tourism experiences. It explores how travelers' interest in natural environments, cultural traditions, and social interactions drives sustainable tourism, emphasizing the need to balance visitor attraction with environmental preservation.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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2019 —
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Approximately 78% of visitors to the Great Bazaar of Tabriz (GBT) express satisfaction with its environment, with 'friendly atmosphere' being the most influential factor at around 92%. The study, using qualitative and statistical methods, analyzed the GBT's sustainable features against a sustainable development model. Historical architecture strengthens the GBT, while limited e-commerce infrastructure and international sanctions pose challenges. Recommendations for enhancing sustainability and tourism are proposed.
Okavango Delta
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2019 —
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A critical review of water governance in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that demographic and socio-economic factors significantly influence household water management decisions. The study highlights outdated water legislation but notes ongoing government efforts to revise these laws. It emphasizes the need for greater priority on local-level water governance in rural areas, arguing that while advocacy at various levels is important, grassroots implementation is crucial for sustainable water resource management. The research employs a legal pluralism framework and aligns with Dublin water management principles to examine key issues and principles in this internationally significant wetland.
Lamu Old Town
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2019 —
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Swahili Port Cities: The Architecture of Elsewhere reveals that the built environment of Lamu Old Town and other Swahili port cities is fundamentally shaped by a 'cosmopolitan longing'—a deep, enduring desire for connection to multiple global locales. Prita Meier's interdisciplinary analysis demonstrates how coral-stone architecture, imported materials like Chinese porcelain and Glasgow cast-iron verandas, and even minarets of Mombasa’s mosques reflect this poly-local identity. By layering historical, architectural, and social analyses—drawing on fieldwork, oral histories, and archival research across Kenya, Tanzania, Germany, and the UK—Meier challenges binary classifications (local/global, high/low) and uncovers how material culture mediates human experience while serving as a site of contestation. The study highlights Swahili urban spaces as dynamic palimpsests, where permanence coexists with mobility, and identity is constructed through both real and imagined oceanic connections.
Lake Baikal
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2019 —
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Freshwater sponges of the family Lubomirskiidae, endemic to Lake Baikal, exhibit remarkable adaptations to extreme conditions, including thermal fluctuations, desiccation, anoxia, and pollutant resistance. A comparative genomic analysis of three Lubomirskiidae species revealed 61 orthogroups under positive selection, with key genes such as zinc transporters, transcription factors, and structural proteins driving evolutionary novelty in these sponges. The study also identified symbiotic relationships with unicellular algae, bacteria, and dinoflagellates, including Gyrodinium. By sequencing deep transcriptomes and a draft genome for Lubomirskia baikalensis, researchers uncovered molecular mechanisms underlying freshwater adaptation, providing insights into the ecological roles of these unique sponges.
Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl
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2019 —
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A novel synthesis of classical and interdisciplinary methods reveals the dynamics of Soviet regional elites during the late Socialist era (1950s–1980s), particularly in Upper Volga regions like Yaroslavl. The study leverages theories such as Kurt Lewin's group dynamics, Randall Collins' reference authority, and Jerome Bruner's categorization to dissect elite communication with central Soviet governance. Findings highlight how regional elites navigated ideological conformity while preserving local historical memory, offering a nuanced understanding of late socialism's regional complexities. This interdisciplinary approach bridges gaps in traditional historiography by integrating social psychology, political science, and memory studies.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2019 —
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A taxonomic revision of the subantarctic genus Leptusa (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) reveals that Leptusa antarctica is not a single species but a complex of five distinct species, two of which were reinstated from synonymy and two newly described. The study confirms the identity and disjunct distribution of Leptusa atriceps across multiple subantarctic islands, including Falkland, South Georgia, Marion, Crozet, and Kerguelen Islands. Phylogenetic analysis using 76 morphological characters supports the monophyly of the subgenus Halmaeusa but does not firmly establish its evolutionary relationships, with Nanoglossa from South America emerging as a potential sister group. The distribution patterns of these species provide a foundation for future biogeographic studies in the subantarctic region.
Santiniketan
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2019 —
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Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, exemplifies a revolutionary approach to education that integrates learning with life. Unlike conventional educational models, Santiniketan's philosophy rejected rigid structures and curricula, instead emphasizing organic growth aligned with personal and societal development. This innovative model emerged from Tagore's belief that true education should be inseparable from lived experience, fostering creativity, holistic development, and a deep connection to nature. The institution evolved organically, reflecting Tagore's evolving thoughts and life experiences, rather than adhering to preconceived plans or external expectations.
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
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2019 —
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Non-destructive testing of historical structures at Merv, Turkmenistan, reveals significant structural weaknesses and deterioration. Using ultrasonic velocity measurements and crack depth analysis, researchers classified two towers as 'weak' and two mausoleums as 'poor' according to international standards. Compressive strength varied between 2-8 MPa in towers and 20 MPa in mausoleums, indicating differential degradation likely caused by northwest winds and historical restoration practices. These findings highlight the potential for targeted preservation strategies that could reduce structural reinforcement costs while safeguarding Merv's architectural heritage.
Ironbridge Gorge
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2019 —
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A collaborative initiative has demonstrated the potential of small-scale heritage collections in England's Midlands to catalyze innovation in fashion, dress, and textiles. These collections, often under-resourced but rich in industrial heritage, offer unique opportunities for research and design innovation. A Knowledge Exchange event brought together professionals from academia, museums, and the arts to explore ways to integrate these collections into higher education curricula, develop research hubs, and leverage artist-led projects. The findings highlight the significance of place-based textiles heritage as a catalyst for sustainable design practice and new business models, while also addressing the challenges faced by small museums in maintaining their collections amidst funding cuts.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2019 —
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A long-term study of Baird’s tapir populations in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR) revealed a slight decline in relative abundance, potentially linked to decreasing water availability from ephemeral ponds. The research used photo-trapping over 8 years (18,000+ camera-days) across 9–15 ponds, monitoring tapir presence amid a documented reduction in free-standing water between 2008 and 2018. While the population remained relatively stable overall, localized decreases correlated with diminished water sources, underscoring the vulnerability of this endangered species to environmental changes. Such studies are critical for predicting population trends and guiding conservation efforts.
City of Safranbolu
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2019 —
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A significant deficit in urban furniture design was identified in Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage City. The study highlights the need for original designs that integrate with the city's historical structure and cultural identity to prevent visual pollution and enhance urban livability. By analyzing social, economic, and demographic factors, researchers propose that well-designed urban furniture can strengthen Safranbolu’s unique identity and improve its image. This approach contrasts with unplanned placements that disrupt harmony. The research underscores the importance of context-sensitive design in historical cities to balance aesthetics, comfort, and cultural preservation.
Taxila
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2019 —
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Mirrors excavated from Taxila, preserved in museums of India and Pakistan, offer valuable insights into the technological history of the Indian subcontinent. These artifacts, studied for their metallurgical composition and manufacturing techniques, reveal advanced craftsmanship and potential technology transfer during ancient times. The research recapitulates the historical context of Taxila's excavations while focusing on the mirrors' features, providing a window into the region's technological development.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2019 —
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A comprehensive taxonomic synopsis of the genus Chamaecrista (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Goiás, Brazil, identifies 65 species (71 taxa), representing 60% of the species recorded for the state. This study, based on fieldwork from 2010 to 2018 and extensive herbarium reviews, highlights significant endemism with 49 species found in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, including 27 endemic to Goiás and 19 unique to the studied area. The synopsis includes an identification key, distribution maps, morphological comments, conservation status assessments, and field photographs, providing a critical resource for understanding the biodiversity and taxonomy of this important genus within Brazil's Cerrado Domain.
Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun
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2019 —
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The Great Copper Mountain in Falun, Sweden, serves as an exemplary field study site for teaching sustainability in geoscience education. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a major mining area with over 1000 years of human activity, offers a unique opportunity to explore the environmental and societal impacts of historical non-sustainable practices. The site's ongoing remediation efforts provide a living laboratory for demonstrating modern sustainable solutions. By integrating geoscience principles with sustainability themes, Falun Mine becomes an ideal location to educate students on both scientific concepts and the importance of sustainable development. This study highlights the pedagogical advantages of using such sites for field education, bridging historical context with contemporary environmental challenges.
Old Town of Corfu
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2019 —
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A central biogas power plant fed by olive mill waste could significantly reduce Corfu's energy dependence on the mainland while addressing environmental challenges posed by olive oil production. This study demonstrates that anaerobic digestion of olive mill waste offers a viable solution for both energy generation and waste management, with potential economic benefits. By analyzing the techno-economic feasibility of constructing such a plant, researchers provide critical data on its construction and operational costs, highlighting its role in mitigating environmental issues while contributing to Corfu's energy independence.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2019 —
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Campbell Island, located 600 km south of New Zealand, exhibits a unique postglacial tree line history that is decoupled from Southern Ocean temperature trends. The study reveals that while ocean temperatures were warmer between 12,500 and 9,000 years ago, the island's tree lines did not rise due to weaker westerlies, which allowed for the intrusion of warmer, cloudier northern airmasses. This phenomenon reduced solar radiation and increased atmospheric humidity, suppressing tree growth. Conversely, stronger, cooler westerlies during the Holocene facilitated clearer skies, drier air, and rising tree lines. The research uses pollen records from three peat cores to reconstruct vegetation changes over 17,000 years, providing insights into the complex interplay between climate, wind patterns, and ecological dynamics in sub-Antarctic regions.
Angkor
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2019 —
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A revised chronology for Angkor Wat's occupation reveals a more complex and protracted decline of the Angkorian Empire (9th–15th century CE) than previously understood. Radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modeling from 16 samples indicate initial use in the 11th century, followed by habitation until the 13th century, with a notable gap suggesting a shift in mound usage. Surprisingly, the site was reoccupied in the late 14th to early 15th centuries, persisting until the 17th or 18th centuries, contradicting historical accounts of abandonment during the 15th-century collapse. This fine-grained analysis underscores Angkor Wat's enduring ideological and residential significance, even after the empire's decline.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2019 —
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Carbon emissions at heritage tourist destinations exhibit significant temporal and spatial variations, with differences observed both monthly and interannually. A study focusing on the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (WSHIA) found that carbon emissions per visitor vary greatly across different types of tourism attractions, influenced by factors such as tourism seasonality, market growth, and heritage tourism trends. The spatial evolution of these emissions can be divided into three stages, primarily driven by functional zoning, environmental regulations, and the diversified development of tourist attractions. These findings provide valuable insights for low-carbon tourism strategies and sustainable development policies at heritage sites.
Teide National Park
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2019 —
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A multi-source and multi-scale remote sensing analysis reveals contrasting population trends for two keystone vegetation species, Spartocytisus supranubius and Pterocephalus lasiospermus, in Teide National Park. While S. supranubius has declined, P. lasiospermus has increased, providing quantitative data that complements traditional field-based monitoring. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of remote sensing as a tool for classifying, monitoring, and managing large protected areas efficiently. The thematic maps generated offer insights into species coverage at different dates, highlighting the impact of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on this vulnerable ecosystem.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2019 —
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Seasonal variation is the dominant factor influencing the vocal behavior of southern right whales at their main calving ground in New Zealand's Auckland Islands, according to a year-long study using autonomous recorders. Call rates peaked in August and July, with 'upcalls' being the most frequent, suggesting these calls primarily function as contact signals during dusk and night. The research also found that an automated detector designed for North Atlantic right whales accurately identified 80% of upcalls but had high false detection rates, particularly at low call rates. This is the first attempt to monitor southern right whale presence year-round in New Zealand.
Kuk Early Agricultural Site
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2019 —
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Archaeological evidence from Kuk Swamp, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Papua New Guinea's highlands, reveals the world's earliest known agricultural practices dating back 10,000 years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the origins of agriculture, suggesting it emerged independently and earlier than thought in other regions. The study employed stratigraphic excavation and radiocarbon dating to analyze sediment layers, uncovering tools, plant remains, and other artifacts that indicate systematic cultivation of taro, yams, and other staples. These findings underscore the significance of Kuk Swamp as a cradle of human innovation, with profound implications for understanding the transition from foraging to farming societies.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2019 —
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Abandonment of terraced landscapes, particularly in Mediterranean regions like the Amalfi Coast, poses significant environmental risks, including hydrological instability and increased hazards from extreme rainfall events exacerbated by climate change. This study quantifies potential hazards in Crapolla Fiord, identifying that terrace loss has already heightened risks, with further escalation expected due to agricultural abandonment. The research evaluates flow rates and rain intensity at both mountainside and microbasin scales, demonstrating that targeted interventions—such as soil infiltration enhancement or vegetation regeneration—can mitigate these threats. The findings underscore the urgency of supporting measures in active agricultural areas while advocating for small-scale restorative practices in abandoned terraces to preserve cultural landscapes.
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
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2019 —
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Abandoned terraced landscapes significantly increase hydrogeological risks, such as landslides and mud flows, during severe rainfall events. This was demonstrated by the extreme damage observed in Monterosso and Vernazza basins of Cinque Terre, Italy, following a 2011 storm. The study highlights that the cessation of maintenance of dry stone terraces—due to the decline of traditional agriculture—was the primary factor contributing to landscape failure. While literature suggests varying effects of vegetation on abandoned terraces, this research compares these findings to propose effective management strategies for preserving cultural heritage and mitigating risks in fragile territories like UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Paphos
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2019 —
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A significant assemblage of terracottas from the House of Orpheus in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, spanning the Hellenistic to Roman periods, reveals insights into domestic contexts and social practices during these eras. The study highlights the importance of systematic analysis combining stylistic, compositional, experimental, computational, and theoretical methods to understand the terracotta assemblage's cultural and historical significance. This ongoing project aims to provide a comprehensive overview, contributing valuable data to the understanding of Roman-period terracottas in Cyprus.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2019 —
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Archaeological excavations in Pergamon's residential area, spanning from 1973 to 1993, uncovered approximately 5,400 terracotta fragments, predominantly dating back to the Hellenistic period and Roman Imperial era. These artifacts, primarily serving as household items, offer a glimpse into daily life during these historical periods. A catalog of 1,030 thematically diverse pieces was compiled for this study, providing comprehensive insights into Pergamon's multi-layered cultural landscape. The analysis of these fragments, combined with older and newer data, contributes significantly to the understanding of urban development and material culture in ancient Pergamon.
Historic Town of Zabid
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2019 —
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Yemeni EFL students in conflict-affected Zabid exhibit more controlled motivation than autonomous, particularly at advanced academic levels (3 and 4), where prolonged exposure to deteriorating conditions has eroded idealism. This finding challenges the assumption of intrinsic motivation in stable educational settings, highlighting how systemic adversity reshapes psychological drivers in learners. The study employed a mixed-methods approach—questionnaires for 60 students and interviews with five teachers—to assess motivation through Self-Determination Theory (SDT) lenses, revealing nuanced differences across proficiency levels amid Yemen's crisis.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
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2019 —
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The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya exemplifies the dynamic interplay between human perception and sacredness, revealing how past and present communities shape its significance. This study challenges conventional narratives by documenting local practices that redefine the temple's sacred status, distinguishing long-term ('longue duree') traditions from short-lived ones. It traces the evolutionary history of the Bodhi tree—the most venerated object in the complex—from a humble pavilion to a majestic structure, offering insights into its enduring spiritual and cultural importance. The research employs a deconstructive approach to institutional accounts, focusing on polities and politics to authenticate deep-rooted practices.
City of Cuzco
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2019 —
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Commercial volunteer tourism in Cusco, Peru, perpetuates neo-colonial discourses by emphasizing the divide between volunteers from developed nations and host communities. Despite active engagement and multi-sensory experiences, interactions are limited by language barriers and do little to foster cross-cultural understanding. The study, based on interviews with volunteer tourists and participant observation, reveals that these dynamics reinforce a 'volunteer tourist gaze' characterized by commodification and neo-colonial tendencies.
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon
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2019 —
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A distinctive Renaissance architectural style, known as Manueline, emerged in Portugal during the reign of King Manuel I (1495–1521), blending Gothic, Spanish Plateresque, and Italian Renaissance elements. This study highlights how Manueline architecture, characterized by its whimsical and symbolic motifs—including heraldic and exotic designs influenced by global discoveries—served as a tool for reinforcing national identity and central power in Portugal. The research reconstructs Lisbon's urban ensembles, royal residences, and secular buildings using historical miniatures, maps, and paintings, while contextualizing these structures within North Italian Renaissance traditions. Despite significant losses due to earthquakes from the 16th to 18th centuries, modern scholarly efforts—including those by T. Kaptereva, K. Lawe, L. Fernández-González, and A. Jordan Gschwend—offer new insights into this unique style's evolution and significance.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2019 —
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Architectural reconstructions following armed conflicts, exemplified by the Old Bridge in Mostar, reveal that social and political factors often overshadow professional considerations in monumental preservation. This study challenges the notion of 'identical' restoration, questioning whether an authentic experience can be recreated through simulations of absent original monuments. It evaluates the reconstruction process, highlighting ethical, moral, and historical complexities, particularly concerning the original form and spaces. The research underscores the impact of delayed reconstructions due to political and economic instability, raising critical questions about the authenticity and layering of reconstructed monuments in post-conflict societies.
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
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2019 —
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In April 2007, Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Réunion Island experienced its largest caldera collapse in at least 300 years, characterized by a series of 48 subsidence increments with seismic signals equivalent to magnitudes Mw 4.4 to 5.4. Analysis of these very-long-period (VLP) seismic events revealed a piston-like mechanism driven by the contraction of the magma reservoir and the collapse of the overlying rock column. The study found that the collapse dynamics were primarily controlled by rapid magma withdrawal, likely from a bubbly state, leading to an acceleration in subsidence increments—a pattern similar to the 2018 Kīlauea collapse. This suggests that such events are linked to progressive weakening of the volcanic edifice and increasing rates of magma extraction.
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
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While Bulguksa Temple, founded in 742 CE, lacks its original Buddhist sculptures from the founding era, it preserves two rare and distinctive types of 9th-century Buddhist statues: a set of 'Vairocana and Amitabha Buddha bronze statues' and a 'Lion and Elephant Seated Vairocana Triad.' These statues, particularly the former, are noted for their majestic posture, proportional design, and superior craftsmanship. The latter, though damaged, holds significant cultural value as it represents a unique style found in 9th-century Silla-era Buddhist art. Interestingly, these distinctive features are linked to Shinrim (神琳), a disciple of Uisang, whose influence is evident across multiple temples, including Bulguksa, Biryeosa, and Beoseoksa. The study reveals that the artistic characteristics of these statues, such as the combination of 'Vairocana and Amitabha' or 'Lion and Elephant Seated Vairocana Triad,' are predominantly found in temples associated with Shinrim's lineage, suggesting a strong connection between his disciples and the sculptural traditions of Bulguksa. This insight sheds light on the enduring influence of Shinrim's lineage at Bulguksa Temple, even after the decline of Uisang's Hwaeom school in the 8th century.
Butrint
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2019 —
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Butrint's abandonment after the Ottoman sack of 1537 was not due to immediate depopulation but rather a gradual decline exacerbated by environmental adversities, including malaria and emergent wetlands. The site remained economically active and strategically important to Corfu despite being resettled. This study analyzes excavated Venetian houses and later burials at the Roman forum to argue that Butrint's final abandonment was influenced by plague, border-zone dynamics, and state decay, rather than immediate post-sack abandonment. The research focuses on the period from A.D. 1386 to 1928, before archaeological excavations began.
Namhansanseong
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2019 —
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A study of 17th-century Buddhist hanging paintings by monk Singyeom reveals significant stylistic and compositional shifts across his works, linked to changes in his collaboration with assistant painters. Analyzing three extant Sermon on Vulture Peak paintings—created at Bosalsa (1649), Ansimsa (1653), and Biamsa (1657) temples—researchers found that while the form remained consistent, later works exhibited reduced Buddha imagery, altered color balance, and more pronounced bodily marks. These changes correlated with the transition from assistant Jibyeon to Deokhui, suggesting evolving artistic influences. Additionally, Singyeom’s monastic title indicates his leadership role within Chungcheong Province and Namhansanseong Fortress, highlighting the support structure provided by the Byeogam monastic lineage, which was prominent in the Hoseo region during this period.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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A significant shift in the perception and exploration of the Aegean Islands occurred from the 18th to the 19th centuries, transitioning from a historic backwater during the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods to a focal point for travelers seeking the archaeological and mythological roots of Classical Greek civilization. This period saw prominent visitors like Wheler, Spon, Tournefort, Murray, and Bent contribute to the growing interest in the region's heritage. The 19th century also marked the beginning of systematic archaeological investigations, with key figures such as Fouqué discovering Akrotiri on Thera and Tsountas excavating numerous Cycladic cemeteries. Foreign schools played a pivotal role in excavating iconic sites like Phylakopi on Melos, Heraion on Samos, and Ayia Irini on Kea, among others. However, the study highlights a persistent issue of looting and forgery, particularly affecting Cycladic marble figurines, many of which lack secure provenance. From the 1970s onward, field surveys became more prevalent, employing both absolute and relative chronologies to date findings.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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The Alhambra Master Plan (2007–2020) emerges as a groundbreaking model for preventive conservation, addressing the complex challenges posed by natural and human-induced risks to one of Spain’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Unlike traditional reactive approaches, this plan prioritizes proactive strategies to mitigate deterioration factors, ensuring the stability and sustainable maintenance of fragile materials like plaster, stucco, and stone. Its innovative methodology integrates historical analysis, risk assessment, and adaptive management, tailored to the site's unique vulnerabilities—intensified by mass tourism and environmental stressors. By demonstrating how a comprehensive, long-term framework can balance conservation with visitor access, this study offers a replicable template for preserving cultural heritage in high-pressure environments.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park
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2019 —
WHE01C7FB610C
Inselberg summits within the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, South Africa, host a unique alpine flora that contributes significantly to the biodiversity of the Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC). This study reveals that inselbergs support 7.9% of DAC species, including 114 endemics or near-endemics, and are notably free from human disturbance or alien plant invasion. However, their high vulnerability to climate change underscores their conservation importance as escarpment vegetation faces increasing degradation due to land use pressures. The research, conducted in 2005, compared inselberg flora with the broader DAC and Platberg, identifying distinct family rankings and growth form consistency. Key findings include potential new species, range extensions, and the dominance of families like Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Ericaceae among endemics.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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2019 —
WHE283C00539B
Gardens played a pivotal role in early globalization, serving as cultural and botanical exchanges between ancient civilizations. This study examines gardens from the Near East to South Asia, including Sigiriya, a Buddhist site in central Sri Lanka, revealing their significance in connecting regions like Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and the Islamic world. It highlights how these gardens facilitated the spread of plants and horticultural practices, bridging distant cultures and contributing to the development of global botanical diversity.
