Yungang Grottoes
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2019 —
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Researchers successfully achieved the large-scale 3D virtual and physical reconstruction of two caves (Cave 3 and Cave 12) at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yungang Grottoes. This breakthrough addresses longstanding challenges in 3D printing for large objects by developing advanced techniques—cascade Structure-from-Motion (SfM), grouped Multi-View Stereopsis (MVS), and automatic texture mapping—to generate high-definition colored models suitable for fabrication. The team also optimized the 3D printing process, post-processing, installation, lacquering, and painting to produce two 10-meter replicas, which have been well-received by audiences. These innovations bridge the gap between digital visualization (e.g., games or VR) and physical replication, offering new possibilities for preserving and showcasing large-scale cultural heritage sites.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2019 —
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A new tomographic model reveals distinct magma reservoirs beneath the Avacha and Koryaksky volcanoes in Kamchatka, with exceptionally high Vp/Vs ratios (up to 2.4) indicating regions of partial melt or fluid accumulation. The study used seismic wave arrival times from nearly 5,000 local events recorded between 2009–2018 to map these anomalies. Beneath Avacha, the magma reservoir is shallower (~2 km depth), connected to the surface by a conduit marked by active seismicity, while beneath Koryaksky, it lies deeper (~7 km) and aligns with a vertical cluster of seismic activity, suggesting fluid ascent pathways. A 2–3 km thick layer of low seismic velocity between the volcanoes is interpreted as volcanoclastic sediments. The findings indicate that upper-crustal magma reservoirs are not interconnected, providing critical insights into volcanic hazards in Kamchatka.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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2019 —
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Place names in Rabat, Morocco, serve as powerful symbols that transcend their functional role to shape community identity and convey transgenerational meaning. This study reveals that toponyms are not merely markers of location but act as vectors of imposed identity and ideology, reflecting deeper cultural narratives embedded in the landscape. Through a qualitative case study approach, researchers employed semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to analyze how place names influence self-identification among residents. The findings underscore the symbolic significance of toponymy in constructing collective identities, offering insights into how spatial naming processes reinforce social and historical ideologies.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2019 —
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Tourism in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park is significantly altering local Sherpa spiritual values and religious practices, despite their efforts to maintain cultural identity. The study reveals that while the Khumbu region remains sacred to the Sherpa community, who view it as a beyul or hidden valley with landscapes inhabited by deities, tourism's growing influence is diminishing traditional religious routines and human-environment relationships. Conducted through 33 interviews with ethnic Sherpas over four months of fieldwork in 2014–2015, this research highlights the tension between tourism development and the preservation of sacred landscape values.
Kinabalu Park
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2019 —
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A significant shift in migration patterns has emerged in Sabah, Malaysia, driven by tourism development and the establishment of Kinabalu National Park. The study reveals that while the park's creation has displaced local Dusun communities from their customary lands, it has also spurred economic opportunities, particularly in tourism, leading to the abandonment of agricultural lands. This shift has facilitated an influx of Indonesian migrant families, predominantly Christian, who now primarily engage in vegetable cultivation. Advanced communication technology further supports these migrants by maintaining family ties across the Sulawesi Sea. The research employed ethnographic methods to explore these transformations, highlighting the complex interplay between tourism, agriculture, and migration dynamics.
Komodo National Park
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2019 —
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Tourism governance in Komodo National Park (KNP), Indonesia, primarily benefits residents of Komodo Island while excluding those on Rinca Island from socio-economic prosperity. The study reveals that tourism management is largely controlled by KNP officials, with local people confined to roles as naturalist guides. This qualitative research, involving interviews with community leaders, guides, village heads, and tourism managers across two villages, highlights the uneven distribution of tourism's economic advantages within the park's vicinity.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2019 —
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The designation of Hahoe Village as a UNESCO World Heritage Site significantly boosted its tourism appeal, with the 'World Heritage' label acting as a powerful brand driver. However, this surge in tourism also created challenges for balancing heritage preservation and visitor convenience, necessitating strategic management to sustain long-term brand equity. The study analyzed changes in tourist perceptions between 2014 and 2018, highlighting the need for adaptive management strategies that address the trade-offs between preserving cultural integrity and enhancing visitor experiences. This research underscores the importance of proactive planning to ensure the sustainable development of World Heritage Sites while maintaining their intrinsic value.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
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2019 —
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Tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Caliphate City of Medina Azahara (Madinat Al-Zahra) in Córdoba, Spain, report high satisfaction with both the site and Córdoba as a destination. However, they perceive that this archaeological ensemble is not well-integrated with other city attractions and identify the transport system as a significant weakness. The study used Structural Equation Models to analyze data from 375 tourists, comparing their motivations, expected and perceived value of the destination and monument. Findings highlight the need for improved connectivity and integration of heritage sites within urban tourism strategies.
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
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2019 —
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Social media data can effectively model tourist spatial-temporal behavior, revealing key patterns in scenic spot visitation. This study demonstrates that by analyzing posts from platforms like Sina Weibo, researchers can quantify passenger flow heterogeneity, identify popular routes, and assess stay-time intensity—without relying on traditional survey methods. Applied to the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing, the model uncovered uneven distribution of tourist activity across different areas, with some zones experiencing significantly higher foot traffic. The findings suggest that social media-driven analysis offers a scalable, real-time tool for scenic spot planning and management, potentially optimizing visitor experiences while preserving cultural heritage.
Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás
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2019 —
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Tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás, Brazil, generally perceive local hospitality as positive and suitable. However, significant challenges persist, particularly regarding lodging availability, payment options (credit/debit cards), and the lack of online information about the city. Conducted through qualitative surveys at key events like the International Environmental Film Festival and Gastronomy Festival, this study highlights the need for improved tourism infrastructure and services to enhance visitor experiences in this historic destination.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking study on Gulangyu Island, Chinareveals that residents' environmentally responsible behavior and willingness to sacrifice for the environment are significantly influenced by destination environmental quality and eco-friendly reputation. The research demonstrates that both factors directly impact resident environmental identification and commitment, which in turn shape their behaviors. Notably, environmental identification and commitment fully mediate the effects of environmental quality on these outcomes, while partially mediating the influence of destination reputation. This suggests that fostering a strong sense of environmental belonging among residents is key to promoting sustainable practices in heritage destinations.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park
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2019 —
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A new method for assessing heritage values moves beyond traditional categorical frameworks, offering a multidisciplinary and cosmopolitan approach that aligns with local actors' perspectives. Applied to the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, this method identifies six cross-cultural interest points related to San rock art, demonstrating its potential for global application in heritage management. By integrating diverse disciplines and viewpoints, it aims to create more effective and sustainable management plans that resonate with local communities.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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2019 —
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Historic bazaars, such as Tabriz's, face significant fire disaster risks due to their complex physical and social structures that often deviate from modern safety standards. This study proposes an operational framework for crowd evacuation simulation in these settings, emphasizing the need to account for both human behavioral patterns and environmental constraints like bottlenecks and obstacles before simulating fire and smoke spread. The research, based on field studies of Tabriz and Istanbul bazaars alongside library reviews, identifies critical factors including physical environment interactions and human-psychological dynamics that must be integrated into evacuation planning simulations. This framework aims to optimize emergency strategies by addressing practical simulation requirements, ultimately enhancing safety in these culturally significant yet vulnerable spaces.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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2019 —
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A collaborative, large-scale archaeological program revealed significant insights into the spatio-temporal dynamics of Great Zimbabwe and other urban sites in eastern and southern Africa. By adopting a comprehensive approach that mirrors historical human scales, researchers demonstrated the potential of multivariate assessments to analyze spatial distributions across vast regions. This study, part of the Urban Origins programme involving 22 parallel field projects, synthesized scattered data from multiple sources, offering new perspectives on the development and organization of ancient urban centers in Africa.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2019 —
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Long-term, systematic efforts to control Bitou Bush, a Weed of National Significance, on UNESCO World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, demonstrate that eradication is achievable. The study highlights the success of targeted management strategies, including surveys and treatments, which have significantly reduced Bitou Bush populations. This approach serves as a model for similar conservation projects in the region and beyond, proving that persistence and dedication can lead to meaningful ecological restoration outcomes.
Stevns Klint
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2019 —
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A novel approach to understanding modified-salinity waterflooding in carbonates, particularly in outcrop chalk like Stevns Klint, reveals that wettability changes driven by the adsorption of potential determining ions (PDIs), such as calcium, are critical to oil breakthrough times. Unlike traditional models focusing solely on recovery factors and pressure drops, this study prioritizes matching ion concentrations and oil breakthrough timings, identifying PDI adsorption as a key mechanism. By combining core flooding experiments with advanced mathematical modeling and optimization algorithms, researchers demonstrated that lower salinity brines can also induce wettability changes independently of ionic adsorption. While the approach remains semi-empirical, it provides a foundation for future fundamental studies to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying these processes.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified the first confirmed case of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the endangered Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. The discovery was made through histopathological analysis and genetic sequencing of a deceased specimen, which revealed infections in the liver, lungs, and heart. Using nested or semi-nested PCRs targeting specific genes (B1, SAG3, GRA6, and ROP18), the study detected T. gondii genomic DNA and determined that the strain was related to the type II lineage. This finding sheds light on the potential impact of protozoan infections on this critically endangered rodent species, which is endemic to the island's forests.
Vlkolínec
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2019 —
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Vlkolínec in Slovakia and the potential candidate Slovanské hradiště in Mikulčice, Czech Republic, face unique challenges in preserving their traditional natural and cultural values. This study highlights practical tools like territorial plans, management plans, and protective buffer zones to effectively safeguard these sites. It demonstrates how existing frameworks can be leveraged to integrate heritage conservation with community life, ensuring sustainable protection. The research is part of a broader project focusing on the role of UNESCO sites in local communities, offering actionable insights for policymakers and conservationists.
Historic Cairo
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2019 —
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Modern sustainable architecture can effectively incorporate traditional techniques from the Arab region, such as courtyards, wind catchers (badgirs), and mashrabiyas, to enhance environmental performance. A comparative study of Islamic houses in Fatimid Cairo, Egypt, and Sana'a, Yemen, demonstrates that low-technology materials like mud bricks and earth resources can achieve sustainability without relying on advanced technology. The research analyzes the environmental relationships and structural elements of these historic designs, proving their adaptability in contemporary contexts.
Wadden Sea
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2019 —
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A nuanced understanding of the relationship between humans and nature, particularly in world-class natural sites like the Wadden Sea, can significantly enhance efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage. This study challenges the traditional dichotomy of 'wild' versus 'cultivated' nature by examining interpretations and appreciations of nature that is not untouched or untamed. Using data from 48 research participants in the Danish part of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, the research highlights subtle distinctions between nature and culture, offering refined conceptualizations that could strengthen global heritage protection efforts.
Stari Ras and Sopoćani
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2019 —
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Medieval World Heritage Sites in Serbia, particularly the monastery complexes of Studenica, Sopoćani, and Stari Ras, serve as pivotal hubs for intercultural dialogue through their unique blend of cultural heritage and sacred significance. This study reveals that these sites, underpinned by Orthodox monastic traditions, offer exceptional potential for fostering intercultural understanding, especially when interpreted through the lens of 'female history'—the personal narratives of Serbian medieval rulers' wives and daughters, often foreign-born but revered as saints. The research leverages the Artis Center's experience in cultural and creative tourism to propose innovative models for interpreting sacred spaces, thereby bridging cultural identities and enhancing tourism experiences while preserving historical integrity.
Canaima National Park
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2019 —
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A transformative shift in fire management policies within Canaima National Park, Venezuela, has been achieved through the integration of Indigenous Pemón knowledge with academic and institutional expertise. The study reveals that Indigenous practices, such as controlled burning for shifting cultivation and savanna-forest border management, are sophisticated strategies to mitigate catastrophic wildfires exacerbated by climate change. Over nearly 20 years, collaborative fire experiments involving Indigenous communities, firefighters, and scientists demonstrated that fire exclusion policies, while intended to protect ecosystems, paradoxically increase fuel accumulation, leading to larger, more destructive fires under current hotter and drier conditions. This research highlights the potential of intercultural collaboration in developing sustainable fire management strategies that balance ecological preservation with Indigenous livelihoods.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2019 —
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Over 70% of central towns within the Honghe Hani Rice Terraced System (HHRTS) experience poor transportation accessibility, with travel times exceeding one hour to reach the nearest high-grade city. This study introduces a model measuring shortest time-distances to assess transportation accessibility (TA) and evaluates its economic impact on these mountainous sites. Findings reveal significant regional disparities, with Yuanyang County showing the best traffic conditions while Lvchun County lags behind. Northern and middle regions exhibit better TA compared to western, southwestern, and eastern marginal areas. Small-scale rural economies demonstrate minimal dependence on transportation networks, whereas secondary industries are notably affected. The research advocates for targeted infrastructure improvements aligned with local industrial orientations, cautioning against excessive road construction that may harm ecologically vulnerable towns or yield insufficient economic benefits.
Manú National Park
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2019 —
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Discourses on humanity play a pivotal role in legitimizing or delegitimizing the roles of local communities within protected areas, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study reveals that the naturalization process of protected areas involves redefining both the environment and its inhabitants, significantly impacting access to resources and power dynamics. Through a comparative ethnographic analysis of El Manu National Park (Peru) and the Galapagos National Park (Ecuador), researchers found that proximity or distance attributed to humans in relation to nature determines their perceived legitimacy within these spaces. The findings underscore how discursive constructions shape social hierarchies and environmental governance, offering critical insights into the complexities of managing protected areas.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2019 —
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Elderly residents in George Town and Malacca, Malaysia—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—typically make no more than five trips per day, mostly within a 5-kilometer radius, preferring private transportation. A study analyzing 455 travel diaries revealed that trip frequency is significantly influenced by factors such as city location, education level, vehicle ownership, health condition, and exercise habits. These findings highlight the need for transportation planning that balances mobility needs with the preservation of heritage status in these historic cities.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2019 —
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Troy's ruins serve as enduring symbols of trauma, encapsulating fragmented historical memory and evoking powerful emotional responses. This study reveals how ancient sites like Troy, through their physical remnants and literary narratives, articulate collective memory in ways that transcend temporal continuity while creating a spatial unity. Employing methodological approaches from both archaeology and literature, the research draws on Marianne Hirsch's concept of post-memory to illuminate how trauma is remembered and interpreted across generations. The findings underscore the role of ruins in igniting imagination and desire, suggesting that such sites function as mental maps of restoration, bridging past and present in complex emotional landscapes.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2019 —
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Rachel Bryant Davies's work reveals how Victorian Britain engaged with the legends of Troy and Carthage, blending myth, archaeology, and popular culture. The study demonstrates that burlesque dramas, often dismissed as parodies, played a crucial role in diffusing Homeric and Virgilian narratives, preserving and updating these ancient stories for diverse audiences. By analyzing early maps, archaeological debates, journalism, and visual arts—spanning from 1715 to 1912—Davies shows how public perception of Troy and Carthage evolved alongside scientific excavations and societal shifts. Her focus on burlesque, a lesser-explored lens, contrasts with previous works that emphasized biblical or Roman themes, offering a unique perspective on the integration of classical antiquity into Victorian cultural imagination.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2019 —
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Giant tsunami boulders, some weighing up to 43 tons, have been identified along the rocky coasts of Ibiza and Formentera (Balearic Islands), positioned up to 11 meters above sea level and kilometers inland. These boulders, located predominantly in southern coastal areas—contrary to storm wave patterns—correlate with tsunami simulation models predicting northern African submarine earthquake impacts. Radiocarbon dating and dissolution pan growth rates indicate the boulders were deposited between 1750 and 1870 AD, aligning with historical records of a devastating 1756 tsunami that struck the southeastern coast of Majorca. The study suggests these boulders were transported by northern African tsunami waves, supported by their distribution, imbrication direction, and required run-up distances.
Medina of Tunis
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2019 —
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Tunis, the capital of Tunisia and its largest city, is strategically located 10 km inland from the Gulf of Tunis, adjacent to a lake connected via a deep-water channel to the Mediterranean port of La Goulette. The historic medina of Tunis, renowned for its intricate urban fabric and cultural significance, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This designation underscores its status as a living testament to Tunisia's rich history, blending architectural marvels with social and economic importance. The site reflects the city's layered past, from its ancient foundations to its evolution under various civilizations, making it a focal point for studies on urban heritage conservation and sustainable development.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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2019 —
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Twenty-two new species of the parasitic fly genus <em>Hyphantrophaga</em> (Diptera: Tachinidae) have been identified from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwestern Costa Rica. These discoveries, reared from a diverse range of caterpillar hosts spanning 30 lepidopteran families, include detailed morphological descriptions, life history data, molecular analyses, and photographic documentation. The study also resolves taxonomic ambiguities by proposing five new synonyms for previously described genera and nine new combinations within <em>Hyphantrophaga</em>. Additionally, three previously known species—<em>H. angustata</em>, <em>H. myersi</em>, and <em>H. virilis</em>—are redescribed based on ACG specimens. This research significantly expands the understanding of tachinid fly biodiversity in Mesoamerica and provides a key for species identification in the region.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2019 —
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A rare sighting of the Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) marks the first documented record of this Palearctic species in Brazil, while a solitary Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) adds to the second known occurrence on Fernando de Noronha. These observations, recorded between March 2017 and March 2018, highlight the island's significance as a transient stopover for migratory herons. The study relied on field documentation, capturing brief but notable appearances of these species in a region typically dominated by Neotropical avifauna.
Western Tien-Shan
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that lake sediments from Sary Chelek, Kyrgyzstan, contain precise records of two significant earthquakes (M_LH=7.5) that struck western Tian Shan in 1946 and 1992. These findings were derived from analyzing annually laminated deposits, which exhibited distorted varves and large-scale turbidites—structures indicative of seismic activity. Radiometric dating confirmed the timing of these events, aligning with historical records. This discovery underscores Sary Chelek's potential as a long-term paleoseismic archive, offering valuable insights for assessing regional earthquake hazards in Central Asia.
Brasilia
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified distinct microseismic signals, or 'slidequakes,' emitted from landslides under natural and controlled conditions. The study compared slidequakes from the Sobradinho landslide in Brasília, Brazil, triggered by rainfall, with those generated during a pullout test of an expander body (EB) pile in tropical soil. Using mini-arrays of seismometers, the team analyzed signal characteristics, revealing short-duration microseismic events in the EB pile test and more varied signals at Sobradinho, possibly linked to river bedload energy during heavy rains. The findings offer new insights into the pre-collapse dynamics of unstable clayey slopes, though the ambiguity around source mechanisms highlights the need for longer data campaigns.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2019 —
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A landmark proposal for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, the Uluru Statement, advocates for legally substantive changes beyond tokenism. It calls for a referendum enabling a 'Voice to Parliament,' a Makarrata Commission, and multiple treaties between Indigenous nations and the Commonwealth Government. This redistributive approach aims to shift discourse from distributive justice to retributive justice, focusing on socio-economic transformation and cultural contributions of First Peoples. The paper argues that constitutional change is merely the beginning of extensive legal reforms needed for a sustainable future, emphasizing the rights of future generations to labor in a market that honors their cultural heritage.
Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena
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2019 —
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A participatory photographic observatory was developed to monitor and evaluate the landscapes of the Chaîne des Puys-Limagne fault tectonic arena, supporting its UNESCO World Heritage Site candidacy. This innovative approach combines repeated photography over time with other technical tools to engage local stakeholders—including elected officials and residents—in landscape preservation efforts. The study suggests that active involvement in observing and documenting changes can foster a deeper connection to the site, ensuring long-term commitment to its management and sustainable development. By integrating participatory methods, this observatory aims to enhance awareness of the site's universal value while providing a practical framework for future conservation strategies.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2019 —
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A collaborative project between the DAda Lab (University of Pavia) and SMlab (University of Granada), supported by the Alhambra and Generalife Board, has developed an integrated approach to document, analyze, and manage architectural heritage. Focusing on the Palacio del Generalife, this multidisciplinary effort compared different 3D data formats for their interpretative potential in conservation and management. The research combined rigorous digital surveying with historical analysis of the palace's formal and constructive evolution, enabling critical evaluation. This method offers a robust framework for understanding and preserving complex architectural sites like those in Granada.
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
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2019 —
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This study reveals how university residences serve as a critical link between urban and academic environments, shaping spatial relationships that reflect historical and contemporary contexts. By applying Christopher Alexander's Theory of Patterns (1980), the research examines the conceptual and formal dimensions of student housing, using the University of Oregon residence as a case study to assess the theory's practical applicability in architecture. The analysis spans multiple scales—city, university, and residence—and explores four distinct cases (Caracas, Córdoba, Paris, and Aveiro) to illustrate how these spatial patterns evolve over time. The findings underscore the significance of student housing not only within academic settings but also as a social and urban phenomenon, challenging architects to rethink its role in shaping inclusive and dynamic living spaces.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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2019 —
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A comprehensive exploration of the geological origins, properties, and lifecycle of building stones reveals critical insights into their durability and decay mechanisms. The study emphasizes recognizing diverse stone types—such as granites, limestones, and sandstones—through illustrated examples from Great Britain and beyond. It examines how these materials weather over time when used in structures like pillars, arches, and cathedrals, with a focus on Durham Cathedral's sandstone deterioration. Additionally, the research delves into historical architectural styles, showcasing contributions by architects like Vitruvius and Sir Christopher Wren, while also discussing the potential 'rebirth' of ruined buildings through digital recording. The book integrates over 450 diagrams and photographs to enhance understanding, supported by an extensive bibliography.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2019 —
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A shift away from cereal cultivation, possibly concurrent with increased pig farming, began in the Middle Neolithic around the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. This is evidenced by the absence of cultivated plants in newly excavated pits at West Amesbury Farm and other contemporary sites, alongside zooarchaeological data showing a rise in deposited pig bones relative to cattle. Strontium isotope analysis suggests local cattle husbandry, including dairy exploitation, while consistent butchery practices indicate shared food preparation methods across sites. The study integrates bioarchaeological, radiocarbon, and archaeobotanical evidence, offering new insights into Middle Neolithic subsistence strategies in southern England.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2019 —
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Historical records from the 15th to 19th centuries reveal that Jeju Island, Korea's most recent volcanic activity occurred in 1002 and 1007 AD, with no other documented eruptions. The study interprets these records volcanically, identifying a fissure eruption in 1002 and a potential underwater eruption in 1007, possibly linked to Hyeongpyeong Island or submerged volcanoes. Additionally, the term '瑞山' (Seosan) is reinterpreted as a metaphor for auspicious volcanic birth rather than a specific mountain name. Earthquakes and tsunamis in 1707–1708 were unrelated to local volcanism, instead correlating with Japan's Hoei earthquake. The research analyzes 25 historical texts, cautioning against inaccuracies due to transcription errors and author biases, particularly in non-official records.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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2019 —
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Ranger job satisfaction is low but can be significantly improved through higher salaries, better promotion opportunities, and enhanced support from authorities. A 2015–2016 survey of 72% of rangers in Kahuzi-Biega National Park revealed that while most chose this profession to conserve wildlife or serve their country, factors like patrol assignment, housing at headquarters, age, and tenure influenced satisfaction levels. Improving these conditions could boost ranger commitment, performance, and conservation outcomes.
Chartres Cathedral
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2019 —
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A critical assessment of the restoration at Chartres Cathedral reveals significant insights into medieval conservation practices and the challenges of preserving Gothic architecture. The study highlights how the cathedral's restoration, undertaken between 1989 and 2019, reflects broader shifts in French conservation theory, influenced by archaeological advancements and political debates about art since the eighteenth century. By analyzing the process and issues raised during the project, researchers provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in maintaining such a monumental medieval structure. The work also sheds light on the original mural surface of the cathedral, offering a glimpse into its medieval appearance as studied by art historian Jurgen Michler.
Matobo Hills
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2019 —
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Local oral testimonies reveal the Njelele shrine's enduring spiritual significance, serving as a site for rainmaking rituals, societal forgiveness, and disease cures. The shrine, located in Zimbabwe's Matobo Hills (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), was also consulted during the liberation struggle and remains relevant to war veterans today. However, its mystical voice, once believed to emanate from the rocks, is said to have vanished due to disrespect for the area. This study highlights the diverse values attached to the site by different interest groups, providing insight into its traditional and contemporary purposes.
The English Lake District
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2019 —
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A significant majority (79%) of visitors to the English Lake District's rural valleys noticed and engaged with a projection augmented relief model (PARM) display, with 68% transitioning to focal attention. This study, conducted over three days with 221 participants, revealed an unexpected expectation for direct tangible interaction, contrasting with 'interaction blindness' phenomena. The research, collaborating with the Lake District National Trust, employed in-the-wild observations to explore playful yet unobtrusive technology designs that enhance visitor orientation and experience without disrupting natural immersion. Findings contribute to understanding public digital displays and visitor behavior through the audience funnel framework.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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2019 —
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A study on the Port of Cartagena reveals that cargo container loading is the primary source of underwater impulsive noise. Researchers used an autonomous vessel equipped with a smart digital hydrophone to monitor spatial and temporal noise distributions, identifying key sources and their acoustic characteristics. This pioneering work aims to provide critical data for managing maritime noise pollution and its ecological impact on biodiversity within the port's underwater environment.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2019 —
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Recent underwater archaeological excavations near the Island of the Sun, Bolivia, have uncovered ritual offerings that provide new insights into the formation and consolidation of the Tiwanaku state. These offerings, consisting of ceramic feline incense burners, juvenile llamas, and sumptuary metal, shell, and lapidary ornaments, reveal cyclically repeated state rituals. The study uses these findings to explain how religion played a pivotal role in promoting the economic, political, and ideological systems that defined the Tiwanaku polity during its peak between the 5th and 12th centuries CE.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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2019 —
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Albania's UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Butrint National Park, Berat, and Gjirokastra—reflect a complex interplay between cultural heritage and political regimes. Research reveals that contemporary patrimonialization in Albania, while challenging the legacies of Fascism and Communism, selectively reinterprets elements from these eras to craft a new tourist identity. The study employs document analysis from Tirana's National Historical Archive and ethnographic fieldwork, using mobility/immobility as a lens to examine heritage dynamics under totalitarianism and post-socialist transitions.
Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region
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2019 —
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UNESCO's World Heritage Lists play a significant role in both the protection of natural and cultural heritage and the sustainable development of tourism. The Ohrid region in the Republic of North Macedonia, listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1979, faced threats from uncontrolled tourism expansion, unplanned urban development, and environmental destruction, leading to its inclusion on the World Heritage List in Danger in 2017. This study investigates whether sites originating from North Macedonia are on UNESCO Lists and how this impacts heritage protection and sustainable tourism development. Using a research approach that combines analysis of UNESCO's lists with an assessment of local tourism development, the paper highlights the complex interplay between global recognition, local challenges, and the need for balanced conservation strategies.
Vlkolínec
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2019 —
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vlkolínec (Slovakia), stands out for its unique historical landscape structures that have preserved cultural significance since the late 18th century. This study highlights how such sites can serve as valuable educational tools in geographical education, demonstrating their potential to enrich both local and global learning experiences. Through a survey of primary students in the Liptov region (2018/2019), researchers identified gaps in student knowledge about Vlkolínec, leading to the development of an educational project aimed at integrating the site's attributes into school curricula. The findings underscore the importance of leveraging UNESCO sites for tourism and pedagogy, offering a model for other regions to follow.
Gordion
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2019 —
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A rare, intricately woven textile from 9th-century Gordion, preserved by a fire around 800 B.C., reveals the sophistication of Early Phrygian design and craftsmanship. This geometric textile, discovered in Megaron 3, combines slit-tapestry weaving with soumak wrapping, showcasing motifs that align with other Phrygian artifacts like painted pottery and inlaid furniture. The reconstruction highlights weaving as a key element of the era's shared aesthetic language (koine), offering new insights into Anatolian textile traditions during the Early Iron Age.
