Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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A comprehensive review reveals that environmental tracers are pivotal in unraveling the groundwater dynamics of Jeju Island. These tracers have successfully categorized groundwater processes into six key areas: recharge, flow dynamics, age dating, nitrate sources, salinization, and submarine discharge. The study highlights the effectiveness of these methods while acknowledging their limitations, suggesting innovative approaches to overcome challenges and guide future research. This synthesis provides a robust framework for understanding and managing Jeju Island's critical freshwater resource.
Chartres Cathedral
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A stained-glass panel from Chartres Cathedral, dating to c.1205–35, reveals symbolic and occupational insights into medieval baking practices. The panel depicts a baker kneading dough, with a 14th-century fragment featuring the face of a recumbent Christ, symbolizing Jesus as the 'bread of life.' Additionally, 12 loaves of bread in another panel represent the 12 apostles, while the workbench may signify an altar. The study also highlights occupational hazards, such as exposure to airborne flour from partially filled bags hanging above the baker's workspace.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
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A millennia-long study of human-environmental interactions in Arctic and subarctic regions reveals distinct ecological impacts of Norse settlers and Inuit communities. Using multiproxy analysis—including pollen, micro-charcoal, and parasite data—researchers reconstructed landscape changes near archaeological sites such as L’Anse aux Meadows (Canada) and two Greenlandic settlements. Findings indicate that Norse agricultural practices left visible environmental traces in Eastern Greenland, while Western Greenland showed moderate impact. At L’Anse aux Meadows, evidence suggests landscape opening around 1000 CE but no clear signs of livestock grazing. Inuit seasonal occupations in Labrador hint at wetland management and controlled fires, with caribou and dog presence. The study underscores the diversity of socio-ecological trajectories over a millennium, emphasizing the value of integrated paléoécological approaches to understanding past human-environmental dynamics.
ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture and Extermination
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Generative AI, such as ChatGPT-4o, exhibits a notable bias toward dominant political and economic narratives when interpreting contested memoryscapes linked to dictatorial regimes. A study analyzing responses about three Spanish-speaking memorial sites—Valley of the Fallen (Spain), ESMA Museum (Argentina), and Monument to Salvador Allende (Chile)—revealed a preference for perspectives aligned with current governments, capitalism, and far-right rhetoric, particularly in Spanish-language outputs. Using least-to-most prompting and Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), researchers demonstrated how AI can inadvertently reinforce power structures, posing challenges for unbiased heritage narratives. This finding underscores the need to critically assess AI's role in shaping memory politics and democratic discourse.
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
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A new taxonomic insight clarifies the identity of Cheilosia (Cheilosia) aerea, a fly species previously confused with others in the proxima group due to shared morphological traits. Distinguishing features include pilose posterodorsal corners of the anterior anepisternum and more pruinose terga with increased black pile, supported by genetic clustering with high bootstrap support (BS = 100%). The study, based on collections from Armenia and Georgia between 2019 and 2022, also resolves synonymies proposed in earlier literature. C. aerea is distributed across the Western Palaearctic and Central Asia, with observations spanning altitudes of 1368 to 2078 meters.
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
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A recent study identified and characterized the hoverfly species Cheilosia (Taeniochilosia) nigripes within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley, Armenia. This species is distinguished by its shiny sterna II–IV, a trait unique among Taeniochilosia in the Caucasus, and exhibits morphological differences from European and Russian Far East specimens, including more extensive pruinosity and distinct pile characteristics. The research involved field collections across multiple provinces in Armenia and Georgia from 2018 to 2023, utilizing both direct sampling and Malaise traps. A total of 456 specimens were examined, contributing new data on the species' distribution and morphology. The study enhances understanding of hoverfly biodiversity in this culturally significant region.
Nemrut Dağ
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A new species of bee, Chelostoma (Chelostoma) dolichocephalum, has been discovered and described from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nemrut Dağı in southeastern Turkey. This species is distinguished by unique morphological traits in both males and females, such as a long, narrow head in females and distinctive antennal segments and sternal structures in males. The discovery was based on detailed morphological analysis of specimens collected from Nemrut Dağı and adjacent regions. While the pollen hosts and nesting biology remain unknown, the species is presumed to be oligolectic on Lamiaceae, similar to related species. The name 'dolichocephalum' reflects its elongated head structure. This finding contributes to the biodiversity documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provides new insights into bee taxonomy in this region.
Yungang Grottoes
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A significant discovery from the Yungang Grottoes reveals that chemical weathering, particularly feldspar dissolution, is the dominant process causing damage to these ancient structures. The study quantifies this weathering rate at 7.84 × 10−21 - 2.7 × 10−18 mol·cm-2·s−1, with a cumulative mass loss of about 0.000061% per year. When physical weathering is considered, the annual mass loss rate increases to 0.00015–0.00018%. The research indicates that without protective measures, such as maintaining a stable low-temperature environment, the grottoes could face complete destruction within 4,000–5,000 years. This study underscores the critical need for conservation efforts to mitigate temperature-induced chemical weathering, ensuring the longevity of this cultural heritage.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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Scientific production on the Chinchorro culture, particularly regarding its artificial mummification and settlements, has been dominated by the University of Tarapacá (Chile), which stands out for its productivity and influence. This study identifies three key research areas: pathologies and toxicity, life and cultural interactions, and funerary traditions, with the inclusion of these sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List expected to spur further international interest and collaboration. The analysis, conducted using bibliometric tools like Bibliometrix and VOSviewer, highlights the consolidation of a recognized research group in this field.
Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
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A comprehensive analysis of the Levoča/Leutschau Lutheran Music Collection (SK-Le) reveals the significant role of Chórprefekt Friedrich Wilhelm Wagner (1815–1887) in shaping the musical culture of Spiš/Zips during the Classicism and Romanticism periods. The study highlights Wagner's contributions, preserved in Part MUS B of the collection, which includes manuscripts and prints from the 18th to early 20th centuries. This research sheds light on the region's highly developed musical life, emphasizing music networking and migration patterns in Central Europe. By focusing on lesser-known sources, the study provides new insights into the historical development of choral singing and its cultural significance within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dougga / Thugga
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals that churches within Byzantine military fortifications in North Africa, such as those at Thamugadi and Dougga, served multifaceted roles beyond mere religious functions. These structures acted as centers for garrison services, storage for military standards, and venues for diplomatic meetings, while also providing refuge for local populations and potentially housing monastic communities. The study underscores the significant overlap between military and civilian spaces during the 6th and 7th centuries, challenging traditional assumptions about the separation of these functions. By synthesizing archaeological evidence from key sites, the research highlights the need for further investigation to fully elucidate the complex roles of these fortified churches in Byzantine North Africa.
Historical Monuments of Mtskheta
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The magazine 'Employee of the Transcaucasian Mission' (1912–1916), the first printed organ of the Sukhum diocese, significantly contributed to the development of Abkhaz culture, science, and literature through the works of D.I. Gulia and K.D. Machavariani. These educators, known for their role in creating the 'Abkhaz Alphabet,' published influential articles that addressed contemporary needs and historical preservation, such as Gulia's 'What Abkhazia Needs' and Machavariani's 'The Ancient Bedia Temple and Its Treasures.' Their publications, guided by Bishop Andrey (Ukhtomsky), reflected a structured program aligned with the diocese's goals. The study analyzes the cultural and historical context of these works, revealing their importance in shaping the authors' creative paths.
City of Valletta
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Cities, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Dubrovnik and Valletta, are emerging as influential actors in international relations, demonstrating capabilities in negotiation, humanitarian response, and policy innovation. A study analyzing these cities' roles during the COVID-19 pandemic found that they effectively reconciled goals of being thriving cruise ports, preserving their heritage status, and adopting smart city concepts through paradiplomatic strategies and international network engagement. This challenges traditional views of cities as mere administrative units under national control, positioning them as key participants in global governance.
Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia
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Recent volumes of the 'Scavi di Aquileia' series, published in 2024, present significant findings from fifteen years of archaeological research at the Cossar plot in Aquileia, an Imperial Period residential area. These volumes, edited by Jacopo Bonetto and others, include detailed analyses of the domus of Tito Macro and the city's walls, building upon earlier studies dating back to 1870. The series, supported by the University of Padua and the Aquileia Foundation, consolidates archival documents, numismatic findings, and a comprehensive study of cooking pottery, offering new insights into the urban development and material culture of ancient Aquileia.
Medieval Town of Toruń
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A rare glimpse into the intersection of religious and civic life in Late Medieval Prussia emerges from detailed records of four priest-led foundations in Toruń. These institutions, established by affluent clergy who were also prominent town members, reveal that priests were not merely spiritual providers but active participants in commemorative practices benefiting both themselves and the community. The study highlights the financial underpinnings and societal roles of these foundations, offering unprecedented insights into the bourgeois religious culture of the era.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2025 —
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Traditional Hani 'Mushroom Houses' in the Honghe Rice Terraces of Yunnan, China, demonstrate remarkable climate adaptability through passive design strategies that stabilize indoor environments despite high temperatures, humidity, and significant diurnal variations. A 30-year meteorological analysis revealed that building orientation (northwest-facing), multi-story zoning, thick walls, and thatched roofs play critical roles in regulating thermal comfort. Field measurements confirmed the effectiveness of natural ventilation and climate-buffering storage layers in maintaining stable conditions. The study provides empirical evidence for optimizing traditional dwellings to enhance insulation and ventilation, offering sustainable solutions for similar climatic regions.
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
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Rising sea levels, tropical cyclones, and saltwater intrusion are accelerating the degradation of Kilwa Kisiwani’s UNESCO-listed monuments—including the Great Mosque and Husuni Kubwa—as well as its shipwrecks, ceramics, and beads. Paleoenvironmental evidence links past climatic shifts to settlement pattern changes, underscoring the site’s vulnerability. To counter these threats, a multi-pronged digitization effort has been launched: drone surveys map erosion hotspots, underwater recording captures submerged shipwrecks, and a mobile app logs tangible and intangible heritage in real time while training local staff. Community engagement ties these initiatives to economic benefits—museum exhibits, cultural festivals, music videos, and locally made products—ensuring sustainable livelihoods alongside conservation. The project’s integration with Tanzania’s National Monument Record database provides a scalable model for climate-resilient heritage management.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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Climate change is significantly altering the landscape and resources of national parks within the Rocky Mountains, with impacts expected to intensify. This report highlights how changes in climate drivers—such as temperature shifts and extreme weather events—are affecting natural resources, cultural heritage, visitor experiences, and infrastructure across these parks. By analyzing regional-scale data from southern Colorado to the Montana–Canadian border, researchers have identified key sensitivities that could guide adaptive management strategies. The study provides projections for future climate trends, offering actionable insights for park conservation efforts.
Xixia Imperial Tombs
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A novel framework integrating centimeter-scale LiDAR modeling, high-resolution CFD simulations, and CMIP6 climate data predicts nonlinear wind erosion risks for earthen heritage sites under multiple future scenarios. Applied to the Xixia Imperial Tombs, this approach reveals that moderate climate forcing (SSP2–4.5) poses higher long-term degradation risk than extreme scenarios (SSP5–8.5), with significant interannual variability and uncertainty ranges. The study advances predictive modeling of climate-driven hazards in arid regions, offering critical insights for resilient conservation strategies under UNESCO’s climate action framework.
Mount Wuyi
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Subtropical montane conifers exhibit distinct, species-specific adaptation strategies to climate change, with Pinus taiwanensis showing consistent temperature sensitivity and increasing growth response to summer warming, while Cryptomeria fortunei's growth is primarily regulated by moisture availability. This study employed dendroclimatological methods to analyze long-term climate-growth relationships in the Wuyi Mountains, revealing divergent responses: P. taiwanensis' radial growth positively correlated with summer temperatures (current and previous year), whereas C. fortunei's growth was influenced by precipitation patterns from the previous autumn and winter. These findings underscore the need for species-specific adaptive forest management strategies to maintain ecosystem services under future climate change.
Teide National Park
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Over half of the Cytisus supranubius shrub population in Teide National Park, Tenerife, is experiencing significant aging, with only 4% of individuals being juveniles. This study reveals a critical decline in sexual reproduction, exacerbated by clonal individuals producing fewer flowers, which worsens regeneration issues. The research attributes these problems primarily to the invasive European rabbit, highlighting urgent needs for better population control and conservation strategies to reverse this trend.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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The Inca Empire's administrative prowess was underpinned by an integrated information system comprising quipus (knotted-cord records), chasqui messengers, and the Qhapaq Ñan road network. This study reveals that these components functioned synergistically as a cohesive data management system, enabling efficient collection, storage, transmission, and processing of information critical for political, economic, and military operations. By synthesizing archaeological evidence, colonial-era chronicles, and modern information theory, the research demonstrates how this non-literate yet sophisticated system allowed the Inca state to manage tribute, mobilize armies, conduct censuses, and exert social control over vast territories spanning from Colombia to Chile. The findings highlight the elegance and efficiency of pre-Columbian statecraft, offering insights into diverse strategies of human governance.
Teide National Park
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Cold Air Pools (CAPs) in volcanic landscapes, such as Teide National Park, act as natural freezers where temperatures can plummet dramatically due to the accumulation of cold air under specific topographic and atmospheric conditions. These unique microenvironments, which can persist for days or weeks, provide an opportunity to study plant responses to extreme low temperatures in situ. Unlike surrounding areas, CAPs exhibit distinct biotic communities, suggesting they may serve as microrefugia for biodiversity amid climate warming. This review hypothesizes the ecophysiological adaptations of plants inhabiting these environments and proposes their use as natural laboratories to investigate temperature-induced stress responses without artificial manipulation.
Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
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Effective management of transboundary protected areas (TPAs) for watercourses hinges on collaborative governance, integrated ecosystem approaches, and broad stakeholder involvement. A study analyzing five TPAs—including the Fertö/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape—reveals that challenges such as conflicting governance systems and limited cooperation can be mitigated by adopting practices from marine protected areas (MPAs) beyond national jurisdiction. Strengthening governance structures, enhancing integrated management, and fostering stakeholder engagement are critical to conserving transboundary freshwater resources and serving the community of interest.
Kasbah of Algiers
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Algeria's heritage conservation efforts, particularly for the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Algiers, face significant challenges rooted in colonial legacies. This study reveals that contemporary conservation practices often fail to address these issues effectively, despite the country's rich cultural and historical assets. By analyzing pre-colonial valuation processes—such as Numidian 'mausoleum culture' and waqf traditions—the research argues for a shift toward homegrown conservation approaches inspired by indigenous care practices rather than French colonial models like 'secteurs sauvegardés.' The findings underscore the need to reconnect with Algeria's deep-seated heritage values to develop culturally appropriate conservation strategies.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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Colonial-era documentation efforts under British rule (1806–1948) laid the foundation for modern architectural and archaeological study of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, including Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya. These ruins, rediscovered in the mid-19th century by colonial administrators and professionals, were systematically recorded through archival, cartographical, and iconographical research. This systematic approach culminated in the establishment of the Archaeological Survey of Ceylon, shaping the preservation and recognition of these sites as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas
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A novel approach to photometric stereo imaging has successfully addressed computational challenges in reconstructing 3D color models of rock art carvings from Sardinian Domus de Janas tombs. The method introduces numerical indicators that assess dataset reliability, overcoming issues like non-Lambertian surface properties and insufficient light source distance. This advancement enables accurate digital documentation of fragile, immobile artifacts without altering their original location, preserving both cultural heritage and scientific analysis. By applying these techniques to two Sardinian sites, researchers demonstrate a robust solution for studying prehistoric engravings that were previously difficult to capture due to lighting and surface irregularities.
São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão
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2025 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the pigments and chromatic characteristics on the architectural surfaces of São Francisco Square's historic buildings in São Cristóvão, Brazil, reveals insights into their color composition and potential preservation methods. The study identified distinct hues, brightness levels, and saturation degrees using advanced color measurement systems like the NCS and Munsell tables, alongside a digital colorimeter (RM200). These findings not only contribute to the understanding of traditional color usage in heritage conservation but also suggest pathways for restitution and preservation, leveraging both ancient techniques and modern methodologies. The research, part of a broader initiative under UNESCO's World Heritage Site designation, sheds light on the cultural significance and material properties of these landmarks, aiding in their long-term conservation.
Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines
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A novel integration of 3D geological and geostatistical modeling enhances the precision of gypsum concentration estimation at the UNESCO-listed 'Monte Tondo' quarry, Italy. By combining historical borehole data with blasthole information, researchers achieved a more accurate representation of gypsum deposits, reducing geological risk and improving mining efficiency. This approach addresses long-standing challenges in small-scale operations, offering a sustainable solution that aligns with environmental regulations. The study demonstrates the potential of geostatistical techniques beyond large metal mines, paving the way for broader adoption in industrial mineral extraction.
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
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Commemorative practices at the Peking Man Site (Zhoukoudian) serve as a powerful tool for shaping national identity through historical memory. The study reveals that sensory-visual engagement with archaeological heritage significantly enhances public understanding and academic value, bridging gaps between state strategies and societal needs. By analyzing Zhoukoudian’s projects, researchers demonstrate how such practices expand horizons for state-society interaction, informing future development while adapting to challenges. This approach underscores the site’s role as a dynamic resource for both education and identity formation.
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
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Le Corbusier's <em>Unité d'Habitation</em> (1945–1952), a landmark of modernist and brutalist architecture, exemplifies radical innovation in multi-storey communal housing design. This study reveals how the building's layout—characterized by repetitive, modular units—challenged conventional residential planning while integrating functionalism with bold aesthetic experimentation. The analysis focuses on Le Corbusier's integration of structural efficiency, spatial organization, and urbanist principles, demonstrating his ability to merge technical rigor with artistic vision. By dissecting floor plans and architectural concepts, the research underscores the <em>Unité</em>'s enduring influence as a prototype for post-war housing solutions.
Sagarmatha National Park
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A study on Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, reveals that strong community attachment significantly boosts support for sustainable tourism by enhancing perceived value and reinforcing emotional solidarity among residents. The research integrates Community Attachment Theory, Social Exchange Theory, and Emotional Solidarity Theory to analyze how these factors interact in tourism-dependent regions. Findings indicate that gender also plays a moderating role in the relationship between emotional solidarity dimensions—such as welcoming nature and sympathetic understanding—and tourism support. Conducted with data from 260 residents in the Khumbu region, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers to foster resident engagement and promote sustainable tourism in sensitive environments.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
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Creative tourism strategies can drive sustainable socio-economic growth and cultural preservation at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by Ban Chiang's community-based approach. This study reveals that integrating creative tourism with the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) enhances environmental conservation, economic empowerment, and social well-being through multilateral stakeholder collaboration. Using qualitative methods—including in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis—the research highlights Ban Chiang’s successful model for heritage revitalization, offering practical insights for policymakers and practitioners to leverage creative tourism for positive transformation in similar destinations.
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
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Solid waste disposal sites (SWS) near the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex act as critical hotspots for zoonotic disease transmission, with domestic dogs and the rodent <em>Rattus rattus</em> serving as key bridge species that facilitate pathogen spillover between diurnal and nocturnal animals. Despite high host densities at SWS, chigger prevalence was lower than in semi-natural forest habitats, yet <em>Leptotrombidium deliense</em>—the primary vector for scrub typhus—showed a 35-fold specificity to <em>R. rattus</em>. Network analysis revealed distinct habitat-host modules and host-chigger compartments, indicating that transmission risk is driven by network topology rather than biodiversity alone. The study suggests that interventions should focus on restricting SWS within 2 km of protected areas, targeting surveillance on dogs and <em>R. rattus</em>, and implementing One Health approaches to monitor waste workers and surrounding communities.
Bale Mountains National Park
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A strong negative relationship exists between financial constraints and sustainable park management in Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia, indicating that budget limitations significantly hinder conservation efforts. The study also highlights moderate negative correlations with poor stakeholder collaboration, lack of government support, and inadequate awareness, all of which collectively undermine effective park management. Using a mixed-methods approach—combining surveys of 328 households with interviews of key informants—the research identifies critical barriers to sustainability, including financial restrictions, weak institutional coordination, and insufficient public engagement. Recommendations emphasize the need for increased community participation, targeted awareness campaigns, improved stakeholder collaboration, and stronger government support to foster sustainable resource management in the park.
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
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Aquilaria species, known for their valuable agarwood resin used in medicine and fragrance, exhibit distinct community perceptions and biophysical characteristics within Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. This study reveals that while Barangay La Union features shallow soil with rocky surfaces predominantly inhabited by <em>Aquilaria malaccensis</em> and <em>A. cumingiana</em>, Barangay Maputi showcases deeper soils with fewer rocks, where <em>A. cumingiana</em> thrives. Climatic factors show minor variations between the two areas. The research combines Key Informant Interviews to assess community knowledge and attitudes toward conservation with Line Plot Method for biophysical characterization, alongside climatic and edaphic data collection. Findings underscore the importance of in situ conservation strategies while highlighting <em>Aquilaria</em> species' potential for ex situ conservation, offering livelihood opportunities and climate risk mitigation through forest plantation.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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A study on Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, reveals that harmful algal blooms (HABs) are often underestimated by local communities due to limited public awareness and understanding. Perceptions of HAB threats varied significantly across sectors, with those in tourism and aquaculture—sectors directly impacted by HABs—underestimating the risks. The research, combining community questionnaires and expert interviews, highlights the need for improved government communication on HABs and tailored policies to mitigate socioeconomic impacts. This work contributes to a growing but still limited body of evidence on public perceptions of coastal HABs, offering insights crucial for long-term solutions.
Kilimanjaro National Park
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A study on Kilimanjaro National Park reveals that improved quality of life correlates with stronger conservation attitudes, particularly among highly vulnerable communities. The research found that as livelihood vulnerability decreases, the relationship between quality of life and conservation support weakens. This suggests that targeted development efforts could enhance both conservation outcomes and community well-being. The findings were derived from a questionnaire survey across four villages bordering the park, analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling.
Bale Mountains National Park
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Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) in Ethiopia possesses significant potential for community-based ecotourism (CBET), driven by its rich cultural heritage, endangered wildlife, and scenic attractions like Fincanbera tourism sites and Bodity Mountain. However, the park faces substantial challenges, including low local participation, inadequate infrastructure, limited stakeholder engagement, and unsustainable resource use. Despite these obstacles, the study highlights that CBET could be a viable model for sustainable development, particularly in developing countries where demand for nature-based tourism is growing. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and observations to gather data from participants selected via snowball sampling. These findings offer valuable lessons for European countries seeking to adapt grassroots, bottom-up CBET models to their own contexts.
Wadi Rum Protected Area
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A community-driven approach to water stewardship and environmental planning in Wadi Rum, Jordan, demonstrates significant potential for enhancing resilience in arid landscapes. This study highlights the effectiveness of participatory laboratories as platforms that integrate indigenous knowledge with strategic environmental planning, fostering collaboration among local Bedouin communities. By prioritizing community engagement over top-down development models, this method empowers local voices and aligns solutions with regional socio-cultural and ecological contexts. The findings underscore the importance of context-specific, community-led strategies in sustainable heritage conservation, bridging gaps between external interventions and genuine local empowerment.
Medina of Tunis
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A boutique hotel in the Medina of Tunis demonstrates that sustainable hospitality can drive both profitability and community revitalization by integrating local hiring, informal supplier sourcing, and immersive cultural programming. This model, rooted in heritage tourism, reinvests profits locally while fostering guest engagement and staff retention. Unlike top-down industry standards, this approach emerges from within informal economies and preservation efforts, offering actionable strategies for boutique hotels in culturally rich or under-resourced urban areas. The study, based on fieldwork and practitioner collaboration, provides real-world guidance to balance profit with place-based impact.
Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region
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A collaborative, de-colonial approach to heritage conservation at Jebel Barkal, Sudan, has successfully integrated local communities and international experts to address challenges in protecting a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study highlights the effectiveness of community-engaged archaeology in balancing sustainable tourism with cultural preservation, despite operating in a conflict-prone region. The research emphasizes co-directed efforts by Sudanese and Western professionals, ensuring that conservation strategies are both culturally sensitive and scientifically rigorous. Key achievements include the development of comprehensive management and conservation plans, as well as innovative community engagement initiatives that foster long-term stewardship.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
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Sri Lanka's two endemic chevrotain species exhibit distinct activity patterns shaped by their habitats. The dry zone chevrotain (Moschiola meminna) shows cathemeral activity with peaks at dawn, midday, and dusk in Wilpattu National Park, likely to avoid heat while foraging and evading predators. In contrast, the wet zone chevrotain (Moschiola kathygre) in Sinharaja Forest Reserve is primarily nocturnal, possibly due to competition or sensitivity to disturbances in dense forests. The study used systematic camera trap surveys across >30% of each habitat, analyzing 1,000 bootstrap iterations with non-parametric von Mises kernel density estimators to quantify activity levels. Findings highlight the need for species-specific conservation strategies, emphasizing reduced human disturbance during nocturnal hours for M. kathygre and preservation of dry zone forests for M. meminna.
Simien National Park
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A comparative analysis of conservation strategies in Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia, and Qianjiangyuan National Park (QNP), China, reveals that QNP's tiered administrative framework with strong provincial leadership and stakeholder collaboration has led to effective land-use regulations, zoning, and reforestation efforts. These measures have maintained over 81.7% of the park as forest, enhanced watershed protection and carbon storage, and fostered a flourishing ecotourism industry while balancing local livelihoods and sustainability. SMNP's community-led conservation practices have also shown significant growth in tourism revenue and beneficiary numbers, with projections indicating continued increase. Both parks have seen notable recoveries in endangered species populations, such as Ethiopian wolves and Walia ibex in SMNP, highlighting the success of integrated management techniques.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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Jewish Arabic dialects of Gabes and Djerba, though geographically close, exhibit significant phonological and syntactic distinctions. While Jewish Gabes retains three phonemic vowels and retroflex sibilants, Jewish Djerba shows a reduced vowel system with fronted palatal sibilants. Syntactically, the dialects diverge in future tense markers—Jewish Gabes uses both 'bāš' and 'ḥabb', whereas Jewish Djerba employs 'ḥa', potentially derived from 'ḥabb'. Both dialects also feature topicalisation strategies akin to Chinese-style constructions. This study combines linguistic analysis with field recordings, offering insights into the historical and sociolinguistic dynamics of North African Jewish communities.
M'Zab Valley
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A comparative analysis of the M'Zab Valley reveals significant differences in spatial and superficial intimacy between its millennial vernacular Islamic architecture and standardized modern habitats. The study quantifies these dynamics using ophthalmology calculations, Panero and Zelnik's spatial design principles, and interpersonal communication thresholds, while also considering gender-specific resonance frequencies. Findings suggest that the M'Zab's architectural design effectively protects privacy through sensory experiences, contrasting with modern approaches. This research highlights the cultural and functional depth of Islamic architecture, offering insights into its sustainability and intergenerational adaptability.
Kasbah of Algiers
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A new methodology for creating compatible repair mortars, ensuring they meet the compatibility principle's requirements without compromising the integrity of historic structures, has been developed. This approach combines physical and mechanical testing with Digital Image Analysis (DIA) of mortar thin sections under polarized light to rigorously define original mortar characteristics. Compatibility acceptance criteria, including porosity, bulk density, and compressive strength, are quantified to assess how closely new mortars resemble the original ones. An iterative process for adjusting mix design based on these comparisons was successfully applied to Ottoman military building Casemates in Algiers' Kasbah, demonstrating its effectiveness in preserving cultural heritage while ensuring structural stability.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2025 —
WHE7B8FF48F06
Phylogenetic analysis confirms that the spotted forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) from Huanglong Mountain, Shaanxi, China, belongs to the forest musk deer species, resolving long-standing taxonomic uncertainty. The study sequenced and assembled complete mitochondrial genomes of two individuals, revealing an average length of 16,355 base pairs with 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. By incorporating all available Moschidae mitogenomes into a robust phylogenetic framework, the research clarifies evolutionary relationships within the family and supports the monophyly of M. berezovskii. This work provides critical molecular evidence to distinguish between morphologically similar musk deer species and advances understanding of their genetic diversity.
Dholavira: a Harappan City
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2025 —
WHE5A926EC902
A novel application of complexity theory reveals that the Harappan Civilization (2600–1900 BCE) exhibited decentralized innovation, adaptive water management, and flexible social structures, underpinned by interconnected environmental, social, and technological networks. This approach challenges linear interpretations of urban development, demonstrating how emergent properties, feedback loops, and self-organization shaped the civilization's longevity and eventual decline. Analysis of archaeological data from sites like Dholavira, Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Rakhigarhi highlights hidden connections in symbolic communication and inter-city trade, offering deeper insights into early urban dynamics and the sustainability of complex systems.
Levuka Historical Port Town
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2025 —
WHE1D4F384933
Marine spatial planning offers a promising strategy for the comprehensive protection and revitalization of Levuka Historical Port Town. The study reveals that while the site demonstrates good overall compatibility between land and sea uses, its low degree of land use mixing presents significant potential for revitalization. By dividing the area into four zones—protection, optimization, function expansion, and function integration—the research proposes tailored strategies to mitigate threats to relics while promoting activities that enhance heritage development. This approach aims to increase the vitality of World Heritage Sites through balanced control and moderate introduction of new functions, fostering sustainable development.
