Namib Sand Sea
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified and mapped six distinct sedimentary facies in the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Sand Sea, revealing the complex interplay between fluvial and aeolian processes. This study provides a detailed spatial distribution pattern of these facies using remote sensing combined with ground observations, laboratory spectral measurements, Principal Component Analysis, band ratios, texture, and geomorphologic indices. The supervised classification algorithm, trained by field data, achieved high accuracy in distinguishing modern aeolian sand, deflation surfaces, mud pools/mud drapes, heavy mineral lag, reworked fluvial–aeolian sediments, and fossil dune remnants. The resulting 1:10,000 scale map offers a robust methodology for monitoring desert environments and understanding sediment dynamics in arid landscapes.
Kinabalu Park
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2018 —
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Research on the ultramafic flora of Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia, reveals significant hyperaccumulator behavior in numerous plant species. The study identified 38 species accumulating aluminum (Al) at concentrations exceeding 1000 μg g⁻¹, along with notable accumulators of manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). Specifically, 24 species exhibited extreme Ni accumulation (>1000 μg g⁻¹), with a striking phylogenetic pattern where 75% of these Ni hyperaccumulators belonged to the order Malpighiales. This discovery underscores the unique ecological adaptations of Kinabalu's flora, particularly in ultramafic soils. The study analyzed foliar elemental profiles of 594 plant species (1710 samples), comparing ultramafic and non-ultramafic soil types to elucidate element-specific uptake patterns, including exclusion of phytotoxic elements like Ni and Mn.
Galápagos Islands
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2018 —
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A critical analysis of the Galápagos Islands' food supply system reveals that without intervention, 95% of agricultural food will be imported by 2037, up from 75% in 2017. This shift is driven by rapid population growth—fueled by tourism—and a decline in local agricultural production, which already lags behind mainland Ecuador's consumption levels. Using system dynamics modeling with secondary data, researchers projected future scenarios to highlight the unsustainable trajectory of food dependence. The study underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to bolster local agriculture and align tourism growth with sustainable subsistence strategies.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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2018 —
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The dull-blue flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus) exhibits distinct foraging behaviors across different tropical montane habitats in Sri Lanka, with a significant preference for cloud forests. A two-year study (2015–2017) in Horton Plains National Park revealed that 60.14% of its foraging attempts occurred in intact cloud forest, compared to 34.17% in degraded cloud forest and only 5.7% in grasslands. These differences suggest that habitat degradation significantly impacts the flycatcher's foraging efficiency or resource availability. Researchers used GPS-marked transects and binocular observations to record 1,694 foraging events, providing quantitative evidence of its habitat-specific behavior.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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2018 —
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A robust forecasting model, ARIMA (1,0,1) (1,1,2)6, has been identified as highly effective for predicting foreign guest nights in Sri Lanka's UNESCO-listed ancient cities, including Polonnaruwa. This model, validated through rigorous statistical tests, demonstrates minimal error and accurately captures the seasonal patterns of tourism occupancy. The study highlights the significance of such forecasting in optimizing hotel operations, influencing pricing, staffing, maintenance, and security strategies. While the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model performs well, future research is recommended to explore the Circular Model for potentially improved forecasting accuracy by accounting for both seasonal and cyclical variations.
Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland
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2018 —
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A multidisciplinary investigation combining forensic art history and scientific analysis has resolved an 180-year-old dispute over the pigments used by 19th-century Swedish painter Anders Erik Ädel. The study, which analyzed judicial protocols alongside non-invasive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and spectroscopic methods, revealed that Ädel indeed used more costly pigments than agreed upon in his contract with client Erik Olofsson. This finding not only validates Ädel's claim from 1839 but also provides unprecedented insights into his painting techniques and materials, contributing to a deeper understanding of his artistic practice. The research underscores the value of integrating historical records with advanced scientific methods to reinterpret art history, particularly for UNESCO-listed sites like Hälsingland's decorated farmhouses.
Selous Game Reserve
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2018 —
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A critical re-examination of the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania's oldest and largest wilderness area, reveals it not as a primordial forest but as a 'sacrifice zone' shaped by colonial conservation models and extractive ambitions. The study highlights how the heritagization process constructs an idealized past while advancing specific visions for the future, often at odds with local realities. Despite widespread support for the proposed uranium mine, research shows deep uncertainty and ambivalence among neighboring communities about its long-term impacts on wildlife, land, and water resources. The work challenges simplistic narratives opposing conservation and extraction, emphasizing the need to account for intersecting natural resource values across spatial and temporal scales.
Iguaçu National Park
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2018 —
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A phytosociological survey of Iguaçu National Park's arboreal vegetation reveals a rich biodiversity with 218 species across 54 families and 135 genera, highlighting the park's advanced ecological succession. Euterpe edulis Mart. emerged as the most frequent species, alongside Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., defining seasonal forests in central and southern regions. In contrast, the northern region, at 700 meters above sea level, showcased a transitional environment with Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze and Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., blending seasonal and ombrophillous forest characteristics. This study addresses a significant gap in scientific knowledge by characterizing the park's forest ecology after seven and a half decades, providing critical insights for conservation efforts.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
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2018 —
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The discovery of Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in northeast Thailand in 1966 marked a significant milestone in archaeology, revealing a rich trove of 'idiosyncratic flamboyant Ban Chiang Late Period red-on-buff style pottery.' This pottery, now housed in major museums worldwide, including those in California, New York, Boston, Washington, Cleveland, and Minneapolis, has cemented Ban Chiang's reputation as one of Thailand's most famous archaeological sites. The discovery also highlighted the urgent need for controlled excavations to mitigate looting and preserve the site's historical integrity.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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A novel approach combining archaeological and geomorphological analysis reveals distinct pre- and post-megalithic erosion patterns on limestone menhirs from the Causse Méjean. Pre-megalithic forms—such as lateral basins and grooves—indicate the original outcrop origins of the blocks, while post-megalithic features (e.g., summit basins, rills) provide insights into erosion rates over millennia, with monuments serving as chronological markers. The study identifies karstic and periglacial influences on these forms, demonstrating how such dual methodologies enhance understanding of megalithic landscapes.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2018 —
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Fossil and archeological evidence reveals that the Ryukyu long-furred rat (<em>Diplothrix legata</em>), now endangered and confined to three islands (Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, and northern Okinawa Island), historically inhabited a broader range across the central Ryukyu Archipelago. Records indicate its presence on additional islands, including Okinoerabujima, Kumejima, and Miyagijima, with the latter likely due to human introduction. A notable decline in the species' southern Okinawa population during the Gusuku Period (11th–15th centuries CE) suggests significant human impact on its distribution. This study compiles these records to reconstruct the species' distributional history, providing insights into its ecological and anthropogenic drivers of decline.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2018 —
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A comprehensive analysis of fossil mammals from the Gondolin Dump A ex situ hominin deposits, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa,' reveals a diverse faunal record that includes four novel mammal groups not previously documented in the region. The study processed 15,250 fossil specimens from calcified sediment blocks and naturally decalcified sediments, uncovering representatives from families such as Cercopithecidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, and Giraffidae. While the research clarifies the geological context of the ex situ deposits, it highlights the limitations imposed by the heterogeneous nature of the dump, which aggregates materials from across the Gondolin sedimentary deposits. This study underscores the ongoing challenges posed by mining-mediated obliteration of palaeokarstic deposits, obstructing clear associations between the hominins and in situ samples.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
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2018 —
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Byzantine canopies functioned as architectural and conceptual frames, delineating sacred spaces where divine and earthly entities coexisted while retaining their true natures. Bogdanović's analysis of the monastery of Hosios Loukas reveals that these structures preserved the distinct properties of both realms, even within overlapping liminal spaces. The study bridges Byzantine theological texts with contemporary theoretical discussions to elucidate how framing created a 'being-place' where sacred figures and spaces remained interconnected. This approach offers new insights into the spatial and symbolic organization of Byzantine monastic architecture.
Tchogha Zanbil
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2018 —
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A key insight from France's archaeological efforts in Persia, particularly at Susa and Chogha Zanbil, is the reconstruction of Elamite civilization before the rise of the Achaemenid Empire. The Délégation scientifique française en Perse, established in 1897 under Jacques de Morgan, shifted focus from Dieulafoy’s Achaemenid-centric research to uncovering earlier layers of Elamite history. Successive directors—Roland de Mecquenem, Roman Ghirshman (who also explored Chogha Zanbil), and Jean Perrot—pursued this goal, aiming to illuminate Persia's pre-Persian past through systematic excavations and stratigraphic analysis. Their work laid foundational knowledge for understanding Elamite culture, politics, and material remains.
Aachen Cathedral
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2018 —
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Aachen Cathedral played a pivotal role in the political and religious narrative of Frederick II's Sixth Crusade. The study reveals that Frederick II's commitment to the crusade was not merely driven by religious fervor but also by strategic statesmanship, challenging traditional views on papal influence over crusading movements. His coronation in Aachen in 1215 marked a significant moment where he exhorted his followers to join the crusade, despite lacking papal approval. This act underscored his independent leadership style and his disregard for papal control. The research examines Frederick's delayed departure due to political concerns, his interactions with popes Innocent III and Honorius III, and the eventual loss of Damietta in 1221, which led to an eight-year truce. Additionally, it highlights the troubadour Peirol's pilgrimage to Jerusalem, providing a unique literary perspective on the crusade's aftermath.
Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery
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2018 —
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A novel interpretation of the 1502 fresco 'Saint Mary of Blachernae with Archangels' from Ferapontov Monastery, attributed to Dionisy, reveals it as a representation of the 'Synaxis of the Archangel Michael.' This study provides the first iconographic analysis linking the inscription on the icon to the liturgical text of the 'Lifting of the Panagia' rite, offering insights into its symbolic significance. The research suggests that this interpretation influenced Russian iconographic tradition, both during Dionisy's time and in earlier periods.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
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2018 —
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The Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC) exemplifies how heritage can sustain broader societal wellbeing and benefits, moving beyond traditional conservation models. This study highlights the site's exceptional status as a living, productive agricultural landscape with robust legal protections, including land use management and denomination of origin instruments. The Management Plan is structured around values that contribute to Outstanding Universal Value, addressing sustainability challenges through a cultural landscape model. Risk-related changes in agricultural land use are mitigated by integrating conservation agriculture into national food security policies, such as CONPES. This approach demonstrates the potential for heritage sites to drive societal benefits while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
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2018 —
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A detailed reconstruction of the Holocene climate sequence and cultural phases in the Tadrart Acacus and Messak massifs, southwestern Libya, reveals that hunter-gatherer clans coexisted with herders for thousands of years, maintaining their traditions while potentially undergoing encapsulation processes. Radiocarbon dating indicates that domestic fauna in North Africa's northeastern quadrant dates back to the earliest periods, suggesting an introduction from southwestern Asia. The study also highlights how geographical and geomorphological features influenced the transition from the African Humid Period to arid conditions, either abruptly or gradually. This research combines environmental analysis with archaeological evidence to provide insights into past human adaptation and climate change in North Africa.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2018 —
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Prince Norodom Sihanouk's strategic investment in the Temple of Preah Vihear transformed it from an obscure border site into a powerful symbol of Cambodian nationalism, serving his broader political objectives during postcolonial nation-building. This study reveals how Sihanouk leveraged the temple and the ensuing conflict with Thailand as a resource to strengthen Cambodia’s national identity, linking its rise to his political ambitions. By analyzing stakeholders, contexts, and specific political situations, the research demonstrates Preah Vihear's pivotal role in Cambodian nationalist discourse, offering new insights into the intersection of heritage, politics, and nation-building.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2018 —
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A novel integration of close-range photogrammetry and architectural heritage education demonstrates the potential to enhance digital documentation skills while deepening students' understanding of historical buildings. This study introduces a teaching approach that leverages 3-D modeling and visualization techniques, specifically Architectural Photogrammetry, to create semantically rich models of heritage structures in Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Unlike traditional architectural education methods, this framework emphasizes hands-on learning of digital documentation principles, combining technical skills with historical context. The research suggests that such integrated educational experiments can bridge the gap between advanced technology and traditional teaching, offering a more effective way to engage students in both engineering and heritage preservation disciplines.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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2018 —
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Arles and Marseille, two prominent Roman port cities in South-Eastern Provence, were not primarily competitors but complementary gateways and central places in Mediterranean trade. This study challenges the traditional narrative of their rivalry by integrating concepts of gateways and centrality to analyze their long-term economic dynamics. Using archaeological markers, it demonstrates how natural landscapes and political control shaped their roles as trans-shipment centers, with Marseille serving a static service area and Arles acting as the main gateway for the Rhône corridor. The research highlights overlapping trading networks and the interplay of local/regional and long-distance trade, emphasizing the nuanced economic interactions between these cities during Greco-Roman times.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2018 —
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A recent study reveals that the transformation of Mussolini’s former villa in Rome into a museum reflects shifting public attitudes toward Fascist legacies, challenging official narratives and complicating historical interpretations. The research examines how this heritage site, once a symbol of dictatorial power, now serves as a platform for renegotiating Italy’s contentious past. By analyzing the museum’s display, the study explores whether such sites can actively support or contest dominant historical narratives, shedding light on the socially constructed nature of heritage and its evolving public perception.
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
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2018 —
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A new analysis of a fragmentary catalogue of eponymous priests of Apollo from mid-third-century BCE Cyrene reveals key insights into the chronology of Ptolemaic re-annexation and the presence of Glaukon, an Athenian statesman. This study identifies Glaukon—younger brother of Chremonides—as a likely Ptolemaic commissioner who held priesthood for several years, providing previously unknown details about his life and death in Cyrenaica. By cross-referencing this inscription with other historical sources, the research sheds light on the turbulent political landscape following King Magas' death and clarifies the sequence of events leading to Ptolemy II's reassertion of control over Cyrene.
Western Caucasus
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified the world's deepest-occurring millipede, <em>Heterocaucaseuma deprofundum</em> sp. nov., from the Krubera-Voronja and Sarma caves in Abkhazia, western Caucasus. This new species, belonging to the family Anthroleucosomatidae, not only represents one of the largest known chordeumatidans but also extends the vertical distribution record for millipedes. The study provides taxonomic insights into its relationships within the <em>Caucaseuma</em> complex and the genus <em>Heterocaucaseuma</em>, along with new faunistic records for three other species in the same genus. Additionally, it updates ecological data on the subterranean community of Krubera-Voronja Cave and discusses troglomorphy (adaptations to cave life) in the genus. The presence of ectoparasitic fungi from the order Laboulbeniales is also noted.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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2018 —
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English cathedrals, including Durham Castle and Cathedral, blend high cultural value with adaptable liturgical practices, making them popular destinations that transcend traditional sacred-secular divides. Research shows these sites facilitate 'lateral' ritual engagement—where formal and informal, official and personal practices intertwine—challenging conventional notions of liminality in urban religious spaces. By analyzing data from four cathedrals (Canterbury, Durham, Westminster, York), the study highlights how visitors navigate complex, fluid interactions with heritage sites, suggesting that ambiguous or less visible behaviors hold significant sociological weight. This approach reframes encounters between diverse publics and sacred spaces, emphasizing laterality as a key concept for understanding contemporary urban religion.
Medina of Fez
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2018 —
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UNESCO World Heritage designation, while preserving buildings and boosting tourism, often displaces local populations and alters urban dynamics. A comparative study of Antigua Guatemala and the Medina of Fez reveals that heritage status leads to economic and cultural pressures, pushing original inhabitants to peripheries due to rising costs and tourism-driven transformations. The research, based on statistical analysis, documentary review, and ethnographic observations from 2017, highlights how urban policies favor foreign investment while constraining local living traditions. It advocates for rethinking heritage protection to prioritize resident populations and the authenticity of their cultural practices over historical preservation alone.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2018 —
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Excavation of the Cardo V sewer in Herculaneum, Italy, revealed a diverse Roman diet with significant marine components. Analysis identified approximately 70 fish taxa and 48 marine mollusc species, indicating a high dietary diversity among non-élite residents. Most fish were small, likely netted in shallow coastal waters, while shellfish included species from sandy shores, rocks, and the seabed, suggesting local collection near the water's edge. The findings suggest that fish and seafood were readily available, nutritious, and likely consumed fresh or preserved as salsamenta (salted) or garum (fermented sauce). The study highlights the importance of marine resources in the Bay of Naples during the Roman era.
Timbuktu
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2018 —
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The International Criminal Court's (ICC) ruling in the Al Mahdi case, involving the destruction of cultural heritage in Timbuktu, has sparked broader discussions on the protection and preservation of cultural property. This essay examines how international criminal law can contribute to these debates, particularly in the context of transitional justice, which often seeks cultural change to address oppression and impunity. It explores complex questions about valuing cultural property, defining what constitutes protected property, and determining whose interests should guide its protection. The analysis suggests that penal law's role in safeguarding cultural heritage is both transformative and contentious, reflecting the broader societal implications of preserving cultural identity.
Sian Ka'an
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2018 —
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Habitat complexity significantly influences the richness and functional diversity of reef fish communities in the Mexican Caribbean, with slopes exhibiting the highest fish richness across all studied localities. The study analyzed 160 species from 11 reef sites along the Yucatán Peninsula, classifying them into 28 functional groups based on diet and morphology. While protection status within Sian Ka'an did not correlate with response variables, the findings highlight the importance of habitat complexity in maintaining ecosystem connectivity and biodiversity. This research contributes to understanding the ecological dynamics shaping marine biodiversity hotspots under increasing threat.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2018 —
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Archaeological research at the Toca do Gongo III site, within UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serra da Capivara National Park, reveals previously undocumented funerary practices of semi-sedentary horticultural-ceramist groups inhabiting Brazil's semi-arid Caatinga region during the Late Holocene (c. A.D. 1390–1630). Bioarchaeological analysis of 12 burials—including pit graves and ceramic urn deposits—highlights a predominance of juvenile remains, offering new insights into mortuary customs in the Brazilian northeast. The study compares these findings with other regional sites, tracing funerary traditions from the Late Pleistocene to Late Holocene, thereby addressing significant gaps in understanding prehistoric burial practices. This research contributes critical data on the cultural and social organization of ancient groups in a globally recognized archaeological landscape.
Galápagos Islands
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2018 —
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Modern population genetics and genomics research has revealed that the Galápagos Islands, pivotal to Darwin's theory of evolution, exhibit diverse evolutionary pressures among six iconic vertebrate species. Strong selection drove diversification in Darwin's finches and flight adaptation loss in the flightless cormorant, with candidate genes identified. Genetic drift significantly impacted small populations like the pink iguana and Galápagos hawk, while interisland gene flow was evident in marine iguanas and some finch species. Hybridization introduced adaptive variation, potentially leading to despeciation. These findings highlight the complex interplay of evolutionary forces shaping Galápagos biodiversity.
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
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2018 —
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Eighteenth-century European gardens, particularly those incorporating Chinese-Gothic architectural elements, served as political symbols reflecting royal power and governance ideals. The study reveals that the 'Chinese-Gothic style,' popularized by architect Sir William Chambers, was not merely an aesthetic choice but a deliberate representation of empire and sublimity, contrasting with the strict geometric designs of French Renaissance gardens. This style was contentious, as evidenced by contemporary critiques such as William Mason's satirical poem, which highlighted its discordant elements. The research explores how garden design in sites like Kew Gardens (London) and Dessau-Wörlitz (Germany) mirrored broader political ideologies, with the irregular 'landscape garden' style being championed as a reflection of constitutional governance over despotic rule.
Lake Baikal
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified two distinct types of gas hydrates—biogenic methane and thermogenic ethane—in the sediments of Lake Baikal, marking it as the only freshwater body where such formations occur. The study reveals a novel mechanism for mud volcano formation in this region, driven by tectonic activity and warm fluid influx that destabilizes gas hydrates. A 2018 survey mapped 54 hydrate-bearing structures, including mud volcanoes, mounds, seeps, and pockmarks, distributed along fault zones and sedimentation boundaries. These findings highlight the interplay between geological processes and carbonaceous formations in shaping Lake Baikal's subsurface landscape.
Western Tien-Shan
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2018 —
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A recent study reveals the presence of two Gastrocopta species, G. armigerella and G. theeli, in the western Tien Shan region of Kyrgyzstan, with findings suggesting that G. armigerella may be extinct in this area. The research, based on drift material analysis at high water lines in river floodplains, indicates that these occurrences are likely sub-fossil or fossil shells from the Holocene or Pleistocene periods, rather than living specimens. This discovery expands the known distribution of G. armigerella to central and western Asia, while also marking the first documentation of G. theeli in this region. The study employs morphological comparisons and field surveys to support these conclusions.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2018 —
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A remarkable resurrection of Russia's 17th-century heritage on Red Square was achieved through intergenerational collaboration between Petr Dmitrievich Baranovskii, a pioneering restorer, and Oleg Igorevich Zhurin, his mentee. Despite Stalinist destruction in the mid-20th century, Baranovskii's meticulous 1920s research laid the foundation for Zhurin to revive the Kazan’ Mother of God Cathedral and Resurrection Gates during the late 1980s. This 'generational restoration' capitalized on shifting cultural attitudes post-Gorbachev, demonstrating the enduring power of historical preservation despite political upheaval.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2018 —
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Research reveals that seismic activity in the southeastern part of Far Eastern Russia is driven by strain waves nucleating at the buffer zone of the northeastward-moving Amurian Plate. The study identifies a high-seismicity zone (M ≥ 4.5) in Lower Priamurye, linked to reactivation of the Bureya Orogen, where regional compression peaks beneath a meridional dome with increased Moho depth (36–40 km). A negative gravity anomaly marks lower rock density in this orogen, while contemporary uplift has triggered centrifugal migration of strong earthquakes (M ≥ 5.0) from the dome's center to its periphery between 1983 and 2009. Additionally, seismicity south of the Bureya Orogen is concentrated along the Tan-Lu Fault zone, where northeastward-migrating foci result from tangential rotation of the Amurian Plate, pushing the Central Sikhote-Alin block southward. This tectonic interaction also influences deep-focus earthquakes (M ≥ 6.0) at depths of 400–600 km in the Pacific Plate's subduction zone.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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2018 —
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A significant portion of the population at Paquimé was born locally or within the Casas Grandes region during the Medio Period (A.D. 1200-1450), with only 13% being migrants from neighboring regions, including the American Southwest and other parts of northwest Mexico. Contrary to debates suggesting foreign elites drove cultural change, this study found that high-status burials at Paquimé belonged to locally-born individuals, indicating ritual authority rather than external influence. Most sacrificial victims were non-locals, highlighting social tensions between locals and immigrants. The research used radiogenic strontium and stable oxygen isotope analyses on a large sample of individuals from Paquimé and the Viejo Period Convento site, along with comparative samples to identify geographic origins. Mortuary analyses further assessed social status and identity.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
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2018 —
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A non-invasive multitechnical geophysical survey at the Malga archaeological park in Carthage, Tunisia, revealed significant subsurface structures that likely correspond to buried archaeological relics. The study identified a potential linear magnetic anomaly on the eastern-north side of the site, possibly linked to ruins made of sandy bricks similar to those found in the Carthage-Zaghouan Aqueduct. Additionally, numerous bipolar magnetic anomalies suggested the presence of magnetized bodies beneath the surface. Seismic tomography profiles further delineated four distinct stratigraphic layers, with variations in seismic velocity potentially indicating limestone enrichment or phreatic water influence. A depth of approximately 1 meter was identified for potential archaeological features exhibiting strong electrical resistivity contrasts.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2018 —
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A shift in understanding geotourism has revealed its deep connection to cultural heritage, challenging the traditional focus solely on geological features. This study highlights how the geological foundation of a region, combined with climate and biodiversity, shapes cultural practices, including tourism. Using Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park as a case study, the research demonstrates that the link between geology and Indigenous tourism has been overlooked in academic literature. It shows how evolving perceptions of cultural authenticity led to the 2019 ban on climbing Uluru, reflecting broader changes in tourism practices and the importance of respecting Indigenous traditions.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2018 —
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Jeju Island, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010 and revalidated in 2014, showcases diverse volcanic geosites that include cinder cones, tuff cones, lava domes, and lava tube caves. Additionally, it features a Pleistocene fossil site and a Holocene carbonate beach composed of algal nodules. The study highlights the conservation efforts, monitoring practices, and sustainable development programs implemented within the geopark to protect these unique geological formations while promoting education and geotourism. These initiatives aim to balance preservation with visitor engagement, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Jeju Island's natural heritage.
Manú National Park
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A 16-year study of giant otters in the oxbow lakes of Manu National Park, Peru, reveals critical insights into their social dynamics and reproductive success. Giant otter group size and composition are strongly linked to territory size, while reproductive success is heavily influenced by habitat quality. These findings highlight the vulnerability of this endangered species to human-wildlife conflict, tourism, and environmental pressures such as mining, logging, and agriculture in southeastern Peru. The study underscores the urgent need for a conservation corridor along the Madre de Dios River to protect giant otter habitats and mitigate these threats.
Aldabra Atoll
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Giant tortoises, among the longest-lived vertebrates, harbor unique genetic adaptations linked to longevity and resistance to age-related diseases. A global genomic analysis of Lonesome George—the last surviving member of <em>Chelonoidis abingdonii</em>—and the Aldabra giant tortoise (<em>Aldabrachelys gigantea</em>) revealed lineage-specific variants in DNA repair, inflammatory response, and cancer-related genes. These findings suggest evolutionary strategies that enhance lifespan, offering new insights into the genomic determinants of aging. The study also provides critical genetic resources to support conservation efforts for these threatened species.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2018 —
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Lesbian and queer women in Paris have adapted their strategies for visibility and gathering, disrupting heteronormative urban spaces. The study reveals that since 2010, the closure of traditional lesbian businesses has been offset by the rise of itinerant and ephemeral parties, particularly on the right bank of the Seine, alongside new digital and informal networking methods. These shifts reflect broader trends in LGBTQ spatial occupation, driven by factors such as gentrification, digital communication, and cultural associations. The research combines historical analysis, social media tracking, and fieldwork to map these changes, highlighting how lesbian visibility has become more open, powerful, and ubiquitous through alternative geographies.
Chitwan National Park
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2018 —
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A study of wildlife attacks in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, between 2003 and 2013 revealed that the riskiest areas for human-wildlife conflicts are locations near the park's forest edges, particularly those covered by agricultural land and inhabited by humans. The research found that 89% of attacks occurred outside the park, with 74% happening in buffer zone forests and croplands within 1 km from the park. While most animals had a maximum of one victim per 4 km², bear victims were concentrated where tiger and rhino victims were lower, such as in the Madi valley. The study used kernel density calculations and land use groups to identify five risk zones, providing valuable insights for local spatial decision-making to improve coexistence between natural protection efforts and human safety.
Rock Carvings in Tanum
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A collection of scholarly essays celebrates Dr. Gerhard Milstreu's 40-year contribution to rock art research and documentation, highlighting his pioneering work in promoting the significance of images in archaeology, fostering international collaboration, and engaging the public with prehistoric art. The volume brings together contributions from Europe, addressing themes such as rock art interpretation, technological advancements in recording, and public involvement. It reflects Milstreu's emphasis on giving the past a future by encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Petra
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2018 —
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Tourist experience should be central to sustainable heritage management. This study identifies key indicators of quality for a sustainable tourism experience at Petra Archaeological Park, Jordan, including cultural and natural scenic value, crowding, attraction accessibility, vendor persistence, and the odor of animal waste. These factors significantly influence visitors' perceptions and satisfaction. The research employed qualitative interviews with 29 tourists to explore their experiences and derive these indicators. Findings highlight the importance of addressing these elements in heritage site management to enhance visitor experience while ensuring sustainability.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2018 —
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Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning landscapes including mountain peaks, lakes, canyons, and the Columbia Icefields, offers a unique vantage point to observe the Athabasca Glacier. This glacier, part of the eight glaciers fed by the ice fields, is visible from Highway 93, which traverses the park's spine. The study highlights the significance of this natural landmark, providing foundational insights for its preservation and interpretation as a Canadian national park feature. By focusing on the glacier's terminus and its accessibility along the highway, the research contributes to broader discussions on the conservation and appreciation of glacial landscapes within protected areas.
Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox
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2018 —
WHEE30CBCC3A6
Analytical characterization of five crucibles from Santa Cruz de Mompox, Colombia, reveals evidence of local crucible production and metallurgical practices involving unrefined gold dust, tumbaga (gold-copper-silver alloys), and silver, suggesting both illegal activities and continuities with pre-Columbian traditions. The study highlights the Spanish-led introduction of silver in northern Colombia while illustrating complex social and economic negotiations among indigenous peoples, mestizos, and Spaniards during colonial times. This research approach combines metallurgical analysis with archival evidence to shed light on the dynamic interactions between native metalworking traditions and new Spanish technologies.
Mount Wuyi
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2018 —
WHEE80537CBEB
Scientists have identified Gomphonema wuyiensis, a new species of freshwater diatom (Bacillariophyceae) from the Xingjiang River in China's Wuyi Mountains. This discovery was made during a detailed survey using light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing distinctive morphological traits such as an asymmetrical valve outline that tapers differently on its primary and secondary sides. The study provides a comprehensive description of this novel taxon, highlighting its unique ultrastructural features and ecological significance within the region's aquatic ecosystems.
Simien National Park
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2018 —
WHE84F892E667
Simien National Park, Ethiopia, became a battleground of competing visions: international conservationists sought to preserve its pristine landscapes, while Ethiopian state leaders leveraged Western ecological ethics to assert national authority. This struggle, analyzed through decades of official documents (1963–2012), exposed tensions between global heritage narratives and local realities, often resulting in material and symbolic violence against resident populations deemed responsible for 'degrading' the park's protected status. The study reveals how World Heritage designation both empowered Ethiopia’s nation-building efforts and entrenched power imbalances, illustrating the complex interplay between conservation, politics, and ecology.
