The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
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2018 —
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Despite the significant initial research on flint diffusion from the Grand-Pressigny site, establishing accurate correlations between archaeological objects and geological samples remains challenging. The collective research project 'Réseau de lithothèques en région Centre-Val de Loire' addresses this by assembling 30 researchers to create a comprehensive network of lithotheques (comparative collections), link depositional environments with flint properties, and disseminate knowledge. This collaborative effort aims to build a national and international community, fostering regular knowledge-sharing and technical expertise exchange. The project is part of broader French initiatives in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Aquitaine regions.
Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns
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2018 —
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Iannis Xenakis' Mycenae Polytopon (1978) demonstrated the transformative potential of site-specific performance in linking ancient Greek heritage to modern technological and cultural narratives. This large-scale, interdisciplinary work integrated light, movement, sound, and diverse performers—including musicians, soldiers, and shepherds—across a 25-kilometer expanse in Argolis, Greece, blending the archaeological sites of Mycenae, Argos, and Tiryns with the natural landscape. The performance's significance lies in its role as both a cultural milestone post-1967 junta and a pioneering example of environmentally sensitive art, bridging historical identity, national symbolism, and contemporary experimental practice. Recent scholarly attention has underscored its impact on modern Greek conceptions of space, performance, and national identity.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2018 —
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A shift towards sustainable maintenance practices for heritage buildings has been identified as crucial for their long-term preservation. This study introduces a green maintenance approach, focusing on St Paul’s Church in Melaka, Malaysia, which integrates economic, social, and environmental considerations to ensure the survival of historic structures. The research employs an appraisal framework that evaluates the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of sustainable maintenance strategies. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and techniques, this method aims to balance conservation needs with modern sustainability goals, offering a practical model for heritage management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Longmen Grottoes
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2018 —
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A grey incidence analysis of environmental monitoring data from the Longmen Grottoes reveals critical relationships between environmental factors and the deterioration processes affecting its cultural relics. The study identifies seepage water and fracture displacement as key contributors to weathering, organism growth, and other diseases threatening the site's preservation. By analyzing temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, light intensity, soil moisture, and rock surface temperatures—both regionally and within experimental caves—the research establishes a relational order of environmental impacts on structural degradation. The findings support targeted disease prevention measures based on the formation mechanisms of these deteriorative processes.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2018 —
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Two magnitude 6 earthquakes in the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park on May 1, 2017, produced ground motions that exceeded 5% to 22% of the 2015 Canadian seismic design levels, with Haines Junction experiencing up to 7.5% and Whitehorse up to 22%. Despite the second earthquake being larger in magnitude, the first event generated stronger spectral accelerations near Haines Junction, reaching approximately 3% at 0.2 seconds. These findings highlight significant variability in seismic hazards, even within the same region, and underscore the importance of localized site conditions in amplifying or reducing ground motion values.
Robben Island
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking ethnographic study reveals that group process consultants' emotional and cognitive experiences significantly enhance the effectiveness of diversity encounters, particularly when tapping into somatic awareness. The research, conducted during a Robben Island Diversity Experience (RIDE) event with 19 participants, demonstrates that consultants' psychological disposition and socio-demographic profiles play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of group consultation processes. This finding offers valuable insights for both current and emerging consultants, suggesting that self-awareness and self-regulation are essential components in creating an optimal consulting environment.
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
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2018 —
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Finnish primary and secondary school teachers face significant challenges in integrating UNESCO World Heritage Education (WHE) effectively, with their focus primarily on imparting knowledge about World Heritage sites rather than fostering skills or commitment to preservation. A study of 105 teachers revealed that while they acknowledge the importance of WHE, they struggle to align their teaching with UNESCO's broader goals, which include nurturing students' appreciation and proactive engagement with these sites. The research also highlights a need for stronger connections between WHE, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to bridge the gap between education and societal action.
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
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2018 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) and its associated aqueduct system reveals significant insights into Roman engineering, geology, and historical context. The study integrates archaeological findings with geological data to reconstruct the aqueduct's construction, function, and environmental interactions. Key discoveries include detailed documentation of the aqueduct's structural design, material sourcing, and adaptation to local geosystems. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining archaeological excavation, sediment analysis, and historical records to provide a holistic understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining
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2018 —
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Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island, in Nagasaki, Japan, faces significant challenges as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its inscription in 2015 under the 'Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution,' the site lacks meaningful historical information and conservation efforts aligned with World Heritage guidelines. A critical issue is Japan's refusal to acknowledge the presence of Korean and Chinese forced laborers during WWII, despite an agreement with South Korea. This omission, coupled with the site's decay and its repurposing as a tourist attraction, raises concerns about Japan's compliance with UNESCO requirements and its historical accountability.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2018 —
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Researchers document the first instance of habitual stone-tool use in white-faced capuchins (<em>Cebus capucinus imitator</em>) within Coiba National Park, Panama. Unlike other gracile capuchin species, this population relies on hammerstone and anvil techniques to access structurally protected food items such as <em>Terminalia catappa</em> seeds, hermit crabs, marine snails, and terrestrial crabs—a behavior absent in related species but prevalent in robust capuchins (<em>Sapajus</em>). Camera trapping over a year revealed strong male-biased tool use; adult females, though present at foraging sites, were never observed using tools. The behavior persists year-round across multiple islands, with over half of identifiable individuals participating. The study suggests that high terrestrialism, reduced predation pressure, and potential resource limitation in the Coiba archipelago may drive this evolutionary adaptation, offering a unique model to investigate ecological and evolutionary factors shaping tool use.
Las Médulas
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2018 —
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Las Médulas stands as a unique testament to the Roman Empire's gold extraction methods from two millennia ago. The site's geological features and historical vestiges attract thousands of visitors annually, posing significant challenges for heritage, territorial, socio-political, and economic management. This study advocates for a unified management model that integrates existing assets, balancing economic interests with broader patrimonial considerations. It highlights the urgent need to reconcile the diverse interests of stakeholders within the Cultural and Natural Space of Las Médulas, ensuring sustainable and holistic preservation.
Danube Delta
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2018 —
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Research at the Danube Delta reveals that the Roman fortress of Halmyris, established on a pre-existing Getic settlement, was strategically positioned to leverage natural fluvial features for maritime access. A multiproxy study combining sedimentology and palaeoecology identified a secondary channel of the Saint George River, which flowed north of the site from the 7th century BC to the 7th century AD, likely serving as a natural harbor. This finding sheds light on Halmyris' geomorphological advantages, including protection from floods due to its location on a palaeo-cliff top, and enhances understanding of human-environment interactions in deltaic settings over millennia.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2018 —
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A 45-year study in the Yukon's boreal forest reveals shifting predator-prey dynamics, with snowshoe hare cycles potentially decreasing in amplitude while red-backed vole cycles intensify. Microtus voles, previously fluctuating independently, became synchronous post-1998, though their dominant species varied. Deer mice exhibited irregular patterns, disappearing entirely for five years in the early 1990s. Predation drives hare cycles but its role in small rodent dynamics remains unclear, suggesting social behavior may play a critical yet untested role. The study highlights complex, out-of-phase fluctuations between hares and voles, challenging universal explanations for boreal forest boom-bust dynamics.
Hatra
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2018 —
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Hatra, a sprawling ancient city in Iraq's Jazira region, reached its zenith between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, spanning nearly 300 hectares as the capital of a strategic buffer state between the Parthian and Roman empires. New research reveals detailed insights into Hatra's territorial morphology, hydrology, and geology, offering fresh interpretations on resource exploitation, periurban road networks, and political control during its peak. The study leverages both published data from international archaeological missions and previously unpublished records from the Italian Archaeological Mission at Hatra, spanning 15 years of fieldwork. It also sheds light on urban planning principles, including the city's hydrological systems, road infrastructure, and key urban elements such as temples, necropolises, defenses, and residential structures. Additionally, it proposes revised chronologies for Hatra's urban development phases, from its foundation to its destruction by the Sasanids in 241 AD.
The English Lake District
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2018 —
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Silence and tranquillity in the English Lake District have become more positively associated in contemporary descriptions compared to historical ones, reflecting their growing value as components of landscape perception. This shift is evident through a decline in mentions of absolute silence and an increased contrast with anthropogenic sounds in modern texts. The study employed macro and microreading techniques on historical and contemporary corpora to develop a taxonomy of aural experiences, while sentiment analysis revealed that silence and tranquil sounds are overwhelmingly positive in descriptions, particularly today. Mapping confirmed the enduring influence of Wordsworth’s writing and identified pockets of tranquillity near transport arteries in modern accounts.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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2018 —
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A concerning level of heavy metal contamination has been identified in seven fish species from the reservoirs of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The study found that lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were significantly concentrated in the head regions of these fish, with Pb reaching up to 22.44 mg/Kg in Heteropneustes fossilis from Minneriya reservoir and Cd at 4.98 mg/Kg in Oreochromis niloticus from Kaudulla reservoir. Chromium (Cr) concentrations peaked at 30.87 mg/Kg, while zinc (Zn) was the most abundant metal detected across all sampled regions, with a notable concentration of 118.93 mg/Kg in Oligolepsis acutipennis from Minneriya. Copper (Cu) levels were highest in H. fossilis at 2.92 mg/Kg. Critically, concentrations of these metals in the head parts of popular edible species like Oreochromis mossambicus and Etroplus suratensis exceeded the FAO/WHO provisional tolerable weekly intake limits for Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn. This suggests potential health risks from long-term consumption, particularly concerning for local populations relying on these fish as a dietary staple.
Bagan
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2018 —
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A critical examination of the destruction of cultural heritage reveals that broad statements about cultural rights violations may oversimplify complex, context-dependent dynamics. Using Bagan, Myanmar, as a case study, the research highlights the contested nature of heritage protection and the multifaceted motivations behind destructive practices, challenging narrow definitions of 'heritage' and 'destruction.' The study underscores the need for nuanced, contextualized approaches to understanding cultural rights, moving beyond hegemonic perspectives that assume intentional destruction is always ideologically motivated or aggressive.
Stari Ras and Sopoćani
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2018 —
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Heritage practices in the Novi Pazar district of Serbia reveal complex intersections of Americanism, Europeanism, and Neo-Ottomanism, challenging traditional narratives centered on Christian identities and medieval Raška. The study demonstrates that UNESCO's World Heritage approach, while committed to preserving legacies like Imperial Rome and medieval Raška, overlooks the region's hyper-connectivity—driven by transnational interests from Europe, Turkey, the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East—that reshapes physical landscapes, Islamic identities, and diplomatic spheres. By analyzing these processes, the research highlights the need for heritage frameworks to account for multidimensional influences that transcend historical silos.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
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2018 —
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Heritage management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHSs) is significantly influenced by postmodernism and globalization, shaping both conservation approaches and responsibilities. This study examines the complexities of heritage management through philosophical perspectives, duty frameworks, tourism impacts, and cultural differences between Eastern and Western views. Using 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range' as a case study, it highlights how these global phenomena interact with local conservation efforts, revealing nuanced challenges in preserving cultural heritage while balancing tourism and community engagement.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2018 —
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Replicas of the Temple of Preah Vihear, rather than serving as peaceful symbols, have paradoxically intensified conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The study theorizes that these replicas, framed as 'repeats,' challenge traditional notions of a single 'original' temple, thereby disrupting dominant heritage discourses and power relations. Drawing on linguistic theories of repetition, the research argues that while such repeats could potentially foster peace-building by resisting oppressive discursive orders, their actual impact has been to exacerbate tensions in the border region.
Babylon
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2018 —
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A critical re-evaluation of Herodotus' accounts reveals that his depiction of 'sacred prostitution' at Babylon was not inherently biased but rather served to condemn religious prejudice universally, regardless of ethnicity. The study challenges the notion that later Roman interpretations misrepresented Herodotus' original perspective, instead arguing that his work reflects a broader Greek appreciation for Eastern norms and political symbolism. By comparing Herodotus' narrative with passages from Xenophon, Diodorus, and Strabo, researchers highlight how 'sacred marriage' rituals functioned as both divine epiphanies and tools for political legitimacy in ancient Near Eastern societies. This analysis underscores the nuanced nature of Herodotus' reporting and its role in critiquing religious intolerance across cultures.
Vatican City
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2018 —
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Researchers identified three prominent sets of values that drive religious tourism to Vatican City: religious and pious, spiritual, and tourism-related responsibility. The most significant connection found was between exploring the traditions and history of religious sites, leading to a genuine religious experience, which ultimately enhanced faith and spirituality. This insight was derived using means-end chain theory, analyzing foreign tourists' perceptions of Catholic religious sites when their primary purpose was religious tourism.
Amiens Cathedral
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2018 —
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High Gothic sculpture and painting of the thirteenth century demonstrated a synthesis of divergent ideas, creating a new Christian classicism characterized by dignity and power. This study focuses on the transept portals of Chartres Cathedral and the façades of Amiens and Reims, analyzing four Coronations of the Virgin in varying sizes and media, as well as two stained-glass windows at Chartres. The research reveals that the majestic poise, classic grandeur, and spiritual calm of High Gothic sculpture are evident even in smaller objects, such as the reliquary of Saint Stephen. The transepts of Chartres Cathedral were carved approximately fifty years after the Royal Portals of the west façade, with work on the north transept likely beginning around 1204 following a fire in 1194.
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
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2018 —
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A high-resolution drone survey of the Pista geoglyph in Palpa, Peru, has uncovered previously undetected geoglyphs, including depictions of a bird and a guinea pig, alongside other small drawings. This discovery significantly expands our understanding of the Nasca Lines' complexity and construction techniques. The study demonstrates that drones can achieve finer resolution (beyond 35–50 cm) compared to satellite imagery, revealing ground-level details invisible from above. This approach enhances documentation efforts for remote or hazardous sites, offering new insights into ancient geoglyph creation and use.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2018 —
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A taxonomic treatment of the Hippomaneae tribe (Euphorbiaceae) in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Brazil, identifies 15 species across five genera, with Microstachys and Sapium being the most diverse. Notably, Sapium haematospermum is recorded for the first time in Goiás state. The study, based on monthly collections since 2011, herbarium analyses, and literature reviews, provides identification keys, descriptions, taxonomic comments, and transfers two Sebastiania species to Microstachys while lectotypifying one species. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of a poorly studied but ecologically important group within a biodiverse UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
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2018 —
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Valongo Wharf, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, stands as a pivotal archaeological and historical site that sheds light on the transatlantic slave trade and its profound impact on African descendants in Brazil. The study underscores Valongo Wharf's significance as a 'sensitive memory' site, encapsulating the violence, suffering, and resistance associated with slavery while offering comparative insights into global human tragedies. Through historical analysis, the research explores how this site serves as both a testament to the atrocities of the past and a symbol of Black resistance and cultural affirmation in Rio de Janeiro.
Historic Cairo
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2018 —
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Historic houses in Cairo, Egypt, can serve as pillars of memory for their surrounding communities when conservation efforts extend beyond physical restoration to include social and moral dimensions. This study reveals that while preserving the built environment is crucial, it alone does not guarantee the continuation of urban memory. Instead, a comprehensive approach—incorporating spatial, social, and cultural aspects—is necessary to stimulate and consolidate collective memory. The research investigates two historic houses in Cairo, highlighting the distinction between restoration and conservation, and underscores the importance of capturing urban memory for current and future generations. Findings suggest that local conservation approaches often overlook this critical aspect, emphasizing the need for a more holistic strategy.
Landscape of Grand Pré
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2018 —
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Historic reconstructions, particularly those within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, serve as powerful tools for preserving collective memory and group identity. This study examines the chapel at the Landscape of Grand Pré, a Canadian site, to analyze how such reconstructions evolve, drawing parallels with European precedents like Viollet-le-Duc’s work on Carcassonne and Burges’ reconstruction of Castell Coch. It explores late-twentieth-century examples, including the Globe Theatre in London and the Frauenkirche in Dresden, while also considering influential policies such as the U.S. federal standards and Australia’s Burra Charter. The research highlights the role of ICOMOS documents, like the Nara Document on Authenticity and the Riga Charter, in shaping reconstruction practices. By comparing U.S. and Canadian approaches, the study underscores the tension between authenticity, heritage preservation, and contemporary interpretation.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2018 —
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A genetic analysis of the Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) on Tokunoshima Island reveals two distinct genetic groups, corresponding to northern and southern forested areas. These groups exhibit admixture in nuclear genomes but no gene flow in mitochondrial genomes, indicating historical divergence. The study estimates their separation occurred approximately 4,320 years ago, with the southern population showing higher genetic diversity but signs of recent inbreeding and a bottleneck. Human activities, including Stone Age influences, deforestation for sugar plantations (~300 years ago), and recent disturbances, likely shaped these patterns. The findings underscore the need to consider complex intra-island factors for effective conservation strategies of endemic mammals on islands.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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2018 —
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A critical reflection on the relationship between archaeological heritage, local communities, and patrimonial assets reveals how Guaraní-Jesuit missions, particularly those in Argentina's Misiones region, are appropriated and modified over time by local communities. The study highlights that while San Ignacio Mini is the most visited and resource-rich site among the UNESCO-listed reductions, others like Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto, and Santa María la Mayor suffer from underutilization and lack of activities. Using the case of Concepción de la Sierra, where the ancient reduction of Nuestra Señora de Ibitiracua was located, the research demonstrates how local communities shape archaeological heritages independently of elitist international categories. This communal approach challenges traditional perspectives on heritage management and emphasizes the dynamic, evolving nature of patrimonial assets.
Amiens Cathedral
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2018 —
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A shift in Gothic architectural style, characterized by the introduction of flying buttresses and higher clerestories, emerged in the late twelfth century, marking a departure from earlier Romanesque influences. This transition is evident in structures like Amiens Cathedral, where conservative elements persisted into the early thirteenth century. The study contrasts these developments with the more innovative Early Gothic designs seen in Chartres and Paris, highlighting stylistic changes through an analysis of portals, façades, and stained-glass windows. By examining the evolution of interior space and exterior mass relationships, the research underscores the gradual abandonment of Romanesque mural emphasis in favor of more advanced Gothic techniques.
Monastery of Batalha
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2018 —
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Research on historical stained glass painting techniques reveals that the choice of raw materials, binders, and firing parameters significantly impacts paint adhesion and color outcomes. The study found that using zaffer as a coloring agent does not predict the final result before firing, while smalt allows for better pre-firing assessment. Sanguine red paint's outcome is highly influenced by heating rates, with gum arabic enhancing adhesion. Grisaille paints show evolving surface homogeneity over time, with variations in lead-based glass composition and colorant ratios. Corrosion studies on blue enamels indicate that the lixiviation of alkaline components can alter cobalt's color due to interactions with neighboring ions or Pb2+, potentially forming lead white. These findings, derived from a multi-analytical approach combining historical treatises, recipe reproduction, and laboratory analysis, provide new insights into the preservation and restoration of stained glass, exemplified by comparisons with fragments from Batalha Monastery and other Portuguese heritage sites.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2018 —
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A complex, non-linear relationship between seawater pH and coral calcification emerges from a 90-year reconstruction of biogeochemical trends on the Belize Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Using paired boron (δ¹¹B) and carbon (δ¹³C) isotope measurements from the coral <em>Siderastrea siderea</em>, researchers parsed historical pH shifts into net ecosystem productivity and calcification changes, revealing that coral reef responses to acidification are more nuanced than previously assumed. This study highlights the potential of coupled isotopic analyses to unravel past biogeochemical dynamics in reef ecosystems, offering critical insights for predicting future coral health under anthropogenic stressors.
Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes
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2018 —
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Archaeological evidence from the Bandafassi Regional Archaeological Project (BRAP) reveals significant changes in settlement patterns and defensive architecture in the Upper Gambia River region, highlighting the local impacts of Atlantic-era slavery. These material manifestations contrast with narratives used in UNESCO World Heritage applications, which emphasize interethnic ecological complementarities, and local tour guides' narratives, which focus on intercommunity politics and militarism. BRAP's approach analyzes historiographical silences and acknowledgments to uncover the complexities of slavery's role in shaping this multiethnic landscape, offering a nuanced perspective that complements broader regional studies.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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2018 —
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A new linguistic analysis reveals that the focus concord construction in Sinhala—first documented in pre-second millennial graffiti at Sigiriya’s Mirror Wall—has evolved from impersonal verbal nominalizations in Old Sinhala to a modern colloquial structure showing agreement with focused elements. This study traces its development alongside parallel constructions in Dravidian languages (Malayalam and Tamil) and Japanese (kakari-musubi), identifying shared patterns while highlighting Sinhala’s unique trajectory. The research combines historical linguistics, comparative analysis, and textual evidence from Sigiriya to reconstruct the construction’s transformation over millennia.
Wadden Sea
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2018 —
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A new reconstruction of Holocene relative mean sea-level changes in the Wadden Sea, northern Netherlands, reveals that early Holocene sea levels were lower and rose more steeply than previously thought for the western Netherlands. This challenges predictions from glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models, which had suggested greater postglacial subsidence due to rebound effects from Fennoscandia. The study compiled basal peat radiocarbon dates to create this curve, finding that after 6400 calibrated years before present (cal a BP), the Wadden Sea's sea-level rise aligns statistically with western Netherlands data. This discrepancy raises questions about either the GIA model's accuracy or the quality of existing data. Researchers call for additional radiocarbon dating to resolve this inconsistency, emphasizing the need for more precise long-term sea-level data to inform models and understand vertical land motion.
Assumption Cathedral and Monastery of the town-island of Sviyazhsk
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2018 —
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A unique 16th–17th century fresco of Saint Christopher with a horse head, located in the UNESCO-listed Assumption Cathedral of Sviyazhsk (Russia), has been analyzed for the first time using archaeometric techniques. The study revealed that while original pigments included natural earths and smalt, traces of cinnabar, minium, lead white, chromium, titanium, and nickel indicated multiple restoration interventions over time. Scanning electron microscopy also showed layered painting, suggesting alterations to the saint’s depiction. Additionally, the fresco’s dolomite-based plaster exhibited degradation, with calcium-magnesium separation near cracks, providing insights into its long-term stability.
Naumburg Cathedral
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2018 —
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Medieval garden restoration practices have evolved significantly, with recent approaches focusing on either authentic period reconstructions or 'modern-medieval' designs that blend contemporary aesthetics with medieval symbolism. The study analyzes these trends through case studies such as Queen Eleanor’s Garden and Naumburg Cathedral's garden, examining how archaeological evidence, documentary sources, and modern perceptions—including gender associations and commercialization—shape the interpretation of historic gardens. It highlights the tension between authenticity and creative reinterpretation, questioning whether contemporary designs deliberately incorporate gendered elements to enhance visitor appeal.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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2018 —
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Scottish housing standards have historically lagged behind those of other nations, particularly in the face of its challenging climate. The study highlights that the construction of Edinburgh's New Town in the late 18th century marked a significant city improvement scheme, while an 1827 Act further reshaped the Old Town's layout. This period saw a renewed emphasis on addressing the moral and social evils linked to poor housing conditions, championed by figures such as Dr. W. P. Alison and Rev. Dr. James Begg. The research draws from Victorian essays and achievements to illustrate the evolution of housing reform in Scotland's capital cities, providing insights into the intersection of urban development, social reform, and public health.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2018 —
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Istanbul's historic peninsula is undergoing rapid urban transformation, raising questions about the effectiveness of housing renewal programs. A study found that these programs often fail to align with spatial boundaries and locational characteristics of deprived housing estates, despite theoretical success in social and economic objectives. The research employed a quantitative methodology within a spatial framework to measure comparative deprivation features between renewal sites and other residential quarters. Findings indicate discrepancies between planned renewal areas and actual deprivation patterns, offering critical insights for evaluating the implementation frameworks of these programs.
Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo
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2018 —
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Climate change is projected to significantly accelerate the deterioration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Panama, particularly those constructed with vulnerable materials. Research using high-resolution climate models (EC-Earth) predicts increased surface recession, biomass accumulation, and salt crystallization damage by midcentury (2039–2068), compared to recent decades (1979–2008). The study analyzed construction materials and local meteoclimatic conditions at Panamá Viejo and the Fortresses of Portobelo-San Lorenzo, combining historical data with future projections under a high greenhouse gas emission scenario. These findings highlight urgent conservation challenges for Panamanian heritage sites facing intensified environmental stressors.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2018 —
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A minimum population size of ~112 non-hatchling American crocodiles was estimated on Coiba Island, Panama, revealing that traditional spotlight survey methods (Messel's and King's visible fraction estimations) significantly underestimate populations. The most robust estimate, ranging from 147 to 257 individuals, was derived using the POPAN mark–recapture method, accounting for sex and age groups. This study highlights critical biases in population estimation techniques and provides recommendations to improve accuracy. By comparing findings with other insular and coastal regions, it advances understanding of American crocodile ecology, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Site Coiba National Park.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2018 —
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A rural settlement on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, defies the 'marginal settlement discourse' by successfully maintaining its community through selective integration of I-turn migrants—individuals who return to rural areas after living in urban centers. The study reveals that Katetsu village, Setouchi-cho, achieves this by screening migrants based on their alignment with local values and participation in communal activities. Unlike other rural areas facing decline, Katetsu's closed housing market and consensus-driven events act as gatekeepers, ensuring newcomers adapt to non-urban lifestyles while reinforcing the village's social fabric. This case challenges the notion that such settlements are inherently unsustainable.
Historic Cairo
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2018 —
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Museums globally are increasingly leveraging web and social media to enhance engagement, communication, and collaboration with audiences. A study on the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo revealed that while the museum employs an advanced, innovative technological strategy, visitor satisfaction with its website design is only partial. The research, combining semi-structured interviews with 15 staff members and a survey of 140 participants, identified areas for improvement to better integrate new technologies. These findings offer actionable recommendations for museum managers aiming to optimize digital engagement strategies.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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Hugh Elton's <em>Frontiers of the Roman Empire</em> offers a comprehensive analysis of Rome's frontier systems, revealing their complex interplay between military strategy and cultural exchange. The book challenges traditional narratives by emphasizing the fluidity and adaptability of these frontiers, rather than viewing them as rigid boundaries. Elton employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological evidence, historical records, and geographical data to reconstruct the dynamics of Roman expansion. His work highlights how frontier zones functioned as spaces of interaction, trade, and identity formation, reshaping our understanding of Rome's imperial reach.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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Kulangsu, China's historic international settlement, offers a unique case study for urban heritage conservation under the UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Approach. This innovative method, adopted in 2011, redefines how sites like Kulangsu are evaluated and conserved by integrating built environment, social life, and community engagement. The HUL framework has significantly altered the site's conservation strategy, enhancing its global significance while addressing practical challenges. By identifying key heritage elements and ensuring integrity, this approach aims to improve urban quality and foster deeper interaction between residents and the site. As Kulangsu prepares for potential World Heritage nomination, the study highlights how the HUL Approach can reshape conservation practices, offering a model for other historic cities.
Chitwan National Park
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Human disturbance significantly influences the habitat and prey preferences of Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Tigers favor successional forests, grasslands, and floodplains while avoiding Shorea forests and areas with high human activity. Prey preference analysis revealed a strong preference for medium-sized prey (e.g., chital, wild boar) over large-sized prey (e.g., sambar, gaur), likely due to their higher availability in the region. Tigers also utilize domestic prey more frequently in highly disturbed areas where wild prey is scarce. The study highlights that tiger behavior adapts to human-induced changes, increasing human-wildlife conflict and potentially leading to declines in prey populations. Effective park management, such as delineating core prohibited zones and buffer areas for local access, could mitigate these disturbances and support tiger conservation efforts.
Maya Site of Copan
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2018 —
WHE5119AD7C5E
A significant proportion of Copán, a Maya World Heritage Site in Honduras, was shaped by immigration from across the Maya region. Analysis of skeletal remains using osteology, mortuary archaeology, and stable isotope analysis revealed that immigrants—regardless of age, sex, or socioeconomic status—integrated into this multiethnic city. Biocultural practices like dental decoration and intentional head shaping served as markers of social identity, particularly 'Mayahood.' These modifications exhibited dynamic changes over time and space, reflecting fluid ethnic identities in the southeastern Maya borderlands.
Bagan
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2018 —
WHE1B978574C2
Human rights-based approaches to World Heritage conservation, while offering valuable insights for Bagan, Myanmar, face significant conceptual, political, and practical challenges. The study highlights that ambiguities in interpreting cultural, development, and land rights create uncertainty about who holds these rights. Politically, the enforcement of such policies is influenced by multilateral and bilateral negotiations between states, while practically, Myanmar's low legal and administrative capacity poses implementation hurdles. Despite these limitations, human rights-based approaches can still provide meaningful perspectives in World Heritage conservation efforts.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2018 —
WHE8A2587D422
A notable botanical discovery has been made in the Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand, where Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae), commonly known as hops, was recorded for the first time in the region. Previously documented only in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, this economic plant species extends its known distribution to Uttarakhand, contributing valuable data to regional biodiversity records. The research provides a detailed description and photographic documentation of the taxon, facilitating field identification. This finding enhances our understanding of the flora in one of India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, underscoring the importance of systematic surveys in such ecologically significant areas.
