San Antonio Missions
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2018 —
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Archaeological research at Mission San Antonio de Padua, California, reveals that masculinity was a complex and heterogeneous phenomenon during the 18th and 19th centuries, with discernible variations between colonizers and neophytes. The study analyzed three housing contexts—soldiers’ barracks, unmarried male neophyte dormitories (jayunte), and mixed-gender adobe housing—to explore gendered spatial organization and material culture. By synthesizing over 13,000 artifacts from 11 field seasons with historical sources, the research demonstrates that masculinity was not uniform but instead shaped both physical and social landscapes. Additionally, it argues that the concept of 'household' was strategically used by missionaries to restructure Indigenous societal frameworks, offering new insights into Spanish colonial archaeology.
Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
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2018 —
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A new analysis of painted hunting scenes in Cueva de las Manos, Argentina, reveals that the earliest depictions (dated ca. 9400–6800 bp) are uniquely preserved within this site, while later tonal series exhibit broader spatial dispersion, suggesting seasonal mobility circuits between highlands and steppe regions. Researchers examined tonal groups, superimpositions, design patterns, composition, panel locations, and micro-stratigraphy to link Cueva de las Manos with Cerro Casa de Piedra, proposing a dynamic cultural landscape during the late Pleistocene.
Everglades National Park
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2018 —
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A comprehensive analysis of Everglades National Park's mangrove forests reveals significant resilience and recovery following hurricane-induced damage. Between 1985 and 2017, total mangrove coverage increased by 10.2%, with notable decreases during major hurricane events such as Hurricane Andrew in 1993, which caused a 46.5% reduction in mangrove area. However, these damaged areas recovered to pre-hurricane levels within 3–4 years. The study also found that the extent of hurricane damage depends on wind speed, direction, and proximity to the storm's maximum winds. This research utilized advanced remote sensing techniques, including Landsat observations, multisensor cross calibration, spectral normalization, and pixel unmixing, to provide a detailed multidecadal record of mangrove changes in the Everglades.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2018 —
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Anuradhapura's hydraulic system, comprising perennial and seasonal tanks, played a pivotal role in its development as a significant Indian Ocean urban center. The city's layout included three distinct zones: the Citadel, the monumental Sacred City, and the hinterland. The Nuvaraveva, Tissaveva, and Basavak Kulam tanks were central to this system, with extensive restorations conducted by the British in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The study sheds light on the hydraulic complexities that sustained Anuradhapura's urban core, while also addressing historical narratives, such as the Culavamsa's account of the 11th-century Chola conquest, which depicted it as a violent event leading to widespread destruction and plundering.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2018 —
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A hydrochemical assessment of agro-well water for irrigation in the Thalawa block, part of the Mahaweli system H in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, reveals that while most water quality parameters are within acceptable ranges for crop production, 50% of the wells exhibit marginal levels of Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC). The study, conducted over ten months from October 2016 to July 2017, analyzed water samples from ten representative agro-wells and found that the mean Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) of 48.2 classifies the water as good for irrigation purposes. Despite variations in rainfall and canal water availability, sufficient water levels were maintained even during dry spells, suggesting high potential for sustainable crop production without detrimental effects on soil or plants.
Lake Baikal
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2018 —
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Current hydrochemical data reveal that Lake Baikal's deep-water zone maintains stable major ion concentrations, while nutrient dynamics in the pelagic zone are primarily driven by phytoplankton growth. However, increasing nutrient levels in the littoral zone correlate with human activities and tourism expansion. The Selenga River, the lake's largest tributary, exhibits significant anthropogenic impacts from both Mongolian and Russian sources, leading to changes in major ions, nutrients, and organic matter composition. Notably, while mineral phosphorus concentrations in the Selenga show a declining trend amid low water levels, organic phosphorus compounds are rising. This study synthesizes 90 years of hydrochemical research, including long-term data from the 1950s–1960s, to assess the lake's chemical stability and anthropogenic influences.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2018 —
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Hydropower and irrigation development in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, exemplified by the Gibe III Dam project, pose severe risks to both social justice and environmental sustainability. The study highlights that unchecked development, without adequate consultation or compensation for displaced communities—primarily agro-pastoralists—could lead to long-term impoverishment, increased morbidity, and mortality. Additionally, planned irrigation expansion threatens to drastically reduce Lake Turkana’s water volume, endangering the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands in Ethiopia and Kenya. The research underscores the urgent need for targeted compensation programs and benefit-sharing mechanisms to mitigate these impacts, emphasizing that proactive measures could reconcile economic development with social equity.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
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2018 —
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Researchers have demonstrated that hyperspectral remote sensing can accurately estimate the chlorophyll content of mangroves at different stages of restoration, with higher precision for long-term restored areas. The study, conducted in Quanzhou Bay Estuary, China, used a portable spectroradiometer to measure spectral reflectance and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value) from two mangrove species: Kandelia candel and Aegiceras corniculatum. Two models were developed using partial-least-squares stepwise regression—one based on full-wave-band spectrum data and another on red-edge position—to estimate chlorophyll content. The red-edge position model achieved a coefficient of determination (R²) exceeding 0.72, while the full-wave-band model surpassed 0.82. These findings suggest that hyperspectral techniques could be adapted to monitor biochemical constituents in mangrove leaves, offering potential for broader applications in ecological restoration assessments.
Hyrcanian Forests
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2018 —
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Hyrcanian forests, part of the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and located near the southern Caspian Sea, harbor significantly higher genetic diversity in common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) compared to European populations. This study reveals that Hyrcanian populations exhibit stable rear-edge dynamics with diverse genetic markers, including EST-SSRs, suggesting their potential as a critical reservoir for species adaptation amid global climate change and ash dieback. Population divergence between European and Hyrcanian populations was traced back to the Pleistocene epoch, with evidence of recent population size reduction across all studied regions. Additionally, substructure within Hyrcanian forests was identified, featuring distinct western-central and eastern subclusters, along with two new plastid haplotypes in the easternmost populations. These findings underscore the evolutionary significance of the Hyrcanian forests for both F. excelsior and potentially other European tree species.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2018 —
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For the first time, fragments of a Latin papyrus have been discovered at Pompeii, challenging the long-held belief that the unique carbonization process in the region would preclude such findings. This discovery, made during excavations in Regio I, provides new insights into the preservation potential of organic materials under extreme conditions. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Salento, utilizes advanced documentation techniques to analyze and present these rare fragments, contributing valuable data to the understanding of Pompeii's historical and archaeological landscape.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2018 —
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A new analysis of the Terme Stabiane in Pompeii reveals that earthquakes in the first century AD significantly damaged its masonry structures, with evidence suggesting at least two distinct seismic events. The study highlights reconstruction and strengthening efforts by Roman builders, including a buttress in the Destrictarium, which provides insights into the chronology of these events. By combining architectural observations with mechanical analysis, researchers have reconstructed the sequence of earthquakes leading up to Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption in 79 AD.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that extensive copper metallurgy in the Andes began around 2700 years ago, predating previous archaeological estimates. Analyzing a 138.7-meter ice core from Nevado Illimani in Bolivia, researchers used inductively coupled plasma-sector field-mass spectrometry to trace copper emissions, distinguishing between natural dust and anthropogenic sources. The findings indicate that the Chiripa and Chavin cultures were among the first to engage in large-scale copper smelting, with peaks in copper pollution aligning with later high Andean civilizations like the Moche, Tiwanaku, Wari, and Inca, as well as colonial and modern periods. This ice-core evidence provides the earliest comprehensive record of copper metallurgy in South America, offering new insights into the socioeconomic development of Andean cultures.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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2018 —
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A clear relationship between flooding and leptospirosis outbreaks was identified in Medirigiriya, Sri Lanka. The study found that areas affected by floods, particularly Atambaoya, Tissapura, Viharagama, Medirigiriya, and Diulankadawala, were more vulnerable to the disease. Farmers engaging in muddy paddy farming and livestock rearing practices were also identified as high-risk groups due to exposure to contaminated water. The research used retrospective rainfall and flooding data from 2004-2016, leptospirosis case records, and questionnaire surveys, analyzing the data with chi-square tests and ArcGIS 10.3 for map analysis.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2018 —
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A study of the Cenotaph for Korean Atomic Bomb Victims in Hiroshima reveals that the debate over its relocation within the Peace Memorial Park during the 1990s was rooted in complex, multifaceted identities among Japanese-resident Koreans (zainichi Koreans). The research demonstrates that while collective identities tied to pro-South Korean Mindan and pro-North Korean Sōren organizations influenced social identity, personal experiences often transcended these divisions, contributing to internal dissonance within Mindan and rivalry between the two groups. This dynamic led to a deadlock in negotiations, highlighting how individual and group identities shape historical and political disputes. The analysis underscores the nuanced interplay between social and personal identity in contexts of conflict and unity.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
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2018 —
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A genetic analysis of Sempervivum tectorum (Crassulaceae) reveals that populations in the Rhine Gorge area form a distinct and homogeneous group, separate from those in the Massif Central, Alps, and Pyrenees. The study suggests this disjunct distribution likely reflects remnants of a once-wider range during Quaternary glaciation. Researchers used genotyping-by-sequencing on 52 accessions across the species' range to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships, finding the Rhine Gorge material is most closely related to the Massif Central clade. Taxonomic recognition for the Rhine Gorge group was dismissed due to morphological and nomenclatural reasons.
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
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2018 —
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Colonial-era churches in Tierradentro, once part of the Province of Páez, challenge traditional narratives by revealing their enduring significance as independent chapels, distinct from Spanish-designed 'pueblos de indios.' This study demonstrates that these structures were pivotal to the social and spatial organization of the Páez Indians, redefining village congregation with deep religious and territorial implications. Through qualitative analysis of scarce archival material, the research traces their colonial origins, architectural uniqueness, and sustained use despite limited Spanish intervention. The findings highlight how the Páez adapted and reinterpreted colonial structures, embedding them into their cultural and communal identity.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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2018 —
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A significant discovery from the Rena Maiore shipwreck off Sardinia reveals the extent of Roman lead mining and trade during Augustus's reign. The wreck, containing 72 lead ingots and four lead tanks (cistae), provides evidence that lead was both a private commodity and a tool for political consensus under Augustus. The cistae link to workshops in Arles, France, while some ingots bear the stamp 'Augusti Caesaris Germanicum plumbum,' indicating mining sources in Germany—despite territorial losses after the Teutoburg Forest defeat. This suggests Rome's strategic planning of resource exploitation even amid military setbacks.
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 significant shift in monastic architecture occurred in Rome between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, marking the transition from limited Benedictine initiatives to a broader renewal phase under Pope Innocent III. This period saw the adoption of the cloister-based layout, a rare feature in central Italy at the time, with San Lorenzo fuori le Mura (1189) serving as its pioneering example. The study highlights how this architectural evolution reached its peak at San Paolo fuori le Mura, characterized by Roman antique influences such as marble cladding and sculptural decorations, alongside symbolic inscriptions. Despite challenges posed by later renovations, the research identifies a distinct 'Roman' monastic structure type, emphasizing its cultural and political ties to papal Rome. The findings are drawn from an analysis of surviving documentation and architectural remnants, offering new insights into the understudied residential areas of Benedictine monasteries.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2018 —
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A prominent low-velocity anomaly beneath Jeju Volcanic Island, identified through teleseismic traveltime tomography, reveals the presence of a magmatic system with potential partial melting at depths of 50–60 km. This anomaly branches into shallower low-velocity zones (10–45 km), suggesting complex magma interactions within the lithosphere. The study, conducted using data from 20 broadband seismometers deployed over two years, also highlights relatively high-velocity zones to the north, east, and west of the island, indicating thicker lithospheric structures at the southern margin of the continental lithosphere beneath the Korean Peninsula. These findings imply that focused decompressional melting at sublithospheric depths and intricate magma dynamics have shaped Jeju Island's unique intraplate volcanism.
Chitwan National Park
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2018 —
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A study on Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals that frequent patrolling is more effective than the distance covered in reducing illegal activities such as poaching. Analyzing 6,593 patrols over fifteen months using logistic regression models, researchers found that areas with higher patrol frequency had a significantly lower probability of illegal occurrences (βPatrol.frequency= -8.6428) compared to patrol effort (βPatrol.effort= -4.1804). Poaching was notably high during periods of insurgency but decreased with increased security posts, community-based anti-poaching units, conservation education, and operations like sweeping/camping. The study underscores the importance of enhancing law enforcement capabilities and adopting advanced techno-based strategies in coordination with stakeholders to sustain long-term rhino conservation success.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2018 —
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A shift from arson to lightning as the primary cause of fire in Tasmania since 1980 threatens unique ecosystems and Aboriginal cultural landscapes within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Lightning-caused fires endanger highly fire-sensitive species, organosols, and palaeoendemic plants, while simultaneously reducing burning in fire-dependent vegetation types. The study highlights the need for increased planned burning of fire-tolerant and fire-requiring vegetation, alongside improved ignition suppression, rapid response capabilities, and lightning fire detection to preserve World Heritage values.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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2018 —
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Industrial phosphate waste discharge from the Gabes phosphate industry in Tunisia significantly impacts marine environments, leading to severe pollution and eutrophication in the Gulf of Gabes. Unlike the eastern coast of Djerba, which remains relatively pristine due to the absence of industrial activity, the study reveals stark contrasts between polluted and clean adjacent areas. Researchers employed a combination of sedimentary analysis techniques—including sequential extractions (SEDEX), Rock-Eval, elemental analysis, stable carbon isotope composition, and X-ray diffraction—as well as water quality measurements and underwater video surveys. These methods exposed clear differentiations in environmental conditions, highlighting the detrimental effects of untreated phosphogypsum waste on marine ecosystems.
Historic City of Ahmadabad
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2018 —
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A study in Ahmedabad, India, found that wastewater-irrigated urban agriculture significantly increases the incidence of diarrhea among farming households. The research compared Escherichia coli concentrations and diarrheal disease risk across three irrigation water sources: groundwater, surface water, and wastewater. Wastewater showed the highest E. coli levels (4.02 × 109 per 100 mL), far exceeding international standards, with corresponding diarrhea incidence rates of 13.1 episodes per 1,000 person-weeks—more than double that of groundwater-irrigated areas (7.92 episodes). The study, conducted over 12 months in 187 households, used a case-cohort design and bimonthly health diaries to document water quality and health outcomes. The findings highlight the urgent need for safer irrigation practices in urban agriculture to protect public health.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2018 —
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Tourism on Ilha Grande, Brazil, has rapidly expanded since the 1980s, leading to significant socioenvironmental impacts. The study highlights a mismatch between increasing tourist numbers and the island's infrastructure capacity, resulting in negative environmental consequences. Additionally, it identifies limited environmental education, low community organization among locals, and cultural clashes due to interactions with tourists. The research suggests that empowering local communities could mitigate these issues by involving them in infrastructure development, environmental education, and cross-cultural engagement while preserving their authenticity.
Selous Game Reserve
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2018 —
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Between 1998 and 2015, the buffer zone of Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve (SGR) experienced a sharp decline in forest cover—driven primarily by charcoal burning and shifting cultivation linked to population growth and poverty. Spatial analysis revealed that while wooded grassland expanded during this period, forest loss accelerated between 2011 and 2015, with minimal crop cultivation suggesting alternative land-use pressures. The study highlights a critical linkage between anthropogenic activities, land-cover change (LULC), and conservation outcomes in rural wards adjacent to protected areas. Integrating spatial data from three time points (1998, 2011, 2015) with socio-economic metrics from Vikumbulu Ward, researchers demonstrate that unchecked LULC transformation threatens both biodiversity and local livelihoods. The findings underscore the need for coordinated strategies to balance conservation goals with rural development in Tanzania.
Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija
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2018 —
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Historical mining and smelting activities have significantly altered landscapes through physical and chemical changes, with erosion of mine wastes and atmospheric emissions from smelters identified as primary contamination sources. A study comparing four Slovenian sites—Idrija (500-year Hg mining), Meža Valley (500-year Pb-Zn mining), Celje (100-year Zn smelting), and the Drava River alluvial plain—revealed that rainfall patterns, river gradients, topography, and wind directions control pollutant dispersion. These findings, derived from a literature review, highlight global parallels in environmental degradation linked to industrial heritage, offering insights for conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Almadén and Idrija.
Great Barrier Reef
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2018 —
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Coral recovery on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) declined by 84% between 1992 and 2010, signaling a loss of resilience under cumulative stressors. While some reefs showed high recovery, key coral types exhibited near-zero recovery, highlighting sensitivity to chronic pressures like water quality degradation, warming, and sublethal effects from acute disturbances such as cyclones, bleaching, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. The study modeled rapid recovery potential if stressors are reduced, suggesting that localized management and global climate action could restore coral cover and diversity. This underscores the urgent need for combined efforts to mitigate both chronic and acute threats to the GBR.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2018 —
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A study on the Sangiran Early Man Site demonstrates that augmented reality (AR) technology, using Vuforia's 3D Markerless recognition system, significantly enhances visitor engagement with archaeological exhibits. Testing revealed that AR applications can detect objects from multiple viewpoints with high accuracy: 86% for angles between 0° and 180°, and 100% for a full 360° range. The application also performs well at distances ranging from 23 cm to 540 cm, with an average detection response time of 12 seconds. To achieve optimal performance, devices must meet minimal specifications including a Dual Core 1.2 GHz processor and specific GPU and camera requirements. This research highlights the potential of AR technology in museums to provide immersive, interactive experiences that enrich educational outcomes.
East Rennell
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2018 —
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East Rennell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Solomon Islands, faces significant threats from resource development, invasive species, climate change, and over-harvesting. A study by Price (2018) explores how the Solomon Islands' Protected Areas Act of 2010 can be leveraged to mitigate these risks while respecting customary land tenure and local livelihoods. The research argues that integrating legal frameworks with traditional practices is crucial for effective conservation, particularly in managing landowner consent, crafting management plans, and selecting management committees. While the Act offers some protection, its implementation must balance heritage preservation with the improvement of local communities' lives to ensure long-term sustainability.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2018 —
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A pilot project in Zanzibar's Stone Town aimed to bridge the gap between urban development and heritage conservation, demonstrating how the 1972 World Heritage Convention can be adapted for inclusive economic and social development while protecting the environment. The study highlights that the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, introduced in 2009 through a UNESCO-led workshop, has been pivotal in reshaping Zanzibar's heritage management by integrating sustainable development principles. This shift addresses spatial disparities between Stone Town and Ng&sambo Tuitakayo, moving beyond the limitations of earlier plans like the 1982 Master Plan, which failed to harmonize urban realities with conservation goals.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2018 —
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Management plans are critical tools for balancing protection, usage, and development in UNESCO World Heritage Areas, as demonstrated by Istanbul's Historic Peninsula. Since its inclusion on the World Heritage List in 1985, Istanbul has implemented two management plans (2011 and 2018), which guide authorities in conservation efforts through structured preparation processes and stakeholder engagement. These plans, revised annually within a five-year reconstruction cycle, have significantly influenced the protection of Istanbul's cultural heritage. The study highlights the importance of integrated urban strategies, financial mechanisms, and collaboration with NGOs to ensure sustainable development while preserving historical integrity.
Hyrcanian Forests
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2018 —
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Combining Sentinel-2A optical imagery with ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 radar data significantly improves the accuracy of estimating forest aboveground biomass (AGB) compared to using either dataset alone. A case study in Iran’s Hyrcanian Forest demonstrated that Support Vector Regression (SVR) models, when trained on combined Sentinel-ALOS datasets, achieved the highest prediction accuracy (R² = 0.73, RMSE = 38.68), outperforming Gaussian Processes (GP), Random Forests (RF), and Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks (MPL). While Sentinel-2A alone provided reasonable results, ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 data yielded poor performance when used independently. This study highlights the potential of integrating multi-sensor remote sensing with machine learning to enhance biomass estimation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Hyrcanian Forests.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2018 —
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A collaborative project between the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) and Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities (MoA) has successfully implemented a filtered-air supply and exhaust ventilation system in Tutankhamen’s tomb, significantly stabilizing its interior microclimate and reducing dust levels. This intervention addresses critical issues caused by mass tourism—such as increased humidity, elevated carbon dioxide, and natural ventilation—which previously exacerbated damage to wall paintings and artifacts while creating discomfort for visitors. By mitigating dust deposition on uneven surfaces, the system preserves the legibility of paintings and reduces the need for frequent cleaning, which further damaged them. The approach balances visitor comfort with long-term conservation, offering a scalable model for managing environmental challenges in high-traffic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers
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2018 —
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This issue of the <em>Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians</em> explores the mythical and architectural significance of Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace, built during the reign of Henri Christophe, the first king of Haiti. Despite the lack of archival records, these neoclassical structures are analyzed as symbolic representations of insurgency and resistance against colonialism, embodying the ephemeral condition of rebellion. Additionally, the issue reexamines Louis Sullivan's Wainwright Building in St. Louis, revealing its role as a monument to the city's brewing industry and lager landscape, while also highlighting the integration of air-conditioning systems in Washington, D.C.'s classical architecture, which revolutionized comfort and efficiency in federal buildings. The Field Notes section reflects on Edward Said's <em>Orientalism</em>, marking its 40th anniversary and assessing its impact on architectural discourse.
Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
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2018 —
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Estonia's path to interdependence post-Soviet isolation revealed the tension between protecting minority privileges and fostering private enterprise, particularly in industry and agriculture. The study highlights Tallinn's unique medieval old-town as a key asset for tourism, contrasting it with Stalinist architecture. It also notes Estonia's potential cultural solidarity with Finnic peoples and emphasizes the need to overcome mental provincialism for global contributions. The research approach combines historical analysis with economic and cultural perspectives, offering insights into Estonia's transition from Soviet rule to a more interconnected world.
Dholavira: a Harappan City
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2018 —
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Dholavira, a significant Harappan city located in the Indus-Saraswati valley, stands out for its advanced urban planning and early agricultural practices. This site, dating back several millennia, showcases the beginnings of agriculture with crops like barley and wheat, as well as the domestication of animals such as water buffalo, cattle, sheep, and goats. The city's layout, divided into a citadel and a lower town including a granary, reflects the sophisticated urban design characteristic of the Harappan Civilization. The study highlights Dholavira's role in the transition from Neolithic practices to more complex societal structures, providing insights into the development of early human civilizations in the Indian sub-continent.
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
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2018 —
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A recent discovery of nearly 13,000 pages of baroque music from the Jesuit Reductions in Bolivia sheds new light on Native American contributions to and influences on colonial-era music. This trove of musical manuscripts challenges existing assumptions about the nature of 'Indian' components in baroque music, revealing a dynamic interplay between autochthonous traditions and missionary-composed works during Christmas celebrations. The study employs a critical analysis of these texts to argue for a more nuanced understanding of cultural exchange, where local musicians and missionaries collaboratively shaped musical practices within the missions.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
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2018 —
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Historical tourism sustainability around Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya Historical Park is significantly influenced by community participation, with safety-related engagement being the least developed aspect. A study analyzing behaviors and knowledge levels of local communities revealed that while participation in implementation and operations was highest, safety participation lagged behind. Internal knowledge about locations and history was good, but external knowledge, particularly English proficiency, remained low. Quantitative and qualitative research using Structural Equation Modeling identified participating behaviors as the strongest direct factor affecting tourism development, followed by internal knowledge and other indicators. The findings highlight critical gaps in community engagement, particularly in safety and compliance with regulations, which are essential for sustainable historical tourism.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2018 —
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A multi-scalar, time-based approach to industrial heritage revitalization demonstrates the pivotal role of water in redefining cultural and natural landscapes. This study highlights how water can serve as a catalyst for architectural reactivation, particularly in the Burgo Paper Mill near Mantua, Italy—a site adjacent to UNESCO World Heritage. The research integrates socioeconomic and environmental design principles to propose innovative systems linking industrial artifacts with open spaces, aiming to enhance both local heritage and broader territorial frameworks. By leveraging recent ownership changes as an opportunity for transformation, the study bridges theoretical analysis with practical experimentation, offering a model for sustainable reconversion of industrial settlements.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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2018 —
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A study on the Historic Centre of Kraków reveals that achieving optimal microclimate control for preserving historic collections can significantly impact energy consumption. The research, conducted using hygrothermal simulations and in situ measurements with WUFI®PLUS software, analyzed various scenarios for the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art located in the Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Findings indicate that balancing strict microclimate control—crucial for preventing damage to artifacts—with energy efficiency is complex and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. The study, supported by the HERIVERDE project, highlights the need for guidelines based on ASHRAE and ICOM-IIC recommendations to minimize energy use while ensuring optimal conditions for conservation.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2018 —
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Strong La Niña events, particularly the intense conditions of 1998 and 2010, trigger significant phytoplankton blooms near the Marquesas Islands by advecting iron-rich waters from the equatorial region via tropical instability waves (TIWs). This finding, derived from an 18-year analysis combining satellite observations, ocean re-analyses, and Lagrangian diagnostics, challenges earlier hypotheses that such advection occurs during all La Niña events. While TIWs primarily disperse and modulate existing phytoplankton plumes, their influence on biomass enhancement is limited to strong La Niña conditions, suggesting that other large-scale forcing mechanisms—such as thermocline uplift or coastal upwelling—play a dominant role in moderate events.
Lord Howe Island Group
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2018 —
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A recent study reveals that plastic ingestion is widespread among fish species in remote South Pacific Islands, including Lord Howe Island Group, with microplastics found in 7.9% of individual fish and 25% of species sampled. This is the first report of plastic contamination in this region, highlighting a significant environmental concern due to the transfer of pollutants through seafood consumption. The research examined gastrointestinal tracts of 126 fish from local markets and fisheries across French Polynesia, Lord Howe Island, and Henderson Island (Pitcairn group), finding no significant differences in ingestion based on feeding style, length, region, or species. These findings underscore the pervasive nature of marine plastic pollution, even in remote oceanic areas heavily reliant on seafood.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
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2018 —
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Researchers have uncovered evidence of ink marks on bronze crossbow triggers from the Terracotta Army's Pit 1, revealing a previously unknown system of 'matching' marks used by Qin Dynasty craftsmen. Using advanced techniques like multispectral photography, digital microscopy, and Raman analysis, the study identified soot-based ink as the substance for these marks, providing new insights into Qin bronze-worker practices during the crucial period of Chinese state formation. Spatial analysis of both inked and incised trigger marks suggests a broader pattern of bureaucratic accountancy in tracking objects and people, enhancing our understanding of Qin craft organization and logistics.
Kaziranga National Park
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2018 —
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Flooding poses a significant threat to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical habitat for endangered species such as the Indian rhinoceros. This study demonstrates that Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) polarimetry and interferometry can effectively monitor flood extent using L-band dual-polarized data from ALOS PALSAR 2, offering advantages over optical sensors due to their all-weather operability. The research identifies H/A/Alpha decomposition as a robust method for characterizing flooded areas, with separability analysis revealing key parameters that distinguish water and non-water regions. Random forest classification applied to these parameters enables accurate flood mapping, while interferometric coherence images provide time-series insights into flood impacts. These findings highlight the potential of SAR-based techniques for real-time monitoring of flooding in ecologically sensitive heritage sites.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2018 —
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Alpine wetlands in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, particularly peatlands, exhibit greater resilience to climate change than previously assumed. A two-year study in Banff National Park revealed that water table stability—critical for wetland ecosystem services—was maintained despite significant variations in snowmelt timing and hydrological conditions. Groundwater contributions, accounting for up to 53% of the water budget in peatlands, played a pivotal role in this stability, alongside soil conditions. Contrary to expectations, mineral wetlands showed limited adaptive capacity, suggesting that while some alpine wetlands may withstand climate-mediated changes, others remain vulnerable.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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2018 —
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Social media, particularly Instagram, serves as a significant platform for young people to engage with Holocaust remembrance, using the hashtag #Auschwitz. This study reveals that while such digital interactions are not without challenges, they provide a space for important debates on Holocaust representation and ensure the visibility of its horrors for future generations. Unlike more formal contexts, social media empowers young voices in these discussions, offering them an accessible means to participate in historical dialogue.
Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago
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2018 —
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Landscape perception is shaped by underlying ideals that guide how areas are analyzed and interpreted, influencing planning decisions. This study demonstrates that explicit landscape motifs—such as those aligned with the World Heritage Centre's criteria or rooted in poetic or cultural narratives—can strengthen the legitimacy of landscape analyses. Through three case studies (Vegaøyan, Sarpefossen, Storhei), it shows how analysts construct meaningful landscapes by assembling material memories and intangible experiences into shareable narratives. The research highlights that conventional methods often overlook these motivational frameworks, which are critical for narrative coherence and planning outcomes.
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
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2018 —
WHEEFE54AA499
Groundbreaking discoveries at the Peking Man Site, led by the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP), have significantly advanced our understanding of vertebrate evolution. The IVPP's research spans from early jawed vertebrates to modern humans, with notable achievements including the discovery of Guiyu oneiros, the oldest near-complete osteichthyan fossil, and the reconstruction of Odontochelys semitestacea, which illuminated the formation of turtle shells. Additionally, the institute has made pioneering contributions to paleoanthropology, such as uncovering 47 modern human teeth in Daoxian Cave, providing the earliest evidence of fully modern humans outside Africa. The IVPP's interdisciplinary approach, combining paleontological, phylogenetic, and molecular studies, has placed it at the forefront of global research in vertebrate evolution and human origins.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
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2018 —
WHE5E92B484C9
A new airport in Colombia's Coffee Region, the International Coffee Airport in Palestina, Caldas, is projected to benefit 528,381 people by significantly reducing travel time and enhancing accessibility. This improvement is expected to bolster tourism within the UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape. The study calculates integral accessibility using a geo-statistical model (Kriging Ordinary) to compare current and future scenarios, quantifying time savings across municipalities. Findings highlight the airport's potential to optimize regional connectivity and support sustainable development in the area.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
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2018 —
WHE6F33E5251B
A global analysis reveals that only 89% of the world's inland wetlands, covering ~6% of land surface, lack formal protection, with significant regional variability and high human influence even within protected areas. The study introduces an innovative framework for wetland conservation planning that integrates multidimensional connectivity, addressing critical gaps in traditional static mapping and spatial planning. By combining remote sensing tools, statistical modeling, and spatial analysis, the research provides a comprehensive assessment of wetland threats and protection status worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for more effective conservation measures to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
