Costiera Amalfitana
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2018 —
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A significant discovery of medieval material culture, including a rare fresco, has been made in the 'Grotta dell'affresco' on the Amalfi Coast. This cave complex, situated between Cetara and Maiori, provides notable evidence of Byzantine monasticism that flourished along the boundary of the Duchy of Amalfi and the Principality of Salerno during the late 9th to 11th centuries. The study reveals a broader pattern of religious settlements in Campania, characterized by relic translations, Byzantine saint cults, and the arrival of specialized craftsmen. Despite the challenging terrain, which has hindered systematic research on high-altitude cave occupations, this site offers valuable insights into Oriental troglodyte monastic practices.
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din
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2018 —
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A closer look at medieval sources reveals that the term 'barbacane' was historically used more broadly than its modern, restrictive definition in France and the UK. Originally, it referred to low or false walls (fausses-braies) placed before fortified enclosures, not just advanced structures controlling access to gates or bridges. This broader usage persists today in Spain and Italy. Applying this understanding to an inscription at Crac des Chevaliers in Syria provides new insights into its architectural significance.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2018 —
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A significant cultural shift occurred at the ancient Greek city of Poséidonia (modern Paestum) during the late 4th century BCE, marking the end of its traditional Greek religious practices. This transition, described as an 'auto-Romanization,' was driven by the political and cultural influence of Rome following its expansion into Campania and southern Italy. The process culminated abruptly in 273 BCE with the establishment of a Roman colony at Paestum, replacing the indigenous gods with those of Roman worship. The study, based on fragments from Aristoxenus, reveals this abrupt shift as part of a broader, long-term cultural assimilation that was violently interrupted by Rome's colonial policies.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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2018 —
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The port of Cartagena de Indias demonstrates significant potential competitiveness for foreign trade, particularly through its multimodal transport system. This advantage is driven by cost efficiencies and strategic positioning that enhance the movement of containerized goods. The study employs a reflexive analysis approach, integrating direct observation, statistical data from the Port Society and Republic Bank, and insights from academic literature. It builds on prior research, including a degree-level analysis conducted at the Technological University of Bolívar, to identify critical points in fluvial transport that could further optimize logistics. By leveraging these findings, the port emerges as a promising hub for international commerce, with implications for regional trade dynamics.
Comoé National Park
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2018 —
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Comoé National Park (CNP), the largest protected area in West Africa and one of the world's top 20, faces significant anthropogenic pressures that threaten its biodiversity while also impacting riparian communities' survival. The study identifies key socio-cultural, economic, and institutional challenges underlying this management dilemma. Using qualitative approaches and targeted data collection, researchers reveal how political instability in Côte d'Ivoire has exacerbated these pressures, particularly during crises. The research highlights the urgent need for sustainable conservation strategies that balance biodiversity protection with the livelihoods of local populations, offering critical insights for protected area management in similar contexts.
Episcopal City of Albi
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2018 —
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Relics in medieval monastic spaces often lack accompanying hagiographic narratives, challenging the assumption that such stories are essential to their cult. A study of southern French dioceses reveals that relics can function independently, structuring urban space and identity without traditional hagiographic support. The research compares relic inventories, liturgical manuscripts, and reliquary iconography—such as a 13th-century Toulousan reliquary that visually expands the legend of St. Exupery—to demonstrate how relics can transcend written narratives. Additionally, the absence of prestigious relics in certain cathedrals spurred late medieval hagiographic text creation, highlighting their dual role: both as symbols of power and catalysts for storytelling.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
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2018 —
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The Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, particularly in the Tolima region, is identified as a critical cultural asset with significant potential for conservation and social cohesion. This study highlights its unique attributes that link nature and culture, offering a model for sustainable land use, climate change adaptation, and environmental stewardship. It also addresses challenges such as generational transition away from coffee cultivation and the need to integrate tourism while preserving traditional practices. The research proposes strategies for territorial planning, risk management, and social reconstruction, positioning the landscape as a key element in post-conflict reconciliation efforts.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
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2018 —
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Research on the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia identifies it as a vital cultural asset, emphasizing its role in regional identity and sustainable development. The study highlights the landscape's significance for environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and social cohesion, particularly in post-conflict reconstruction efforts. It proposes strategies to address challenges such as land use planning, risk management, and generational shifts away from coffee cultivation. By focusing on the cultural-nature linkages of Tolima's coffee landscapes, the research aims to bridge gaps in scientific knowledge about this high-quality agricultural region while fostering community engagement and resilience.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2018 —
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Santo Domingo, the 'first city of the New World,' undergoes significant socio-spatial transformations driven by tourism development and gentrification. The study reveals that the city's rich colonial heritage—marked by landmarks like the first convent and university—attracts substantial international tourism, which in turn fuels investment and gentrification, particularly in its historic core. This process reshapes the urban landscape while preserving its cultural significance. The research links tourism growth to these changes, employing a qualitative approach to analyze spatial and social dynamics.
Longmen Grottoes
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2018 —
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A new generation of impervious materials for fissures in the Longmen Grottoes has been identified through laboratory testing. These modified epoxy resins demonstrate superior performance compared to traditional waterborne epoxy and superfine cement, offering higher strength, lower shrinkage, reduced volatility, and enhanced resistance to acid and alkali corrosion. The study highlights that adding specific adjuvants to the modified epoxy resin significantly improves its durability and comprehensive properties, making it the most effective solution for preventing water seepage—a major cause of grotto degradation. This breakthrough addresses long-standing challenges in cave preservation, offering a more robust alternative to materials previously used.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2018 —
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A significant lake-level rise in Lake Turkana, coinciding with volcanic closure of the Omo River outflow to the Indian Ocean between 2.17–1.95 million years ago (Ma), was identified through sedimentary analysis and tephrochronology. This asynchronous phase, occurring during an insolation minimum, resulted in an endorheic lake system characterized by increased alkalinity and a notable archaeological hiatus. The study reconstructed lake levels from 2.4 to 1.7 Ma using sedimentary facies, cyclostratigraphy, and paleochemical properties analyzed via inductively coupled plasma techniques. Findings suggest that hominin coastal occupations resumed during subsequent insolation/eccentricity maxima when Lake Turkana reopened its outflow to the Nile basin, indicating a link between lake dynamics, volcanic activity, and human settlement patterns in the arid Turkana basin.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2018 —
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Between 2000 and 2017, Ambergris Caye, Belize—a key tourist destination within the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System—experienced a significant 10.85% decline in vegetation cover, alongside a 39% increase in urban and barren land, driven by rapid, unregulated development. Using Landsat satellite imagery and unsupervised classification methods, researchers quantified these changes, revealing an annual forest loss rate of 0.67%. This baseline study highlights the environmental impacts of tourism-driven growth on tropical ecosystems, offering critical data for conservation and sustainable planning efforts in the region.
Saloum Delta
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2018 —
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Between the late 1970s and mid-2010s, wooded areas along the West African coastline from Senegal's Saloum Delta to Guinea-Bissau's Rio Geba expanded by 2% in mangroves and 3.5% on dry land, driven primarily by mangrove growth—particularly pronounced in recent decades. This net increase masks significant regressions offset by even greater progressions, with dynamic sectors outpacing stable ones. The study employed LANDSAT TM imagery and undirected classification techniques, enhanced by Principal Component Analysis to refine radiometric contrasts and reclassify misallocated pixels, revealing complex land cover dynamics over 36 years.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2018 —
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Advanced satellite-based monitoring reveals millimeter-scale precision in measuring land subsidence in Venice's coastal environment, offering unprecedented insights into both natural and human-induced factors driving ground movement. The study leverages TerraSAR-X Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI), a technique that combines high spatial resolution (3 meters) with short repeat intervals (11 days), to track subsidence across the Venice Lagoon, including its historical center, salt marshes, and areas affected by infrastructure projects like the MoSE barrier. By analyzing data from 2008–2013, researchers achieved vertical accuracy down to the millimeter, even for short-term observations spanning just one year. This breakthrough enhances understanding of subsidence dynamics in Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site vulnerable to environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
Mount Huangshan
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2018 —
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A comparative geomorphological analysis reveals that Seoraksan, Republic of Korea, possesses unique landform diversity and contemporary dynamic processes not found in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Huangshan and Sanqingshan, China. The study highlights Seoraksan's outstanding scientific and aesthetic values, including distinctive granite landforms such as domes, fins, bedrock channels, waterfalls, and inherited block fields. This research emphasizes the significance of Seoraksan's geomorphic characteristics for potential UNESCO World Heritage nomination, offering a novel perspective on the global relevance of granite mountain landscapes in East Asia.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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A study on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wachau, Austria, reveals that while co-management involving civil society, market forces, and authorities can drive cultural sustainability, it also risks reinforcing existing power structures. The research finds that active citizenship contributes significantly to landscape sustainability, yet new governance platforms often mirror old power dynamics, limiting their potential for transformative change. Pluralistic perspectives and tensions, though beneficial, struggle to disrupt entrenched power constellations.
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
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2018 —
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Complex, biodiverse landscapes in wine-growing regions can significantly enhance cultural ecosystem services, such as aesthetic appeal and consumer preference for sustainable practices. A study in the 'Coteaux du Layon' designation of geographical origin (DGO) region of the Loire Valley found that visitors highly valued landscape complexity, including soil management practices that support biodiversity, over traditional representations of vineyards or wine bottles. While winegrowers and tourism professionals primarily focused on promoting wine through conventional imagery, consumer preferences indicated a growing demand for sustainable, ecologically rich landscapes. This suggests that integrating agroecological measures—such as vegetation cover in soil management—into landscape planning could boost the attractiveness and sustainability of DGO regions while aligning with market trends.
Mammoth Cave National Park
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2018 —
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Female northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) in Mammoth Cave National Park, USA, predominantly select roost sites within 2000 meters of known hibernacula, favoring higher elevations in mesic upland deciduous forests near water sources and road corridors. This landscape-scale pattern, identified through mist-netting and radiotelemetry from 2015 to 2016, challenges traditional microhabitat-focused conservation strategies by highlighting the importance of broader spatial considerations for effective maternity habitat management. The study underscores the need for empirically-based, large-scale assessments to inform policies aimed at conserving this declining species.
City of Quito
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2018 —
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A landslide susceptibility map for Quito, Ecuador, reveals that 5% of the study area faces critical risk, with 19% high, 58% average, and 18% low sensitivity. The research leveraged fuzzy logic and multi-criteria evaluation techniques in GIS to model susceptibility based on historical and field-validated landslide data. Key factors such as topography, geology, precipitation, and vegetation were standardized using a sinusoidal function to assess their correlation with landslides. Validation confirmed the model's accuracy with a 78.4% adjustment rate and a standard error of 0.216, underscoring its reliability for infrastructure planning in high-risk zones like Simón Bolívar Avenue.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2018 —
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A magnitude 7.0 strike-slip earthquake on August 8, 2017, triggered 1780 landslides and damaged two dams at Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan, China. The quake, caused by concealed faults, primarily affected the Rize and Shuzheng Valleys, with most landslides being shallow, small-scale events like rockfalls and avalanches. Key factors included slope angle, aspect, seismic faults, and valley trends, alongside hanging wall and back-slope effects. The Nuorilang Waterfall dam suffered damage due to low initial stability, topographic amplification, and excess pore water pressure, while the Huohua Lake dam was breached. Remote sensing and emergency investigations identified failure modes such as wedge rock mass collapse and weathered rock mass failure.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of the Bar Kokhba documents reveals that Greek was more widely used in Roman Judaea than previously thought, challenging the notion that it was confined to urban elites. The study, based on 145 texts—including contracts and letters written in Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, and Nabatean—shows that about 30% of rural men could speak Greek, with a significant subset proficient enough to engage with Greek literature. Contrary to scholarly assumptions, Hebrew remained widely spoken, potentially by up to 75% of the population, while literacy rates ranged from 5–10% among the general populace to 30% among the elite. The research combines detailed linguistic analysis with historical reconstruction, offering unprecedented insights into daily life and cultural dynamics in first-century Judaea.
Western Tien-Shan
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2018 —
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Between 2006 and 2014, four significant glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) occurred in the western Teskey Range, Kyrgyzstan, with water volumes ranging from 123,000 m³ to 437,000 m³. These 'tunnel-type' lakes, characterized by subsurface outlets, rapidly expand and drain within months due to ice tunnel blockages caused by freezing or debris collapse. Field surveys and satellite data analysis identified 53 potential short-lived glacial lakes in the region, with 34 capable of peak discharges exceeding 10 m³/s. The study highlights geomorphological conditions—ice-cored moraine complexes, depressions without visible surface outlets—that predispose these areas to GLOFs, posing risks to livelihoods and infrastructure.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2018 —
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Benthic marine communities in the Brazilian Province exhibit unique patterns, with richness peaking at mid-latitudes (20°S to 23°S) and defying the typical latitudinal diversity gradient. This study, the first large-scale description of its kind along the southwestern Atlantic, reveals that macroalgal abundance significantly influences community composition, overshadowing geographic region or reef type. Using standardized photographic quadrat techniques, researchers quantified percent cover data from 0° to 27°S latitude, finding low coral coverage and dominance by algal turfs and frondose macroalgae. The findings provide a baseline for macroecological comparisons and offer critical insights for conservation planning, including the spatial prioritization of marine protected areas.
Western Ghats
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2018 —
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A comprehensive checklist identifies 834 plant species/groups from 88 families as larval host plants for 320 butterfly species in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. This includes recent discoveries and a reverse list mapping plant-butterfly associations, underscoring the diverse plant dependencies of endemic butterflies. The study provides an updated resource for understanding plant-butterfly relationships in this ecologically critical region.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2018 —
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Land hermit crabs <em>Coenobita cavipes</em> on Iriomote Island exhibit semi-lunar larval release rhythms, peaking 1–3 hours after sunset during new and full moons. Unlike their congeneric relative <em>C. violascens</em>, which releases larvae at high tide in mangrove roots, <em>C. cavipes</em> releases larvae in the swash zone of lowland riverbanks without tidal synchronization. The study observed this behavior between June and September 2012, noting a shift in peak timing—30 minutes earlier in August than July—while ruling out tidal influence. Ovigerous females migrate from residual forests to release larvae near water edges, suggesting an adaptive strategy distinct from coastal mangrove-dwelling congeners.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2018 —
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Prolonged droughts in the 7th century, linked to intensified El Niño events and reduced solar output, likely contributed to the decline of Teotihuacan. These climate shifts, which caused a dry Medieval Climate Anomaly (900–1550 CE) followed by a wet early Little Ice Age, were identified using δ18O records from central Mexico. The study suggests that these droughts may have also triggered migration from the western regions into the Basin of Mexico. By analyzing climate mechanisms in late Holocene central Mexico, researchers provide new evidence supporting the drought hypothesis as a factor in Teotihuacan's collapse.
Kilimanjaro National Park
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2018 —
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A 5000-year environmental history of Esambu Swamp, adjacent to Amboseli National Park, reveals significant shifts in ecosystem composition driven by climatic changes, fire activity, and human influence. The study highlights a wetland transgression occurring between 3800 and 500 years ago, with notable transformations in the last five centuries linked to increased biomass burning coinciding with the arrival of Maa-speaking pastoralists and the intensification of the ivory trade. Pollen data suggest a persistent semi-arid savanna ecosystem prior to 3800 cal year BP, while palustrine peaty sediments accumulated since 400 cal year BP reflect changes in regional moisture budgets. The research provides critical insights into Amboseli's ecosystem history, emphasizing the interplay between natural and anthropogenic drivers of change, which are essential for developing sustainable management practices in this important conservation landscape.
Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave
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2018 —
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Shulgan-Tash Cave, located on the western slope of the Ural Mountains and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts some of the easternmost late Palaeolithic cave art in Europe. A groundbreaking study reveals that these paintings were created during a 21.9 ka-long hiatus in calcite deposition, attributed to regional permafrost conditions and sub-zero temperatures inside the cave during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2. To determine the age of the art, researchers employed detailed 230Th-U dating of calcite flowstone underlying and overgrowing the paintings at 22 sites across three halls of the cave. The youngest age for the underlying calcite suggests a maximum age of 36.4 ± 0.1 ka, while the oldest overlying calcite constrains the minimum age to 14.5 ± 0.04 ka. Additionally, samples of cryogenic cave calcite documented seven episodes of freezing and thawing of permafrost associated with stadials and interstadials of MIS 3, providing further evidence for the cold conditions during which the paintings were made.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking discovery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí, Brazil, reveals the presence of two deer species during the Late Pleistocene epoch. Fossil analysis from the Lagoa dos Porcos deposit identified a small deer (genus Mazama) and a larger, previously unrecorded species in the region, Morenelaphus sp. This marks the first documentation of Morenelaphus in Piauí State, significantly expanding its known paleogeographic distribution. The study also highlights ecological distinctions between cervid fauna in the park's karstic areas and the alluvial plain of Lagoa dos Porcos, offering new insights into Pleistocene biodiversity patterns in northeastern Brazil.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2018 —
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In 2016, Kīlauea Volcano's summit eruption featured continuous lava lake activity within the Overlook crater, offering unprecedented opportunities to study persistent basaltic eruptions. The lava lake, measuring 250 × 190 meters, exhibited dynamic surface behavior with north-to-south motion disrupted by spattering and frequent collapses of crater walls, which occasionally triggered small explosive events. Gas emissions averaged 1,000–8,000 metric tons per day of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), contributing to volcanic air pollution (vog) that affected the Island of Hawai'i. The study leveraged a robust geophysical monitoring network and direct observations to document these processes, enhancing understanding of lava lake behavior and its geophysical signals. Rising lake levels also improved visibility from public viewing areas in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, enriching visitor experiences.
Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
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2018 —
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A comparative analysis of vineyard terraces in Lavaux, Switzerland, and regions in New Zealand reveals that the success of wine appellations hinges on strategic local action, institutional creativity, and the interplay of economic, cultural, symbolic, and sensory values. The study highlights how actors in Féchy, Fully, Chamoson (Switzerland), Marlborough, and Central Otago leverage political choices and power dynamics to shape their appellation's identity and value. By integrating novel conceptual tools that balance taste, symbolism, and economics, the research identifies key elements fostering collective action, offering actionable insights for Swiss wine stakeholders.
Paphos
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2018 —
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Amulet discovery in Nea Paphos sheds light on widespread yet understudied cult of Harpocrates. Analysis reveals his significant presence in Cyprus, particularly at Nea Paphos, contrasting with scarce representations elsewhere (e.g., Amathontes, Salamine). The study interprets the amulet's significance and examines the god's societal reach across material classes through terracotta, glass, bronze, silver, and gold artifacts. Methodology includes epigraphic analysis and artifact examination, highlighting Harpocrates' cultural importance during the Graeco-Roman period.
Historic City of Yazd
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2018 —
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Yazd's urban heritage conservation offers valuable lessons for preserving Iranian cities, highlighting the significance of open public spaces as catalysts for historic city recovery. The study identifies key challenges and achievements, including the high costs and uncertain outcomes of private interventions, community involvement, transportation systems, and the underutilized potential of religious endowments. By analyzing local authorities' roles, development plans, conservation methods in public and private spaces, and social engagement, the research provides insights into effective strategies for urban heritage preservation. It underscores the transition from generic objectives to specialized planning, emphasizing the importance of balancing central functions and soft mobility solutions.
Byblos
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2018 —
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Coastal encroachment by touristic property owners in Lebanon, particularly in Byblos, is linked to the country's centralized governance structure, lack of tourism planning, and corruption. The study identifies these factors as major contributors to the degradation of coastal areas, which are vital for Lebanon's tourism industry. Through fieldwork and data analysis, the research highlights the need for improved coastal tourism management, empowerment of municipalities, and adherence to governance principles to address these issues effectively.
Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
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2018 —
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Selimiye Square, located within the walled city of Nicosia, Cyprus, stands as a significant historical and cultural center shaped by the architectural heritage of multiple civilizations. The square's evolution began in the 13th century with the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral during the Lusignan Period, evolving into a religious hub with the addition of St. Nicholas Church and the Archbishopric. Subsequent periods, including the Venetian, Ottoman, British, and modern Cyprus Turkish Administration, contributed distinct architectural styles and functions, such as the transformation of St. Sophia into a mosque with minarets, the establishment of educational institutions like Sultan Mahmut Library and medreses, and the preservation of its social and commercial identity. A 2001 pedestrianization project revitalized Selimiye Square, transforming it into a vibrant center for tourism, social activities, and cultural engagement, including a mosque, cultural center, museum, and restaurants, while retaining its historical texture.
Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
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2018 —
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A significant advancement in the understanding of late antiquity's archaeological and historical landscape, particularly in the Balkans, was achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Centre Lenain de Tillemont. The center's research, spanning from 1994 to 1996, focused on key sites such as Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Caricin Grad, Sirmium, and Salona, providing detailed insights into their archaeological significance. Despite political challenges in the region, the team successfully resumed excavations at Caricin Grad's Acropolis and advanced the publication of findings from Sirmium, including a volume on Christian basilicas and inscriptions. Additionally, they completed catalogues for architectural sculptures and Christian inscriptions at Salona, contributing significantly to the field's knowledge base. The center's interdisciplinary approach, combining archaeology with historical and linguistic studies, has enriched the understanding of late antique culture and Christianity in these regions.
Aachen Cathedral
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2018 —
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Charlemagne's legacy continues to shape historical research, particularly regarding his canonization and the political symbolism surrounding his remains. The study highlights that Charlemagne's reign is uniquely well-documented compared to other medieval periods, with no significant new sources likely to emerge. However, it suggests revisiting some aspects of his rule from fresh perspectives due to its complexity. Key historical events, such as Frederick I Barbarossa's canonization efforts and Napoleon's appropriation of Charlemagne's legacy for political legitimacy, are central to this exploration. The research also notes the annual celebrations in Aachen Cathedral, marking significant dates like the Translatio Karoli imperatoris (27th July) and the anniversary of his death (28th January).
Białowieża Forest
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Białowieża Forest's brown bear (Ursus arctos) reintroduction in 1937 marked the world's first large carnivore reintroduction driven by conservation goals, offering critical lessons for modern wildlife conservation. The study reveals that bears were once revered and protected as noble game until the 18th century, but persecution due to hunting and bounties led to their extirpation in 1879. The reintroduction project demonstrated success with soft release of cubs born in captivity, achieving wild reproduction for eight years and bear presence for 13. However, challenges included the release of human-habituated bears, reliance on feeding, and lack of local community involvement. This historical analysis underscores the importance of integrating scientific game management, humane treatment, and community engagement to ensure the long-term survival of large carnivores in ecosystems.
Robben Island
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2018 —
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Post-apartheid South Africa's use of heritage as a tool for reconciliation and nation-building has been critiqued through the contrasting fates of material remains from two apartheid-era incarceration sites: Robben Island and Constitution Hill. The study reveals that while the fence from Robben Island was rebranded into an artistic commodity, generating commercial profit, the building materials from the Old Fort Prison were demolished and recycled to construct the Constitutional Court, symbolizing constitutional justice. Both cases demonstrate how heritage significance is shaped by engaged interpretation and circulated in diverse economies of cultural, political, and economic value, ultimately questioning the inclusive potential of a reconciliatory heritage framing.
Angkor
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2018 —
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Archaeobotanical analysis of Angkor Thom, Cambodia, reveals that despite the city's decline in the 14th and 15th centuries CE, its inhabitants maintained their daily lives centered around rice cultivation and consumption, supplemented by non-indigenous pulses. The study, the first of its kind in Cambodia using macroremains—both charred and desiccated—provides evidence of ritual use of economic crops, supported by inscriptions, texts, and historical ethnography. This demonstrates the resilience of Angkor’s population during a period of significant change.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study on the Belize Barrier Reef reveals that sibling coral reef fish (Elacatinus lori) are often found in close proximity, challenging long-held assumptions about marine larval dispersal. Researchers genotyped 4,074 recently settled individuals across a 41 km transect using 71 microsatellites, identifying 371 sibling pairs with 50% located within 3 km and 99% within 18 km. The findings suggest limited dispersal rather than cohesive sibling movement, providing new insights into marine larval dispersal dynamics. This study emphasizes the importance of accurate sibling identification and spatial analysis to unravel ecological kin structuring mechanisms.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2018 —
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A species-specific and female host-biased phoretic association between the nematode <em>Caenorhabditis japonica</em> and the shield bug <em>Parastrachia japonensis</em> has been identified, with <em>C. japonica</em> exhibiting a limited distribution in Japan. The study surveyed nematodes from <em>P. japonensis</em> across islands ranging from Kyushu to Okinawa, revealing that <em>C. japonica</em> was present in six sampled populations from Kyushu, Amami Oshima, and Tokunoshima Islands but absent from those on Okinawa Island. This limited distribution suggests the origin of <em>C. japonica</em> and its restricted phoretic association with <em>P. japonensis</em> in this region.
Sangay National Park
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Extensive cattle grazing in the high-altitude páramo grasslands of Ecuador's Andes significantly influences the trophic status of tropical mountain lakes, with cattle abundance emerging as a key predictor of chlorophyll-a concentrations. A survey of 30 lakes in Cajas National Park revealed that higher cattle presence correlates with increased phytoplankton biomass and shifts in community composition, favoring diatoms and dinoflagellates over chlorophytes. Notably, Lake Culibrillas in Sangay National Park, where livestock farming is more intensive, exhibited chlorophyll-a levels more than double those observed in Cajas NP lakes, marked by a pronounced dinoflagellate bloom. Despite these increases, water quality remained low in eutrophication terms (0.02–1.8 µg/L), suggesting that while current grazing practices do not cause severe degradation, further intensification could deteriorate lake conditions. The study highlights the potential ecological risks of expanding livestock farming in páramo ecosystems.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2018 —
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A new paradigm for urban heritage conservation and management has emerged in the 21st century, integrating perspectives from urban planning and socio-economic development. This study assesses the consistency of existing policies with this paradigm using a novel multi-scalar and multi-sectorial framework, focusing on Florence (Italy) and Edinburgh (UK). The research found that some key principles of the new approach are already embedded in local practices, offering insights into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It highlights good practices while identifying discrepancies, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers to revise urban management strategies in line with contemporary international standards.
Selous Game Reserve
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2018 —
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Lion densities in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania, were found to be significantly lower than previously estimated, with an average of 1.2 lions per 100 km², highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. This study utilized camera trapping and lion scent marking surveys across different habitats within the reserve to assess population density and distribution. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring lion populations in large, protected areas to inform conservation strategies and ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species.
Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė)
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2018 —
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Kernavė, known as the 'Troy of Lithuania,' stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich archaeological and historical significance, spanning from the Final Palaeolithic era to the present. This study highlights the critical importance of preserving and interpreting such sites, which not only shed light on the origins and development of modern society but also underscore the necessity for their conservation. The research focuses on Kernavė's unique cultural landscape and numerous archaeological objects, emphasizing its role as a 'Mecca for archaeologists.' By examining preservation, management, and interpretation strategies, the study provides valuable insights into safeguarding similar heritage sites globally.
Hubei Shennongjia
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2018 —
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Long-term late spring coldness significantly reduces annual litter production and standing crop in evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forests, according to a study conducted in Shennongjia, China. The research found that while average annual litter production (5.94 t•hm⁻²) and standing crop (10.46 t•hm⁻²) remained stable from 2009 to 2014, 2015 saw a notable decline due to prolonged cold conditions in late spring. Litter dynamics exhibited double peaks—March to May and October—and were influenced by lagged effects of air temperature and relative humidity, with warmer annual averages increasing litter seasonality. The study analyzed meteorological data from 2009–2015 to quantify these relationships, highlighting climate sensitivity in subtropical forest ecosystems.
Convent of Christ in Tomar
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2018 —
WHEEE0C270BC6
A rare glimpse into the psychological and physiological responses of a high-ranking church official during a significant liturgical ceremony is provided by this study. Focusing on the unedited solemn ceremony of the imposition of the pallium—a distinctive band symbolizing episcopal power—on Archbishop Augustin of Jesus in 16th-century Portugal, the research reveals the profound impact of such rituals on the protagonist's identity and jurisdiction. The analysis draws from two biographical records and situates the event within the broader context of Portuguese Church hierarchies and political ceremonies during the Habsburg dynasty. By examining the unusual stop at the Convent of Christ in Tomar for this ceremony, the study sheds light on the interplay between liturgical dramaturgy, power dynamics, and episcopal authority.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2018 —
WHEA124C3BEFA
Liturgical chants of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (KPL) represent a unique and historically significant tradition within Orthodox Christian liturgy, distinguished by their antiquity, authenticity, and sonorous quality. This study identifies key characteristics of KPL's liturgical chant, traces its historical development from the late 11th century to the present, and examines the principles governing the selection and publication of these chants. It also provides an overview of the Lavra's notational and publishing activities, highlighting efforts to restore authentic chant practices. The research employs a combination of historical analysis, textual study of surviving manuscripts, and examination of modern restoration processes. Notably, KPL's chants are marked by their lack of secular embellishments, maintaining a solemn, prayerful quality that distinguishes them from other forms of liturgical music.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2018 —
WHE984E788C67
A comparative analysis of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces System (HHRTS) and Shexian Dryland Terraces System (SDTS) reveals that traditional agricultural knowledge plays a crucial role in sustaining pure agricultural livelihood strategies among rural households. The study, involving 304 households, found that households with stronger understanding of traditional practices are less likely to shift to nonagricultural or part-time agricultural strategies. Livelihood assets, particularly cultural and technological elements, were higher in the HHRTS (2.249) compared to the SDTS (1.832). The research suggests that enhancing farmers' knowledge of traditional agriculture is essential for the dynamic conservation of these heritage systems.
