Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba
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2018 —
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A collaborative effort between two Togolais and a French ethnologist reveals the sacred landscapes of Koutammakou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Togo. The research uncovers the deep cultural significance of these sites, rooted in the Batammariba people's history, origins, beliefs, and their profound connection to ancestral land. Through extensive fieldwork, one author mapped out the sacred places, while another provided insightful interpretations and stunning photography, enriching the narrative with visual and textual depth. The study offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual and social fabric of this unique region, blending historical context with ethnographic detail.
Namib Sand Sea
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2018 —
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A critical discovery in the Namib Sand Sea reveals that cryptic microbial communities, particularly hypolithic photoautotrophs, drive nitrogen fixation to support rapid primary productivity during rare rainfall events. Unlike C4 grasses, which cannot fix nitrogen, these microbial mats provide the necessary nitrogen input to sustain plant growth after wet anomalies. Researchers analyzed stable nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values over three years across dune and gravel plain biotopes, finding that hypolithic biomass exhibited significantly lower δ15N values than soil organic matter, approaching theoretical levels for nitrogen fixation. This suggests hypolithic communities are the foundation of productivity in this arid ecosystem, with potential implications for other dryland environments.
Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance in Nancy
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2018 —
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A pioneering urban plan for Nancy, France, emerged from the first-ever French urbanism exhibition held in 1913, showcasing a visionary approach to city expansion. This plan, characterized by a grand circumscription boulevard, reflected the ambitions of a regional renaissance fueled by proximity to Germany and the growth of the Briey coal basin. Unlike previous initiatives, it was driven by local ironmasters and architects associated with the École de Nancy, blending international research with local expertise. The exhibition's significance extends beyond its immediate context, offering insights into early urbanism debates, particularly regarding the treatment of city boundaries, between beltways and garden cities. Published in prominent architectural journals and displayed across Europe, this plan stands as a testament to the evolving discourse on urban morphology during the early 20th century.
Białowieża Forest
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2018 —
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By the end of the 18th century, the European bison's range had been reduced to a single location: Białowieża Forest. This study highlights the historical significance of the forest as the last known habitat for free-living bison herds in Europe, challenging earlier beliefs that dismissed their existence beyond the Caucasus and Romania. The research delves into the fascination of 19th-century naturalists with the species, driven partly by scientific excursions to Białowieża Forest, then part of the Russian Empire. It also notes the competitive nature of museum collections during this period, where possessing bison exhibits—whether skeletons or furs—was a mark of prestige. The study draws on archaeological data and historical accounts to reconstruct the bison's declining range and its cultural importance.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2018 —
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Efforts by the Hashemite Kingdom to nationalize Jerusalem during its 19-year rule over East Jerusalem (1948–1967) revealed a strategic use of state institutions and symbols, such as postage stamps and banknotes, to assert political control over the city's deep religious and cultural significance. This approach paralleled earlier 19th-century attempts to nationalize Jerusalem, highlighting its enduring importance in the struggle for political dominance. The study also notes that Jordan’s territorial changes during this period included the annexation of additional land, later known as the West Bank. While limited in scope, the research contributes to a broader understanding of Jerusalem’s complex history and the interplay between religion, politics, and statecraft.
Acropolis, Athens
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2018 —
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Bernard Tschumi's Acropolis Museum in Athens serves as a striking architectural manifestation of the complex and ongoing debate surrounding the decontextualization and potential re-contextualization of the Elgin Marbles. The museum, designed to house these ancient fragments, highlights the ideological and political challenges associated with their repatriation from London, where they have been housed for nearly two centuries. Tschumi's design not only addresses the physical absence of the marbles but also engages with the broader discourse on museum ethics, historical significance, and cultural heritage. The study explores how architectural structures can both reflect and influence these debates, offering a new perspective on the implications of decontextualization in the context of modern museology.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2018 —
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Recent advancements in archaeological research have significantly transformed our understanding of Neolithic Britain (c. 4000–2200 BCE), revealing a complex society with deep-rooted social practices centered on descent, continuity, and inheritance. Highly focused studies on site chronologies now provide precise time narratives, offering new insights into the fabric of Neolithic society, including kinship structures and cultural traditions. This updated perspective, informed by discoveries across Britain—from Stonehenge to Orkney—challenges traditional narratives and underscores the pivotal role of material objects and architecture in shaping social transformations. The study synthesizes recent findings to present an academically rigorous yet accessible overview, bridging nearly two millennia of Neolithic history.
Choirokoitia
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2018 —
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Recent research has significantly altered our understanding of Neolithic colonization in Cyprus, revealing that the island was inhabited as early as 12,000 years ago and challenging long-held assumptions about its late arrival. Excavations at Ais Giorkis, a foothill site near Choirokoitia, have uncovered evidence of Pre-Pottery Neolithic A and B phases (Cypro-PPNB), predating the Khirokitia Culture and paralleling mainland developments. This site stands out for its early directly dated domesticates, unique architecture, and indications of trade and feasting, providing insights into early seafaring, domestication processes, and social changes in the Near East. Interdisciplinary methods were employed to analyze these findings, contributing to a broader reorientation in our understanding of island colonization and the spread of Neolithic cultures.
Monte San Giorgio
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking phylogenetic analysis of neopterygian fish reveals the evolutionary relationships within the Ginglymodi clade, with Ticinolepis identified as its most basal member. The study, conducted on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio, utilized the largest morphological dataset for fossil actinopterygians to date, merging previously published characters with new ones. It confirms the monophyly of Teleostei and Holostei, while also challenging established classifications such as the non-monophyly of ionoscopiforms and the distinctness of caturids from amiiforms. The research highlights rapid radiations during the Early to Late Triassic and a second wave in the Early Jurassic, providing insights into the diversification patterns of these clades.
Kathmandu Valley
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2018 —
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Kathmandu Valley's art and architecture, as explored by Michael Hutt, reveal a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the valley's artistic traditions, architectural styles, and historical significance, offering insights into the intricate details that define its UNESCO World Heritage status. Hutt's work combines meticulous documentation with narrative depth, capturing the essence of Nepalese craftsmanship from ancient temples to modern interpretations. The approach involves thorough field research, archival analysis, and comparative study of architectural elements, making it a foundational resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
The Flow Country
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2018 —
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Northern peatlands, crucial for global carbon regulation, have been significantly altered by land-use changes, particularly through afforestation with non-native conifers. This study presents the first year-round assessment of net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) from two peatlands in Scotland's Flow Country undergoing restoration, comparing them to a near-pristine site. The older restored site (16 years post-restoration) functioned as a carbon sink, similar to pristine peatlands, while the younger site (10 years) remained a source. These findings highlight the variable timescales of peatland recovery and underscore the importance of long-term monitoring in restoration efforts.
The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa
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2018 —
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A revised radiocarbon chronology for Boomplaas Cave, South Africa, reveals distinct patterns of human occupation during the late and terminal Pleistocene. The site experienced low-intensity occupations during the early Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) but saw intensive use in the terminal Pleistocene, coinciding with significant palaeoenvironmental and sea-level changes. Lithic analysis indicates adaptive technological strategies reflecting shifting mobility and site occupation patterns. This study challenges assumptions about hunter-gatherer behavior by highlighting variability that differs from twentieth-century Kalahari practices.
Pirin National Park
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2018 —
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A novel discovery of under-the-snow development in Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra, a priority species in Bulgaria's biodiversity monitoring system, was documented for the first time. This rare subspecies, found across five mountain ranges and four floristic regions, exhibits unique population structures, vegetation dynamics, and reproductive traits. Researchers analyzed 11 natural populations to assess spatial and age distribution, habitat preferences, and ecological roles within various phytocenoses. The study also provides conservation recommendations to safeguard this vulnerable species, which is listed in Bulgaria's highest priority category for protection.
Susa
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2018 —
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A new study reveals that the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Western Alps occurred in two distinct phases, with glacier advances significantly larger and earlier than previously mapped. Using 10Be dating on boulders from glacial deposits in the Rivoli-Avigliana end-moraine system, researchers identified a pre-LGM advance between 41.2 ± 1.9 and 26.8 ± 2.1 ka, followed by two major LGM advances at 24.0 ± 1.5 ka and 19.6 ± 0.9 ka. Morphological and pedological analysis confirmed these findings, showing that the Dora Riparia glacier oscillated at its maximum extent during the first phase before a short re-advance. The study also demonstrates that the LGM ice surface reached elevations of 1000–920 m a.s.l. in the lower Susa Valley and 620–340 m a.s.l. in the amphitheatre, challenging prior reconstructions.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
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2018 —
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Recent research has significantly challenged the long-held perception of a 'Basque Country Void' in Paleolithic cave art, demonstrating that the eastern sector of northern Spain—between the Asón River and the Pyrenees—was not merely marginal but a key hub for artistic production during the Upper Paleolithic. Over the past decade, systematic investigations have tripled the number of known decorated caves in this region, with notable discoveries such as Atxurra, Armintxe, and Aitzbitarte IV emerging as major cave art sites. This contradicts earlier assumptions about the distribution of parietal art, which suggested a lower density in the Basque Country compared to neighboring Cantabria and Asturias. The findings, based on extensive fieldwork and analysis, reveal a more nuanced understanding of human connections, settlement dynamics, and artistic expression across the Vasco-Cantabrian region, bridging gaps between the Cantabrian, Pyrenean, and Aquitaine regions.
New Lanark
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2018 —
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New Lanark, under Robert Owen's leadership from 1800 to 1813, emerged as a pioneering model of industrial success combined with social reform. Owen transformed the site into one of the most advanced and humane workplaces of its time, achieving both commercial prosperity and groundbreaking achievements in education, moral, and physical welfare for workers—particularly children. The study highlights how Owen's innovative approach to labor conditions, education, and community living laid the foundation for modern social reform movements. By analyzing historical records and Owen's writings, the research provides insights into the challenges and triumphs of integrating industrial progress with humanitarian goals during a pivotal era of industrialization.
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
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2018 —
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Researchers have discovered ariegilatite, a new mineral with a modular intercalated antiperovskite structure derived from hatrurite, within the pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Complex in the Negev Desert. This mineral, characterized by its flat disc-shaped crystals and colorless transparency, is associated with other minerals like spurrite, calcite, and stracherite, indicating its formation under high-temperature conditions influenced by pyrometamorphism. The study employed detailed crystallographic analysis to determine ariegilatite's structure, revealing a stacking of two modules along the (001) plane. This discovery sheds light on the complex mineralogical processes occurring in this unique geological setting, contributing to our understanding of high-temperature alterations in desert environments.
Western Caucasus
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2018 —
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A new palynological study of the Western Caucasus reveals that dinoflagellate cysts from the Bagovskaja Formation indicate a late Toarcian age for its upper part, extending the formation's previously known range. The research identifies a dominant dinocyst taxon, Nannoceratopsis spiculata, alongside bisaccate pollen and spores like Cyathidites, providing critical palynostratigraphical insights. This challenges earlier dating based solely on ammonite evidence, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) deep-marine deposits in southwestern Russia.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2018 —
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Park Zaryadye, a landscape-architectural project in Moscow's historical center, represents a groundbreaking transformation of the Zaryadye district, once a wasteland by 2010. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the park integrates an artificial relief showcasing diverse Russian landscapes alongside cultural buildings, creating visually striking and dynamic urban environments near the Kremlin. This project offers new perspectives for landscape architecture in Russia by blending historical significance with innovative design, demonstrating how abandoned urban spaces can be revitalized through creative architectural interventions.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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A rare discovery of Pliocene camel remains from the Shungura Formation in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley challenges our understanding of African camel evolution. The fossils, attributed to Camelus grattardi and dating back 3 to 2.6 million years, reveal a small-bodied species with unique dental traits distinct from both extant and fossil Old World camels. Phylogenetic analysis suggests greater lineage diversity in Plio-Pleistocene Camelus than previously recognized. Microwear analyses indicate C. grattardi was likely a mixed-feeder preferring browse, consistent with carbon isotope data from the Turkana Basin. The study also finds no clear paleoenvironmental association for African camels, which inhabited diverse environments ranging from dry savannas to closed woodlands along ancient river systems.
Sangay National Park
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2018 —
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Research identifies the highest-elevation record for the stump-tailed porcupine (Coendou rufescens) at 4,387 meters above sea level in Sangay National Park, Ecuador, surpassing previous known records and establishing a new benchmark for the family Erethizontidae. The study, based on field sightings, museum collections, and bioclimatic modeling across Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, reveals that temperature seasonality (BIO4) and minimum temperature of the coldest month (BIO6) are critical factors shaping the porcupine's distribution. Potential suitable habitat spans approximately 448,820 km², with Ecuador hosting the largest proportion (35.5%) within protected areas, underscoring its importance for conservation. The findings highlight the significance of landscape connectivity and protected regions in safeguarding this species.
Gunung Mulu National Park
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study of ancient bat guano deposits in Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwestern Borneo, has uncovered rare phosphate minerals, including variscite and fluorapatite. These findings expand the known mineralogical diversity associated with cave environments, particularly those influenced by bat guano. The research employed advanced analytical techniques to identify these minerals, revealing nano-particulate silica and niter alongside the more common phosphate compounds. This discovery not only contributes to our understanding of cave mineralization processes but also highlights the unique geological and ecological significance of Gunung Mulu National Park.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified three new species of the caddisfly genus Ochrotrichia within the UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional da Tijuca, an Atlantic Forest area in Rio de Janeiro. These discoveries—Ochrotrichia nematomorpha, O. sagitta, and O. taunay—expand the known biodiversity of this region, with each species exhibiting unique morphological traits such as a plate-like tergum X (nematomorpha) or distinctive arrowhead-like and spine-like projections on tergum X (sagitta and taunay). Additionally, the study reports the first occurrence of O. caatinga in Rio de Janeiro state. The findings were based on morphological analysis and contribute to the understanding of Trichoptera diversity in Atlantic Forest ecosystems.
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
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Exceptionally preserved textile fragments, including greenish and purplish threads, were discovered within two bronze objects—a pyxis and a basin—associated with the inhumation of a female in Tomba dell’Aryballos Sospeso, an intact Etruscan chamber tomb dating to the late Orientalising and early Archaic periods. These fabrics, found alongside sumptuous burial gifts, represent rare organic remains from this period, offering unprecedented insights into Etruscan textile production, dyeing techniques, and burial practices. Analysis of the fragments revealed open tabby fabric structures, while mineralised threads provided clues about their original appearance and composition. The study combines textile, fibre, and dye analysis to reconstruct the significance and possible functions of these artifacts within the broader context of Etruscan necro-political culture.
The Persian Qanat
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2018 —
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Recent archaeological and documentary discoveries have significantly challenged traditional views on the extent of Achaemenid imperial influence, particularly in Egypt. Contrary to long-held assumptions that Persian rule was limited to controlled enclaves along major royal routes, new evidence—including images adapted from the imperial court and re-examined documents—demonstrates a broader and more pronounced Achaemenid presence across provinces like Babylonia and Egypt. Additionally, the discovery of underground water canals (qanats) in an Achaemenid-era village has provided tangible proof of Persian engineering and administrative control over Egypt's water resources, reinforcing the empire's lasting impact on local social structures despite periods of revolt. These findings mark a paradigm shift in Achaemenid studies, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of imperial periphery dynamics.
Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad
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Newly uncovered letters and petitions from the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, dating to the Time of Troubles (1608–1610), offer unprecedented insights into the social dynamics, linguistic norms, and daily hardships during Russia's turbulent early 17th century. These documents, found in a reconstructed archive of mercenary hetman Jan Sapieha, detail both the monastery's siege and the broader impact on noble and ordinary people. The findings enrich historical understanding by revealing formal and informal written communication practices while addressing gaps in existing knowledge about this pivotal period.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2018 —
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The Stone Town of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, exemplifies the transformative potential of urban conservation and heritage management in Africa. By adopting the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, local authorities have redefined spatial planning to integrate cultural development with sustainable growth. This innovative strategy not only fosters inclusive economic and social development but also prioritizes environmental sustainability, offering a model for balancing World Heritage preservation with broader sustainable development goals.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2018 —
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Museums, often conceptualized as isolated entities, are better understood through multi-sited ethnographic research that captures the nuanced workings of organizational life beyond their physical boundaries. This study introduces a novel methodology to avoid 'methodological containerism,' which treats museums as static containers without considering the dynamic processes, informal relations, and uncodified activities that define them. By analyzing organigrams from three sub-projects on Berlin's Museum Island—focusing on exhibition-making in the Museum of Islamic Art, the Ethnological Museum, and a new Humboldt Forum exhibition—the research demonstrates how organizational structures are fluidly 'done' or 'achieved.' This approach provides deeper insights into museum operations and broader implications for organization studies.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2018 —
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Museums, often conceptualized as isolated entities, are revealed to be dynamic and interconnected systems through innovative ethnographic research. This study challenges the notion of 'methodological containerism' by demonstrating that museums operate beyond their physical boundaries, with organizational life shaped by informal relations, uncodified activities, chance events, and feelings. Utilizing a multi-sited, multi-linked, multi-researcher ethnography on Berlin's Museum Island, the research highlights the importance of what occurs outside traditional 'containers' and how organization-ness is achieved. Through an analysis of organigrams in exhibition-making at the Museum of Islamic Art and the Ethnological Museum, the study provides insights into museum practices and broader organizational studies, emphasizing the discretion in defining containers and the complexity of organizational life.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified two novel bacterial strains, Nocardioides houyundeii sp. nov., isolated from the faeces of Tibetan antelopes in Qinghai Hoh Xil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. These Gram-stain-positive, aerobic bacteria exhibit distinct phenotypic and genotypic traits that differentiate them from closely related species within the Nocardioides genus. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences revealed that these strains share only 98.3% similarity with the nearest known species, well below the 95–96% threshold for species delineation. The study employed a combination of phenotypic characterization, genotypic analysis (including DNA G+C content and average nucleotide identity), and chemotaxonomic profiling to support the novel species designation. This discovery expands the diversity of the Nocardioides genus and contributes to our understanding of microbial ecology in high-altitude ecosystems.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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Research reveals significant differences in the polychrome pigments used on two sets of carpentry from the Alcázar of Seville, suggesting variations in application timing. The study employed non-invasive techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy to analyze the external layers of the wood without causing damage. This approach allowed scientists to determine whether the pigments were original or altered during past restorations. The findings highlight the importance of understanding historical modifications in preserving cultural heritage, particularly for Mudéjar-style architectural elements.
Yungang Grottoes
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Researchers have developed a non-destructive testing method using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to accurately assess the hollowing deterioration of Yungang Grottoes. The study demonstrates that this technique can reliably detect and characterize thickness differences in deteriorated samples with high precision, particularly identifying hollowing at 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm intervals using a consistent delay time interval of about 5 ps. By establishing a hollowing thickness model based on the correlation coefficient k, the method offers a practical approach for monitoring surface deterioration without causing damage to the grottoes. This innovation holds significant potential for conservation efforts, enabling targeted repairs and strengthening interventions.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
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2018 —
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Archaeological evidence, including the discovery of L'Anse aux Meadows—a 1000-year-old European settlement on Newfoundland's coast—challenges the long-held belief that sporadic contact between the Old and New Worlds began only after Columbus. This site, linked to Norse sagas describing unknown lands, suggests the Norse ventured to North America around 1000 AD in search of habitable land rather than for exploration or economic gain. The study combines oral legends, archaeological findings, and interviews with historians to reconstruct Norse migrations from northern Europe to Iceland, Greenland, and beyond, debunking the myth of pre-Columbian isolation between cultures.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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Wood Buffalo National Park, established in 1922 to protect the last remnant herd of wood bison, stands as North America's largest national park and continues to shelter the continent's biggest free-roaming population of this species. However, the park's wildlife has faced significant and often poorly conceived management interventions, marking it as a notable case study in Canadian conservation history. The analysis delves into the complex interplay between conservation goals and practical management challenges, highlighting the unintended consequences of human intervention on one of Canada's most iconic natural landscapes.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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2018 —
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A newly discovered ceramic fragment from the decoration of the castle chapel portal in Althaus (Starogród), unearthed during archaeological excavations in Kulmerland, challenges previous assumptions about the role and significance of ceramic architectural sculpture in the Teutonic Order's State in Prussia. This small but significant finding suggests that such sculptures were more widespread than previously believed, not just as symbols of rank and power, but also as integral elements reflecting the 'genius loci'—the defining spirit or character—of the architecture from the first phase of construction campaigns by the Teutonic Order. The discovery, part of the project Castra Terrae Culmensis (2017), provides new insights into the types, manufacturing techniques, and layers of meaning associated with figural decorations in castles such as Marienburg (Malbork), Elbing (Elbląg), Thorn (Toruń), and Graudenz (Grudziądz). This fragment, dating to around 1300, offers a rare opportunity to revise our understanding of ceramic sculpture in this historical context.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
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2018 —
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Recent archaeological excavations at Hierapolis-Pamukkale, Turkey, have uncovered significant epigraphic evidence from two key areas: the sacred temenos of Apollo and the adjacent Plutonium, and a church built on a hillside incorporating a 1st-century CE tomb later venerated as that of Apostle Philip. The study highlights a document from the temple of Apollo detailing supplications by slaves, offering rare insight into social dynamics within ancient religious contexts. Additionally, a 'titulus pictus' from the Church of Saint Philip provides new textual evidence, contributing to the understanding of early Christian veneration practices in Hierapolis. These findings enrich our knowledge of both pagan and Christian traditions at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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A numerical analysis of land crab larvae dispersal and recruitment in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, revealed that larvae exhibit a highly dispersive movement strategy. Most larvae were transported out of the bay within a week after release, with return rates to their release sites (< 0.01%) significantly lower than migration rates to adjacent habitats (< 10%). Larvae were predominantly released during nighttime high tides around new moon phases, with minor variations between species in timing and location. The study utilized field observations of larval release times, wind conditions, and river discharge data to simulate larval movement, highlighting the importance of considering meta-population dynamics for land crab conservation on Iriomote Island.
Mount Taishan
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Groundwater age distributions in Jinan, northern China, reveal a hierarchical subsurface flow system influenced by topography and aquifer lithology. This study identifies nested local, intermediate, and regional flow systems from Mount Taishan's piedmont to the Qiguang Fault, with groundwater age increasing along flow paths and abruptly near stagnation points—a key boundary between different flow hierarchies. Using a coupled groundwater flow and age transport model, researchers simulated these dynamics, providing critical insights for aquifer management and rational groundwater resource development in Jinan.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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A numerical simulation reveals that secondary undulation, a phenomenon triggered by typhoons, significantly elevates water levels in ports during summer, exacerbating flood risks. This study focuses on Kominato Fishing Port in Amami Oshima Island, where typhoon-induced secondary undulations were successfully reproduced using computational modeling for the period of June 18-20, 2012. The findings highlight a 6-minute oscillation mode and elucidate the propagation characteristics of oceanic long waves responsible for these undulations. This research underscores the importance of understanding such dynamics to mitigate disaster risks in coastal areas vulnerable to typhoon impacts.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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A numerical simulation using FLAC3D demonstrates that test squares in prehistoric earthen sites, such as Liangzhu City, exhibit deformation patterns consistent with field monitoring during archaeological excavation. This finding validates the use of computational modeling for predicting stability and guiding excavation schemes, addressing challenges posed by poor site-specific conditions. The study highlights the importance of integrating numerical simulations into archaeological practices to enhance accuracy in stability evaluation and decision-making.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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A numerical and field survey study reveals the accumulation mechanisms of coral gravels around Ballast Island, a dynamic coral cay off Iriomote Island, Okinawa. Despite severe wave attacks causing frequent shape changes to the island, coral gravels consistently gather, maintaining its position. The research identifies physical processes underlying this stability, offering critical insights for conservation strategies. By combining field observations with numerical modeling, the study sheds light on how coral coasts resist erosion and adapt to harsh environmental conditions, providing a foundation for protecting vulnerable coral ecosystems in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
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A project integrating neogeographic practices into educational settings demonstrates the potential of digital storytelling and participatory cartography to enhance learning about UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The initiative, 'Conoscere per conoscerci,' involved students from three schools in Rome and its province using smartphones and online applications to map Villa Adriana (Tivoli), among other locations, during a GISDay event. This approach showcased how modern neogeographic tools can facilitate the creation of user-generated maps and promote innovative educational methods, bridging traditional geography with contemporary digital practices.
Lake Baikal
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Recent nuisance blooms of filamentous benthic algae in Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most biologically diverse lakes, are strongly driven by nutrient limitation. A study using nutrient-diffusing substrata (NDS) at 10 sites with varying shoreline land use revealed that periphyton biomass—measured as chlorophyll a—responded robustly to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment, showing serial limitation by these nutrients across all locations. Algal biomass was approximately 2–4 times higher on N- and N+P-amended substrata compared to unenriched controls. While periphyton biomass varied among sites, it was not significantly linked to shoreline land use. However, taxonomic composition differed notably between nutrient treatments and land-use categories, with the filamentous green alga <em>Stigeoclonium tenue</em>—associated with recent blooms—dominating on N- and N+P-amended substrata. These findings underscore the potential for improved nutrient controls to mitigate benthic algal blooms in Lake Baikal.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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A study on the development of ecotourism within Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, located in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil, highlights the various modalities and operational practices of this activity. The research reveals that ecotourism in this protected area is structured around accessible attractions near the park's headquarters, with a focus on sustainable tourism practices. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining in-loco observations of the park's territory and its attractions, alongside exploratory bibliographic and online research to analyze current ecotourism practices. This work provides valuable insights into how ecotourism can be effectively managed within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, balancing visitor engagement with environmental conservation.
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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Indigenous Mbya Guarani perspectives on the Jesuit-Guarani Missions challenge Western narratives by redefining visual representations and heritage through their own cinematic and cultural frameworks. The study reveals that for the Mbya Guarani, concepts of cinema and patrimony transcend colonial imagery, existing as a 'shot without a shot'—a dynamic that moves beyond oppositional 'war of images.' This finding emerges from an analysis of Western visual productions of São Miguel ruins, juxtaposed with Mbya Guarani films. The research highlights how indigenous filmmaking and heritage practices resonate with their cosmological worldviews, offering a nuanced alternative to dominant historical narratives.
Wooden Churches of Maramureş
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2018 —
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A unique and previously unrecognized semantron, a rare type of church bell, was discovered in the 17th-century wooden church of Strâmtura, Maramureș, Romania. This instrument features a horizontal axis with six mobile mallets arranged around a round disk, striking a wooden plank—a design reminiscent of solar symbols and distinct from traditional semantrons. The discovery sheds light on the historical significance of this instrument in Romanian Orthodox churches, which dates back to at least the 17th century and is linked to myths, including one involving Noah's Ark. The study also highlights other sophisticated semantrons, such as those from Rouen Cathedral (France) and villages in Transcarpathia (Ukraine), providing a comparative context for understanding this instrument's evolution and cultural importance. The findings underscore the need for conservation efforts to preserve this unique artifact within its original setting.
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
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2018 —
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A century apart, Charlottesville's public squares became stages for white supremacy, with mobs in 1917 and 2017 both asserting racial hierarchies through ritualized displays of intimidation. The study reveals how racism is inscribed into the city's fabric—its streets, buildings, and monuments—reinforcing silent geographies of race. While visual memory of such events may have dimmed in an image-saturated age, the legacy persists, particularly in monuments commissioned by elites between 1917 and 1924, which transformed the cityscape while masking deeper racial tensions.
Lake Baikal
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2018 —
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A significant increase in annual air temperature, averaging 1.4°C over the past 38 years, has been observed in Mongolia’s Selenga sub-basin of Lake Baikal, a region characterized by pronounced environmental gradients driven by precipitation and temperature. This warming trend is notably high for semi-arid zones in central Asia and contrasts with a significant decrease in river discharge since 1995. The study analyzed data from five stations using the Mann-Kendall (MK), Innovative Trend Analysis Method (ITAM), and Sen’s slope estimator test, revealing that while precipitation slightly increased at most stations, air temperature showed sharp increases across all locations. These findings provide critical insights into the climate and hydrological dynamics of the region, offering a foundation for further research on its environmental changes.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2018 —
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A first modern census of Texas, conducted in 1777 under Governor Juan María Vicencio, Baron de Ripperdá, reveals that the Spanish colonial administration was more connected and systematic than previously thought. This census, overlooked by earlier historians due to incomplete documentation, established a model for subsequent colonial censuses in Texas and across the Spanish empire. Researchers reconstructed the census using archival records from multiple locations, demonstrating how late 18th-century bureaucratic processes facilitated transatlantic communication and data collection. The study highlights the importance of accurately evaluating historical documents to understand the administrative reforms and information systems of the time.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2018 —
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This study reveals the dual nature of Cambodia's genocide memorialization, highlighting a stark contrast between state-sanctioned memorials catering to Western 'dark tourists' and overlooked everyday landscapes where survivors and descendants live with the legacy of violence. It documents how current remembrance efforts construct a 'heritage from above,' often silencing the mundane yet profound experiences of those who continue to grapple with the past in their daily lives. The research juxtaposes these material legacies, exposing the bounded nature of reconciliation narratives and the competing claims over Cambodia's violent history.
