At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah
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An integrated model for digital documentation and preservation of Saudi Arabia's architectural heritage has been developed, combining Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM), 3D laser scanning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This approach bridges the gap between advanced digital tools and conservation strategies, ensuring sustainable protection of traditional Najdi mud houses, Islamic-era structures, and modern historical landmarks. Case studies from Al-Balad Historic Jeddah, Diriyah’s At-Turaif District, and Al-Qassim demonstrate its effectiveness in capturing high-resolution 3D data while fostering stakeholder collaboration. The model contributes significantly to preserving Saudi cultural identity for future generations.
Historic Centre of Agadez
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A groundbreaking digital preservation and restoration initiative in Agadez, Niger, has successfully documented and stabilized historic buildings at risk from climate change and conflict. The project, supported by the ALIPH foundation and involving Imane-Atarikh and Iconem, utilized 3D digitization to create detailed models of endangered structures, including the iconic Great Mosque of Agadez. Restoration efforts employed traditional methods while reinforcing structural integrity, with a focus on community collaboration that empowered local women. The initiative also engaged educational programs and received widespread media attention, demonstrating an innovative approach to heritage conservation in vulnerable regions.
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
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A GIS-based approach reveals the Gochang Dolmen Site's broader prehistoric landscape, including lost or marginalized megalithic features, challenging monument-centric heritage narratives. By integrating national heritage data with 3D visualizations, researchers reconstruct displaced or damaged dolmens, offering new insights into South Korea’s cultural history and aligning with digital heritage management policies. This method not only supports conservation but also democratizes heritage discourse by reintegrating absent sites into public memory.
Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)
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A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Al Ain, UAEhas uncovered over 60 ancient Aflaj (underground water channels) across 150 sites, spanning from the Iron Age to the Late Islamic era. These findings illuminate the sophisticated water management systems that sustained agriculture and historical development for three millennia. To preserve and share this hidden heritage, researchers developed the 'Aflaj Discoveries' digital platform, leveraging advanced techniques like 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. The platform offers interactive maps, immersive AR/VR experiences, and detailed visualizations, providing unprecedented virtual access to inaccessible sites. While challenges in sustainability, data management, and intellectual property were addressed, the initiative sets a precedent for inclusive, accessible, and ethically balanced digital heritage preservation.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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Transforming ancient Ramayana bas-reliefs at Prambanan Temple into digital art preserves visual heritage while introducing innovative storytelling methods that engage contemporary audiences. This study reveals how digital reinterpretations of pivotal scenes, such as Hanuman's role during Sita’s abduction, maintain historical accuracy while offering new perspectives on moral and ethical lessons from the epic. By analyzing symbolic motifs and narratives through software like Adobe Photoshop, researchers demonstrate that modern artistic techniques can enrich cultural appreciation without compromising authenticity. The approach combines visual culture research with creative artistry, providing a model for ethical reflections on heritage preservation.
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi
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Digital technology is revolutionizing global cultural heritage preservation, with projects like CyArk (USA) and ReViVA (France) demonstrating its potential through 3D scanning and AI-driven restoration. While Vietnam has made progress in digitizing sites such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, challenges remain, including limited funding, a shortage of experts, and an incomplete legal framework for digital intellectual property. To overcome these barriers, the study proposes solutions like centralized digital databases, partnerships with technology corporations, interdisciplinary training programs, blockchain applications for copyright management, and educational VR tools to bridge tradition and young generations. Successful digital transformation could position Vietnamese heritage as drivers for smart tourism and interdisciplinary research in a globalized context.
Old City of Zamość
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A city-scale digital twin of Zamość UNESCO Old Town, integrating advanced technologies such as LiDAR/TLS, UAV photogrammetry, and terrestrial photogrammetry with BIM/IFC standards, has been developed. This innovative tool enables comprehensive documentation, conservation planning, and energy analysis at an unprecedented scale. By combining high-resolution 3D data acquisition methods with Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, the model provides a robust framework for preserving cultural heritage while supporting sustainable urban development strategies.
Historic City of Meknes
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A groundbreaking framework leveraging Digital Twin technology offers a sustainable approach to heritage preservation, demonstrated through the Bab Al-Mansour Gate in Meknes, Morocco. This innovative model enables real-time monitoring of structural health, damage detection over time, and predictive maintenance, significantly reducing invasive inspections while optimizing resource use. By integrating advanced data collection, processing, and analysis methods, the framework creates a dynamic Digital Twin Heritage Building (DTHB) platform that enhances conservation planning and mitigates environmental risks. This study provides a replicable solution for preserving cultural landmarks, addressing critical gaps in heritage management through data-driven solutions.
Cultural Landscape of Sintra
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A digital twin approach integrated with structural health monitoring (SHM) shows promise for real-time conservation of heritage buildings, such as the Palace of Monserrate in Sintra. The study compared low-cost MEMS sensors with a reference sensor to assess data accuracy, finding that while cost-effective solutions can capture meaningful kinematic data, their confidence levels must be carefully evaluated. This research highlights the potential of IoT-enabled wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for continuous SHM, offering a scalable and efficient method to monitor cultural landscapes without compromising structural integrity.
Brasilia
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A data-driven framework leveraging Digital Twin Modeling (DTM) demonstrates potential for enhancing urban resilience and sustainable regeneration, particularly in informal settlements of the Global South. The Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM), developed by Politecnico di Milano, provides a systematic approach to transform DTM into an active tool for real-time analysis, scenario simulation, and design optimization. Focusing on Paranoá, Brasilia, this study integrates advanced spatial mapping with key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Green Space Diversity, Ecosystem Service Proximity, and Green Space Continuity to address developmental and environmental challenges. By utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform on 30 m by 30 m sampling grids, the research offers a systemic and practical approach for multi-dimensional digitalization of urban structure and performance, supporting adaptive and data-based planning processes.
Saltaire
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A scalable digital twin approach, integrating mobile mapping and high-resolution 3D modeling, has successfully created seamless, data-rich representations of urban heritage at risk, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Saltaire. This methodology, pioneered by the Visualising Heritage team at the University of Bradford, enables proactive preservation efforts by anticipating heritage loss and supporting local authority decision-making. The 'Virtual Bradford' digital twin exemplifies this approach, offering an open-data Level-of-Detail 3 (LoD3) model that encompasses conservation areas and landmark buildings, including those designed by architects Lockwood & Mawson. The research also extends to global applications, such as the colonial city of Bagamoyo in Tanzania, addressing challenges faced by developing countries through UKRI's Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). This work bridges planning, regeneration, and public engagement, fostering topophilia while embedding heritage conservation at its core.
Studenica Monastery
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Researchers have successfully developed a novel method for analyzing and reconstructing medieval Romanesque church portals using 3D digitalization techniques, providing unprecedented insights into their underlying geometry and construction methods. By combining classical architectural documentation with advanced 3D modeling and printing, the study achieved accurate digital reconstructions of portals from Studenica and Decani monasteries in Serbia. These 3D-printed models allow for detailed examination of structural elements, revealing mutual correlations and their integration into wall thickness—a key innovation in cultural heritage education. This approach not only preserves historical data but also offers a tangible educational tool, enhancing understanding of medieval architectural techniques.
Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana
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Post-COVID tourism has significantly reshaped the economic, social, and cultural dynamics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in insular cultural landscapes. A preliminary study focusing on Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana and Gran Canaria's Risco Caído and Sacred Mountain Spaces reveals critical tensions between sustainability, tourism development, and heritage valorization. The research highlights the urgent need for strengthened local governance strategies and active community engagement to mitigate the impacts of post-pandemic tourism. Using statistical data analysis and qualitative thematic coding from stakeholder interviews, the study identifies patterns and discourses that underscore the complex interplay between tourism dynamics and heritage management in times of crisis.
Tassili n'Ajjer
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A new catalog of fish depictions from the Tassili n'Ajjer Plateau, Algeria, reveals the significance of fishing in Holocene Saharan subsistence. These images, re-examined using DStretch digital technology, provide clearer insights into the aquatic life and human activities of early inhabitants during a humid phase around 10,000 years ago. The study also revisits earlier depictions where species identification was unclear, contributing to a deeper understanding of this understudied topic.
Chengjiang Fossil Site
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The Chengjiang fossil site in Yunnan, China, has emerged as a pivotal discovery for understanding the Cambrian life explosion. Fossils from this site reveal unprecedented diversity and adaptability among early marine organisms, offering critical evidence for Earth's evolutionary history. The study highlights the site's significance in biotechnology and sustainable development while addressing challenges in its conservation. It emphasizes the potential to integrate scientific research with tourism, ensuring long-term protection without compromising its paleontological value.
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
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A study of pygmy trees in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary revealed that fungal diseases were the dominant cause of internal infections, significantly impacting plant health. The research found severe damage at four stations, primarily due to insect infestations and bacterial contamination, with leaves being the most commonly affected part. Symptoms included leaf scratches, black spots, red lesions, and wilting. The study employed a transect walking method across 10 stations, examining three replicates of tree species per station for detailed analysis in the laboratory.
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
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Subsidence, a significant global issue, is accelerating faster than sea-level rise in many regions, exacerbating climate and societal challenges. This study reveals that human activities, such as urban development, groundwater extraction, and oil/gas/salt mining, are the primary drivers of subsidence, particularly in coastal areas like the Netherlands and Northern Italy. The research introduces a holistic modeling approach using satellite imagery to quantify the contributions of various processes—such as clay shrinkage, organic matter oxidation, and compaction—to total subsidence. Applied across multiple Dutch sites (e.g., Beemster Polder, Almere) and Ravenna’s coastline, this method improves mitigation strategies by disentangling complex subsurface dynamics, highlighting the need for integrated solutions to address both natural and human-induced subsidence.
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Beemster Polder, exhibits complex subsidence patterns driven by both shallow soil processes and deep gas extraction. Research reveals that areas with thick surficial peat layers experience over 5 mm/year of subsidence due to shrinkage and oxidation, while deeper clay beds also contribute significantly. Gas extraction is projected to add up to 30 mm of subsidence between 2020-2050. The study used InSAR data and data assimilation techniques to quantify these contributions, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and mitigating subsidence in vulnerable coastal regions.
Aldabra Atoll
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The gut microbiota of Aldabra giant tortoises is primarily shaped by environment rather than age, with wild tortoises exhibiting greater microbial diversity due to varied diets. A study analyzing 52 fecal samples from Seychelles and Italy revealed that geolocation significantly influences microbiota composition, while age had a lesser impact. Certain bacterial families, such as Spirochaetota and Fibrobacterota, were more prevalent in environments with higher fiber intake, reflecting dietary differences. Additionally, some bacteria were specific to individuals on Curieuse Island but not elsewhere. Centenarian tortoises showed reduced microbial complexity compared to younger adults. These findings highlight the importance of environmental factors in gut microbiota diversity and can inform conservation strategies for this long-lived species.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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A study of Kulangsu reveals a significant disjunction between official heritage narratives and the perceptions shaped by digital platforms. Official accounts emphasize Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), while user-generated content on platforms like Dianping and Ctrip highlights visual landmarks and 'check-in' practices driven by the 'digital gaze.' This divergence underscores the dynamic nature of sense of place, co-constructed through pre-visit expectations, on-site experiences, and post-visit reflections. The research also demonstrates a shift in tourists' roles from passive consumers to active participants in heritage value creation, mediated by digital platforms. The findings advocate for integrating official narratives with user-generated content to strengthen OUV communication, enhance public engagement, and support sustainable development of World Heritage Sites.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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Wild boar (Sus scrofa ussuricus) in the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve exhibit heightened vigilance, likely due to generalized reactions to large predators like tigers and brown bears. The study found that wild boars detect danger primarily through sounds from up to 0.8 km away, with visual scanning and smell identification playing crucial roles when predators are nearby. Vigilance was observed in 35.7% of maternal groups, with guards spending 8–9% of their time on vigilance while resting and 11–12% while grazing. This vigilance increased significantly (up to 41.3 times) during perceived risk or when exposed to extraneous sounds. The research suggests that wild boars can quickly extrapolate the direction of dangerous objects, aligning with tiger hunting tactics characterized by alternating pursuit and cessation periods.
Península Valdés
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Research at Península Valdés, Argentina, reveals that large marine mammals, particularly whales, significantly influence dissolved organic matter (DOM) dynamics in coastal ecosystems. The study found that the carbon isotopic signal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was predominantly derived from whale and phytoplankton sources, suggesting a 'whale pump' mechanism where whales contribute both labile and recalcitrant DOC to coastal habitats. Microbial overconsumption during the whale calving season increased the DOC:DON ratio, indicating higher refractoriness of DOC. Bioavailable DOC ranged from 18.6% to 52.7% of the total DOC pool, while recalcitrant DOC concentrations averaged 200 ± 19 μM in non-whale seasons and 180 ± 7 μM during whale seasons. These findings underscore the role of whales as vectors for DOM, modulating its dynamics and potentially impacting coastal ecosystem health.
Villa d'Este, Tivoli
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Pirro Ligorio's design of the Villa d'Este gardens in Tivoli, Italy, offers a unique case study in sixteenth-century attitudes toward grotesque ornamentation. This work compares Ligorio's theoretical writings on the grotesque with his garden designs, particularly focusing on the depiction of Artemis of Ephesus in both interior frescoes and the adjacent landscape, where she is represented as the Fountain of Nature. The analysis reveals a sophisticated integration of monstrous imagery into landscape design, challenging conventional perceptions of ornamentation during this period.
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
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Table-type dolmens, characterized by their flat-topped stone structures, are more prevalent than individual stone dolmens (개석식) on Ganghwa Island, constituting 55% of the total. These dolmens are predominantly located along ridges (77%) and hills (18%), with only a small percentage found in flatlands (5%). In contrast, the Hangang River Basin exhibits distinct regional variations: the main Hangang River has 24% table-type dolmens, mostly situated in flatlands, while the North Han River Basin shows an even higher proportion (26%) of such structures. However, the South Han River Basin stands out with only 5% table-type dolmens, suggesting a unique cultural or environmental influence. The study proposes that Ganghwa Island's dolmen culture likely spread from the Yellow Sea region and possibly influenced neighboring areas like the Imjin River Basin. Additionally, the research suggests that the North Han River Basin's dolmen culture may have been influenced by the upper Han River (Han-tan) region, further propagating to the main Hangang and South Han River Basins.
Saloum Delta
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A study on the Saloum Delta, Senegal, reveals that Senilia senilis is the dominant commercial mollusc species, with significant spatial and temporal variations in abundance influenced by environmental factors. The research, conducted across 17 stations in five villages during both harvesting and biological rest periods (2019–2020), identified 21 species from 19 families, highlighting higher species richness in Niodior and Sangomar. Diversity metrics indicated a high overall diversity with a few dominant species, emphasizing the importance of biological rest for sustaining shellfish populations. The findings suggest that integrating effective management strategies with existing conservation measures could improve shellfish stock sustainability in the Saloum Islands.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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A study on Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, reveals significant distributive inequities in benefit-sharing around the site, despite economic gains primarily driven by tourism and conservation efforts. While adjacent communities in Kisoro, Rubanda, and Kanungu districts report accessing benefits through tourism businesses, NGOs, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, widespread perceptions of inequality persist due to governance shortcomings. The research, employing mixed-methods including interviews, workshops, and questionnaires with 120 households and 30 key informants, highlights the need for transparent, inclusive decision-making frameworks to ensure fair distribution of benefits. These findings underscore critical gaps in equitable conservation governance, offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to balance sustainability with social equity.
Comoé National Park
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A pioneering study reveals significant mycological diversity and functional variation among higher fungi (macrofungi) across four national parks—Taï, Marahoué, Comoé, and the Ehotilés Islands—in Ivory Coast. The research identified 290 morphospecies, predominantly Basidiomycetes (96.21%), with no mycological resemblance between the areas studied. Symbiotic fungi, particularly ectomycorrhizians, dominate in the Comoé region, while saprotrophic fungi are prevalent elsewhere. Marahoué exhibits the highest functional diversity, followed by Comoé and Taï. The findings highlight the cosmopolitan nature of saprotrophic macrofungi, though some genera or species show restricted distributions. This study underscores the ecological significance of higher fungi in ecosystem monitoring and conservation.
Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua
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A groundbreaking study of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, has uncovered significant biodiversity within the leaf katydid (Tettigoniidae) community. Researchers described one new genus and six new species, including Phanreticula fenestrata n. sp., Habrocomes piotri n. sp., and Conocephalus (Anisoptera) mollyae n. sp. Additionally, the first female specimens of Paraeulioptera emitflesti were collected, allowing for its reclassification within the tribe Catoptropterigini. The study also rediscovered Pleothrix conradti after 118 years and described the male of Griffinipteryx mukonja for the first time. An updated taxonomy of the genus Tetraconcha now includes 24 species, with two new additions from Ivory Coast. Overall, 108 Tettigoniidae species were documented, highlighting the park's rich entomological diversity.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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A potential rediscovery of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) in Guinea-Bissau challenges long-held beliefs about its extinction in West Africa. This study, using visual surveys, camera trapping, and molecular barcoding, confirms the presence of this species in the Cacheu region while also documenting the distribution of two other crocodile species: the West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus) across major river basins and coastal lagoons, including the Bijagós Archipelago, and the West African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus cf. tetraspis) in southern mainland and archipelagic areas. Habitat loss and deliberate killings pose significant threats to these populations. The research underscores the need for standardized surveys and genetic sampling to assess population dynamics, connectivity, and genetic diversity, which are critical for evolutionary studies and conservation planning. Community-managed reserves and restoration initiatives, alongside local engagement to mitigate human-crocodile conflicts, are recommended as priority conservation strategies.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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A 1644 performance of the biblical comedy <em>El arca de Noé</em> at Seville's royal theater, Corral de la Montería, revealed unique theatrical effects and local references that distinguished it from contemporary public theaters. The study highlights how the Montería's specialized stage machinery enabled complex staging techniques, while dialogue contained subtle allusions to Seville and its architecture, suggesting a sophisticated interplay between performance and audience reception in Baroque Spain.
Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği
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The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği, constructed in the early 1220s under the joint patronage of Ahmed Şah and Turan Melek, stands as a groundbreaking fusion of Seljuk architectural innovation and sculptural artistry. This study reveals how the complex, attributed to master builder Hürremşah of Ahlat and his cosmopolitan workshop, defies conventional Anatolian Seljuk design by integrating high-relief stone carving, vegetal motifs, and rigorous structural techniques into a courtyard-less, multi-aisled mosque plan. The ensemble’s portals, particularly the North Portal and Darüşşifa entrance, exhibit unprecedented plastic dynamism, drawing heuristic parallels with later European Gothic and Baroque styles without implying direct influence. The research highlights Divriği’s unique programmatic complexity, including a modified four-iwan scheme, lanterned dome, and integrated mausoleum, positioning it as a monumental example where architecture transcends into sculpture through local craftsmanship.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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A study on Hoi An Ancient Town reveals that tourists' experiences—spanning emotional, sensory, behavioral, social, and cognitive dimensions—significantly influence their behavioral intentions, particularly word-of-mouth promotion and revisit intentions. Revisit intention is further positively linked to word-of-mouth intention, suggesting that enhancing these experiences can drive sustained tourism success. The research used an online survey of 361 tourists who visited Hoi An in the past year, providing actionable insights for destination management.
Selous Game Reserve
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Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the eastern buffer zone of Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve, while successful in reducing illegal wildlife offtake and habitat destruction, paradoxically increased negative human-wildlife interactions. Following WMA establishment, crop damage surged by 28.6%, livestock predation by 40.6%, and human attacks by 79.2%. The study, applying Citizen Science Theory (CST), analyzed data from 240 households, revealing that while WMAs expanded wildlife habitats and boosted populations, they also heightened conflicts with local communities. Annual crop damage averaged 7.2±0.1 acres near WMAs, compared to 0.6±0.1 acres farther away, with lions, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and hippopotamuses identified as primary culprits. The research underscores the need for enhanced wildlife control measures, such as local monitoring, deterrents, public education, and predator-proof enclosures, to mitigate these interactions effectively.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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Digital preservation of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's documentary heritage offers a robust solution to safeguarding its historical records while ensuring long-term accessibility. The study identifies key technological, legal, and operational challenges in digitizing archival materials, emphasizing the need for high-quality scanning, rigorous quality control, and efficient digital collection management. It also highlights the importance of developing user-friendly web interfaces, addressing budgeting constraints, and planning human resources to sustain these efforts. By addressing these aspects, the research provides a framework for balancing technological advancements with preservation integrity, ensuring that this UNESCO-listed site's invaluable documents remain accessible to scholars and the public alike.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
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Over two decades, technological advancements have dramatically improved the precision and efficiency of documenting complex heritage sites. A comparative study of the Holy Monastery of Daphni revealed that modern methods in 2023 reduced field and processing time by significant margins compared to 1999 documentation efforts following a severe earthquake. The shift from traditional 2D outputs to integrated 3D models not only decreased personnel requirements but also enhanced the accuracy of capturing damaged or cracked regions. This study underscores the transformative impact of technological progress on heritage conservation, offering a model for future documentation projects.
Djémila
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A comprehensive analysis of three Roman-era World Heritage Sites in Algeria—Timgad, Djémila, and Tipaza—reveals the prevalence of clay-based materials, natural mineral stones, and wood as primary construction components. The study identifies these materials' diverse applications and origins, including both local sourcing and imported trade networks, providing critical insights for restoration efforts. This research contributes to a Digital Materials Library (DML) project aimed at supporting stakeholders in heritage conservation by documenting ancient materials systematically. The findings highlight the importance of understanding material provenance and availability for future reconstruction, addressing key challenges in preserving Algeria's built and archaeological heritage.
Lamu Old Town
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A Kenyan case study from Lamu Old Town reveals significant challenges to achieving rabies elimination by 2030, despite the nation's strategic plan. Between 2020 and 2022, researchers documented 787 dog bite cases and six human rabies deaths, with only a third of these cases reported in official health databases. The study highlights critical gaps: underreporting of rabies cases, limited availability of human rabies vaccines (with stockouts at 73% of facilities), and inadequate knowledge among healthcare workers regarding proper bite wound management. Additionally, targeted dog vaccination efforts lack sample collection from biting dogs, and One Health collaboration between veterinary and human health departments is insufficient. These findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance, mass dog vaccination, improved information exchange, and training for healthcare workers to address the persistent rabies threat in low- and middle-income countries.
Medieval City of Rhodes
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The book 'DODECANESE, ONE HUNDRED YEARS LATER: RHODES' reveals that the architectural and urbanistic achievements of Rhodes during Mario Lago's governorship (1923-1936) represent a significant yet overlooked chapter in Italian history. It argues that Governor Lago was the central figure behind the eclectic style, blending Deco, oriental, medieval, and rationalist motifs, which transformed Rhodes into a 'park city' with low-density green spaces. The research revisits the 1926 master plan by Florestano di Fausto, debunking claims of racial segregation and highlighting Lago's inclusive policies. It catalogues over 50 buildings and developments commissioned during his tenure, including public infrastructure, residential projects, and tourist facilities, while also documenting the stylistic purges under Governor Cesare Maria De Vecchi post-1936. The study is based on archival sources, contemporary press, and cartographic documents, offering a comprehensive analysis of this period's urban planning innovations.
Medieval City of Rhodes
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Rhodes stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Governor Mario Lago's innovative urban planning during his tenure (1923-1936). This study reveals that Lago, often overlooked in colonial urban planning debates, was the driving force behind Rhodes' transformation into a 'park city,' characterized by low-density architecture interspersed with green spaces. Contrary to previous interpretations, Lago's policies promoted integration rather than segregation among the island's multi-ethnic population. The research employs archival sources and contemporary documents to catalog over 100 architectural projects, including administrative buildings, residential complexes, and tourist developments. It also highlights the subsequent stylistic shift under Governor Cesare Maria De Vecchi, which sought to replace Lago's eclectic style with an abstract crusader architecture, further illustrating Rhodes' dynamic architectural evolution.
The Dolomites
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A comprehensive digital platform, Dolichens, has been developed to aggregate and centralize lichen diversity data from the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites. This innovative system addresses longstanding gaps in data accessibility by consolidating fragmented historical records into an interoperable format compatible with global repositories. By leveraging decades of lichenological research since the 19th century, Dolichens provides researchers, conservationists, and policymakers with a robust tool for monitoring and preserving lichen biodiversity. The platform's design prioritizes usability while ensuring seamless integration with international databases, marking a significant advancement in environmental data management.
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
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Semiotic analysis reveals that the Dolmen UNESCO Sites in Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa maintain sustainability through nuanced articulations of denotative signs and connotative signifiers, reflecting a unique Korean management style that embraces paradox. This approach supports the sites' identity as cultural tourism attractions by balancing national heritage, community-based tourism, and government support. The findings demonstrate how these sites sustain an unbroken link to Korea's neolithic past while diversifying their narrative within sustainable tourism frameworks.
Komodo National Park
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Indigenous communities in Komodo National Park challenge exclusionary ecotourism models by asserting kinship with the Komodo dragon, framing it as their 'twin' born from a shared mother—a concept rooted in animist cosmologies. This indigenous multispecies politics offers an alternative to state-corporate fortress conservation, promoting inclusive and locally driven ecotourism. The study employs ethnographic analysis of Ata Modo community interactions with conservation projects, revealing how relational kinship narratives can reshape ecotourism paradigms in protected areas.
Mount Wutai
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A groundbreaking study on Mount Wutai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred Buddhist site, reveals that perceived behavioral control (PBC) is the strongest predictor of revisit intention among tourists. The research integrates theories from behavioral science—specifically the Theory of Planned Behavior, Attribution Theory, and the Elaboration Likelihood Model—to analyze how enjoyment, memorability, attitude, subjective norm, and PBC influence whether visitors return. Social media exposure was found to significantly moderate these relationships, particularly enhancing the link between memorability and revisit intention, though it did not affect the PBC-revisit intention relationship. This study advances our understanding of temple tourism dynamics by highlighting the interplay between emotional experiences, cognitive factors, and digital engagement, offering actionable insights for heritage sites seeking to boost visitor loyalty through optimized digital communication and experiential design.
Ilulissat Icefjord
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A two-year observational record reveals that West Greenland Irminger Water (WGIW) drives seasonal hydrography in Disko Bay, Greenland, with episodic renewals influencing both the bay and Ilulissat Icefjord. WGIW crosses a topographic barrier annually, filling the basin and producing peak temperatures and density at depth during winter and spring, while Polar Water (PW) dominates summer and autumn dynamics. Strong upwelling-favourable winds further contribute to episodic renewals. The study highlights the advective pathways of warming signals along the bay's periphery, offering new insights into the region's oceanographic processes amid climate change.
Białowieża Forest
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In Białowieża Forest, Poland, Norway spruce decline is primarily driven by drought and suboptimal habitats, increasing its vulnerability to bark beetle outbreaks. The study found that 75% of spruce-dominated stands in 2015 were in unsuitable habitats, with outbreak years showing significantly lower precipitation, reduced hydro-climatic indices (Selyaninov k), and more negative SPEI-12 values compared to non-outbreak years. Drought acts as both a predisposing and triggering factor for outbreaks, with one-year lag effects observed. The research analyzed spruce share from 1902–2018, habitat suitability, and climate records using hydro-climatic indices and statistical tests (Welch’s t-test, point-biserial correlation). These findings underscore the critical role of habitat suitability and drought in spruce decline, advocating for adaptive management strategies to retain spruce in optimal habitats while transitioning suboptimal stands to more drought-tolerant species.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2025 —
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Alfalfa variety DZ-409 demonstrates significant promise for enhancing livestock feed quality and productivity in the Lower Omo Valley of South Ethiopia. The study, conducted under irrigation using a randomized complete block design with three replications, found that DZ-409 outperformed other varieties in dry matter yield (19 ton ha−1), crude protein content (161 g kg−1, DM), and lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels. These attributes suggest its potential to address the region's livestock feed shortage by providing high-quality forage suitable for silage, hay, or green chop. The research highlights DZ-409 as a superior candidate for improving forage quality and livestock productivity in South Ethiopia.
Fujian <em>Tulou</em>
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2025 —
WHEE6F05B891D
A dual-path framework combining advanced crack detection and physical simulation has been developed to address the vulnerability of Fujian Tulou to environmental and human-induced stresses. The study introduces an improved YOLOv12 model for lightweight, accurate crack recognition across complex wall textures, while a two-layer RFPA3D model simulates crack evolution under varying conditions, aligning with field observations. Quantitative validation demonstrates superior consistency in morphology, geometry, and topology compared to baseline models. This framework offers a practical solution for standardized crack documentation and mechanistic interpretation, advancing preventive conservation efforts and sustainable management of Fujian Tulou.
Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
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2025 —
WHEC2629A15AE
Modern architectural heritage preservation requires balancing original context and function to ensure both structural and cultural sustainability. A study of Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt, a key example of early 20th-century modernism, reveals that retaining its unique historical framework—rather than generic conservation—safeguards its enduring value as a UNESCO-listed site. The research, combining literature review and fieldwork, analyzed the site's protection strategies to assess their impact on long-term preservation. Findings underscore that modernist landmarks thrive when conservation respects their specific social, architectural, and technological dimensions.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
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2025 —
WHE457E254259
Research on brick-faced clay-core walls (BCWs) in Quanzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage City, reveals that their durability stems from three key mechanisms: the protective and reinforcing synergy between brick and clay, the impact of external pollutant infiltration, and the stability of silicate minerals. Using advanced techniques such as finite element mechanics analysis (FEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), scientists analyzed the northern gable of Ding Gongchen’s former residence to uncover these insights. The study highlights that maintaining the structural integrity of BCWs relies on the interplay between brick and clay materials, as well as the stability of silicate minerals, offering a foundation for sustainable preservation of such traditional constructions.
The Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi
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2025 —
WHE9DBAF538E4
Swahili architecture, shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade and now at risk of disappearing, remains a dynamic cultural expression despite its dwindling vernacular knowledge. The study reveals that while skilled craftsmen still exist today, their expertise may vanish without intervention, threatening the preservation of this unique regional architectural language. Employing comparative analysis within a case study approach, researchers used qualitative methods—including observations, literature reviews, and focus group interviews—to highlight how Swahili culture has historically incorporated foreign influences while adapting to social, cultural, and aesthetic changes. The findings underscore the urgency of safeguarding traditional building techniques to maintain the authenticity of Swahili settlements, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Gedi, where tourism presents both an opportunity for preservation and a risk of cultural erosion.
