Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
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2018 —
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Cultural and historical monuments, including archaeological sites, play a pivotal role in shaping national identity and can significantly boost tourism revenue. This study highlights the potential of Felix Romuliana, an imperial residence of Emperor Galerius (297-311 AD), as a high-value tourist destination within Serbia's 'Path of Roman Emperors' project. Located near Gamzigrad and Zaječar, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique blend of material and intangible cultural heritage. The research explores strategies for enhancing Felix Romuliana's appeal, leveraging its historical significance as the birthplace, burial site, and apotheosis location of Emperor Galerius. By analyzing the site's cultural and archaeological value, the study aims to position it as a cornerstone for sustainable tourism development in the Zaječar administrative region.
Old City of Zamość
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2018 —
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A comprehensive reassessment of Zamość Old Town's value after 25 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List reveals its enduring significance while highlighting the need for adaptive conservation. The study identifies authentic material carriers of its value and sets boundaries for future interventions, crucial for managing a heterogeneous historical urban landscape. Using updated preservation theory and evaluation methodologies, it provides actionable insights for ongoing restoration efforts, ensuring Zamość's spatial harmony and functionality align with contemporary urban demands.
Hwaseong Fortress
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2018 —
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A study analyzing visitor profiles to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea, reveals four distinct groups based on their evaluation of the site's value: Outing Seekers (OS), Tourism Seekers (TS), Heritage Seekers (HS), and Serious Travel Seekers (SS). These profiles differ significantly in terms of travel distance, recognition of the fortress as a World Heritage Site, and the influence of its status on their decision to visit. The research also highlights variations in visit satisfaction and intent to revisit among these groups. By employing latent profile analysis (LPA) on data from 656 visitors, the study provides insights into visitor behaviors that can inform sustainable heritage tourism strategies, balancing world heritage value with the site's inherent attractiveness.
Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
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2018 —
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A study of moonmilk deposits in Leye Cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley, reveals that despite significant macroscopic diversity, these calcite formations exhibit low variability at a microscopic scale. This insight is crucial for optimizing sampling strategies in ornate caves where moonmilk poses a threat to cave art conservation. The research used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on 24 samples from a single moonmilk strip, providing the first detailed investigation of its chemical composition and morphological structures over a few meters. The findings suggest that targeted micro-sampling can effectively characterize moonmilk without extensive macroscopic variability affecting results.
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
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2018 —
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A previously unrecognized depiction of a 'castle in the air' has been identified within Giorgio Vasari's Chatsworth Allegory of a Dream, specifically in the fourth pseudo-hieroglyph from the left. This rare iconographic element, long overlooked or misinterpreted as symbolizing pride, is shown to derive from an illustration in an Italian translation of Lucian of Samosata's dialogues and holds significance in sixteenth-century Italian culture. The study proposes that Vasari's drawing was a design for a ceiling panel intended for Giovanni Corner’s palace in Venice, demonstrating its dependence on Francesco Primaticcio’s Allegory of the Nile for François Ier’s palace at Fontainebleau. This finding bridges art history and cultural analysis, offering new insights into Vasari's creative process and the broader artistic context of Renaissance Italy.
Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)
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2018 —
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A comprehensive census of vascular plants in the Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida, Morocco) reveals 57 species linked to significant biodeterioration of historical structures. The study identifies therophytes and hemicryptophytes as dominant types, accounting for 79% of the flora, with their rooting patterns posing a substantial threat to substrate integrity. While spontaneous plants constitute 81%, invasive naturalized species like <em>Lycium europaeum</em> exacerbate structural damage, necessitating urgent conservation measures. The research employed systematic sampling and botanical identification to assess vegetation impacts on monument degradation, highlighting the critical role of plant colonization in historical preservation challenges.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2018 —
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A new study reveals that bamboo-dominated forests have thrived at altitudes of 2700–2800 meters in the Harenna Forest (Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia) for at least 6500 years. However, these ecosystems have been declining due to climate aridization over the past 5000 years. Human influence on these forests began around 1000 years ago, marking a significant shift in their ecological history. The research used spore-pollen analysis and non-pollen palynomorphs from the Katcha zoogenic deposit to reconstruct vegetation and climate changes during the Holocene.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2018 —
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Since 2000, vegetation along the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Engineering Corridor has shown significant changes, with 23.6% of the study area experiencing an increase in greenness, particularly in the Hoh Xil region, while alpine meadows—covering 72.4% of areas with declining vegetation—have faced rapid degradation due to permafrost thaw and overgrazing. Researchers analyzed nested quadrats ranging from 500 × 500 m to 20 × 20 km using the Cumulative Growing Season Integrated Enhanced Vegetation Index (CGSIEVI) and meteorological data, revealing that an active layer depth of 3–3.2 meters acts as a critical threshold for alpine meadow resilience. The study highlights the dual impact of climate change—through increased precipitation—and human activities on vegetation dynamics in this ecologically sensitive region.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2018 —
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Venice, with its over 35 libraries housing more than three million volumes, emerges as a 'library for the world,' offering a unique cultural and operational model. This study reveals Venice's historical center as a dynamic network of libraries, rich in both spatial organization and social significance, serving as a laboratory for creative thinking and urban development. The research employed mixed methods, including mapping, photographic surveys, and interviews with library stakeholders, to analyze the city's library assets and challenges. A comparative analysis with Manhattan's libraries further contextualized Venice's role as a cultural hub. The study proposes an innovative 'ark' concept—a central node for a polycentric library system—to address current issues while fostering synergies between institutions. By positioning libraries as catalysts for urban growth, the research underscores their potential to shape a sustainable and interconnected future for Venice.
Derwent Valley Mills
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2018 —
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The Derwent Valley Mills, located in Derbyshire, England, represent a pivotal development in industrial history as the birthplace of the water-powered cotton spinning industry and advanced skyscraper construction techniques. This study reveals how Cornelius Vermuyden's drainage of a lead mine catalyzed legal reforms and mining practices that facilitated the establishment of early mills in the valley. Sir Richard Arkwright's innovations, including the Masson Mill at Matlock Bath, marked significant advancements in mill design, leveraging mine drainage water for power. The research also explores the competitive dynamics among mills and their influence on high-rise building designs. Additionally, it recounts the controversial figure of Samuel Slater, known locally as 'Slater the Traitor' for his alleged betrayal by illegally taking technical knowledge to the USA, where he established his own mills.
Lut Desert
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study on the Lut Desert, Iran, reveals that stress transfers—both during and after earthquakes—play a pivotal role in triggering seismic sequences. Unlike previous research focusing on simple fault systems, this study examines a complex network of conjugated faults (NE Lut sequence, 1939–1997) to assess whether stress transfers not only influence earthquake succession but also synchronize long-term fault ruptures. Using advanced optical image correlation and InSAR data, the researchers measured surface deformations from three major earthquakes (Khuli-Boniabad Mw 7.1, Zirkuh Mw 7.2, and Korizan Mw 6.6), including unprecedented detection of displacements from a moderate historical quake. The findings highlight that stress transfers favor 7 of 11 earthquakes in the sequence, with precise fault geometry modeling being critical for accurate predictions. Simulations further demonstrate that post-seismic viscoelastic relaxation is the dominant process enabling repeated seismic sequences, though the observed order of major quakes was exceptional.
The Forth Bridge
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2018 —
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A study monitoring the vertical deformation of the Forth Road Bridge's southern tower reveals a subsidence rate of approximately 4.7 mm per year, with high precision and minimal uncertainty. The research employed advanced GNSS data processing techniques to analyze 33 months of deformation data, identifying significant seasonal signals linked to thermal effects. A thermal expansion model demonstrated a 98.9% consistency with observed annual signal amplitudes, underscoring the substantial impact of temperature variations on bridge tower deformation. While daily signal amplitudes showed poor correlation with ambient temperature, their phase variations aligned closely post-February 2016. The study also explores the potential influence of the North Atlantic Drift on these signals due to the bridge's unique geographical location. It emphasizes the need for more detailed meteorological and loading data to further investigate deformation mechanisms over time.
Mammoth Cave National Park
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2018 —
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Researchers found that vibration levels near a bat hibernaculum at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, were generally low during March 2016, with no significant disruptions detected in the hibernating bat population. The study, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), employed a network of seismometers to monitor ground vibrations around the hibernaculum, providing insights into potential impacts of human activities or natural events on this critical habitat for endangered bat species. The findings suggest that current management practices may effectively mitigate vibration-related disturbances, though further long-term monitoring is recommended to assess seasonal variations and cumulative effects.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2018 —
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Shark Bay's modern stromatolites host abundant single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses, with relative abundances mirroring those found in the Bahamas' Highbourne Cay. This is the first evidence of viral communities in these unique microbial structures, suggesting their global significance. The study used metagenomic shotgun sequencing to identify two putative viral genomes linked to the Genomoviridae family, potentially enriched by phi29-mediated amplification bias. Additionally, antiviral defense genes like CRISPR-Cas, BREX, and DISARM were found in the cellular fraction, a novel finding that may indicate microbial adaptation strategies. These viruses could play crucial roles in shaping microbial diversity and ecosystem function through infection and nutrient recycling.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
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2018 —
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A novel architecture for objective evaluation criteria of virtual art experiences has been developed, enabling more effective digital preservation and reconstruction of cultural heritage information (CHI). This approach enhances the interactive narrative potential of CHI by leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology. The study demonstrates its application through a VR restoration and display system of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, which underwent an evaluation test based on the established criteria. The findings suggest significant possibilities for advancing digital protection efforts in cultural heritage, particularly for sites like the Qin Dynasty's mausoleum, by integrating virtual art experiences that transcend traditional linear narrative modes.
Virunga National Park
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2018 —
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Virunga National Park, Africa's first and most renowned national park, faces an eco-crisis rooted in historical rhetoric. The study identifies problematic narrative patterns—echoing Joseph Conrad’s 'Heart of Darkness'—in both human rights campaigns from the Congo Reform Movement (1900) and animal rights movements led by figures like Dian Fossey in the 1970s. These campaigns, while advocating for justice, share responsibility for perpetuating ecological threats to Virunga's biodiversity, particularly its iconic mountain gorillas. The analysis highlights the documentary <em>Virunga</em> (2014) as a rhetorical model offering an alternative narrative path. This work critiques the long-term political and environmental consequences of such discourses, urging a reevaluation of their impact on conservation efforts.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2018 —
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A sero-epidemiological study in the Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia, revealed low but significant prevalence of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Hamar and Banna-Tsamai districts, with higher rates in children and adolescents. The research, conducted between July and August 2013, analyzed 1682 individuals using the Direct Agglutination Test and Leishmanin Skin Test (LST), finding an overall LST positivity of 8.6% and sero-prevalence of 1.8%. Notably, Hamar District exhibited significantly higher infection rates than Banna-Tsamai, suggesting emerging VL as a health concern in these tourist destinations. The study emphasizes the need for surveillance and further epidemiological investigations to address this neglected disease.
Alto Douro Wine Region
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2018 —
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A study of the UNESCO World Heritage site Alto Douro Wine Region identified three distinct visitor segments: same-day visitors, cultural visitors, and individual mass visitors. These groups were characterized by their socioeconomic traits, cultural consumption experiences, and travel behavior. The research employed univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, including Categorical Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis, to segment the data collected from site visitors. This segmentation provides valuable insights for heritage management, helping to optimize provision, attract new visitors, and encourage repeat visits.
Teide National Park
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2018 —
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A public bike-sharing system shows promise as a sustainable transportation solution for the Teide National Park (TNP), Spain's most visited national park. The study, combining revealed and stated preferences with ordered logit models, found that bicycles could significantly reduce car dependency—currently at 70%—mitigating environmental strain and enhancing visitor experience. This approach offers a practical strategy to improve mobility management in high-traffic protected areas, balancing ecological preservation with tourism sustainability.
Tongariro National Park
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2018 —
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New Zealand successfully leveraged maps and GIS to visually represent intangible cultural relationships at Tongariro National Park, aiding its UNESCO World Heritage nomination. By integrating scientific data with Māori narratives and symbols, the country made abstract connections tangible and geographically visible, aligning with UNESCO’s cartographic guidelines. The study analyzes archival materials from the park's nomination dossier, housed in Paris, to demonstrate how GIS tools can bridge cultural and spatial dimensions in heritage conservation. This approach offers a model for future World Heritage nominations, emphasizing the power of cartography in storytelling and evidence-based advocacy.
Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
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2018 —
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Recent scholarship on visual culture during the Ming and Qing dynasties reveals a dynamic interplay between imperial authority, religious practices, and societal values. Unlike studies on modern Chinese visual culture, which often rely on Western theoretical models, research on the imperial era draws more from art history and anthropology. Key findings highlight how the imperial court used visual elements to project authority, while also exploring auspicious symbolism in tomb contexts, Buddhist and Daoist influences, Confucian values through writing and imagery, urban consumerism via woodblock illustration, rural visual traditions, vernacular images, erotica, and the assimilation of foreign visual elements. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of how visual culture evolved alongside political and social changes over two millennia.
Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains
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2018 —
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Six Dacian fortresses inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List lack management plans and legal administrators, leading to their decay despite Romania's adherence to the 1972 Convention on Cultural and Natural Heritage. Post-2000 legislation aimed at protecting these monuments has been partially ineffective, with key provisions unapplied or ignored. The study highlights systemic failures in enforcement, including the absence of short-term strategies or managers for these sites, underscoring urgent gaps in heritage preservation efforts.
Palmeral of Elche
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2018 —
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Viticultural landscapes, including those of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Palmeral de Elche, are dynamic systems characterized by both permanence and change over time. This study highlights how these landscapes undergo phases of development and regression, reflecting broader historical and cultural processes. By analyzing case studies from Poland, Spain (Palmeral de Elche), and Portugal (Alto Douro), researchers demonstrate the application of Fernand Braudel's concept of 'longue durée'—a long-term perspective that captures the enduring yet evolving nature of viticultural landscapes. The research approach combines theoretical frameworks with empirical observations to illustrate these transitions, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of cultural landscapes.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2018 —
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Residents of Porto’s historic centre demonstrated significant collective resistance against territorial stigmatisation and social relegation following the 1974 revolution, revealing how political upheaval can catalyse organised opposition to urban marginalisation. The study, based on institutional archives, ethnographic fieldwork, and semi-structured interviews, analysed the deteriorating urban conditions of working-class neighbourhoods in mid-20th century Porto and examined the emergence of resident-led movements during a period of social instability. Findings highlight the interplay between territorial stigmatisation and collective action, offering new insights into the relational dynamics of urban resistance.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2018 —
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Aeolian Islands' anthropic history was significantly impacted by volcanic events, particularly during three major crises. The first crisis, occurring in the 4th millennium BC, saw coastal settlements like Contrada Diana on Lipari affected by tsunamis from Stromboli's Sciara del Fuoco collapse and eruptions from Vulcano's Gran Cratere, disrupting navigation. A second crisis between the 9th and 6th centuries BC was linked to a strong eruptive phase at Vulcano and another tsunami, further hindering travel to Lipari. The third crisis, spanning the 6th to 11th centuries AD, peaked during the Monte Pilato eruption in 776 AD. This study integrates archaeological, historical, and volcanological data to demonstrate how these volcanic events shaped demographic shifts and settlement patterns on the islands.
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
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2018 —
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Volubilis, Morocco’s most-visited archaeological site, reveals a dynamic post-Roman history through new excavations. Contrary to assumptions of decline after the third century, elite houses continued commissioning sophisticated mosaics into the fifth century before a catastrophic earthquake ended Roman occupation. The site then revived in the sixth century under Berber Awraba rule and became pivotal in the eighth century as the headquarters of Idris I, who unified much of Morocco. This study sheds light on Volubilis' resilience and cultural transitions across three eras—Roman, Berber, and early Islamic—challenging narratives of post-Roman collapse.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking approach using 360-degree VR video storytelling significantly enhances user immersion and knowledge retention in preserving intangible cultural heritage, as demonstrated by the Mostar bridge diving project. This study found that combining interactive narratives with virtual reconstructions not only captivates audiences but also effectively educates them about traditional practices, such as bridge diving from the Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research employed a user experience evaluation to assess the impact of this method, revealing its potential to serve as a framework for broader intangible heritage preservation efforts.
Great Barrier Reef
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2018 —
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Under unmitigated climate change and business-as-usual management, coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is projected to decline dramatically to 3% by 2050, following a brief recovery phase. However, strong carbon mitigation and improved water quality could sustain coral cover above 26%, highlighting significant potential for management to reduce vulnerability. The study used empirical and mechanistic models to explore six future scenarios combining climate projections (RCPs), cyclones, and local stressors, revealing that up to 66% of performance loss is attributable to local pressures. Management strategies addressing cumulative impacts could reduce vulnerability by 83% in some central GBR midshelf reefs if paired with aggressive carbon mitigation.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park
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2018 —
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Brother Józef Żarnowiecki, a reclusive figure at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, is remembered as a humble hermit whose ascetic lifestyle and deep prayer drew pilgrims' attention. His character, shaped by modesty and poverty, left a lasting impact on those who encountered him. The study reconstructs his persona through limited sources—including an interview, a documentary, and pilgrim testimonies—paint a vivid picture of a silent, devout man who became known as 'a Kalwarian’s beggar.' His influence, though subtle, resonated with pilgrims who sought his prayers and small donations. This work serves to preserve the memory of a lesser-known but significant figure in the sanctuary's history.
Wadden Sea
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2018 —
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The Waddenland, though not a recognized political or administrative unit and absent from maps, emerges as a concept rooted in shared socio-cultural traits and physical-geographical criteria. This study reveals that the Wadden Sea's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 and 2014 has been driven primarily by ecological significance, with its identity shaped more by natural than political boundaries. The research highlights the need for local population engagement to leverage this designation effectively. It argues that acknowledging the Waddenland as both a man-made and natural landscape is crucial for fostering awareness and collective identity in the region.
Kakadu National Park
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2018 —
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Indigenous-led administrative strategies, such as those employed by the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) in Kakadu National Park, can subvert extractive capitalism's impacts while navigating settler colonial institutions. The study highlights GAC's dual role—holding mining operations accountable while engaging with bureaucratic processes—to manage uranium mining at Ranger and prevent further expansion at Jabiluka. It challenges the binary view of Indigenous resistance versus co-optation, demonstrating instead a complex, adaptive approach to power dynamics. This organizational work exposes the persistence of administrative violence under colonization, complicating narratives of Indigenous alternatives.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2018 —
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Venice's walkability is significantly compromised by the lack of basic services, overwhelming tourism flows, and inadequate road signage, according to a systematic review assessing pedestrian friendliness in mass tourism cities. The study analyzed open data from Venice's public institutions and conducted on-site observations, revealing critical issues that exacerbate conflicts between residents and visitors. These findings suggest potential design solutions and policy interventions to manage tourism more sustainably, offering a valuable framework for tourism-based walkability assessments. Such improvements could mitigate urban pressures in high-tourism areas like Venice.
Paphos
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2018 —
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A rare reconstruction of figural wall paintings from the House of Aion in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, reveals a 4th-century AD ensemble featuring three Muses (Thalia, Urania, and Euterpe) and Apollo, typical of Mediterranean Roman domestic decoration. Excavated between 1984 and 1989, fragments from Room 7 allowed for the identification and hypothetical positioning of these figures, providing insight into their iconographic context. The study situates Paphos within broader Mediterranean artistic traditions, drawing parallels with sites like Ephesos (east) and Vichen (Luxembourg). The house's brief lifespan—constructed mid-4th century and demolished by an earthquake shortly after—offers a snapshot of Roman artistry during late antiquity.
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
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2018 —
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A comprehensive analysis reveals the linguistic and cultural evolution of Aramaic outside Syria, from its diverse forms in the 9th century BCE to its standardization under Achaemenid rule. The study traces morphological features of written Aramaic, identifying Eastern and Central Syrian varieties, while also examining the intentional consolidation of language during the Neo-Assyrian period. Archaeological evidence, such as the 'altar kit' at Tel Dan, challenges ethnic attributions but supports the presence of Aramean influences in Judah and Israel. Additionally, the volume explores social mobility among Judean exiles in Babylonia and the assimilation of Arameans like Ahiqar into Assyrian identity. Methodological approaches include textual analysis, linguistic comparison, and historical reconstruction, providing a nuanced understanding of Aramean dispersion and cultural integration across Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant.
Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
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2018 —
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The conflict in northern Mali significantly impacted the traditional Islamic practices and societal structures of the Dogon people, particularly in the Bandiagara region. This study, based on firsthand observations, reveals how the war disrupted long-standing religious rituals and community dynamics, while also highlighting the resilience of local traditions amid political instability. The research employs qualitative methods, including field notes and interviews, to document changes in Islamic observance and Dogon cultural responses to the conflict. It provides a nuanced perspective on the intersection of religion, politics, and tradition in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2018 —
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Wastewater effluents discharged into coastal waters around Zanzibar's Stone Town pose significant threats to biodiversity and public health, revealing alarmingly high levels of contamination. A cross-sectional study identified that impervious drains, out-pour sites, and afternoon samples exhibited the highest bacterial loads, predominantly gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, including <em>Vibrio cholerae</em>. Physicochemical analysis showed lower dissolved oxygen (DO) in impervious drains and elevated turbidity in mornings, with one drain exhibiting exceptionally high levels. Groundwater near pervious drains also exceeded WHO coliform guidelines. The findings underscore the urgent need for wastewater treatment strategies to mitigate ecological and health risks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2018 —
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Increasing planted vegetation in the Badain Jaran Desert (BJD), one of China's driest regions, is significantly contributing to water loss despite stable precipitation patterns. A study using multi-source observational data from 2001 to 2014—including satellite measurements of total water storage anomaly (TWSA) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)—revealed a marked increase in vegetation greenness per unit of rainfall, or modified rain-use efficiency (RUEmo). However, this trend coincides with a continuous decline in groundwater storage since 2003. Researchers attribute this paradox to human activities, such as afforestation and irrigation, which rely on groundwater extraction for planted vegetation. Field investigations confirmed that human-planted vegetation around lakes correlates with water loss, emphasizing the impact of human management on ecohydrological systems in drylands.
Everglades National Park
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2018 —
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A three-decade analysis of water quality in inflows to the Everglades National Park reveals that rainfall significantly influences nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, with increased precipitation leading to diluted nutrient levels. Cluster analysis identified four distinct groups among seven sampling stations, while principal component analysis highlighted total nitrogen (TN) as the primary pollutant, suggesting non-point sources dominate contamination. Best management practices (BMPs) effectively reduce organic nitrogen, but TN and total phosphorus (TP) remain critical focus areas for future mitigation. Increasing water transfer can temporarily improve quality, while submersed macrophytes offer a sustainable solution by absorbing nutrients and boosting dissolved oxygen levels.
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes
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2018 —
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Recent archaeological prospections west of Twyfelfontein, Namibia—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dense concentration of rock art—have uncovered a previously unknown landscape with even greater quantities and quality of engravings and paintings than the site itself. This discovery challenges the understanding of the region's cultural significance, particularly in relation to water availability in the arid Namib Desert. The study introduces this new archaeological landscape, highlighting its potential to reshape our knowledge of past human adaptations and artistic expressions in one of the world's most extreme environments.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2018 —
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Westminster Abbey, a cornerstone of the UK's religious and royal heritage, underwent significant institutional reform during the Protestant Reformation to transition from a monastery to a collegiate church. This study reveals how its corporate structure evolved over the first century post-reformation, shedding light on internal dynamics, its relationship with the Crown, and local significance. Leveraging new research, including previously unseen archives, the authors uncover the roles of key personalities in shaping this transformation.
Península Valdés
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study demonstrates that very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery, such as that from the WorldView-3 satellite, can effectively detect and describe baleen whales in remote or inaccessible areas. This marks the first use of such advanced satellite technology for whale research, providing a non-invasive method to monitor large marine mammals where traditional survey techniques are impractical. The study identified four mysticete species—fin whales, humpback whales, southern right whales, and gray whales—by analyzing their visual and spectral characteristics. Fin and gray whales were particularly distinguishable due to their contrasting body coloration with the surrounding water and their prone body position near the sea surface. This research highlights the potential of VHR satellite imagery as a powerful tool for marine conservation efforts.
Kakadu National Park
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2018 —
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A significant decline in small- and medium-sized native mammals in Kakadu National Park, including within protected areas, has been linked to predation by feral cats (Felis catus). Analysis of dingo and cat scats from the 1980s to 2013–15 revealed that while macropods became the predominant prey for dingoes in recent years, medium-sized native mammals dominated cat diets. Small mammals, once a major dietary component for both predators, showed a marked decline in frequency in their scats, reflecting their overall population reduction. Despite these declines, some species persist disproportionately high frequencies in predator diets, indicating ongoing predatory pressure. The study suggests that while feral cats are a primary threat, dingoes may also hinder mammal recovery. Disturbance from fire and introduced herbivores further exacerbates predation impacts, implying that management strategies focused solely on feral cats may be insufficient without addressing broader landscape disturbances.
Kakadu National Park
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2018 —
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Paleogene vegetation in Kakadu National Park, Australia, was dominated by Casuarinaceae, a family of evergreen shrubs and trees, indicating seasonally dry conditions similar to modern Allocasuarina/Casuarina formations. Fossil pollen and spores from drill cores reveal rare temperate rainforest elements like Dacrydium and Nothofagus subgenera, suggesting moist gorges on the Arnhem Land Plateau. No Laurasian rainforest elements were found, but some taxa with tropical affinities hint at warmer, wetter climates during the Paleocene-Eocene. This study provides the first record of plant communities in northwest Australia's coast and hinterland from 66 to 23 million years ago.
Statue of Liberty
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2018 —
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The Statue of Liberty, a global symbol of freedom and democracy, carries an often-overlooked racial dimension that challenges its universalist image. This study reveals how the statue's design and historical narratives in both France and the U.S. reflect and reinforce racialized conceptions of liberty, particularly through its association with whiteness. By analyzing archival materials, public discourse, and cultural representations from the statue’s origins to its American installation, the research exposes the complex interplay between freedom, race, and national identity. It argues that the Statue of Liberty’s significance as a symbol is not only about political ideals but also about the exclusionary practices embedded in modern notions of freedom.
Wadi Rum Protected Area
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2018 —
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Geotourists, defined as individuals who visit sites with significant geological or geomorphic features to learn about them, are primarily motivated by intrinsic factors such as a desire for exploration, enjoyment, and education. A study of 200 tourists in Wadi Rum, Jordan, revealed that these visitors—predominantly young to middle-aged and well-educated—seek a 'sense of wonder' when exploring new places and value high-quality information about geosites. The research categorizes geotourists as special interest tourists whose focus on environmental tourism begins with geology and landscape, often involving interpretation and education. This study contributes to the understanding of geotourist behavior by highlighting their motivations and characteristics, offering insights that could inform sustainable geotourism practices.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2018 —
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A population of approximately 29 domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) was found to be widely distributed within the Tijuca National Park (TNP), one of Brazil's most visited protected areas and part of Rio de Janeiro's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Contrary to expectations, dog presence showed no significant correlation with proximity to paved roads or park boundaries, suggesting a more dispersed distribution across the urban Atlantic Forest reserve. The study, conducted using 42 camera-trap stations over six months in 2016, revealed that dogs were primarily diurnal, with their activity overlapping most with native species like the red humped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) and coati (Nasua nasua). The absence of pups indicated that these dogs likely originate from surrounding areas rather than being a self-sustaining feral population. These findings underscore the need for management strategies that engage local communities to mitigate potential conservation impacts.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
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2018 —
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Fossil-collecting legislation, intended to protect fossils, often fails to achieve its goal while restricting public participation and scientific progress. This polemic argues that such laws stifle the assembly of scientifically valuable and culturally significant collections, reducing opportunities for both researchers and enthusiasts. The essay advocates for unrestricted fossil collecting as a means to foster scientific discovery and cultural heritage, emphasizing that fossils remain undiscovered—and thus unprotected—until they are unearthed.
Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena
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2018 —
WHE9ED3274167
Public policies aimed at preserving the unique volcanic landscape of the Chaîne des Puys / Limagne fault in France have faced significant challenges, despite spanning over 400 years. This study reveals that while some areas have seen improvements in biodiversity and landscape quality due to effective management practices, others have been abandoned or forested, leading to closed landscapes with reduced biodiversity. The research employs a systemic analysis of historical policies to identify the reasons behind their ineffectiveness and proposes principles for future policies to better protect mountain grazing landscapes with local community support.
Manú National Park
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2018 —
WHE8DE8194A16
Research in Manu National Park reveals that antifungal bacteria are widely distributed among Andean amphibians, offering potential protection against chytridiomycosis. The study identified 20 bacterial isolates with anti-Bd (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) properties, including previously unknown species, across elevations from 560 to 3695 meters. These bacteria were found in both aquatic and terrestrial breeding frogs, with inhibitory effects varying significantly. The proportion of anti-Bd isolates was notably low at mid-elevations, where amphibian declines have been most severe, and among highly susceptible species. This suggests a complex interplay between host susceptibility and bacterial symbionts in disease defense. The study highlights the potential role of skin microbiota in mitigating chytridiomycosis, even in regions severely affected by the disease.
Garamba National Park
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2018 —
WHEC2E575A44E
Garamba National Park, DRC, demonstrates resilience in biodiversity conservation amid armed conflict. Over 40 years of systematic aerial surveys reveal trends in large mammal populations, particularly pachyderms, influenced by eight conflict crises and periods of peace between 1960 and 2016. The study highlights the park's ability to sustain wildlife despite international support fluctuations, offering critical lessons on conservation strategies during armed conflicts. Unlike typical scenarios where conflicts deter funding, Garamba serves as a model for maintaining biodiversity even in unstable environments.
