Group of Monuments at Hampi
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2017 —
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Research on traditional crafts at the Hampi World Heritage site reveals that knowledge production is inherently dialogic, with field dynamics influencing research design. The study highlights the limitations of researchers' impact and emphasizes the importance of giving voice to craftspeople, whose perspectives must be prioritized regardless of alignment with patrons or industry views. This self-reflexive approach challenges conventional academic objectivity and underscores the need for collaborative, community-driven research methodologies.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
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2017 —
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Anti-nuclear protests in 1970s France and West Germany formed a transnational movement challenging the legitimacy of nuclear power, mirroring the globalized nature of nuclear technology. This study reveals that while geographical proximity intensified protest activities—particularly along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley—a shared network of resistance emerged despite varying local expectations and tactics. The research distinguishes between concrete concerted actions and symbolic strategies, blurring the line between comparative and shared history. By centering on personal encounters and oral histories, it provides a nuanced account of how protesters navigated national, social, and cultural boundaries, offering new insights into the spatial dynamics of transnational activism.
Skogskyrkogården
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2017 —
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World Heritage Sites, including Skogskyrkogården, are constructed through highly standardized, transnational processes that transcend national boundaries and redefine heritage as a global phenomenon. This study reveals that UNESCO and expert bodies act as powerful producers of culture, providing a 'global grammar' to coordinate dispersed local phenomena into a unified World Heritage framework. Unlike traditional heritage regimes tied to nations, World Heritage reflects humankind as an imagined moral community, allowing sites from diverse times and places to take on new global significance. The research employs qualitative analysis of institutional routines, beliefs, and practices, alongside historical context, to demonstrate how World Heritage is engineered through expertise while serving a broader socializing project.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
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Balancing cultural preservation and tourism growth is achievable through symbiotic cooperation, as demonstrated by the management models of Borobudur Temple (Central Java) and Tanah Lot Temple (Bali). Both sites successfully integrate tourism development with heritage conservation, shifting from competitive to collaborative relationships. This dialectical process allows for mutual influence between preservation efforts and tourism benefits, ensuring sustainable economic growth while protecting cultural integrity. Borobudur is managed by a state-owned enterprise, whereas Tanah Lot operates under customary village governance, highlighting diverse yet effective approaches to heritage tourism management.
Lake Baikal
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A comprehensive genomic analysis of populations spanning from the Baltic Sea to Lake Baikal reveals complex genetic structures and historical migration patterns in Northern Eurasia. The study, involving 1076 individuals from 30 populations, identifies significant shared genetic segments between Siberian groups like Khanty and Ket, suggesting deep ancestral connections across vast distances. It also highlights the multi-layered genetic composition of Bashkir, a Turkic-speaking group, with influences from Ugric, Finnish, and Indo-European sources. Additionally, the research uncovers a 'Great Siberian Vortex' directing genetic exchanges in Siberia and traces the origins of Russian Starovers to the Northern European Plain, with notable Central Siberian ancestry not found in their European counterparts. This work doubles the genome-wide data for this region, providing unprecedented insights into the demographic history and genetic gradients of Northern Eurasia.
Virunga National Park
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2017 —
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Nature conservation strategies at Virunga National Park, implemented post-conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), face significant resistance from local populations. While elites employ overt political contestation, peasants utilize 'weapons of the weak,' engaging in covert, everyday resistance through customary land access practices. This multi-dimensional resistance reflects broader conflict dynamics in eastern DRC while embedding them within conservation efforts, which are tightly intertwined with global dynamics. The study highlights how these resistance strategies challenge re-enclosure practices and underscores the complex interplay between local agency and global conservation frameworks.
University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia
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2017 —
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Fado of Coimbra, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage with significant touristic value, contributes to the distinction of the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia. This study reveals that Fado's aesthetic expression, rooted in lyricism and musicality, is deeply intertwined with the city's cultural legacy and holds substantial economic potential in global tourism markets. The research employs bibliographical, documental analysis, and direct observation to trace the genre's origins, unique characteristics, and its complex relationship with Lisbon Fado, while also examining its social history and evolution. The findings underscore Fado's role as a living tradition that enriches Coimbra's heritage and its broader cultural significance.
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
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2017 —
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Excavations at the La Tiza site, spanning 5,000 years of occupation, reveal significant insights into the cultural adaptation and demographic shifts of the Nazca people in one of the world's driest environments. The study, led by Christina Conlee, provides valuable data on plant presence, obsidian sources, dietary practices, and mortuary rituals, contextualized within broader Nazca prehistory. Notably, it identifies a Middle Preceramic occupation and traces cultural evolution through key periods, including the rise of the ceremonial center Cahuachi and the impact of the Wari empire. Despite challenges like looting and limited artifact yields, the research offers a unique perspective on long-term settlement patterns and social organization in extreme arid conditions.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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Cambodian memorial sites, particularly Wat Thmey, reflect complex and often conflicting memories of political violence. This study reveals that such memorials serve as contested spaces where Cambodians express ambivalent views on state-sanctioned commemorative practices. By analyzing the representational technologies—such as mass human remains displays and information boards—used at these sites, the research highlights how they position Wat Thmey towards both local communities and international tourists. It contrasts day-to-day accounts of the memorial with state-led initiatives like the Day of Remembrance, illustrating the uneven nature of memory animation in post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia.
Timbuktu
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2017 —
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Timbuktu, often mythologized as a remote desert outpost, emerges from this study as a pivotal node in the intellectual and scholarly networks of West Africa. Contrary to its reputation for isolation, Timbuktu was integral to a vibrant exchange of knowledge, manuscripts, and ideas across Muslim West Africa during the 15th–16th centuries. The research challenges the narrative of Timbuktu as an endpoint of learning by tracing its role in a broader trans-Saharan academic tradition, highlighting its connections to centers like Marrakech, Cairo, and Mecca. This intellectual history is reconstructed through analysis of surviving manuscripts, historical records, and scholarly correspondence, revealing Timbuktu's function as both a repository of knowledge and a hub for the dissemination of ideas. The study underscores the region's significance in preserving and advancing Islamic scholarship, law, astronomy, and mathematics, offering a corrective to Western-centric histories that marginalize its contributions.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking integration of Big Data technologies with digital cultural heritage has been achieved through the development of SCRABS, a Smart Context-aware Browsing assistant for cultural environments. This system leverages sophisticated applications to enhance user experience by extracting rich information from diverse data sources such as sensor networks, social networks, and multimedia collections. Developed under Italy's Cultural Heritage Information Systems national project and promoted by DATABENC, SCRABS represents a multidisciplinary collaboration involving computer scientists, archeologists, architects, and humanities experts. Its application at the Paestum Archeological Sites demonstrates its potential to revolutionize how cultural heritage is managed and experienced, offering a sophisticated yet user-friendly platform for exploring historical environments.
Venice and its Lagoon
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A groundbreaking BIM (Building Information Modeling) system has been developed to address the complex challenges of conserving and preserving the mosaics of San Marco Basilica. This innovative approach leverages multi-source data collection, high-resolution photogrammetric acquisition, and a self-implemented BIM application to create a 1:1 scale representation of the basilica's intricate mosaics, achieving submillimeter resolution even in high domes (28 meters). The system organizes the complex into smaller, manageable parts, facilitating efficient data management during both survey and modeling stages. It also introduces a novel solution for handling gigapixel orthophotos, allowing users to access both geometric models and raster representations of each element, effectively turning the BIM model into a three-dimensional catalogue.
Angkor
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A distinct sexual division of labor is evident in the protohistoric Vat Komnou cemetery at Angkor Borei, Cambodia, based on degenerative joint disease patterns. The study reveals that inhabitants maintained a broad-spectrum diet with significant reliance on fish and estuarine resources, contrasting with a lower intake of soft, processed agricultural foods. Dental pathologies and faunal evidence suggest varied environmental use and cultural practices, including intentional dental filing, though its impact on oral health remains undetermined. Stable isotope analysis further indicates a preference for aquatic protein over terrestrial sources. The research combines skeletal analysis, dietary reconstruction, and isotopic studies to illuminate biocultural adaptations during the transition to history in Southeast Asia.
The Sundarbans
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Mangrove communities in the oligohaline zone of the Sundarbans, Bangladesh, exhibit high biomass and net primary productivity (NPP), with total above-ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) estimated at 154.8 and 84.2 Mg∙ha−1, respectively. The study, conducted over one year from March 2016 to April 2017, revealed a mean annual total litterfall of 10.1 Mg∙ha−1∙yr−1 and a total NPP of 21.0 Mg∙ha−1∙yr−1. The research applied biomass equations and the summation method for productivity estimation, highlighting species-specific variations in biomass allocation and significant root biomass. These findings underscore the ecological significance of Sundarbans mangroves, offering critical insights for conservation strategies and understanding their role in mitigating global warming.
Chitwan National Park
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2017 —
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A study on elephant safaris in Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals that while these safaris are perceived as eco-friendly alternatives to noisy Jeep safaris, they may cause significant biophysical disturbances. Research indicates that wildlife observation distances during elephant safaris often fall below 15 meters, which is considered too close and potentially harmful to wildlife. The study also found that perceptions of appropriate viewing distances by park staff aligned with biological severity thresholds, while other groups' perceptions would likely lead to unacceptable disturbance levels. This suggests a disconnect between human perception and actual biological impacts.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2017 —
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New high-precision geochronology reveals that Dinosaur Provincial Park's fossil-rich strata span 2.4 million years, younger and longer than previously thought, with sediment accumulation rates suggesting a ~230,000-year hiatus near the Oldman-Dinosaur Park formation boundary. This challenges prior assumptions about stratigraphic continuity in the Belly River Group (Campanian, Alberta). By dating five bentonites using CA-TIMS U-Pb zircon geochronology and integrating biostratigraphic data, researchers refined the park's chronostratigraphic framework, correlating its dinosaur zones to ammonite biozones. The study also supports a regional trend of younger contacts in southeastern Alberta, providing critical insights into Late Cretaceous sedimentary dynamics and peak dinosaur diversity.
City of Potosí
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2017 —
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Bitcoin, often hailed as a revolutionary digital currency, shares deep historical roots with traditional metalist currency regimes, particularly those tied to colonial silver mining. A study comparing Bitcoin's architecture to the global currency system established by the New World silver peso—centered around the Cerro Rico de Potosí in colonial South America—reveals striking parallels in resource extraction, labor exploitation, and ecological impact. The research introduces the concept of 'cryptoforming,' suggesting that Bitcoin's digital mining process mirrors the terraforming effects of historical metal mining, reshaping both economies and environments on a massive scale. By interrogating these connections, the study provides a critical lens to understand Bitcoin's implications for resources, labor, energy, and ecology.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2017 —
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A revised land management plan for Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, covering 20% of the island, reflects deep-seated tensions between white conservationist ideals and Aboriginal perspectives on land. The study reveals that wilderness ideology, emphasizing remoteness and isolation, marginalizes Aboriginal Tasmanians by reinforcing colonial narratives and racialized privilege. Through reflexive analysis of interviews, participant observation, and printed materials from environmental organizations, government, industry, and an Aboriginal corporation, the research demonstrates how conservation efforts in Tasmania perpetuate white dominance at the expense of Indigenous voices. This critique extends to the author’s own identity, adding a personal dimension that underscores the complexities of colonial legacies in conservation discourse.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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A study on coral bleaching in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, revealed that coral bleaching rates were exceptionally high at shallower depths, with a peak of 87% at 15 meters. Coelastoral corals exhibited the highest bleaching rate at 91%, while branching corals also showed significant bleaching (49%) even at deeper waters (30 meters). The research attributed this severe bleaching to prolonged high water temperatures exceeding 30°C from July 9 to August 29, 2016, in the absence of nearby typhoons. The investigation combined field surveys of coral bleaching conditions with measurements of physical environmental factors, including water temperature.
Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
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A recently discovered testament of the Hungarian calligrapher George Bocskay (†1575) sheds new light on his life, social network, and burial place. The Latin document, found in the Archive of the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma, reveals that Bocskay bequeathed his property, including books and calligraphy instruments, to his family and servants, with specific mention of his son Stephen. Notably, it also specifies his desired burial site as the Himmelpfortkloster in Vienna, a significant medieval Premonstratesian cloister founded by Constance of Hungary in the 1230s. The testament provides primary historical data, offering insights into Bocskay's final wishes and the cultural context of 16th-century Hungary.
Dazu Rock Carvings
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The 'Body As Echoes: Cyber Archiving of Dazu Rock Carvings' project successfully bridges digital heritage conservation with advanced technological applications, setting a precedent for sustainable preservation and education. By leveraging photogrammetry and digital sculpting, the project transforms tangible cultural heritage at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dazu Rock Carvings into high-resolution 3D models, ensuring long-term accessibility. A notable achievement is the development of an interactive info-motion interface that enhances public engagement with these digital resources, particularly in STEM education contexts. This approach not only preserves the physical and intangible aspects of the carvings but also fosters intercultural collaboration by making the digital archive available to global institutions and local authorities. The project's integration of VR, projection mapping, and interactive design techniques offers a novel framework for narrating and consolidating cultural heritage, thereby enriching both academic research and public understanding.
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
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2017 —
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Ongoing restoration work at Boğazköy-Hattusha, the ancient Hittite capital, has successfully balanced archaeological preservation with visitor accessibility since the 1960s. Recent efforts (2011–2014) focused on reconstructing the postern wall, the oldest fortification of the city, and placing copies of two sphinxes atop the artificial rampart of Yerkapı. Additionally, large socle stones from the Great Temple in the Lower Town, a significant Hittite religious structure, were conserved. These interventions aim to stabilize the site while enhancing its historical interpretation for visitors.
Curonian Spit
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2017 —
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The Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is a unique cultural landscape shaped by human intervention in natural geomorphological processes. This study highlights its significance as an elongated 'finger of sand' stretching 98 kilometers, which separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. The research focuses on the southern part of the Spit, belonging to the Zelenogradsk District of Kaliningradskaya Oblast, examining how European integration and border dynamics influence landscape management and human ecology in this fragile environment.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2017 —
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This publication highlights the severe human rights violations and systemic oppression experienced by Palestinians in Hebron's Old Town, 50 years after Israel's occupation of the West Bank. It underscores the rapid expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, which contravenes international law, and the escalation of settler violence with zero accountability. The study also reveals the stark disparity in legal treatment between Palestinians, tried under military law with a near 100% conviction rate, and settlers, subject to civil law. Additionally, it documents the severe restrictions on Palestinian movement due to checkpoints and closed military zones, as well as the extrajudicial killings of Palestinian youth, even when disarmed. The publication calls for immediate action to secure basic human rights, implement international law, and protect nonviolent human rights defenders.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
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Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist temple globally, stands as a testament to Indonesia's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Originally constructed during the golden era of the Syailendra dynasty around 800 AD, Borobudur experienced periods of obscurity before its rediscovery during the colonial era. Through meticulous restoration efforts, the temple has been rejuvenated to its original form, becoming a significant center for Buddhist rituals and a symbol of cultural inspiration across various domains, including history, arts, tourism, economy, research, science, and religion. Its intricate reliefs depict profound Buddhist philosophy, showcasing high aesthetic value and contributing to its recognition in the Guinness World Records as an archaeological site heritage.
Butrint
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Archaeological excavations at Butrint, Albania, have revealed significant insights into the urban layout and historical shoreline of Bouthrotos during its Archaic and Classical periods (8th–4th century BCE). The Roman Forum Excavations (RFE) Project uncovered stratified material beneath the forum, allowing researchers to reconstruct the evolution of the acropolis and the Temple of Athena Polias. Notably, the study identified the temple's partial remains and traced the formation processes of the Butrint headland, providing a clearer understanding of its development in relation to Greek colonization in the region.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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Recent research reveals that runoff trends in the Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram region serve as a strong proxy for glacier evolution, mirroring spatial patterns of glacial change. Notably, while the North-West Pamirs and Northern Karakoram exhibit decreasing runoff trends—consistent with the Karakoram Anomaly—southern regions show accelerated glacier retreat and rising river flows due to increasing temperatures since 1950. The study bridges glaciological and hydrological data, addressing uncertainties in estimating glacier retreat's contribution to runoff. It suggests that westerly precipitation increases may drive mass gains in northern regions and heightened river flows in the south, highlighting complex climate dynamics in Central Asia’s water towers.
Curonian Spit
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2017 —
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A study of bryophyte diversity in the Nagliai Strict Nature Reserve on Lithuania's Curonian Spit reveals distinct species distribution patterns across habitats. Researchers identified 75 bryophyte species, with notable variations in richness and abundance between fore-dune grasslands, sand plains, and dune ridges. Forests exhibited distinct species compositions based on substrata, while grassland habitats were dominated by light-preferring taxa. The study also documented two new species and three varieties for Lithuania, along with four new species and one variety for the Curonian Spit. Analytical methods included species richness, biotal dispersity, Shannon's diversity indices, and similarity coefficients (Jaccard and Bray-Curtis). These findings highlight the ecological complexity of the reserve and contribute to its conservation understanding.
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
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Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bihar, India, stands as a testament to the ancient Buddhist educational system's sophistication. A study on its modern iteration, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University (NNMU), reveals how it effectively manages education, administration, and finances while preserving its historical legacy. The research highlights NNMU's innovative approach to faculty management, ensuring both academic excellence and institutional growth. By analyzing contemporary educational practices within a UNESCO-listed context, the study provides insights into sustainable heritage management in higher education.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the integration of art and cultural heritage into public spaces can significantly enhance creativity, social cohesion, and human development. The research, conducted in Torre Annunziata, Italy, demonstrates that inclusive approaches to public space recovery—focusing on art and community engagement—stimulate critical thinking, open-mindedness, and design capacity among local residents. This process fosters a 'creative environment' that acts as a catalyst for development, encouraging acceptance of diversity as an opportunity. The study builds upon the Humanistic Urbanism (HUL) approach, drawing empirical evidence from the MAAM Museum in Rome to establish transferable methodologies for similar contexts. By analyzing cause/effect relationships between art, heritage, and community dynamics, this work provides actionable insights for regenerating social connections and landscapes in post-industrial or conflict-affected areas.
Bagan
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A multidisciplinary approach to heritage documentation has proven effective in assessing and managing the conservation of vulnerable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Bagan. The study demonstrates that integrating diverse documentation techniques—including both image-based and non-image-based methods—can provide a robust foundation for monitoring and retrofitting actions, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters like seismic events and flooding. By documenting four temples in Bagan, researchers tested the flexibility of their methodology, evaluating its strengths and limitations across different architectural designs. This work also emphasized capacity-building efforts, training local professionals and archaeologists in advanced digital documentation techniques, thereby enhancing technical knowledge and on-site expertise.
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
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A bureau-level assessment determined the minimal archeological preservation efforts required for groundwork associated with proposed development plans at Fort Nekkerweg, Middenbeemster, a site within the UNESCO-listed Beemster Polder. The study evaluated potential impacts on cultural heritage, ensuring compliance with monument care standards. Conducted as a dataset (Version 1.0) and published in 2017, the research provides actionable guidelines for future urban development while safeguarding archeological integrity. This work is part of a broader effort to balance modern infrastructure needs with the preservation of historically significant landscapes.
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
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2017 —
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A bureau-level assessment determined the minimal archaeological preservation efforts required for groundwork associated with planned development at Middenweg 148, Beemster Polder. The study evaluated the site's potential to harbor significant archaeological features, ensuring compliance with heritage conservation standards. By analyzing historical records and conducting a preliminary survey, researchers established baseline requirements for excavation and monitoring to protect any buried cultural remains. This approach balances development needs with the preservation of the Beemster Polder's unique archaeological landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its 17th-century polder engineering innovations.
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
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2017 —
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A bureau-level archaeological assessment of the planned redevelopment at Zuiddijk 6, Beemster Polder, revealed no significant archeological constraints despite the presence of remnants from a former estate or manor house beneath the site. The proposed construction, including a concrete floor, was deemed unlikely to disrupt notable archeological features beyond the threshold set by local policy guidelines. This conclusion was reached through a targeted evaluation that assessed potential impacts on subsurface structures without requiring extensive excavation. The study underscores the importance of pre-development assessments in balancing preservation needs with development goals in culturally rich landscapes.
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
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A bureau study conducted for the Beemster Polder concludes that further archaeological research is unnecessary before the demolition of a residential building at Oosterhuizerweg 70 in Noordbeemster. The assessment found that while the property partially overlaps with zones of historical significance—including a former mill site and molengang (milling path)—the likelihood of uncovering preserved remnants, such as kadens (dikes) or mill structures, is minimal due to recent agricultural development and urbanization in the area. The study, led by MUG Ingenieursbureau on behalf of the Beemster municipality, advises against additional excavations based on the building's size and location outside key historical zones. However, it emphasizes that any accidental discoveries during demolition must be reported under legal obligations. This recommendation aligns with the municipality’s decision-making process regarding archaeological heritage preservation in the region.
Taï National Park
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A significant reduction in bushmeat consumption—exceeding 62% after four multimedia campaigns—was observed in rural households near Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. The study highlights the effectiveness of recurring awareness campaigns, combining theatre and film screenings, in curbing bushmeat intake, particularly among poorer households with more dependent children. Bushmeat, primarily composed of rodents and bovids, accounted for 13% of animal protein consumed in these communities. Researchers conducted surveys in 144 households across 20 localities between July and December 2012 to assess the impact of poverty and awareness campaigns on bushmeat consumption patterns.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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Research reveals that some Butchulla people draw parallels between their own experiences of dispossession and displacement under colonial governance and the treatment of dingoes on K’gari (Fraser Island). The study suggests that aligning with dingo agency and resistance may provide Butchulla people with greater entitlement to influence island management, including dingo 'management,' beyond what their native title resolution currently confers. The research examines evidence from Butchulla participants who express ongoing dispossession through discourses and actions that challenge colonial structures, highlighting shared struggles for sovereignty and freedom of movement between the Butchulla people and dingoes.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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A severe late spring storm in March 2016 caused significant mortality among monarch butterflies in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, with estimates of 31–38% mortality in Sierra Chincua and Cerro Pelón colonies and over 40% in the Rosario colony—marking a five-fold increase compared to previous reports. The storm's high-velocity winds disrupted the thermal protection provided by the Oyamel fir forest, exposing butterflies to lethal freezing conditions. Additionally, extensive salvage logging followed the storm, further threatening the microclimatic stability of the Reserve. This event highlights potential climate-related vulnerabilities in the region.
Tongariro National Park
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Conservation efforts for the endangered Dactylanthus taylorii in Tongariro National Park reveal paradoxes where protection transforms ecosystems and native species' roles in national heritage. The study traces the plant's decline and conservation rise, highlighting how interventions reshape environments and influence notions of belonging. Using interdisciplinary ethnographic research, it examines historical conservation practices to uncover complex relationships between biodiversity preservation and cultural identity.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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Coral reefs near Stone Town, Zanzibar, exhibit significantly lower calcium carbonate production (8.47 ± 4.37 kg CaCO₃ m⁻² yr⁻¹), coral cover (52.4 ± 13.9%), and biodiversity compared to those farther away or within marine protected areas, where values peak at 16.90 ± 9.70 kg CaCO₃ m⁻² yr⁻¹, 67.4 ± 8.7% cover, and higher diversity (H′ = 1.74 ± 0.20). This gradient suggests that human activities—such as fishing pressure, pollution, unregulated tourism, and anchoring—severely degrade reef health, while protection measures mitigate these impacts. The study highlights the critical role of distance from urban centers and management regimes in shaping coral community structure, with reefs closest to Stone Town dominated by stress-tolerant species like <em>Porites lobata</em> and <em>P. rus</em>. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation efforts to preserve Zanzibar’s reef ecosystems.
Tongariro National Park
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A study on Te Maari volcano, Tongariro National Park, reveals that the amplitude source location (ASL) method can produce significant location discrepancies—up to 1.0 km laterally and 500 m in depth—when using independently determined velocity models, attenuation factors, and site amplification factors (AFs). Sensitivity tests show that while attenuation and velocity have a moderate influence on ASL accuracy, AFs strongly impact location precision, potentially introducing substantial uncertainties. The research demonstrates that model uncertainties can affect either lateral or depth estimates depending on input parameters, station corrections, and source-station geometry, providing critical insights for refining seismic monitoring techniques in volcanic regions.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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A three-year camera-trapping survey in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, identified 32 mammal species and 4 domestic animals across 83 sites, including 16 nationally protected species. The study, conducted between 2014-2016, used 58 km² of grid-based sampling to document 2,095 detection events, with notable findings including critically endangered species like the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens). This research provides critical baseline data for monitoring biodiversity in one of China's most significant panda habitats, contributing to conservation efforts in the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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Tourism growth in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, has not yet delivered inclusive economic benefits to local communities despite its rapid development. The study finds that current tourism-led growth does not align with the World Bank's inclusive growth paradigm, characterized by reduced poverty and inequality through economic linkages, supply chains, ownership, and employment. While tourism has expanded, partial benefits have been unevenly distributed, raising questions about whether more inclusive outcomes are possible in the near future. The research employs fieldwork to analyze supply chain dynamics, economic leakage, ownership structures, and employment patterns, providing a critical assessment of tourism's role in sustainable development.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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A cultural rupture during the Arab incursions is evidenced by the settlement patterns and historical records of Çanlı Kilise, a small but prosperous rural community in Western Cappadocia. The main settlement, dating to the middle Byzantine period, features an elegant masonry church and two dozen rock-cut residential complexes, likely serving as an administrative center linked to the nearby fortress of Akhisar. Archaeological surveys revealed an older site to the north with a sixth or seventh-century cruciform church, which was abandoned and not resettled during the middle Byzantine period. This finding, combined with Arab accounts of the fortress's repeated capture, suggests significant societal disruption in the region.
Matobo Hills
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Euphorbia cooperi, a tree-like succulent found in the Matobo Hills of Zimbabwe, exhibits a unique canopy architecture that optimizes photosynthetic surface area while minimizing water loss. This candelabra growth form allows the plant to expand its branch surface area as it matures, enhancing photosynthesis without significantly increasing transpirational water loss due to its heavily suberized trunk and concave branch morphology. Simulations suggest that while a square cross-sectional morphology maintains a stable surface-to-volume ratio with minimal photosynthetic benefit, deep concave flutes maximize surface area but may increase drought sensitivity. This study highlights the adaptive advantages of E. cooperi's structure in arid environments.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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Research reveals that the rural housing landscape in the middle Guáitara River basin, Nariño, Colombia, reflects deep cultural and historical influences shaped by both pre-Hispanic Pastos indigenous traditions and the Inca Qhapaq Ñan road system. This study identifies distinct typologies of rural dwellings, demonstrating how architectural forms, spatial organization, and technological adaptations have evolved over time while preserving heritage elements. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches—spanning architecture, geography, anthropology, sociology, and history—the research highlights how these housing structures embody the cosmovision and social-economic dynamics of local communities, contributing to a broader understanding of Qhapaq Ñan's cultural significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nyungwe National Park
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Late successional (LS) stands in Nyungwe National Park store 35% more carbon than early successional (ES) stands, primarily due to significantly higher above-ground biomass (AGB). While soil and root carbon stocks remained similar between stages, LS trees exhibited greater stature and wood density. Despite these differences, net primary production (NPP) was comparable between ES and LS stands, balancing higher AGB in LS with faster relative growth rates in ES. The study highlights the importance of accounting for disturbance regimes, wood density, and allometry when quantifying carbon stocks in tropical montane forests, which could vary significantly across continents.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2017 —
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The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD devastated Pompeii, destroying nearly all wooden roof and inter-floor structures. However, remnants of these timber elements—preserved in wall pockets and architectural frescoes—reveal critical insights into the structural organization of Pompeian buildings during the 1st century AD. This study identifies distinct carpentry configurations, varying by span length and room function, including simple beam-and-boarding floors and more complex truss systems resembling king post or proto-lattice designs. By comparing these physical traces with Latin sources, researchers reconstruct the lost architectural heritage, offering a detailed snapshot of Roman engineering before the eruption.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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2017 —
WHE04AC40E377
Hoi An Ancient Town faces significant climate change impacts that threaten its tourism-driven economy and heritage assets. Research reveals three key challenges: coastal erosion from sea-level rise along Cua Dai, increased storm severity damaging wooden houses, and reduced tourist attractiveness due to mitigation efforts. While the city relies heavily on tourism for economic growth, excessive visitor numbers both exacerbate climate risks and suffer their consequences. Despite these pressures, long-term solutions remain underdeveloped, highlighting urgent needs for adaptive strategies.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
WHE3371451AE1
Travelers to Cusco, Peru, are at significant risk of severe travelers' diarrhea (TD), with norovirus (NV) being the leading cause, responsible for over 14% of cases and confining most infected individuals to bed. A case–case analysis of seven years of surveillance data revealed that NV, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter were the most prevalent pathogens among adult travelers from high-income countries. Notably, consumption of the local beverage 'chicha' was linked to Cryptosporidium infection. The study highlights the need for destination-specific preventive interventions, such as vaccines targeting these pathogens, to mitigate TD burden in travelers.
