Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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Research demonstrates that Salvadora persica and Atriplex halimus, two drought-resistant landscape trees native to Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, can thrive under severe water stress conditions. While S. persica exhibited increased growth and biomass with higher water stress, A. halimus showed significant declines in these metrics. Notably, protein content in S. persica peaked at 75% soil moisture depletion, while mineral composition varied distinctly between the species—K and Ca concentrations rose under stress for both, but P, Mg, and Na levels decreased in S. persica, contrasting with A. halimus, where Na increased. The study, conducted using pot experiments with varying irrigation levels (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% soil moisture depletion) and saline groundwater (1200 mg/L), underscores the potential for these species to sustain biomass production in arid environments, supporting sustainable windbreaks and microclimate improvement around irrigated agriculture. These findings offer practical insights for water management in desert landscapes.
Taï National Park
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2017 —
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Anti-poaching patrols in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, significantly increase the populations of large mammals when efforts reach specific thresholds. Research found that a minimum of 1.32 patrol days per km² over two years is needed for chimpanzee and monkey populations to rise, while duiker and pygmy hippopotamus populations require only 0.48 patrol days per km². The study analyzed data from 2010–2015, correlating patrolling efforts with mammal encounter rates using generalized linear mixed models. Findings suggest that precise estimates of required patrolling effort can be derived from long-term biomonitoring, offering a data-driven approach to optimizing wildlife protection in protected areas.
Yakushima
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Sika deer on Yakushima Island, Japan, maintain good nutritional status even in high-density areas and during winter, contrary to observations in northern Japan. The study found no significant correlation between deer density or season and the Riney's kidney fat index (RKFI), a measure of nutritional condition, with average RKFI values exceeding 20 across all five study sites. Food intake positively influenced RKFI, except near a town ranch where an L-shaped distribution was observed. The research analyzed RKFI and stomach contents from 74 culled deer across varying densities, revealing that food selectivity, rather than body weight or age, drove individual differences in intake.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2017 —
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Research on <em>Quercus wutaishanica</em> (Liaodong oak) populations in Huanglong Mountains reveals that crown density of 0.7 optimizes population structure and growth, offering ideal conditions for silvicultural practices in Northwest China. The study analyzed age structure, survival curves, height classes, and crown size across 16 plots with varying densities (0.6–0.9) and slopes (sunny vs. shady). Findings indicate that saplings dominate at all densities but face bottlenecks during the juvenile stage, while larger trees thrive more in shady environments. Sunny slopes show higher proportions of younger stages, whereas shady slopes favor mature trees. Crown density 0.7 consistently supports healthier population dynamics, suggesting it as a target for sustainable forest management.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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A study on the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area reveals that moderate thinning intensity (retaining a canopy closure of 0.7) maximizes fine root biomass, root length density, and surface area density in middle-aged Pinus tabulaeformis plantations, promoting optimal tree growth by efficiently utilizing site resources. The research employed root auger sampling across three soil layers (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm) to assess fine root biomass and morphological traits under four thinning intensities: control, light, moderate, and heavy. Results showed that while fine root biomass initially increased with thinning intensity, it declined significantly under heavy thinning, particularly in the topsoil (0-20 cm). Moderate thinning also enhanced specific root length and surface area, benefiting smaller diameter roots (0-1.0 mm) more than larger ones (1.0-2.0 mm). This finding underscores the ecological balance required to sustain healthy Pinus tabulaeformis forests in the Huanglong Mountains.
Kakadu National Park
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2017 —
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Significant shifts in microbial community structure and functional potential occur at uranium concentrations of 1500 mg/kg or higher, potentially altering ecosystem processes and resilience. This is the first study to deploy uranium-spiked sediments in situ along a gradient (0–4000 mg U kg⁻¹), combining field surveys with laboratory manipulative approaches. Using amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing, researchers identified breakpoints where genes linked to methanogenic consortia and nitrogen cycling pathways increased in abundance, suggesting profound impacts on carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles.
Białowieża Forest
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2017 —
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A three-year study in Białowieża Forest revealed that wild boar rooting does not negatively impact seedling emergence, despite the assumption that repeated disturbance would hinder plant growth. Researchers found that rooted patches, created by wild boars foraging for food, actually promote diverse seedling emergence, primarily of forest species like Urtica dioica. These seedlings, though sparse in density, suggest a rich soil seed bank that thrives under periodic disturbance. The study also hints at the possibility that some seedlings may originate from exogenous sources, but further analysis is needed to confirm this. Conducted across 30 subplots with over 10,000 seedlings representing 38 species, the research challenges conventional views on the impact of wild boar activity on forest regeneration.
Pitons Management Area
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2017 —
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A multi-national, near-real-time response system for volcanic hazard assessment has proven effective during the effusive crises at Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion Island) between 2014 and 2015. This study demonstrates that integrating remote sensing, modeling, and field measurements across national and international networks significantly enhances the speed and accuracy of lava flow propagation assessments. The system, which evolved during five effusive crises, highlights the importance of dynamic, open collaboration in volcanic monitoring, particularly for isolated or distant observatories like Piton de la Fournaise, located 9365 km from its governing body. This approach not only improves hazard assessment but also underscores the potential for multi-national integration to revolutionize scientific response during ongoing volcanic events.
Sacred City of Caral-Supe
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2017 —
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Caral, the oldest civilization in America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emerged around 2900 BC in the Supe Valley, north of Lima, Peru. This society established a unique political and administrative system based on religion and labor, influencing neighboring populations for over 1,000 years without resorting to warfare or coercion. Archaeological evidence reveals a deeply religious culture where rituals involving music, dance, and sacred fire in public buildings fostered social cohesion. Caral's advanced technology and balanced governance model, characterized by distinct social classes with privileged access for an elite, exemplify its sophisticated organization. The civilization's peaceful nature and enduring impact have earned it the title 'Mother City.'
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2017 —
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A bilingual exhibition titled 'The great Inka Road' at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian showcased the Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean road system that connected and facilitated the expansion of the Inca Empire. This exhibition highlighted the engineering prowess and strategic importance of the Qhapaq Ñan, demonstrating how it served as a vital infrastructure for communication, trade, and military movement across vast distances. The display incorporated artifacts, maps, and interpretive materials to illustrate the system's historical significance and its role in shaping one of the largest empires in pre-Columbian America.
City of Cuzco
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The Inka society, structured hierarchically and nucleated, emphasized the significance of origins both historically and spatially. Central to their worldview was the concept of 'Cusco' as a symbolic and territorial starting point, embodied in systems like ceques (ritual lines) and the Qhapaq Qocha ceremony, which celebrated this foundational idea. While etymological analyses exist, the study focuses on the Inka's conceptual understanding of Cusco, suggesting that their 'New Cuscos' were not merely urban replicas but extensions of an ideal spatial axis. This insight challenges conventional interpretations by prioritizing the societal and symbolic dimensions over architectural ones.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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A study of obsidian procurement during the El Paso phase in southern New Mexico reveals that while Rio Grande gravel sources were predominant, non-local sources—including Cerro Toledo Rhyolite and Mule Creek projectile points—were also used. This challenges the assumption of exclusive reliance on local resources, with both Cottonwood Spring Pueblo and Madera Quemada Pueblo showing similar but not identical sourcing patterns. The findings contrast sharply with contemporaneous sites in the Casas Grandes region, suggesting distinct regional interaction dynamics. Researchers used EDXRF spectrometry to analyze obsidian artifacts, addressing gaps in previous studies by examining procurement practices and their implications for exchange networks.
Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
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2017 —
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The architectural heritage of Cuenca, Ecuador, reflects the cultural and economic prosperity of its inhabitants during the late 19th to early 20th century, driven by the export of cascarilla, toquilla straw hats, and mining. This study presents a photogrammetric analysis of 25 additional buildings in the Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, showcasing their geometric, constructive, and decorative features with corrected perspective images. The research, part of a broader academic effort by the Universidad del Azuay, aims to preserve and promote this UNESCO World Heritage Site's architectural legacy through detailed documentation, including downloadable models and orthophotographs. This publication builds on previous work, offering a comprehensive visual and analytical record of Cuenca's built heritage.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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Research on Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road System, in Famatina, Argentina, reveals that this region was not merely an economic hub but a significant interregional sacred site (wak'a) for the Inca Empire. Systematic surveys of the road system and its associated landscapes challenge traditional materialist and economic interpretations, instead highlighting ritualistic and ceremonial significance. The study identifies key elements such as ushnus (ceremonial platforms) and the sacralization of pathways, which redefine Famatina's role as a spiritual center in southern Kollasuyu.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2017 —
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A study of the Qhapaq Ñan, or Inca Road, in the Altos de Arica region reveals its significant antiquity predating the Tawantinsuyo Empire. This research highlights the road's role as a crucial link in late pre-Hispanic settlement networks, emphasizing its strategic importance in connecting diverse landscapes, including desert routes and associated settlements. The analysis focuses on the road's engineering complexity and cultural significance, demonstrating how it facilitated commerce, idea transmission, and territorial control. By examining the route's relationship with other pathways and settlements, the study underscores its foundational role in shaping Andean civilization. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the Qhapaq Ñan's broader impact on cultural interactions and landscape integration in northern Chile.
Timbuktu
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2017 —
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A newly translated text, 'Elements of a Timbuktu Manual of Style,' by Cheikh Hamou (Mahmoud Mohamed Dedéou), sheds light on the often-overlooked practice of additional markings in manuscripts from Timbuktu. This manual serves as an essential guide to understanding the nuanced art of scholarship in this region, offering insights into the sophisticated techniques used by scribes and scholars. The text, translated with expertise, provides a rare window into the intricate methods employed in manuscript culture during Timbuktu's golden age. Its significance lies in its practical application, bridging gaps between traditional practices and modern scholarly analysis.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2017 —
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This study identifies a continuous lineage from the Bauhaus to its successors, offering a framework to map modern architectural education. By analyzing successive curricula, it reveals that despite transformations or disappearances of these schools, their foundational workshop-based methodology persists, adapting content to societal changes while maintaining core pedagogical principles. The research employs comparative analysis, prioritizing visual and symbolic aspects over specific workshop details, to highlight the enduring influence of Bauhaus-inspired programs on contemporary architecture and design education.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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Recent archaeological findings in the Raya-Raya agricultural area of Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, have shed light on Formative Period (600 B.C.–1000 A.D.) occupations in the south-central region. The study identified dwellings characteristic of the local tradition, alongside San Francisco ceramics from the eastern lowlands, suggesting a convergence of two distinct cultural traditions. This discovery offers insights into how early populations shaped the landscape through interactions between these traditions. The research employed a comparative analysis of ceramic and architectural evidence to reconstruct the social and cultural dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2017 —
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Implementing energy efficiency measures in Hebron's buildings could significantly reduce Palestine's reliance on external energy sources, potentially contributing to energy independence. A study analyzed the impact of such measures across different building typologies in Hebron, estimating their effectiveness through software simulations and identifying optimal combinations for maximizing energy demand reduction. The research also assessed the resulting changes in power losses within the electrical distribution grid and provided a preliminary economic evaluation of the proposed actions. These findings underscore the strategic importance of building retrofits in achieving energy sustainability in Palestine.
Historic Centre of Naples
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Optimal energy retrofit solutions for historic buildings, particularly those with architectural constraints, can significantly reduce both primary and electric energy requirements without compromising heritage integrity. A study focusing on the Palaeontology Museum of Naples demonstrated that targeted interventions in air conditioning systems—such as dynamic simulations using specialized software—can achieve substantial energy savings while adhering to strict conservation guidelines. The research highlights the potential for Mediterranean historic structures to balance modern efficiency demands with the preservation of cultural significance, offering a scalable model for similar sites worldwide.
Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana
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Most participants in mountain ultramarathon events consume insufficient carbohydrates, with less than half meeting recommended intakes of 30 g per hour. A study analyzing the 'Ultra Mallorca Serra de Tramuntana' event found that while average energy intake was stable across marathon (44 km), trail (67 km), and ultra (112 km) distances—at approximately 183 kcal/hour—a significant portion of runners, particularly in longer races, relied more on lipids for energy. Water intake also varied by distance, with the longest race showing the lowest hourly consumption despite adequate overall hydration. Surprisingly, race length did not significantly alter nutritional strategies, suggesting that endurance performance may not strictly depend on distance-specific fueling patterns.
Rideau Canal
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Research on the Rideau Canal, Ottawa-Gatineau, uncovers the environmental distribution of genes responsible for type II polyketide biosynthesis pathways. The study employed a dual extraction method to analyze soil samples, comparing conventional washing techniques with an additional scraping step to ensure comprehensive gene recovery. Findings highlight the presence and variability of these biosynthetic genes in canal sediments, suggesting their potential role in microbial ecology and biogeochemical processes within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The approach involved lysis-based DNA extraction, followed by layering and washing procedures to isolate genetic material effectively, providing insights into the functional diversity of microbial communities in urban aquatic environments.
Okavango Delta
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A case study of a secondary school in Botswana's Okavango Delta reveals that while teachers incorporate environmental education and local knowledge into the curriculum, efforts are constrained by limited resources and inadequate teacher training. The study highlights the potential of place-based education to address postcolonial educational gaps, demonstrating its value in integrating local place names, flora, fauna, resource management issues, and traditional lifestyles. Despite these challenges, the findings underscore the importance of such approaches in southern African schools.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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2017 —
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Mayfly assemblages in Plitvice Lakes National Park's tufa-depositing habitats are strongly influenced by water temperature, pH, and ammonium concentration, with distinct species groupings based on habitat type. The study, conducted monthly over a year (2007–2008), identified 14 mayfly species (20 taxa) across springs, streams, mountainous rivers, and tufa barriers. It found that mountainous streams were the most favorable habitats, while springs were the least suitable. This research highlights the sensitivity of mayflies to physico-chemical water properties, underscoring their potential as environmental indicators in these unique karst ecosystems.
Sagarmatha National Park
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Sagarmatha National Park faces significant solid waste management challenges due to the high volume of visitors—over 30,000 annually—along its trekking routes from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. The study highlights that plastics, cans, bottles, and papers are prevalent, with inadequate waste solutions in lodges, hotels, and restaurants. Key factors contributing to this issue include a lack of environmental awareness, limited public participation, and insufficient understanding of the complex mountain ecosystem's long-term impacts on tourism. Conducted by Nepalese and Swedish researchers in April 2010, the study identifies critical gaps in current waste management practices despite ongoing efforts by agencies like the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) and NGOs. Recommendations from this research aim to address these challenges and improve sustainable waste management strategies for the region.
Speyer Cathedral
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Salian women played a pivotal role in the foundation of Speyer Cathedral and the establishment of their dynasty's legitimacy through their interactions with the church. Their contributions, including cathedral founding, monastery establishment, and charitable donations, are documented in charters and chronicles, highlighting their influence on imperial burial practices in the cathedral's crypt. Notably, Agnes of Poitou's deathbed donations underscore the women's active participation in shaping family identity and memory. This study reveals how Salian queens leveraged traditional queenly activities to solidify their dynasty's position within the German realm.
Ephesus
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Ephesus remained a significant regional center and provincial capital from the sixth to the fourteenth centuries, despite experiencing shifts in settlement patterns. Paleo-geographical investigations reveal that its harbor basin was still functional until at least the twelfth century, while pollen analyses indicate an increase in pastoral farming and a decline in settlement intensity between the late seventh and tenth centuries. However, settlement activity rebounded in the eleventh century with the emergence of a second town around the pilgrimage site of St. John, which persisted under Turkish rule as Ayasoluk. The study combines archaeological evidence with environmental data to reconstruct Ephesus' dynamic evolution during this period.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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A study on the Wachau Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nature conservation area, identifies significant potential for sustainable urban development through infill development and redevelopment strategies in the city of Krems. By analyzing existing urban structures and infrastructure, the research demonstrates that these methods can reduce land consumption and associated costs while adhering to spatial planning constraints. The study highlights key areas within Krems where such approaches are feasible, providing a practical model for area-compatible redevelopment in well-equipped neighborhoods.
Henderson Island
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2017 —
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Murphy's petrels, breeding on Henderson Island, exhibit unprecedented foraging ranges among seabirds, traveling over 4800 km during incubation to escape the nutrient-poor South Pacific Gyre. This study reveals their year-round movements and habitat preferences using geolocators, showing they migrate seasonally to the Subarctic Gyre in the North Pacific for more productive waters. Unlike many seabirds, Murphy's petrels do not show strong preferences for oceanographic or topographic features, instead favoring deep, unproductive waters. Their high activity levels, particularly during incubation, suggest a reliance on mesopelagic prey that undergo diel vertical migration. Conservation efforts should prioritize eliminating invasive threats at breeding sites while recognizing the challenges of protecting such wide-ranging species.
Archaeological Site of Philippi
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Soil amendments in the Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA) significantly increase concentrations of essential metals and metalloids, but these elements remain largely retained in the soil with minimal uptake into vegetable crops. The study found that farmyard manures applied as fertilizers were the primary agronomic sources of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), tin (Sn), and vanadium (V). However, these elements were not effectively transferred to the edible portions of crops, suggesting limited bioavailability. This raises concerns about potential micronutrient deficiencies in surrounding communities, while also highlighting the need for further research into crop selection, nutrient availability, and soil management practices to optimize mineral uptake.
Curonian Spit
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A new bathing site at the Curonian Lagoon coast can be established despite poor water quality, but its economic viability is uncertain. The study, using a participatory Integrated Coastal Zone Management approach, found that while lagoon water quality and swimming opportunities are not top priorities for tourists on the Curonian Spit, a beach could extend the summer bathing season and serve as an additional tourist attraction. Socio-economic analyses and model simulations were used to assess the feasibility of new beaches against the backdrop of improved sewage treatment. High lagoon water temperatures may help prolong the bathing season, but the study underscores the importance of systematic stakeholder involvement for successful implementation.
Ogasawara Islands
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A groundbreaking study in the Ogasawara Islands demonstrates that native tree seedlings, specifically Schima mertensiana, can successfully establish and grow under a closed canopy of invasive Casuarina equisetifolia without requiring its removal. This finding challenges conventional restoration practices, which often rely on extirpating invasive species to restore native ecosystems. Researchers planted seedlings of varying initial sizes and monitored their survival and growth for 69 months, observing over 75% survival rates with steady growth across all size classes. The study provides a novel approach to conservation, suggesting that planted native seedlings can thrive in invasive-dominated forests, at least for several years, thereby offering a potential strategy for restoring degraded ecosystems without the need for aggressive invasive species management.
Everglades National Park
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Research indicates that mangrove forests in Everglades National Park (ENP) are experiencing significant growth, with canopy heights reaching up to 25 meters and above-ground biomass (AGB) approaching 250 Mg•ha−1. This study, utilizing Airborne LiDAR (ALS) and TanDEM-X (TDX) datasets from 2011–2013, demonstrates a strong correlation (R² = 0.85) between the two measurement techniques, with minimal error (RMSE = 1.96 m). Compared to earlier studies from 2000–2004, current data show increased mangrove stature and biomass, suggesting ongoing recovery post-Hurricane Wilma. These findings highlight ENP's mangroves as resilient carbon sinks, emphasizing their ecological importance in protected coastal ecosystems.
Jongmyo Shrine
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Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolizing Confucian values and spiritual influence, holds an estimated economic value of 6.1 trillion Korean won (approximately $5 billion USD). This finding emerges from a study using the two-stage contingent valuation method (CVM), which distinguishes between hypothetical and real scenarios to assess willingness-to-pay for preservation efforts. Conducted across Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, the research surveyed 364 respondents, revealing that Jongmyo's value is primarily driven by its heritage significance (61.7%), followed by existence value (24.26%) and option value (14.07%). Key predictors of willingness-to-pay include financial capacity, attitude toward cultural heritage, marital status, education level, visit intention, and pro-Confucian sentiment. The study highlights Jongmyo's intangible yet profound impact on societal values and underscores its role in preserving Korea's cultural identity.
Sagarmatha National Park
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A World Heritage Site (WHS) designation can significantly boost economic value, as demonstrated by Sagarmatha National Park (Mount Everest), where knowledge of its WHS status increased visitors' willingness to pay (WTP) by $16.39 per trip—potentially adding up to $566,619 annually if better marketed. Using the contingent valuation method on 522 international visitors in 2011, researchers found that factors like age, education, and use of a guide influenced WTP, with a median value of $90.93 per trip. The optimal revenue-maximizing entry fee was determined to be $80, while 63.8% of visitors were already willing to pay more than the existing $30 fee. This study underscores the financial benefits of WHS designation and its potential to support sustainable tourism in protected areas amid declining public sector funding.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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A significant majority of households on Djerba Island, Tunisia, support the use of desalinated water to address water scarcity, yet fewer are willing to pay for it. This study combines a contingent valuation survey with joint modeling to assess societal support and household willingness to pay (WTP) for desalinated seawater—a relationship not previously explored in research. Findings indicate that while desalination is widely accepted as a solution to water stress, the financial viability of such projects remains uncertain due to low WTP. The research underscores the need to evaluate WTP in developing countries before investing in large-scale desalination infrastructure, ensuring cost recovery and sustainable water management.
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
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The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the first cultural route inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, presents unique challenges for dissemination and promotion due to its complexity and diversity. Effective conservation of such heritage relies on community engagement and ethical presentation strategies, guided by frameworks like those developed by ICOMOS. This study proposes strategies to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the Camino Real, leveraging territorial-scale approaches and scientific guidelines to ensure responsible and impactful communication.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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A study of the flooded forest (selva inundable) in central and southern Calakmul, Mexico, revealed high species diversity with 112 tree species identified across nine sites. The research found that over 50% of individuals fell within the diameter range of 2.5 to 8.4 cm and height range of 5 to 10 m, indicating a consistent structural pattern. Key species included Coccoloba reflexiflora, Gymnanthes lucida, and Haematoxylin campechianum, with no significant differences in diversity among most sites. The findings highlight the ecological importance of these flooded forests for water and food provision to local fauna, emphasizing their priority for conservation efforts.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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A study of saline efflorescences at the archaeological site Toca Exú do Jurubeba in Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, revealed four distinct chemical compositions: hydrated calcium oxalate combined with kaolinite, gypsum, tetrahydrate calcium nitrate, and fossilized aluminosilicates. These efflorescences, which often obscure rock art—part of the park's globally significant archaeological heritage—were analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The findings provide critical insights for developing conservation strategies to protect the site's vulnerable rock art from degradation.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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A field survey in the high terrains of Garhwal, Uttarakhand, identified 242 medicinal plant species, with 6 (2.2%) critically endangered, 19 (7.1%) endangered, and 35 others classified as threatened or vulnerable. Despite conservation efforts like Biosphere Reserves and National Parks, rapid tourism growth and peri-urban encroachments—accelerated by Uttarakhand's infrastructure development since 2000—pose significant threats to biodiversity. The study highlights the urgent need for balancing visitor influx at sacred sites (e.g., Badrinath, Valley of Flowers) with biodiversity protection in this UNESCO World Heritage region.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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Grodzka Street in Kraków, a UNESCO-listed heritage site, serves as a multifaceted palimpsest where sacred and cultural meanings intersect. This study reveals how diverse narratives—rooted in national, local, and personal histories—shape the street's significance for both inhabitants and visitors. Through ethnographic fieldwork and narrative analysis, the research explores the layered understandings of heritage and sacrality embedded in this urban space, contributing to a broader understanding of how cultural memory is constructed and transmitted in historic cityscapes.
Ningaloo Coast
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A study of the Ningaloo Coast, part of Australia's north-west marine bioregion, revealed that euphausiid assemblages are significantly influenced by depth and oceanographic factors such as seawater density, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence, and mesozooplankton abundance. The research identified 25 euphausiid species, including three new records for Australian waters, with Pseudeuphausia latifrons dominating shelf waters while Stylocheiron carinatum thrived in deeper waters where species richness was higher. Higher concentrations of euphausiids were observed off Ningaloo, potentially linked to the region's unique bathymetry and oceanographic conditions. This study underscores the importance of physical and biogeochemical properties, as well as food availability, in shaping euphausiid assemblage variation in the eastern Indian Ocean.
Golden Mountains of Altai
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The 'Golden Mountains of Altai' region, spanning 351,000 km² in southern Siberia, shares deep cultural and spiritual parallels with India. This study highlights enduring traditions and beliefs prevalent across Buryatia, Khakassia, Altai, and Tuva Republics, emphasizing their connection to Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmologies—particularly the sacred Mount Meru (Sumeru). The research draws from firsthand travel experiences, documenting rituals like offerings of tea, bread, and coins at birch trees, which symbolize reverence for nature. It also explores Altai's multifaceted significance as a 'Gate to Shambhala' or 'Pearl of Asia,' bridging Eurasian and Indian spiritual landscapes. Methodologically, the study combines ethnographic observation with comparative analysis of religious texts, offering a nuanced perspective on transcontinental cultural syncretism.
Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
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Restoration treatments on UNESCO-listed Roman heritage sites often cause irreversible damage or undesirable alterations, yet systematic evaluations of their long-term effects are rare. This study reveals that while protective treatments (e.g., siloxane-based hydrofugants) are generally more effective than consolidants (e.g., ethyl silicate), both show limited mid-term durability—declining after two years—with exceptions for acrylic resins on mural paintings. All treatments induce negative side effects, such as darkening, yellowing, and increased surface roughness, which heighten material alterability. Among the tested products, a novel experimental nanoproduct (UCAT-10P©) demonstrates the best balance of efficacy and reduced adverse impacts. The research employs portable, non-destructive techniques—including LIBS, infrared spectroscopy, and thermography—to assess treatments in situ, addressing gaps in laboratory-centric approaches by accounting for fluctuating environmental variables. Findings underscore the need for refined protocols to mitigate harm while preserving archaeological integrity.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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Enhancing ventilation proved to be the most effective non-intrusive energy retrofit strategy for historic buildings in Oporto's center, significantly reducing heating loads while preserving architectural integrity. The study evaluated two strategies—improving window performance and combining it with enhanced ventilation—using both static calculations based on 2013 energy regulations and dynamic simulations. Results demonstrated that these interventions could achieve comfortable heating conditions without violating cultural heritage preservation policies. This approach offers a sustainable solution for balancing energy efficiency with the conservation of historic structures, avoiding risks to patrimonial values posed by internal insulation methods.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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A year-long environmental education program featuring conservation films significantly improved Ugandan students' knowledge of threats to great apes and their understanding of conservation strategies, particularly those living near Kibale National Park. The study, involving a trilogy of locally produced films and complementary activities, demonstrated that such targeted educational interventions can positively influence student attitudes toward great apes, increasing their agreement with statements about liking and valuing these species. This research provides evidence that regionally relevant conservation films, using local actors and settings, effectively enhance knowledge and attitudes among students in primate range countries.
Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines
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Evaporite karst, formed by gypsum and anhydrite, is a rare but significant geological phenomenon found primarily along the northern border of Italy's Apennine chain (Emilia-Romagna and Marche), as well as in Calabria and Sicily. Recent discoveries in Piedmont's underground gypsum mines have expanded our understanding of these unique landscapes. Multidisciplinary studies from the late 20th century provided a comprehensive overview, while more recent research has focused on detailed investigations in Emilia-Romagna and Sicily. Additionally, sinkholes related to Permian-Triassic gypsum have been studied in Friuli Venezia Giulia. This review synthesizes current knowledge, highlighting new findings and promoting further exploration of these special karst regions.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2017 —
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Extreme precipitation events along the longitudinal profile from Paraty (RJ) to Campos do Jordão (SP), Brazil, exhibit significant variability, with some 24-hour rainfall events exceeding monthly averages by up to 138.9%. This finding highlights the unpredictability of extreme weather patterns in this region, which spans UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their cultural and biodiversity significance. The study analyzed 21 years (1982–2002) of daily precipitation data using statistical methods, including central tendency analysis and box plots, to assess distribution and outliers. While general trends were observed through monthly averages, the box plot method provided a more detailed view of precipitation variability, enhancing the understanding of rainfall patterns in this ecologically and culturally rich area.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
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2017 —
WHE822DDB54D0
The Festival Internacional Cervantino in Guanajuato, Mexico, significantly enhances the city's cultural appeal and attracts tourists drawn to its historic and colonial heritage. While the event fosters a positive perception of urban spaces and is highly appreciated by visitors, it also reveals critical gaps in public services such as traffic management, accessibility, waste disposal, and environmental noise, which negatively impact placemaking. The study highlights that despite these challenges, the festival contributes to transient placemaking through emotional connections and integrates the figure of Cervantes into the city's intangible heritage discourse. However, current policies fail to address social sustainability issues, including the uneven distribution of economic benefits. The research applies the Event Experience Scale (EES) methodology to assess visitor perceptions and urban dynamics, offering insights that could be adapted for similar festivals in other cities.
Lord Howe Island Group
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2017 —
WHEAC167513FA
A molecular phylogeny of Sophora sect. Edwardsia (Fabaceae) reveals both long-distance dispersal and isolation patterns in the Southern Oceans. The study found that while chloroplast and nuclear sequences are shared across vast geographic distances, species on Pacific Islands like Lord Howe Island, Easter Island, Hawaii, and French Polynesia exhibit unique haplotypes, indicating genetic isolation. Notably, the S. chrysophylla haplotype is more closely related to those from French Polynesia than to S. denudata from Réunion Island, despite shared morphological traits. The research used DNA sequences from chloroplast spacers (trnQ-5′rps16 and trnH GUG-psbA) and the nuclear-encoded glutamine synthetase gene, analyzed through median-joining networks and phylogenetic approaches. This suggests complex evolutionary histories shaped by both dispersal and isolation in the region.
