Bam and its Cultural Landscape
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Research demonstrates that surface treatments can significantly enhance the weather protection and earthquake resistance of unburnt brick masonry, a critical material for preserving historic structures like Bam's UNESCO-listed Arg-e-Bam citadel. The study, conducted by the Technical University of Dresden in collaboration with Iranian cultural authorities and UNESCO, evaluated various surface treatments to improve shear strength and durability. Climatic chamber tests revealed that specific additives and render techniques effectively mitigated weather-related degradation while maintaining structural integrity. These findings provide actionable strategies for conserving earthquake-damaged heritage sites, particularly those constructed with unburnt brick masonry.
Timbuktu
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A newly digitized and translated manuscript from Timbuktu, 'Qissat Dhul Qarnayn,' has reignited scholarly debate on the identity of Dhul Qarnayn, a figure revered across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The study compares this manuscript with Muhammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh's 1949 work, which synthesized diverse scholarly views linking Dhul Qarnayn to Alexander the Great. By integrating textual analysis with historical and theological perspectives, the research sheds light on the figure's significance in apocalyptic literature and Quranic exegesis, while also highlighting Timbuktu's role as a repository of intellectual heritage. This interdisciplinary approach bridges archaeology, history, and religious studies, offering new insights into ancient civilizational exchanges.
Medina of Fez
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2017 —
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Islamic heritage architecture, particularly the Ras Cherratine Madrasa in Fez, Morocco, is highly vulnerable to seismic risks despite its historical significance. A collaborative project, NIKER, conducted a comprehensive analysis including visual inspections, mechanical testing of materials, ambient vibration tests for seismic performance, and structural modeling to assess vulnerability. The study revealed critical damage patterns and material characteristics that necessitate urgent restoration interventions. This research underscores the importance of integrating advanced seismic assessment techniques in the preservation of UNESCO-listed heritage sites, ensuring their longevity while maintaining cultural integrity.
Historic Cairo
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Islamic law in the Ottoman Empire served as both a religious framework and a tool for political governance, bridging the gap between scholarly interpretation and royal authority. James E. Baldwin's study reveals that while Islamic law was traditionally developed by jurists outside state control, the Ottoman Sultans leveraged it to legitimize their rule and manage justice in Cairo, one of the empire’s most prosperous cities. The research highlights how formal and informal dispute resolution institutions, such as the governor’s Diwan and imperial council, functioned within this dual system, offering new insights into the relationship between shari‘a and political power. By integrating legal records with contemporary chronicles, Baldwin challenges conventional narratives about Ottoman legal practice, emphasizing its plurality and the dynamic interplay between Cairo and Istanbul during a period of decentralization.
Medina of Tunis
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Islamic urban heritage in Arab cities, once seen as an obstacle to modernization and economic growth, can instead serve as a catalyst for sustainable urban regeneration. A study focusing on the Medina of Tunis and the Casbah of Algiers argues that preserving these historic centers is crucial for maintaining cultural identity while fostering development. The research highlights the dual pressures of rapid urbanization and globalization, which have led to the demolition or isolation of many Islamic urban cores. By treating these heritage sites as assets rather than liabilities, cities can balance growth with tradition, ensuring their survival for future generations. The study advocates for conservation as a means to counterbalance cultural erosion and promote sustainable urban development.
Lut Desert
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Researchers isolated extremely halophilic archaea from the Shoor River in Iran's Lut Desert, identifying 59 distinct strains with notable resistance to desiccation and gamma radiation. Three strains (MS2, MS17, MS50) survived up to 8 weeks under desiccating conditions and exhibited moderate radioresistance, with a D10 value of 2–3 kGy. These strains belonged to the family Halobacteriaceae, showing high similarity to known species but demonstrating unique survival patterns distinct from Deinococcus radiodurans. This study represents the first report of such halophilic archaea from this region, highlighting their potential for extreme environmental adaptation.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2017 —
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John Henry Whitley's role in the decoration of St Stephen’s Hall within the Palace of Westminster is highlighted for its significant historical impact, despite the lack of a formal committee record. The study reconstructs his contributions through private letters and parliamentary debates, revealing his extraordinary ability to secure private funding and expedite the project. Barry’s 1843 proposal for 'Great Domestic Events in British History' as the decorative theme was brought to fruition under Whitley’s leadership, demonstrating an efficient approach that bypassed traditional bureaucratic hurdles.
Blue and John Crow Mountains
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Jamaica’s Homerus swallowtail, Papilio (Pterourus) homerus Fabricius, once thrived across seven parishes but now survives in just two stronghold populations: the Cockpit Country and the Blue and John Crow Mountains. This critically endangered butterfly, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, faces severe population decline with unknown total numbers in its remaining habitats. Despite extensive studies on its life history, no breeding program exists to establish an experimental population for conservation efforts. The study reviews the species' biology and urges immediate action, including habitat protection and a breeding program, to prevent extinction and ensure its survival.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2017 —
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Jean-Frédéric Waldeck's artistic documentation of Palenque offers a unique lens into the diffusionist cultural interpretations of 19th-century Mesoamerican studies. His 14-month stay in Palenque resulted in a substantial body of visual and written work that challenges traditional narratives about the site's history. By analyzing his personal records, this study reveals how diffusionist ideas shaped his creative process, providing new insights into the intersection of art, archaeology, and cultural interpretation during this period.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking approach, Jeddah Heritage Building Information Modelling (JHBIM), offers innovative solutions for preserving Historic Jeddah. This method leverages advanced documentation techniques to address critical challenges such as structural degradation, erosion, and disaster risks in the city's historic district. By integrating Hijazi Architectural Objects Library with BIM technology, researchers demonstrate enhanced understanding of heritage buildings' materials, construction methods, and contextual significance. The study highlights JHBIM's potential to mitigate preservation threats while providing a robust framework for future conservation efforts.
Monastery of Batalha
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2017 —
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Recent rediscovery of the Monastery of Batalha's religious and spiritual significance challenges its long-standing perception as primarily a national symbol. The 2015 exhibition 'Places of Prayer' aimed to restore balance by curating objects and records from the monastery, countering the emphasis on nationalistic symbolism that emerged post-1834. Research reveals that the Founder's Chapel, often seen through a political lens, was originally conceived with deep religious meaning, much of which has been lost due to secularization. The project 'Monumental Polychromy' further explores this by analyzing medieval wall paintings in the chapel, offering insights into its original artistic and spiritual context.
Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Sites
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Jingdezhen's ancient site landscape architecture uniquely blends traditional Chinese courtyard styles with the specialized needs of porcelain manufacturing, creating a harmonious yet functional urban form. The study reveals that while residential areas adhere to compact, courtyard-based designs influenced by mountain living and group consciousness, porcelain production zones incorporate distinct structural adaptations without deviating from the overall aesthetic coherence. This duality—balancing practical function with cultural tradition—reflects Jingdezhen's historical role as a merchant-driven porcelain hub, where architectural features evolved through interactions among local artisans, migrant populations, and regional materials like wood and brick. The research synthesizes spatial planning principles, material use, and social dynamics to illustrate how this UNESCO World Heritage Site's landscape encapsulates a millennium of craftsmanship and urban development.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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A groundbreaking exploration of the intersection between alchemy, print culture, and historical figures emerges from a conference held at the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp. This special issue delves into the life and work of John Dee, a prominent 16th-century mathematician, astronomer, and occultist, examining his contributions to the nascent field of print culture during the Renaissance. The research approach combines historical analysis with a focus on the material aspects of printing, revealing how alchemical practices influenced the dissemination of knowledge through printed texts. This interdisciplinary study not only sheds light on Dee's role in shaping early modern scientific discourse but also highlights the significance of the Plantin-Moretus complex as a site where such intellectual exchanges took place.
Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara
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José Gutiérrez, a Spanish architect, significantly transformed Guadalajara's urban landscape through his neoclassical designs, yet remains largely unknown despite his academic and professional achievements. His work on three emblematic buildings—the Casa de la Misericordia (now Hospicio Cabañas), the Sagrario Metropolitano temple, and the pórtico of the ex-templo de Santo Tomás (now Biblioteca Iberoamericana Octavio Paz)—reshaped the city's architectural identity during a period marked by political upheaval. A survey involving over 100 architects, academics, and the general public revealed that 80% had never heard of Gutiérrez, highlighting his underrecognized legacy. His contributions extended beyond architecture, including public works like the Puente Verde and temple renovations in Guadalajara and Zacatecas, as well as supervisory projects in Mexico City. Despite his innovative approach and academic rigor, Gutiérrez's life was characterized by contradictions, from navigating the Independence movement to his relentless perfectionism. This study underscores the tension between his profound impact on neoclassical architecture in colonial New Galicia (modern-day Jalisco) and his obscurity, offering a critical reassessment of his role in architectural history.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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K'gari (Fraser Island) Research Collection offers a comprehensive resource on the natural history and environmental protection campaigns of Fraser Island, spanning from 1799 to 2000. The collection, curated by the USC Sunshine Coast Library, includes digitized materials such as research datasets, photographs, correspondence, manuscripts, and reports, with a significant focus on the environmental campaigns of the 1970s and 1990s. Notably, it houses transcripts and evidence from the Fraser Island Environmental Inquiry in 1976, providing valuable historical and ecological insights. The collection is supported by an ongoing online bibliography of published research, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of academic and public audiences.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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Immersive, interdisciplinary field-based learning on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, demonstrates transformative potential for environmental and sustainability education that surpasses traditional classroom settings. The study highlights how such experiences can foster enduring learning outcomes and student transformation, linking fieldwork to alternate futures. Conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast at Dilli Village—a key research hub—this case study emphasizes the need for a more inclusive, interdisciplinary approach to leverage K’gari’s unique ecosystems, indigenous history, and ongoing research projects. By integrating diverse courses and programs with real-world field activities, the university aims to enhance educational impact while addressing sustainability challenges.
Kairouan
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Kairouan emerged as the preeminent intellectual hub of the Islamic world during the 9th to 10th centuries, serving as a pivotal node in scholarly networks connecting al-Andalus (Islamic Iberia) and the broader Muslim Mediterranean. Analysis of biographical dictionaries reveals that scholars from Iberian Peninsula frequently traveled to Kairouan for advanced studies, drawn by its reputation as home to renowned masters like Saḥnūn and Ibn Abī Zayd. Unlike other centers, no rival city matched Kairouan's scholarly prominence, cementing its role as a crossroads of knowledge exchange between West and East. This study leverages extensive textual analysis to reconstruct these intellectual networks, offering new insights into the dynamics of medieval Islamic scholarship.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork stands as a rare example of medieval architecture characterized by its regular, symmetrical design. This monograph, authored by Kazimierz Pospieszny and published in 2014, delves into the architectural evolution and urban planning of this monumental complex, which served as the administrative center of the Teutonic Knights' state. Through meticulous analysis of historical documents, archaeological data, and comparative study with other medieval castles, the work reconstructs the castle's development from its foundation in 1274 to its later transformations. It highlights the innovative integration of military fortification with residential and administrative functions, setting a precedent for regular-type castles in Europe. The study is enriched by extensive visual documentation, including 283 black-and-white figures and 30 colored illustrations, providing a comprehensive insight into this architectural marvel's design and historical significance.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2017 —
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A re-evaluation of the stained glass windows in Canterbury Cathedral's Trinity Chapel reveals that three surviving miracle panels, previously thought to depict pilgrims from Oxford, Essex, and Warwickshire, actually portray miracles experienced by individuals from Canterbury and Dover. This discovery highlights a previously unrecognized focus on local Kentish pilgrims, including William of Dene (a paralyzed knight), Goditha (a crippled laywoman from Canterbury), and Saxeva (a woman from Dover suffering abdominal complaints). The findings suggest that all surviving narratives in the nIV window commemorate Thomas Becket's Kentish cult, mirroring similar 'donor' or 'signature' panels found in contemporary stained glass at Chartres Cathedral. This study challenges prior interpretations and underscores the regional significance of the cathedral's artistic and religious heritage.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Kīlauea Volcano's summit eruption, marked by the reemergence of lava within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in 2008, represents an unprecedented dual-eruption scenario on the volcano, with simultaneous activity at both the summit and East Rift Zone. Since its onset, this eruption has featured continuous degassing, explosive events, and a dynamic lava lake—one of the two largest globally. The study leverages historical photographs and 4K imagery to document the evolution of Halemaʻumaʻu's vent and lava lake, while USGS scientists provide insights into monitoring techniques, the mechanics behind lake level fluctuations, and the triggers for explosive events. This work underscores the complex interplay between Kīlauea's summit and rift zone eruptions, offering a multifaceted perspective on volcanic processes and their broader impacts.
Serengeti National Park
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A study reveals that while communities near Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, possess knowledge of tsetse control measures and exhibit positive attitudes toward them, the actual adoption of recommended methods remains low due to cost barriers. Farmers often confuse tsetse flies with other insects and rely on non-standardized control practices. The research highlights the gap between awareness and implementation, underscoring the need for improved education about tsetse identification and more accessible control strategies. Additionally, it points to systemic challenges such as poor management of dipping facilities and privatization of veterinary services, which hinder effective tsetse control. The findings suggest that district authorities must play a proactive role in monitoring service quality and addressing policy-related obstacles to support livestock-dependent livelihoods.
Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
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2017 —
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Knowth, a Neolithic passage-grave at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brú na Bóinne, functions as a precision astronomical instrument, facilitating the harmonization of solar and lunar cycles. Unlike Newgrange's well-documented winter solstice alignment, Knowth features two internal passages aligned to equinoctial directions but not precisely oriented to them. Rock art on kerbstone K52 suggests depictions of astronomical cycles, supporting the hypothesis that Knowth served as a calendar and counting system, enabling calculated planning and structuring ritual life. The study combines new surveys with existing evidence, arguing for Knowth's role in Neolithic cosmological beliefs and astronomical precision.
Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica
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Conservation efforts on the Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica, inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, successfully preserved their 17th- to 18th-century interior decorations and furnishings while maintaining their original function. The study highlights that UNESCO recognition was pivotal in prioritizing authenticity preservation during conservation work, ensuring these unique religious monuments endured despite historical challenges. The research focuses on the principles and outcomes of conservation practices applied since the 1990s, demonstrating how systematic restoration can safeguard cultural heritage without compromising historical integrity.
Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski
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Poland's collaboration with UNESCO on the World Heritage Convention, particularly concerning cultural landscapes, has been significantly driven by the Polish National Committee ICOMOS and its associated institutions. A key outcome of this cooperation is the successful inscription of Park Muskau (Muskauer Park) on the UNESCO World Heritage List, achieved through interdisciplinary efforts involving art historians, landscape architects, architects, and gardeners. The Centre for the Protection of Historic Landscape in Warsaw played a pivotal role by valuating cultural landscapes, organizing international conferences, and collaborating with the Fürst-Pückler-Park Bad Muskau Foundation to prepare the application. These activities highlight Poland's structured approach to preserving historic gardens and cultural landscapes, demonstrating effective interdisciplinary collaboration and international engagement.
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
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Two novel cyanobacterial species, Kryptousia macronema and Kryptousia microlepis, have been discovered in the phyllospheres of mangrove and Atlantic forest reserves in southeastern Brazil. These species belong to a new genus, Kryptousia, classified within the family Tolypotrichaceae. The discovery was made through comprehensive morphological, ultrastructural, phylogenetic, molecular, and ecological analyses of isolates from Avicennia schaueriana and Merostachys neesii leaves. This finding significantly advances our understanding of microbial diversity in South American ecosystems and contributes to the systematics of cyanobacteria, which are crucial primary producers in nutrient-depleted habitats.
Margravial Opera House Bayreuth
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This study reveals that the Nazi-era organization KdF (Kraft durch Freude) used cultural programming, particularly through the Bayreuth Wagner Festival, to promote social cohesion and integrate workers into Germany's elite cultural sphere. By offering discounted tickets and introductory lectures on Richard Wagner's works, KdF aimed to bridge perceived class divides by providing access to 'high-brow' culture, rather than addressing material needs. The research demonstrates how the organization strategically leveraged cultural engagement to foster a unified Volksgemeinschaft (people's community), reflecting its broader ideological goals during the Third Reich.
City of Safranbolu
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A medium-strength, statistically significant correlation (r=0.566; p<0.001) was found between domestic cultural tourists' travel preferences and their expectations regarding food and beverage services at Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkey. The study, based on surveys of 391 visitors conducted between February and June 2016, identified hygiene, service presentation, food quality, and ambiance as key factors shaping tourists' expectations. This insight underscores the importance of tailored culinary experiences in enhancing satisfaction and repeat visitation among cultural travelers.
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
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A groundbreaking excavation at the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in south-west Victoria reveals new insights into Aboriginal stone house construction and occupation during the mid-19th century. The study, published in <em>Archaeology in Oceania</em>, documents the first detailed excavation of such a site, uncovering a cache of 34 iron nails dating to approximately 1840–1870, which suggests occupation during periods of violent and negotiated resistance against European pastoral expansion. Taphonomic analysis indicates that stone artefacts predate contact objects, hinting at earlier use or construction. The findings challenge assumptions about the timeline of stone house development and offer clues about their integration with eel trapping facilities over 6600 years.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
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Recent research on the Central Agora of Hierapolis, a lesser-known monument in Turkey's Phrygia region, has yielded significant insights into its early-imperial structure and transformations. By systematically examining preserved architectural materials within the Pamukkale Thermal lake and integrating geophysical survey data with archive documentation, researchers reconstructed the square's plan and elevation. This reconstruction sheds light on the urban configuration of Microasiatic agorai during the first imperial age, providing a clearer understanding of this pivotal period in Hierapolis' history.
Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata
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Mauritania's traditional Islamic educational institutions, known as mahadras, have played a pivotal role in the country's educational development since independence. These non-formal schools, renowned for their religious and cultural prestige, have been leveraged by the government to supplement formal education at minimal cost. A study highlights that between 1973 and 1978, hundreds of teachers and professors trained in mahadras were recruited through competitive exams and deployed into classrooms, significantly contributing to the country's educational system. Despite a high gross enrollment rate of 101% with gender parity, the net enrollment rate stands at 72%, reflecting challenges in universal access. The research underscores the historical significance and ongoing relevance of mahadras in shaping Mauritania's educational landscape, particularly in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, and Oualata.
Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
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This study identifies and classifies the architectural typology of Segovia's medieval tower houses, revealing their dual defensive and residential functions. It traces their evolution from fortified structures in the Middle Ages to noble urban residences by the 16th century, ultimately recognizing their intrinsic patrimonial value as part of Segovia's historical landscape. The research analyzes eight tower houses with 14 medieval towers, examining their urban, architectural, and constructive features through historical, documentary, photographic, and personal sources. A key finding is the inherent unity between the tower and its house, forming a distinct architectural ensemble that has adapted to the city's transformations while retaining symbolic significance.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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A previously unattributed poem from the Alhambra and Generalife, Granada, has been identified as part of the monument's Arabic inscriptions. This discovery sheds new light on the cultural and poetic landscape of the Nazarí Kingdom of Granada and its connections to North Africa. The study employed historical analysis and textual comparison to determine authorship and contextual meaning, resolving a longstanding gap in the understanding of these inscriptions.
Canal du Midi
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The successful construction of the Canal du Midi hinged on the mobility and collaboration of diverse engineers. This study reveals that the project's realization was made possible by the convergence of varied engineering traditions, facilitated by the movement of experts across different phases of construction. The workforce comprised four key groups: overseers, seasonal laborers, intermittent specialists, and military inspectors, forming a distributed cognitive system. By analyzing these dynamics, the research underscores how the integration of disparate skills and the fluidity of personnel were critical to overcoming complex engineering challenges in 17th-century infrastructure projects.
Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
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Strasbourg's Neustadt, a German-designed urban extension from the Alsatian annexation period (1871–1918), has emerged as a significant site of patrimonial co-construction. This study reveals how institutional patrimonialization efforts—led by local authorities and supported by UNESCO candidacy—interact with citizen appropriation of the built environment, shaping its heritage status. The research, conducted over six years (2010–2016) by Strasbourg’s Inventory Service, examines the dynamic between top-down urban planning and grassroots cultural attachment. While the Neustadt was previously excluded from the 1988 UNESCO-listed Grande-Île, its inclusion in a broader candidate dossier (submitted 2016) reflects ongoing efforts to redefine Strasbourg’s heritage narrative. The findings underscore the role of patrimonialization as a collaborative process, blending administrative frameworks with community perceptions.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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Archaeological and documentary evidence reveals the existence of an upper floor with formal spaces in the Palace of Peter I at the Alcázar of Seville, a unique feature among Al-Andalus buildings. This discovery challenges conventional architectural understandings, as such structures were uncommon in the region. The study proposes a hypothetical reconstruction of this floor, analyzing its form and extent to infer its original function. Additionally, it examines subsequent modifications during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, providing insights into the palace's evolution over time.
Byblos
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A recent study sheds light on the territorial organization of Byblos, a significant proto-urban and urban center in the Levant, from the late 6th to early 3rd millennium BCE. Through extensive archaeological prospection covering a 14 x 7 km area, researchers identified 24 human installations dating back to recent prehistory. By analyzing spatial data and ceramic technology, they reconstructed a network of territorial and techno-cultural relations, revealing precise organizational rules that emerged during the proto-urban age and exhibited remarkable continuity. This research significantly advances our understanding of the formation and development of complex societal structures in ancient Levantine regions.
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
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Declaring the Historic Centre of Oaxaca as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has catalyzed significant urban transformations, reshaping local habitation patterns and spatial dynamics. The study identifies key variables—such as architectural preservation, tourism influx, and public space reconfiguration—that have altered the city's fabric since its 1987 designation. While the heritage status has spurred conservation efforts, challenges remain in balancing authenticity with modern urban demands. Recommendations for sustainable development, including enhanced infrastructure and community engagement, are proposed to further optimize the site's cultural and social value.
Curonian Spit
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Researchers identified five species of Laelapidae mites—Laelaps agilis, Hyperlaelaps microti, Haemogamassus nidi, Eulaelaps stabularis, and Myonyssus gigas—as parasites infesting small rodents in the Curonian Spit, Lithuania. This marks the first detection of these mites in the region, contributing to the understanding of their ecological diversity and host associations. The study analyzed 236 small rodents, including yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis), harvest mice (Micromys minutus), bank voles (Myodes glareolus), root voles (Microtus oeconomus), and field voles (Microtus agrestis), collected between 2013 and 2014. Mite species were determined through morphological analysis of adult females and males, providing new insights into their distribution and potential ecological roles in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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Land use and ownership in the Old City of Jerusalem is characterized by complex legal and administrative challenges, with property rights remaining a contentious issue regardless of future political control. The study identifies multiple forms of property ownership, including those managed by the Islamic Waqf administration and private family endowments, while highlighting tenancy as a particularly volatile issue, rooted in Ottoman-era laws. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to address property disputes and ensure sustainable management of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Macquarie Island
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A comprehensive study reveals that most cetacean species are relatively uncommon in the inshore waters of Macquarie Island. Over 391 systematic one-hour observation periods spanning 59 weeks in 2002 and 2003, nine species were identified, with killer whales, long-finned pilot whales, and sperm whales detected with some frequency. The remaining species were observed only once, indicating limited presence near the island. Additionally, eight previously unpublished stranding records are summarized, contributing to the understanding of marine megafauna in the region. The study underscores the importance of routine archiving of cetacean sightings from shipping activities to enhance knowledge of this subantarctic ecosystem.
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
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Past land use at Jefferson's Monticello plantation has been the dominant driver of forest composition, overshadowing natural gradients like soil moisture. A chronosequence analysis combining dendroecology, historical documents, and repeated vegetation surveys revealed that forest age explains more variation in species composition than elevation or slope. The study also identified synchronized canopy release events during key periods (early 1800s, 1850s–1860s, and 1960s), indicating intense historical land use. Notably, Pinus recruitment began in the late 18th century on west slopes under Jefferson's tenure, with later cohorts emerging in former agricultural fields. The findings suggest that future forest dynamics at Monticello may diverge from past patterns due to shifts in land use and species availability.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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Urban 'swiftlet farming' in George Town, Malaysia, is reshaping local landscapes and sparking social contestation. This study reveals that the industry's proliferation—through converted buildings like shophouses—disrupts urban health, quality of life, and heritage, while also illustrating how residents actively engage in redefining these contested spaces. By applying a landscape political ecology framework, the research demonstrates that urban landscapes are socially constructed, co-constituted by human and environmental dynamics, and subject to ongoing transformation through lived experiences. The findings underscore the role of praxis—everyday actions and activism—in shaping contemporary urban environmental politics. The study is based on six months of participatory ethnographic fieldwork, conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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A novel, scalable Geographic Information System (GIS)-based methodology enables the identification and quantification of multi-functional landscape features, crucial for understanding social-ecological systems. Applied to Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (Italy), this hybrid Multi-Criteria Spatial Decision Support System (MC-SDSS) maps composite indicators of Landscape Services (LS), including regulating, provisioning, and cultural services, using entropy-based weighting to simulate LS functioning without subjective bias. The approach offers a transferable framework for assessing threatened or resilient landscapes, aligning with the European Landscape Convention's principles by quantifying values attributed to landscapes through data-driven spatial analysis.
Historic Centre of Florence
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A novel framework defines landscape not merely as scenery but as a dynamic interaction between human culture and the environment, positioning it as a 'common good' and a potential 'human right.' The study bridges theoretical gaps by analyzing contemporary documents—such as UNESCO’s Florence Declaration—and comparing landscape to commons pool resource (CPR) management. Through case studies like community gardens, it argues that landscapes can be collectively managed and legally recognized as rights, integrating three approaches: the right to perceived landscapes, environmental rights, and human rights claims. This redefines landscape as both a domain for asserting rights and an entitlement itself, offering a legal and ethical foundation for its protection.
Great Barrier Reef
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The 2015–2016 coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef was unprecedented in severity, with less than 9% of reefs unaffected compared to over 40% in previous mass bleaching events (1998 and 2002). Bleaching severity correlated strongly with local heat exposure, while factors like fishing restrictions or nutrient levels had minimal impact. Post-bleaching mortality and shifts in species composition were directly linked to initial bleaching scores, indicating lasting ecological consequences. Aerial surveys provided a comprehensive dataset, establishing a baseline for future comparisons. The study highlights the increasing vulnerability of coral reefs to climate change.
Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
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Research reveals that the Jesuit libraries extended beyond their colleges to include smaller collections housed in various administrative residences, such as estancias, which supported pastoral and educational activities. This study focuses on the library of Santa Catalina, an estancia in Córdoba, Argentina, part of the Jesuit Province of Paraguay, to reconstruct its cultural legacy from limited inventory records. By analyzing these inventories, the research contributes to the preservation of this understudied aspect of Jesuit heritage, offering insights into the broader organizational and educational networks of the order.
Maya Site of Copan
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The Maya site of Copan stands out as a unique and geographically distant member of the Maya lowlands, characterized by its distinct artistic achievements. The study highlights that Copan's representation of the Maize God, while not adhering to the quality norms of broader Maya visual traditions, exhibits exceptional plastic sophistication and tridimensionality. This anomaly suggests that Copan's people had more creative freedom, engaging differently with the visual rhetoric of the lowlands' Maya tradition. The research explores Copan's complex relationships with southern Mesoamerica and northern Central America, emphasizing its role as a type-site for ancient Maya civilization.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2017 —
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Research reveals that the 'saywas'—columnar markers along Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road System in Chile's Atacama Desert—served as inscriptions of the Inca calendar, aligning with solar cults and marking significant solsticial dates. Unlike rigid measurement units, these tupus varied in dimensions based on contextual factors, reflecting a flexible yet precise spatial-temporal logic. The study combines ethnohistoric and archaeoastronomic methods to demonstrate that saywas, akin to Cuzco's astronomical columns, functioned as temporal indicators along the Inca road network, extending their role beyond capital-centric observations.
Western Tien-Shan
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2017 —
WHE066241C97A
A detailed magnetostratigraphic study of the 1120 m-thick Sankeshu Section in the southwestern Tianshan Foreland Basin reveals that sedimentation occurred from 16.7 to 2.6 million years ago (Ma), with significant increases in rate at ~7 Ma and after 2.6 Ma, marked by the influx of conglomeratic deposits. This study provides new chronological constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Pamir-Tian Shan convergence zone, showing that deformation was concentrated during the Miocene and later periods. Rock magnetic parameters indicate weak deformation influenced by northward indentation from the Pamir, correlating sedimentary events with episodic regional uplift and climatic changes.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2017 —
WHE0E7FE19D76
Dinosaur Provincial Park (DPP) stands out as one of the most significant windows into Late Campanian ecosystems globally. Over 35 dinosaur species and numerous other taxa have been identified here, offering unparalleled insights into Cretaceous biodiversity. Initial fossil collecting began in 1912, but it was the late 1960s to 1980s that marked a resurgence of scientific study, led by institutions like the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Modern techniques have since revolutionized our understanding of both dinosaur and non-dinosaurian fossils, while hydrocarbon exploration in Alberta has enriched knowledge of Cretaceous geological processes. This interplay of biological and physical factors has been pivotal in preserving and exposing DPP's fossil riches.
