Białowieża Forest
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2017 —
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A new location of the rare green shield moss, Buxbaumia viridis, has been identified within the Białowieża Forest. This discovery highlights the moss's presence on a decaying spruce log, though its survival is threatened by the impending death of spruce trees due to environmental changes. The study underscores the delicate balance between this unique species and its habitat, with potential long-term impacts on shade conditions and biodiversity. Research involved field observations and ecological assessments, providing critical insights into the conservation challenges faced by this vulnerable moss in one of Europe's oldest and most biodiverse forests.
Lut Desert
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2017 —
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A novel method for measuring barchan dune parameters, based on geometric relations and Cartesian coordinates, has been developed and proven more precise than previous techniques. This approach enables accurate comparison of dunes across global regions and time periods, while also facilitating the analysis of additional dune parameters. The study, conducted in the Lut Desert, Iran, used total station equipment for field surveys to validate the method's effectiveness.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking approach to studying the Hellenistic-Roman quarter in Agrigento, Italy, leverages advanced technologies to unravel the town's planning and architectural evolution over a millennium. The project, initiated by the Agrigento: insula III Project in collaboration with Bologna University, integrates laser scanning and geophysical investigations with traditional archaeological methods to create a Building Information Model (BIM). This methodology allows for the systematic documentation of private housing from the Archaic period to Late Antiquity, addressing critical gaps in modern archaeological and topographical understanding. By reconstructing primary phases of town mapping, identifying starting modules of each lot, and tracking changes across different ages, researchers aim to elucidate the quarter's original architecture and its relationship with the broader urban landscape. The study underscores the potential of integrating traditional and cutting-edge techniques to solve complex stratigraphic challenges in long-inhabited settings.
Pitons Management Area
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2017 —
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A major deep magmatic event at Piton de la Fournaise volcano, La Réunion Island, was detected three months before the eruption through continuous soil CO₂ flux measurements (2013–2016). Despite tropical challenges like heavy rainfall, corrected and filtered data revealed magma transfer dynamics, validated by geophysical correlations. This study demonstrates that soil CO₂ monitoring in tropical environments is a robust tool for tracking volcanic unrest down to the lithospheric mantle, offering new perspectives for early eruption detection.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
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2017 —
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A comparative analysis of the port systems of the Portuguese and British Empires in the Atlantic during the 17th and 18th centuries reveals key factors influencing the development of four insular ports: Angra (Azores), Funchal (Madeira), Bridgetown (Barbados), and Port Royal (Jamaica). The study highlights how these ports evolved to meet trade demands, their significant challenges, and how their development aligned with or diverged from imperial expectations. By integrating landscape archaeology, nautical and underwater archaeology, historical documentation, and cartography, the research provides a multifaceted understanding of the geographical, economic, and social dynamics shaping these crucial Atlantic hubs.
Gunung Mulu National Park
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2017 —
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A new record of the phoretic flea Lagaropsylla signata, previously known only from Java, Indonesia, has been documented in Deer Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. This discovery reveals an obligate parasitic relationship between L. signata and the earwig Arixenia esau, which serves as a vector for accessing bat hosts. The study also includes a redescription of L. signata and compares its association with A. esau to that of another phoretic flea, L. turba, found in peninsular Malaysia. The research highlights the evolutionary parallel between these fleas, earwigs, and their bat hosts, providing insights into their natural history and co-existence within cave ecosystems.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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2017 —
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Research conducted from February to December 2016 uncovered 21 previously unrecorded diatom species (Bacillariophyta) in Korea, expanding the country's known diatom flora. These discoveries were made through extensive sampling across 28 coastal sites on the west coast of Korea and Jeju Island, with a focus on tidal flats, seaweed, and macrophytes. Diatom specimens were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing species from 9 orders, 12 families, and 16 genera. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions and distribution records, contributing valuable data to the understanding of Korea's marine biodiversity.
Ichkeul National Park
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study on Ichkeul National Park reveals the first detailed record of Carabidae (ground beetles) diversity in Tunisia. Researchers identified 52 species across 33 genera, including five endemic to North Africa and two species—<em>Acinopus haroldi</em> and <em>Cryptophonus litigiosus</em>—previously unrecorded in Tunisia. This work, based on expeditions between 2012 and 2013, fills a critical gap in scientific knowledge about Tunisia's insect fauna, highlighting its ecological significance and the need for further conservation studies.
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
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2017 —
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A rare stone sculpture from the era of early nomads has been uncovered in the Turgay region, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan. This discovery, dating back to 2015-2016, represents a unique case where such a statue was found within a mound complex with stone ridges, showcasing an unusual burial or ritual site. The sculpture's laconic anthropomorphic depiction mirrors artistic techniques seen in Central Kazakhstan and other steppe regions, suggesting shared cultural or symbolic purposes. Researchers propose that the aspect of military glory, often associated with medieval sculptures, may have originated during this earlier period, supported by findings of similar stele and stone sculptures. This study contributes to understanding the early nomadic cultures' artistic expressions and their enduring influence on later traditions.
Socotra Archipelago
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study identifies three new species of carabid beetles (Glycia socotrana, Apristus dioscoridus, and Mesolestes niger) from the Socotra Archipelago, alongside new distributional records for additional species. The research significantly expands our understanding of the archipelago's biodiversity, particularly within the tribe Lebiini. By integrating morphological analysis with distributional data, the study highlights the unique faunal composition of Socotra and Abd al Kuri Islands, contributing critical insights to global carabid taxonomy and conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed region.
Sangay National Park
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of arboreal rat, belonging to the genus Rhipidomys, within Sangay National Park, Ecuador. This discovery was made through a comprehensive analysis combining cranial and external morphology, morphometrics, and phylogenetic studies based on the cytochrome b gene. The new species is distinguished by its relatively small body size (average head–body length 123 mm) and unique cranial features, such as a constricted interorbital region, a barely perceptible postorbital crest in females, and a wide, round braincase. It also exhibits distinctive dental characteristics, including a large and deep hypoflexid on the third molar (m3). This species is currently known only from the southeastern portion of Sangay National Park, suggesting it may be endemic to the Cordillera Oriental of Ecuador. The study further provides insights into its natural history, reproductive behavior, vocalizations, habitat preferences, and phylogenetic placement.
Iguaçu National Park
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified two new species of cavicolous-straminicolous crickets, Endecous chape and E. naipi, inhabiting the Atlantic Semideciduous Forest within Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. These sympatric species were distinguished through morphological analysis, focusing on male genitalia and tegmina. Additionally, the study provides bioacoustics data for E. chape, including its calling song, and cytogenetic insights, contributing to the understanding of the genus Endecous. A distribution map for the species is also presented, enhancing knowledge of their geographic range. The findings are deposited in collections at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZSP) and Universidade Estadual Paulista—UNESP.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of spider, <em>Trachelas chamoli</em>, within the UNESCO-listed Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in India's Western Himalayas. This discovery adds to the global diversity of the genus <em>Trachelas</em>, which currently comprises 86 recognized species, with only two previously documented from India. The study, conducted through fieldwork and morphological analysis, highlights the biodiversity richness of this high-altitude ecosystem. The new species contributes to our understanding of arachnid taxonomy in the Himalayan region, emphasizing the need for further exploration of such unique habitats.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified two new taxa of Berberis—<em>Berberis viridiflora</em> and <em>Berberis sanguinea</em> var. <em>viridisepala</em>—from Baoxing County, Sichuan Province, China, a biodiversity hotspot within the UNESCO-listed Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries. These discoveries expand the known diversity of Berberis, particularly highlighting greenish-flowered variants that differ morphologically from related species. The study also reclassified <em>Berberis multiovula</em> as a synonym of <em>B. sanguinea</em> var. <em>sanguinea</em>, resolving taxonomic ambiguities. Through field surveys and herbarium analysis, the team documented 16 Berberis taxa in Baoxing County, showcasing extensive phenotypic variations in plant morphology, inflorescences, flower colors, and fruit types. The findings suggest that this region may serve as a diversification center for Berberis in the eastern Hengduan Mountains, underscoring its ecological significance.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2017 —
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Women are significantly more critical of Ibiza's nightlife sector compared to men, with a notable divide within the female population. While some women (Moderates) share opinions similar to men, particularly those economically dependent on the sector, another group (Haters) holds strongly adverse views. This study, based on 418 valid questionnaires—266 from women—reveals that women exhibit more conservative and risk-averse attitudes, opposing nightlife's potential negative social impacts more strongly than men. The research integrates a gender-focused analysis into a broader survey on residents' tourism attitudes, addressing a gap in academic literature on women's perspectives towards nightlife.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified nine new species of the tachinid fly genus <em>Uramya</em> from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica, significantly expanding the known biodiversity of this group. These discoveries were made through an extensive inventory of wild-caught caterpillars, incorporating morphological descriptions, life history data, molecular analysis, and photographic documentation. The study also includes a redescription of <em>Uramya sibinivora</em> and proposes new synonyms for two other genera, <em>Olinda</em> and <em>Procleonice</em>, while revising the key to species identification in Central and South America. This work contributes critical taxonomic insights to the understanding of tachinid diversity in ACG, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ecological significance.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2017 —
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Modern subarctic plants from southern Yukon Territory, Canada, exhibit stable carbon isotopic signatures that can serve as a baseline for reconstructing Late Pleistocene herbivore diets in eastern Beringia. The study analyzed 79 C3 plants and soils across 18 locations, revealing consistent foliar δ¹³C values around -28.0‰, with minimal variability suitable for paleodietary reconstructions after accounting for the Suess effect. While nitrogen isotopic compositions (δ¹⁵N) showed greater variability, influenced by water and nitrogen availability, spatial differences, and intra-plant factors, a positive correlation between foliar δ¹⁵N and nitrogen content suggests modern plant δ¹⁵N could indicate forage quality. However, the complex controls on δ¹⁵N limit direct application to paleodietary models, though it provides a foundation for future studies comparing modern and fossil plants to detect shifts in nitrogen cycling since the Late Pleistocene.
Lake Baikal
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2017 —
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A comprehensive study reveals that nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) co-limit phytoplankton productivity in Lake Baikal during summer, challenging previous assumptions about single-nutrient limitation. Using a combination of spatial surveys across 26 sites and nutrient enrichment experiments at two trophically contrasting locations, researchers demonstrated that either N or P—or both—can limit phytoplankton growth depending on the location. While temperature positively influenced phytoplankton response in controlled incubations (with ~10% higher fluorescence at 15°C than at 10°C), it was not a significant predictor of chlorophyll <em>a</em> concentrations across the lake. These findings suggest that Lake Baikal, the world's most biodiverse freshwater lake, may experience increased phytoplankton productivity due to ongoing warming and nutrient loading, but the extent of this response will depend on the balance between soluble N and P inputs.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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2017 —
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A long-held assumption that Khami emerged from the decline of Great Zimbabwe around 1450 is challenged by new archaeological evidence. Analysis of ceramics and dry-stone architecture from both sites reveals distinct cultural affiliations, with Khami thriving as a major center from the late 14th/early 15th century—long before Great Zimbabwe's decline. Additionally, Great Zimbabwe remained occupied into the late 17th or even 18th century, after Khami's fall. These findings contradict the traditional parent-offspring relationship, instead suggesting a heterarchical dynamic between the two sites. The study also highlights malleable hierarchies within each polity, aligning with documented political structures in pre-colonial southern Zambezian states.
Site of Palmyra
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A study on Palmyra Atoll reveals that long-term SCUBA diving activity does not result in persistent behavioural changes to reef sharks. Contrary to expectations, the research found no differences in shark abundance, behaviour, or residency patterns between heavily dived and undived locations, even during years with substantial diving activity. The study used a combination of baited remote underwater video systems and multi-year passive acoustic monitoring to assess these impacts. These findings suggest that well-regulated shark diving tourism can coexist with conservation goals without undermining the behavioural integrity of shark populations.
Cologne Cathedral
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2017 —
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Noise pollution remains a significant and growing issue, particularly in urban settings, with nearly 20% of Germany's population seeking treatment for aural disorders. Despite its pervasive impact on health and well-being, noise abatement has received little attention in environmental campaigns or historical studies. This study examines the complex sensory experience of noise in modern cities, using Cologne Cathedral as a case study to explore the tension between urban development, transportation expansion, and the desire for quiet spaces. It highlights how industrial, traffic, and leisure-related noise contribute to a multifaceted sensory phenomenon that disrupts both public and private spheres, as evidenced by local debates over events at the cathedral and protests against airport noise.
The work of engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida
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2017 —
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A non-destructive evaluation of Eladio Dieste's Church of Christ the Worker in Atlántida, Uruguay, reveals the church's impressive state of preservation despite showing early signs of aging. The study, conducted under UNESCO's Keeping It Modern program, applied techniques such as infrared thermography, ground-penetrating radar, penetration resistance, and ultrasonic testing to assess the structure's conservation. Findings indicate common deterioration mechanisms like moisture presence, steel bar corrosion, and mortar degradation, yet the church remains well-preserved, highlighting Dieste's innovative reinforced brick masonry (RBM) design and construction.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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2017 —
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A nuanced funerary culture with significant mortuary variability was identified among non-elite communities in the Early Dynastic Memphis region (3200–2700 BC). Statistical analyses of grave parameters—including volume, grave goods, materials, pottery types, architecture, body protection, skeletal sex, and age—revealed complex influences on funerary provision, such as economic potential, elite relationships, communal identities, choice, and practicality. While no statistically significant mortuary differentiation by sex was found, age differentiation emerged as a key factor. The study highlighted distinct regional populations within the Memphite necropolis, from primary (Helwan) to secondary/tertiary centers (Turah), underscoring the potential of statistical hypothesis testing in extracting meaningful data from historical records.
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
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2017 —
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Budapest's District VII exemplifies how unstructured urban planning can both hinder and facilitate tourism-driven development. The study reveals that despite limited official regulation, the district has become a hotspot for hospitality and creative industries, particularly 'ruin bars' and Airbnb accommodations, which have thrived due to their informal, adaptive nature. This case highlights Budapest's unique trajectory as a post-socialist city, where slow gentrification and lack of planning paradoxically fostered innovative tourism consumption models. The research addresses two key questions: the extent to which non-planning influences urban development and tourism trends, and how tourism reshapes inner-city districts. It combines historical analysis with data on 'ruin bars' and Airbnb's global impact, offering insights into the unintended consequences of unregulated urban growth.
Canal du Midi
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2017 —
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The construction of the Canal du Midi, a 17th-century French navigational canal renowned for its length and technical sophistication, reveals a pattern of non-simultaneity in work practices that challenges conventional narratives of modernization. This study demonstrates how the canal's development integrated ancient knowledge with contemporary problem-solving, extending well into the 1680s with ongoing repairs. A snapshot of activity from March 1672 highlights the asynchronous nature of cultural and technical practices employed across the project, offering a unique lens to understand innovation in historical infrastructure. The research underscores non-simultaneity as a facilitator of complex, long-term engineering achievements.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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2017 —
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Researchers have uncovered three cryptic butterfly species within the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, using nuclear genome analysis combined with mitochondrial DNA barcoding and ecological data. These species, previously overlooked due to their extreme similarity, exhibit distinct genetic and morphological traits that align with their ecological niches. The study highlights the power of integrating multi-faceted genomic and ecological approaches to identify cryptic biodiversity, significantly increasing species counts in the region. Additionally, the findings reveal that a century-old type specimen from Venezuela belongs to one of these cryptic species, while the other two are newly described.
Mount Huangshan
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2017 —
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Valley wind patterns on Mount Huangshan exhibit a diurnal cycle, shifting direction between day and night, which significantly influences heat balance in the region. This finding emerged from numerical simulations using the Noah and MYJ schemes within a mesoscale model, revealing that valley winds play a crucial role in atmospheric dynamics. The study suggests leveraging these wind patterns to strategically control pollutant emissions, thereby mitigating environmental degradation. By analyzing wind evolution and formation mechanisms, researchers provide actionable insights for sustainable management of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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2017 —
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A study on the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) revealed distinct nutritional preferences and susceptibility to zinc phosphide, a common pest control agent. Under laboratory conditions, bats showed strong preference for white mulberry among fruits and strawberries among vegetables, consuming up to 90.6% of their body weight in strawberries when given free choice. Zinc phosphide mixed with dates at a concentration of 1.5% resulted in complete mortality (100%) in laboratory settings. Field trials in the Pyramids region of Giza demonstrated that zinc phosphide reduced bat populations by 78.2%. This research highlights the effectiveness of zinc phosphide as a control method for this species while providing insights into their dietary habits, which could inform conservation and pest management strategies.
Pampulha Modern Ensemble
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2017 —
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The UNESCO World Heritage List has expanded significantly to include more properties from the Modern Movement, with 34 out of 814 cultural sites now inscribed, a number that doubled in 2016 following the inclusion of Le Corbusier's works and the Pampulha Modern Ensemble. This shift reflects broader changes in the concept of 'authenticity,' as highlighted by debates in the 1990s, particularly Léon Pressouvre's critique (1993) and the Nara Conference (1994), which emphasized the need to broaden this term. The study argues that expanding authenticity criteria is crucial not only for recognizing Modern Movement achievements but also for preserving cultural heritage more holistically.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2017 —
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A study of prisons on Ilha Grande during the first half of the 20th century reveals how a punitive culture emerged to criminalize socially marginalized groups, particularly those labeled as 'vagabonds' in post-abolitionist Brazil. The research demonstrates that this concept was deeply embedded in legal frameworks, legislative thought, and even scientific texts, leading to systemic mistreatment of thousands. By analyzing interviews with prison guards from the Colônia Agrícola do Distrito Federal (1942) and examining historical documents, the study uncovers how these classifications were operationalized within the penal system, exposing the naturalization of discriminatory practices that targeted politically opposed groups alongside marginalized individuals.
University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia
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2017 —
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Four years after being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia has undergone significant transformations in its urban context. This study critically examines these changes through three strategic axes: heritage protection, historical urban landscape, and sustainable urban development. It finds that while the university has taken a proactive role in heritage preservation, local authorities have led efforts in urban rehabilitation and spatial management. By analyzing urban dynamics, the research proposes an integrated planning approach to enhance quality of life, balancing contemporary demands with cultural heritage conservation.
Yosemite National Park
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2017 —
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A rare observation of an American black bear (Ursus americanus) consuming dragonflies in Yosemite National Park reveals that emerging aquatic insects, particularly odonates, may represent a previously overlooked but significant component of the bear's diet. While scat analyses have historically indicated ants and wasps as primary insect food sources for black bears, this documented behavior suggests greater dietary diversity than previously assumed. The study highlights the importance of visual observation in identifying highly digestible food items that are often missed by traditional dietary analysis methods. This finding contributes to a broader understanding of black bear ecology and natural history, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive documentation of their foraging behaviors.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2017 —
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A two-phase development of the Tomb of Horhotep, located in the North Asasif necropolis at Western Thebes, has been identified through architectural analysis. Initially constructed as a classic tomb for the high-ranking official Horhotep during the reign of Mentuhotep II, the structure was later expanded with an additional cult chapel and burial chamber, likely intended for his son. This expansion reflects the adaptability and significance of private sepulchral complexes in Theban tradition, distinguished by its unique layout in bedrock carvings. The study employs a comparative approach to local architectural traditions, offering insights into the evolution and cultural context of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park
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A critical decline in sawfish populations, driven by human activities, has led to their classification as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN. This study identifies the green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) as the sole species present in the Sudanese Red Sea, based on 26 rostra and six carcasses collected from 1969 to 2014, alongside market data and trawling surveys. Reproductive observations revealed parturition occurring from October to late April, with females reaching maturity at 350 cm total length (TL) and giving birth to broods of up to 12 neonates, measuring 60–80 cm TL. Key nursery areas—Marsa Ashat, Marsa Trinkitat, Agig Bay, Dungonab, and Oseif bays—are pinpointed as critical for conservation, necessitating targeted protection measures like marine reserves or time-area closures to safeguard the species.
Cocos Island National Park
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Researchers document the first occurrence of the sea anemone <em>Telmatactis panamensis</em> at Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica. During a 2010 expedition, 24 specimens were collected in Chatham Bay (intertidal) and Punta Ulloa (15m depth), attached to rocks. The study provides detailed photographs of live individuals, external anatomy, and an inventory of cnidae, contributing new baseline data for the park's poorly known sea anemone fauna. Observations suggest the species may extend to greater depths, aligning with records from the Galápagos Islands.
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
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A groundbreaking geomagnetic survey of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks in Ohio, USA, has uncovered previously undetected wooden post circles, ditched enclosures, plazas, and avenues—structures that challenge existing understanding of the Hopewell culture's monumental landscapes. The collaboration between the German Archaeological Institute and the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park revealed these features through a comprehensive 'fenceline-to-fenceline' magnetic survey, offering new insights into the complexity and scale of Hopewellian ceremonial sites. Additionally, an extensive pit cluster may point to the discovery of long-sought camp sites, further enriching knowledge of this ancient civilization. The findings aim to enhance public awareness and support the site's potential candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Ellora Caves
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The motif of lions triumphing over elephants has been a persistent and multifaceted symbol in South Asian architecture, spanning over a millennium. This study reveals that while the visual representation remained stable, its meanings shifted significantly across different periods and contexts, serving as a marker of royal power, military prowess, and even spiritual authority. The research traces this motif's evolution from Mauryan columns to Deccani forts, highlighting its adaptability and enduring significance in both Hindu and Jain traditions. By analyzing literary sources such as the Mahābhārata and epigraphic evidence, the study demonstrates how the lion-elephant combat symbolized conquest and sovereignty, often with talismanic connotations. The approach combines art historical analysis with textual interpretation to uncover the layered meanings embedded in this iconic imagery.
Vatican City
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A critical reassessment of two manuscript sources for Old Roman chant, MSS 299 and 300 from the Biblioteca Riccardiana in Florence, reveals that their origins were misattributed to the Vallombrosa Abbey. This challenges the long-held belief that these chants were used in the diocese of Siena during the 11th or early 12th centuries. Additionally, the study examines San Pietro F 11 from the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, a rare surviving rituale and collectar, offering new insights into the preservation and transmission of Old Roman chant traditions. The research employs textual analysis and historical context to correct previous misconceptions about the provenance and usage of these manuscripts.
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
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The Omride palatial architecture at Megiddo, Hazor, and Beer Sheva served as powerful symbols of state formation and political hegemony during the 9th century BCE. The study reveals that the intentional obliteration of these palaces by the Nimshide dynasty was not merely coincidental but a deliberate act to erase the memory of the Omride rule, marking a significant shift in political power. This research merges historical narratives, archaeological evidence, and theoretical approaches to demonstrate how monumental architecture played an active role in both establishing and dismantling dynastic legitimacy. The findings highlight that the destruction of palaces at Samaria, Megiddo, and Jezreel was part of a broader strategy to reshape the landscape and establish new symbols of power under the Nimshide dynasty.
Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua
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Venice's enduring legacy as a center of art, wealth, and power is highlighted through its unique blend of architectural beauty, political sophistication, and intellectual prowess. The city's artistic heritage, rooted in the Byzantine period and flourishing during the Renaissance with masters like Titian and Canaletto, was intricately linked to its political structure, which sustained a stable republic for over 1000 years. Venice's strategic trade dominance in the Mediterranean, advanced shipbuilding at the Arsenale, and diplomatic acumen shaped its history until decline set in post-15th century. The University of Padua, founded in 1222, played a pivotal role as a hub for liberal learning, fostering groundbreaking work in anatomy and botany, including the establishment of the world's first botanical garden in 1545. This study underscores Venice's multifaceted contributions to art, governance, and science, while addressing contemporary challenges such as population decline and tourism pressures.
Phoenix Islands Protected Area
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Marine protected areas (MPAs) must prioritize clear, precise management objectives to achieve effectiveness. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) in Kiribati exemplifies this by expanding its protection goals from 3.1% to 99.4% fully protected zones after recognizing initial omissions, such as tuna conservation. Effectiveness hinges on defining boundaries and objectives accurately, avoiding false premises that undermine management. The shift toward marine spatial planning, rather than isolated MPAs, is crucial for holistic ocean management. Locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) in East Africa also demonstrate progress, though their effectiveness remains uncertain. Empowering local communities and integrating Indigenous perspectives are key to sustainable marine management. The 10% 'effectively managed' target is insufficient; 100% of marine space should be managed to balance stakeholder needs and ecosystem sustainability.
Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg
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A groundbreaking set of exhibitions and accompanying scholarly volumes, 'Martin Luther: Treasures of the Reformation' and 'Martin Luther and the Reformation,' revealed unprecedented insights into Martin Luther's life, the Reformation era, and their cultural, religious, and political contexts. These exhibitions, held in the U.S., showcased rare artifacts, archaeological finds, and significant historical documents, including Luther's childhood items, the Debate Lectern from Wittenberg, and the Eisleben pulpit where he preached his last sermon. The exhibits, curated post-German reunification, offered a comprehensive view of Luther's influence and the Reformation's impact on art, piety, and society, with contributions from leading scholars in the field.
Ujung Kulon National Park
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A mathematical model demonstrates that territorial competition between Javan Rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and Javan Bulls (Bos javanicus) at Ujung Kulon National Park can reduce the carrying capacity of the rhino population. Despite no direct food resource overlap, the rapid expansion of Javan Bulls may limit available habitat for Javan Rhinos, stifling their population growth. The study suggests that dominance by one species can negatively impact the ecological space and survival prospects of another, even in the absence of predation or shared resources.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park
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Daniel Zieliński's 'Preface' to 'Szata wzorzysta doskonałości' (1649) reveals a significant dedication to the cult of Mary, reflecting post-Tridentine spirituality and personal devotion. The text serves as both an homage to Mary and a guide for spiritual life, illustrating its influence on Polish Catholicism through practices like christenings, scapulars, rosaries, and Marian Sodalities. Zieliński's work also highlights the growing importance of Marian sanctuaries, including Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, in fostering pilgrimage movements. The study examines how the cult of Mary was disseminated through prayer books, sermons, poetry, and devotional literature, offering insights into its enduring impact on religious practices.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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A large-scale Goguryeo tomb complex, dating to the 5th century CE, was excavated at Sindae-Dong, North Korea, revealing evidence of a previously unknown extensive burial site. The excavation, conducted between 2015 and 2016 by the Academy of Social Sciences in North Korea, uncovered 28 Goguryeo stone-chamber earthen mounds, including mural tombs, within an area of approximately 185 square meters. Analysis suggests that the original complex may have contained hundreds of graves, with some tombs still preserved up to several hundred meters away from the current site. The tombs are arranged in a grid-like pattern, oriented along a southwest-northeast axis, with additional scattered burials nearby. This study focuses on the excavation methodology and preliminary findings of the first eight tombs uncovered in 2015.
Lena Pillars Nature Park
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2017 —
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A comprehensive survey of the moss flora in Khangalassky District, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), East Siberia, reveals 232 species, with 59 newly recorded for the region. This diverse assemblage includes several species with typically more southern distributions, such as Anomodon minor and Trachycystis ussuriensis, highlighting the unique ecological conditions of the Lena Pillars Nature Park. The study also identifies new localities for rare mosses like Indusiella thianschanica and Myrinia rotundifolia, which were previously known from only a few sites in Yakutia or Taimyr. The research underscores the significance of the district's varied habitats—ranging from moist rock ledges to dry cliffs—which support both hygrophilous and xeric moss species coexisting side-by-side. Additionally, rare epigeic species such as Pterygoneurum kozlovii were documented in cryogenic hills, contributing valuable data to the understanding of Yakutia's bryophyte diversity.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2017 —
WHE46172193AB
Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements significantly enhance vegetation cover classification accuracy, outperforming single-polarization and optical data. A study conducted at the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park, Panama, demonstrated that polarimetric features derived from L-band SAR data improved land-cover mapping precision when compared to conventional methods. Classification performance varied notably with incidence angles, underscoring the importance of integrating multiple radar features for optimal results. This finding highlights the potential of polarimetric SAR in environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.
Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar
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2017 —
WHE48222B120E
A significant shift in Khmer architectural techniques during the transition from wooden to stone construction (9th–12th centuries) is revealed, focusing on the integration of wooden roof structures with stone walls. The study identifies that Koh Ker monuments lacked a pole plate, unlike later structures like Preah Vihear and East Mebon, where the beam was placed directly on the wall before being inverted over the pole plate by the 11th century. Decorative stone elements mimicking roof tiles emerged during this period, with the beam and pole plate sizes equalizing and stone covers added for protection against rain. By analyzing Preah Vihear’s construction phases alongside other temples, researchers propose a timeline of architectural evolution, correlating techniques with specific kings' reigns (e.g., Jayavarman IV to Udayadityavarman II). This work refines earlier proposals by Parmentier and Sahai, offering a clearer framework for dating Khmer monuments based on technical innovations.
Western Tien-Shan
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2017 —
WHEC229B51E7D
A strong earthquake, likely of intensity I ≥ VIII on the MSK-64 scale, struck the Sary-Bulun medieval sites along the Great Silk Route around the end of the 12th to the beginning of the 13th century AD. This seismic event caused significant structural damage, including wall tilts, shifts, collapses, lateral bends, and long fissures in corner parts of rooms. The source of the earthquake was probably located in faults cutting the active Boz-Barmak anticline, where the settlements were situated on its western limb. These sites, among the largest metallurgic centers of the Issyk-Kul depression during the medieval period, provide valuable insights into industrial processes and seismic activity in the region.
Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
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2017 —
WHE67A5BE64B2
A Habsburg-led botanical expedition in 1783 marked a pivotal shift from ornamental to economically driven plant collecting, inspiring global competition among European states. The mission, organized by Joseph II's enlightened absolutist state, aimed to replenish Schönbrunn’s devastated greenhouse after an accident and expand the empire’s natural history collections. Unlike colonial powers, the Habsburg Monarchy lacked overseas territories but leveraged its scientific and diplomatic influence to spur advancements in economic botany, particularly in Pacific Northwest exploration. The expedition’s success underscored the Habsburgs' role in transitioning global science toward public knowledge dissemination and national interests, challenging traditional narratives of colonial dominance.
