W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
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2017 —
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A key transboundary protected area complex in West Africa, the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, shows significant spatial heterogeneity in anthropogenic pressure, with high protection status areas more effective at preventing land conversion. The study, using a novel methodology to compare land cover change across large remote areas, found widespread agricultural expansion outside protected areas over 13 years. Differences in cropland expansion rates between countries suggest a link to rural population growth. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessments that leverage remote sensing data to better understand and monitor the ecological outcomes of transboundary conservation efforts.
Mount Athos
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2017 —
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Temporary protective structures for medieval buildings on Mount Athos, including the Hilandar Monastery complex, have been validated through practical application, offering robust recommendations for future preservation efforts. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these structures under real-world conditions, ensuring they align with site management requirements while safeguarding cultural heritage. By analyzing completed structures and their outcomes, researchers provide actionable guidelines for planning, design, and implementation, contributing to the long-term conservation of UNESCO-listed sites like Mount Athos—renowned for its unique monastic complex and restricted access.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that cave sediments from the Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, including Malapa, Sterkfontein, and Dinaledi, contain Proterozoic-aged manganese ooids, peloids, and indurated mudstone fragments. These materials, with apparent ages ranging from 476 ± 13 Ma to 2096 ± 13 Ma, are not directly linked to cave formation processes but provide critical insights into the origin of the sediments. The findings suggest that these components were derived from higher stratigraphic levels of the Transvaal Supergroup, trapped in karst features over time and later washed into the caves. This research challenges previous assumptions about sediment provenance and offers a new perspective on the geological history of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Western Tien-Shan
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2017 —
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A comprehensive inventory of pteromalid wasp species (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) from the Karatau and Talas Alatau Ridges in Western Tien Shan is documented for the first time. The study identifies 88 species across 43 genera, with 81 species newly recorded for the Karatau Ridge and 16 for adjacent areas of the Talas Alatau Ridge. This represents a significant expansion of known biodiversity in this region, providing critical data on host associations, habitats, and geographic distributions. The research employs systematic sampling and taxonomic analysis to contribute valuable insights into the ecological diversity of this UNESCO-listed landscape.
Kinabalu Park
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2017 —
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Most urban parks in Kota Kinabalu serve distinct functions, primarily recreation and aesthetics, while some also address soil erosion. A survey of 160 park visitors revealed that 95.6% recognized separate roles for each park, with Prince Philip Public Park and others prioritizing recreation, Tugu Petagas Public Park focusing on aesthetics, and Signal Hill Park aiding in erosion control. Additionally, 76.9% of respondents understood urban forestry as the planning and management of trees in cities, indicating public awareness of this concept.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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2017 —
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The Large European Array for Pulsars (LEAP) has significantly advanced pulsar science by combining five European radio telescopes—Lovell, Effelsberg, Nançay, Sardinia, and Westerbork—into a single tied-array system. This collaboration has enabled monthly observations of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) with enhanced sensitivity, surpassing the capabilities of individual telescopes. Over four years of LEAP data have been analyzed, contributing to various scientific projects, including timing and imaging studies, such as observations of the galactic center radio magnetar. The project leverages a purpose-built correlator at Jodrell Bank Observatory to process baseband data recorded at 1396 MHz with a bandwidth of 128 MHz, demonstrating its versatility in both timing and imaging modes.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2017 —
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The Qhapaq Ñan, an extensive Andean road system spanning six South American countries, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site through collaborative efforts. This recognition underscores its archaeological and anthropological significance, revealing it as a monumental pre-Columbian network. The study highlights the challenges and opportunities arising from this status, emphasizing the need for robust international management systems that integrate local communities to balance social benefits with conservation goals. Focusing on Peru, the research advocates for a coordinated approach to mitigate negative impacts while fulfilling UNESCO commitments. Practical applications are demonstrated through initiatives like the Huánuco Pampa–Huamachuco project, which implements these strategies effectively.
Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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A striking landscape of rock art, spanning approximately 8000 m² on steep karst cliffs, was inscribed into UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2016. This site, Mt. Huashan (locally known as 'pay laiz,' meaning a mountain with colorful paintings), features ancient rock paintings dating to the late Eastern Han dynasty (AD 25–220). The artwork is part of a broader cultural landscape comprising 38 sites along the Zuojiang River valley in southern China, where karst and riverine features create a unique setting. This recognition underscores the site's historical significance and its integration with the surrounding natural environment.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2017 —
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Research reveals significant soil degradation, particularly in cassava plantations within the Córrego dos Micos watershed in Paraty, Brazil, due to frequent burning practices. The study highlights how different land uses impact the physical quality of Haplic Cambisols, emphasizing the role of soil properties like texture, bulk density, and aggregate stability in assessing soil health. By comparing various land uses—including areas affected by burning—the findings underscore the need for integrated field surveys and laboratory analyses to guide sustainable soil management practices. This work provides critical insights for local communities to mitigate erosion and preserve biodiversity in this UNESCO-recognized cultural and biological landscape.
Bryggen
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2017 —
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A significant advancement in the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been achieved through the quantification and visualization of in situ degradation at Bryggen, Bergen. This study reveals that the preservation potential of organic archaeological deposits is heavily influenced by hydrological conditions, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the site's natural environment for effective protective management. By employing multidisciplinary subsurface data and 3D framework modeling, researchers have successfully mapped degradation rates, providing a crucial tool for monitoring and conserving this historic site. The findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental context into archaeological preservation strategies to mitigate ongoing degradation processes.
Wadden Sea
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2017 —
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Small islands in the Wadden Sea, particularly the Northfrisian Halligen, face significant storm surge risks due to their low-lying nature. A key finding from this study is the establishment of maximum allowed water depths on artificial dwelling mounds—critical structures that remain above water during extreme weather events—to prioritize protection measures. Using numerical simulations, researchers tested compliance with these safety standards by modeling wave overtopping effects, providing a data-driven approach to assess flood risks. This method offers a scientific basis for improving the resilience of these unique coastal communities, traditionally reliant on non-scientific design practices.
Ningaloo Coast
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2017 —
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Shark depredation, where sharks consume hooked fish before they can be retrieved, occurs frequently in recreational fisheries and can lead to higher mortality rates for target species, injuries to sharks, and negative impacts on the fishing experience. A study conducted in the Ningaloo Marine Park and Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, found that shark depredation occurred on 38.7% of fishing trips from west coast boat ramps and 41.9% of trips from Exmouth Gulf boat ramps between July 2015 and May 2016. The study surveyed 248 boats at west coast ramps and 155 at Exmouth Gulf, quantifying depredation rates for demersal fishing (13.7%) and trolling (11.8%) in the west coast, compared to 11.5% and 7.2%, respectively, in the Exmouth Gulf. Spatial variation was observed, with higher depredation rates in areas of greater fishing pressure, suggesting a possible behavioral association in depredating sharks. Depth, number of nearby boats, and survey period influenced depredation rates in the west coast, while fishing pressure and latitude affected depredation in the Exmouth Gulf. This is the first quantitative assessment of shark depredation in an Australian recreational fishery, offering insights to help fishers and managers mitigate its impact.
Western Tien-Shan
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2017 —
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A steady total shortening rate of 6–9 mm/yr has been maintained across the western Tarim Basin during the Quaternary, despite spatial and temporal variations in deformation. This finding emerges from a synthesis of active structures in the Pamir‐Tian Shan convergence zone, where deformation rates on eight faults and folds range between ~0.1 and 5.6 mm/yr. The study combines geologic and geomorphic mapping with differential GPS surveys of deformed terraces and optically stimulated luminescence dating to delineate the timing, rate, and migration of Quaternary deformation. It reveals that while deformation is concentrated at the interface of the Pamir‐Tian Shan orogens in the westernmost Tarim Basin, it becomes more distributed across a zone of faults and folds farther east, with shortening rates varying on individual structures.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking molecular study reveals that the evolutionary history of Platypleura cicadas in Japan, Ryukyu Islands, and Taiwan was significantly shaped by Quaternary vicariance events. The research identified two distinct monophyletic sister groups based on wing coloration—dark-winged and light-winged clades—and traced their divergence to approximately 1.55 million years ago, coinciding with the geological formation of the Ryukyu Islands. Phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear genes uncovered nine genetically distinct clades, each exhibiting unique island-specific distributions. Notably, P. kaempferi populations on different islands show significant genetic differentiation despite their morphological similarity. The study also estimated molecular clock rates for the studied genes, providing insights into the temporal dynamics of cicada evolution in this region.
City of Quito
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2017 —
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Quito, Ecuador's capital and the first city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, faces challenges in balancing urban heritage preservation with sustainable development. A recent study highlights that innovative cultural programs, such as 'Tell me about your Quito,' have successfully redefined heritage by involving residents in its creation and appropriation. This approach, emerging within the context of Ecuador's 'Citizens' Revolution' and 'Good Living State' policies, suggests a shift towards a 'right to heritage.' This inclusive tool fosters urban spaces where residents can actively participate, potentially leading to more democratic and sustainable urban planning practices.
Macquarie Island
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2017 —
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A successful rabbit eradication campaign on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, using the Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), challenged the prevailing notion that cool or humid climates limit RHDV efficacy. The study found that heavy rabbit mortality occurred despite these conditions, suggesting that a non-pathogenic calicivirus (RCV-A1) present in other regions may instead inhibit RHDV spread and reduce disease severity. This discovery advanced understanding of both pest control dynamics and the epidemiology of RHDV, demonstrating its potential as an effective tool even in challenging environments. The research also highlighted how RHDV complemented traditional eradication methods, such as aerial baiting, by reducing secondary poisoning risks to seabirds.
Angkor
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study leverages radar interferometry to uncover critical threats facing the Angkor site, offering new insights that could inform sustainable conservation strategies for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By analyzing subtle ground deformations over time, researchers identified patterns of subsidence and structural instability, which are not easily detectable through conventional methods. This approach provides a more precise understanding of environmental and anthropogenic pressures affecting the site, such as groundwater extraction and urban development. The findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced remote sensing techniques into conservation planning to mitigate risks and ensure long-term preservation.
Angkor
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2017 —
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A speleothem from southern Cambodia, analyzed using radiocarbon dating, reveals a significant growth hiatus between approximately 1250 and 1650 AD, coinciding with decades-long droughts documented in regional climate records. This finding provides critical evidence linking the decline of the medieval Khmer kingdom at Angkor to severe arid conditions during the 14th–16th centuries. The study employed accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) on 50 carbonate samples along the speleothem's growth axis, with chronological reconstruction validated by two independent age-depth models. The abrupt shift in radiocarbon values at a depth of 34.4–35.2 mm marks the onset of this prolonged drought period, offering new insights into the environmental factors contributing to the collapse of Angkor.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
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2017 —
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Radiocarbon dating reveals that the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Middle Byzantine art and architecture, was constructed in the early 11th century. Analysis of wooden samples from the church's scaffolding and buttresses indicates that the four buttresses were built in at least two phases, spanning from the 15th to the 19th centuries, while the monastery gate likely dates to the 19th century. The study employed conventional gas-counting radiocarbon dating techniques on 17 wood samples, providing new chronological insights into the development of this significant monastic complex.
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
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2017 —
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Raffles City Hangzhou (RCH), a mixed-use development near the Qiantang River, exemplifies advanced engineering in creating free-form, hybrid structures. The 60-story complex features two 250-meter twisting towers with wave-like designs, integrating retail, offices, housing, and hotels across nearly 400,000 square meters. Its structural system combines a composite moment frame with concrete core, utilizing concrete-filled steel tubular (CFT) columns and steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) beams for the outer frame, while internal slabs are reinforced concrete. This study provides a detailed analysis of the design and construction challenges of such complex, multi-functional skyscrapers, offering valuable insights for future projects in cultural landscapes like Hangzhou's Quianjiang New Town Area.
Fatehpur Sikri
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2017 —
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Fatehpur Sikri, once the seat of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, is celebrated not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its rich musical heritage. The study 'Ragatime: Glimpses of Akbar’s Court at Fatehpur Sikri' presents a unique interpretation of Raga Bilaskhani Todi, encapsulating the principles of dhrupad, a genre of Hindustani classical music developed by Akbar's court musician Mian Tansen. The piece, 'Ragatime,' begins with an alap setting the emotional tone and transitions into an extended improvisation (gat) marked by rhythmic drumming, showcasing subtle musical nuances that distinguish one raga from another. This work underscores the enduring relevance of Tansen’s compositions, which remain influential among contemporary raga performers. By blending traditional musical elements with modern interpretation, 'Ragatime' offers a glimpse into the flourishing music culture at Fatehpur Sikri during Akbar's reign.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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2017 —
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A whitenose shark, Nasolamia velox, has been documented traveling over 400 km from the mainland coast of Mexico to the oceanic Revillagigedo Archipelago, significantly expanding its known distribution range. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the species' limited coastal habitat in the Eastern Pacific and suggests potential connectivity between the Gulf of California and the Revillagigedo Archipelago. The study used acoustic telemetry and video recordings from 2014 to 2016 to track this unprecedented migratory movement, providing new insights into the species' behavior and ecology.
Ogasawara Islands
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2017 —
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A rapid decline in the pH of coral calcification fluid (pHCF) due to anthropogenic CO2 incorporation has been observed in Porites corals within the Ogasawara Islands, threatening their ability to calcify. Using boron isotopic ratio (δ11B) measurements, researchers found a significant decrease in δ11B since 1960 at two sites: Chichijima and Kikaijima Islands. This decline indicates that pHCF is highly sensitive to changes in ambient seawater pH (pHSW), suggesting that coral calcification fluid will become less supersaturated with respect to aragonite by mid-century, earlier than anticipated, despite corals' natural pHCF-upregulating mechanisms.
Kathmandu Valley
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2017 —
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Between 1989 and 2016, the urban area of the Kathmandu Valley expanded by 412%, driven primarily by the conversion of agricultural land. This rapid urban growth, analyzed through a pixel-based hybrid classification of Landsat imagery, reveals a concentric expansion pattern along major roads, significantly altering the valley's cityscape. The study identifies rural-to-urban migration and the centrality of Kathmandu as key proximate causes behind this transformation. While most expansion occurred between 1989 and 2009, urban growth continues, underscoring the need for systematic monitoring of land use and land cover changes in this Himalayan metropolitan valley.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2017 —
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Research on Mutnovsky Volcano's geothermal waters reveals that rare earth element (REE) concentrations vary significantly with water type, peaking in calcium-sulfate (Ca-SO₄) waters. The study highlights the critical role of pH in influencing REE content and fractionation, offering new insights into the geochemical behavior of these elements in volcanic environments. Investigators analyzed major ions and REEs across different hot springs to assess their distribution patterns and environmental controls. This work contributes to understanding the complex interactions between hydrothermal systems and volcanic processes, with implications for both academic research and conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kamchatka's volcanoes.
Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining
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2017 —
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Rasa Island, once a thriving company town of the Rasa Phosphate Industry Inc., offers a counter-narrative to Japan's celebratory industrialization history. Now abandoned, the island reveals the darker, more complex aspects of industrialization that are often overlooked in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like those representing Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution. This study uses critical heritage studies to explore what 'industrial heritage' signifies in post-industrial societies and how it is performed at these sites. By contrasting Rasa Island with the more sanitized narratives found at other heritage sites, the research highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of industrial heritage, one that acknowledges both its achievements and its often-neglected consequences.
Historic City of Yazd
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2017 —
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A study of the historic district of Imamzadeh Ja'far in Yazd, Iran, reveals hidden layers and structural elements that have been neglected or destroyed by contemporary urban projects. The research, combining historical and descriptive-analysis methods, identifies the development process of the district, its relation to the city's historic route from Shahi gate to Mosala, and the evolution of the bazaar. These findings highlight the importance of preserving historical context in urban planning to avoid irreparable damage to the town's structure.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
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2017 —
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A critical examination of UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) benefits, particularly for industrial heritage, reveals that while WHS status is often assumed to bring economic advantages, its actual impact has been questioned. The study, focusing on the UK's experience with nominations like the Forth Bridge and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, highlights how public consultation and international recognition can overcome skepticism about the value of WHS designation. Despite initial doubts raised by the UK Government and consultants in 2007, which even considered halting nominations, the successful inscription of the Forth Bridge in 2015 demonstrated tangible benefits. This case study underscores the potential for industrial heritage sites to drive regional development when supported by robust nomination processes and global recognition.
Site of Palmyra
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2017 —
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Digital reconstruction techniques have successfully revived the lost grandeur of Palmyra, Syria which was extensively destroyed by conflict and vandalism. This study presents 3D models of key structures such as the Temple of Bel, Temple of Baalshamin, Grand Colonnaded Street, and the theatre, offering 'ghost images' that accurately depict their former glory during the Greco-Roman period. By leveraging digital tools, researchers have preserved Palmyra's cultural heritage in virtual space, countering its physical erasure and reviving its historical significance in collective memory.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2017 —
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Recent interpretations of the late-12th-century rebuilding of Canterbury Cathedral's east end, following the 1174 fire, reveal deeper connections between architectural innovations and the promotion of Thomas Becket's cult. Advances in archaeological analysis have clarified design changes during construction, linking them to shifting historical contexts and liturgical practices. This work also highlights the symbolic significance of materials and media used, offering a richer understanding of their role in late-12th-century European cultural and religious settings.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2017 —
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A recent study confirms the invasion of European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) onto Fraser Island (K’gari) and South Stradbroke Island, two significant RAMSAR wetland areas off Queensland’s southeast coast. Through camera trap footage and scat analysis collected between 2012 and 2016, researchers documented seven fox observations on Fraser Island and verified fox presence on South Stradbroke Island via DNA testing and subsequent camera traps in 2016. This discovery indicates the establishment of small fox populations, posing a critical threat to native fauna that have historically lacked exposure to these predators. The findings underscore the urgent need for predator eradication efforts to prevent widespread ecological damage before it becomes irreversible.
Olympic National Park
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2017 —
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A recent study found stable or increasing landbird populations in three Pacific Northwest National Parks—Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic—between 2005 and 2014. Contrary to expectations in a changing climate, most species showed positive trends, particularly migratory birds across all parks and resident birds in one park. The research linked this stability to a regional snowfall deficit, as population density inversely correlated with precipitation-as-snow but weakly correlated with spring temperature. Using Bayesian hierarchical N-mixture models, the study integrated advanced statistical techniques to account for detection probabilities, spatial autocorrelation, and environmental covariates, providing a robust framework for climate impact assessment. This work highlights the resilience of park ecosystems while offering tools for adaptive management in the face of climate change.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2017 —
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A recent Israel Supreme Court ruling has allowed the transfer of the Rockefeller Museum's collections, library, and archives from East Jerusalem to West Jerusalem, challenging international law governing institutions in occupied territories. The decision asserts Israeli jurisdiction over antiquities in East Jerusalem, despite its non-recognition as part of Israel under international law. This case highlights tensions between national interests and international legal frameworks, particularly concerning the status of cultural heritage in contested regions. The Rockefeller Museum, established in 1938 during the British Mandate, has served as a pivotal institution for Palestinian antiquities, with its collections spanning Ottoman, British, Jordanian, and Israeli periods. The ruling raises broader questions about the future of institutions in East Jerusalem and the implications for cultural heritage preservation.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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Empress Dowager Cixi redefined patriarchal spaces by transforming the Gardens of Nurtured Harmony into an arena of female agency, challenging traditional gender norms. The study reveals how she leveraged architectural reconstruction to assert her authority as a ruler and matron of art, hosting significant events like a formal reception for Prince Henry of Prussia in 1897. Cixi's patronage extended to pioneering photographic and oil portrait experiments, culminating in an unprecedented opening of imperial domestic space to international scrutiny when American painter Katharine Carl documented her stay in a widely circulated memoir (1905). The research scrutinizes these strategies, arguing that the garden became a symbol of Cixi’s influence and female empowerment within Qing imperial culture.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2017 —
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A detailed analysis of inscribed pottery from four Hera sanctuaries reveals that only two—those on Samos and Naukratis—produce the distinctive red-marked 'Hera-vases.' Contrary to prior assumptions, these vases were likely utilitarian work tools rather than ritual dining ware. The study correlates their production with major construction phases at the Samian Heraion, offering new insights into their functional significance.
Site of Palmyra
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2017 —
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The reconstruction of cultural heritage sites, such as Palmyra, destroyed by conflict, serves political agendas and is deployed to rewrite history. This study examines the semantics of continuous attempts to reconstruct Syria’s heritage during ongoing war, highlighting how destruction and reconstruction are used to erase physical evidence and impose ideological narratives. It explores the deliberate targeting of archaeological monuments from prehistoric, Byzantine, Roman, and Islamic periods by non-state radical actors like Daesh, who also targeted local people, museum staff, and facilities. The research approach involves analyzing the political dimensions of heritage reconstruction in conflict zones, emphasizing its role in erasing cultural significance and serving socio-political objectives.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2017 —
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A new analysis of residential houses and workshops at Pucara de Tilcara, a key Inca site in Quebrada de Humahuaca (Argentina), reveals intricate patterns of socioeconomic organization. By applying biographical analyses—tracking the life histories of structures through their construction, use, and abandonment—the study uncovers how the Inca adapted pre-existing Tiwanaku traditions to their own administrative needs. This approach highlights the dynamic interplay between indigenous practices and Inca governance, offering a nuanced understanding of how large-scale societies managed labor, resources, and cultural continuity in the region.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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Rafael Contreras, head restorer of the Alhambra from 1847 to 1889, played a pivotal role in shaping the palace's modern appearance by introducing an 'Oriental' aesthetic. His restoration efforts were paralleled by a thriving business selling architectural models and plaster casts, reviving ancient Nasrid techniques while innovating new ones. These objects, marketed as souvenirs, particularly to British tourists, disseminated Contreras' vision of the Alhambra globally. The study highlights his dual role in conservation and commercialization, illustrating how restoration practices intertwined with tourism during the 19th century.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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Accurate and purpose-driven digital recording of architectural heritage information is essential for effective conservation, management, and research. The study highlights that understanding the nature and value of heritage sites should guide technology selection rather than being driven by it. It emphasizes that appropriate accuracy levels, tailored to specific needs such as structural analysis or display, are more critical than high precision alone. Using the Summer Palace in Beijing as a case study, the research demonstrates how digital recording practices—including Close Range Photogrammetry and 3D Laser Scanning—can support heritage conservation when aligned with clear objectives. The findings underscore that technology should serve as a means to an end, not the primary goal, in heritage preservation efforts.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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Medieval Muslim architects in al-Andalus employed intuitive bioclimatic strategies to mitigate extreme Mediterranean climates, with a focus on passive cooling and thermal comfort. A study on the Infants’ Tower in the Alhambra of Granada reveals that its eight mashrabiyas (lattice windows) significantly enhance indoor thermal comfort during summer through natural ventilation. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, researchers demonstrated how these ancient design elements optimize energy efficiency while preserving historical integrity. The findings highlight the potential for integrating traditional bioclimatic solutions into modern energy retrofit projects for heritage buildings.
Medina of Fez
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A spatial redeployment of craft workshops from Fez's medina to new activity zones has sparked significant territorial revitalization, combining local economic, political, and social dynamics. This shift, exemplified by the brassware industry in Fez, reveals an emerging form of economic organization with far-reaching effects on training, spatial planning, and territorial dynamism. The study employs a conceptual framework rooted in 'territory' and 'territorial approach,' analyzing how diverse factors—ranging from industrial dynamics to social structures—interact to drive local development. By examining this case, the research underscores the potential for localized economic transformation through strategic spatial reorganization.
Historic Centre of Macao
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Rapid tourism growth in Macao's historic centre has exacerbated traffic congestion and pollution, particularly along narrow streets like San Ma Lou Avenue, where tall buildings trap particulate matter. This study identifies the urban design flaws contributing to these issues and proposes green solutions that could mitigate environmental impacts while preserving the area's historic integrity. Drawing on experiences from other global tourist cities, the research advocates for interventions that enhance liveability for residents and visitor experience without compromising the built environment.
Chitwan National Park
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After being presumed extinct for over three decades, the critically endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) was rediscovered in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, in January 2016. This marks its first confirmed presence in the park since 1984, expanding its known range within Nepal's national parks. The discovery was documented through photographic evidence, confirming the species' survival in isolated grassland patches. The study highlights the urgent need for further research on the hare's population status and distribution across Nepal's lowland grasslands, given the rapid decline driven by anthropogenic pressures and grassland fires. This finding underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect this rare mammal, which is found only in Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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Scientists have rediscovered the type series of the Sacred Shrew, <em>Sorex religiosus</em>, previously believed lost since 1968. The specimens, part of Joseph Passalacqua's collection from ancient Thebes, were found in the Ägyptisches Museum, Berlin, and include 22 embalmed shrews used by Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire to describe the species in 1826. This discovery resolves taxonomic ambiguity surrounding <em>S. religiosus</em>, which was later reclassified as <em>Crocidura religiosa</em>. The study also identified an additional shrew species, <em>Crocidura pasha</em>, previously unrecorded from ancient Egypt, suggesting greater biodiversity in past Egyptian ecosystems. Researchers designated a lectotype to stabilize the species' taxonomic status and provided insights into ancient mummification practices.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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The Jewish community of Djerba, Tunisia, is leveraging tourism to reassert its role within the modern nation-state while preserving the vitality of its annual pilgrimage to El Ghriba, the oldest synagogue in North Africa. This strategy addresses challenges such as population decline and political underrepresentation, as well as security concerns following a 2002 attack and the 2011 revolution. The study analyzes how tourism serves as a tool for the community to affirm its citizenship, with the pilgrimage now supported by state officials and protected by military forces, underscoring its significance to Tunisia's economic and security landscape.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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A groundbreaking analysis of Late Shahi-Tump ware, a high-quality ceramic from the Indo-Iranian Borderlands dating to ca. 3000 BC, reveals significant patterns of regional and long-distance exchange during the Early Bronze Age. Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) demonstrated that this 'prestige' ceramic, often associated with Emir Grey ware, circulated not only intraregionally in Southwestern Pakistan but also across a vast interregional sphere, indicating dynamic trade networks. The study underscores the Indo-Iranian Borderlands as a pivotal hub for ceramic production and exchange, a trend that intensified during the 3rd millennium BC. This finding provides rare insights into the social and economic relationships of Early Bronze Age communities in this region.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
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Despite efforts by both national and state governments to regulate groundwater use through multiple mechanisms—including direct state control, groundwater markets, energy pricing, and user self-regulation—the effectiveness of these policies has been undermined in Guanajuato, Mexico. The study reveals that the close interdependencies among regulatory instruments have hindered their ability to reduce groundwater consumption, preventing progress toward sustainable exploitation levels. Researchers analyzed policy outcomes in the field, demonstrating how complex governance structures can inadvertently weaken environmental sustainability efforts.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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An attempt to re-establish the greater stick-nest rat (Leporillus conditor) on the mainland of Western Australia, after over 60 years of absence, proved unsuccessful despite efforts to mitigate predation. Forty-eight rats were translocated from Salutation Island to Heirisson Prong in Shark Bay between 1999 and 2001, with a focus on creating a predator-free refuge (17 ha) within a larger controlled area (1200 ha). While the rats dispersed beyond the refuge and showed signs of reproduction—with 28 recruits detected over eight years—the population declined steadily. Predation by monitors and small birds of prey within the refuge, along with feral cats outside it, likely contributed to the failure, compounded by an irruption of other rodents that increased predator pressure. Despite better mean condition than source populations, survivorship among later cohorts and recruits was significantly lower, highlighting the challenges of reintroduction in such ecosystems.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2017 —
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Research in Ischigualasto Provincial Park reveals that exotic herbivores exhibit broader and more consistent trophic niche breadth compared to native species, which show narrower niches, particularly during the dry season. Despite low densities of exotic species, diet overlap between natives and exotics remains stable across seasons, suggesting minimal competition for food resources. The study highlights the importance of permanent monitoring to assess potential future impacts of exotic species on native herbivore communities in this hyper-arid Monte region.
Serengeti National Park
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2017 —
WHE2EB5B41CE4
A study of 390 tourists visiting Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) found that visitors generally experienced more than they expected, except for the availability of fast internet and Wi-Fi. The research, conducted in August 2016, revealed a strong positive correlation between tourists' expectations before their trip and their actual experiences after visiting. Wildlife was identified as the primary motivation for tourism in SENAPA. The findings suggest that SENAPA management should invest in expanding tourist activities, provide more comprehensive information about park attractions through effective advertising, and improve internet connectivity to better meet visitor expectations.
