Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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A policy of exclusion through street renaming in West Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, has been identified as a strategy to nationalize public space and replace socialist commemorative spaces with Croat national history. The study reveals that this process involves two key steps: de-commemorating the old name and establishing a new one, often leading to disputes among Bosniak, Croat, and Serb communities. While the renaming aims to erase past associations, its acceptance by local citizens is limited, suggesting that the new commemorative space does not fully replace the old one. The research examines the political implications of these changes, highlighting the tension between historical memory and contemporary identity in a post-war context.
Salonga National Park
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A shift from colonial-era conservation paradigms to a 'bottom-up logic' is essential for the sustainable management of Africa's protected areas, including Salonga National Park (DRC). This study highlights that traditional top-down approaches, rooted in neo-colonialism, have failed to integrate local values and community needs. Instead, a people-centered model—prioritizing long-term environmental stewardship and equitable benefits—offers a path forward. The research contrasts these opposing logics, emphasizing the need for African nations to reclaim agency in conservation while adapting to globalization's demands. It underscores that redefining protected area functions and restoring local rights are critical for their relevance and effectiveness in modern contexts.
Mount Huangshan
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A study analyzing the online image representation of Huangshan reveals that its digital portrayal is structured around three core elements: tourism resources, facilities, and services. These elements are consistently demonstrated across various media forms, with different information sources emphasizing distinct aspects. The research employs semiotic theory, content analysis, and visual analysis to decode photographic and textual data from official online media and tourism marketers. Findings highlight a common tendency toward consistency in the depiction of Huangshan's image, underscoring its significance in shaping tourist perceptions.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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Ferocactus recurvus subsp. recurvus, a barrel cactus endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, exhibits self-incompatibility and relies on cross-pollination for reproduction, with fruit set reaching 100% under controlled conditions. The study, conducted across three semiarid sites in Mexico, revealed that native bees are primary pollinators, while flies, ants, thrips, and hummingbirds also visit flowers but do not effectively pollinate. Flowers last 2–5 days with stigma receptivity peaking on the second or third day. Nectar production is scarce, and seed germination rates are higher from cross-pollinated seeds compared to self-pollination. These findings underscore the species' dependence on specific pollinators for survival, providing critical data for conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed valley.
Manú National Park
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Recent taxonomic revisions have split the genus <em>Hylophilus</em> into multiple genera, including the monotypic <em>Tunchiornis</em>. A study in Manu National Park, Peru, provides detailed insights into the reproductive biology of <em>Tunchiornis ochraceiceps</em>, supporting its distinct classification. Researchers documented three cup-nests constructed with green moss externally and straw fibers internally, measuring 48.6 × 49.2 mm (inner) and 66.6 × 61 mm (outer), with a wall thickness of 9.8 mm and an inner depth of 38.7 mm. Eggs were creamy-white with dark-brown spots, averaging 18.3 ± 0.4 × 13.1 ± 0.3 mm in size and 1.73 ± 0.12 g in mass. Incubation lasted 15 days at an average temperature of 32.35 ± 3.11 °C, with a nestling period of 11 days. Nest attentiveness was recorded at 64%. The study highlights differences in nesting materials between <em>Tunchiornis</em> and related genera, advancing understanding of this phylogenetically divergent group.
Shiretoko
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Brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) in the Rusha area of Shiretoko, Hokkaido, Japan, exhibit among the highest reproductive rates globally, with females producing 0.70 to 0.76 young per year. A long-term study (2006–2016) tracking 15 philopatric females revealed key parameters: mean age of first reproduction at 5.3 years, litter sizes averaging 1.76 cubs, and inter-birth intervals of 2.43 to 2.53 years. Cub survival rates (60–73%) peaked in mortality during summer (July–August), likely due to nutritional stress. These findings align with global trends but highlight Shiretoko's unique demographic dynamics, offering critical insights for conservation strategies.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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A comprehensive analysis of Antarctic sea star biogeography reveals that reproductive strategy—brooding versus broadcasting—significantly influences species distribution across the Southern Ocean. The study, based on over 14,000 asteroid occurrences, identified distinct biogeographic patterns, including the isolation of New Zealand and high richness in the Scotia Arc region, particularly among brooding species. It also highlighted faunal affinities between South America and sub-Antarctic islands while noting lower endemism levels than previously reported (29% Antarctica-only species). The research used advanced statistical methods like bootstrapped spanning network (BSN), non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS), and clustering to uncover these patterns, which align with findings from other marine groups. The study suggests that historical factors further shape biogeographic differences at taxonomic levels.
Historic City of Meknes
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2017 —
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In contemporary Morocco, reptiles are extensively traded for medicinal purposes despite legal protections, with an estimated annual turnover of 1,520 Mediterranean chameleons and 775 Bell's Dabb lizards. A survey conducted in 49 wildlife markets across 20 Moroccan towns and two Spanish exclaves between 2013-2014 identified at least nine reptile species, including the Mediterranean chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) and Bell's Dabb lizard (Uromastyx acanthinura), with a combined value of approximately US $100,000. The study found that markets in Marrakesh, Meknes, Casablanca, and Fez were the most prominent, with significant trade in both dried and live specimens. Notably, over 200 African rock python (Python sebae) skins were identified, suggesting potential illicit imports from other parts of Africa. Despite regulations under CITES, traders often do not disclose the legal status or restrictions on these species, highlighting the need for increased enforcement to prevent further exploitation and its impact on imperiled species.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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Gentrification in Porto's historic center is primarily driven by housing degradation, not rehabilitation. Sonia Alves' study challenges the assumption that low-income families are displaced by upper-middle-class residents due to housing improvements. Instead, it finds that economic and social changes under neoliberal policies have led to commercial gentrification, increasing the risk of residential flight from the area. The research combines qualitative analysis—including interviews with residents, former residents, and officials—and quantitative data on population and housing trends. This dual approach reveals a complex dynamic where degradation, rather than renovation, is the main catalyst for displacement.
Old Town of Lijiang
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A study analyzing microblog check-in data reveals that foreign tourists, particularly young and middle-aged females, drive tourism activities in Lijiang's scenic areas, with a predominant positive emotional response (43.82%). High-popularity attractions like the Old Town of Lijiang, Lugu Lake, and Yulong Snow Mountain dominate tourist interest, while sites such as Baisha Mural and Shigu Town attract significantly less attention. The research leverages spatial-temporal analysis to map tourist emotions, aligning with the development of key tourist zones in Lijiang.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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A study of the Badain Jaran Desert's lakes reveals that deep confined groundwater, likely sourced from surrounding mountain precipitation, is the primary water source sustaining these oases. Contrary to assumptions, the research found that rainfall alone cannot balance lake evaporation losses, with only 13% of the annual recharge (11,620 m³/day) coming from precipitation. The remaining 87% is supplied by deep groundwater leakage, showing minimal seasonal variation. Dynamic monitoring and a 3D groundwater model demonstrated that both lake and groundwater levels peak in April and reach their lowest in November, with amplitudes of 22 cm and 18 cm, respectively. These findings challenge the notion of long-distance fracture-fed water transport and provide critical insights for sustainable groundwater management in this arid ecosystem.
Historic City of Yazd
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Residents of the historic center of Yazd, particularly in the Fahadan neighborhood, exhibit a generally positive perception toward tourism development. The study reveals three major impacts: improved physical and environmental quality due to government and private sector initiatives; positive social and cultural changes through interactions with foreign tourists; and increased community awareness and pride in their heritage. However, there are concerns about the potential 'museumification' of the area and the commodification of heritage, which could lead to a loss of authenticity. The research approach involved examining resident perceptions through interviews, highlighting both the benefits and risks of tourism in historic urban areas.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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Resettlement for nature-based tourism can generate economic benefits while minimizing psychological impacts on residents, but current relocation policies face substantial criticism. A 2015 survey of residents in China's Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Arearevealed that while participants acknowledged the potential for economic gains from relocation, they overwhelmingly viewed existing policies negatively. The study highlights room for improvement in managing such processes to better balance conservation goals with resident satisfaction and quality of life. Future research should explore how relocation strategies can enhance residents' overall well-being.
Purnululu National Park
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A novel framework for assessing the interactions between protected areas, tourism, and surrounding communities has been developed, offering a multi-scalar approach that accounts for system dynamics across different scales and timeframes. This framework provides an alternative to linear sustainability assessments and highlights potential interventions for long-term resilience. Applied in a case study of Purnululu National Park, Australia's World Heritage-listed site, the framework integrates local input with broader stakeholder views to construct a comprehensive understanding of social interactions within protected area tourism systems.
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
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Traditional ecological knowledge plays a pivotal role in the resilience of the Kel Tadrart Tuareg, enabling them to adapt successfully to erratic rainfall and scarce pastures in the Tadrart Acacus mountain range (southwest Libya). This finding emerged from an eight-year research program (2003–2011) that employed a multi-disciplinary approach, including oral interviews, participant observation, mapping of settlements, and localization of natural resources. The study sheds new light on the region's recent past by applying the Theory of Resilience to analyze how the Kel Tadrart's deep understanding of their environment has sustained their way of life despite harsh conditions.
Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
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Docentes en zonas vulnerables de Veracruz, México, pueden ser clave para fortalecer la resiliencia comunitaria frente a inundaciones agravadas por el cambio climático. Un estudio identificó que estos educadores, al ser actores sociales influyentes, promueven acciones que reducen la vulnerabilidad de las poblaciones locales. La investigación, realizada en Tlacotalpan, Cotaxtla y La Antigua, analizó tanto la resiliencia individual como comunitaria en docentes de bachillerato, destacando cómo su papel puede mitigar impactos climáticos severos, como ciclones tropicales intensificados por el calentamiento global. Los resultados iniciales sugieren que estos educadores son agentes potenciales para mejorar la capacidad de adaptación de comunidades en desarrollo, afectadas desproporcionadamente por fenómenos climáticos extremos.
Medina of Tunis
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A dynamic informal market in the Kherba district of Tunis's medina has transformed perceptions of urban degradation, illustrating complex long-term dynamics that challenge traditional preservation efforts. This study reveals how spontaneous reappropriation of abandoned spaces can reshape neighbourhood identity while posing risks to the medina's structural integrity. By combining archival research and field interviews, it traces the historical roots of marginalization—dating back to Ottoman and colonial eras—and links them to contemporary heritage conservation challenges. The findings highlight a paradox: informal urban reuse revitalizes neglected areas but may ultimately undermine the very fabric of protected sites like the medina of Tunis.
Serengeti National Park
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Herbivore habitat selection in the western Serengeti National Park varies significantly by species and season, challenging predictions based on competition or predation pressures. Research revealed that ungulates do not uniformly contract their habitat use during the dry season, nor does their selection remain static across seasons, contrary to expectations from either interspecific competition or predation-driven models. Instead, each species exhibits distinct seasonal shifts in resource utilization, reflecting nuanced behavioral adaptations. The study employed Chi-square analysis on occurrence frequencies in four vegetation types to quantify selection coefficients and test hypotheses, offering critical insights for constructing species-specific habitat suitability maps—a tool vital for targeted conservation efforts.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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One of the most enduring examples of ancient hydraulic engineering, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, built in the 3rd century BCE in Sichuan, China, demonstrates remarkable stability and functionality over two millennia. Unlike other Chinese water control systems that degraded, this system successfully managed floodwaters from the Min River, enabling widespread irrigation and water supply for the Chengdu Plateau. The study briefly examines its design, execution, and transformative impact on the region, highlighting its role as a foundational element of the Chinese Empire. By analyzing its historical resilience, the research underscores the system's engineering brilliance and enduring legacy in sustainable water management.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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A high-pressure earth mortar injection system has been identified as an effective method for consolidating the southern wall of the Medieval access road to the Generalife, part of the UNESCO-listed Alhambra and Generalife complex in Granada. This approach, tested during restoration works in 2005, offers a sustainable solution for preserving earthen structures with minimal intervention. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Getty Institute and Universidad de Granada, evaluates this technique alongside other historical repairs to establish criteria for assessing the aging and longevity of different restoration methods. By analyzing real models of material degradation, researchers aim to develop an optimal strategy for the general restoration of earthen architecture within the Alhambra palace complex, ensuring both conservation and sustainability.
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
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A compatible mortar formulation for the restoration of Volubilis' calcarenite stone, a key material at Morocco's UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been identified. The study found that incorporating brick dust as a lime substitute in aerial lime-based mortars significantly enhances compressive strength while reducing porosity and capillary absorption—critical properties for preservation. Conversely, using brick dust as an aggregate increases these undesirable traits. Regional materials like washed dolomitic sand were also integrated into nine mortar mixes, which underwent physical and mechanical testing after one month of maturation. The research confirms the pozzolanicity of brick dust, offering a promising approach to balancing durability with material compatibility for future conservation efforts at Volubilis.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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A critical insight from this study is the identification of optimal material ratios for restoring historic buildings in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Researchers found that using locally sourced sand with a grading pattern matching the original mortar, combined with lime at a ratio of 1:3 (lime to sand), significantly improves restoration outcomes. This approach mitigates the incompatibility issues caused by modern materials, which have accelerated deterioration in previously repaired buildings. The study employed visual investigations and laboratory tests—including chemical analysis, grading, compressive strength, and water absorption—to compare historic and contemporary repair materials. While similarities were observed, the optimal ratio for repair mortar was distinct from that of original materials, highlighting the need for tailored restoration techniques to preserve Zanzibar's architectural heritage effectively.
Churches of Moldavia
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A groundbreaking restoration project of the 17th-century mural paintings at Dragomirna Monastery Church revealed the church's unique artistic and architectural elements. The restoration, funded by the European Union between 2010 and 2012, uncovered extensive gilded surfaces and intricate stone-carved motifs—unprecedented in Moldavian medieval churches—that enhance the iconographic program spanning 22 registers. Using affresco and mezzo fresco techniques, the project adhered to international conservation standards and involved a team of 50 specialists. The restoration highlighted the church's original appearance and its influence from miniature painting techniques. This project won the 2014 EU Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards in the 'Conservation' category, receiving both the Grand Prix and Public Choice Award.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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UNESCO World Heritage designation has driven significant local and national development in Caribbean historic centers, but current conservation efforts often overlook urban and environmental challenges. This study reveals that rigid preservation approaches to colonial cities like La Habana, San Juan Viejo, Santo Domingo, and Cartagena de Indias create disruptions in broader urban functions such as environmental quality, mobility, and infrastructure. By analyzing legal-administrative documentation and urban planning frameworks, the research demonstrates the need for more integrated management strategies that align cultural heritage preservation with global urban regeneration goals. The findings propose joint actions based on the Caribbean Action Plan for World Heritage (2015-2019) to improve transversal governance, ensuring sustainable preservation of exceptional universal values while addressing modern urban and environmental demands.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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A critical shift in plague studies reveals the interconnected microbial and human histories of Mediterranean port cities, challenging Eurocentric narratives. This review essay synthesizes three key works—focusing on Dubrovnik (Ragusa), Venice, and Seville—that collectively illuminate shared plague experiences despite divergent administrative responses. The analysis highlights the 'microbial unification' of the early modern era, where these cities, as part of a tightly knit Mediterranean biome, exemplify global pathogen spread and its devastating impacts. Crawshaw's study on Venetian plague hospitals (lazaretti) stands out for its detailed reconstruction of public health efforts, including the world's first permanent plague hospital established in 1423, offering unprecedented insight into the lived experiences of victims and the organizational responses of health officials.
Monastery of Alcobaça
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Portuguese Cistercian monasteries, including the Monastery of Alcobaça, have undergone continuous architectural renewal and reform over nearly nine centuries, reflecting both regional construction traditions and broader cultural shifts. This study highlights how these monasteries absorbed local materials like granite in the north and limestone in the south while evolving stylistically and physically, often through expansions such as additional aisles or cloisters. Unconventional renewals, such as dual churches or open-air museums, also emerged from archaeological research. The findings underscore the monasteries' role in shaping Portuguese identity and culture, with ongoing reforms even in the 21st century driven by heritage institutes and individuals.
Stevns Klint
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A diverse Danian vertebrate fauna, spanning four classes and 54 identifiable genera, has been documented from southern Scandinavia. The study reveals that while fish remains are common in Danian limestones, the Fiskeler Member at Stevns Klint (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) stands out for its significant shark teeth and bony fish fragments. Articulated fish remains are also noted in the Limhamn quarry and København Limestone Formation. The research identifies a range of taxa, including the gavialoid crocodylian Thoracosaurus, fragmentary turtle material, and bird remains exclusively from the Limhamn quarry. Despite the fragmentary nature of many findings, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the region's vertebrate diversity during the Danian age.
Island of Gorée
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Scholarly research on the Island of Gorée, Senegal, challenges popular narratives by revealing that the number of slaves transiting through this early modern port was in the low thousands, not millions as often claimed. Despite its small size and limited slave trade volume, Gorée emerged as a significant commercial hub under French control (1677), with extensive mercantile ties to Europe, the Americas, and Indian Ocean islands like Mauritius and Réunion. Mark Hinchman's work, <em>Portrait of an Island</em>, meticulously examines the island's architecture and material culture from 1758 to 1837, providing a nuanced understanding of its role in transatlantic trade networks and African architectural exchanges.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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A groundbreaking study reveals the diversity of Lytopylus wasps (Agathidinae) in Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste, describing 32 new species. This revision provides detailed morphological descriptions and an interactive key for identification, alongside comprehensive ecological data linking these wasps to their host caterpillars and food plants. Genetic analysis using mitochondrial COI barcodes supported species delimitation, offering a robust taxonomic framework. The findings significantly advance our understanding of wasp biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed region, highlighting the importance of integrating molecular and ecological approaches in systematics.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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A critical analysis of the Kokalari Estate, a late Ottoman-era monument within Gjirokastra’s UNESCO World Heritage site, identifies key threats to its preservation and proposes revitalization strategies rooted in the vision of curator Arjeta Kokalari. The study highlights the estate’s architectural significance as a notable family residence and its symbolic role as a memorial to Musine Kokalari, a National Heroine. By examining structural vulnerabilities and historical context, the research offers actionable recommendations for conservation that balance heritage integrity with contemporary needs.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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Refaunation emerges as a promising, cost-effective strategy to restore ecological processes in defaunated Neotropical forests. A collaborative reintroduction network successfully reintroduced two key seed dispersers—the red-humped agouti and the brown howler monkey—into Tijuca National Park (TNP), Rio de Janeiro, between 2010 and 2017. Monitoring revealed that these species interacted with multiple plant species, including large-seeded ones, while 25 dung beetle species were found interacting with howler feces. The absence of medium to large frugivores in TNP before the reintroduction suggests a disproportionate positive effect on forest regeneration. Despite challenges such as environmental licensing delays and scarcity of source populations, this study demonstrates that targeted refaunation can effectively restore ecological interactions and support biodiversity recovery.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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A comprehensive analysis identifies twelve Rhododendron hotspots across China, covering 1.4% of the country's land area, with five key regions—southern Chongqing, south-eastern Tibet, north-western Yunnan, south-western Sichuan, and northern Guangdong—emerging as priority conservation areas due to their high diversity and overlap with threatened species. The study used a spatially explicit species assemblage modeling (SESAM) framework on a 10 × 10 km grid to predict the distribution of 212 Rhododendron species, evaluating diversity based on species richness, β-diversity, and weighted endemism. While 86.3% of threatened Rhododendron hotspots overlap with general hotspots, regions like southern Zhejiang and north-eastern Guizhou require additional protection to ensure comprehensive conservation. This is the first study to map Rhododendron diversity across China using these metrics, providing critical insights for conservation efforts.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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A study adjacent to the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, revealed 11 species of carnivorous mammals, representing 26% of the national and 64% of Campeche's Carnivora diversity. The research identified four trophic guilds—carnivores (5 species), omnivores (4), insectivores (1), and frugivores (1)—with notable presence of large predators like <em>Panthera onca</em> (jaguar) and <em>Puma concolor</em> (cougar). Camera traps recorded 76 photographic instances over a year, with <em>P. concolor</em> and <em>Leopardus wiedii</em> showing rapid detection, indicating high activity or abundance. The findings underscore the region's significance for Carnivora conservation, particularly as 55% of the species are threatened under Mexican law. This study highlights the importance of evaluating wildlife populations in areas bordering large reserves like Calakmul to inform conservation strategies.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Cerrado's herb-shrub flora, often overlooked in conservation efforts, exhibits significant spatial variation with highest species richness concentrated in central-southern and western regions. Using species distribution models (SDMs) for 5362 species, researchers identified two distinct floristic clusters at the core of the Cerrado and seven additional regions sharing elements with these clusters. Critically, many high-richness areas remain unprotected, highlighting a gap in current conservation strategies. This research underscores the urgent need to prioritize these regions for preservation to safeguard the Cerrado's unique herb-shrub biodiversity.
Kaziranga National Park
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Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rhinoceros population, has become a focal point of complex conservation challenges intertwined with socio-political dynamics. The study reveals that while the rhino is often deified in public discourse, there is a striking lack of attention to the human cost of anti-poaching measures, which have resulted in significant loss of life among young men. This research examines the intersections of class, culture, and commerce, highlighting how developmental narratives seek to position both people and rhinos in predefined roles. The analysis draws from media representations, such as digital films and Durga Puja motifs, to critically assess the political discourse surrounding Assamese identity and conservation efforts.
Hubei Shennongjia
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A moderate risk level for debris flows in CheGou, Hubei Shennongjia, was identified using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation methods. The study highlights that loose solid materials, rainfall conditions, and scouring effects in the source region contribute significantly to debris flow formation and recurrence. To mitigate these risks, a comprehensive control strategy was proposed, including upstream water control in the formation area, check dams in circulation zones, and dredging in accumulation areas. This approach aims to protect lives, properties, and local transportation economies from future debris flow events.
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes
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A comprehensive analysis of rock art distribution, content, and context in the Erongo Region of Namibia reveals significant spatial patterns that challenge traditional understandings of Namibian rock art. Unlike previously studied sites such as Twyfelfontein, Brandberg, and Spitzkoppe, the Omandumba East and West region demonstrates distinct characteristics in site accessibility, visibility, and landscape integration. The study, integrating archaeological, bioarchaeological, and geo-spatial data, identifies key variables—such as elevation, proximity to water sources, and orientation—that influence rock art placement, suggesting functional differences across sites. Additionally, the research provides insights into pigment sourcing and chronological sequencing of painted figures, contributing new evidence to the broader corpus of Namibian rock art.
Rock Art of Alta
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Rock art from the Mesolithic era in Scandinavian World Heritage Sites, such as Alta, reveals a transition from animism to totemism, reflecting evolving human societal structures. The study identifies recurring visual motifs ('motemes') that depict humans and big game animals in dynamic interactions, suggesting these were products of a complex 'wild mind' at work. By analyzing repetitions, variations, and transformations of these motemes, the research demonstrates how totemic art became more prevalent during the Late Mesolithic, indicating an increasing focus on human society. This shift is interpreted as part of broader social development in northern Europe, offering insights into the cognitive and cultural evolution of prehistoric hunter-gatherers.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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Rock-cut architecture in Byzantine Anatolia, particularly in Cappadocia, stands out for its unique adaptation to geological and historical contexts. This study sheds light on the prevalence of such structures by examining their forms, types of settlements, and traditional carving techniques. While many settlement patterns remain unclear, the research provides valuable insights into the 'otherness' of rock-cut architecture through detailed archaeological analysis and photographic documentation. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Byzantine settlement practices in these regions.
Western Ghats
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A key finding from this study is that rainfall maxima over the Western Ghats (WG) and Arakan Yoma (AY) during the Asian summer monsoon are located on the upslope of WG and along the coastline of AY, contrasting with offshore locations reported in prior studies. The research used 16 years of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar data to analyze diurnal cycles and intraseasonal oscillations. It revealed distinct rainfall patterns: continuous rain with slight nocturnal and afternoon–evening peaks over WG, and an afternoon peak on the upslope with a morning peak off the coast in AY. Strong environmental flow perpendicular to coastal mountains correlates with large rainfall amounts and small diurnal amplitudes. Additionally, the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) introduces a southwest wind anomaly that enhances orographic rainfall over WG, causing a phase lag between rain anomalies and northward-propagating major rainbands—a phenomenon absent in AY due to more closed cyclonic circulations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Bats in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are more likely to roost in old, dark buildings with low surrounding road density. This finding, derived from a two-year survey of 140 structures, identified 5 bat species and 48 roost sites, providing critical insights for wildlife management. Researchers used an information-theoretic approach to compare microclimate conditions, building features, and habitat characteristics between occupied and unoccupied buildings. Notably, 65.9% of roosting buildings were tourist-accessible, and 68.2% were historical structures, posing challenges for conservation while maintaining human safety and preserving heritage sites. The study offers alternative management strategies to balance bat protection with structural integrity during the reproductive period.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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Research reveals that small-footed bats (Myotis ciliolabrum) in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, exhibit low roost fidelity but strong attachment to coulees, preferring erosion-hole roosts high off the ground with buffered microclimates. The study also found that both M. ciliolabrum and M. evotis are present in the park during winter, with M. evotis potentially gleaning insects during warmer periods. Additionally, Myotis species significantly alter their echolocation calls between coulees and tree edges, suggesting habitat-specific adaptations.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Researchers have identified and characterized a novel species of bacterium, Rubrobacter spartanus, isolated from volcanic soil within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This moderately thermophilic and oligotrophic bacterium thrives optimally at 50°C and pH 8.0, with a growth range spanning 45-55°C and pH 5.0-10.0. Genetic analysis revealed that Rubrobacter spartanus is closely related to Rubrobacter taiwanensis but distinct enough to warrant classification as a new species. The bacterium exhibits unique fatty acid profiles, including C18:0 14-methyl and C16:0 12-methyl, which are characteristic of the genus Rubrobacter. Additionally, it possesses MK-8 as its sole respiratory quinone, aligning with other members of the family Rubrobacteraceae. This discovery expands our understanding of microbial diversity in extreme environments like volcanic soils.
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
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Humayun's Tomb in Delhi employs narrative techniques through architectural design to create visual drama and engagement. The study identifies key rules of this narrative, such as the alternating revelation and concealment of the tomb's massive white dome by supporting structures, glimpses of the protagonist through arched frames, and the eventual majestic reveal of the protagonist. These elements contribute to a rapid change in perspective—termed visual acceleration—which enhances the visitor's experience. The research is based on repeated observations of the existing built environment, though it acknowledges the site's historical modifications without documentary evidence. By establishing these narrative rules, the study provides tools for designing visually compelling spaces.
Petra
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Rupestrian World Heritage Sites, including Petra, face significant instability due to natural and human-induced factors. These sites, often carved into soft rock with unconfined compressive strength (UCS) less than 25 MPa, are vulnerable to rapid-onset hazards like earthquakes and extreme weather events, as well as slow processes such as erosion and climate change impacts. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary investigations to understand degradation processes and causative factors, followed by field conservation work that prioritizes traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. This approach, applied in sites like Bamiyan (Afghanistan), Lalibela (Ethiopia), Petra (Jordan), and Vardzia (Georgia), aims to mitigate rockfall risks while preserving cultural heritage.
Gordion
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2017 —
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Roman Gordion, the only excavated rural military settlement in a pacified Roman territory, reveals a nuanced agricultural economy where the garrison adapted to local farming while maintaining traditional meat preferences. Archaeobotanical and zooarchaeological analyses show economic interdependence with local farmers, self-sufficiency in pork and chicken production, and complex relationships with autonomous sheep and goat herders. The Roman military's control was limited to specific sectors like cereal farming, leaving sheep and goat herding systems unchanged for market or taxation purposes. A new pig husbandry system emerged, distinguishing Gordion from contemporary non-military settlements.
Landscapes of Dauria
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2017 —
WHE5A0880B233
In 2017, the transboundary area 'Landscapes of Dauria,' shared between Mongolia and Russia, was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing its significant ecological value. This designation followed Russia's proactive environmental initiatives, including the establishment of 24 strict natural reserves and proposals to expand protected areas under the Year of Ecology plan. Additionally, three Russian wetlands were proposed for inclusion in the Ramsar Convention list, while the Man and the Biosphere Program extended and renamed twelve existing biosphere reserves. These actions underscore Russia's commitment to global conservation efforts, aligning with its obligations under international environmental conventions.
Monastery of Batalha
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2017 —
WHE8AFE75E513
A deep historical and conceptual link between the human body and architecture, particularly evident in Western culture, was identified through Renaissance-era drawings. This study reveals that architects like Francesco di Giorgio Martini used anthropomorphic analogies to design religious and military structures, with proportions derived from the human form. Notably, a 1795 drawing of Batalha Monastery in Portugal employs a standing figure's dimensions to determine architectural elements, illustrating a universal and self-referential relationship between body and built environments. The research approach combines historical analysis with visual interpretation, emphasizing the symbolic, mythological, and functional significance of these analogies.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2017 —
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Research reveals that settled farmers around Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park possess significant environmental knowledge, which they apply to sustainable agricultural practices. This study highlights the role of local ecological expertise in conserving biodiversity and managing natural resources effectively within protected areas. The research employed qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observation, to document traditional farming techniques and their ecological impacts. Findings underscore the importance of integrating indigenous and local knowledge into conservation strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Cerrado Protected Areas.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2017 —
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Research reveals significant biodiversity among Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in Monferrato, Italy, with notable variations in residual sugars (148.64 to 3.44 g/l) and acetic acid production (0.20 to 0.60 g/l), impacting wine characteristics. The study analyzed 636 isolates from Barbera grapes using interdelta element PCR, identifying 96 distinct strains through physiological tests and fermentation experiments. These findings highlight the potential of indigenous starter cultures to enhance or define wines with strong regional ties, offering a resource for targeted winemaking practices.
