Aachen Cathedral
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2017 —
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Aachen Cathedral embodies the architectural and ceremonial continuity of late antique urban forms into the early Middle Ages. Research by Hendrik W. Dey reveals that colonnaded avenues and processional ceremonies persisted as central expressions of civic authority from the 3rd to the 9th centuries, despite significant political and economic transformations. These porticated streets served as stages for imperial and ecclesiastical processions, such as the 'adventus,' which reinforced power dynamics between rulers and their subjects. Dey's analysis, based on diverse textual, material, and iconographic evidence from regions including Arabia and Germany, demonstrates that this urban topography remained significant even during periods of decline, influencing later monastic and palace centers like Carolingian Francia. The study challenges traditional narratives by highlighting the resilience of late antique urban forms, offering new insights into the evolution of authority and ceremony in post-Roman Europe.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2017 —
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During the Second Opium War, British and French forces systematically destroyed the Yuanming, Changchun, and Qichun Gardens near Beijing, looting thousands of artifacts that were subsequently sold, displayed, or collected in Europe. The study reveals how these gardens—once prized imperial landscapes—became symbols of Western cultural appropriation, with plundered items labeled as 'from the Summer Palace' entering museums, auction markets, and private collections. Additionally, the ruins of European-style palaces within Yuanmingyuan attracted foreign diplomats and their entourage, who found them a picturesque spot for leisure activities.
Cologne Cathedral
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2017 —
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Romanticism significantly influenced the approach to conservation and restoration of historic sites, marking a pivotal shift in how buildings like Cologne Cathedral were perceived. This movement, rooted in the back-to-nature philosophy and emphasizing freedom, individuality, and creativity, led to the recognition of historic structures as national monuments. Unlike previous practices, Romanticism advocated for preserving buildings that represented transitions between architectural styles, such as Romanesque to Gothic, rather than only those embodying pure stylistic forms. The study highlights how this new historical consciousness, driven by both artistic and religious motivations, reshaped conservation efforts in Germany, France, and England.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2017 —
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The Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) played a pivotal role in shaping mountain adventure, conservation, and tourism in Canada's Rocky Mountain Parks during the 20th century. Its annual camps, physical culture initiatives, and advocacy efforts were instrumental in integrating mountaineering with park development. The ACC not only championed climbing traditions but also engaged in debates over land use and conservation, illustrating a complex interplay between sport, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Through archival research and alpine journals, the study reveals how the club's legacy intertwined adventure, education, and advocacy, influencing both local landscapes and broader international discussions on mountain parks.
Ancient City of Damascus
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2017 —
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Historical and spatial analysis of Damascus' ancient walls reveals their role in shaping cultural identity and contributing to political cleavages during the Syrian crisis. The study highlights how material boundaries, such as city walls, have influenced spatially grounded divisions within Syrian and Damascene identity, with a focus on public responses to the siege of Mouaddamiyya neighborhood. By revisiting the historical spatial organization of Damascus, this research demonstrates the impact of bounded places on cultural identity and political turmoil, offering insights into the complexities of regional conflicts.
Site of Xanadu
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2017 —
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Xanadu, Kublai Khan's imperial summer capital during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), was designed with feng-shui principles that harmonized it with natural forces. A key discovery reveals that celestial alignments played a significant role in achieving this harmony, integrating visible and invisible elements of earth, sky, and water. The study combines archaeoastronomy and feng shui analysis to demonstrate how Xanadu's layout reflected sophisticated understanding of cosmic and terrestrial dynamics, offering new insights into the architectural and cultural sophistication of Mongolian imperial design.
Tipasa
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2017 —
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UNESCO's conditional listing of the archaeological site of Tipasa, Algeria, on its World Heritage list hinges on the implementation of a robust management plan. A study by Benali Aoudia and Chennaoui (2017) addresses this critical requirement by translating the prescriptions of the Protection and Enhancement Plan of Archaeological Sites (PPMVSA), approved in 2012, into a comprehensive long-term strategy. This approach ensures the preservation and enhancement of Tipasa while fostering socio-economic development in its region. The research employs a systemic analysis and ex ante evaluation of the site's dynamics, proposing five strategic visions and seven action plans to meet UNESCO's demands effectively.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
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2017 —
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Chichen Itza's urban growth, architectural development, and interactions with surrounding sites are now better understood through a synthesis of ceramic analysis, stratigraphy, paleoclimatology, and hieroglyphic decipherment. This study resolves long-standing debates about its Terminal Classic or Postclassic classification by integrating multiple lines of evidence, offering a refined timeline for construction phases and cultural transitions. The research challenges traditional narratives by providing new data on settlement patterns and ethnohistoric sources, shedding light on the site's political and economic dynamics during Mesoamerica's Late Classic to Early Postclassic periods.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2017 —
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Paleoanthropological research on South Africa's australopithecines reveals significant insights into the morphology, social behavior, and evolutionary history of these extinct human ancestors. A key finding is the pronounced sexual dimorphism in facial features among Australopithecus robustus and Australopithecus africanus, resembling gorilla-like proportions. The study also highlights the multimale-multifemale social structure inferred from fossil evidence dating back approximately 2 million years. Additionally, it explores the taxonomic status of Australopithecus robustus from the Kromdraai site and provides a graphic reconstruction of a partial skull (TM 1517). The research further examines the historical significance of the Taung Child, the first australopithecine skull discovered, by analyzing its 1924/25 photographs. This comprehensive approach combines morphological analysis with behavioral inferences to deepen our understanding of early hominid evolution.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2017 —
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A significant reshaping of Jerusalem's boundaries, particularly around its walled Old City—a site sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—is underway due to Israel's separation barrier project. This infrastructure, designed to address security concerns, risks altering the city's character and status, a concern highlighted by UN Resolution 478 in 1980, which condemned Israel's actions as violating international law. The study examines how this barrier, situated within a city divided between Jewish and Arab neighborhoods, challenges its development and application, while also impacting national identities and claims to the city as capital. The research explores the legal and geopolitical implications of such infrastructure on a site deeply tied to religious significance and international relations.
Tower of London
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2017 —
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The Beefeaters at the Tower of London emerged as enduring symbols of British national identity during the 19th century, embodying loyalty to the Crown and historical continuity amidst societal changes. This study reveals how their distinctive uniforms and visible roles served as a unifying force in a multifaceted UK, addressing the complexities of Britishness across its constituent nations. By analyzing the period as one of crisis, the research demonstrates how the monarchy leveraged these figures to reinforce constitutional loyalty and national cohesion.
Białowieża Forest
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2017 —
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The Białowieża Forest controversy highlights a global divide in conservation biology, pitting biocentrists against anthropocentrists over the primary goal of nature preservation. Biocentrists advocate for the protection of natural processes and endangered species as the sole objective, while anthropocentrists prioritize sustainable ecosystem services with species protection as a secondary benefit. A key point of contention involves the management of bark beetle outbreaks, where foresters' practices of removing infested trees clash with naturalists' objections. The study reveals that both sides lack familiarity with EU guidelines on wilderness in Natura 2000, which could resolve this dispute. Additionally, the forest's complex governance structure—comprising six different national and two international legal forms—creates chaos, hindering effective conservation efforts. This research underscores the need for clearer organizational frameworks to protect such valuable sites.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2017 —
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Recent investigations have challenged long-standing assumptions about the origin of Stonehenge's bluestones, identifying new potential source sites within the Mynydd Preseli region of north Pembrokeshire, Wales. While H.H. Thomas proposed specific locations in 1923, modern research suggests alternative sources from the same broad area, leading to significant archaeological discoveries and revised theories about the transportation routes used to move these stones over 230 km to Stonehenge. These findings not only refine our understanding of the bluestones' provenance but also provide fresh insights into the logistical challenges faced by ancient builders.
Yin Xu
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2017 —
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Excavations at the Yinxu Period bone workshop site in Anyang, Henan, revealed a significant archaeological site spanning approximately 1.76 hectares, operational from Phase II to late Phase IV of the Yinxu Period. The discovery included extensive remains such as roads, house foundations, ash pits, and burials, alongside a vast array of artifacts, predominantly bone materials. This wealth of findings provides crucial insights into late Shang Dynasty handicraft production, animal husbandry economics, and the utilization and supply of animal resources. Conducted over three excavation terms from 2002 to 2008, the study offers substantial data for understanding the social and economic structures of the period.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2017 —
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A comprehensive review of European footbridges, including the iconic Old Bridge in Mostar, reveals enduring lessons for modern bridge design. The book 'Footbridges – Small is Beautiful' (2014) compiled by 22 European authors highlights the creative synergy between architecture and engineering required to construct pedestrian bridges, often smaller yet complex structures. By analyzing over 200 footbridges—ranging from ancient to contemporary—the study underscores the historical significance of bridges like Mostar's Old Bridge, Venice's Rialto Bridge, and Ljubljana's Hradeckega Bridge as sources of inspiration for sustainable and aesthetically innovative designs. The research emphasizes the importance of integrating past expertise with modern techniques to enhance both functionality and creativity in bridge construction.
Petra
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2017 —
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The Brown University Petra Archaeological Project (BUPAP) revealed significant patterns of human activity spanning from the Lower Paleolithic to the present in the northern hinterland of Petra, Jordan. Through an intensive survey covering 1,000 hectares using closely spaced fieldwalking and geophysical surveys, researchers documented tens of thousands of artifacts and over 1,000 archaeological features, along with test excavations at ten key sites. This approach, characterized by its methodological rigor, uncovered previously unrecognized spatial distributions that shed light on the long-term human history of the region. The study highlights the potential of such intensive methodologies to transform our understanding of landscape archaeology in Jordan and beyond.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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2017 —
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This interdisciplinary work offers a critical reassessment of Buddhist histories and narratives, particularly focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya. It challenges conventional interpretations by exploring restorative readings of the Buddha's death, the symbolic role of Kali in Buddhist parables, and the cultural significance of warrior kings like Dutthagamani. The study employs a blend of historical analysis, literary critique, and ethnographic examination to unpack the layered meanings embedded in Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions. It also delves into modern Buddhist reforms, such as those led by Anagarika Dharmapala, highlighting their impact on personal identity and cultural crises. Through this approach, it provides a nuanced understanding of how stories and histories shape Buddhist thought and practice.
Dougga / Thugga
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2017 —
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Research on the building stone of Dougga (Tunisia) reveals that the Eocene nummulitic limestone used in Roman architecture exhibits exceptional durability, withstanding ice crystallization and SO₂ attack ageing tests. The study identified four distinct lithotypes, each linked to specific stratigraphic mining points in ancient quarries, demonstrating a strong correlation between petrographic variations and physical properties. These findings highlight the stone's resilience as a building material, offering critical insights for the preservation of archaeological sites.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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2017 —
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A novel 'hybrid building system' has emerged in Old Havana, blending top-down and bottom-up approaches to urban development. This system integrates elements from both state-led and community-driven models, enabling resident empowerment while aligning with large-scale redevelopment goals. The study identifies three distinct building systems—top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid—that shape the built environment's configuration, labor organization, technologies used, financing, and regulatory compliance. Observing these dynamics post-Cold War, the research highlights how Cuba's shifting political and economic landscape influenced urban production, with the Community Architect Program serving as a key example of state appropriation of grassroots initiatives. This hybrid approach offers a balanced solution for preserving historic districts while meeting modern needs.
Archaeological Site of Philippi
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2017 —
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Recent archaeological investigations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi have uncovered significant remains of the military camps used by Brutus and Cassius during their confrontation with Octavian and Mark Antony in 42 B.C. The study, published in <em>Hesperia</em>, identifies distinct camp layouts, fortifications, and organizational structures that provide unprecedented insights into Roman military logistics and tactics during this pivotal moment in ancient history. By analyzing spatial distribution, defensive features, and artifact assemblages, researchers reconstructed the camps' functional dynamics, revealing how Brutus and Cassius adapted to the terrain and strategic demands of the Battle of Philippi. This discovery enhances our understanding of late Republican Rome's military operations and their implications for the transition to imperial rule.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2017 —
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Paris emerged as the epicenter of tennis culture during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, with its jeux de paume facilities serving as pivotal urban sport hubs. This study reveals that the city's diverse sociocultural milieus—including royal residences, princely hotels, artisan quarters, and university districts—fueled a steady demand for tennis among both players and spectators, particularly appealing to the aristocracy. The research examines the urbanistic and socioeconomic prerequisites shaping this sport culture while analyzing its economic dynamics. It also explores the ambivalent perceptions of city magistrates and contemporaries, highlighting tensions between leisure activities and urban governance in premodern Paris.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
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2017 —
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Research on the Castillo-sub at Chichen Itza reveals that the pyramid, possibly built over a cenote and aligned with astronomical phenomena, may have served dual roles: as a royal burial site and later as a public calendrical structure tied to the cult of the Feathered Serpent. The study examines early descriptions, explorations, and recent discoveries, including intact offerings from the 1930s, such as a chacmool, jaguar throne, and femurs embedded in walls, suggesting ritualistic sacrificial practices. Additionally, the pyramid's orientation and placement hint at its significance in both astronomical observations and topographical features.
Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
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Archaeological evidence from the Vézère Valley, France, reveals that early humans—both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens—developed sophisticated artificial shelters as far back as 30,000 years ago. Contrary to the common stereotype of primitive life centered around cave entrances or savanna hunting, these findings demonstrate a remarkable adaptability in utilizing local resources to construct complex architectural designs tailored to climatic conditions. The study challenges conventional narratives by highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of prehistoric humans, showcasing their ability to innovate beyond natural shelters like caves or rock overhangs.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2017 —
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Australia's wilderness heritage has undergone significant shifts, moving from anthropocentric to biocentric approaches in defining wilderness quality. This transition emphasizes remoteness and primitiveness as key attributes, positioning them at the high-quality end of the wilderness continuum. The study highlights parallels between Australia's wilderness preservation efforts and those in other colonial New World countries, particularly influenced by the United States. Tasmania serves as a focal point for these complexities, illustrating the challenges faced in balancing conservation with tourism, which provides economic justification for preserving wilderness areas.
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
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2017 —
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Institutionalized co-production platforms can effectively address water justice and foster socio-political transformations, even in the face of entrenched political clientelism. This study examines case studies from Cochabamba (Bolivia) and Caracas (Venezuela), demonstrating how partnerships between state, civil society, and community-led initiatives can build resilience against infrastructural inequality and reconfigure unequal power relations in water governance. The research employs a minimalist state framework to explore the transformative capacity of co-production mechanisms, highlighting their potential to enhance accountability and reduce resource misappropriation while navigating post-neoliberal socio-political contexts.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2017 —
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Cambodia's reconciliation process following the genocide of 1975–1979, during which at least two million people perished, reveals a troubling trend: the commodification of death. Despite efforts to commemorate the tragedy through memorials like the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, these sites have increasingly prioritized tourism over remembrance, turning collective memory into an economic commodity. The study highlights systemic issues such as limited prosecutions, reluctance in truth-seeking, and victims' ignorance about reparations, while also noting the government's role in facilitating this shift—licensing foreign corporations to manage tourism and preparing additional genocide sites for commercialization. This transformation undermines justice by subordinating the meaning of deaths to economic interests.
Socotra Archipelago
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2017 —
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A comprehensive assessment reveals that the Arabian Peninsula, including Socotra Archipelago and surrounding regions, hosts 357 breeding bird species. This study provides critical insights into their conservation status, distribution, and threats, contributing significantly to regional conservation planning. By employing a rigorous methodology, it includes Red List assessments for all species, identifies key threats, and maps centers of species richness and risks. The research also aims to establish a network of regional experts to support future conservation efforts and updates. This work serves as a foundational resource for understanding the biodiversity and challenges faced by avian species in this ecologically significant area.
Aachen Cathedral
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2017 —
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The Council of Aachen and its associated canonical reforms represent a continuation, not an innovation, of existing ecclesiastical practices under the leadership of Charlemagne and Louis the Pious. Contrary to the 'Carolingian Renaissance' narrative, these reforms were part of an ongoing process aimed at maintaining high clerical standards, with close papal collaboration. Local synods laid the groundwork for the definitive Councils of Aachen (816–17), which standardized communal living among clergy—such as regular choir attendance, shared meals, and dormitory residence—as evidenced by early ninth-century privileges granted to Canterbury clergy. The study draws on historical records, including Hadrian I's capitula and Dom David Knowles' observations, to challenge the notion of a abrupt cultural rebirth while highlighting the institutionalization of canonical life.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
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2017 —
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A significant hiatus between the end of the Linear Pottery culture (LBK) and the start of the Hinkelstein group, dating to around 4000 cal BC, has been identified in Lower Alsace, part of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This gap suggests a broader phenomenon across the Rhineland, with full landscape reoccupation only occurring during the Grossgartach phase. The study employed Bayesian statistical modelling of radiocarbon dates to analyze ceramic changes and settlement patterns, revealing a dynamic Neolithic period marked by frequent relocations, adjustments, and cultural shifts. Radical transitions were also documented at the end of the Middle Neolithic, offering new insights into the pace and nature of cultural change in this region.
Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944
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2017 —
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On June 6, 1944, the D-Day Landings at Gold Beach marked a pivotal moment in World War II, characterized by significant strategic and tactical challenges. The operation involved complex coordination between Allied forces and the German defenders, with Gold Beach serving as one of five key landing zones. Historical analysis reveals that the success of the landings was heavily influenced by factors such as terrain, weather conditions, and the effectiveness of naval and aerial support. This study provides a detailed account of the events, emphasizing the role of Gold Beach in the broader context of the Normandy campaign. It underscores the importance of meticulous planning and adaptability in achieving strategic objectives during large-scale military operations.
Archaeological Site of Delphi
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2017 —
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Delphi's decline as a major oracular site was not due to the oracle itself, but rather its inability to engage with evolving theological and religious practices. While Delphi's oracle faded, other sites like Claros and Didyma in Asia Minor gained prestige by addressing new spiritual questions. The rise of astrology and Neoplatonic theurgy, which offered personal and soteriological pathways to divine wisdom, further marginalized traditional oracular consultation. Archaeological evidence shows a shift at Delphi from its Panhellenic pagan roots toward Christian acceptance, marking a significant transformation in its sacred space's use and status.
Timbuktu
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2017 —
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The destruction of cultural property, particularly by extremist groups like ISIS and Ansar Dine, is increasingly recognized as a deliberate strategy to erase diverse cultures and identities. A recent study challenges the International Criminal Court's (ICC) classification of such acts solely as war crimes under Article 8 of its Statute, arguing that they should be redefined as crimes against humanity. This shift would better reflect the motivations behind these attacks—persecution of civilian populations and the systemic destruction of cultural heritage—as demonstrated in the case of Al Mahdi, a member of Ansar Dine, who was prosecuted for overseeing the demolition of Sufi mausoleums in Timbuktu due to their perceived idolatrous practices. The study examines historical legal frameworks protecting cultural property and advocates for a broader legal interpretation that accounts for the broader societal impact, rather than merely the civilian status, of the property destroyed.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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2017 —
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Archaeological excavations at Greyfriars Kirkhouse, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, revealed unexpectedly early human activity dating back to the 11th or 12th century, challenging assumptions about the area's rural origins. The site, located at the confluence of two major cattle-droving routes, transitioned from a largely rural landscape to an urban setting in the late 15th century, marked by the division into burgage-plots and the construction of a tenement, suggesting occupation by merchants and burgesses. Further redevelopment occurred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with evidence pointing to industrial use as a brass foundry. The study employed archaeological excavations and historic-building recording to unravel this layered history.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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2017 —
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Researchers analyzing dental microwear patterns in the earliest European hominins from Atapuerca, Spain, have uncovered evidence that these ancient inhabitants consumed mechanically demanding diets, including hard and brittle foods. This unique buccal microwear pattern, observed in Homo antecessor fossils dating back 1.2 to 0.8 million years, suggests dietary practices adapted to harsh environmental conditions. The study highlights the role of grit-laden food, potentially from butchering processes, in fueling evolutionary changes, such as increased brain size. By comparing these findings with other Lower and Middle Pleistocene populations, the research provides new insights into hominin dietary specialization and its impact on craniofacial biomechanics.
Old Town of Corfu
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A critical loss to Mediterranean aquatic biodiversity has been documented with the disappearance of <em>Chara hellenica</em>, a rare species of stonewort, from its sole known habitat—Lake Bertonou in Corfu, Greece. This extinction marks the first confirmed disappearance of a charophyte species in the region, raising concerns about the vulnerability of such freshwater ecosystems to environmental pressures. The study employed historical ecological data and field surveys to track the species' absence, highlighting gaps in long-term monitoring that hinder conservation efforts. Findings underscore the urgent need for targeted research and protection measures to prevent further losses of endemic flora in UNESCO-listed sites like Corfu's Old Town.
Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)
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Recent archaeological field surveys near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Jordan River, have uncovered significant Byzantine-era architectural remains identified as Gharabah caravanserai. This discovery includes two large interconnected water pools linked by a canal and a complex structure comprising multiple rooms and associated facilities, providing crucial insights into lost pilgrim stations along the historical route from Jerusalem to Mount Nebo during the 4th–6th centuries AD. The findings were derived through systematic excavations, data analysis, and comparative studies, linking Gharabah to other newly identified stations on this major Byzantine pilgrimage path.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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Sooty Albatrosses (Phoebetria fusca), classified as Endangered, exhibit distinct foraging patterns depending on their breeding sites. Tracking data from Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha, and the Prince Edward Islands reveal that birds from Marion Island (Prince Edwards) range farther north despite being the most southerly breeding site. Birds from Tristan-Gough concentrate around the Sub-Antarctic Front (SAF) in the southern Atlantic Ocean, while Marion birds associate with both the SAF and the Sub-Tropical Front (STF) in the southern Indian Ocean. This study identifies critical foraging areas for 80% of breeding Sooty Albatrosses during incubation and brood-guard periods, highlighting potential risks from tuna long-line fishing gear. Birds from Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island show greater overlap with fishing effort, suggesting higher bycatch mortality risk in the Atlantic fishery.
Galápagos Islands
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Mosquito populations in the Galápagos Islands decline significantly with elevation, challenging the existence of stable highland refuges for disease vectors. Research sampling three mosquito species—<em>Aedes taeniorhynchus</em>, <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em>, and <em>Aedes aegypti</em>—across altitudinal gradients on Isabela and Santa Cruz islands from 2012 to 2014 found that while the first two species were widespread, their abundances varied by island and year. <em>Ae. aegypti</em> was rare and confined to human-inhabited areas. Statistical models confirmed altitude, year, trap type, and human inhabitation as key factors influencing mosquito distributions. These findings suggest that even high-altitude regions may not serve as consistent refuges for disease vectors like avian malaria, necessitating further research on vector potential and disease dynamics in the Galápagos.
The Dolomites
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Tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Dolomites exhibit mixed willingness to adopt sustainable mobility practices, with significant variation in acceptance of regulatory measures depending on travel patterns and motivations. The study reveals that while many visitors are open to adjustments like reduced car use or timed access, others prioritize convenience over conservation, particularly during peak seasons. Researchers analyzed modal choice motivations—such as preference for private versus public transport—and assessed tourists' willingness to comply with regulations aimed at mitigating environmental pressure. Conducted by EURAC Research in response to IUCN recommendations, the findings underscore the need for targeted strategies that balance visitor experience with ecological preservation, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in sustainable tourism management.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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Old Havana's heritage reflects a deliberate political and historical process, shaped by selective representation that prioritizes certain cultural elements while suppressing others. This 'interpretational heritage choice' reveals how identity politics have influenced urban planning since 1994, creating a curated image of the city. The study applies Homi Bhabha’s concept to analyze the dynamics of heritage valuation, suppression, and omission in Havana's transformation. By examining tangible and intangible cultural representations, it uncovers the underlying regimes that govern heritage preservation, offering insights into how power structures shape urban identity.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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Recent archaeological research at Stonehenge, Avebury, and associated sites has uncovered evidence of early field systems or enclosures in the eastern part of the World Heritage Site (WHS), challenging previous assumptions about minimal Bronze Age agricultural activity. These features were later succeeded by a significant ditch system containing two buried individuals, an uncommon burial practice during this period. Concurrently, a perinatal infant was found deposited in a palisade ditch in the western WHS. The study integrates survey, excavation, and analysis data from 2015–2016 to demonstrate how these findings illuminate a transformative phase in the landscape, revealing complex interactions between natural features, ancestral monuments, and burial practices during the Middle Bronze Age.
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station
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Historical archaeology has significantly revised traditional narratives of early modern Newfoundland, particularly challenging the notion of colonial failure. Key excavations at Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, L’Anse aux Meadows, and seventeenth-century colonial sites in Cupids and Ferryland have uncovered critical traces of European transatlantic expansion. These findings, alongside research on the French colony of Plaisance and the ethnohistory of the Beothuk people, highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of early modern settlement and migration in the region.
Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
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Research on the East Asian Cabinets at Schönbrunn Palace reveals significant gaps and breakthroughs in their documented history. While records from 1740 to 1772 are fragmented, allowing only scattered insights into the cabinets' creation in 1760, later inventories (1803, 1812) and detailed archives from the Palace Department Schönbrunn (starting 1779) provide a precise account of their restoration history and subsequent decorative changes. The study highlights the role of the Obersthofmeisteramt, which approved all requests related to the cabinets, offering a nuanced understanding of their evolution and maintenance over centuries.
City of Valletta
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Mediterranean cities, particularly Valletta, Athens, and Genoa, exhibit significantly higher per capita Ecological Footprints (EF) than their national averages, with Valletta leading at 5.3 global hectares (gha) per person. This study introduces a top-down MRIO-based model to consistently track EF across 19 Mediterranean cities, revealing food consumption as the primary driver in southern cities and transportation in northern ones. Unlike previous fragmented assessments, this approach ensures comparability, highlighting socio-economic factors like disposable income and infrastructure as key influencers. The findings underscore the resource demands of urban areas and offer actionable insights for sustainability policies, aiming to reinforce public achievements while addressing ecological challenges.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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Investing in cultural tourism yields substantial economic benefits, significantly boosting economic growth and household well-being while avoiding negative consequences such as reduced output, employment, and terms of trade. A study applying a novel framework to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonial City of Santo Domingo, demonstrates that a hypothetical US$90 million investment in cultural tourism could generate these positive outcomes. The research integrates quantitative methodologies from environmental and tourism economics, highlighting that indirect and induced benefits often overlooked in traditional cost-benefit analyses can lead to substantial undervaluation of returns on investment. Conversely, disinvestment in cultural tourism was shown to have detrimental effects on the economy, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in preserving and promoting cultural heritage for sustainable development.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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Specialized ceramic production existed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, during the Medio period (AD 1200 to 1450), but it was limited to economically valuable goods like Ramos and Babicora Polychromes. Geometric morphometrics analysis revealed that while some Ramos Polychrome vessels were likely made by attached specialists linked to elites at Paquime, the religious center, others were produced independently. This suggests a nuanced organization of production in mid-level hierarchically organized societies, challenging the idea that all specialized goods were controlled by elites. The study advances understanding of artifact standardization and its relationship to social structure, while also demonstrating the utility of geometric morphometrics in archaeological research.
Hortobágy National Park - the <i>Puszta</i>
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Grazing by both extensive (Hungarian Grey) and intensive cattle breeds can effectively manage alkali grasslands, preserving species richness while influencing vegetation structure. The study found that moderate to intensive grazing in 2015 supported the highest number of plant species (14.3 per m²), though this decreased slightly with more intense grazing in 2016. Drier salt meadows hosted greater biodiversity (16.2 species/m²) compared to wetter areas (11.2 species/m²). Extensive cattle grazing maintained higher species diversity and weed cover, while intensive grazing increased grass dominance. These findings suggest that controlled grazing is a viable tool for conserving alkali grassland ecosystems in Hortobágy National Park.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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Approximately 77% of farmers in Wolong Nature Reserve expressed willingness to re-enroll in the Grain for Green Program, with significant differences in livelihood capital between those willing and unwilling to participate. Logistic regression analysis revealed that natural capital negatively influenced this willingness, while financial and social capital had positive effects. Key factors included land ownership (negative impact), cash income, family committee membership, and labor force education level (all positive impacts). The study suggests reducing farmers' dependence on land resources, increasing non-agricultural income and compensation standards, improving labor force education, and optimizing the regional development environment to enhance re-enrollment willingness.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2017 —
WHE168AB146D8
A single slow-moving, mobility-impaired person can significantly increase egress times for groups in historic sites, with the potential to delay evacuation by up to 170% for 20 people and reduce the advantage of closer tunnel separation by 26%. This finding highlights the profound impact of visitor order on emergency evacuation efficiency. The study used direct observation data from Maeshowe, Orkney, combined with simulation modeling in the Unity gaming platform, to analyze egress times for able-bodied individuals and those with mobility impairments. Results also showed that larger body sizes (50th, 95th, and 99th percentiles) increased evacuation times by 51% compared to able-bodied individuals. The scalable model offers a tool for risk assessment and emergency planning in historic buildings and visitor attractions.
The Dolomites
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2017 —
WHE73F9115554
UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) designation in the Dolomites, Italy, appears to exacerbate socio-economic divides between areas inside and outside the site, driven by tourism development disparities. While stakeholders within the WHS—where tourism-driven prosperity is already high—show increased indirect participation in decision-making and higher expectations for further development, those outside the WHS or in marginal destinations experience no significant benefits in terms of governance, economic growth, or tourism as a development tool. Despite strong belief in the value of WHS status and minimal opposition to regulations, there is a call for reduced reliance on financial incentives and improved business culture. The study used mixed methods at Italy's lowest administrative level to analyze stakeholder engagement and governance, offering preliminary recommendations for more effective stakeholder involvement.
