Historic Cairo
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2017 —
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Value within museums is not static but dynamically re-activated during significant political, social, or physical events. Contrary to the notion that object value is suspended in museum settings, this study demonstrates that such moments trigger negotiations and constructions of value through institutional mechanisms like curation, staff, ownership, funding, and the building itself. Focusing on three pivotal moments in the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo—its founding, renovation, and the 2014 bombing—the research reveals how external dynamics reshape the museum's role as both a commodity mediator and an object of value. The study leverages Appadurai’s and Kopytoff’s frameworks to explore these processes, highlighting the fluidity and adaptability of cultural value in response to historical upheavals.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2017 —
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Eagle-stones, an ancient Asian remedy with obstetric uses, underwent a cultural transformation in early modern Europe and Spanish America, evolving from learned medicine to a symbol of popular medical lore. This study traces their 'folklorization' through historical documents, including texts from the Archivo de Indias in Seville, revealing their enduring presence in Latin American materia medica until the early 20th century. The research employs secondary bibliography and archival analysis to dissect the commercial networks and textual references that sustained eagle-stones' significance across centuries and continents.
Uvs Nuur Basin
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2017 —
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Ancient human activities in the Uvs Nuur Basin, one of Central Asia's largest arid basins, significantly altered its ecosystem dynamics and climate conditions. Research using remote sensing (Google Earth imagery) and landscape observations identified extensive traces of irrigation agriculture near the Aga-Dag ridge, suggesting past wetter climates with forested landscapes that sustained groundwater levels. Paleobotanical studies further confirmed the presence of forest-steppe environments in the recent past, particularly around Lake Shara-Nur. The study attributes the basin's current desertification primarily to deforestation, driven by human demand for fuel and construction materials, as well as historical conflicts between civilizations. This finding underscores the profound impact of anthropogenic activities on the region's environmental degradation, a pattern observed across broader Asian steppe zones.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2017 —
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A critical reassessment of Early Bronze Age (EBA) cemeteries in Anatolia reveals that the identification of non-urban sites as 'chiefdoms' and the subsequent search for ruling elites based on burial goods may not accurately reflect social organization. This study challenges conventional interpretations by proposing alternative approaches to analyze archaeological data from cemeteries, avoiding the pitfalls of social evolutionary models. While extramural cemeteries are typically associated with small-scale sites like Karataş and Demircihöyük, urban centers such as Troy lack such features, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of social hierarchies during this transitional period (3100/3000-2000 BCE). The research focuses on western Anatolia, excluding eastern regions culturally linked to Mesopotamia.
Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking communication network leveraging the Internet of Everything (IoE) has been successfully implemented at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi, Italy. This innovative system integrates smart sensors, wearable devices, and data analytics to enhance visitor security, safety, and accessibility, including for individuals with disabilities. The network also supports cultural heritage preservation and operational management for site personnel, such as the Friar's community. By connecting people, things, and processes, this IoE-based solution addresses complex challenges posed by high-traffic sites like Assisi, which attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The study demonstrates how advanced technologies can be harnessed to protect and manage culturally significant locations while improving visitor experiences.
City of Quito
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2017 —
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The New Urban Agenda, emerging from the UN-HABITAT III conference in Quito (2016), introduces Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) to foster inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. This agenda, while promising, risks reductionism by overlooking diverse urban spaces, potentially marginalizing certain areas in global urban policy. The study highlights the need for reflexive awareness to ensure equitable urban development. It examines the implications of this agenda through a critical analysis of its metrics, indicators, and evaluation systems, advocating for a more nuanced approach that considers the complexities of urban environments.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2017 —
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Jaguar ecotourism generates approximately US$6.8 million annually in the Brazilian Pantanal, far outweighing the estimated US$121,500 in cattle depredation losses. This study quantifies the economic value of jaguar tourism and contrasts it with livestock damage costs, highlighting a significant financial incentive for conserving jaguars on private ranches. Researchers analyzed land-use revenue from ecotourism and cattle predation data to demonstrate how voluntary tourist donations could compensate ranchers for depredation, fostering coexistence between traditional livelihoods and wildlife conservation. The findings underscore the potential of tourism as a powerful tool for promoting jaguar conservation while mitigating rural-urban conflicts.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2017 —
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A new analysis of prosopographic, archaeological, and epigraphic data from the Eastern Desert and Thebes challenges the traditional chronological order of the first two Kushite kings of Egypt's Twenty-Fifth Dynasty. Contrary to the long-held belief that Shabaka established the dynasty by defeating Bocchoris, this study presents compelling evidence supporting Bányai’s 2013 proposal that Shabataka preceded Shabaka as the founder and opponent of Bocchoris. Key insights emerge from a detailed examination of Kushite Nile Level Records at Karnak, reinforcing the revised sequence 'Shabaka—Shabataka.' This revision reshapes our understanding of early Kushite rule in Egypt.
Western Tien-Shan
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2017 —
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A massive rockslide, the Kchazormech, with a volume of approximately 1 km³, blocked the Iskanderdarja river valley during the Middle Holocene, leading to the formation of a large palaeolake known as Iskanderkul. This palaeolake suddenly decreased in size by 83% in volume and 65% in areal extent, releasing about 0.84 ± 0.1 km³ of water. The current Iskanderkul Lake is a remnant of this much larger palaeolake. Recent geomorphic activities, including slope movements and erosion, have led to the formation of a bypass gorge. The study also outlines current geomorphic hazards and discusses the future evolution of Iskanderkul Lake in the context of ongoing climate change, suggesting that lakes in the Tien Shan may have relatively low longevity.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2017 —
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Venice's self-perception as a unique island state with a glorious past, rooted in myth and chronicle traditions from the 10th to the 20th century, was solidified by the 16th century. This study reveals how Venice strategically 'appropriated' its ancient origins—linking itself to Trojan foundations and imperial heritage—to construct a powerful cultural narrative. The 'Venetian Myth' emphasized its unparalleled geographic location, economic dominance as a global trade hub, innovative republican governance, and artistic prestige. Through analysis of historiographic and artistic sources, the research demonstrates how this myth evolved from humble beginnings during the Migration Period into a complex ideological framework that persisted even after the fall of the republic in 1797.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
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2017 —
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Research on the Osario of Chichen Itza reveals that this radial temple, coeval with the Temple of the Warriors, symbolized Flower Mountain—a sacred place of abundance and afterlife for warriors. The study combines early 20th-century explorations with recent INAH excavations to propose that the cave beneath the temple served as a final resting place for cremated warrior remains, aligning with central Mexican funeral traditions. This interpretation suggests the Osario was not only an architectural parallel to the Castillo but also a significant cultural and spiritual site, rewarding warriors for their contributions to trade and economic prosperity.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2017 —
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Groundwater-recharged lakes in desert hinterlands, unlike those with river runoff, receive sediment solely from wind transport. A study of five such lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert revealed that median and mean grain sizes decrease from nearshore to deep-water zones but do not reach their lowest at lake centers, contrary to runoff-recharged lakes. The median grain size correlates negatively with lake level, offering a low-resolution proxy for lake evolution. End-member modeling identified two sediment sources: wind-transported sediment (EM1) and wave-perturbed sediment post-wind transport (EM2). EM2's modal grain size varies with lake area, while its content positively correlates with lake level, providing a rough indicator of past lake level fluctuations.
Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir
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2017 —
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Founded in 1865, the Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF) holds one of the world's oldest and most significant collections of archaeological material, archives, photographs, and maps from the ancient Levant. Unlike many contemporary collections, the PEF's holdings are primarily derived from legally conducted excavations, adhering to the protocols of their time, which minimizes concerns over repatriation. The collection, spanning the 19th and early 20th centuries, includes material from key projects such as Warren's excavations in Jerusalem (1866–1870) and the Survey of Western Palestine (1871–1878), alongside significant photographic and documentary archives. This unique assembly provides invaluable context for understanding the history of archaeology and the region's cultural landscape, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Battir in southern Jerusalem. The PEF's strict acquisition policy—rejecting unprovenanced material since the 1900s—ensures compliance with modern international standards while preserving its scholarly integrity. The collection's strength lies not only in its artifacts but also in its interconnected archives, which offer a holistic perspective on the region's history.
Shiretoko
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2017 —
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The Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site (WNHS) stands out as a model of community-driven conservation, particularly through its sustainable fisheries initiatives. The study highlights how local actors, especially fishers, have played a pivotal role in transforming social and ecological conditions, leading to successful conservation outcomes. A key strategy involves organized beach cleaning efforts, which not only mitigate pollution but also foster a sense of stewardship among the community. This 'Shiretoko Approach' emphasizes balancing environmental protection with livelihood sustainability, resulting in improved living standards. The research employs a social-ecological systems lens to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, offering insights into its replicability for other heritage sites.
Australian Convict Sites
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2017 —
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Contemporary art can effectively address traumatic histories by photographing absences, revealing ongoing historical presence. This study analyzes the work of Australian artists Ricky Maynard and Anne Ferran, who document forgotten Tasmanian colonial sites through evocative landscapes. Maynard focuses on the Black War between Aboriginal people and European colonists, while Ferran explores female convict factories. Their photographs create critical dialogues about complex histories without explicit declarations, challenging traditional roles of photography in capturing proof. By examining two artworks in one region, the research provides new perspectives on Australia's colonial legacy, including the entwinement of convict and Aboriginal histories, and offers alternative approaches to memorializing and addressing colonial pasts.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2017 —
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Tasmania's green politics, rooted in the fight to preserve iconic natural areas like Lake Pedder and the Franklin River, has uniquely sustained strong parliamentary representation for over three decades. This study examines the 2006 state election to assess whether the Tasmanian Greens have reached their limits in influencing electoral outcomes. It reveals that while the Greens are skilled at gaining political advantage, counter-efforts by anti-green forces effectively constrained their progress during this election. The research focuses on recent electoral dynamics rather than broader movement characteristics, highlighting the persistent yet bounded role of nature-driven politics in Tasmania's parliament.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2017 —
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In contemporary Jerusalem, two distinct dwelling configurations—hyper-planned gated communities in West Jerusalem and unplanned Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem—emerge from the same tensions: neoliberal planning reforms and ethno-national colonization. Hyper-planned luxury apartments, primarily housing Western Jewish immigrants, contrast with Palestinian-led zoning plans aimed at legalizing and expanding homes to prevent demolition. Despite their apparent differences, both patterns reflect the integration of privatized spatial planning into long-standing ethno-national dynamics, reshaping urban spaces under neoliberal policies.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2017 —
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Monumental destruction does not necessarily erase the symbolic significance of a site; instead, it can enhance its cultural value and political afterlife. Andrea Connor's study examines two cases—the Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, and the World Trade Center in New York—where destruction during conflict or terrorism led to their reconstruction with new layers of meaning. The 'new Old Bridge,' rebuilt as an exact copy of the original destroyed in 1993, now serves as a symbol of reconciliation, while the WTC's absence marks a site of national mourning and remembrance. Connor argues that such reconstructions should be understood not only materially or symbolically but also through their affecting afterlives, reshaping collective memory and historical narratives. This work challenges conventional views on heritage sites, emphasizing their enduring agency even in destruction.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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This study examines the enduring symbolism of the Kremlin and Red Square as a manifestation of revolutionary power, highlighting the transformation from imperial to Soviet rule. The research focuses on the visual and symbolic elements that represent the Bolshevik revolution's legacy, such as the illuminated red flag, Lenin's mausoleum, and the repurposed structures of Czarist era. It explores how these symbols impose novel modes of governance, economic arrangements, and societal norms on a vast population, illustrating their profound and lasting impact on Russian history.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
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2017 —
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A critical political narrative emerges from the construction of Gaeseong's Hurung Royal Tomb (厚陵) during King Taejong's reign, revealing its role in legitimizing his ascension and reinforcing Joseon Dynasty's power dynamics. The tomb, built for Queen Jeong'an, symbolized a deliberate effort to highlight King Taejong's legitimacy as the rightful heir, contrasting with his half-brother King Jeongjong's brief rule. By emphasizing Queen Jeong'an's status as King Taejong's mother and suppressing her formal recognition in China, the tomb's construction served as a political statement, reinforcing Taejong's claim to the throne while downplaying Jeongjong's reign. The study deciphers this intricate interplay through meticulous analysis of historical records, particularly focusing on rituals, inscriptions, and diplomatic nuances during Taejong's early years.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2017 —
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Cambodia's nationalism in the Preah Vihear conflict with Thailand is multifaceted, serving as a political resource for diverse stakeholders to achieve varied objectives. This study identifies four key approaches—postcolonial nation-building, political legitimation, urban politics of empowerment, and pragmatism in the periphery—that explain Cambodia's nationalist investments in the dispute. Unlike previous top-down analyses focusing on historical or legal dimensions, this research highlights the complex uses and meanings of nationalism from a Cambodian perspective, revealing its role as an alternative means for securing political goals when other avenues are constrained. The study employs qualitative methods, including interviews, observations, and document analysis, conducted in Phnom Penh and Preah Vihear province between 2012 and 2014.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2017 —
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A critical analysis of the 'Scoping & Planning' stage (2012–2016) for the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster reveals a covert political process that threatens to undermine both the British Political Tradition and the dominance of the two main political parties. The research exposes how embedded elites, fearing loss of privilege, employ closed and secretive decision-making to restrict reform parameters, thereby limiting democratic input. This study provides the first in-depth examination of these 'hidden politics,' highlighting how crises can serve as windows for systemic recalibration but also how elite resistance can stifle meaningful change.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2017 —
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Heritage designations, while intended to protect cultural landscapes, often redefine Traditional Owners' relationships with their lands and resources in ways that conflict with customary practices. A study of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park reveals how apolitical narratives and state policies reshape historical and social conditions, forcing Traditional Owners to navigate systems incompatible with their custodial responsibilities and knowledge practices. The research combines ethnographic interviews with heritage experts and archival analysis to expose these tensions, highlighting the disconnect between World Heritage frameworks and Indigenous custodial traditions.
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
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2017 —
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The Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct spanning 50 kilometers from its source near Uzes to Nîmes, remains notable for its engineering precision and historical significance. This structure, part of the Nîmes aqueduct system, demonstrates the Romans' advanced ability to channel water with minimal slope (6 meters over 34 kilometers). The aqueduct's design reflects evolutionary changes in Roman bridge construction, including a shift toward more regular and rational use of concrete. Despite its frequent documentation, the Pont du Gard lacks a confirmed date, leaving its exact historical placement uncertain. The study highlights its architectural details, composition, and the extensive pictorial records housed in the Musée de Vieux Nîmes, offering insights into Roman engineering practices.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking engineering marvel, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, stands as a testament to 19th-century innovation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features an elevated aqueduct spanning 30 meters above the Dee Valley, constructed without rivets or bolts, showcasing advanced masonry techniques. The canal system, designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, revolutionized waterway transportation in North Wales, enabling efficient movement of goods across challenging terrain. The study highlights its significance as a pioneering example of civil engineering, blending aesthetic design with functional brilliance. Research approaches include historical analysis of construction methods, material science, and the socio-economic impact on regional development.
Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
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2017 —
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Sound plays a pivotal role in shaping the pop cultural identity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by the Ruhr Museum's innovative use of auditory elements within the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex. This study reveals how sound—whether through industrial noise, music, or ambient textures—materializes pop culture narratives, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional museum exhibits. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing visitor responses and curatorial strategies to dissect how auditory design influences cultural memory and perception. By focusing on Zollverein's repurposed coal washing plant, the study highlights the potential of soundscapes in preserving industrial heritage while engaging contemporary audiences.
Mount Athos
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2017 —
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The Portaitissa icon, a revered image of the Virgin Mary at Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos, is linked to a miraculous origin dating back to the iconoclast period under Emperor Theophilos. According to tradition, the icon was cast into the sea to avoid destruction but later reappeared in a pillar of fire off St Clement’s monastery (later Iveron). It was eventually retrieved by a Georgian ascetic named Gabriel and placed in a dedicated parekklesion (side chapel) at the monastery's entrance, earning its name 'Portaitissa' (Our Lady of the Gate). This study explores the icon's significance within the cult of the Virgin on Mount Athos, highlighting its role as a guardian and protector. The research approach combines historical narrative with theological analysis to contextualize the icon's cultural and religious importance.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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2017 —
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Byzantine Cappadocia, renowned for its unique rock-cut remains and lunar-like landscapes, may have supported sericulture despite historical perceptions of water scarcity. A study challenges the notion that the region was barren by examining archaeological evidence on water capture, storage, and conveyance techniques. It argues that substantial water supplies were available, enabling significant agricultural activities. The research uses sigillographic evidence, painted depictions, and written sources to suggest that Cappadocia possessed the institutional, environmental, and logistical prerequisites for silk production during Late Antiquity and the middle Byzantine period. While the study does not definitively confirm sericulture, it calls for further investigation into this possibility, highlighting potential avenues for future research.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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A historical analysis reveals that U.S. postwar policies significantly influenced the introduction of television broadcasting and nuclear power in Japan, primarily through psychological warfare strategies during the Cold War. Kenzo Okuda's study, using archival documents from Japanese journalist Hidetoshi Shibata and U.S. institutions, demonstrates how the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) shaped Japan's adoption of 6 MHz bandwidth and 525 scan lines for television, enabling military broadcasts to East Asia. Additionally, the study highlights coordinated efforts by Japanese media, including Yomiuri and Nippon Television Network Corporation, to promote nuclear power despite anti-nuclear sentiment following the Bikini Atoll hydrogen bomb test in 1954. Okuda's work underscores the interplay between U.S. foreign policy and technological advancement in Japan, revealing how American influence extended beyond military strategy to cultural and scientific domains.
Derwent Valley Mills
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2017 —
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Removing multiple weirs along the Derwent River could remobilize contaminants in legacy sediments, posing long-term environmental risks despite minimal changes to valley morphology. Numerical modeling of 24 km of river revealed localized upstream erosion and sediment evacuation post-removal, raising concerns about contaminant redistribution across the floodplain system. While weir modifications are increasingly driven by green agendas—such as hydropower development and water quality improvements—the study highlights the need for holistic assessments to mitigate unintended ecological consequences. These findings have global implications for riverine landscapes where heritage protection is less stringent, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental impacts beyond individual structures.
Nyungwe National Park
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2017 —
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Community-based ecotourism enterprises (CEEs) adjacent to Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, can significantly enhance their performance by adopting total quality management (TQM) practices. Key TQM strategies—such as training programs, benchmarking against industry standards, employee empowerment, and integrating performance metrics—were found to be critical for CEE success. Notably, this study identifies benchmarking and employee empowerment as new dimensions of TQM particularly relevant for small and medium-sized organizations. These insights suggest that a holistic application of TQM practices across all operational stages could improve the sustainability and effectiveness of CEEs, offering a blueprint for similar conservation efforts in developing regions.
Yin Xu
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2017 —
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A quantitative genetic analysis of craniometric data from Yin Xu, the capital of the late Shang Dynasty (3250–2996 BP), reveals significant population structure and gene flow patterns in northern China during the Bronze Age. The study found that while the ZXM group (medium and small tombs) showed close genetic ties to local Neolithic populations with frequent gene exchange along the Yellow River, the JSK group (sacrifice pits) exhibited higher craniofacial variation, indicating diverse origins including Inner Mongolia-Great Wall and Ganqing regions. No evidence of European or Oceanian gene flow was detected. The research suggests that geographic barriers likely limited gene exchange during this period, challenging the reliability of racial classification in tracing external genetic influences.
Semmering Railway
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The Semmering Base Tunnel (SBT), set to open by 2026/27, will transform the Baltic-Adriatic railway axis from a mountain route to a flat trajectory, significantly enhancing its efficiency. This transformation will elevate the strategic importance of Mürzzuschlag station in Austria, serving as a critical hub for both passenger and freight traffic. The SBT is projected to reduce travel time for long-distance passengers by approximately 30 minutes due to improved connections with Vienna's metropolitan area. Additionally, rail freight traffic will benefit from the elimination of mountain crossings. Infrastructure upgrades at Mürzzuschlag station, including expanded park & ride facilities, better public transport links, and renovations to existing buildings, are expected to have lasting positive impacts on its functionality and accessibility.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
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2017 —
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Bodh Gaya, the site of Buddha's enlightenment, has undergone a dramatic transformation from a small agricultural town to a globally significant Buddhist pilgrimage destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. This shift, culminating in its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, has sparked complex spatial politics and conflicts among diverse constituencies. The study examines the modern revival of Buddhism in India, the interplay between colonial and postcolonial heritage dynamics, and the impacts of tourism and urban development on sacred space. By employing historical ethnography, it reveals how Bodh Gaya's evolution reflects broader tensions over meaning, identity, and power in contemporary India.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2017 —
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A reassessment of archaeological remains unearthed beneath Canterbury Cathedral's present nave reveals that Archbishop Wulfred's rebuilding campaign around 813 was more significant than previously understood. This early-9th-century structure, now recognized as an important architectural and liturgical model in Anglo-Saxon England, paralleled contemporary Carolingian developments on the continent. The study reanalyzes excavation data from 1997 to propose an alternative reconstruction of the cathedral's original design, shedding new light on its historical and cultural significance.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
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2017 —
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The refurbishment of Llangollen Chainbridge, a historic suspension bridge over the River Dee, successfully reintegrated its original wrought iron chain links after a 30-year closure due to safety concerns. This restoration, costing £345,000 and executed by Ramboll (design) and Shemec Ltd., involved meticulous dismantling, labeling, and reassembly of each metal component, preserving the bridge's original structure. The refurbished bridge now reconnects the Llangollen railway with the Llangollen canal, a key part of the Pontcysyllte World Heritage site, while potentially boosting local tourism. Notably, the bridge retains the world's oldest known wrought iron chain links, originally installed in 1817 and rebuilt in 1870s and 1928 post-flooding.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2017 —
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Historic urban landscapes, recognized as cultural heritage by UNESCO, face significant challenges due to the deterioration and abandonment of public spaces, which threatens their identity. This study identifies key strategies to counteract the decline of these spaces, focusing on interventions that enhance fruition while preserving historic and cultural values. By comparing Management Plans from Italian UNESCO World Heritage cities with urban complex characteristics, the research pinpoints major targets and executive tools for open space management. The proposed strategies aim to improve comfort and accessibility in places like streets, squares, and gardens, with practical applications tested in Mantua and Sabbioneta. Citizen involvement played a crucial role in the requalification design process, offering insights into the applicability of these approaches in complex urban settings.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2017 —
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Forest fragmentation significantly influences the potential geographical distribution of certain parrot species (psittacids) in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Specifically, Eupsittula nana, Amazona xantholora, and Pionus senilis show preferences for larger habitat patches, with their distributions being closely tied to metrics such as mean patch edge, shape index, and perimeter-area ratio. In contrast, Pyrilia haematotis and Amazona oratrix did not exhibit a clear relationship between fragmentation and their distribution patterns. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts in areas like Campeche and Quintana Roo, where high parrot diversity is threatened by human activities. Researchers used Maximum Entropy algorithm-based potential distribution maps and landscape metrics derived from land use data to assess these relationships. Maintaining extensive forest areas is recommended to ensure the survival of psittacid populations.
Yosemite National Park
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Climate change has a stronger influence on the elevation range shifts of small mammals in Yosemite National Park compared to habitat changes, particularly at higher elevations. However, habitat factors become increasingly important at mid-elevations for predicting these shifts. The study used species distribution models (SDMs) and occupancy modeling (OM) to analyze data from 1910–1930 and 2003–2010, finding that while climate was the dominant driver of range dynamics, habitat played a significant role in lower elevation shifts. Predictions were more accurate for range contractions at higher elevations, but some observed shifts remained unexplained, suggesting the need to incorporate biotic interactions, behavioral flexibility, and evolutionary adaptation into future modeling frameworks.
Town of Luang Prabang
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Rural youth in Luang Prabang, Laos, prioritize not only economic prosperity but also broader human development aspects such as wellbeing, democracy, and social justice when considering vocational education. Current Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policies focus narrowly on poverty reduction and economic growth, overlooking these diverse livelihood aspirations. The study employed qualitative and ethnographic methods—interviews, focus groups, and transect walks—to reveal that a human capabilities approach could better align TVET with the multifaceted needs of Indigenous youth, suggesting policy reforms to balance economic objectives with broader development dimensions.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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Excavations at the Jiangzhuang Site, conducted between 2011 and 2015 by the Institute of Archaeology, Nanjing Museum, challenge traditional views on the geographical extent of Liangzhu Culture. The study uncovered a densely arranged cemetery with well-preserved human skeletons, including primary and secondary burials, alongside settlement features such as house foundations, ash pits, water wells, and ash ditches. This research expands the known northern boundary of Liangzhu Culture beyond the Yangtze River, providing new evidence for studying its civilization, social organization, burial customs, and racial attribution. The extensive skeletal remains offer valuable insights into the people's lives and societal structures during this period.
Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
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A pioneering monographic publication on early medieval mural paintings, the study of the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe by Prosper de Merimée, marked a significant milestone in the preservation and documentation of Romanesque art. This work, published between 1844 and 1845, was among the first to focus on such a complex, providing detailed text and illustrations that set a precedent for future research. The study highlighted the challenges in distinguishing original medieval paintings from later additions, which often resulted in the deterioration of older layers due to repainting. This approach underscored the importance of understanding the historical context and techniques used in medieval mural art, contributing foundational knowledge to the field.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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Ottoman commercial inns on Istanbul's Historic Peninsula, characterized by their large courtyards serving as social public spaces, face significant challenges in adaptive reuse. This study identifies key obstacles and proposes integrated conservation strategies to preserve these historic structures while ensuring their functionality in modern urban life. By analyzing the transition from traditional bazaars to contemporary shopping models, the research highlights the need for balanced approaches that maintain cultural heritage without compromising daily utility.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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A marked decline in dissolved oxygen (DO) at depths of 19–21 meters in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, between 2009 and 2011 has been linked to fish farming activities. This study reveals that the primary predictor of benthic DO reduction is fish production from marine farms, with other environmental factors such as discharge, rainfall, wind speed, sea surface temperatures, and sea level pressure having no significant effect. The research suggests that adaptive management of fish farming in Macquarie Harbour requires an estuary-wide approach rather than focusing on individual pens. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of independent scientific research, funded separately from industry and government, to ensure unbiased environmental impact assessments.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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A shift from domestic to ritual labor appropriation occurred in the Casas Grandes region, Mexico, during the Medio period (AD 1200–1450), particularly around Paquimé. Unlike traditional modes of production, this new system channeled surplus labor into site construction, communal agriculture for feasting, and advanced craftsmanship while maintaining limited elite exploitation. The study argues that these changes represent an evolution rather than a complete departure from the domestic mode, suggesting a nuanced social organization in pre-Hispanic societies.
Site of Xanadu
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A reconstructed itinerary from Beijing to Xanadu, based on Marco Polo's 13th-century account, aligns with modern geographical data. Using Google Earth and Wikimapia, researchers mapped a plausible route that corresponds with the Venetian traveler's descriptions in 'The Milione.' This study bridges historical narrative with contemporary cartography, offering new insights into Polo's journey through the Site of Xanadu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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Bird species richness peaks during the rainy season and declines significantly in dry periods within Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs), revealing strong seasonal climate influences on bird communities. This pattern, observed in Serra da Capivara National Park and adjacent areas, underscores how environmental heterogeneity and spatial factors shape both species diversity and composition. While local environmental conditions primarily drive richness, variations in species composition are more strongly linked to broader environmental and spatial dynamics. The study highlights the vulnerability of these ecosystems to climate change, particularly frequent droughts and rising temperatures, which threaten desertification and biodiversity loss—exacerbated by deforestation and insufficient conservation efforts. These findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate climate-driven disruptions in xeric environments like Brazil's Caatinga biome.
Sian Ka'an
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2017 —
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Environmental filtering plays a significant role in structuring fish communities in tropical wetlands, particularly under severe conditions. A study conducted in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (SKBR), Mexico, revealed that as the dry season progresses, environmental filters increasingly dominate community structure, leading to a dominance of three key species by the end of the season. Researchers analyzed fish communities using a functional dispersion index weighted by relative abundance against null models across five permanent pools during three stages of the dry season. They found significant reductions in functional dispersion for locomotion but not for food acquisition, with overall functional variation becoming more distinct from random models as the season advanced. This suggests that environmental conditions, such as depth and temperature gradients, act as strong filters shaping community composition under harsh environmental pressures.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2017 —
WHE2722294E67
National parks and glacier research are deeply intertwined, playing pivotal roles in U.S. history and cultural identity. A significant portion of the nation's glaciers, covering approximately 75,000 km², is protected within national parks, with a substantial 43,745 km² located in nine Alaskan parks, including Wrangell-St. Elias, which alone harbors 29,041 km² of glacial coverage. Glaciers have profoundly shaped the landscapes and habitats of these parks, influencing their development. The study highlights the contributions of glacier researchers, such as John Muir, who pioneered early research in areas like Yosemite and Glacier Bay, measuring glacier movement and recognizing signs of past glaciations. This research underscores the integral relationship between national parks and glaciers, reflecting Robert Sterling Yard's perspective that geology defines scenery.
Arslantepe Mound
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2017 —
WHE9F11BC08C8
A remarkable increase in metal demand and production at Arslantepe Mound, dating from the second half of the fourth millennium BCE, coincides with intensified interregional connections between mobile pastoral communities in northern and north-eastern Anatolia and populations along the Upper and Middle Euphrates. These relationships were likely facilitated by emerging early state centers like Arslantepe, which served as a hub for cultural exchange with the Syro-Mesopotamian world. The study reveals striking similarities in metal technology, composition, and object types across these regions, alongside continuity in Arslantepe's metal products into the early third millennium BCE, when Kura-Araxes-linked cultures dominated. This suggests that metal procurement played a pivotal role in fostering wide-ranging interregional networks during this period.
