Timbuktu
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2017 —
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Abderrahmane Sissako's film 'Timbuktu' (2014) reveals the hypocrisy and intolerance of Islamist jihadists who occupied Timbuktu, Mali, in 2012–13. The film highlights their attempts to enforce rigid Salafi codes while simultaneously exposing their confusion and lack of understanding of the region's rich Muslim culture. Notably, the climax of the film depicts a conflict between a fisherman and a herder, illustrating that violence was not solely perpetrated by jihadists. This analysis, co-authored by a scholar of West African cinema and a historian of northern Mali, interprets Sissako's urgent call to action while critically examining the film's representation of Timbuktu's complex history.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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2017 —
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Researchers have discovered 29 distant long-period pulsars, with four exhibiting notable characteristics. Two pulsars, J1907+0631 and J1925+1720, are young and associated with supernova remnants or plerionic nebulae. One pulsar, J1932+1500, is in an eccentric binary orbit with a companion of at least 0.33 solar masses. Additionally, two pulsars, J0611+1436 and J1907+0631, experienced large glitches, with PSR J0611+1436's rotational period taking an unusually long time to recover. The study used multi-frequency data from the Arecibo Telescope and Jodrell Bank Observatory to measure interstellar scattering properties and other pulsar characteristics.
Site of Palmyra
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2017 —
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The reconstruction of destroyed monuments at Palmyra offers a vision for rehabilitating and preserving the entire site. This study leverages new ideas and technologies to propose a future for Palmyra as a historical protection precinct, treating its areas as an open museum of heritage. The research focuses on key monuments such as the temple of Ba’al, temple of Bael-shameen, Arch of Triumph, Castle, Tetrapylon, and Stag, which were severely damaged or demolished. By organizing workshops to explore reconstruction visions, the study aims to restore Palmyra's significance while addressing the emotional and cultural impact of its destruction on both Syrians and the global community.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2017 —
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Formal chronological modeling of the Ness of Brodgar, a Late Neolithic site in Orkney, reveals that its monumental structures, including piered architecture and Structure 10, were already in use by the 30th century cal BC. Activity at the site likely ceased around 2800 cal BC, with subsequent cattle feasting deposits occurring between the mid-25th to late 24th/23rd centuries cal BC. This challenges earlier assumptions about the site's longevity and suggests a possible connection to broader cultural shifts, such as the emergence of Beaker culture. The study relied on radiocarbon dating of 39 samples, analyzed within two distinct chronological models to account for interpretative uncertainties.
Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago
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2017 —
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A unique ethno-ethographic approach demonstrates that wild eiders can be successfully accustomed to human activities, challenging long-held assumptions by both traditional harvesters and scientists. The study, part of a PhD project on Nordland birdcare, used video cameras to explore the practical dimensions of this relationship-building process, emphasizing performativity over human perception. This method, inspired by Grasseni's 'enskillment of visions,' reveals how reciprocal domestication between humans and eiders can be achieved through shelter provision, with birds contributing down as a form of 'rent.' The research highlights the potential for sustainable eider down harvesting in the Vega Archipelago.
Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery
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2017 —
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A dynamic metadata toolkit for specialized information systems has been developed to enable real-time modifications of both data and metadata models by users, addressing the challenges of heterogeneous data storage. This approach is demonstrated through its application in a digital registrar project for the UNESCO-listed Ferapontov Monastery, focusing on the 16th-century Dionisius frescoes in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin. The toolkit's adaptability allows for efficient management and analysis of cultural heritage data, providing a scalable solution for preserving and studying historical artifacts.
Archaeological Site of Delphi
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified the likely location of Delphi's ancient hippodrome, long considered lost beneath alluvial soils. The site at Gonia, 1 km north of Itea, aligns with ancient literary descriptions and meets key features of a Greek hippodrome: an elongated space (~1 km) suitable for racing, natural slopes ideal for spectators' stands (with carved stone seats), and an amphitheatrical northern end featuring a column drum resembling turning-posts from other racecourses. This discovery challenges assumptions about the monument's location, invites reevaluation of Delphi's Archaic stadium, and raises questions about equestrian event participation. The study combines topographical analysis with ancient source interpretation to solve a long-standing archaeological puzzle.
Kairouan
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2017 —
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Aghlabid-era Kairouan emerges as a pivotal node in early medieval North African economic and political networks, challenging its historical neglect despite the enduring significance of its monuments. This study reveals how the Aghlabids, the first dynasty to mint gold dinars outside Abbasid heartlands (800–909), interacted with Mediterranean neighbors and rivals through interdisciplinary analysis of history, art, architecture, archaeology, and numismatics. By synthesizing findings from international specialists, it demonstrates Kairouan's centrality in global trade and diplomacy, reshaping our understanding of the region's role in early Islamic art and political dynamics.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2017 —
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Extremely low total organic carbon (TOC) content in surface sediments of groundwater-recharged lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert, ranging from 0.03% to 1.01%, suggests that TOC alone is insufficient as a proxy for reconstructing paleolake evolution due to varied and multiple sources of organic matter. The study analyzed 109 sediment samples from five lakes without runoff recharge, revealing spatial variations in TOC content influenced by bathymetry topography and wind-induced wave activity. Larger lakes (>0.21 km²) showed higher TOC content, while smaller lakes exhibited deeper water accumulation affected by multiple factors. These findings highlight the need to consider lake area when using sediment TOC for paleoenvironmental reconstruction in hyper-arid regions.
Maritime Greenwich
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2017 —
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A landmark conference at UNESCO's Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site shed light on the evolving dynamics of urban tourism, particularly focusing on heritage tourism. The 6th ITSA Biennial Conference, held in 2016, brought together 200 delegates from 29 countries to explore sub-themes such as river, cruise, and maritime tourism, reflecting Greenwich's unique position as a global tourism hub. Special sessions on dark tourism and communist heritage further enriched the discussion, leading to additional research outputs. The conference highlighted the significance of urban tourism in shaping contemporary cities, with keynote presentations offering insights into this complex interplay.
Pitons Management Area
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2017 —
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Fond Gens Libre, an indigenous community nestled at the foot of Saint Lucia's UNESCO-listed Pitons Management Area (PMA), faces significant challenges in poverty and limited livelihood opportunities despite its strategic location. This study highlights the community's historical significance as a descendant settlement of the Brigands since the 1700s, yet underscores its economic vulnerabilities within one of the Caribbean's few natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research employs qualitative methods to explore tourism's potential role in addressing these challenges, offering insights into sustainable ethnodevelopment strategies for remote, culturally rich communities.
Mount Huangshan
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2017 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the tourism water footprint (TWF) at Mount Huangshan reveals that tourists consume approximately 10.19 million cubic meters of water annually, equivalent to 3.39 m³ per tourist per day or 3387 liters. The study highlights that tourism sewage and food are the primary drivers of water consumption, with significant environmental spillover effects extending beyond Mount Huangshan to Huangshan City and even nationwide. Tourist flow and temperature show a highly significant positive correlation with TWF, indicating increased water demand during peak tourist seasons. This quantification provides critical insights for sustainable water resource management in tourism-driven regions.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2017 —
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A study of Palenque National Park, Mexico, reveals that untreated wastewater from tourism and population growth is significantly impacting the park's freshwater ecosystems. Three of six study sites exhibited soluble reactive phosphorus levels exceeding 39 μg/L, a marker of sewage influence. Additionally, a strong positive correlation between δN15 values in grazing snails and phosphorus concentrations suggests that sewage effluent is altering trophic ecology within protected aquatic habitats. This finding underscores the need for comprehensive management strategies beyond riparian buffers to safeguard freshwater ecosystem integrity in tropical protected areas.
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes
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2017 —
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A comprehensive analysis of tourist and recreational facilities at Twyfelfontein/Ui-//aes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Namibia, reveals a robust infrastructure supporting geotourism. The study identifies numerous service facilities, including hotels, campgrounds, roads, airstrips, and an ethnographic museum, highlighting the region's potential for sustainable geotourism development. The research employs the territorial recreational systems (TRS) approach to assess five key sub-systems: tourists, natural and cultural resources, technical infrastructure, staff, and governing institutions. This method provides a holistic framework for understanding and optimizing the geotourism experience at this significant geological site.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2017 —
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Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO Site and Biosphere Reserve, successfully balances tourism with biodiversity preservation and education. Research reveals that the majority of visitors are satisfied with the park's sustainable tourism offerings, which align with its core objectives. The study, using participant observation, questionnaires, and interviews, demonstrates how Hortobágy's tourism model supports sustainable development without compromising natural or cultural heritage protection. Findings highlight the importance of integrating tourists' ecological awareness into management strategies to maintain this equilibrium. This work is among the first to focus on Hortobágy, providing valuable insights for similar protected areas.
Mount Sanqingshan National Park
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2017 —
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Tourists' perceptions of crowding at Mount Sanqingshan National Park negatively impact the attractiveness of the destination, though they do not directly affect satisfaction. This study introduces a multidimensional model of crowding—neutral, personal, and social—to refine how tourist experiences are evaluated beyond traditional metrics like satisfaction. Using a second-order structural equation model with survey data from 424 tourists, researchers found that while perceived crowding diminishes destination appeal, it does not directly influence overall visitor satisfaction. The findings underscore the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate negative perceptions of crowding and enhance tourist experiences at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nyungwe National Park
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2017 —
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Tourists visiting Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, prioritize improved product quality, scenic viewpoints, and better infrastructure to enhance their ecotourism experience. A study revealed that while tourists are satisfied with current guiding services, they face constraints due to time and price, limiting longer stays. Key preferences include revising park pricing, upgrading service quality, and expanding information dissemination to attract more visitors and boost park revenues. Researchers used surveys, GPS tracking, and spatial mapping to analyze tourist behavior and preferences, providing actionable insights for ecotourism planning in Rwanda.
Okavango Delta
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2017 —
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A study of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that state-led adaptation strategies to flooding, while initially practical, can inadvertently reduce adaptive capacity for vulnerable groups like the Bayei tribe. The research highlights how increased regulation and encouragement to shift from wetland-based livelihoods may exacerbate social-ecological vulnerabilities, particularly for ethnic minorities with strong cultural ties to the Delta's waters. The findings underscore the need for anticipatory adaptation approaches that address structural vulnerability and adaptive capacity, considering historical marginalization and future environmental variability. The study used household interviews, participant observation, and surveys to assess the impacts of high floods (2009–2011) and local responses, situating them within broader political-ecological contexts.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2017 —
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Modern conservation practices, particularly those outlined in the Venice Charter, have inadvertently led to the 'secularisation' of built heritage, prioritizing material preservation over human connection. This shift, rooted in Western secular values, has distanced heritage from people and society. However, recent changes—particularly over the past two decades—signify a paradigm shift toward de-secularisation, focusing on the well-being of both heritage and society. The paper argues that this shift is essential for heritage to remain meaningful and culturally motivating. It explores resistance to change, the dominance of secular conservation philosophy, and provides sources that could sustain this necessary evolution.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
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2017 —
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Eighteenth-century British American towns, particularly those in the Lower South and West Indies, were central to plantation development rather than peripheral, challenging long-held assumptions about urbanization in plantation societies. The slave trade played a pivotal role by fostering entrepreneurial activity and deep economic linkages, transforming towns like Kingston, Charleston, and Bridgetown into dynamic hubs of wealth creation and pleasure. This study shifts the focus from the Chesapeake region to highlight how these towns exhibited endogenous growth and autonomous development, serving as more than mere shipping points.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2017 —
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A systematic analysis of Parisian auction sales between 1861 and 1869 reveals the dispersal pathways of artefacts looted from the Yuanmingyuan (Summer Palace) during the Second Opium War. The study, leveraging French auction records and catalogues, identifies key sellers, buyers, and prices, providing unprecedented insights into the market mechanisms and trajectories of these objects in Europe. Despite challenges in tracing dealer sales due to limited archives, this research offers a comprehensive dataset on the provenance and current whereabouts of looted artefacts, contributing significantly to the understanding of cultural heritage loss during conflict.
Gros Morne National Park
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2017 —
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A long-term photographic study of Gros Morne National Park, Canada, reveals that most high-risk landslide sites along Western Brook Pond remain stable, while thin-skinned landslides near Winter House Brook have persisted for over a century. The research used repeated imagery to document landscape changes—such as stone rings, coastal dynamics, and river modifications—driven primarily by natural forces like gravity, precipitation, and frost heaving rather than human activity. This non-invasive method offers valuable insights into ecological integrity, public safety, and landscape processes, with minimal cost or environmental impact.
Site of Palmyra
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2017 —
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Hellenistic influences at Tadmor-Palmyra and Dura-Europos exhibited complex, contradictory trajectories shaped by interactions between Greek culture and indigenous elements. The study reveals that while both sites shared Hellenistic features, their development diverged significantly due to distinct local cultural contexts. At Palmyra, a major caravan city in the Syrian steppe, Hellenism blended with indigenous traditions, creating a unique hybrid culture. In contrast, Dura-Europos, a smaller town on the Middle Euphrates, maintained a more distinct Greek identity while still engaging with local customs. The research employs comparative analysis of archaeological and textual evidence to trace these trajectories, highlighting the dynamic nature of cultural exchange in the ancient Near East.
Vilnius Historic Centre
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2017 —
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Protected urban landscapes, often perceived as historical hubs, undergo inevitable transformation over time. This study highlights the challenges and impacts of modern architectural development on UNESCO-listed sites like Vilnius's historic center. It reveals that while these areas retain their cultural significance, they must adapt to contemporary needs through rebuilding, reconstruction, or regeneration. The research focuses on how new architecture integrates with historical environments, affecting the valuable properties of old towns. By analyzing urban transformation processes, the study underscores the need for balanced development that preserves heritage while accommodating modern life.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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2017 —
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A recent study challenges long-held assumptions about Byzantine Cappadocia, revealing that the region was not exclusively a monastic center and its history extended beyond the Seljuk period. The research focuses on Aciksaray, a settlement previously misclassified as a Christian monastery due to generalized scholarly beliefs. Through analysis of architectural elements and historical legends, the study demonstrates Aciksaray's dual Christian-Islamic identity, shaped by its strategic location between these two worlds. This adaptability has allowed the site's 'sacred' image to persist through medieval transitions and into modern times, offering new insights into the fluidity of cultural identities in border regions.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2017 —
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Recent decades have witnessed a proliferation of memorial sites, reflecting diverse and evolving approaches to memory and transitional justice. This study examines the shifting dynamics of collective memory in Cambodia, highlighting the emergence of critically self-reflexive 'counter-memorials' and even calls for forgetting or 'anti-memorials.' It builds upon Maurice Halbwachs's seminal work on collective memory, emphasizing its practical reproduction process. The research also explores how specific sites of memory are bound to broader systems of social and political regulation, offering insights into the complex interplay between memory, justice, and societal transformation.
The Dolomites
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2017 —
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A proposed 45 km single-track railway line from Calalzo to Cortina d’Ampezzo, designed to serve the Dolomites region, could significantly enhance mobility and economic development while reducing environmental impact. This new infrastructure aims to connect key areas, including historical, natural, and tourist sites, by integrating rail with road transport systems. Preliminary designs suggest noise levels could be halved compared to road alternatives, eliminating level crossings and offering a sustainable solution for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The proposed line would accommodate two passenger trains per hour at speeds of up to 80 km/h, with a total estimated cost of 500 million euros. However, further environmental impact assessments are necessary due to the region's complex morphology and geology.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2017 —
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Seasonal shifts in wind patterns significantly influence the movement of soil particles between Sakiyama and Amitori bays on Iriomote Island, Japan. During summer, large particles remain near river mouths while smaller ones are transported eastward, whereas winter reverses this trend with large particles moving toward bay centers and small particles westward. Particle flow also shifts seasonally: from Sakiyama to Amitori Bay in summer but the opposite in winter. These dynamics, driven by wind speed, direction, and coastal topography, are critical for understanding sediment impacts on marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass beds (Enhalus acoroides). The study combines field observations with numerical simulations to provide insights essential for conservation efforts in these UNESCO-recognized natural areas.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2017 —
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A new examination of ancient records and recent archaeological discoveries suggests that the tomb of Prince Ahmose-Sapair, a revered member of Egypt's 18th Dynasty royal family, may be located in Dra Abu el-Naga North, near Thebes. This finding sheds light on his posthumous cult, which endured for five centuries after his death around 1550 BC. The study reanalyzes past excavation data alongside the Spanish mission's recent findings in the necropolis, focusing on the significance of his tomb's potential location in understanding his legacy and worship.
Umm Al-Jimāl
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2017 —
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Umm el-Jimal, a late-antique site in eastern Jordan, offers a unique glimpse into the travel and hospitality industry of over 1,700 years ago. This study reveals that the city was strategically designed to accommodate travelers along the Petra-Damascus trade route, with its architecture—featuring courtyard houses—and pioneering water infrastructure supporting a thriving subsistence economy in an otherwise resource-scarce region. The presence of eighteen churches in a small area suggests they also served as waystations for visitors, highlighting the site's dual role in both hospitality and religious function. The research combines architectural analysis, ethnography, and archaeological synthesis to reconstruct this aspect of late-antique life.
Archaeological Site of Mystras
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2017 —
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The painting 'At Leonidas&s Tomb' by Jan Styka captures the mystical experience of encountering ancient Spartan ghosts within the ruins, blending realism with supernatural elements. This study reveals how modern travellers—archaeologists, writers, and artists—perceive these spectral figures in contemporary times, drawing on Sparta's enduring literary legacy. The research explores the transformation of Mystras from a thriving city to a 'ghost-city' as modern Sparta was resurrected, while Mystras fell into ruin by the 20th century. It examines how tourist narratives and historical accounts depict Mystras as a monumental necropolis, emphasizing its haunting allure. The study employs qualitative analysis of literary and visual sources to uncover the interplay between history, memory, and imagination in shaping perceptions of ancient landscapes.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2017 —
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Ancient Egyptian private tombs from the New Kingdom at Thebes feature 58 scenes depicting tree goddesses, revealing their diverse forms and roles. These goddesses, often linked to sycamore fig (nht) or persea (iSd), appear in varied shapes without a fixed placement within tombs. They present gifts to the deceased, symbolizing protection and sustenance. The study analyzes these scenes to deduce differences across cemeteries, including goddess attributes, deceased positions, and associated deities. Employing descriptive and analytical methods, it catalogs all scenes while focusing on preservation status. Findings highlight the cultural significance of tree goddesses in Egyptian funerary art, offering insights into religious practices and tomb design.
Hyrcanian Forests
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2017 —
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A significant trend analysis of the Hyrcanian Forests in Iran reveals that the end of the growing season (EOS) has been shifting later by 0.14 days per year, correlating strongly with rising temperatures, particularly in the western regions where precipitation is abundant. Conversely, the start of the season (SOS) shows a slight delay of -0.16 days per year, strongly linked to total precipitation and mean temperature. This study leverages normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series data from 1981-2012, employing interpolation for outlier removal and cloud contamination correction, followed by the midpoint approach for phenological parameter retrieval and Theil-Sen trend estimation. Correlation coefficients derived from multiple linear regression further elucidate these relationships, providing critical insights into the drivers of vegetation dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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Marquesan Islanders exercise sovereignty through daily subsistence activities, challenging France and French Polynesia's land regulations. A network of land owners, workers, and caretakers sustains customary tenure practices while resisting imposed structures. Fruit trees, seemingly planted for financial gain, serve as a political statement reflecting islanders' struggle for influence and the enduring power of their traditions.
Mount Athos
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Mount Athos held significant cultural and political importance for medieval Serbia, particularly under the Nemanja dynasty. This study reveals that Tsar Stephen Dušan (1331-1355) maintained strong ties with the Holy Mountain, extending generous support to Athonite monasteries. His policy was not merely a continuation of his predecessors' legacy but also a strategic move to secure the backing of the Greek clergy. The research explores how this relationship was shaped by both familial connections—such as Stephen Nemanja's retreat to Mount Athos—and broader geopolitical ambitions, shedding light on the complex interplay between Serbian governance and Orthodox religious institutions during this period.
Huascarán National Park
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Adventure tourism in the Quillcayhuanca Gorge, Huascarán National Park, significantly impacts natural resources, with trekking being the most detrimental activity. Over 1500 tourists annually, mostly foreigners, contribute to soil degradation (61%), water pollution (17.5%), and air quality deterioration (16.9%). Current conservation programs are insufficient, highlighting a critical need for mitigation strategies to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed surveys of local residents, direct observations, and documentary analysis to assess impacts and propose corrective measures.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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Restaurant managers in the Langa del Barolo region, part of Italy's UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont, highly value and accept initiatives aimed at promoting wine and food tourism. The study found that traditional word-of-mouth recommendations remain influential but are increasingly supplemented by digital interactions via social media, which significantly expands global reach and engagement with tourists. This highlights the dual importance of local authenticity and modern digital tools in shaping enogastronomic tourism experiences.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
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El turismo de élite actúa como un factor transformador en ciudades patrimoniales, alterando las tipologías tradicionales y generando una arquitectura fachadista que acentúa la exclusión social y fragmentación urbana. En Guanajuato, México, este proceso revela contradicciones donde el prestigio del destino depende de recursos culturales y patrimoniales, pero estos pueden verse amenazados por la explotación turística. El estudio analiza cómo el Estado, el mercado y una ciudadanía débil influyen en estas transformaciones, destacando los impactos negativos en el patrimonio urbano.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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A key insight from this study is the critical role of community integration in enhancing conservation efforts within protected areas, particularly in the context of incipient tourism development. The research highlights that while Costa Rica's rich natural and cultural resources, including landscapes like the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), attract tourism interest, the challenge lies in incorporating local communities to strengthen conservation beyond the core protected zones. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining secondary data review with field observations and interviews with local residents. This methodology revealed that despite the ACG's significance for research and its potential as a tourist destination, there is an ongoing need to balance ecological preservation with community engagement to ensure sustainable development in adjacent areas.
Deer Stone Monuments and Related Bronze Age Sites
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A rare, intact Turkic-period burial complex was discovered at Krasnaya Gorka-19 in Central Tuva, featuring a deer stone monument and two accompanying horses. The site, excavated by the Tuva archaeological expedition in 2015, preserves unique carved signs (possibly tamgas) on a bow horn overlay that lack direct parallels in known Turkic scripts or regional symbol systems. Anthropological and paleozoological analyses provide insights into burial practices and equine husbandry during this period. The study highlights the site's significance within broader Bronze Age monument traditions of Tuva and Central Asia, contributing to our understanding of Turkic cultural and symbolic expressions.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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Paleoclimate records from the Quelccaya ice cap and Lake Titicaca reveal a strong correlation between climate variations, particularly precipitation changes, and the rise and fall of pre-Hispanic civilizations in western Peru and Bolivia. This study highlights how climatic shifts, especially those linked to tropical processes like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), influenced agrarian cultures in environmentally sensitive zones such as the Andean altiplano. Specifically, it examines the impacts of climate change on the development and dissolution of the Tiwanaku state, a significant political and spiritual center of the Tiwanaku culture. The findings underscore the vulnerability of complex societies to climatic variability, providing critical insights into the interplay between environmental conditions and human civilizations.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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Twelfth-century pilgrimage art in Bethlehem reveals a significant cultural exchange between Europe and the Crusader Kingdom, with the Church of the Nativity showcasing the most extensive programme of pilgrim-sponsored art from that era. These large icons, adorning the church's columns, feature a diverse array of saintly figures, including cult images of the Virgin and Child, apostles, bishops, deacons, ascetics, soldier-saints, holy kings, and important female saints. Rarely, the pilgrims who commissioned these paintings were also represented. Additionally, an independent devotional icon links patron saints associated with three major Christian pilgrimage sites—Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela—suggesting a pilgrim's journey across all three locations.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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Researchers have identified two long-term intermittent pulsars, PSRs J1910+0517 and J1929+1357, expanding the known population of such objects to five. These pulsars exhibit extreme bimodal intermittency, switching between active (ON) and inactive (OFF) states with a notable evolution in activity observed for PSR J1929+1357. The study, conducted using data from the Pulsar Arecibo L-Band Feed Array survey and extended observations at Jodrell Bank Observatory, reveals that the spin-down rate of these pulsars is proportional to their activity. This discovery suggests a potential link between intermittency mechanisms and physical properties such as spin-down power and accelerating potential above polar caps, offering new insights into the behavior of intermittent pulsars.
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
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Researchers have identified two new Oxalis species and five varieties within the UNESCO-listed Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, South Africa. The newly described species, <em>Oxalis canaliculata</em> and <em>O. magnifolia</em>, exhibit distinct morphological traits that set them apart from other southern African Oxalis species. Among these, <em>O. canaliculata</em> includes two unique varieties: <em>var. trifoliolata</em>, known from a single population, and <em>var. graniticola</em>, restricted to granite outcrops. Similarly, <em>O. magnifolia var. reduplicata</em> is confined to two nearby populations. The study combines morphological analysis with preliminary phylogenetic data from the nuclear ITS region to establish taxonomic distinctions. These findings contribute to the understanding of Oxalis biodiversity in the Richtersveld, highlighting the importance of this globally recognized landscape for conservation and scientific research.
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
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New U-Pb zircon dating and Hf isotopic analysis reveal that the Tierradentro unit, previously thought to be Grenvillian basement, is actually Permo-Triassic (271–234 Ma) in age. This challenges long-standing geological models of the Central Cordillera of Colombia. The study also identifies distinct Jurassic detrital zircon sources in the Cajamarca Complex, unlike those in other Central Cordillera plutonic rocks. These findings suggest that the Jurassic metasedimentary belt correlates with the Salado terrane in Ecuador and that Permo-Triassic granodioritic magmas intruded along the Otú-Pericos fault, reshaping our understanding of terrane configurations in the Northern Andes.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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The U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group (KIG) Proceedings, held in San Antonio, Texas from May 16–18, 2017, highlights the evolution and contributions of KIG workshops since their inception in 2001. These biennial workshops, hosted at universities or research institutes near notable karst features, have fostered interdisciplinary collaboration on karst research across diverse geological settings, from Florida's Floridan aquifer to New Mexico's evaporite karst. The 2017 proceedings feature discussions on the future of karst research, led by experts like Dr. Penelope Boston, and field trips that included Carlsbad Caverns National Park, underscoring the significance of integrating cave and karst studies into broader Earth science frameworks.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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Durham Castle and Cathedral, along with similar sites like Auckland Castle, hold unique significance not merely due to formal architectural similarities but as prime objects or parts of a sequence. This study challenges the conventional approach of comparing palaces solely based on stylistic resemblances, such as those seen in 14th-century Spanish, Italian, and French structures. Instead, it posits that a palace's importance lies in its role as an innovator or its position within a developmental lineage. If a building is a 'prime object,' it represents the first instance of an architectural innovation, regardless of its origin. Conversely, if it is part of a sequence, it reflects the influence of a preceding model. This approach reframes how we assess the historical and cultural impact of palaces like Durham Castle, emphasizing their role in architectural evolution rather than mere stylistic comparison.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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Poland played a pivotal role in shaping the global system for cultural heritage identification and preservation between 1975 and 1977, contributing foundational definitions and criteria that influenced UNESCO's World Heritage Convention. The 1976 Warsaw Governmental Experts Conference established key concepts for historic and traditional complexes, while Poland's delegation, led by a vice-president of the Committee in 1977, provided critical input on operational directives regarding historical value, authenticity, urban complexes, and technological artifacts. Polish nominations, including the urban complex of Cracow, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Warsaw Old Town (post-WWII rebuilt), and Auschwitz-Birkenau, exemplified these principles. In 1995, Poland's ICOMOS proposed a program on protection and management in cities of exceptional monumental value, later adopted by UNESCO.
Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo
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2017 —
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Mbanza Kongo, once the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, serves as both a symbol of colonial narrative and a site of ancestral identity. The study reveals that while colonial narratives framed Mbanza Kongo as a legacy of Portuguese civilizatory presence, post-independence movements challenged this, emphasizing its role in African tradition and resistance against colonialism. The research identifies key sites like Kulumbimbi, Ntotila, and Yala-Nkuwu as pivotal links between the physical city and its ideative landscape, underscoring their significance in ancestral memory and anti-colonial struggle. This dual perspective highlights Mbanza Kongo as a dynamic space for both historical reflection and future societal reconstruction.
Umm Al-Jimāl
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2017 —
WHE8F6E366736
Radiocarbon dating of organic inclusions from the mortar of Umm el-Jimal cathedral's apse confirms that an inscription found on its floor dates to AD 556, aligning with the Bostra calendar and validating previous stylistic and architectural dating. The study used X-ray diffraction and microscopic analyses to characterize the lime-based, ashy mortar with high charcoal content, supporting the conclusion that the cathedral's construction fits a broader trend of increased church-building activity in northeast Jordan between AD 550 and 650.
