Simien National Park
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2016 —
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A study on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, reveals a critical trend of deforestation and its impact on carbon storage. The research found that cultivated and overgrazed land (COL) increased from 20% in 1972 to 48% in 2013, leading to a nearly 50% shrinkage of Afro-montane forest (AMF) and Afro-alpine woodland (AAWL). Projections indicate that AAWL could disappear in 71 years while AMF could vanish in just 49 years at the current deforestation rate. The study also quantified carbon storage, with soil organic carbon (SOC) holding 55.2% of the total carbon stock, followed by above-ground carbon (34.4%) and below-ground carbon (8.3%). Notably, no strong relationship was found between biodiversity (Shannon diversity index) and carbon storage in AMF zones. The research used a nested plot design for biomass measurement and satellite imagery analysis to assess land cover changes.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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2016 —
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A stark demographic disparity characterized the Colombian Caribbean at the end of the 18th century, where prosperous port cities like Cartagena contrasted sharply with rural areas marked by extreme poverty, sparse population density, and limited integration. This study reveals that while urban centers thrived—evidenced by their dynamic architecture—the majority of the rural population lived in dispersed, impoverished conditions, largely outside the reach of colonial authorities and the Catholic Church. Using data from a 1777 census commissioned by the Spanish Crown, the research analyzes this imbalance, highlighting its long-term impact on economic development, urbanization, and wealth distribution. The findings underscore the tragic paradox of a region where urban prosperity coexisted with rural marginalization, offering insights into the enduring colonial legacy shaping socioeconomic dynamics.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking catalogue of pre-Socratic philosophical evidence from the Herculaneum papyri has been compiled, marking the first comprehensive systematic analysis of this ancient tradition within Epicureanism. The Index Praesocraticorum Philosophorum Herculanensis (IPPH) updates existing testimonia to reflect current research and critical reconstructions, providing a foundational resource for scholars studying the transmission and influence of pre-Socratic thought. This work bridges gaps in historical understanding by integrating fragmented papyrus fragments with modern scholarly interpretations.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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2016 —
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A dramatic decline of up to 87% in the population of Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri), the world's largest primate, has been documented, with only around 3,800 individuals remaining—justifying its elevation to 'Critically Endangered' status. This catastrophic loss, driven by civil war and bushmeat hunting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was rigorously assessed using novel methods analyzing local community and ranger-collected data on gorilla occupancy across 10 sites. Spatial analysis identified three critical strongholds within a shrinking range of approximately 19,700 km², underscoring the urgent need for conservation intervention to prevent further extinction.
Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
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2016 —
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Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become pivotal in modern tourism strategies, particularly for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Santiago de Compostela's Old Town. A study comparing the cathedrals of Santiago de Compostela and Canterbury reveals that both sites leverage digital tools to attract tourists, with a notable increase in online visits and ICT service provision since 2010. These technologies have transformed the way information is shared and managed, reflecting the shift towards 'smart cities' and modern travel practices. Despite significant changes from historical pilgrimage routes, these cathedrals remain prominent cultural and religious destinations, drawing vast numbers of visitors. The research highlights the adaptability of ancient attractions in embracing digital advancements while maintaining their historical significance.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2016 —
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A megafire in Tasmania's World Heritage-listed wilderness, the Giblin River fire of 2013, revealed that time since fire is the dominant driver of severity in sedge-heathland ecosystems. The study found high mortality rates for both main stems (98%) and whole plants (91%), with limited resprouting capacity (16% of dead stems). Fire severity had minimal impact on resprouting or seedling establishment, suggesting resilience in these processes. Prescribed burning was shown to be effective in reducing wildfire extent and severity, as the fire self-extinguished at the boundary of a management burn area. This highlights its potential for maintaining landscape heterogeneity and mitigating future megafires.
City of Quito
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2016 —
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A massive sinkhole at El Trébol, Quito's critical road interchange, exposed the severe economic and structural risks posed by neglected subterranean infrastructure. The collapse, triggered by heavy rainfall and exacerbated by decades of unmonitored trash accumulation in a concrete tunnel rerouting the Machángara River, reached 120 meters in diameter and 40 meters deep, revealing the river below. The study highlights that indirect costs—such as time loss, vehicle delays, and increased expenses—far exceeded direct reconstruction costs, underscoring the need for robust risk assessment and maintenance of aging urban infrastructure. By analyzing rainfall data, hydrogeological factors, and historical sinkhole patterns in Quito, researchers demonstrated how unchecked decay in subterranean systems can lead to catastrophic socio-natural disasters with disproportionate financial consequences.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2016 —
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Research on the Qinghai Hoh Xil basin reveals that Cenozoic vertical-axis rotations in central-northern Tibet were not detected in the Tuotuohe depression, suggesting single thrusting from the Tanggula thrust system without significant rotation. However, strike-slip faulting associated with the Fenghuo Shan-Nangqian thrust systems likely influenced tectonic rotations in other parts of the basin, such as Cuoredejia and Wudaoliang depressions. The study utilized paleomagnetic and rock magnetic analyses on 160 independently oriented samples from Oligocene and Miocene continental rocks, confirming primary magnetization through reversal tests. Findings indicate that the basin's tectonic history since the Eocene may have been controlled by both thrust and strike-slip faulting, providing new insights into the dynamic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2016 —
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Researchers identified the heterophyid trematode Centrocestus formosanus in the invasive gastropod Melanoides tuberculata from Ilha Grande, Brazil. The parasite was detected in 21% of a sample of 483 specimens collected in June 2013, indicating its establishment in the region since 2007, following the introduction of M. tuberculata two years prior. The study involved experimental infections using pleurolophocercous cercariae to confirm the parasite's identity. Findings highlight the need for monitoring and control measures to assess potential environmental impacts, as these may currently be underestimated in Brazil.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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2016 —
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A significant archaeological discovery at the Citadel of Kafir Kala, Samarkand, reveals profound insights into the Islamic conquest of the early 8th century CE. The excavation, led by the Italo-Uzbek Archaeological Expedition since 2001, uncovered 500 clay sealings, underscoring Kafir Kala's pivotal role in Silk Road trade. Stratigraphic analysis and architectural transformations indicate a sudden abandonment following a fire at the end of the 7th century CE, followed by resettlement for centuries. This unique site provides unprecedented evidence for changes and continuities in daily life and material culture during the Arab conquest, offering a nuanced understanding of this pivotal historical transition.
Macquarie Island
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2016 —
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A dramatic expansion of the indigenous grass <em>Poa litorosa</em> on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island has been observed following the eradication of rabbits, rats, and mice. Previously confined to just four restricted populations, this species has now spread significantly across the island due to the release from grazing pressure. Long-term monitoring over 24 years revealed that rabbit grazing had suppressed <em>P. litorosa</em> growth in unfenced areas, while fenced plots showed thriving populations during peak rabbit numbers. The study highlights the unforeseen ecological impacts of invasive species eradication and underscores the importance of continued monitoring to track such changes on this UNESCO-listed site.
Ningaloo Coast
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2016 —
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Recent decades have seen a notable increase in the frequency of Ningaloo Niño events, linked to the cold phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), which has significantly altered biological productivity in the southern subtropical Indian Ocean. These events, characterized by positive sea surface temperature anomalies off western Australia during Ningaloo Niño and negative anomalies during Niña, disrupt the seasonal cycle of chlorophyll—a key indicator of productivity. The study, utilizing long-term simulations from an ocean-biogeochemical coupled model, reveals that the Leeuwin Current's southward advection during these events plays a crucial role in shaping the spatiotemporal response of chlorophyll. Consequently, there has been an anomalous decrease in productivity during the Austral summer, underscoring the far-reaching ecological impacts of climate oscillations.
Ogasawara Islands
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2016 —
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Registration of the Ogasawara Islands as Japan's fourth UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2011 significantly boosted its global recognition, leading to a rapid increase in tourist numbers. However, visitor caps introduced with the designation triggered notable shifts in tourist demographics and behavior, including a decline in repeat visitors and solo travelers, alongside a rise in first-time visitors and group tours. The study also observed shorter stays, higher participation in organized tours, and a surge in trekking popularity while noting a decline in casual sightseeing. These findings highlight how World Heritage status can both enhance a site's tourism value and reshape the characteristics of its visitor base.
Great Barrier Reef
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2016 —
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River discharges significantly reduce water clarity on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), with effects varying across zones and seasons. A study analyzing 11 years of data found that photic depth—used as a proxy for water clarity—declined to 47% of maximum values following river floods, taking an average of six months to recover. The impact was most pronounced in agriculturally modified catchments and southern inner zones, where long-term declines were observed, unlike offshore or northern regions. River effects were strongest between latitudes 14.5°–19.0°S, where high sediment and nutrient loads led to seasonal photic depth reductions of over 40% and annual mean decreases of 17–24%. The research used freely available MODIS-Aqua satellite data to track changes, offering a scalable method for ecosystem management in shelf systems.
Olympic National Park
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2016 —
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A 74-year analysis of four rivers in Olympic National Park reveals that physical factors, such as flood history and sediment supply, dominate channel planform evolution over ecological drivers like elk impacts. Contrary to expectations, the study found no significant correspondence between channel morphology and elk abundance, which had been linked to trophic cascades following wolf extirpation. Instead, recent widening and increased braiding in rivers like the Hoh and Elwha correlate with flood activity and sediment supply changes, including glacial retreat and landslide responses. These findings contrast with similar studies in Yellowstone National Park, highlighting the influence of hydrologic regime and large-wood availability on fluvial dynamics.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2016 —
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A descriptive survey of 48 leading indigenous cultural centers worldwide, including the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre in Australia's Northern Territory, reveals their transformative potential and political significance. These facilities, built over the past three decades, challenge conventional notions of nature, culture, and architectural form by emphasizing collaborative place-making involving multiple stakeholders and professional consultants. The study highlights how these centers serve as innovative models for cultural production, blending indigenous perspectives with contemporary design practices.
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
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2016 —
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A geographical-national framework remains a valid and insightful approach for studying art, architecture, and design historiography, despite its historical association with racialist nationalism. This study demonstrates that such an approach can effectively explore human creativity within specific cultural, social, and political contexts, even in today's globalized society. Using modern Japanese design during the Meiji era (1868–1912) as a case study, it highlights how Westernization was perceived as a means to achieve contemporary global standards, leading to innovative architectural styles like Gi-Yo architecture, which creatively combined Western and traditional Japanese elements. The research employs historical analysis and architectural comparison, including the Tomioka Silk Mill (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to illustrate the dynamic interplay between cultural adaptation and national identity in design.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
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2016 —
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Modern narratives of the Qutb Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque complex reveal a duality: while historically symbolizing Islamic iconoclasm through the reuse of Hindu and Jain fragments, contemporary interpretations frame this as a form of modern iconoclasm. The study traces how colonial authorities, global preservation bodies, Hindu nationalists, and secular nation-states have positioned the site ambiguously—balancing international reverence with religious reclamations. This tension underscores the complex interplay between heritage preservation, political narratives, and cultural memory in postcolonial India.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2016 —
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The success of Italian winemakers in California, particularly those from Piedmont's Langhe-Roero and Monferrato regions, is not solely due to essentialist or deterministic factors but rather the result of shared ecological and climatic similarities between California and Italy. This study challenges traditional narratives by examining the achievements of three prominent California wineries—Italian Swiss Colony, Italian Vineyard Company, and E. and J. Gallo Winery—founded by Piedmontese immigrants. It highlights how the transplantation of Old World wine culture and expertise to the U.S. West Coast was facilitated by analogous landscapes, ecologies, and climates, rather than cultural stereotypes or myths, such as the 'Piedmont on the Pacific' referenced in Cesare Pavese's works. The research approach involves a critical analysis of historical, ecological, and cultural factors contributing to this transatlantic transfer of winemaking knowledge.
Kasbah of Algiers
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2016 —
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Research on Ottoman-era mortars from Algiers' UNESCO-listed Kasbah reveals their composition and durability. The study found that these mortars, used for grouting and coating masonry, primarily consist of lime, sand, crushed brick, and natural additives. Notably, jointing mortars were mixed in a 1:1.5-2 ratio (lime to sand), while finishing mortars followed a 1:2-3 ratio. Physical analysis showed most samples exhibited high porosity and water absorption, except for specific mortars from Villa Mahieddine and the Powder House, which demonstrated lower absorption (<15%) and porosity (<27%). Chemical analysis confirmed their hydraulic nature due to elevated levels of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃. This characterization provides insights into the materials used in historic Algerian architecture, aiding preservation efforts.
Chartres Cathedral
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2016 —
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Gothic cathedrals, including Chartres Cathedral, exemplify the interplay between architectural innovation and structural engineering. A key finding is that Gothic architecture, evolving from Romanesque designs, prioritized aesthetics while introducing groundbreaking structural elements such as external supporting systems, cross vaults, and arches. These innovations enabled unprecedented building heights and wall widths without compromising stability. The study focuses on French cathedrals like Notre-Dame in Paris, Reims, and Chartres, analyzing their historical significance and influence on the development of Gothic style. By examining these structures, researchers highlight how Gothic architecture balanced functional requirements with artistic expression, setting a precedent for future architectural advancements.
Old Town of Ghadamès
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2016 —
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Ghadames features unique Ottoman-era houses characterized by vertical functional division and distinctive architectural elements. A study of the Da Babanei House, dating back to the 18th century, reveals that these structures lack open-air internal courtyards, instead relying on a ground floor for storage, a main living level, and an upper terrace reserved for women's activities. The houses are built with sandstone foundations and mud bricks, extensively using palm wood for construction and decoration. The research highlights the influence of Islamic Sharia on design and contrasts Ghadames' architecture with similar settlements, emphasizing its pre-Saharan characteristics. Field observations in 2014 provided firsthand data, offering insights into this rare urban form.
Old Town of Ghadamès
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2016 —
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Ghadames, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's few covered pre-Saharan cities, showcases unique Ottoman domestic architecture characterized by vertical functional division. Unlike typical designs with open-air courtyards, Ghadames houses feature ground-floor storage, main living spaces on the middle floor, and rooftop terraces reserved for women, which also serve as interconnected passageways across the old city. Constructed primarily from sandstone and mud bricks with extensive palm wood use, these structures reflect Islamic Sharia influences in their design while maintaining simplicity in exterior aesthetics. A case study of the Da Babanei House, dating back to the 18th century, highlights these distinctive features, offering insights into pre-Saharan traditional architecture through comparative analysis with similar settlements.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
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2016 —
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Philippine wetlands, including six sites designated as 'Wetlands of International Importance,' face significant threats from land use conversion, resource abuse, pollution, and climate change. These wetlands, encompassing 22 types, play a crucial role in providing ecosystem services but are deteriorating due to inadequate enforcement of local and national laws. The study highlights the urgent need for community-driven conservation efforts to maximize preservation and sustainable utilization.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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2016 —
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A novel in situ method for characterizing soil permeability was successfully developed and applied at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple Compounds, revealing that dense post-earthquake soils exhibited persistent ponding due to reduced unsaturated zone permeability. Using a constant discharge approach, researchers mapped permeability coefficients across sandy soil conditions, from unsaturated to saturated states, without requiring matrix suction measurements. This method proved efficient for field implementation and enabled precise geographic mapping of permeability variations via Arcview GIS 3.3. The findings provide critical insights for addressing ponding issues in heritage conservation, offering targeted solutions through permeability-based drainage system optimization.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
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2016 —
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A study of the Hyeonleung, a royal tomb from the Joseon Dynasty in Guri, Korea, reveals that surface deterioration is primarily driven by the weathering of biotite granite, with high levels of microbial activity and soil ingress contributing to damage. The research identifies soil (50.5%) and lichen growth (47.6%) as the main factors, while biological colonization, including lichens, is notably more pronounced on the northern face of the tomb structure. This characterization provides critical insights into the degradation processes affecting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a basis for targeted conservation strategies.
Alto Douro Wine Region
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2016 —
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A study focusing on the Alto Douro Wine Region reveals that the traditional tabique construction technique—characterized by stone, earth, and wood—is experiencing significant deterioration due to lack of maintenance and fading knowledge. The research identifies and characterizes metal nails used in timber connections within these structures, providing critical insights for their rehabilitation and preservation. Samples were collected from tabique walls in Lamego Municipality, near the Douro River. This work addresses a gap in scientific literature on this culturally significant building technique, offering guidelines to mitigate its advanced stage of decay.
Ajanta Caves
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2016 —
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Ajanta Caves hold profound significance as both historical documents and cultural heritage. This reflective account by Narayan (2016) delves into the caves' multifaceted role, exploring their value as evidence of ancient civilization and social history. The author's personal experience serves as the foundation for this analysis, blending narrative with scholarly insight. By examining the caves through multiple lenses—documentary, evidential, and cultural—the study underscores their enduring importance in preserving human heritage. The approach combines firsthand observation with historical context, offering a unique perspective on how such sites shape our understanding of the past.
Medieval Town of Toruń
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2016 —
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Archaeological and historical analysis reveals distinct origins for the medieval towns of Chełmno and Toruń, both incorporated by the Teutonic Knights in 1233. While Chełmno's development was rooted in a pre-existing castellany with established settlement structures, including trade hubs and cemeteries, Toruń emerged as a greenfield site near an early medieval Vistula River crossing (Stary Toruń). Despite sharing the same incorporation document, Chełmno maintained its dominant role, reflecting deeper historical traditions. Both towns were strategically positioned at border crossings along major trade routes, later integrating into the Hanseatic League network. The study compares archaeological findings with written sources to highlight divergent socio-economic conditions underlying their urban development.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2016 —
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Essential oils (EOs) from two Citrus medica cultivars, 'liscia' and 'rugosa,' cultivated along the Amalfi Coast, show promising antimicrobial properties against key pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus strains. These findings validate traditional uses of citron peels as food preservatives and suggest potential for EOs in medical applications. The study identified 100 compounds in the oils, with limonene (62.8–67.2%) and camphene (8.5–10.9%) as dominant constituents. Additionally, 'rugosa' EO demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory effects on bacterial growth and influenced adenylate cyclase 1 (ADCY1) expression in neuronal cells, hinting at neuroactive properties of limonene. The research employed GC-MS analysis to characterize the oils and in vitro assays to assess antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and CNS activities.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2016 —
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Research in the Central Sikhote-Alin Mountains reveals that the chemical composition of small river basin waters remains stable regardless of flow rates, primarily shaped by interactions with soil and ground cover. The study identified seven distinct geographical water types—cyclonic rainfall, rainstorm, throughfall, subsurface soil flow, low water flow, low floods, and medium floods—based on specific discharge ranges. Notably, anionic composition varies the most among these types, indicating that chemical characteristics are predominantly influenced by landscape constituents rather than changes in water volume.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2016 —
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Volcanic soils (Andosols) around active volcanoes in Kamchatka exhibit unique geochemical features, with background concentrations of most chemical elements lower than global averages. Notably, sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) are consistently elevated in these soils. The study found that ashfall areas from the Tolbachik and Shiveluch volcanoes show element concentrations 1.6 and 1.3 times higher than regional background levels, respectively. Mobile forms of elements in these areas exceed baseline values by 2.1 and 2.6 times, indicating significant volcanic influence on soil chemistry. The research analyzed soil samples from the northern soil province of Kamchatka, providing insights into the geochemical dynamics of volcanic environments.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2016 —
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Attalid bronze coinage from Pergamon, independently minted and exclusive to the dynasty until its end, served as a political tool extending the Attalids' influence across non-minting city-states dependent on their coin supply. This study reveals that the widespread distribution of these coins reflects Attalid rule, with later provincial significance marked by temple coins, likely aided by Panegyric events. By analyzing coin assemblages and individual finds, researchers established a relative and absolute chronology of Pergamon's Hellenistic bronze minting, shedding light on its role in both local and regional economic and political dynamics.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
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2016 —
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A new species of cichlid fish, previously thought to be <i>Coptodon guineensis</i>, has been identified in the Banc d'Arguin National Park (PNBA) in Mauritania. This discovery challenges the current understanding of the genus <i>Coptodon</i>'s diversity and distribution in West Africa. The study, combining morphometric, meristic, and molecular phylogenetic analyses, revealed that <i>C. guineensis</i> is paraphyletic across its range, with distinct lineages distributed allopatrically. This suggests that the current classification of <i>C. guineensis</i> should be restricted to Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, while other lineages should be recognized as <i>Coptodon sp. aff. guineensis</i>. Additionally, the presence of a second species, <i>Sarotherodon melanotheron</i>, was confirmed in PNBA.
Historic Centre of São Luís
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2016 —
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Despite hosting a rich array of leisure equipment, São Luís's historic center underutilizes these resources for tourism and public engagement. Research reveals key challenges: inflexible operating hours, limited publicity, and lack of structured programming hinder their potential to boost cultural tourism. The study, combining bibliographic analysis with field observations, cataloged these assets but found significant gaps in their promotion and accessibility. Addressing these issues could strengthen the city's heritage preservation efforts while enhancing visitor experiences.
Redwood National and State Parks
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2016 —
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Citizen scientists, including youth and their families from the Ecoclub, identified a significant presence of the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in amphibian communities across Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Redwood National and State Parks, California. Their findings revealed that 17% of 155 samples tested positive for Bd, with infections detected in four frog and toad species—foothill yellow-legged frogs, northern red-legged frogs, Pacific chorus frogs, and western toads—all except the latter being first-time reports for coastal northern California. The study also found that amphibians were more susceptible to Bd during cooler seasons (winter or spring) compared to warmer ones (summer or fall), and that younger citizen scientists (children ≤12 years old) nearly doubled the likelihood of detecting positive samples compared to teens or adults. This research underscores the conservation importance of monitoring amphibian health in northern California's coastal ecosystems and highlights the value of youth engagement in citizen science initiatives.
Historic Centre of Cordoba
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2016 —
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A diachronic analysis of Cordoba's city walls from the 2nd to 7th centuries AD reveals significant transformations that challenge conventional understandings of late Roman urban defenses. Unlike other studies focusing on Hispania, this research highlights Cordoba's unique trajectory within Baetica, demonstrating how inherited architectural challenges shaped its wall circuits over five centuries. By integrating archaeological documentation and comparative regional analysis, the study provides a nuanced framework for understanding the evolution of historic city walls, bridging gaps in previous scholarship.
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
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2016 —
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Spanish colonial cities in Mesoamerica, established from the 16th century onward, exhibit striking urban and architectural uniformity due to shared pre-colonial cultural conditions and Spanish colonizers' guidelines. These cities, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mexico City, Campeche, and San Miguel Allende, as well as those along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, were designed according to Royal Ordinances and later Felipe II's 1573 regulations, reflecting Renaissance ideals of order and clarity. A study by Gras (2016) highlights that these cities—when evaluated against UNESCO's 2011 Recommendations for Historic Urban Landscapes (HUL)—offer a framework to preserve their visual integrity and material authenticity amid threats like urban densification and land-use changes. By aligning with ICOMOS guidelines, these sites can strengthen conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of their historical environment.
Rideau Canal
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2016 —
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Canada's civil engineering heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Rideau Canal, is recognized for its significant contributions to global engineering achievements. The paper highlights key structures like the Victoria Bridge and the Quebec Bridge, along with the Canadian Pacific Transcontinental Railway, showcasing their historical and technical importance. It also identifies organizations, such as the Ministry of Canadian Heritage and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, that play a crucial role in conserving these engineering landmarks. The study provides a comprehensive overview of Canada's civil engineering legacy, listing valuable information sources for further exploration.
Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
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Wales, UK, boasts a rich civil engineering heritage, highlighted by iconic structures such as the Conwy and Britannia tubular bridges, Telford's A5 trunk road bridges, and the Pont-y-Cafnau, the world's oldest iron tram road bridge (c. 1793). The region also includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Blaenavon industrial landscape, both of which exemplify significant advancements in engineering. This review identifies Wales's major civil engineering achievements, their national and regional recognition, conservation efforts, and key information sources. It underscores the importance of preserving these structures through organizations like Cadw and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales, while providing resources for further exploration.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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2016 —
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A geo-spatial classification method effectively identifies zones with high potential for aquifer recharge in the Palomas-Guadalupe Victoria aquifer, located in northern Mexico. The study, conducted using vector data and ASTER satellite images, categorized the Lower Basin of Casas Grandes River into three classes based on physical indicators. Class 3, covering an area of 192.94 km² along mountain foothills and river channels, shows the highest recharge potential, followed by Class 2 (838.83 km²) and Class 1 (747.97 km²). This methodology proves highly effective in pinpointing areas suitable for aquifer replenishment strategies, addressing critical water sustainability challenges in endorheic basins where significant water loss occurs through evapotranspiration.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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2016 —
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Online travel reviews, particularly on platforms like Tripadvisor, offer a new lens to understand touristic spaces and societal dynamics. This study reveals that such digital feedback from tourists provides granular insights into the experiences of visitors to Djerba, Tunisia, highlighting shifts in tourism patterns and the roles of various stakeholders. By analyzing these reviews, researchers can uncover nuanced perspectives on geographical spaces that traditional methods may overlook. The approach leverages user-generated content to assess tourist perceptions, behaviors, and the impact of digital tools on spatial knowledge. This method not only challenges conventional geographical narratives but also underscores the potential of crowdsourced data in shaping our understanding of heritage sites like Djerba.
Nyungwe National Park
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2016 —
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Indigenous knowledge and farming practices significantly contribute to climate change resilience, with 75% of local farmers perceiving them as effective. These traditional methods rely on low-cost inputs like local crop varieties, residues, and cow dung, offering fewer environmental side effects compared to modern practices. The study, involving 100 indigenous knowledge holders near Nyungwe National Park (NNP) and Volcanoes National Park (VNP), identified deforestation, floods, volcanic activity changes, solar radiation shifts, and chemical fertilizer use as major climate threats. Integrating these practices into modern farming systems could enhance agricultural productivity while preserving the environment.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2016 —
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Climate change in the Pamir Mountains, a critical water source for Central Asia, is unlikely to significantly reduce regional runoff despite concerns from governmental and international institutions. This study, covering Tajikistan, China, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan, analyzed climate parameters—temperature, precipitation (both liquid and solid), and river discharge—using observation records, remote sensing data, and GIS modeling. By dividing chronological data into two climatic periods, the research found no substantial evidence supporting a dramatic decrease in water potential. The findings challenge prevailing assumptions about climate-driven water scarcity in this remote, high-mountainous region, emphasizing the need for reliable data to inform policy and sustainability efforts.
Great Barrier Reef
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2016 —
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Climate change is eroding the Great Barrier Reef's ability to protect itself from coral bleaching, according to a study tracking three decades of heat stress. Historically, corals acclimated to rising temperatures before hot seasons, building resilience against thermal stress. However, recent severe temperature increases have disabled this protective mechanism, leading to widespread bleaching and mortality, particularly during the 2016 El Niño event. Researchers analyzed long-term data to demonstrate how climate change is disrupting coral adaptation, threatening one of Earth's most iconic ecosystems.
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
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2016 —
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Climate change is significantly altering the hydrological niches of Restionaceae species within the Cape Floral Region, posing threats to their survival. This study reveals that microclimatic shifts, driven by changing water availability in South Africa's semi-arid environment, are reshaping plant species distribution and reducing species richness. Researchers generated unique microclimate hydrological datasets for Jonkershoek, a protected area, to model these changes under future climate scenarios. The findings underscore the critical need for monitoring and assessing Restionaceae species to mitigate impacts from urbanization, agriculture, groundwater extraction, and climate change.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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2016 —
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Protected areas worldwide, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, face significant risks from climate change due to their high dependence on natural ecosystems and climate conditions. A study conducted between 2012 and 2014 in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, identified key climate-related shocks—such as recurrent droughts, political unrest, global terrorism, and disease outbreaks—and stressors like water shortages, vegetation changes, biodiversity loss, and increased livestock and human diseases. These findings highlight the vulnerability of ecotourism in protected areas to climate change, providing a foundation for further vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies. The research used focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to gather data on stakeholders' awareness and perceptions of climate change, offering critical insights for conservation and tourism planning.
Okavango Delta
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2016 —
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Rural households in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, effectively adapt to climate variability by leveraging indigenous knowledge and weather forecasting techniques. The study found that these households use both natural animate and inanimate indicators to predict weather patterns, engaging ethnometeorologists to discuss observations with community members. Adaptation strategies include selecting drought-resistant seeds and adjusting farming calendars. Most households perceive a direct link between changing weather patterns and declining agricultural outputs over the past decade. This experiential knowledge provides valuable insights for policymakers addressing climate variability impacts in similar social-ecological contexts.
Vézelay, Church and Hill
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2016 —
WHE38198C624C
A groundbreaking study reveals that the Holy Sepulchre of Barletta, Italy, served as a crucible for an eclectic Romanesque style with international dimensions, blending influences from Europe and the Holy Land. Unlike previous analyses, this research highlights the liturgical implications of architectural choices, particularly in the high chapel's façade, which adopted Clunisian models but diverged significantly in function. Barletta's role as a Mediterranean port facilitated artistic innovation, challenging earlier narratives that focused solely on southern Italian influences. The study builds on Emile Bertaux's 1904 work by expanding the scope to include broader Mediterranean and European connections, offering new insights into the transmission of architectural models during the 12th century.
Phoenix Islands Protected Area
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2016 —
WHE91B1F82B47
Collaboration among large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs) in the Pacific Ocean has proven effective in addressing shared management, governance, and research challenges. These LSMPAs, which cover vast areas (>100,000 km²), share common natural histories, threats, cultural ties, and scientific needs due to their common ancestry. The study highlights successful bilateral agreements, learning exchanges, and joint research, monitoring, and enforcement activities among notable sites such as the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) and others in the region. By leveraging traditional Pacific collaboration models, these LSMPAs have made significant strides toward achieving global conservation targets, despite covering less than 3% of the ocean's area.
