Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2016 —
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A study conducted in Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed significant discrepancies in helminth parasite species of the Pelophylax esculentus complex frogs compared to baseline inventories from 40 years ago. Researchers identified seven helminth species, including Rhabdias esculentarum as a new species for the Hungarian fauna and three additional species (Diplodiscus subclavatus, Pleurogenes claviger, and Pleurogenoides medians) as new to the park's helminthofauna. The study applied the Document, Assess, Monitoring, Act (DAMA) protocol, which integrates parasite information into large-scale biodiversity studies. While the reasons for the observed changes remain unclear, potential factors include climate change or anthropogenic impacts, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
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2016 —
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Local communities in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA), India, have successfully used cultural heritage as a tool to resist conservation policies that restrict access to sacred sites. By framing their region as the 'Valley of the Gods' and leveraging tourism imagery depicting local deities, these communities have challenged global conservation agendas while channeling opposition through democratic processes. The study highlights how democracy empowers local resistance against new environmental restrictions, illustrating a complex negotiation between global heritage values and local cultural practices. This research underscores the role of heritage in shaping contested geographies, particularly in mountainous regions under pressure from expanding protected areas.
Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
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2016 —
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A comprehensive strategy for protecting heritage values in urban landscapes has been developed, focusing beyond traditional monument preservation to include geomorphology, environment, hydrology, urban planning, historical cartography, land uses, symbolic imagery, and intangible aspects. This approach, applied to Cuenca's historic center in Ecuador, integrates multiple data layers using ArcMap to create a visual tool that facilitates stakeholder engagement and social participation in conservation efforts. The strategy aims to broaden the scope of heritage protection by mapping these elements, providing a holistic framework for urban-level conservation that aligns with principles from international agreements like the 1972 Convention.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2016 —
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Venice faces unique demographic challenges due to its heritage protection laws, geography, and tourism industry. Contrary to the common narrative, depopulation is not solely driven by necessity or convenience but reflects a complex balance between island and mainland identities. The study examines how these factors interact, highlighting the need for nuanced policies that address both heritage preservation and sustainable urban development.
Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
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2016 —
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The spatial organization and social dynamics of the Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were significantly influenced by salt mining activities during the pre-industrial era. Urbanistic analysis reveals distinct layouts: Bochnia's plan from 1253 suggests a transverse-oriented square with centralized religious and public functions, mirroring earlier designs like Legnica, while Wieliczka's later incorporation (1290) features a rectangular market square with power structures and sacred spaces at its periphery. The study highlights the impact of royal investments, such as the construction of a canal linking Krakow and Bochnia, on urban development and economic growth. It also explores the evolution of suburbs, new settlements, and religious complexes, particularly in response to Austrian administrative changes post-1778, which included road network expansions and secular transformations. The research underscores the heterogeneous nature of these salt towns, shaped by mining, governance, and cultural dynamics.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2016 —
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Heterotrophic bacterial production (BP) was found to be significantly stimulated by nitrogen enrichment, suggesting nitrogen limitation of heterotrophic bacteria throughout the experiment. The study, conducted during the VAHINE mesocosm experiment in New Caledonia's lagoon, revealed that BP was highly correlated with particulate primary production and chlorophyll biomass but only slightly correlated with N2 fixation rates during the second phase (P2). Bacterial growth efficiency, at 27–43%, was notably higher than expected for oligotrophic environments, possibly due to the presence of proteorhodopsin-expressing bacteria. The main fates of gross primary production were respiration (67%) and sedimentation (17%). Diazotroph-derived nitrogen primarily fueled the heterotrophic bacterial community through indirect processes like mortality, lysis, and grazing.
Ivindo National Park
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2016 —
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A preliminary study in Gabon's Ivindo National Park (INP) revealed a high diversity of Trypanosoma species infecting tsetse flies, with infection rates reaching 31.9% when detected by PCR. The study identified five trypanosome species, including Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, a parasite responsible for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). Conducted in May 2012 using Vavoua traps to capture tsetse flies over seven days, the research analyzed 160 flies, including Glossina palpalis palpalis and other species. The findings suggest that the INP is a significant focus for both human and animal trypanosomiasis, with a Trypanosoma risk index of 7.05 for animals, indicating a need for close monitoring of disease reservoirs in the region.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2016 —
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Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road System, played a dual role in the Inca Empire: it unified vast territories while also contributing to its eventual decline. This extensive network integrated both new and preexisting roads, facilitating communication, trade, and military movement across the empire. The study highlights how the road system's strategic design and maintenance were crucial to imperial cohesion but also exposed vulnerabilities that accelerated its downfall. Research into this ancient infrastructure reveals insights into Inca engineering prowess and the complexities of large-scale empire management.
Historic Cairo
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2016 —
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Despite the potential benefits of augmented reality (AR) technology for enhancing visitor engagement and learning at cultural heritage sites, Historic Cairo remains without AR implementation. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders revealed challenges hindering adoption, despite AR's proven effectiveness in attracting visitors and providing interactive information. The research highlights critical barriers that need to be addressed to leverage AR's potential in preserving and promoting Islamic heritage.
Robben Island
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2016 —
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Research on Robben Island reveals that arthropod diversity patterns from mainland sites north of the island, specifically Elandsbaai and Dwarskersbos, provide ideal reference targets for its biological rehabilitation rather than geographically closer locations. This finding suggests historical connectedness shapes current biodiversity, guiding restoration efforts to match vegetation height and cover without advocating for species reintroduction. The study used arthropod diversity data to identify the most suitable mainland sites for reference, emphasizing the importance of historical context in conservation strategies for continental islands.
Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century
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2016 —
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Ivrea's city plan, introduced in 2002, demonstrated that modern architecture can be preserved and regenerated while fostering public appreciation for such heritage. This approach was pioneering in uniting innovative conservation strategies with initiatives to safeguard unique modern architectural landmarks, notably the Olivetti districts, which are now under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. The plan served as a test-bed, showcasing the feasibility of integrating preservation efforts with urban regeneration, thereby setting a precedent for future heritage conservation projects.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2016 —
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A comparative analysis of the Nakijin dialect (Northern Okinawa) and the Amami dialect (Tokunoshima Island) reveals that while most Ryukyuan dialects are tonal, Nakijin is an accentual language where pitch interacts with vowel lengthening. This study reconstructs the prosodic system for underived nouns in Proto-Northern Ryukyuan, demonstrating how the Nakijin dialect's unique accent developed through historical reanalysis. By examining phonological patterns and comparing them to other Ryukyuan dialects, researchers identified a shift from tonal contrasts to an accentual system with high-pitched accents in specific environments.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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2016 —
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Syria stands as the cradle of one of humanity's oldest civilizations, marked by pioneering advancements such as urban planning and the development of the alphabet. Among its six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Ancient City of Aleppo exemplifies this legacy, with some settlements dating back over 8,000 years BC. This study highlights Syria's significance in shaping early human settlement and cultural evolution, emphasizing its role as a foundational hub for civilization. The research approach likely involves archaeological analysis, historical documentation, and geotechnical assessments to uncover the layers of history embedded in these sites.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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2016 —
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Historical lead-based type used in book printing from the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries exhibits significant corrosion, particularly when composed of high antimony and low tin levels. This finding stems from a study comparing contemporary knowledge on type alloying with analytical research on a selection of historical type from the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp. The research reveals that such type compositions are highly susceptible to environmental degradation, necessitating careful preservation under controlled conditions to mitigate further corrosion.
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
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2016 —
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Shish Mahal, a stunning Mughal-era palace within Lahore Fort, Pakistan, has endured significant structural challenges due to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, heavy rainfall, lightning strikes, and termite damage. A notable conservation effort between 2003 and 2005 addressed severe ceiling cracks identified in 1991-92, employing expert recommendations to restore the monument's integrity. This study examines the history of Shish Mahal's conservation efforts, both before Pakistan's independence and post-independence, highlighting successful interventions while also acknowledging failures that impacted its authenticity. The research delves into the palace's architectural significance, detailing repair works and offering insights for future preservation strategies.
Cocos Island National Park
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2016 —
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William Beebe's pioneering marine expeditions, particularly his 1925 Arcturus expedition and earlier Galápagos voyage, significantly advanced the understanding of marine ecosystems. His work, including the first scientific exploration of the Sargasso Sea and observations on the Humboldt Current, contributed to the early recognition of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena. Beebe's innovative use of a diving helmet allowed unprecedented underwater observations, revealing diverse marine life behaviors and species interactions. His expeditions also highlighted the ecological importance of Cocos Island, where he conducted extensive dredging studies, uncovering new species and deep-sea biodiversity. These contributions laid foundational knowledge for marine ecology, blending scientific rigor with accessible storytelling in his publications.
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
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2016 —
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Hattusha, the capital of the Hittite Empire, stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Ancient Near East. Excavations at the site have uncovered thousands of clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform texts, offering unprecedented insights into the history and culture of Anatolia and its neighboring regions during the second millennium BCE. These records reveal the Hittites' transition from a regional kingdom to an interregional empire, showcasing their political influence and cultural significance in the pre-classic world. Despite their eventual decline at the end of the Bronze Age, the Hittite Empire remains a pivotal subject for understanding ancient Indo-European civilizations.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
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2016 —
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Floods are the most frequent and economically damaging natural disasters in Austria, particularly those affecting the Danube River. These events cannot be entirely avoided as they are part of the natural water cycle but are exacerbated by human activities such as climate change, land use, and river modifications. In regions like the Wachau Cultural Landscape, permanent flood protection structures are often impractical or undesirable, necessitating mobile systems supported by advanced forecasting models. These predictive tools integrate complex factors like weather, vegetation, soil types, and landscape features to generate realistic forecasts and guide human intervention efforts. The study highlights the critical role of such integrated approaches in mitigating flood risks while balancing ecological and cultural considerations.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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2016 —
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Honey played a significant role in the economy of the Malbork (Marienburg) Commandry, serving as a key ingredient for mead production and a sweetener for local wine. The Teutonic Order, which controlled the region, held exclusive rights to beekeeping, highlighting its economic importance during medieval times. This study sheds light on the historical significance of honey in Prussia, drawing from reliable but scarce sources. By analyzing the Commandry's records and practices, researchers reconstructed the role of honey in the local economy, emphasizing its multifunctional use beyond mere sustenance.
Moravian Church Settlements
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2016 —
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The Moravian Church Settlements, particularly Christiansfeld, showcased a unique integration of musical culture and economic progress during the late 18th century. Despite initial resistance due to their unconventional beliefs, the community's emphasis on music—both in religious settings and as a recreational activity—became a model for educational and economic advancement. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals, reformers recognized the value of the Moravian Church's innovative approaches, leading to its establishment in remote northern Schleswig to balance economic utility with intellectual progress. This study highlights how musical practices within the community served as both a spiritual and social catalyst, influencing broader societal development.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2016 —
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Palestinian activists in Hebron's Old Town harness fear and other negative affects of occupation to foster political agency, demonstrating resistance through reappropriation of violent sensorium. The study reveals that by engaging with the corporeality of occupation, activism can overcome 'political depression' and cultivate critical hope, offering an empirical account of the 'autonomy of affect.' This approach addresses a key question in resistance movements: how fear can be transformed into renewed political action against oppression.
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
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2016 —
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Hopewell Ceremonial Landscapes of Ohio: More than Mounds and Geometric Earthworks challenges conventional views of the Hopewell culture by revealing its complexity beyond earthworks. The study demonstrates that these landscapes were multifunctional, serving as ceremonial, social, and possibly astronomical centers. Lynott's research integrates archaeological data with spatial analysis to reconstruct the cultural significance of these sites, emphasizing their role in ritual practices and cosmic symbolism. This approach shifts the focus from mere structural analysis to a holistic understanding of Hopewell societies, highlighting their advanced organizational and symbolic capabilities.
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din
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2016 —
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A distinctive 'art of the Hospitaller Order' remains elusive, despite analysis of surviving Crusader-era artworks. Research into the mural cycle at Abu-Ghosh (Emmaus) and comparisons with frescos from Crac des Chevaliers and Marqab castles reveal no conclusive iconographic pattern unique to Hospitaller patronage. While some scenes, like the beheading of Saint John the Baptist, align with Hospitaller themes, others—such as depictions of hellish tortures or blessed souls—do not. This study challenges the notion of a coherent visual identity for the Order, highlighting the complexity and diversity of Crusader-era art.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2016 —
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Stonehenge's central structures, including the Sarsen Trilithons and bluestones, served multiple symbolic purposes over time. Initially, they represented a 'big house' or sacred dwelling with a square-in-circle motif during the early third millennium BC. Later, rearrangements formed an oval setting, possibly embodying a lunar month time-reckoning system. The addition of over 80 bluestones from west Wales, each reflecting diverse lithologies, created a microcosm of distant landscapes, reinforcing Stonehenge's significance for water and healing associations. This study re-evaluates the monument's construction sequence to uncover its evolving symbolic meanings.
Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
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2016 —
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A quantitative survey reveals that cultural landscapes, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites Fertö / Neusiedlersee and Tokaj Wine Region, can significantly enhance their appeal to Generation Y by adopting innovative technological solutions. This generation, characterized as 'Internet aboriginals,' prioritizes authenticity, edutainment, and interactive experiences during travel. The study highlights that traditional awareness-raising methods fall short in engaging this demographic, which demands seamless integration of mobile applications, location-based services, and online platforms. Recommendations focus on developing robust online and mobile presences, leveraging the latest digital tools to create dynamic interpretation experiences that align with Generation Y's preferences for technology-driven engagement.
Aldabra Atoll
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2016 —
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Natural overseas dispersal, not human translocation, was the primary driver for the widespread colonization of terrestrial reptiles, including giant tortoises, across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. A review of recent literature reveals that nearly 90% of successful reptile colonization events align with prevailing marine surface currents, which can facilitate long-distance dispersal despite geological and evolutionary time scales. The study also highlights the role of eddies and counter-currents in enabling transport against main current directions. By analyzing extant and extinct WIO giant tortoise lineages, researchers demonstrate that their current distribution patterns are consistent with natural dispersal mechanisms, challenging earlier hypotheses involving human intervention.
Ephesus
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2016 —
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A multi-proxy analysis of the Roman harbour and canal at Ephesus (western Turkey) reveals that human activities, particularly deforestation, agriculture, and grazing, significantly accelerated soil erosion and sedimentation over the last three millennia. Starting in the 8th century BCE, but intensifying during the Hellenistic/Roman period (2nd/1st centuries BCE to 6th/7th centuries CE), these processes led to rapid alluviation and delta progradation of the Küçük Menderes River, causing severe siltation of the harbour basin. This sediment trap also records heightened heavy metal contamination (lead and copper) and traces of fruit tree pollen and intestinal parasites, reflecting increased human impact during Ephesus' peak prosperity. After the 1st millennium CE, declining influence reduced this effect, mirroring trends observed in other ancient Mediterranean settlements where human activity overwhelmed climatic influences during their most flourishing periods.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2016 —
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A novel 'Human Smart Landscape' framework emerges, redefining landscape management by integrating smart dimensions (economy, mobility, environment, people, living, governance) into a synergistic system. This approach transcends traditional physical-geometrical territory models, emphasizing cultural values and adaptive strategies within dynamic landscapes. Applied to the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park (Italy), the framework evaluates and valorizes complex landscape values through a multidimensional methodology. It bridges economic development with cultural preservation, offering a blueprint for sustainable heritage management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2016 —
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A numerical modeling framework reveals that the Superior Lake of Mantua, a shallow fluvial lake in Northern Italy, experiences significant water stagnation due to low winds, reduced summer discharges, and extensive lotus flower meadows. The model estimates circulation modes, water residence times, and surface wave parameters under ordinary, storm, and drought conditions, highlighting the hydrodynamic influence of a newly-opened secondary outlet. It also assesses how wind stress, canopy flow resistance, and wave-current interactions shape lake dynamics, offering insights into potential biochemical impacts.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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2016 —
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Research reveals that the Korana River's sinking zone downstream of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, harbors a transboundary aquifer with potential for sustainable water supply relocation. During dry periods, groundwater levels drop approximately 25 meters below the riverbed, indicating an active aquifer capable of supporting additional research for water management solutions. Tracing tests confirmed a connection to the Klokot spring in Bosnia and Herzegovina's Una River catchment, underscoring the aquifer's transboundary nature. The study suggests that capturing around 60 liters per second (l/s) from this zone would not significantly impact the Klokot spring's discharge, which ranges from 3 m³/s to over 75 m³/s. This finding opens avenues for relocating water supply sources while maintaining ecological balance.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2016 —
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A multi-layer perceptron (MLP) hydrological model was successfully developed to predict water levels near Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adjacent to the Nakdong River. The model, trained using error back-propagation algorithm with water level and rainfall data from 2012–2013, demonstrated effective prediction performance when tested on untrained 2014 data. This approach provides a robust tool for monitoring flood risks in culturally significant areas, enhancing disaster preparedness strategies.
Macquarie Island
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2016 —
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Hydrothermal alteration of the Macquarie Island ophiolite reveals significant chemical exchanges between ocean crust and seawater, with net fluxes indicating that elements like Si, Ti, Al, and Ca are transferred to the oceans, while H₂O, Mg, Na, K, and S are sequestered in the crust. This study leverages the unique sub-aerial exposure of a complete oceanic crust section to quantify these processes, demonstrating that elemental uptake by veins plays a crucial role for elements like Si, Fe, Mg, and S. The findings suggest that hydrothermal activity could balance riverine inputs of Mg to the oceans, though relationships between spreading rates and chemical exchange fluxes remain poorly understood.
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
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2016 —
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A new hypothesis proposes that the Nasca and Palpa geoglyphs served as organized work areas for rope and net production, supported by experimental, archaeological, and ethnographical evidence. The study, led by J. Sonnek, builds on previous theories while introducing technical devices—'rope twisters'—that replicate ancient ropemaking tools, demonstrating their functionality through practical testing. Radiocarbon dating of wooden remnants from the region suggests a connection to ropemaking activities spanning from Early Nasca to the 17th century. Additionally, linguistic analysis links the Quechua word <em>huasca</em> (meaning rope or cord) to 'Nasca,' reinforcing the hypothesis. This innovative approach integrates technical experimentation with archaeological and ethnographic data, offering a novel perspective on the purpose of these enigmatic geoglyphs.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2016 —
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Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its tectonic limestone structures and extensive cave systems, harbors a unique ichthyofauna. Despite the total estimated length of 80 km of caves and underground rivers, only 20 km have been explored by joint Vietnamese-English teams, revealing 17 km in Phong Nha and 3 km in Ke Bang. The park's distinctive karst geology facilitates widespread underground water flow, with small streams converging into larger channels like the Rao Thuong, eventually forming major tributaries of the Gianh River. This study highlights the region's complex hydrological network and its significance for rare flora and fauna listed in both Vietnam's Red Book and the World Red Book.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2016 —
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A critical analysis of iconographic and historiographic representations of Paestum, a significant Magno-Greek foundation, reveals how these interpretations influenced restoration practices between the 18th and 19th centuries. The study compares multiple testimonies from this period to assess their impact on the perceived value and significance of the ancient site's stratifications. Unlike Pompeii or Herculaneum, Paestum was rediscovered conceptually rather than materially, yet it became a focal point for artistic and scholarly depictions starting in the mid-18th century. This research demonstrates that these representations shaped restoration methodologies, highlighting the interplay between cultural narratives and conservation practices.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2016 —
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Oil-degrading bacteria (ODB) from subtropical Iriomote Island, Japan, and tropical Con Dao Island, Vietnam, exhibit distinct biodegradation capabilities. The study found that isolates from Iriomote demonstrated higher degradation rates for crude oil, n-alkanes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compared to those from Con Dao. Notably, <em>Pseudomonas putida</em> and <em>Ochrobactrum anthropi</em> from Iriomote degraded over 40% of oil and n-alkanes and more than 25% of PAHs. While total bacterial counts were similar in sediment samples, seawater samples from Iriomote had significantly fewer ODB than those from Con Dao. The research isolated 45 bacteria across 18 genera, highlighting regional differences in microbial adaptation to potential oil contamination in these subtropical and tropical environments.
Mount Athos
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of 14th-century Byzantine textiles from Mount Athos reveals the first documented use of cochineal dye, likely derived from Porphyrophora polonica insects. This discovery, achieved through a novel two-step extraction method using hot dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) followed by mild acid hydrolysis, highlights the sophistication of Byzantine textile dyeing techniques. The study also confirms the presence of weld, indigoid dyes (including indigo and woad), kermes, and tannins, demonstrating that glycoside components can be preserved under less harsh conditions than previously thought. This research sheds light on the historical significance of Mount Athos as a center for textile artistry and dye production.
Sacred City of Kandy
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2016 —
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Fine particulate matter (PM) in Kandy, Sri Lanka—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourist destination—originates primarily from re-suspended soil, vehicular emissions, biomass burning, industrial sources, and aged sea salt. Researchers analyzed over 100 PM samples collected between 2012 and 2014 using a GENT stacked filter sampler and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified five key source factors, revealing significant contributions from anthropogenic activities alongside natural soil resuspension. Black carbon measurements further supported the dominance of combustion-related sources in urban PM pollution.
Anjar
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2016 —
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A significant increase in annual rainfall trends has been detected in the Anjar region, an Indian arid area, with post-change point (CP) rainfall magnitudes 2–10 times higher than those observed over a 34-year period. The study identified abrupt CPs using multiple statistical tests, revealing that mean annual rainfall increased by 14–80% after CP, accompanied by a reduction in variability. Trend analysis showed statistically significant increases at four stations, with the Mann-Kendall test indicating strengthening trends over time. These findings suggest that heightened rainfall trends may further intensify, providing critical data for policymakers to address future challenges.
City of Quito
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2016 —
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Researchers identified the Ozone Weekend Effect (WE) in Quito, Ecuador, where ozone (O₃) levels peak on weekends while emissions of its precursors (NOₓ and VOCs) decline. Analyzing hourly air quality data from 2005 to 2012 at two urban stations—Centro (historic center) and Belisario (center-north)—the study found that Sunday O₃ concentrations were significantly higher, by 19.7–31.1% in Belisario and 11.7–18.4% in Centro, compared to weekdays. This suggests Quito operates under VOC-limited conditions for photochemical O₃ production, a critical insight for air quality management in the northern Andean region.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2016 —
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Bosnian and Herzegovinian cities, including Mostar, have undergone significant transitions from socialist planning to post-war neoliberal approaches, marked by a shift from rigid, top-down regulation to more flexible, informal development models. This study reveals how planning systems in the late phase of post-socialist transition have adapted to political and economic changes, moving away from centralized control towards open, adaptive frameworks. By analyzing urban zones—such as Mostar’s Industrial Zone Bišće Polje, City Zone Rondo, and Historic District—it provides insights into the evolving dynamics of city planning in a region navigating complex historical and political shifts.
Landscape of Grand Pré
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2016 —
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Grand Pré, Nova Scotia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Acadian farming heritage, is part of a dual narrative that includes both idyllic pastoral imagery and industrial agricultural practices. The site's transformation from a traditional farming settlement into an intensive rural development hub, driven by ambitions to make the Annapolis Valley 'the Orchard of the Empire,' has profoundly shaped Nova Scotia's physical, ecological, and economic landscape. This essay challenges the romanticized view of Grand Pré, highlighting its role in modern agriculture and tourism while emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. By recognizing both histories—pre-industrial Acadian settlement and subsequent industrial practices—the study offers a nuanced perspective on the site's ecological costs and economic realities.
City of Valletta
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2016 —
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The documentary film 'Ilhna Beltin: Locating Identity in a Fortified Mediterranean City' offers a unique lens into the multifaceted identities and spatial narratives of Valletta, Malta. It reveals how tradition and modernity coexist within this monumental yet intimate urban landscape, highlighting everyday, often overlooked aspects of life that shape collective memory and place identity. The film, part of the EuroMed Heritage II project 'Mediterranean Voices,' employs ethnographic storytelling to capture the voices of Valletta's inhabitants, illustrating their diverse experiences and the evolving dynamics of the city. This approach uncovers the less glamorous but equally significant dimensions of urban life, providing a nuanced understanding of how space and identity are constructed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2016 —
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A significant illegal logging operation was uncovered in the Sierra Chincua overwintering area of Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, affecting 10 hectares of forest. The discovery, initially reported by a local environmentalist in May 2015 and later confirmed through satellite imagery, highlighted severe deforestation within the core zone of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Government authorities arrested 35 loggers and confiscated 147 cubic meters of wood between March and May 2015, though the exact location remained undisclosed until January 2016. The study relied on satellite imagery, media reports, and communications with local stakeholders to document the incursion, emphasizing its potential negative impact on the monarch butterfly's spring remigration.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking technique, multiple scattering muon radiography, has proven effective for imaging dense reinforcement elements within thick structures. This method leverages cosmic-ray muons to penetrate and map internal features, offering a non-invasive tool for examining complex architectural elements. Demonstrated on a mock-up wall at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the approach shows promise for application in high-profile cultural heritage sites, such as the dome of Florence Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings validate cosmic-ray muon radiography as a powerful means to investigate thick structures without causing damage, advancing both conservation science and architectural analysis.
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
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2016 —
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This study challenges conventional perceptions of aridity, revealing that contemporary pastoralists in hyper-arid regions do not perceive their environment as arid. This insight suggests that historical and prehistoric inhabitants likely shared similar perspectives. The research focuses on the Tadrart Acacus massif in southwestern Libya, a sandstone mountain range with distinct eastern and western characteristics due to its longitudinal orientation. By examining human-environment interactions, the study aims to bridge contemporary understandings with past experiences, offering a nuanced perspective on aridity's perception in one of the world's largest deserts.
Babylon
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2016 —
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Mario Liverani's 'Imagining Babylon' offers a critical overview of modern Western scholarship on the ancient Near Eastern city, challenging traditional narratives shaped by biblical accounts. Through two centuries of archaeological excavations and academic discourse, the study reveals how interpretations of Babylon have evolved, often influenced by cultural biases and historical perspectives rather than empirical evidence. Liverani's work synthesizes diverse approaches, highlighting the complexities and contradictions in reconstructing 'the real Babylon.' The research employs a comparative analysis of textual, archaeological, and scholarly sources to deconstruct myth from reality, providing a nuanced understanding of one of history's most iconic cities.
Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
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2016 —
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A study on the tourist experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast, reveals how visitors' expectations shape their immediate experiences and long-term memories. The research highlights that photography plays a significant role in mediating these experiences, influencing both the perception of the site during the visit and its recollection afterward. By analyzing visitor interactions with the site through a combination of surveys, interviews, and observational data, the study underscores the importance of emotional immediacy and visual documentation in shaping the tourist narrative. This insight contributes to a broader understanding of how World Heritage Sites are experienced and remembered by visitors.
Megalithic Temples of Malta
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2016 —
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A striking interplay between immensity and miniaturism shaped sensory experiences and social relations during the Late Neolithic period (3600–2500 BC) on the Maltese Islands. While megalithic temples, with their monumental scale, dominate archaeological narratives, this study reveals that smaller objects—such as figurines and models—were equally significant in structuring human perception and interaction within these grand structures. By analyzing the contrast between large-scale architecture and miniature artifacts, researchers demonstrate how varying scales influenced social dynamics and sensory engagement, challenging traditional interpretations of Neolithic material culture.
Mount Taishan
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2016 —
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Biomass burning events (BBEs) significantly impact soil microorganisms and plant metabolites, as evidenced by increased concentrations of hydroxy fatty acids (FAs) during high BBE periods over Mount Tai. The study found that BBEs enhance the atmospheric presence of epicuticular waxes, soil microbes, and biomass combustion tracers like levoglucosan and endotoxin. While relative abundances of hydroxy FAs remained consistent between high and low BBE periods, their absolute concentrations spiked during intense burning, indicating a strong association with agricultural waste combustion and dust re-suspension. Back trajectory analysis further revealed the role of BBEs in transporting bacteria and plant metabolites across regions. This research highlights the complex interactions between biomass burning, microbial activity, and atmospheric chemistry, offering insights into the broader environmental impacts of agricultural practices.
