Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2016 —
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The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces System (HHRTS), a 1300-year-old traditional agricultural system, demonstrates significant economic, ecological, aesthetic, cultural, and research values. Designated as both a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in 2010 and a World Heritage Site in 2013, the HHRTS highlights unique features such as distinctive rice varieties, ecologically clean production systems, and sustainable water and soil management practices. While traditional farming methods face challenges like low efficiency and single-industry dependency, these constraints create ideal conditions for green agriculture, organic farming, and ecological food production due to the pristine farmland environment. The study proposes that protecting this system requires multi-faceted economic compensation strategies, including ecotourism development and policy coordination among governments, corporations, and local communities.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2016 —
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A substantial economic value is attributed to recreational trips to Mont-Saint-Michel (MSM), France's most visited coastal UNESCO World Heritage Site, with consumer surplus estimates revealing significant benefits. The study highlights that ignoring multi-purpose/destination trips biases these valuations, while accounting for the opportunity cost of time does not significantly alter results. A random parameters Poisson model (RPPM) provides deeper insights into demand factors compared to a standard Poisson model (SPM), though both yield statistically similar consumer surplus estimates. This research applies the zonal travel cost method (ZTCM) to quantify recreational value, offering critical insights for heritage site management and economic valuation.
Old Rauma
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2016 —
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Heritage value is not intrinsic but constructed through discursive processes, as demonstrated by the first in-depth historical analysis of World Heritage site valuation in urban contexts. Using Old Rauma, Finland, as a case study, the research examines how ICOMOS's universal standards interact with local perspectives, revealing tensions between global heritage narratives and localized interpretations. The study critically assesses ICOMOS's role in determining 'outstanding universal value' and contributes to broader debates on the discursive nature of heritage, offering insights for scholars in Heritage Studies, Cultural Geography, Urban Studies, and Tourism.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2016 —
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A study on the UNESCO-listed terrazzato landscapes of the Amalfi Coast reveals that these 'living evolving cultural landscapes' are at risk due to changing socio-economic conditions, threatening their sustainability. The research identifies and maps cultural ecosystem services (ESS) using a multi-criteria valuation approach combined with spatial analysis via GIS, integrating local community input through semi-structured questionnaires and collaborative mapping tools like Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). This method allows for the visualization of complex human-landscape relationships, providing actionable insights for conservation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of balancing development with heritage preservation while engaging local stakeholders in sustainable management strategies.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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2016 —
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A comprehensive analysis of tree populations in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, reveals that the structural dynamics of mountain forests vary significantly with altitude. The study, which surveyed 16,797 trees across 30 hectares, found that while basal area remains relatively stable at around 35 m²/ha regardless of elevation, tree diameter and height decrease progressively with altitude. Dominant tree families include Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae, with Strombosia scheffleri and Xymalos monospora standing out due to their basal area, abundance, and frequency across different altitude horizons. The research also highlights the need for localized height-diameter (H/D) models due to variations in tree growth patterns along altitudinal gradients.
Kathmandu Valley
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2016 —
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Ground-level ozone (O₃) poses significant air quality concerns in the Kathmandu Valley, frequently exceeding health guidelines. A 2013 study revealed higher O₃ concentrations in rural areas (108.5 ± 31.4 μg m⁻³) compared to urban sites (87.1 ± 9.2 μg m⁻³), highlighting the role of meteorology and precursor gases in its formation. Urban regions also exhibited elevated nitrogen dioxide (NO₂, 22.4 ± 8.1 μg m⁻³) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂, 14.5 ± 11.1 μg m⁻³) levels, with SO₂ peaking near brick factories (22.3 ± 14.7 μg m⁻³). Ammonia (NH₃) emerged as a critical pollutant near polluted rivers, while SO₂’s proximity to industrial sources underscored its role in particulate matter formation. The study employed passive sampling across 15 sites from March to May 2013, followed by targeted measurements in 2014, revealing spatial variability and the need for intensified monitoring.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
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2016 —
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A significant male-biased sexual dimorphism in body size and morphometric traits was confirmed in two populations of the wall gecko, <em>Tarentola delalandii</em>, from Tenerife's San Cristóbal de La Laguna (North) and Granadilla de Abona (South). Males exhibited larger snout-vent length (SVL), head dimensions, limb lengths, and tail measurements than females, with northern individuals generally larger than southern ones. While most size-adjusted traits were larger in males, shape-adjusted traits showed significant differences favoring females. The study employed Permutational MANCOVA to analyze morphological variables, controlling for head and trunk lengths as covariates. These findings highlight the influence of evolutionary, ontogenetic, and ecological factors on sexual dimorphism in this species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2016 —
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A comparative analysis of carbon isotope (δ13C) values in chimpanzee food resources from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda, reveals significant isotopic variability driven by plant part, canopy position, and taxon. The study found that while mean δ13C values for plants are similar across both sites, ground-level resources at Ngogo exhibit markedly lower δ13C values (-30.7‰) compared to Bwindi (-28.6‰), leading to more pronounced isotopic differences between canopy and ground resources (4.2 vs. 2.2‰). These findings underscore the influence of environmental factors on isotopic signatures, cautioning against direct comparisons of primate diets across geographically or temporally separated populations without localized isotope data.
Mammoth Cave National Park
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2016 —
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A global analysis of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reveals significant variability in its chemical composition, with ammoniated sulfate, crustal material, and equivalent black carbon being the dominant constituents across 12 urban sites and a background site at Mammoth Cave National Park. The study, part of the Surface PARTiculate mAtter Network (SPARTAN), found that PM2.5 components varied by more than an order of magnitude between locations, with notable differences in levels of ammoniated sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and black carbon. For instance, Kanpur, India, exhibited high concentrations during the dry season, while Mammoth Cave showed minimal anthropogenic influence. The research leverages gravimetrically weighed filters and collocated nephelometer sampling to infer spatial and temporal PM2.5 variability cost-effectively, with findings validated against established networks like IMPROVE and AERONET. SPARTAN's open-access database continues to provide critical insights into global aerosol composition.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2016 —
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Recent decades have seen significant variations in terrestrial water storage (TWS) across China, with notable increases in regions such as the Hoh Xil, middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River, southeastern coastal areas, and the headstream region of the Yellow River on the Tibetan Plateau. Conversely, long-term depletions were observed in North China and the southwest rivers region. This study leveraged Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) Tellus products alongside Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) simulations to analyze TWS trends from 2003 to 2013 across eight major basins. Findings revealed that soil moisture storage contributed over 50% of TWS variance in most basins, with precipitation and runoff exerting a stronger influence on southern regions compared to the north. The study also highlighted potential impacts of groundwater exploitation on TWS responses in the Hai River and Yellow River basins, where TWS continued to decline until 2012.
City of Valletta
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2016 —
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Smart urban management through data-driven travel solutions is demonstrated by the Valletta Travel Information Service (VaTIS), which leverages automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and low-cost sensors to analyze traffic patterns. The system, implemented in its first phase using existing camera data and secondary travel behavior records, shows promise for optimizing infrastructure use and managing travel demand more efficiently. This research highlights the potential of integrating intelligent applications with sensor technology to not only improve urban planning but also pave the way for future user engagement strategies aimed at behavior change. The findings underscore the scalability and adaptability of such systems in addressing the challenges posed by limited resources in heritage cities like Valletta.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2016 —
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A study conducted in the Brazilian Atlantic Islands of Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas revealed that the minimum infection rate (MIR) for dengue virus (DENV) in mosquito samples was significantly higher when using the NS1-Ag detection method, with an MIR of 9.18 when considering all pools and 17.54 for pools with RNA integrity. This suggests that NS1-Ag detection is the most sensitive method for DENV surveillance in mosquitoes, especially where serotype identification is not required. The research, conducted between 2011 and 2012, also highlighted the importance of constant entomological surveillance in the region due to the continuous threat of dengue or other arbovirus epidemics. The study emphasized the need for improved storage and transportation protocols for mosquito samples and the inclusion of endogenous controls in RT-PCR to avoid false-negative results.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2016 —
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Researchers have identified four distinct feather grass steppe associations and two communities in the western Pamir Alai Mountains, Tajikistan, proposing the first syntaxonomical scheme for graminoid steppe vegetation in this region. The study distinguished Stipetum drobovii, Stipetum lipskyi, Stipetum margellanicae, and Stipetum jagnobicae associations, along with Bromus tectorum-Stipa arabica and Stipa turkestanica subsp. trichoides communities, assigning them to the new alliance Poo bulbosae-Artemision persicae and provisionary order Carici stenophylloidis-Stipetalia arabicae within the Irano-Turanian class of steppe vegetation. The findings highlight altitude and organic topsoil cover as key factors influencing species composition, marking a significant contribution to understanding steppe vegetation diversity in Tajikistan and Middle Asia.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2016 —
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Despite sharing similar physiognomic traits, the Koobi Fora region northeast of Lake Turkana, Marsabit County, Northern Kenya, exhibits a distinct angiosperm flora compared to nearby regions like the Omo Valley and Marsabit. A survey between 2012 and 2014 identified 367 plant species (361 angiosperms) across approximately 2600 km², with 137 species newly documented in this area. Only 98 species are common to all three regions, highlighting unique taxa in each, which constitute about one-third of their respective floras. The region's vegetation is predominantly grassland or dwarf shrubland (covering most of the area), with smaller portions of shrubland, riparian forest, and woodland. This study provides a comprehensive flora list for Koobi Fora, contributing to the understanding of its biodiversity despite its arid climate (mean annual temperature 32°C, rainfall 130 mm/year).
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
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2016 —
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A digital surveying project using 3D laser scanning technology has revealed structural inadequacies in the 1956 reconstruction of the Doric pillar peristyle at Villa Adriana, an ancient Roman imperial residence. This finding underscores the need for critical reassessment of restoration practices to balance preservation with historical accuracy. The study proposes an innovative approach to site enhancement, integrating interactive technological devices such as touchscreens and projections to immerse visitors in a multilevel learning experience that spans historical and scientific analysis. Unlike traditional passive exposure to artifacts or drawings, this method enables users to 'travel back in time' to the Hadrianic period, offering deeper engagement with the site's heritage.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
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2016 —
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In 1961, the Norwegian couple Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad uncovered archaeological remains of a Viking expedition at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, confirming Norse presence in North America over 400 years before Columbus. The discovery provided tangible evidence of the 'Vinland' described in medieval sagas, such as the Grænlendinga Saga, which detailed the Vikings' arrival and their encounter with sweet dew on grass. This study, by Rudolf Simek, explores the motivations behind the Viking voyages—whether driven by adventure, resource scarcity, or other factors—and examines their nautical prowess, worldviews, and historical narratives. It also addresses misconceptions, including 'Viking Hoaxes,' that emerged in the U.S., highlighting the intersection of history, archaeology, and medieval scholarship.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
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2016 —
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Archaeological evidence of the Viking expedition to North America, predating Christopher Columbus by over 400 years, was rediscovered at L'Anse aux Meadows on Newfoundland's coast. The discovery, made in 1961 by Norwegian researchers Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad, confirmed historical accounts from the Grænlendinga Saga, detailing the Vikings' arrival in Vinland. This study explores the motivations behind their journey—whether driven by adventure, resource scarcity, or other factors—and examines their nautical expertise, boat designs, and worldviews. It also debunks 'Viking Hoaxes,' a phenomenon of exaggerated Viking narratives in the U.S., providing a balanced historical perspective.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
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2016 —
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Archaeological evidence of Viking exploration in North America was uncovered at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, by Norwegian researchers Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad in 1961. This discovery confirmed the historical accounts from the Grænlendinga Saga, detailing the Vikings' arrival in Vinland around 400 years before Columbus. The site revealed insights into Viking shipbuilding, navigation, and cultural practices, challenging earlier misconceptions about their presence in North America. The research also explored the motivations behind their expeditions, including resource scarcity and adventurous spirit, while debunking American 'Viking Hoaxes' that had previously distorted public perception.
Struve Geodetic Arc
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2016 —
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A novel framework for constructing large-scale 3D models of cultural heritage sites, such as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc, has been developed. This approach leverages remote sensing data and a 3D geographic information system to enhance scene organization and management. The method addresses limitations in previous studies by providing a scalable solution for representing extensive heritage sites, offering improved tools for preservation and analysis.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2016 —
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Researchers have successfully decoded the largest portion of Greek text ever detected inside unopened Herculaneum papyri, using X-ray phase-contrast tomography and advanced virtual-unrolling algorithms. This breakthrough reveals previously hidden writings from a 1st-century BC Epicurean philosopher, Philodemus of Gadara, preserved in carbonized scrolls at the 'Villa dei Papiri' in Herculaneum since the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption. The non-destructive technique achieved unprecedented spatial resolution and contrast, bringing to light philosophical treatises that had remained inaccessible for nearly 2000 years.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2016 —
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Visitors to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, a significant locale for hominid fossil discoveries, overwhelmingly perceive it as the birthplace or origin of humanity. A survey of over 800 adult visitors revealed that 63% associated the term 'cradle' with human origins, and 77% of South African respondents believed no other site could claim this title. While nearly 60% accepted human evolution from ape-like ancestors, 25% disagreed, with South Africans showing less acceptance than international visitors. Those who accepted evolution cited evidence and knowledge as their basis, whereas 60% of rejectors grounded their stance in religious beliefs, with 33% citing evidence for rejection. The study underscores the complex interplay between public perception, scientific literacy, and cultural or religious influences on views about human origins.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2016 —
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This study highlights the significant role of understudied minority Goan communities in shaping port cities along littoral Africa, using visual representations from Mozambique and Zanzibar. By analyzing photo archives from Ricardo Rangel (Mozambique, 1970s) and Ranchhod Oza (Zanzibar, 1950s), the research reveals how Goan diasporic dynamism contributed to the cultural fabric of these historic urban centers. The visual approach offers new insights into the everyday lives and expressive moments of Goans in distinct geographic and temporal contexts, emphasizing their interconnectedness through Indian Ocean trade networks.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2016 —
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Marshallese women from Bikini and Rongelap Atolls use 'radiation songs' to sonically represent the physical and physiological impacts of U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands (1946–1958). These compositions, analyzed through recurring motifs like disabled vocal techniques, text setting, silences, and rhetorical questioning, expose the broader cultural and structural violence of radiation exposure. The study proposes a stylistic framework that familiarizes listeners with the sonorized logic of radiation, highlighting its political significance in challenging biopolitical controls and revealing confined disability as a consequence of nuclear damage.
Vézelay, Church and Hill
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2016 —
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Eugène Viollet-le-Duc's architectural dominance in mid-19th-century France is underscored by his simultaneous restoration projects, including Vézelay, Notre-Dame de Paris, and Carcassonne, which collectively accounted for substantial government spending. His prolific output, exceeding 20 million francs across multiple sites, rivaled contemporaries like Hector Lefuel and Léon Vaudoyer. Beyond grand restorations, Viollet-le-Duc demonstrated versatility in private commissions, from eccentric châteaux to boldly simple residences, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in French architecture.
Struve Geodetic Arc
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2016 —
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The Warsaw Triangulation Base, part of the Struve Geodetic Arc, played a critical role in 19th-century geodesy during its time under Russian rule (1815–1917). This study highlights its significance within the broader 'Russian-Scandinavian Arc' project, which involved precise measurements across three bases—Warsaw, Tarnogród, and Częstochowsk—to establish accurate terrestrial reference systems. The research focuses on the historical and scientific contributions of these bases, emphasizing their integration into global geodetic networks. By analyzing archival data and triangulation techniques, the study reconstructs the methodological approach used during this period, providing insights into early geodetic practices in the Polish Kingdom. This work underscores the enduring legacy of the Struve Arc as a foundational element in the development of modern geodesy.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
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2016 —
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In 1961, the Norwegian couple Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad uncovered archaeological remnants of a Viking expedition at L'Anse aux Meadows on Newfoundland's coast, providing tangible evidence of Norse exploration in North America over 400 years before Columbus. The discovery shed light on the motivations behind these voyages—whether driven by adventure, resource scarcity, or other factors—and challenged long-standing narratives about Viking origins and seafaring capabilities. Rudolf Simek's analysis delves into the historical accounts, such as the Grænlendinga Saga, which vividly describes the Vikings' arrival in Vinland, while also examining their nautical expertise, boat designs, and worldviews. Additionally, the work debunks 'Viking Hoaxes,' a phenomenon of exaggerated or fabricated Norse-American connections that gained traction in the U.S.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
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2016 —
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The Hanseatic City of Lübeck demonstrates the significant role water has played in its development and industrial growth. Situated along the Trave River, which flows into the Baltic Sea, Lübeck's strategic location and adaptive river management have shaped its urban landscape over 800 years. The study highlights how the connection between the Trave and Wakenitz rivers was repeatedly adjusted to support profitable mills and industrial activities, ultimately enclosing Lübeck on all sides. This historical adaptation underscores the importance of water as a renewable energy source in sustainable urban development. The research approach involves analyzing the river's impact on Lübeck's growth, trading, agriculture, and industry, providing insights into the interplay between natural resources and human ingenuity.
Danube Delta
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2016 —
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The Danube Delta, Europe's largest wetland, exhibits moderate ecological status based on biological indicators but shows good water quality when assessed through chemical parameters and machine-learning algorithms. This study leverages benthic fauna analysis alongside multicriterial indices to evaluate spatial and temporal variability in the Southern Branch of the Danube Delta (Saint Gheorghe). By integrating coliform bacteria data with chemical parameters, researchers developed a real-time classification model using machine learning, offering an innovative approach to water quality monitoring. The findings underscore the potential of computational methods to complement traditional ecological assessments, providing actionable insights for managing this critical UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Water Framework Directive.
Historic Centre of Siena
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2016 —
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A novel energy harvesting system, inspired by the watermill principle, enables autonomous operation of wireless sensor nodes in underground environments. This innovation allows for real-time remote monitoring of critical environmental parameters in historic aqueducts, such as Siena's 'Bottini,' without relying on external power sources. The system leverages water flow to drive an electric motor, coupled with a power control mechanism that manages energy accumulation and consumption. Laboratory tests validated the effectiveness of this approach, demonstrating its potential for long-term, self-sustaining monitoring in culturally significant underground infrastructures.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2016 —
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Shelly ridges in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, France, demonstrate remarkable wave attenuation capabilities, reducing energy by 92% to 98% as waves traverse well-formed systems. This significant dissipation, primarily affecting wind-wave and swell energy while leaving infragravity frequencies dominant, highlights their role in coastal protection. In contrast, degraded or breached ridges show reduced attenuation (70% to 90%), with a mix of gravity and infragravity energy. The study employed monthly topographic surveys using DGPS and hydrodynamic measurements via miniature pressure sensors deployed since February 2015, providing preliminary evidence that shelly ridges mitigate wave impact on shorelines. Further research under stronger wave conditions is needed to solidify these findings.
Stevns Klint
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2016 —
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A study of K-T boundary clays from Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveals that elements such as Ni, Cr, and Fe in impact-related glasses undergo weathering and diagenesis to form stable hydrates and oxides. XANES and EXAFS analyses indicate that these elements adopt structures similar to Ni(OH)₂, Cr₂O₃, and FeOOH, respectively. Notably, Ca maintains a diopside-like structure, potentially retaining information about the meteorite impact conditions. Mn exhibits a divalent state akin to MnCO₃, with its scarcity in Fe-group elements attributed to consumption by life activity or diffusion. This research provides insights into the post-impact chemical transformations and environmental processes at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2016 —
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Westminster, traditionally seen as a royal stronghold, exhibited complex political and social dynamics during England's civil wars and interregnum (1640–60). This period saw the coexistence of moral reformers, military presence, and elite sociability within its distinctive geography. The study reveals that despite Westminster's historical association with monarchy, it became more closely tied to state governance than ever before, with its iconic buildings and local government playing pivotal roles in shaping political crises. Religious divisions and the revival of fashionable society also marked this era, highlighting the area's multifaceted character during a time of significant upheaval.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2016 —
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Researchers have uncovered endemic mimicry patterns among coral-reef fish species in the Marquesas Islands, revealing a unique aspect of the region's biodiversity. Unlike widespread mimicry observed across the Indo-Pacific, these patterns involve endemic Marquesan species serving as models for other local species, adding to the islands' ecological distinctiveness. The study analyzed fish behavior and morphology to document these novel mimicry dynamics, providing new evidence for the Marquesas Islands' status as a global hotspot for marine biodiversity.
Chitwan National Park
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2016 —
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A significant portion of wildlife attacks on people in and around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, occurs outside the protected area, with 89% of incidents recorded between 2003 and 2013 happening beyond its boundaries. These attacks are unevenly distributed across seasons and months, predominantly occurring during the day, particularly in the morning. Rhinos (38%), tigers (21%), sloth bears (18%), elephants (9%), and wild boar (8%) were the primary perpetrators. Victims were mostly male, engaged in resource collection or farming, and lacked knowledge of animal behavior. The study used data from stakeholders, field observations, and surveys to identify key correlates such as site, season, time, activity, gender, and awareness. Mitigation strategies are recommended, including habitat management within the Park and raising public awareness about wildlife behavior, along with forming a participatory emergency rescue team for high-risk areas.
Ningaloo Coast
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2016 —
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Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, do not undertake long trans-oceanic migrations but instead make shorter forays along the coast or to nearby foraging areas. This finding emerges from an innovative satellite tagging programme that tracked 12 whale sharks using Wildlife Computers SPOT tags over periods ranging from 15 to 156 days (mean: 93.4 ± 13.1 SE). Preliminary data revealed homing migrations to the southern part of Ningaloo Reef, with sharks returning within 44 to 93 days (mean: 65.7 ± 7.8 SE), indicating commuting and foraging behaviors critical for conservation planning. The study also pioneered an educational initiative, funding tags through school participation in a STEM-focused learning programme, which engaged students from pre-primary to senior high school levels. This dual-purpose approach not only advanced scientific understanding but also fostered marine awareness and education.
Iguaçu National Park
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2016 —
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After two decades of absence, white-lipped peccaries (WLP), the most endangered ungulate in the Neotropics, have been recorded again within Iguaçu National Park (INP). This rediscovery, following confirmed reports of local extinction in the mid-1990s and subsequent surveys throughout the 2000s, suggests a potential population recovery, likely due to emigration from surrounding areas. The study highlights the critical need for urgent conservation measures to re-establish WLP populations and restore their ecological role within the park's ecosystem.
Independence Hall
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2016 —
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Visitors to UNESCO World Heritage Sites exhibit distinct demographic patterns that differ from the general heritage tourist profile. A comparative analysis of three sites—Independence Hall (USA), Studenica Monastery (Serbia), and Volubilis (Morocco)—revealed that while these visitors are highly educated, they lack similarities in age, income, or residence. This challenges the conventional perception of middle-aged, middle-class heritage tourists. The study employed survey-based research with descriptive statistics to identify these trends, providing a foundation for broader demographic studies on World Heritage Site tourism.
Taos Pueblo
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2016 —
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Research suggests that peyote (Lophophora williamsii) may have played an unexpected role in New Mexican history, particularly among the Tewa curing society and possibly during Popé's visionary experiences at Taos Pueblo. While historical records are scarce, the study proposes that visual phenomena associated with peyote—such as red and yellow hues—could provide new insights into its ritual use by prehispanic Southwestern Pueblo peoples and Spanish colonists before the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The analysis draws on Popé's reported vision of figures emitting 'fire' in a kiva, offering a potential link between peyote use and historical accounts.
Białowieża Forest
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2016 —
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A study reveals that foresters' opposition to expanding Białowieża National Park stems from multiple interconnected factors, including professional identity, economic concerns, and differing visions for nature conservation. Key motives identified through discourse analysis of interviews with 36 stakeholders include the fear of job loss or status decline, competition with national parks, and attachment to traditional forestry practices like hunting. The conflict highlights deep divisions between forestry interests—supported by an epistemic community of forest scientists—and conservation advocates, with path dependency and institutional prestige further complicating resolution. This research underscores the complex social dynamics shaping land-use conflicts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Heard and McDonald Islands
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2016 —
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A broad region of the Central Kerguelen Plateau (CKP) experienced widespread Neogene volcanism, likely triggered by the incubation of plume material beneath a relatively stationary plateau. This study presents new age determinations and compositions for rocks from 18 dredge hauls across eight submarine areas, revealing two distinct phases of volcanic activity: large early Miocene sea knolls (22–16 Ma) aligned NNW–SSE between Îles Kerguelen and Heard and McDonald Islands, possibly linked to hotspot activity now beneath Heard Island; and much younger activity (5 Ma to present) in volcanic fields up to 300 km northeast of Heard Island. Geochemical data suggest decreasing mantle source melting over time, with compositions including basanite, basalt, and trachybasalt, similar to nearby lavas. Pre-existing crustal faults likely provided pathways for melts from the Heard mantle plume to reach the surface.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2016 —
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Wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park demonstrate the ability to adjust their stone tool use based on the maturation stage of cashew nuts. The study found that while fresh, caustic cashew nuts are easier to crack, the monkeys prefer using larger stones to process them, likely to minimize contact with the hazardous substance. This indicates a sophisticated adaptation in foraging behavior, as capuchins distinguish between nut stages within the same species and modify their tool selection accordingly. Researchers conducted field experiments using stones of varying weights and two maturation stages of cashew nuts to test this hypothesis, revealing nuanced cognitive flexibility in wild primates.
Yellowstone National Park
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2016 —
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Yellowstone National Park, home to 117 wild mammalian species, is the focus of a comprehensive study that combines taxonomic classification, geographic range analysis, and conservation status assessment. The research provides detailed species accounts, including habitat associations and field measurements, supported by color photos and distribution maps. It also delves into the history of mammalogy in Wyoming, zoogeography, and prehistoric mammals, while addressing current conservation challenges. This work serves as an indispensable resource for wildlife biologists, offering a wealth of data and nearly 1,000 references to inform conservation efforts in this ecologically significant region.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2016 —
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A study of roadkill in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, a critical Cerrado protected area, revealed significant vertebrate mortality linked to habitat structure and seasonal variations. Over three years, 824 animals from 138 species were recorded as roadkill along two main roads, with the highest rates during the wet season (0.096 animals per km). Amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals showed distinct associations with forest, pastures, grasslands, and unpaved roads, respectively. The findings highlight the need for mitigation measures such as highway fencing and wildlife crossing structures to reduce roadkill in this ecologically vital region.
Wadden Sea
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2016 —
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Liparis loeselii, a rare orchid found in dune slacks of the Wadden Sea islands, thrives under specific hydrological and soil conditions. The study reveals that its window for colonization is narrow, lasting approximately 20 years under favorable management. Large populations are associated with young dune slacks influenced by anoxic calcareous groundwater, which maintains high soil pH levels critical for the orchid's survival. Hydrological modeling indicates that sea level rise threatens these freshwater lenses, but artificial sand nourishment could mitigate this effect. The study highlights the vulnerability of small-scale hydrological systems to environmental changes and underscores the importance of continuous slack formation in sustaining populations, as seen in Texel's Hors area.
Doñana National Park
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2016 —
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A hierarchical wireless sensor network deployed in Doñana National Park has demonstrated the potential for high-accuracy wildlife behavior classification, addressing longstanding challenges in tracking and monitoring endangered species. The system integrates intelligent devices equipped with neural networks to analyze sensory data collected from animals, enabling real-time detection of behaviors that may threaten their survival. Once identified, this information is transmitted to an external database for further analysis by biologists. This approach significantly reduces power consumption while enhancing the efficiency and precision of wildlife monitoring in one of the world's most biodiverse protected areas.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals the significant religious patronage role of Isabella d'Este, challenging her portrayal as solely a secular patron. Sally Hickson's research, combining archival analysis and visual object examination, uncovers the influence of female mysticism on Renaissance Mantua's art and architecture. It highlights the lesser-known contributions of Margherita Cantelma and the cultural impact of nuns like Livia Gonzaga, offering new insights into sacred patronage and devotional practices among women in late 15th to early 16th century Mantua.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2016 —
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Archaeological research at the Roman <em>vicus</em> of Thamusida in Morocco reveals that this frontier settlement was self-sufficient in both forestry and agricultural products from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. Interdisciplinary analysis, combining archaeobotanical and archaeometric studies, demonstrates sustained exploitation of a nearby <em>Quercus suber</em> (cork oak) forest for timber, fuelwood, cork, and livestock fodder, indicating human influence predating Roman occupation. Charred remains also highlight a diverse diet based on locally grown cereals like barley and naked wheats, pulses such as horse bean and pea, and fruits including olives and grapes. While the settlement relied primarily on local resources, imported goods like oil and wine were transported via amphorae from across the Roman Empire, underscoring its integration into broader trade networks despite its remote location.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2016 —
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Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP) in Senegal is the last refuge for the critically endangered Derby Eland, and a study reveals that its woody plant diversity plays a crucial role in supporting this subspecies. Researchers identified 50 tree species across 29 families, with Combretaceae being the most dominant. Key environmental factors such as altitude, fire occurrence, and vegetation cover significantly influence plant distribution. The findings highlight the importance of in-situ fencing for sustainable conservation efforts to protect this endangered species in its native habitat.
Timgad
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2016 —
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Roman cities commonly featured clusters of artisans, driven by landlords' strategic allocation of space to optimize economic and social interests. This study identifies spatial clustering patterns in three Roman sites—Pompeii, Timgad, and Silchester—through archaeological evidence and textual analysis, revealing a phenomenon akin to modern urban economic clustering. The research suggests that elite landlords facilitated market-driven artisan grouping, aligning with their broader objectives. By comparing these cases, the study underscores the prevalence of such clustering in Roman urban landscapes.
Skogskyrkogården
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2016 —
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A workshop held at Skogskyrkogården highlighted the complex interplay between auditory and visual experiences in urban planning. The event, part of the Vinnova-funded research project 'Stadens hållbara ljudrum,' explored innovative approaches to integrating soundscapes into design, particularly for cemeteries where tranquility is paramount. Participants developed conceptual frameworks to describe sound environments, proposed enhancements to mitigate noise from surrounding roads, and tested practical solutions like speaker-based masking techniques. The workshop underscored the need for tools that balance simplicity with the nuanced demands of acoustic planning, emphasizing that successful interventions must harmonize with existing visual and architectural qualities.
