Historic City of Ahmadabad
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Ahmadabad, India's historic city, showcases exceptional architectural and urban heritage, including monumental structures, traditional housing, settlement patterns, crafts, and mercantile culture. A comprehensive Heritage Inventory was developed between 2011 and 2014 to illustrate its Outstanding Universal Values, using a combination of archival research, field surveys, mapping, and advanced digital databases with GIS. The process faced challenges such as adapting methodologies to field conditions, managing evolving scope, and correlating diverse data formats. While the inventory met its primary goal, its full potential for protection and management will be realized upon integration into statutory lists and urban development plans.
Ancient City of Damascus
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A rapid documentation method using spherical photogrammetry successfully captured the state of Syrian cultural heritage sites, including UNESCO World Heritage properties, during a pre-war touristic trip in 2010. Despite non-standardized photographic techniques—such as hand-held shots without tripods or adherence to CIPA rules—the approach yielded usable restitutions for reconstruction purposes, particularly valuable given the subsequent destruction caused by conflict. The study highlights the potential of opportunistic documentation when formal survey methods are unavailable, offering a practical tool for heritage preservation in emergency situations.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2015 —
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A comprehensive GIS-based documentation initiative has successfully preserved the architectural heritage of Jerusalem's Old City despite political challenges and urban pressures. Over two decades, the Old City of Jerusalem Revitalization Program (OCJRP) created a dynamic database through systematic research, surveys, and technical projects, applying international conservation standards to protect historic structures, residential neighborhoods, and religious sites central to three monotheistic traditions. This case study highlights GIS techniques as a critical tool for heritage conservation, offering a scalable model for safeguarding living cultural landscapes under complex socio-political conditions.
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
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2015 —
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Microfading spectrometry (MFS) proves effective for assessing the light sensitivity of prehistoric rock art pigments, offering valuable insights into their photostability. A study at Cova Remígia, a UNESCO-listed Levantine rock art site in Spain, measured reflectance curves and evaluated pigment response to natural daylight exposure. Preliminary findings suggest MFS is a promising technique for studying the degradation risks posed by environmental factors such as sunlight, wind, and rain—key concerns for preserving these culturally significant paintings. While advantages and limitations of the method are discussed, this approach provides a scientific basis for monitoring and protecting vulnerable rock art systems in Mediterranean Basin sites.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2015 —
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Urban wetlands like Xochimilco, Mexico, provide critical rest and sustenance for migratory birds from North America. A study quantifies the economic value of birdwatching in preserving these ecosystems, revealing that national birdwatchers are willing to pay approximately US $79 per year, while international watchers contribute around US $296 annually. These figures translate to an economic value of migratory bird services ranging between US $2836 and US $3999 per hectare. This valuation offers decision-makers a tangible metric for assessing policies or projects that may impact these vital habitats.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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2015 —
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Scientific forest management, specifically the Irregular Shelterwood System, significantly increases Sal (Shorea robusta) regeneration while reducing plant species diversity and evenness in Lumbini's collaborative forests. The study, conducted over managed and unmanaged blocks, found higher seedling density of S. robusta in managed areas but noted a decline in overall biodiversity metrics, such as richness and dominance indices, compared to unmanaged stands. These findings suggest that while this management approach may enhance the regeneration of the dominant species, it could negatively impact ecological diversity. The research recommends continued implementation for degraded Sal forests but calls for further long-term studies to assess its broader ecological impacts.
Pimachiowin Aki
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A critical focus on domestic policy is more effective for protecting primary forests, particularly in developed countries that hold significant portions of these ecosystems. Canada's Boreal Forest region, encompassing 25% of the world's remaining primary forest and storing vast carbon reserves, exemplifies this approach. Over the past 15 years, Canada has established over 870,000 km² of new protected areas, with indigenous governments leading innovative land-use planning efforts, such as protecting 30,000 km² within Pimachiowin Aki. Similarly, Australia's indigenous ranger programs have expanded Indigenous Protected Areas from 568 km² in 1998 to 500,347 km² by 2014. While international agreements play a role, domestic policies—particularly those involving provincial and indigenous governments—are driving substantial on-the-ground conservation outcomes.
The Grand Canal
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2015 —
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A strategic domestic waste disposal plan for the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal demonstrates how landsenses ecology principles can enhance environmental sustainability while improving human sensory experiences. The study proposes optimized collection, transportation, and disposal systems to reduce waste, promote treatment and utilization, and strengthen regional ecological security. By integrating ecological design with waste management, the approach offers a model for sustainable development in heritage sites, balancing preservation with modern urbanization challenges.
Mesa Verde National Park
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2015 —
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Feral horses dominate access to natural water sources over native elk during the driest months of the year, significantly limiting the latter's ability to acquire water. This dominance was documented through a motion-triggered camera study at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, which recorded interactions between elk and feral horses at an isolated water source from April to September 2012. The camera captured 51 instances of interspecific interactions, with elk being denied access to water in 82% of these cases, particularly during May and June when water scarcity is highest. This study highlights the competitive dynamics between invasive species (feral horses) and native wildlife, shedding light on potential ecological impacts in protected areas.
Kathmandu Valley
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2015 —
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A significant portion of drinking water sources in the Kathmandu Valley, including dug wells, deep borings, treated water, tap water, and other sources, exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) standards for key parameters. The study found that turbidity, iron, ammonia, and conductivity were common problematic factors across various water sources. Notably, 86% of groundwater samples (wells and borings) exceeded WHO standards for total Coliform bacteria, while 36% of treated water and 80% of tap water samples were contaminated with Coliform bacteria. Additionally, parameters such as pH, chloride, arsenic, and hardness frequently surpassed safe limits, particularly in untreated sources. The research analyzed 969 water samples collected from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts between March 2012 and March 2013, assessing physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters to assess compliance with WHO guidelines.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2015 —
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The built environment of the Old City of Jerusalem, characterized by its ancient walls, narrow alleyways, and isolated areas, plays a significant role in facilitating drug abuse while also providing protection against arrest or robbery for addicts. This study reveals that the city's distinct features—such as deteriorating houses and dark enclosures—serve as affordances that enable addicts to engage in drug use with reduced risk of detection. The findings align with Gibson's ecological psychology, suggesting that preserving these elements could make them less attractive for illicit activities while enhancing their utility for broader community well-being.
Taos Pueblo
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This thesis reveals how UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chaco Culture, Mesa Verde, and Taos Pueblo, serve as living cultural links for Pueblo and Navajo tribes, blending federal recognition with indigenous heritage. It highlights the shift in patrimonialization processes from a predominantly Euro-American framework to one that integrates tribal perspectives, particularly through the National Park Service's collaboration with Native communities. The study demonstrates how these sites, governed by NAGPRA laws, have become tools for cultural legitimacy and identity, while also examining the impact of tourism on indigenous narratives. By analyzing educational programs and visitor perceptions, the research underscores the complex interplay between heritage preservation, political agency, and cultural representation in modern conservation efforts.
Rideau Canal
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The Vimy Memorial Bridge, a steel tubular triple arch structure spanning the Rideau River in Ottawa, Canada, exemplifies innovative engineering with its 125-meter main span that surpassed design requirements. This bridge, part of the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal System, incorporates advanced durability features to ensure a 100-year lifespan while minimizing maintenance needs at this nationally significant site. The research highlights how strategic design choices, such as corrosion-resistant materials and structural configurations, contribute to long-term sustainability in heritage contexts.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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Durham Cathedral, founded in 1093 and one of Western Europe's great Romanesque structures, stands as a monumental testament to medieval architecture, surpassing even the scale of Old St Peter's in Rome with its original length of 123 meters. This study reveals that the cathedral priory not only served as an architectural marvel but also left behind a rich administrative archive of over 4,500 financial and accounting records, providing unprecedented insight into medieval institutional management. The research examines the priory's origins, key events, and resource administration practices, highlighting its role in preserving St Cuthbert's mortal remains and functioning as a center of faith-driven monumental construction. Additionally, it identifies threats to the priory's resources during its 460-year existence, offering a comprehensive view of its significance in both architectural and administrative history.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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2015 —
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A severe dust storm in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, in March 2014 resulted in extreme dust deposition, with average concentrations of total suspended particles (TSP) reaching 6772 μg/m³ during a peak 10-hour period. Visibility dropped to as low as 200 meters, accompanied by wind speeds of up to 17.5 m/s from the north. The study quantified dustfall at 12.84 g/(m²·d), with dust samples comprising nearly equal parts insoluble (48.5%) and soluble (51.5%) components. Microscopic analysis revealed particles of varied sizes, colors, and composition, including fibers and vegetative debris. This research highlights the significant impact of dust storms on agricultural and industrial infrastructures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing critical data for understanding dustfall dynamics.
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
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2015 —
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Competition for road infrastructure investment between multiple tourism destinations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Xidi and Hongcun villages in southern Anhui, can lead to a win-win scenario. This study reveals that positive externalities from transport infrastructure encourage cooperation among competing destinations, fostering mutual benefits and even prompting their convergence into a larger unified destination. The research employs a system dynamics approach combined with a multinomial logit choice model to simulate dynamic market interactions and the evolution of competition. By analyzing tourists' destination choices based on accessibility and utility, the study demonstrates how strategic infrastructure investments can enhance tourism development collaboratively. Scenario analysis further informs potential strategies for sustainable tourism growth in such heritage sites.
Monte San Giorgio
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A pioneering study of radiolarian fauna from the UNESCO-listed Monte San Giorgio reveals a unique early Ladinian assemblage, characterized by low diversity and restricted circulation. The research identifies 73 species, including seven new ones, and introduces four novel genera, providing critical insights into the paleo(bio)geography of the Tethys. This first-ever description of radiolarians from Monte San Giorgio supplements knowledge of the uppermost Ladinocampe multiperforata Radiolarian Zone, confirming stability in radiolarian fauna across the Anisian/Ladinian boundary. The findings suggest open-marine connections between the Monte San Giorgio basin and broader Tethyan regions during early Ladinian times.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2015 —
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A rare early Miocene barberry (Berberis) leaf fossil discovered in the Hoh-Xil Basin, northern Tibet, suggests that the basin's elevation was between 1395 and 2931 meters approximately 17 million years ago. This implies a significant uplift of around 2-3 kilometers since then, contradicting earlier hypotheses that proposed northern Tibet had already reached or surpassed its current elevation before the Miocene epoch. Researchers estimated the palaeoelevation by comparing the fossil's environmental niche with its nearest living relatives and adjusting for global temperature differences during the Miocene. This finding provides critical insights into the uplift history of northern Tibet, which has implications for understanding the plateau's role in shaping Asia's topography, monsoon patterns, and global climate dynamics.
Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
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2015 —
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Tallinn’s Old Town served as a unique arena for cultural negotiation during Soviet rule, blending Estonian resistance with Soviet influence. The study reveals how the medieval cityscape became a symbol of both national identity and Soviet progress, attracting internal tourism and serving as a 'Western oasis' within the USSR. Through an analysis of Soviet Estonian pop music on screen, the research examines the tension between Russification efforts and Estonia’s enduring Western cultural ties, highlighting Tallinn as a key site for power representation and adaptation. The approach combines historical context with media analysis to uncover the complexities of identity formation in a border state.
Fatehpur Sikri
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2015 —
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A resurgence of Cārvāka materialist philosophy during the late sixteenth-century Mughal Empire is linked to broader intellectual movements, including the European Renaissance and Enlightenment. This study suggests that Akbar's religious debates at Fatehpur Sikri, which included Cārvāka philosophers, may have facilitated cross-cultural exchanges akin to the influence of Lucretian atomism in Europe. By analyzing Jesuit missionary writings from Akbar's court, the research traces potential 'swerves' or intellectual flows between regions, proposing that early modern debates about materialism were part of a globalized process contributing to the rise of modernity.
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
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2015 —
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Eckart Frahm's volume, the third in the series 'Keilschriftexte aus Assur literarischen Inhalts,' presents 80 cuneiform tablets from Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat), primarily in fragmentary condition. These tablets, mostly of historical nature, showcase Frahm's exceptional epigraphic skills, allowing for meaningful interpretation despite their poor preservation. The work includes a selection of photographic reproductions, providing visual context to the textual analysis. This volume contributes significantly to the understanding of cuneiform literature from ancient Assur, bridging gaps in historical and literary knowledge through meticulous scholarly work.
Mount Athos
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Black pine (Pinus nigra) stands at the Russian Monastery on Mount Athos exhibit significantly higher concentrations of organic matter and nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na), in their forest floor compared to similar stands at higher altitudes in Northern Greece. This accumulation is attributed to the site's unique climate, low altitude, and possibly the species' provenance. The study analyzed soil samples from these stands, revealing distinct ecological differences that highlight the importance of environmental factors in nutrient dynamics within black pine ecosystems.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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A three-year study in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, identified Lutzomyia intermedia as the primary vector of Leishmania braziliensis, a parasite causing diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis. The research, which collected 102,937 sand flies using various trapping methods, found that Lu. intermedia was most abundant inside homes and on their exteriors, while Lutzomyia fischeri also played a role in domestic environments. Lutzomyia migonei showed a strong affinity for kennels, suggesting its preference for canine habitats. Additionally, Lutzomyia whitmani exhibited signs of adaptation to anthropic environments, particularly near forest edges. The study highlights the ecological complexity of sand fly populations and their role in leishmaniasis transmission within both domestic and wild settings.
Doñana National Park
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A proposed crayfishing program offers a dual solution to the ecological impact of the invasive species Procambarus clarkii in Doñana National Park's freshwater marsh while addressing illegal harvesting. The study reveals that P. clarkii populations exhibit varying growth patterns and recruitment dynamics, with high juvenile density under stressful conditions leading to stunted growth. By implementing targeted fishing practices, the model aims to mitigate the crayfish's destructive feeding habits—responsible for reducing submerged aquatic macrophytes and altering water clarity—while providing a legal alternative for poachers. The research combines population analysis with fishery management principles to propose an effective, controlled harvesting strategy that balances ecological restoration with sustainable resource use.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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Queensland Wet Tropics (QWT) streams, covering only 0.26% of Australia, exhibit unique ecological patterns distinct from temperate systems due to their biogeographic isolation and tropical climate. These streams support high biodiversity with rapid prey turnover, predator-dominated food webs, and transitions from heterotrophic to autotrophic states as stream size increases. Research in QWT challenges and affirms global stream ecology models, highlighting the region's resilience and vulnerability to anthropogenic pressures like riparian clearing and agricultural contamination, exacerbated by climate change. The study underscores the importance of QWT streams for conservation, management, and comparative ecological research, offering insights into tropical stream dynamics and their responses to environmental stressors.
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
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2015 —
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A critical analysis of the relationship between urban governance, creative economy, and territorial development reveals significant spatial concentration of cultural industries within the Metropolitan Region of Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The study maps these dynamics to illustrate how creative sectors contribute to socio-economic transformation in metropolitan contexts. By synthesizing theoretical frameworks on governance and creative economies with empirical data from Salvador, the research provides insights into the territorial distribution and economic weight of cultural activities. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of how urban governance structures influence the spatial organization of creative industries, contributing to broader discussions on regional development strategies.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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Tourists are willing to pay approximately $24.4 annually to preserve the historical scenic beauty of chinampas, a pre-Hispanic agricultural system dating from the 14th to 16th centuries in Xochimilco, Mexico. This study estimates the economic value of preserving this cultural heritage at between US$3000 and US$3700 per hectare using contingent valuation (CV) surveys. The findings highlight the significant monetary value that tourists assign to maintaining such historical landscapes, providing crucial data for policymakers evaluating projects or policies with conflicting objectives. This research is notable for its innovative application of CV to assess the economic value of historical scenic beauty, an area with limited prior literature.
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
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A critical analysis reveals how the 'Declaration on the Importance and Value of Universal Museums' (2002) employs rhetorical strategies to legitimize the possession of cultural artifacts, often acquired under imperial or neo-imperial conditions. The declaration, signed by major museums including those in Saint Petersburg, uses language of universality to obscure historical injustices while projecting a utopian future for these institutions. By framing objects as integral to national heritage, it sidesteps accountability for their acquisition histories, demonstrating how institutional interests are prioritized over ethical considerations in the context of global cultural heritage management.
Surtsey
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A study on the volcanic island of Surtsey reveals that belowground processes, such as soil respiration and root stocks, have significantly increased over 28 years despite stable aboveground vegetation cover. Leymus arenarius, a dominant plant species, exerts a stronger influence on CO₂ fluxes than its surface cover suggests due to higher photosynthesis rates compared to Honckenya peploides. The research highlights the importance of belowground development in primary succession and demonstrates how water stress can temporarily limit these processes in coastal ecosystems.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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Anthropogenic influence significantly impacts blowfly diversity and abundance at the edge of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. The study identified 17 species of Calliphoridae, with species richness and diversity highest in deeper forest areas (1,200 m from the edge) and lowest near the forest edge (A), where urban and synanthropic species like Chrysomya megacephala dominated. Abundance was strongly correlated with temperature, peaking at the forest edge but with reduced diversity. Conversely, points further into the forest (B and C) showed higher diversity, with Laneela nigripes and Mesembrinella peregrina serving as indicator species for less disturbed environments. The research highlights how edge effects and human influence shape blowfly communities in protected areas.
Coro and its Port
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A 10% application of vermicompost significantly improved the chemical properties of a saline-sodic soil in Venezuela's semi-arid region, reducing electrical conductivity by 62%, pH from 8.3 to 7.5, and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) by 50% over 28 days. The study, conducted on soil samples from Coro's Cebollal, demonstrated that vermicompost—composed of Eisenia foetida worms, food waste, coffee prunings, banana pseudostems, and horse manure—serves as an effective organic amendment for mitigating salinity in degraded soils. Researchers compared the impact of three vermicompost doses (1%, 5%, and 10%) against a control, measuring key soil parameters at weekly intervals. The findings highlight vermicompost's potential as a sustainable strategy for restoring saline-sodic soils in arid ecosystems.
Taxila
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Dust deposition significantly reduces the performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules, with monocrystalline silicon modules experiencing greater losses compared to polycrystalline ones. A three-month study in Taxila, Pakistan, found that dust accumulation at 0.9867 mg/cm² led to a 20% decrease in average output power for monocrystalline modules and 16% for polycrystalline modules, alongside efficiency drops of 3.55% and 3.01%, respectively. The research systematically measured the impact of dust on PV performance by comparing clean and dirty modules under natural atmospheric conditions, highlighting the critical need to address dust-related losses in renewable energy systems.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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Floods have significantly shaped the spatial structure and social hierarchy of Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its traditional Korean architecture. This study reveals that the village's development, located on a plain surrounded by mountains within a loop of the Nakdong River, was profoundly influenced by river flooding. Using a river engineering approach, researchers analyzed how inundations transformed the landscape and impacted the village's layout over time. The findings challenge previous assumptions about Hahoe's development, highlighting the critical role of natural disasters in shaping both its physical and social structures.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2015 —
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A study in Great Smoky Mountains National Park found that trails can be effectively used to assess the abundance and detection of terrestrial salamanders without significantly differing from non-trail transects. Researchers analyzed capture data from 195 transects, including 70 along trails and 125 within non-trail habitats, over two three-week periods in June and July 2012. The findings suggest that microhabitat variables associated with salamander detection and abundance did not differ significantly between trail and non-trail transects. This research implies that trails can serve as a viable method for estimating salamander populations, potentially reducing the need to sample sensitive habitats, which could benefit conservation efforts in protected areas.
Mogao Caves
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Research at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mogao Caves identifies wind-driven sand particles as a significant contributor to the deterioration of mural paintings, particularly on the east wall of Cave 285. The study highlights that collision and adhesion of drifting sand particles accelerate the degradation process, posing a threat to the preservation of these irreplaceable Buddhist artworks. Investigators employed a methodical approach to analyze the impact of sand particles on the paintings, focusing on their physical interactions with the surface. This finding underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate environmental factors affecting the caves' integrity.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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A significant increase in irrigation infrastructure occurred in Gjirokastra, Albania, during 1967–1968, with 32 aqueducts built by 1969, supplying 36.8% of the region's water needs at that time. Subsequent decades saw extensive drainage projects along the Drino River Valley, particularly in Permet and Tepelena districts, while post-1990 irrigation efforts became fragmented. The study highlights the critical role of hydro-technical works in sustaining agriculture and economic development in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing their historical significance and ongoing importance.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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Introduced house mice (Mus musculus) are devastatingly impacting burrowing petrel chicks on Gough Island, with near-total chick mortality observed across multiple species. A 2014 study using infrared cameras and burrow inspections revealed that all seven Atlantic petrel (Pterodroma incerta) chicks were killed within hours of hatching, with an overall 87% failure rate among 83 hatchlings. Grey petrels (Procellaria cinerea) also suffered significant losses, with 60% mortality due to mouse predation. Video surveillance further documented fatal attacks on great shearwater (Puffinus gravis) and soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis) chicks, while MacGillivray’s prion (Pachyptila macgillivrayi) experienced 82% chick mortality in 2013/14 and total loss in 2014/15. The closely related broad-billed prion (P. vittata) also faced complete chick mortality in 2014. These findings underscore the urgent need for mouse eradication to protect seabird populations on Gough Island, a critical UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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Researchers discovered that the sand tilefish <em>Malacanthus plumieri</em> plays a significant role as an ecological engineer in rhodolith beds within the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. By constructing mounds with these calcareous nodules, the fish contributes to seascape heterogeneity, supporting higher fish richness (mean = 9.4 ± SE 1.7) compared to non-mounded areas (5.5 ± SE 2.7). The study used benthic and fish assemblage assessments, along with video analysis of marked rhodoliths, to compare mounds and control areas. Findings revealed distinct benthic assemblages between the two habitats, with crustose coralline algae, <em>Dictyota</em> species, and sand being key contributors to this dissimilarity. The presence of these mounds is suggested as an important variable in predicting biodiversity within rhodolith beds.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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Eighteen years of GPS surveys in the Aeolian Islands reveal significant land motion, providing critical insights into tectonic and volcanic activity in southern Italy. The study, spanning 1995 to 2013, presents an updated velocity map detailing both horizontal and vertical movements across Lipari, Vulcano, and Panarea Islands, along with northern Sicily and Calabria. This research, led by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), combines data from national and international geodynamic projects to enhance volcanic and seismic hazard assessment. The open-access AINET-GPS data archive offers a valuable resource for scientific community, supporting further studies in this crucial Mediterranean region.
Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua
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Melchior Wieland (ca. 1520–1589), a Prussian botanist and director of Padua's Botanical Garden, significantly influenced the work of Prospero Alpini, one of the most renowned Italian botanists of the 16th century. Wieland's pioneering field research in the Levant laid the groundwork for Alpini's seminal works on Egyptian flora and medicine, including <em>De medicina Egyptiorum</em> (1591) and <em>De plantis Aegypti liber</em> (1592). This study revisits Wieland's life, academic contributions, and reception, shedding light on his foundational role in botanical exploration. By analyzing historical records and his lesser-known works, the research restores Wieland's significance as a precursor to modern field botany.
Canal du Midi
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The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, has transitioned from its original agricultural and commercial transportation functions to becoming a significant tourist and recreational destination. This study examines how the heritage value of this hydraulic engineering marvel is managed and highlights the discourses, projects, and instruments that have facilitated its revaluation. The research focuses on the evolving uses of the canal throughout the 20th century, providing insights into its adaptive management and the strategies employed to preserve its historical significance while catering to modern needs.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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A study of phytoplankton in Channel El Bordo, Xochimilco, revealed a diverse composition, including several species not previously recorded in Mexico or the region. Despite significant agricultural activity and environmental alteration, the phytoplankton community exhibited low variation (9-17%) in physicochemical factors, suggesting stability. Researchers identified a functional group of species typical of shallow, tropical, and eutrophic water bodies, which may indicate a stable ecosystem state applicable to remediation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of studying urban aquatic ecosystems with high alteration levels, as accumulated knowledge could be critical for their preservation.
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
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A high-precision architectural survey of the main portal jamb of La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Valencia, reveals insights into its original geometry and conservation challenges. Using advanced non-destructive methods—including 3D laser scanning and electronic total station technology—the study compares traditional measurement tools with modern instruments to assess accuracy and symmetry. Findings highlight the monument's adherence to historical metric systems while addressing conservation needs that balance authenticity with structural integrity. This approach sets a benchmark for documenting and preserving architectural heritage, offering practical solutions for maintaining the site's universal significance.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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The Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road System, serves as a space of power within the Inca political landscape. A study analyzing visibility patterns along this road through El Shincal de Quimivil, a key administrative and ceremonial site in northwestern Argentina, reveals an organized spatial structure. Using accumulated viewshed analysis—a powerful tool from Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—researchers compared actual visibility patterns with those predicted for a theoretical path. The findings indicate distinct visible and non-visible sectors within the site, suggesting a socially enforced organization shaped by ideological and symbolic mechanisms deployed by the Inca state.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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Prehistoric populations in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, exhibited complex mortuary practices that blurred the boundaries between the living and the dead, offering insights into social development and change during the Late Formative Period (AD 500-900), Regional Development Period (AD 900-1430), and Inca conquest (AD 1430). The study reveals how burial practices evolved over time, reflecting shifts in cultural beliefs and societal structures. By analyzing funerary contexts, rituals, and spatial arrangements, researchers traced the transition from indigenous traditions to Inca influence, highlighting the dynamic interplay between ancestor worship and social organization.
Canal du Midi
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Abandoned recreational boats and barges, many in advanced stages of deterioration, are increasingly common along the Canal du Midi, creating visually disruptive 'cemeteries' of waste. These derelict vessels, often accompanied by oil spills and other environmental debris, mar the scenic integrity of this UNESCO-listed waterway, particularly near landmarks like Agde's circular lock. The study highlights how unregulated tourism and poor waste management contribute to both aesthetic degradation and ecological risks, including fuel contamination from aging boats.
Saloum Delta
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Researchers have developed two highly accurate volume estimation models (Y2 and Y4) for Rhizophora mangrove species in the Saloum Delta, Senegal. These models, with R² values of 0.956 to 0.968, provide precise wood volume measurements critical for sustainable resource management amid growing demand and mangrove degradation. The study employed three theoretical adjustment models to derive six tariffs, ultimately recommending Y2 and Y4 due to their accuracy and validity intervals. This work addresses urgent needs for quantifying available mangrove biomass while balancing ecological conservation with population demands.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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Commercial small-scale fisheries in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau, capture elasmobranchs—sharks, rays, and skates—accounting for up to 10% of total landings. The study, using standardized surveys across four fishing gears, found that large-hook long-lines were particularly effective at catching these species. Alarming evidence suggests that both adult and neonate elasmobranchs are being targeted, indicating potential disruption of nursery habitats. This research highlights the significant impact of small-scale fisheries on vulnerable marine species in West Africa's coastal ecosystems.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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A study analyzing protein profiles of 15 date palm cultivars from Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, reveals that most cultivars share a common genetic origin but exhibit distinct protein banding patterns. Using electrophoretic analysis and hierarchical clustering, researchers identified six clusters with high similarity (0.421 to 0.917), highlighting closely related cultivars like 'Hel,' 'Hat,' and 'Khl' as a unique cluster distinguished by four specific protein bands (92, 100, 205, and 108 kDa). Principal component analysis further confirmed these relationships, with the first component accounting for 52.3% of variance. The findings suggest that while Al-Ahsa's cultivars likely descend from a shared genetic source, local selection based on fruit traits has led to diversification over time.
Yakushima
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2015 —
WHEAC325F64F9
Research on wild Yakushima macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) reveals embracing behaviors as potential social customs, distinct from those observed in Kinkazan macaques. Embracing occurred post-stressful interactions like allogrooming pauses or aggression, suggesting a stress-reduction function. Unlike Kinkazan, Yakushima embraces included ventro-lateral and ventro-dorsal positions alongside kneading fur with rhythmic palm movements, differing from the body-rocking seen elsewhere. These subtle variations defy ecological or genetic explanations, marking embracing as possible evidence of social customs in wild macaques. The study analyzed 64 embracing instances over 543.8 hours of focal sampling on adult females.
