City of Valletta
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2015 —
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A balanced approach to funding the conservation of Mediterranean city fortifications, such as Valletta's, can be achieved by encouraging visitors' willingness to contribute rather than relying solely on visitor fees. Research across fortified cities including Famagusta, Rhodes, and Dubrovnik reveals that visitors are often willing to pay more when they know their contributions directly support upkeep. This strategy leverages the cultural, scientific, and educational values of these sites while addressing the financial challenges of maintaining extensive fortifications, which are difficult to adapt for sustainable revenue beyond visitation. The study explores pricing strategies and visitor behavior to maximize conservation funding without restricting public access.
Lord Howe Island Group
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2015 —
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A new cryptic mitochondrial lineage of the red seaweed <em>Asparagopsis taxiformis</em> has been identified, alongside multiple human-mediated introductions across Australia and South Korea. Phylogeographic analysis revealed a significant genetic and geographic break between western Australian isolates and those from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), suggesting the existence of a sixth lineage distinct from previously described ones. The study also documented the presence of lineage 4 in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the highly invasive Indo-Pacific Mediterranean lineage 2 in South Korea and Lord Howe Island, Australia. This research underscores the critical need for periodic surveys to detect cryptic invasive seaweeds, given the accelerating impacts of climate change on biota relocation and niche colonization.
Virunga National Park
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2015 —
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Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) exhibit behavioral and energetic responses to variable ecological conditions, even when food availability is relatively high. A study comparing two populations—one in Virunga National Park and the other in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—found that despite lower and more variable food availability in Bwindi, gorillas there maintained similar energy intake rates and feeding time as those in Virunga. However, daily travel distances were significantly shorter in Virunga. The research used vegetation sampling, nutritional analysis, detailed feeding behavior observations, and GPS tracking to estimate food availability, energy intake rates, and travel distance. These findings highlight the adaptability of gorillas to ecological variability, which may influence growth, reproduction, and survival.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2015 —
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Tourism transport in the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, exhibits significant variability in energy consumption and carbon emissions across different modes, months, and growth periods. The study found that energy consumption and emissions per capita and per kilometer vary markedly among 10 transportation types. Monthly differences are pronounced, with October showing 6.8 times the energy use and 4 times the carbon emissions of January. Annual growth rates peaked at 32.16% for energy consumption and 27.98% for emissions between 1979 and 2010. Projections for 2011–2020 indicate that multiple-factor scenarios could reduce both energy consumption and emissions compared to reference and single-factor scenarios, suggesting potential mitigation strategies.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2015 —
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Researchers have identified <em>Entamoeba marina</em> n. sp., a novel species of anaerobic amoeba, isolated from tidal flat sediment on Iriomote Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Okinawa Islands. This discovery expands the genus <em>Entamoeba</em>, which primarily includes parasitic species. <em>E. marina</em> exhibits distinct morphological features, such as tetranucleated cysts and trophozoites measuring 12.8–32.1 μm in length, along with a unique rounded nucleus structure. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of its SSU rDNA gene further distinguishes it from known species, confirming its novelty despite morphological similarities to other <em>Entamoeba</em> species. The study highlights the ecological diversity of amoebae in marine sediments and underscores the importance of systematic exploration in understudied environments like tidal flats.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2015 —
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The new Great Mosque of Granada, inaugurated in 2003, serves as a focal point for contested narratives surrounding Spain's Muslim past and present. Its strategic placement on the Albayzín hill, facing the Alhambra, challenges traditional Christian visual dominance from the adjacent Church of San Nicolás while symbolizing the evolving relationship between local identity and global Islamic influences. The mosque's design reflects both historical conversion movements during the Franco era and contemporary immigration trends from North Africa, embodying a complex interplay of visibility, cultural heritage, and ideological debates.
Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
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2015 —
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Strasbourg's Grande-Île and Neustadt, spanning French and German architectural influences, were analyzed for their potential UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription. The study, conducted between 2011 and 2014 under a CIFRE contract with the City of Strasbourg, highlighted the unique urban evolution shaped by historical transitions, including the Alsace-Moselle region's shifting borders. It supported the city's patrimonial policy by providing scientific evidence to strengthen the candidacy, focusing on the continuity between the medieval Grande-Île and the 19th-century Neustadt, designed under German influence. The research involved organizing a dedicated scientific committee and contributing to the finalization of the UNESCO dossier.
Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
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2015 —
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Strasbourg's heritage, shaped by French and German influences, has evolved significantly since the Second Empire, with its values reflecting shifting ideological and nationalistic discourses. The study highlights that the Neustadt district, developed during Germany's annexation (1871–1918), transitioned from being a marginalized 'foreign' legacy to a highly valued symbol of Franco-German cultural exchange. This transformation involved overcoming historical conflicts and led to its potential UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription. The research reveals that heritage perception is influenced by institutional, scientific, and public awareness gaps, as well as regional continuity, which has fostered a mythological dimension. By analyzing municipal archives, urbanism literature, and media, the study advances understanding of how ideological, political, and cultural narratives construct patrimonial perspectives in border cities.
Cultural Landscape of Sintra
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2015 —
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A modern architectural production in Colares, Sintra, Portugal (1940–1974) reflects a unique blend of international and local influences, challenging traditional oppositions between city/countryside, natural/artificial, and otium/negotium. This study reveals an unprecedented collection of vacation and weekend houses, distinguished by their architectural interest and the professionals behind them. By analyzing these structures through the lens of James Ackerman's (1995) villa concept, the research uncovers how modern ideologies were materialized in a secular landscape, offering new insights into the evolution of Portuguese cultural landscapes. The approach combines conceptual analysis with spatial and historical examination to highlight the interplay between poetic idealization and practical architectural innovation.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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Entrepreneurial heritage activities, driven by private individuals or civic groups without state sponsorship, play a significant role in the socio-economic development of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These spontaneous initiatives contribute to income generation, neighborhood revitalization, and identity articulation while often resisting state planning agencies. The Office of the City Historian of Havana (OHCH) encourages such entrepreneurialism, provided it aligns with egalitarian and aesthetic standards set by both OHCH and UNESCO. This study highlights how UNESCO's shift from architectural conservation to broader urban heritage management influences community-level entrepreneurship in historic cities.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2015 —
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A comprehensive study of lichen diversity in two high-altitude regions of Nepal, Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) and Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), reveals significant variation in species richness. The research identified 13 lichen species across four families in MCA and a notably higher diversity of 69 species belonging to 15 families in SNP. Parmeliaceae emerged as the dominant family, with 29 species recorded in SNP alone, followed by Physciaceae (12 species) and Cladoniaceae (8 species). This study highlights the lichen enrichment in these regions, providing valuable insights into environmental quality and potential bio-indicators for future monitoring. The findings suggest geographical gradients influencing speciation and endemism, offering a foundation for further ecological research.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2015 —
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Guanabara Bay, the second-largest bay in Brazil, faces severe environmental and sanitary degradation due to decades of anthropogenic impacts, particularly from industrialization since 1930. The study highlights critical issues such as heavy eutrophication, which fosters harmful algal blooms dominated by flagellated and mixotrophic species, and the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms like vibrios and KPC-producing bacteria. These pathogens, often linked to domestic or hospital waste, pose significant risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health, with antibiotic resistance genes widespread in bay plankton. The decline in fish stocks and a recent large-scale fish kill underscore the bay's deteriorating water quality. Despite these challenges, restoration efforts accelerated by the 2016 Olympic Games offer potential for recovery, making Guanabara Bay a focal point for environmental legacy.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2015 —
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A study of Didymosphenia geminata, a diatom known for forming unsightly blooms in freshwater systems, found that while the organism is widespread across Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, bloom formation is driven by local rather than regional factors. The research detected D. geminata at 88% of sampled sites, with 34% exhibiting visible blooms. Contrary to expectations, no environmental thresholds were identified for bloom development, though cell abundance was negatively correlated with stream velocity, stream order, and total phosphorus concentration. Temperature played a significant role in stalk abundance when blooms were present but showed a negative relationship with ash-free dry mass when blooms were absent. The study employed generalized linear models to analyze 76 sites across the parks, providing insights into the complex environmental constraints shaping D. geminata dynamics.
Bourges Cathedral
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2015 —
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A significant shift in scholarly focus on medieval bishops and secular clergy is highlighted by the edited volume 'Envisioning the Bishop: Images and the Episcopacy in the Middle Ages.' This collection, comprising 17 essays, challenges the traditional emphasis on regular clergy, offering a comprehensive exploration of episcopal imagery from diverse sources—visual, textual, and mnemonic. The research employs interdisciplinary methods, integrating art history, historiography, and literary analysis to examine how bishops were perceived and represented across centuries, from Late Antiquity to the 13th century. Key findings reveal that medieval bishops' ideals, such as associating virtue with sober attire, resonate with contemporary concerns, bridging historical and modern perspectives. The volume also includes innovative analyses of donor portraits in Roman churches and the interplay between visual imagery and biblical texts, exemplified by Kara Ann Morrow's study on Bourges Cathedral's sculptured portals.
Ephesus
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2015 —
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Edward Falkener's 1862 publication, 'Ephesus, and the Temple of Diana,' offers a pioneering reconstruction of Ephesian architecture based on his 1840s sketches during a trip through Anatolia. His detailed layouts and artistic talent, recognized with a medal at the 1855 Paris Universal Exhibition, contributed significantly to Victorian interest in ancient architecture. While Falkener's speculations about the Temple of Artemis' location were later disproven by John Turtle Wood in 1869, his work remains valuable for its historical context and artistic merit. The publication is a reissue from the Cambridge Library Collection.
Ogasawara Islands
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2015 —
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A lower prevalence of pediatric allergic diseases, particularly bronchial asthma (9.3%) and atopic dermatitis (4.3%), was found among children in the Ogasawara Islands compared to mainland Japan, suggesting a potential protective effect of the island's unique living environment and higher physical activity levels. The study, conducted using standardized questionnaires from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) and West Japan Study, surveyed 284 children across preschools, elementary schools, and junior high schools. It also highlighted differences in lifestyle factors, such as exercise habits, which may contribute to these findings.
Galápagos Islands
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2015 —
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Avian diversity in the Galápagos Islands is not at equilibrium but continues to rise, challenging long-held assumptions about insular biotas. Unlike most terrestrial birds, which diversify slowly without ecological constraints, Darwin's finches rapidly reach a carrying capacity and follow a coalescent-like diversification process. This dual dynamic—simultaneous operation of both non-equilibrium (ascending diversity) and equilibrium (carrying capacity) processes—was revealed using a novel phylogenetic method that estimates biota assembly rates for entire communities. The findings suggest remote islands like the Galápagos may experience persistent biodiversity increases, complicating traditional ecological paradigms.
Erbil Citadel
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2015 —
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Restoration efforts at Erbil Citadel, a 7,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal critical insights into the seismic performance of traditional earthen constructions. The study assessed eight buildings on the 32-meter-high artificial mound, highlighting their vulnerability to seismic action despite their historical significance and cultural value. Using advanced structural analysis, researchers identified key weaknesses in these ochre-brick courtyard houses, providing data-driven recommendations for sustainable preservation. These findings underscore the need for innovative restoration techniques that balance historical integrity with modern seismic safety standards.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2015 —
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German architect Erwin Broner's profound connection to Ibiza, beginning with his 1934 visit, offers a unique lens into the phenomenon of educated migration and its influence on modern architecture. The study reveals that Broner's attraction to Ibiza—characterized by its magnetic allure for artists and intellectuals in the early 20th century—led him to settle permanently on the island, where he later developed innovative architectural designs that blended open modernity with sensitivity toward the island's natural and built heritage. By analyzing Broner's biographical data alongside Ibiza's cultural and historical particularities, this research highlights how the island's Mediterranean architecture became a catalyst for modernist evolution in the 1950s and 1960s. The findings underscore Ibiza's pivotal role as both a mirror for educational migration patterns and an incubator for architectural innovation that harmonized with its unique environment.
Okavango Delta
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2015 —
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Common fish species in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, offer significant potential to address mineral deficiencies in developing regions. Research reveals that these fishes, particularly Barbus poechii, contain essential minerals such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) within ranges comparable to global standards. The study used atomic absorption spectrometry, flame photometry, and UV-VIS spectrometry to analyze mineral content in edible flesh of large fish (>130mm) and whole small fish (<130mm). Significant variations in mineral content were observed among species, with Barbus poechii showing the highest levels. These findings suggest that incorporating Okavango Delta fish into diets could effectively combat mineral deficiency diseases, providing a sustainable solution for nutrient intake in vulnerable populations.
The Great Spa Towns of Europe
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European spa towns, particularly those that flourished as tourist destinations during the 19th century, exhibit unique urban structures shaped by their thermal territories. These enclaves often feature key architectural and urban developments located at the boundary between city and landscape, providing critical insights into their historical growth and territorial relationships. The study highlights how these spa towns' special qualities have made them enduringly attractive, influencing both urban planning and landscape integration over time.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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2015 —
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Nearly one-third (27.6%) of the native flora in Chile's Arica-Parinacota and Tarapacá regions is threatened, with 34.4% at risk in Arica-Parinacota alone—higher than in neighboring regions. This alarming rate stems from restricted geographic distributions and habitat degradation, as revealed by a comprehensive analysis of 717 vascular species using IUCN criteria. The study highlights the urgent need for localized conservation measures to mitigate biodiversity loss in these UNESCO-listed areas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2015 —
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A strong correlation between radar backscatter and above-ground biomass (AGB) was identified using ALOS PALSAR data, particularly with HV polarization, demonstrating the potential for accurate biomass and carbon stock estimation in complex tropical environments like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). The study leveraged field data from 35 sample plots, analyzing tree diameter, coordinates, and angles to establish relationships between radar backscatter and AGB. This approach highlights ALOS PALSAR's capability for reliable biomass mapping in dense, structurally complex forests, offering valuable insights for bioenergy modeling, climate research, and environmental assessments.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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2015 —
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A study estimates the chimpanzee community size in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, to be 36 individuals (range: 32–42), using genetic mark-recapture analysis on 279 fecal samples. The research reveals a relatively high genetic diversity and outbreeding pattern, suggesting recent reproductive contact with neighboring chimpanzee communities. Genetic analysis also indicates a female-biased dispersal pattern typical of chimpanzees. The study highlights the importance of nest site sharing data in population studies of unhabituated chimpanzees and underscores the conservation significance of Kahuzi-Biega's montane forest, which is connected to lowland forests but faces human encroachment.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2015 —
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A new estimation technique for spatial coral distribution in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals diverse coral cover patterns influenced by complex physical environments such as topography and wave height. The study demonstrates that numerical analysis of these environmental factors, despite containing errors compared to field measurements, provides valuable spatial interpolation data to understand coral phenomena. By modeling the relationship between coral cover and physical environment using a flexible piecewise linear function, researchers successfully reproduced local characteristics and quantified the contribution of various factors to coral distribution. This approach offers a novel method for assessing coral ecosystem dynamics in heterogeneous marine environments.
Brasilia
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2015 —
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A study of 90 ceramic-clad facades in Brasília revealed that damage, particularly tile detachment, is most severe on north- and west-facing walls, especially those over 10 years old. The research developed a systematic methodology to inspect, map, and quantify pathological manifestations, identifying continuous walls as the most affected regions. By analyzing buildings aged 5–48 years, the study established damage intensity indices linked to solar orientation and age, providing critical insights for assessing facade degradation in ceramic-reinforced structures.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain
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2015 —
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A significant reduction in energy demand and CO2 emissions for hostels along the Camino de Santiago's Vía de la Plata can be achieved through targeted rehabilitation strategies, depending on regional climate zones. The study analyzed over 600 scenarios across four cities—Sevilla, Cáceres, Zamora, and Santiago de Compostela—focusing on architectural modifications (low, medium, high), context (urban/rural), envelope properties, window orientation, and building morphology. Results revealed that northern hostels in urban contexts benefited most from these strategies, showing lower energy demands and emissions, while southern cities like Sevilla and Cáceres faced higher demands due to increased cooling needs. Rural areas in Zamora and Santiago also exhibited elevated energy demand. The findings underscore the potential of bioclimatic criteria and strategic rehabilitation to align with EU sustainability goals while addressing the growing pilgrim infrastructure needs.
Kakadu National Park
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2015 —
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Kakadu National Park's South Alligator River estuary supports a rich and diverse fish fauna, with 81 taxa identified, including 26 previously unrecorded species. This study highlights the region's ecological significance, contrasting with the degradation seen in many other global estuaries. Dominated by Sciaenidae and Engraulidae, the fish assemblage exhibits pronounced seasonal and spatial variation, driven primarily by changes in discharge, salinity, and productivity. Unlike other northern Australian estuaries, this system shows heterogeneous composition unrelated to measured habitat aspects, posing challenges for management amid ongoing water resource development.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2015 —
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A study on the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, reveals that soil nutrient availability significantly influences nitrogen isotope values (?15N) in maize (Zea mays), even in semi-arid environments. This finding underscores the potential of stable isotope analysis to refine paleodietary studies by providing a baseline for understanding dietary practices in ancient societies. The research proposes a methodological framework combining interviews with local farmers, soil chemical characterization, and isotopic analysis of six plant species—including maize, potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)—to assess the impact of cultivation practices on isotopic signatures. While no direct linear relationship was found between soil quality and isotopic results, lower soil quality correlated with a broader range of ?15N values in maize, suggesting complex interactions between environmental factors and plant metabolism.
Historic Centre of Naples
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2015 —
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Oppositional heritage discourse, though intended to counter neoliberal urban processes and marketization of cultural heritage, paradoxically supports them by enforcing rigid boundaries on heritage citizenship and dismissing non-philological relationships with historic centers. This study reveals that such discourse, exemplified in post-earthquake Naples (1980) and L’Aquila (2009), is rooted in idealist notions of collective identity but ultimately perpetuates the very systems it opposes. Ethnographic research in both cities—including observations of protests against government inaction in L’Aquila and long-term fieldwork in Naples—exposes the tensions between civic heritage advocacy and its unintended consequences, challenging assumptions about heritage discourse as purely oppositional.
Village of Sidi Bou Saïd
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The port of Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia, faces chronic silting issues that disrupt its operations, necessitating frequent dredging. A comprehensive hydro-sedimentary study was conducted to understand the current dynamics and silting mechanisms in the port's entrance channel. Using a global hydro-sedimentary modeling chain, researchers analyzed sediment transport patterns and assessed the impact of proposed modifications. The findings highlight the critical role of sediment movement in shaping the port's functionality, offering insights for sustainable management strategies.
Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking geophysical study of the Puy de Dôme, a 11,000-year-old trachytic lava dome in France's Chaîne des Puys, reveals its complex internal structure and growth dynamics. The research, combining high-resolution Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) with Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), gravity, and magnetism, uncovered previously unknown features: a cluster of preexisting strombolian volcanoes beneath the dome, a massive central core surrounded by collapse breccia, and evidence of hydrothermal alteration at its summit. Additionally, intrusions beneath neighboring volcanic edifices were identified, suggesting intricate emplacement processes. This study provides new constraints on the dome's evolution and the mechanisms driving deformations in its vicinity.
Djémila
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2015 —
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A rare, well-preserved Roman macellum (market) at Djémila, dating to Emperor Antoninus Pius' reign, offers new insights into ancient urban planning and euregetism. Unlike the few other studied macella, this one's proximity to the forum and exceptional epigraphic wealth allowed researchers to reconstruct its architecture, including a 3D model, while analyzing construction techniques. The study also sheds light on the identity of its benefactor, revealing how wealthy individuals funded public infrastructure in Roman cities.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2015 —
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Improving ventilation significantly reduces heating energy demand in historic masonry buildings without compromising their architectural or energetic heritage. This study demonstrates that non-intrusive retrofits, such as enhancing ventilation and replacing single-glazed windows with double-glazed ones, can effectively lower U-values while preserving the integrity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Oporto's Historic Centre. The research analyzed three typological models based on common ownership patterns, simulating retrofit strategies aligned with national regulations. Findings reveal that ventilation enhancement is the most impactful measure for reducing operating energy for heating, offering a sustainable approach to balancing preservation and energy efficiency.
Chitwan National Park
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2015 —
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Over the past 25 years, Nepal's forest management policies have led to a significant recovery of forest cover in the buffer zone surrounding Chitwan National Park. This reversal follows an initial decline after the implementation of the Master Plan for Nepal’s Forestry Sector (MPFS) in 1989. The study analyzed Landsat imagery from 1989, 2005, and 2013 to compute the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), revealing that community-based forest management has been effective in conserving forest resources across 36 village development committees (VDCs) covering approximately 1,267 km². These findings highlight the success of decentralized forest management and offer a model for sustainable forest conservation efforts.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2015 —
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A study conducted on the Infant Dom Henrique Bridge, part of UNESCO's Historic Centre of Oporto, revealed excellent correlation between measured and calculated dynamic properties. This research, carried out by the Laboratory of Vibrations and Monitoring at FEUP, utilized both experimental and numerical tools to evaluate the bridge's dynamic behavior post-construction. The findings validated a finite element model of the bridge, establishing a baseline for future damage detection studies. Such insights are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of this iconic 21st-century bridge, which complements Porto's historic metallic and concrete bridges.
Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square
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Robotic mapping using the mobile robot Irma3D demonstrates significant potential for automating 3D modeling of cultural heritage sites, including data acquisition and registration. The study evaluated methods for automatic 3D color reconstructions at the Würzburg Residence, showcasing how advanced sensor technology—such as photo cameras and laser scanners—can efficiently process large datasets while preserving intricate details. This approach addresses key challenges in archaeological studies by streamlining workflows and enhancing precision in heritage documentation.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2015 —
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Agricultural heritage sites, including the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, face growing water resource challenges due to increased tourism. Research reveals that the tourism water footprint in Yuanyang County—representing these terraces—is nearing its capacity limit, with sewage dilution and dietary water usage contributing over 74% of total water demand. The site's water pressure index stands at 97%, indicating imminent risk of exceeding sustainable thresholds. To mitigate this, the study proposes macro- and micro-level strategies, such as technology adoption, public awareness campaigns, and diversified tourism products, to balance conservation with visitor growth. This framework offers a blueprint for policymakers to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems while fostering responsible tourism.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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The founding of the Archivo General de Indias (AGI) in Seville, Spain, was rooted in both scholarly debates and colonial violence. This study reveals that the establishment of the AGI—an Enlightenment-era project aimed at preserving Spanish colonial records—was predicated on the eviction and erasure of its original inhabitants. By adopting an archaeological approach to the archive's material and architectural foundations, the research traces how Juan Bautista Muñoz's historiographical defense of Spanish colonialism led to the creation of the AGI as a tool for modern historiography. The study highlights the violence inherent in the formation of such institutions, linking it to broader geopolitical struggles of imperial sovereignty and the shift from nomological to historiographical methods.
Kairouan
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A new regional northwest–southeast fault in Tunisia, extending from Eastern Kairouan to the Algeria-Tunisia boundary, has been identified using advanced gravity data analysis. This fault terminates north-south Jurassic structures in the Kairouan plain and coincides with deep crustal features, including Moho flexures, suggesting its role in the initiation of Mesozoic rift systems. The study employed Gaussian filtered residual anomaly, total horizontal gradient, and Moho discontinuity morphology to reveal this previously unrecognized fault system, which has significant implications for mineral and petroleum exploration. Additionally, the research highlights other known fault systems and crustal structures in Tunisia, contributing to a deeper understanding of the region's geodynamic evolution.
Ephesus
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A detailed geological analysis of the Ephesus region reveals that the Ephesus Fault, initially active as a left-lateral strike-slip fault during the Early–Middle Miocene, was later reactivated as a dip-slip normal fault in the Middle Miocene and continues to shape the modern Küçük Menderes Graben (KMG). The study identifies three distinct deformation phases, with the main extension direction changing from northwest to northeast, suggesting an approximately 60° rotation around vertical axes. This rotation is attributed to the region's location within the strike-slip dominated İzmir-Balıkesir Transfer Zone (İBTZ). The research combines structural, stratigraphic, and sedimentological data to elucidate the fault's role in the evolution of the KMG basin.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2015 —
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Archaeofaunal analysis of canine remains from the Mollo Kontu mound in Tiwanaku's civic center reveals strong evidence that dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) played ritual, symbolic, and affective roles within 10th-century AD Tiwanaku society. The study identified blunt force trauma and strategic cuts on the dog's skeleton, along with its age group and burial position, suggesting intentional ritual practices. This finding contributes to a limited body of research on the ritual use of animals in Bolivian archaeology, expanding our understanding of the cultural significance of dogs beyond their economic role.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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Tourism in Wolong Nature Reserve, a flagship UNESCO-listed site in China, followed a rapid growth trajectory before being halted by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. This study reveals that Wolong's tourism evolution—spanning exploration, involvement, and development phases—was driven by complex interactions between political, economic, and governance factors. Using the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model, researchers analyzed three decades of tourism dynamics, identifying key drivers and structural changes in governance. The findings highlight the fragility of sustainable tourism in protected areas, offering insights for balancing conservation, community development, and resilience against disruptive events.
Galápagos Islands
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A significant shift in marine biosecurity practices is underway in the Galápagos Islands, with new protocols aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. The study highlights the implementation of stricter measures, including enhanced screening of vessels and cargo, to protect the unique marine ecosystems of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers analyzed existing biosecurity frameworks and identified gaps, proposing targeted interventions such as improved training for port authorities and standardized inspection procedures. These efforts are critical in safeguarding the Galápagos' biodiversity, which is particularly vulnerable due to its isolation and delicate balance of native species.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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A significant architectural feature of the Rietveld Schröder House is its innovative combination of construction materials. This study reveals that while the house's structure primarily relies on bricks, the second floor uniquely incorporates wood reinforced with steel and a balcony made of reinforced concrete slab. The roof of this level also uses steel, enabling the creation of a large open space. By analyzing drawing documents from the Rietveld Schröder Archive, researchers shed light on G. Th. Rietveld's construction methods, providing valuable insights into his architectural approach.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
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Ban Chiang Archaeological Site emerged as a pivotal discovery in Southeast Asian archaeology during the 1960s and 1970s. Excavations revealed an autonomous Bronze Age tradition, challenging the prevailing colonial narrative that depicted Southeast Asia as culturally dependent on India and China. This finding not only reshaped understanding of regional prehistory but also sparked international debate about the origins of world metallurgy, although later dating revisions complicated this narrative. The study by Peleggi (2015) goes beyond these archaeological insights to critically examine how American archaeological knowledge production in Thailand was intertwined with Cold War politics and Thailand's neocolonial relationship with the United States. It highlights the militarized context of excavations, which occurred amid the Vietnam War, revealing the complex interplay between scientific inquiry and geopolitical dynamics.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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A groundbreaking study reveals that expeditions to remote polar regions can profoundly shape adolescents' perspectives and behaviors, acting as powerful advocates for environmental conservation. The research, involving 12 New Zealand teenagers on the 2014 Young Blake Expedition to the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands, identified five key themes: experiential learning, the uniqueness of the setting, the distinctiveness of the experience, sharing with others, and a sense of adventure and accomplishment. These findings align with previous studies on wilderness-based outdoor education, suggesting that such expeditions can be life-changing for participants. The study used auto-driven photo-elicitation, a novel method to capture personal experiences through participant-selected images.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2015 —
WHE6268F355B7
This interview-based study offers a unique perspective on the Tasmanian Dam Case by focusing on the experiences of Bob Brown, then head of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society. It reveals the disjuncture between environmental advocacy and legal processes, highlighting how the Society navigated its role as an amicus curiae in a nationally significant case. The analysis contextualizes Brown's recollections, providing insights into the Society's aims, expectations, and post-case reflections. This approach contrasts with traditional legal histories that prioritize judicial texts, instead emphasizing the client's perspective to illustrate the complexities of legalism in environmental disputes.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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2015 —
WHE697CAB5BAA
Intensive butchering of hominin remains, whether for consumption or ritual purposes, consistently results in high frequencies of anthropogenic modifications such as cut marks, percussion pits, and notches—similar to those observed in two chronologically distant assemblages from the Sierra de Atapuerca: the late Early Pleistocene level TD6-2 at Gran Dolina and the Bronze Age level MIR4 in Mirador Cave. To test whether these modifications are a natural byproduct of butchering or indicative of special treatment, researchers experimentally butchered a chimpanzee carcass using simple flakes made from local quartzite and chert. The study found that about 40% of the remains exhibited modifications matching those seen in Homo antecessor fossils from TD6-2, with similar patterns in MIR4 except for skull treatment. This suggests that such modifications are common in intensive butchering processes across different contexts, challenging assumptions about ritualistic behavior in prehistoric societies.
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
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2015 —
WHE86DAEF0F85
Urban waterfronts, such as Budapest's Danube River banks, increasingly serve multifunctional roles beyond their original purpose. A study identifies key factors driving the expansion of recreational functions along these areas, highlighting economic, social, and environmental influences. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative assessments to examine trends in tourism development, urban planning policies, and visitor behavior. Findings reveal that strategic investments in infrastructure, coupled with effective governance, significantly enhance recreational use while preserving cultural heritage. This work provides actionable insights for balancing development with conservation in UNESCO-listed sites.
