Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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A study of the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis in Argentina revealed that sandstone deterioration is driven by microbial colonization, primarily cyanobacteria, alongside algae and fungi. These organisms, often deeply pigmented due to stressful conditions, thrive more abundantly on itacurú rock at San Ignacio Miní, attributed to its higher porosity facilitating water and nutrient entry. Physicochemical analysis showed ion mobilization, particularly iron (Fe), from the stone's interior to its surface, exacerbating weathering. This process transforms the sandstone into a 'protosoil,' supporting the growth of bryophytes and higher plants. The research combined physical and microbiological analyses to elucidate the mechanisms behind sandstone degradation in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2015 —
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A comprehensive phytochemical analysis of <em>Achillea ligustica</em> All. from Lipari Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands, revealed 17 unique metabolites, including sesquiterpenoids and flavonoid glucuronides not previously documented in this species. The study identified compounds such as (3RS,6RS)-2,6-dimethyl-1,7-octadiene-3,6-diol and iso-seco-tanapartholide from dichloromethane extracts, alongside novel flavonoid glucuronides like apigenin-7-O-glucuronide and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide. These findings suggest a chemotaxonomic significance for the species, with similarities to populations in Greece, Sicily, and Algeria. The research employed GC/MS analysis on petroleum ether extracts and isolated metabolites from aerial parts and flowers, providing new insights into the chemical diversity of <em>Achillea ligustica</em>.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2015 —
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New evidence reveals that the Kremlin's court theatre in 1672 was influenced by two performances for Tsar Aleksej Michajlovič, featuring foreign residents of Moscow. The May 1672 performance expanded on a February production with more characters, including female roles played by male actors, and likely involved Swedish correspondent Christoff Koch as the eyewitness account author. Additionally, the study traces early court efforts to establish a permanent theatre, including attempts to engage the German Paulsen-Velten acting troupe. These performances may have shaped the tsar's court theatre repertoire, particularly the character 'Pickleherring,' marking a significant precursor to Russia's formal theatrical tradition.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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A recently discovered rock painting at the Coctaca archaeological site (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina) reveals insights into the advanced agricultural and pastoral practices of its inhabitants. Dating between 1300-1400 CE, the pictographs—depicted in white, red, and black—suggest a strong focus on livestock herding and textile production, particularly through the representation of protective guards. The site's extensive terraces for cultivation, underground silos, and scattered settlement structures further underscore its agricultural dedication. This study highlights the sophisticated socio-economic organization of Coctaca's inhabitants, offering new evidence for their artistic expression and material culture.
Lord Howe Island Group
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Pigeons and doves, part of the Order Columbiformes, are one of the most successful and recognizable bird groups globally, with a strong presence in Australia's diverse ecosystems. The book 'Pigeons and Doves in Australia' by Forshaw and Cooper provides a comprehensive overview of these birds, including their distribution, plumage diversity, and historical significance. It highlights the impact of excessive hunting on local populations, leading to the extinction of two species on Lord Howe Island and one on Norfolk Island. The work also includes detailed management practices for all species and historical accounts of extinct species, making it a standard reference for ornithologists and aviculturists. Recognized with a 2015 Whitley Awards Certificate of Commendation, the book combines scientific knowledge with superb artwork to visually appreciate these birds in their natural habitats.
Kinabalu Park
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2015 —
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A new species of Pittosporum, P. peridoticola, has been discovered on Mount Tambuyukon within Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia. This ultramafic obligate species is restricted to the protected area and exhibits distinct morphological traits adapted to its unique habitat. Analysis of soil chemistry in its rooting zone revealed high magnesium-to-calcium ratios, elevated nickel and manganese concentrations, but low potassium and phosphorus levels, typical of ultramafic soils. Foliar elemental stoichiometry analysis suggested an 'Excluder-type' ecophysiology shared among Pittosporum species from both ultramafic and non-ultramafic soils. With only two known populations, P. peridoticola is vulnerable to stochastic disturbances like forest fires or severe droughts, warranting a conservation status of 'Near Threatened'.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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2015 —
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A new analysis challenges the notion that Zosimus of Rome initiated the ecclesiastical reorganization of Gaul, suggesting instead that it was driven by the bishop of Arles. The study examines Zosimus's Epistula 1 (Ep. 1), which in 417 AD asserted Arles as metropolitan over multiple provinces, sparking significant religious conflict. While previous research attributed this reorganization to Zosimus's authority, this paper argues that it was the bishop of Arles who sought to expand his influence, potentially anticipating the resultant backlash. The analysis relies on historical records, including seven additional letters and a synod in Rome, to reassess the motives and consequences of this ecclesiastical shift.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2015 —
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A critical approach to preserving historical buildings in Hebron's Old Town demonstrates that detailed architectural documentation—including plans, elevations, and sections—is essential for addressing complex challenges during the planning and management of preservation projects. These challenges encompass architectural significance, future use, environmental integration, cost analysis, time constraints, and quality assurance. By leveraging expert-generated documentation, many of these issues can be systematically resolved, ensuring the sustainable transfer of heritage to future generations.
Kinabalu Park
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Kinabalu Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors one of the most species-rich ultramafic outcrops globally, with over 2542 plant species recorded, many of which are endemic to the park or Borneo. This study highlights the significant but understudied biodiversity and ecological importance of these outcrops, which occupy less than 1% of Earth's land surface yet support a high diversity of plants adapted to ultramafic soils. The research documents the flora, emphasizing the threat posed by land-use conversion, which could lead to localized extinctions due to the narrow distribution ranges of many species. The study combines field surveys and taxonomic documentation, providing a critical baseline for understanding and conserving this unique ecosystem.
Costiera Amalfitana
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Plant selection for ethnobotanical uses on the Amalfi Coast is not primarily driven by phylogeny, according to a study that compared statistical methods using medicinal and non-medicinal plant datasets. The research found that while Lamiaceae was consistently over-used in medicinal contexts across both floras studied, other families like Malvaceae and Poaceae showed inconsistencies depending on the dataset and method used. Regression analysis emerged as the most conservative approach for interpreting results. Additionally, the study revealed a non-random selection of woody species for non-medicinal uses and an under-use of temperate forest plants for medicinal purposes.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park
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Research in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park reveals that soil nutrient availability, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, is more constrained than previously understood due to factors like nutrient leaching, low pH, and high rainfall. Despite the presence of nutrient-rich flood basalts, these soils share strong links with the nutrient-poor Cape Floristic Region, suggesting a fragile nutrient economy vulnerable to climate change. The study highlights the treeline ecotone as a critical temperature threshold area where vegetation shifts could be readily detected, providing insights into how mountain plant communities may respond to warming conditions. This work proposes key research areas to investigate potential ecological impacts on nutrient-poor-adapted biota under future climate scenarios.
Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
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Maintenance interventions in the Neapolis Archaeological Park of Syracuse, Italy, have not only preserved significant flora but also uncovered potential classical-period introductions. An interdisciplinary project following 2013's green area restoration developed management guidelines for the site's vegetation, enhancing both monument preservation and visitor engagement through thematic routes. The study highlights how integrated conservation efforts can dual-purpose: safeguarding heritage while enriching interpretive experiences.
Val d'Orcia
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The Val d'Orcia Basin, located in the Northern Apennines of Italy, was identified as an inherited depression formed by erosion during the Late Miocene-Early Pliocene transition. This study reveals that its Pliocene depositional history was primarily controlled by relative sea-level changes, leading to the recognition of three distinct depositional sequences (Vd3a-c). The Vd3a sequence records marine ingression and subsequent highstand, while Vd3b and Vd3c sequences reflect progressive basin widening. Notably, bioclastic deposits in the Vd3c sequence suggest potential climatic influence on sedimentation. The research employs a sequence stratigraphic approach to analyze these deposits, providing insights into the basin's geological evolution.
Yosemite National Park
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A detailed geologic mapping of El Capitan's southeast face in Yosemite National Park reveals a complex intrusive history involving multiple granitic units, with no significant post-emplacement deformation. New U-Pb zircon geochronologic data shows that the El Capitan Granite and associated diorites formed between approximately 106 and 103 million years ago (Ma), overlapping with the intrusion of other plutons like Taft, Leaning Tower, and Bridalveil. These findings suggest a distinct order of emplacement, providing insights into the geological processes shaping this iconic landscape.
Saint Hilarion Monastery/ Tell Umm Amer
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2015 —
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A comparative analysis of traditional archaeological documentation methods and modern three-dimensional acquisition techniques, such as laser scanning and photogrammetry, reveals that while both approaches are effective, the latter offers significant time-saving benefits without compromising data quality. The study, conducted at Saint Hilarion Monastery in the Gaza Strip, demonstrates that systematic photogrammetric documentation of stratigraphic layers can replace conventional drawing methods during excavations, particularly in preventive archaeology where time constraints are critical. However, it also highlights potential risks associated with incorrect photogrammetry practices and underscores the need for standardized monitoring protocols to ensure accurate data collection. This research suggests a shift towards integrating advanced acquisition techniques into mainstream archaeological practice, balancing efficiency with scientific rigor.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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A study on the peri-urban floodplains of Paraty, Brazil, reveals that land-use policies significantly influence ecological outcomes and community resilience. The research highlights how urban expansion, agricultural encroachment, and conservation efforts interact to shape biodiversity and floodplain dynamics. By analyzing policy impacts over time, the authors demonstrate that effective governance can mitigate negative environmental effects while supporting sustainable development. This case study provides critical insights for balancing urban growth with ecological preservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Maya Site of Copan
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Research at the outlying Guzmán Group of El Palmar, Campeche, Mexico, reveals that these peripheral settlements played a crucial role in negotiating power and ideology during the Late and Terminal Classic Maya period (ca. A.D. 600-900). The discovery of a hieroglyphic stairway provides unprecedented epigraphic evidence linking a prominent individual to lakam (banner-bearer) officials and foreign rulers, including those from Copán and Calakmul. This finding challenges the traditional focus on central sites by demonstrating that outlying groups were active participants in political interactions, shaping the spatial organization of Maya polities through complex social dynamics.
Anticosti
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Research on Anticosti Island, Québec, reveals the existence of polygenetic (polyphase) karsted hardground omission surfaces in Lower Silurian Chicotte Formation limestones. These surfaces, formed through combined marine and meteoric diagenesis, include planar erosional bedding tops, scalloped erosional surfaces, knobs, ridges, swales at bedding contacts, and paleoscarps. The study proposes that these features are linked to specific diagenetic–depositional processes in terrestrial–peritidal–shallow neritic zones, influenced by fluctuations in relative sea level. These processes include karst corrosion, peritidal–shallow subtidal erosion, subtidal seawater flushing and cementation, and shallow subtidal deposition. The surfaces are interpreted to have been the result of initial extensive shallow-water synsedimentary lithification forming hardgrounds, which were planed by inner-neritic abrasion, altered by exposure and subaerial corrosion, and buried by sediments as sea level rose again. This succession was repeated several times, resulting in a suite of recurring polyphase omission surfaces through many meters of stratigraphic section. The study also notes that these Silurian inner-neritic–strandline omission surfaces are temporally unique, part of a suite of marine omission surfaces mostly found in early to middle Paleozoic neritic carbonate sedimentary rocks.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2015 —
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A balanced sex ratio with slight female dominance and dispersed population distribution were observed for the American crocodile (<em>Crocodylus acutus</em>) in Coiba National Park, Panama. Females were marginally larger than males (115.1 ± 56.9 cm vs. 105.4 ± 71.8 cm). Encounter rates varied annually, peaking at 1.8 ind/km in 2009 and showing a correlation with protected areas. The study, conducted through nocturnal surveys covering 147.2 km over 99 nights from 2009–2012, captured 185 crocodiles across 581.12 km² of habitat—78% natural (mangroves, beaches) and 22% disturbed. Spatial analysis revealed habitat loss due to agricultural conversion but no significant population decline. The findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring to differentiate natural fluctuations from anthropogenic impacts on crocodile ecology.
Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua
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A critical decline of the last remaining spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) population in Central Africa, confined to Odzala-Kokoua National Park (OKNP), Republic of Congo, is imminent due to poaching with illegal wire snares. This study reveals that the population—comprising five clans and eight transient individuals—has shrunk by nearly 50% within two years, with 11 likely deaths recorded. The hyenas' survival hinges on the abundance of key prey species like forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), red river hog (Potamocherus porcus), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), which dominate their diet but show minimal activity overlap, indicating high energy investment for foraging. The study also highlights the vulnerability of this isolated population to stochastic threats like disease and inbreeding. Camera trapping and acoustic monitoring of communal den sites—critical for clan survival—reveal human infrastructure disturbances as additional risks. Immediate intervention is required to prevent extinction.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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A groundbreaking study on Guinea baboons (Papio papio) in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, reveals female-biased dispersal—a rare pattern among baboon species. Contrary to the typical male dispersal observed in closely related baboons, this research demonstrates that female Guinea baboons disperse while males remain philopatric, mirroring the social structure of hamadryas baboons and human hunter-gatherers. The study analyzed 165 individuals using microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA sequencing, uncovering higher genetic structuring in males, which aligns with their philopatric behavior. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about baboon social dynamics and underscores the species' unique cooperative social organization, offering new insights into the evolutionary processes shaping complex societies.
Ogasawara Islands
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Asexual reproduction, typically associated with low genetic diversity, appears to confer advantages in dispersal and abundance for the all-female gecko <em>Lepidodactylus lugubris</em> in the Ogasawara Islands. Unlike its sexual counterpart, <em>Hemidactylus frenatus</em>, which shows limited distribution and genetic variation across four islands, <em>L. lugubris</em> dominates nine islands with two widely distributed clones (diploid and triploid). This suggests that asexual reproduction may enhance dispersal success in oceanic environments. However, <em>H. frenatus</em>'s absence from non-human-inhabited islands could stem from microhabitat preferences, as it is more confined to artificial substrates like towns and roadways compared to <em>L. lugubris</em>. The study used microsatellite markers on 445 geckos to assess genetic structure but notes that colonization histories remain unconfirmed, warranting further research.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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A study analyzing 12 microsatellite loci of 52 jaguars from four localities in the southern Pantanal reveals that this region supports a single, genetically diverse jaguar population with high connectivity. Unlike heavily fragmented populations like those in the Atlantic Forest, the Pantanal's intact habitat maintains strong demographic stability and low genetic differentiation. Comparative analyses suggest recent human-induced fragmentation in the Atlantic Forest, while evidence of admixture between the Pantanal and western Atlantic Forest populations highlights a transitional zone where jaguars have already been extirpated. This research underscores the importance of preserving natural connectivity to support jaguar population resilience and informs conservation strategies for less disturbed regions like the Pantanal.
Iguaçu National Park
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Iguaçu National Park serves as a critical conservation remnant for <em>Araucaria angustifolia</em>, with its population structure exhibiting a standard inverted-J pattern, indicative of healthy regeneration. The study found that regenerating individuals predominantly display an aggregated distribution, while juveniles, males, and females show a uniform pattern. Regeneration is more effective in shaded environments, as higher frequencies were observed at greater canopy densities. Researchers analyzed 479 individuals across 200 plots, revealing the park's importance for the species' survival amid agricultural encroachment.
Chitwan National Park
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A critical population assessment of the endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals a severely limited breeding capacity with only one breeding male observed among 38 individuals over two years. The study, conducted from 2012 to 2013 along the Narayani River, identified two key habitats—Khoria muhan and Velaunji—as critical for gharial survival due to favorable conditions and minimal human disturbance. Gharials exhibited distinct basking preferences: those in Khoria muhan favored shallow to moderate depths with braided channels, while those in Velaunji selected deeper main-channel waters. The research underscores the urgent need for conservation measures, such as fishing bans and habitat monitoring, to ensure long-term survival of this critically endangered species.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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A comprehensive analysis of climate change adaptation for ports, particularly focusing on Terminal Maritimo Muelles El Bosque (MEB) in Cartagena, Colombia, reveals significant risks and opportunities. The study identifies that MEB's strategic location in a secure natural harbor shields it from tropical storms but highlights the vulnerability of road infrastructure to sea-level rise due to limited elevation data availability. It also underscores the sensitivity of port operations to global economic fluctuations, with climate change potentially altering market conditions for trade. The research employs a stakeholder engagement and planning process framework to assess these dynamics, providing actionable insights for ports facing similar challenges.
Island of Saint-Louis
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Senegalese photographers actively appropriated and developed portrait photography from the 1850s, creating culturally specific practices distinct from Western models. This study highlights their role in shaping photographic history, contrasting with narratives that prioritize European or North American interpretations. Through oral testimonies and archival research—including interviews conducted in Saint-Louis in 2013—the work challenges universalist approaches by emphasizing local contexts, such as the métis community's influence on studio practices. It also addresses preservation challenges, noting the fragility of early photographic records due to climate, lack of funding, and deliberate destruction. The research underscores how Senegalese photographers, like Adama Sylla, used portraits for social documentation, blending colonial and local traditions in ways that reflect broader African photographic histories.
City of Potosí
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Living near mining sites in the Potosí region of Bolivia is associated with significant health risks, including higher frequencies of hypertension, hematuria (blood in urine), and ketonuria (ketones in urine). A study comparing adults from mining and non-mining villages found that those exposed to mine-contaminated water and consuming locally farmed grains had a 4.3 times greater risk of hematuria. Elevated blood lead levels were also observed in participants with hematuria, suggesting a link between metal exposure and kidney damage. These findings underscore the need for environmental regulations to mitigate toxic metal contamination near mining areas.
Khami Ruins National Monument
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Modern heritage conservation practices at Khami World Heritage site in Zimbabwe reveal a tension between indigenous beliefs and Western restoration principles. While post-colonial restorations, particularly drystone wall repairs between 2000 and 2015, preserved the site's structural integrity to avoid delisting, they disrupted local traditions that viewed Khami as a sacred resting place for ancestors with minimal human intervention. The study highlights how these compromises—balancing international conservation standards with local spiritual significance—sustain Khami's economic value as a tourist destination while acknowledging their limitations in fully aligning with indigenous practices.
Ujung Kulon National Park
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A survey of Cimenteng village, located within Ujung Kulon National Park, identified 48 medicinal plants with potential for cultivation and use by local communities. Of these, 20 were cultivated in home gardens while 28 grew wild around them, suggesting significant untapped potential for agrotourism development. The study used a combination of survey and interview methods—both quantitative and qualitative—to gather data through field observations and direct interviews, with results analyzed descriptively. This research highlights the economic benefits that could arise from managing these medicinal plants, positioning Cimenteng as a viable candidate for agrotourism, which could provide sustainable livelihoods for its residents while preserving the biodiversity of the UNESCO-listed Ujung Kulon National Park.
Studenica Monastery
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Archaeological evidence from Studenica Monastery reveals significant insights into pottery production within the early Nemanjic state. The study identifies a dedicated pottery kiln and manufacturing area, shedding light on the organization of this craft and its role in the monastery's economy. Clay rods found at the site suggest specialized production techniques and raise questions about the users and economic significance of these findings. This research contributes to understanding the broader economic context of medieval Serbian monasteries.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2015 —
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A study using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) reveals that during the Middle Horizon (A.D. 500–1000), non-local ceramic vessels were imported into the Moquegua Valley, Peru, alongside locally produced pottery, indicating extensive regional exchange under Tiwanaku state authority. This suggests that long-distance trade persisted even after the collapse of the Tiwanaku state around A.D. 1000, though with shifts in the networks involved. The research challenges traditional stylistic analyses by providing chemical evidence for the movement and production of pottery, offering new insights into the dynamics of statecraft and post-collapse economic resilience.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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Physical remains and images of victims from the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–79) have emerged as powerful, contested symbols in Cambodia's memorial landscape. These remnants—including skulls and execution site photographs—serve as iconic representations of the regime's atrocities, shaping public memory and interpretations of its legacy. While forbidden during the regime, post-1979 memorialization has proliferated through both public and private ceremonies, particularly at former killing fields. This study examines how these remains and visual depictions are deployed in ongoing historical narratives, reflecting Cambodia’s evolving relationship with its traumatic past.
Choirokoitia
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A new carpological analysis of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Khirokitia, Chypre, reveals that Neolithic communities (6800-5500 BCE) relied heavily on dressed wheats as a staple food, with agricultural processing playing a central role in domestic life. Spatial analysis of plant remains shows distinct patterns between intra- and extra-mural areas, indicating specialized resource use. The study also highlights opportunistic exploitation of local plant resources, influenced by climatic or anthropogenic changes, challenging the notion of controlled Neolithic agriculture. Additionally, it contributes to ongoing debates on wheat identification in Neolithic contexts and intercontinental exchanges during this pivotal period.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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A remarkable discovery from Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, reveals evidence of tyrannosaurid cannibalism through pre- and postmortem bite marks on a <em>Daspletosaurus</em> specimen. The cranium and mandible exhibit numerous premortem injuries with signs of healing, suggesting intraspecific combat. Postmortem damage to the mandible indicates late-stage carcass consumption, likely by another large tyrannosaurid, possibly a congener, providing an additional record of tyrannosaurid cannibalism. The study combines detailed morphological analysis and taphonomic context to distinguish between pre- and postmortem bites, offering insights into the behavior and ecology of these apex predators during the Late Cretaceous.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2015 —
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A significant proportion of seeds (58%) of the vulnerable tree Ramorinoa girolae, endemic to Argentina, are lost due to pre-dispersal predation by Anypsipyla univitella. This study quantified seed loss and assessed factors influencing predation, revealing that fruits with more predators, more seeds, and smaller sizes experienced higher predation rates. Seed abortion was a minor factor of loss (6%). The research sampled 17 adult trees across three stands in Ischigualasto Provincial Park, analyzing fruit size, number of seeds, and predator presence using Generalized Linear Mixed Models.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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Fallow deer (Dama dama) populations in Tasmania, Australia, could exceed 1 million by the mid-21st century if current management practices remain unchanged. This projection, based on a spatially explicit population model, highlights significant risks to ecologically sensitive areas, including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The study estimates that without active intervention beyond existing hunting and crop protection permits, the deer's range and abundance will substantially increase over the next decade. The research combines demographic parameters with climate suitability models to forecast future impacts, providing critical insights for prioritizing management strategies in high-risk regions.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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White-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari), an endangered species in Mexico, show a strong preference for floodable low-vegetation habitats within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and Nuevo Becal ejido, despite being most frequently recorded in medium forest. A relative abundance of 0.53 tracks per kilometer was documented after surveying 240 km across both sites during wet and dry seasons. The study highlights that Brosimum alicastrum and Manilkara zapota trees were the most abundant fruit-bearing species, suggesting their importance for peccary diet and habitat selection. This research provides critical insights into the ecological needs of this threatened species, which can inform conservation strategies in hunted areas.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Lantana camara, one of the world's worst invasive species, shows preferential associations with specific factors in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Research reveals that its spread is significantly influenced by the presence of the native nitrogen-fixing tree Sophora chrysophylla and disturbances such as fire and proximity to roads. Lantana was absent from unburned plots but more common within 200 meters of roads in burned areas, indicating that fire and human-made corridors facilitate its invasion. The study used 105 vegetation plots across submontane woodland to measure plant cover, soil depth, pig disturbance, and fallen trees, providing critical insights into the ecological drivers of lantana's establishment at the edge of its distribution.
Virunga National Park
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A rapid and accurate lava flow simulation tool, VORIS 2.0.1, has been identified as suitable for volcanic risk assessment at the Goma Volcano Observatory (GVO) in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study demonstrated that VORIS can effectively replicate known lava flows from the 2010 Nyamulagira eruption with high precision when input parameters and digital elevation models are carefully selected. This tool, which is freely available, offers a quick and user-friendly method for predicting lava flow paths during volcanic crises, thereby enhancing volcanic hazard management in densely populated areas. The findings highlight VORIS's potential to improve crisis response strategies at GVO.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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A study identifies at least 19 genera and 33 coral species, including <em>Goniastrea retiformis</em>, <em>Isopora palifera</em>, and <em>Porites</em> spp., as key contributors to reef formation in New Caledonia's Pleistocene and Holocene barrier reefs. These species, termed 'key coral species' (KCS), are critical for the resilience of coral ecosystems under projected sea-level rise (0.2–0.6 m/100 years). However, their current decline underscores urgent conservation needs. The research analyzed six core samples from three reefs—Islets Kendec, Amédée, and Bayes—to assess species' roles in reef maintenance, highlighting the vulnerability of these ecosystems to environmental change.
Paphos
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A pioneering organic residue analysis of 13th-century cooking wares from Frankish Paphos, Cyprus, reveals that glazed ceramics absorb and preserve food residues, offering a rare window into medieval Eastern Mediterranean foodways. The study, part of the POMEDOR Project, examined 11 vessels—including glazed pans/baking dishes, unglazed pots, and jugs—using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify animal products and potential wine derivatives. This confirms that ceramic analysis can reconstruct original vessel contents, advancing our understanding of medieval culinary practices through interdisciplinary historical, archaeological, and archaeometric research.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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Researchers have identified the presence of six non-native fish species, primarily from the families Cichlidae and Poeciliidae, in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia. These species are established with self-sustaining populations, posing potential threats to the region's highly diverse native fish fauna. The study compiled 1106 records, including 346 confirmed presence records, four uncertain records for at least 13 species, and 756 absence records, through a combination of published data and expert knowledge. This comprehensive analysis highlights the need for further monitoring and management to mitigate the impacts of these invasive species on the unique biodiversity of the Wet Tropics region.
Babylon
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Babylon Governorate, Iraq, is projected to face significant solid waste challenges by 2030, with annual waste outputs expected to reach between 761,104 and 943,055 tons. This represents a substantial increase from the current 483,221 tons annually. The study used two population growth methods to estimate future waste quantities, revealing that cumulative waste could total up to 14 million tons by 2030 if current trends persist. Current waste management practices in Babylon rely on open dumping and inefficient collection, failing to meet environmental standards for landfill sites. The research highlights the urgent need for sustainable waste management strategies to address growing waste volumes while protecting the region's ecological integrity.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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Wrangel Island's present-day geological structure reveals two key stages of Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonic evolution: an initial post-Triassic fold-thrust phase with northern vergence, complicated by strike-slip faults, and a subsequent stage marked by near-meridional extension. The first stage correlates with the New Siberian-Chukchi Fold System orogeny (pre-Aptian), while the latter, characterized by right-lateral transtension, aligns with Late Cretaceous-Paleocene compression and Paleocene-Eocene basin opening in the South Chukchi region. Structural differences between Silurian-Lower Devonian and Upper Devonian-Triassic rocks further indicate Middle-Late Devonian deformation linked to the Ellesmerian Orogeny. This study integrates mesostructural data with seismic evidence to reconstruct Wrangel Island's complex tectonic history, providing insights into Arctic geological processes.
Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
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On December 1, 1999, the historic city of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the XXIII session of the World Heritage Committee in Marrakech, Morocco. This recognition sparked widespread celebration and instilled a renewed sense of pride and self-esteem among its inhabitants, enriching the collective identity of the community.
Shirakami-Sanchi
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2015 —
WHEE92577A82C
Japan's Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Area demonstrates how ecological preservation can be achieved through expanded civic engagement, though at the cost of marginalizing traditional forest users. This study highlights a successful case where the construction of a forest road in the 1980s threatened the ancient beech forest's integrity, leading to enhanced governmental commitment to conservation and public involvement. The research combines literature reviews, interviews with key stakeholders, and field observations to explore the balance between ecosystem protection, civic participation, cultural heritage, and administrative efficiency. Findings underscore the challenges of inclusive protected-area management, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in park management.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
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2015 —
WHEB7B35F0265
Excessive and often intrusive souvenir vending at Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS), undermines both visitor experience and the site's cultural authenticity. A study combining participant observation, photography, and social media analysis revealed that Maya-descent vendors' retail activities—perceived as economically driven rather than culturally rooted—negatively impact the site's socio-cultural sustainability. While the findings suggest a need for stakeholder reforms to balance economic benefits with heritage preservation, they also highlight broader challenges in managing WHSs where commercialization and political influence risk long-term sustainability. Recommendations include stricter government oversight, re-evaluation of socio-economic benefits, and efforts to reconcile cultural identity with contemporary Mexican society.
Mount Etna
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2015 —
WHE66C1CA8D0C
A sudden explosion at Mount Etna's Bocca Nuova crater on September 5, 2013, triggered an instantaneous depressurization of the volcano's plumbing system, halting a gradual pressurization phase observed between April and September. This shift was detected through multiparametric monitoring, including long-period (LP) events, volcanic tremor, geodetic inflation-deflation data, and CO2 flux measurements. The explosion also activated a new infrasonic source at Bocca Nuova, while the New Southeast Crater resumed activity, leading to a second lava fountain cycle. Pressure source depths were estimated at 3–9 km below sea level using geodetic and CO2 data, providing insights into the volcano's dynamic subsurface processes.
Lower Valley of the Awash
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2015 —
WHE9905494E17
A high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection, reaching 20.8%, was identified among school-age children in the Middle and Lower Awash Valley, Ethiopia. The study, conducted between February and May 2014, analyzed urine samples from 885 children (ages 5-16) across seven villages using urine filtration to detect eggs and urine dipsticks for hematuria. Infection intensity varied significantly by village, with the Middle Awash Valley showing higher prevalence (up to 37%) and egg counts compared to the Lower Awash Valley. Hematuria was prevalent in 56.3% of tested children, further indicating morbidity risks. Age and sex were not associated with infection risk. The findings underscore the need for targeted praziquantel treatment in affected villages to reduce morbidity and transmission.
