Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2015 —
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Research reveals that the preservation of colonial sites in Brazil, through abandonment or institutional protection, has become a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development in recent decades. This study highlights how the process of cultural patrimonialization in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, often aligns with urban renewal and increased touristification, raising important questions about balancing heritage conservation with sustainable development. The research employs empirical analysis to explore these dynamics, emphasizing the need for integrated planning that considers the interplay between cultural heritage, tourism valorization, and territorial management.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
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2015 —
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Transforming protected areas into ecotourism destinations can effectively address chronic funding shortages and strengthen conservation efforts. This study highlights successful strategies employed by select National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) sites, including Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, to overcome financial constraints through sustainable ecotourism development. By leveraging their unique natural and cultural assets, these sites not only generate economic opportunities for local communities but also foster greater public support for conservation. The research draws on the Action Research Project of the Center for Development Management (CDM) at the Asian Institute of Management, providing practical insights into balancing ecotourism growth with environmental protection and community engagement.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
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2015 —
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This research-création work explores the intersection of identity, memory, and narrative through the lens of pilgrimage on the via Podiensis, one of the historic routes to Santiago de Compostela. The study demonstrates how the act of walking—whether for solace, remembrance, or self-discovery—can serve as a metaphor for confronting personal and collective pasts. Through the protagonist Alice's journey, the research illustrates the transformative power of movement, encounters, and contemplation in navigating emotional turmoil. Additionally, it examines the narrative technique of fragmentation, highlighting how it challenges readers' perceptions of history and invites them to engage actively with multiple interpretations. The work combines literary analysis with personal reflection, offering a unique approach to understanding identity through the lens of transhumance—a traditional seasonal migration—and modern pilgrimage.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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2015 —
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The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) stands out among Tanzania's protected areas due to its unique governance and the absence of pressures like land fragmentation or privatization that affect other pastoral regions. Instead, its current state is shaped by a complex interplay of conservation policies, human population dynamics, food insecurity, disease interactions, and land use changes over time. This study synthesizes scholarly literature and presents primary data on human health and cultivation to highlight how these factors collectively influence both conservation outcomes and human wellbeing in the NCA.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2015 —
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A significant increase in mouse predation on Tristan Albatross chicks at Gough Island has been identified, with predation rates rising from 2% to 10% over a decade. This study highlights the escalating threat posed by invasive house mice (Mus domesticus) to one of the world's rarest seabirds, the Tristan Albatross (Diomedea dabbenena), which is endemic to Gough Island. Researchers employed long-term monitoring and direct observation to document predation tactics, including nocturnal attacks on chicks in burrows, revealing how mice exploit albatross nesting behaviors. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation measures to mitigate this growing threat.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2015 —
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Researchers identified long-duration, tremor-like seismic signals triggered along the eastern Denali Fault (EDF) in northwest Canada following significant distant earthquakes. Specifically, the 2012 Mw 7.8 Haida Gwaii and 2013 Mw 7.5 Craig earthquakes induced these tremors near the southeastern EDF, coinciding with peak transverse velocities—suggesting Love-wave triggering on right-lateral strike-slip faults. Additionally, short-duration bursts were repeatedly triggered by Rayleigh waves from the Haida Gwaii earthquake, potentially originating near Klutlan Glacier or a belt of shallow historical seismicity in the Wrangell–St. Elias mountain range. These findings highlight distinct seismic response mechanisms in intraplate regions compared to plate boundaries.
Aphrodisias
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2015 —
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A monumental marble statue group from Aphrodisias, depicting the mythological figures Troilos and Achilles, has been identified as a rare surviving example of Hellenistic-style art. The discovery reveals a daring composition that had previously fallen and been restored in antiquity, offering new insights into classical statuary and its endurance through Late Antiquity. The horse and rider were originally part of a public monument from the early imperial period but were later moved to the Basilica at Aphrodisias around the mid-fourth century AD. Researchers reconstructed the group's original form and setting using archaeological evidence, epigraphy, and iconographic analysis, linking it to literary representations of the myth. This study highlights both the artistic innovation of the statue and its cultural significance across centuries.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2015 —
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British and French troops looted and destroyed the Yuanmingyuan (Summer Palace) during the Second Opium War, dispersing over a million imperial artifacts globally. This study reveals that military museums in the UK continue to display these artifacts, framing them as 'trophies of war' rather than acknowledging their cultural significance or the context of their acquisition through conflict. The research analyzes how five UK military museums represent these objects, highlighting the complex narratives constructed around China's imperial heritage in such institutional settings.
Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde
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2015 —
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A critical threat to the tuff stone structures of UNESCO's Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde, has been identified: severe damage from freeze-thaw cycles due to extreme winter temperatures (-20°C). This study reveals that such environmental stress causes significant deterioration, including exfoliation and deep cracks, compromising both the integrity and stability of these cultural relics. The research highlights the urgent need for preservation strategies but notes a gap in understanding tuff rock durability under environmental factors and its micro-level deterioration mechanisms. By analyzing the impact of freeze-thaw cycles on tuff stone structures—such as inscriptions, statues, and temple foundations—the study underscores the vulnerability of these heritage sites to climate-induced decay.
Mesa Verde National Park
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2015 —
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Tunnel construction in the Mancos Shale Formation at Mesa Verde National Park presented unique engineering challenges due to the geological characteristics of the shale. The study highlighted critical insights into the stability and behavior of shale during tunneling, which are essential for infrastructure development in similar geological settings. It documented the technical approaches, including foundation grouting and landslide mitigation strategies, employed by the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads to ensure the structural integrity of the tunnels. The case history serves as a valuable reference for understanding the complexities of tunnel construction in shale formations, providing practical lessons for future engineering projects in comparable environments.
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
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2015 —
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Budapest's Inner 7th District, or Belső-Erzsébetváros, stands out among Central European Jewish quarters due to its unique survival narrative. Unlike other regions where Jewish populations were largely decimated during the Holocaust, a significant portion of this district's inhabitants endured, shaping its post-war identity distinctly. This study reveals how political upheavals and societal transformations—marked by ethnic and confessional intermixing in the interwar period—were disrupted by wartime events, leading to dramatic demographic shifts by 1945. It further explores the impact of post-war migration and Communist-era decay on the district's physical and social fabric, while highlighting its recent revival through the rediscovery of Jewish heritage. The research employs historical analysis and comparative urban studies to trace these changes, offering insights into the resilience and reinvention of this UNESCO-listed area.
Maya Site of Copan
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2015 —
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The Maya archaeological site of Copán, Honduras, experiences distinct visitor flow patterns that significantly impact tourism management. This study quantifies and characterizes these flows, revealing key temporal distributions, travel organization methods, and visitor profiles based on multiple grouping criteria. Findings highlight the importance of such data for optimizing public use and developing coherent tourism strategies. The research employs a robust methodology to analyze visitor trends, offering actionable insights for sustainable site management.
Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944
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2015 —
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The study highlights the significant role of karst landscapes in Lower Normandy, France, as both historical landmarks and drivers for regional tourism, particularly tied to D-Day's World War II legacy. Through theoretical analysis and fieldwork, researchers observed how strategic sites—such as landing beaches, cemeteries, and museums—are leveraged to promote historical and cultural tourism while preserving memory. The findings underscore the potential of integrating geomorphological features with heritage narratives to foster sustainable regional development.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2015 —
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Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina's Jujuy province, has seen rapid tourism growth post-2001 economic collapse, positioning it as a vital income generator for local economies. Claudia Troncoso's book, <em>Turismo y Patrimonio en la Quebrada de Humahuaca</em>, examines how heritage and globalization shape tourist destinations, highlighting disparities where some spaces are commoditized while others are marginalized. The study reveals that tourism growth, driven by government agendas since the 20th century, often imposes a new identity on local stakeholders, altering their behavior to align with heritage narratives. Troncoso's research combines primary and secondary sources—including documents from tourism organizations, statistics, journals, and interviews conducted between 2007–2009—to analyze these dynamics. The book’s seven chapters explore the consequences of tourism on local communities, focusing on how heritage constructs place attractiveness while overlooking others.
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
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2015 —
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A rare discovery of two Libyan names in a seventh-century BCE sale document from Assur reveals new insights into the cultural and demographic landscape of the Neo-Assyrian period. The study identifies Uširiḫiuḫurti 'the Egyptian' and Ḫanabeš (a variant of Ḫallabēše) as Libyan, based on morphological analysis, historical context, and comparison with North African names. These findings suggest a connection to the Assyrian deportation of Samaritans to Guzana, aligning with biblical records and broader trade interests in the Levant. The research combines cuneiform source analysis with historical documentation to shed light on ancient migration patterns and intercultural exchanges.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2015 —
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Researchers have identified two new and highly endangered species of Syngonanthus, a genus within the Eriocaulaceae family, from Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Brazil's Cerrado region. Syngonanthus incurvifolius has not been recorded since 1994 and is critically endangered, while Syngonanthus vittatus is known only from a small, disturbed private area and is classified as endangered. The study, conducted by Watanabe et al., utilized taxonomic analysis to describe these species, highlighting their restricted distribution and the urgent need for conservation efforts in this biodiversity hotspot. Their threatened status was evaluated using criteria from CNCFlora, Brazil's IUCN Red List Authority.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2015 —
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Scientists have identified two new species of Asellota (Crustacea, Isopoda) from the coral reefs of Iriomote Island, part of Japan's Ryukyu Archipelago. Pleurocope iriomotensis and Prethura tuberculata represent significant discoveries: the first records of Pleurocope in the Pacific and Prethura along the Asian Pacific coast. These species exhibit unique morphological traits—such as lateral spine-like processes on pereonite 4 and coxal plates in <em>Pleurocope iriomotensis</em>, and a distinct lateral projection on the protopod of pleopod 2 in <em>Prethura tuberculata</em>—that distinguish them from their congeners. The study, published in <em>ZooKeys</em>, relies on detailed morphological analysis to characterize these newly described taxa.
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
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2015 —
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Two new species of fossil Leggadina, a genus of short-tailed mice adapted to arid environments, have been discovered in northwestern Queensland, Australia. Leggadina gregoriensis sp. nov. was found at the Early Pleistocene Rackham's Roost Site in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, while Leggadina macrodonta sp. nov. came from the Plio-Pleistocene Site 5C at Floraville Station. These discoveries extend the known temporal range of the genus by over 2 million years and provide insights into its evolutionary history and response to palaeoecological factors. The study also examines the taphonomy of the fossil deposits, revealing significant differences in faunal composition and preservation between the two sites.
Monte San Giorgio
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2015 —
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Two new species of the iconic Triassic fish genus <em>Saurichthys</em> have been identified from the Middle Triassic Besano Formation at Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland: <em>S. breviabdominalis</em>, distinguished by its elongated operculum and reduced abdominal region, and <em>S. rieppeli</em>, notable for its block-like haemal arches and unique fin structures. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that <em>S. rieppeli</em> occupies a basal position among Alpine Triassic saurichthyids, supporting hypotheses of convergent evolution in scale reduction within the genus. Meanwhile, <em>S. breviabdominalis</em> forms a monophyletic group with local congeners, suggesting sympatric divergence—a finding that sheds light on ecomorphological divergence and resource partitioning in Triassic marine ecosystems. The study leverages detailed morphological analysis to elucidate character evolution and ecological adaptations in saurichthyid fishes.
Lakes of Ounianga
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2015 —
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A hydrobiological expedition to the Ounianga-Tibesti area of northern Chad uncovered two new stygobiotic copepod species, Haplocyclops henrii and Parastenocaris joi, alongside a re-description of Pilocamptus schroederi. These groundwater-dwelling crustaceans, previously unknown in this region, are part of a Tertiary-era fauna that once thrived across the Sahara. The discovery highlights the Tibesti area as a biodiversity hotspot and suggests these species may be relicts of Gondwanaland's ancient ecosystems. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions and ecological insights into these stygobiotic copepods, contributing to our understanding of subterranean life in desert environments.
Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin
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2015 —
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Research on glazed ceramics from the Kazan Khanate, part of the UNESCO-listed Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin, reveals distinct chemical compositions that provide insights into trade and craft traditions of the late Middle Ages. Two ceramic samples were found to contain lead-based glaze, while a third exhibited a lead-tin composition with sodium and potassium additives. The study employed emission spectroscopy and electron microscopy, demonstrating strong comparability between these methods while highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. This analysis not only contributes to understanding the material culture of the Kazan Khanate but also establishes an optimal range of analytical procedures for future archeometric research on glazed ceramics.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2015 —
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A shift in the provenance of Upper Devonian–Permian clastic rocks on Bel’kovsky Island, New Siberian Islands, is revealed through U/Pb dating of detrital zircons. The study shows that while Upper Devonian–Carboniferous turbidites originated from Grenvillian, Sveconorwegian, and Timanian sources—similar to those in Severnaya Zemlya and Wrangel Island—lower Permian deposits exhibit a strong affinity with the Uralian Orogen. This suggests either a late Carboniferous to Permian movement of continental blocks toward the Uralian Orogen or long-distance sediment transport across the Barents shelf, challenging existing Arctic tectonic models.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2015 —
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A novel approach using UAV-based photogrammetry demonstrates high precision and efficiency for post-seismic surveys of complex vertical structures, such as the Santa Barbara Bell tower in Mantua, Italy. This methodology integrates unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems with traditional techniques like TLS and topographic acquisition to achieve rapid, cost-effective, and secure data collection. The study compares results from laser scanners, metric cameras, and amateur reflex cameras, showcasing the superiority of image-based methods for capturing intricate architectural details. The resulting 3D database enables comprehensive analysis and intervention planning, proving UAV photogrammetry's applicability in emergency contexts where accessibility is challenging.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
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2015 —
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Frost and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) are the most detrimental factors to travertine durability, significantly accelerating deterioration when the stone is already weathered. This finding comes from geomechanical research on Turkish travertines from Pamukkale and Hierapolis, which introduced quantitative indicators—ultrasonic waves index (I Vp) and strength reduction index (I Rc)—to predict long-term structural degradation under environmental stress. The study tested resistance to salt crystallization, SO₂ exposure, frost, and high temperatures, following European standards. Results highlight that these indices can effectively forecast the rate of destructive phenomena, offering a tool for assessing travertine longevity in architectural applications.
Burgos Cathedral
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2015 —
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A rare insight into the life of Luis Garcés de Maluenda, a 15th-century clergyman from Burgos Cathedral with Jewish-convert ancestry, reveals his rapid rise to prominence within the Castilian ecclesiastical elite. Despite dying at 37, he served as both canon and treasurer, playing pivotal roles in economic administration, jurisdictional matters, and high-profile negotiations—such as overseeing the construction of the Constable’s Chapel with Mencía de Mendoza, Countess of Haro. His ownership of an original Gutenberg 42-line Bible underscores his intellectual and social standing during a period marked by religious and cultural transitions in Spain.
Canal du Midi
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2015 —
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Linear cultural landscapes, such as trans-territorial infrastructures, pose unique challenges to heritage management due to their vast dimensions and high maintenance costs. Unlike traditional cultural landscapes, these structures require complex efforts to define, protect, and preserve their overall image and identity. A case study of the Canal du Midi in southern France, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, illustrates these difficulties. The research highlights the contradictions and challenges inherent in classifying such infrastructures as cultural heritage, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to their preservation.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2015 —
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Archaeological evidence from Xochimilco, part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco, reveals early agricultural occupation dating back to approximately 4200-4000 BCE. This discovery sheds light on pre-ceramic societies in the Valley of Mexico, which have been largely overlooked despite their significance in understanding the origins of agriculture and permanent settlements. The study, conducted by McClung de Tapia and Acosta Ochoa (2015), employs systematic analysis to evaluate the role of these early societies in shaping the development of complex social structures, urbanism, and state formation in Mesoamerica. By integrating findings from this region with those from adjacent areas like Teotihuacán, the research contributes to a broader narrative of societal evolution in one of the most pivotal regions of pre-Columbian history.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2015 —
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A novel methodological approach for assessing landscape services in terraced cultural landscapes reveals that regulatory, maintenance, and provisioning services are critical for their preservation. The study, applied to the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, highlights the vulnerability of these landscapes due to socio-economic transformations while emphasizing their role as resilient models shaped over centuries. By integrating international frameworks (UNESCO, ITLA, GIAHS FAO), the research underscores the urgent need to document, evaluate, and safeguard the complex benefits offered by terraced systems to prevent irreversible loss.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2015 —
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Tourists visiting Melaka, Malaysia, tend to spend significantly more on shopping (RM475 and below), accommodation (RM700 and below), and food and beverages (RM367 and below) compared to transportation (RM22.50 and below) and entertainment (RM22.50 and below). This expenditure pattern was revealed through a CHAID analysis of 1,000 survey responses, which modeled interactions between domestic and international tourists across five key tourism sectors. The findings provide actionable insights for local authorities to optimize resource allocation and decision-making in tourism management.
Yosemite National Park
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2015 —
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A significant portion of hikers in Yosemite National Park, particularly males, younger individuals, and those familiar with the trail, are drawn to hazardous river areas primarily for cooling off, despite receiving limited warnings about drowning risks. This study surveyed 399 adults observed near the Merced River's risk zones, revealing that while most felt safe, their risk perceptions did not align with expert assessments of danger. Only a small fraction supported restricting access to these areas, citing safety concerns. The findings suggest that traditional warning systems may not effectively deter risky behavior, and alternative cooling solutions could be more effective in mitigating drowning risks.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2015 —
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Fraser Island (K'gari) holds one of the longest and most detailed records of past environmental changes, spanning over 750,000 years with high-resolution data from the last 40,000 years. This unique record is attributed to its strategic location in Queensland's coastal subtropical region, exposing it to ocean currents, monsoons, trade winds, and cyclones. The study reviews existing literature to link local processes—such as sea level change and ecological variation—to global climate patterns, highlighting Fraser Island's significance as a sensitive indicator of environmental shifts. Optically stimulated luminescence dating was used to reconstruct these records, offering insights into the island's dynamic landscape history.
City of Cuzco
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2015 —
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Research at the village of Ak'Awillay in Cusco, Peru, reveals that Wari state expansion during the Middle Horizon (A.D. 600-1000) had minimal impact on local communities, contrary to traditional 'top-down' models suggesting direct imperial control. Excavations indicate most changes occurred before Wari colonization, with their presence primarily offering new exchange opportunities for local leaders rather than altering daily life significantly. This 'bottom-up' approach provides a nuanced perspective on how ancient states interacted with peripheral regions, suggesting limited influence beyond immediate colonial areas.
Elephanta Caves
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2015 —
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Controlled underwater drilling and blasting can minimize ground vibrations to safe levels, even near sensitive structures. A case study from Mumbai Port Trust demonstrated that using small quantities of explosives with non-electrical delay detonators reduced vibration effects on nearby structures, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elephanta Caves, located 2.6 km away. The research involved dredging approximately 25,000 m³ of hard basalt rock at depths of around 2 meters, with compressive strengths ranging from 16.04 to 37.96 MPa. By initiating each blast hole with a separate delay and confining explosives, the study ensured timely and safe completion of dredging while mitigating risks to surrounding heritage sites.
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
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2015 —
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Contemporary heritage management at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, prioritizes archaeological conservation over social, historical, and aesthetic values. A systematically coded content analysis reveals limited stakeholder participation, with decision-making largely controlled by governmental agencies. The study evaluates the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) across five dimensions: legislation, management strategies, implementation, stakeholder involvement, and integration of local values. Findings indicate a need for more inclusive and balanced approaches to heritage conservation that incorporate diverse perspectives.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2015 —
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Shark Bay's hypersaline microbial mats, potential analogues of Earth's earliest ecosystems, exhibit unique metabolic pathways not found elsewhere. A first-of-its-kind shotgun metagenomic analysis revealed that these mats are dominated by Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with distinct microbial community structures compared to Highbourne Cay (Bahamas). Notably, Shark Bay mats feature alternative non-rubisco-based carbon metabolism pathways, such as the reductive TCA cycle and 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycles, which are absent in other studied ecosystems. Additionally, evidence suggests novel nitrogen and heavy metal cycling processes involving arsenic, mercury, copper, and cadmium. Archaea, highly represented here, may play critical roles in ecosystem function, highlighting Shark Bay's microbial mats as unique and complex ecosystems warranting further study.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2015 —
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Historical architecture in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, demonstrates remarkable climate-adaptive design features that effectively mitigate the region's hot and humid conditions. A study reveals that traditional three- to six-story coral stone buildings, characterized by distinctive wooden bay windows and geometric forms, optimize solar light input and natural ventilation through sophisticated bauphysikalische strategies. Using daylight analysis and airflow simulations on a historic townhouse, researchers uncovered how these elements interact with the local climate, providing insights into the architectural intelligence of Jeddah's heritage structures.
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
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2015 —
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Roman imperial baths showcased advanced iron technology, as evidenced by sophisticated heating systems that utilized intricate metal grids and supports. A previously undocumented device was uncovered in the Villa of Giulia, where concrete floors were supported by an iron grid held by vertical posts, enabling hot air circulation while bearing structural loads. Similarly, a curvilinear metal grid with hooks created vaulted spaces for air movement in calidaria (hot baths). Analysis of two vaulted systems at Villa Adriana, Tivoli, revealed precise construction techniques requiring meticulous planning. The study highlights the Romans' mastery of metallurgy and architectural innovation, culminating in the grandest example—a hanging ceiling over Caracalla's Baths in Rome—demonstrating nearly a century of refinement in this technology.
Site of Palmyra
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Since its capture by ISIL militants in May 2015, Palmyra has faced severe humanitarian and cultural devastation. Significant damage includes the destruction of iconic structures like the Baalshamin Temple and the Temple of Bel, as well as severe harm to at least seven tower tombs within the Valley of the Tombs. The conflict has also led to widespread atrocities against civilians, including mass abductions, and intentional destruction of religious sites, both Islamic and Christian. This report highlights the urgent need for international intervention to protect Palmyra's irreplaceable heritage and its people.
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
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2015 —
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The Central University of Venezuela (UCV), founded in 1721, has significantly influenced the urban development of Caracas. Its campus, the Caracas University City (CUC), constructed in the 1940s, played a pivotal role in shaping the city's structure and morphology. This development led to the real estate appreciation of the Plaza Venezuela-Sabana Grande sector during the 1950s and 1960s. The study examines how the UCV's growth contributed to the urban expansion and economic value of this area, providing insights into the interplay between educational institutions and urban development.
Antigua Guatemala
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2015 —
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A new mobile form of street vending has emerged in Antigua, Guatemala, due to changes in municipal regulations and policing priorities. This study examines how spatial governmentality—both horizontal and vertical—shapes the economic practices of Maya street vendors within the UNESCO World Heritage City's sociopolitically constructed spaces. By applying Foucault’s concept of 'governmentality,' the research reveals that these governance dynamics influence why certain street economies persist while others evolve, offering insights into the interplay between urban regulation and informal economic adaptation.
Historic City of Ahmadabad
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A study on Ahmedabad, India, revealed significant urban heat island (UHI) effects, with surface temperatures in industrial and dense urban areas rising 4–5°C above suburban levels. The research used satellite-based remote sensing data from Landsat ETM band-6 combined with in-situ measurements to map thermal hotspots. Findings highlighted severe temperature disparities linked to urbanization, industrial emissions, and poor planning, underscoring the need for sustainable interventions to mitigate climate impacts on air quality and public health.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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2015 —
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A critical disconnect exists between UNESCO's urban heritage frameworks and local development priorities, particularly in balancing conservation with economic growth. The study examines case studies from Hoi An Ancient Town (Vietnam) to Laos, Mozambique, and Hong Kong, revealing how top-down heritage management often clashes with grassroots needs. It highlights the potential of stakeholder involvement and adaptive strategies—such as the 'Historic Urban Landscape' approach—to reconcile conservation with development sustainably. Research combines qualitative analysis of policy implementation, community narratives, and urban planning challenges to propose actionable frameworks for preserving intangible cultural heritage while addressing poverty and displacement.
Yin Xu
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2015 —
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Yin Xu offers unique insights into early Bronze Age urbanism and literacy in China. Unlike its predecessors, such as Anyang, Yin Xu lacked city walls and clearly demarcated boundaries, with its royal precinct spanning 70 hectares and featuring over 100 building foundations. Most significantly, the site has yielded a substantial corpus of inscribed divination bones, providing rare glimpses into everyday writing from this period. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the nature and extent of literacy in ancient Chinese urban centers, highlighting the interplay between urbanization and the transmission of written language over millennia.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2015 —
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A reintroduced population of scarlet macaws (Ara macao cyanoptera) in Palenque, Mexico, demonstrated remarkable adaptability by utilizing 31 tree species for food during the rainy season, with seeds and fruit comprising 70% of their diet. The macaws' dietary diversity matched that of wild populations, contributing to a low mortality rate (9%) and successful nesting events. Spatial data revealed their food trees were dispersed over 36 hectares with a clumped distribution, while an additional 23 hectares were used for non-feeding activities. This success is attributed to the macaws' behavioral flexibility, social learning, and high cognitive capacity, underscoring the potential of reintroduction programs for endangered species.
Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking study demonstrates that DNA barcoding is a highly effective tool for identifying road-killed animals, particularly in fragmented habitats where morphological identification is challenging. Researchers analyzed 222 vertebrate samples collected along the BR-101 highway in Brazil's Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, successfully identifying 62 different species, including several threatened or vulnerable ones such as Pyrrhura cruentata and Puma yagouaroundi. The most frequently encountered roadkill species were Molossus molossus (a bat), Didelphis aurita (an opossum), and Trachycephalus mesophaeus (a frog). However, the study noted a significant gap in reptile identification due to limited reference sequences in databases like BOLD. This research not only sheds light on the impact of road mortality on biodiversity but also highlights the potential of DNA barcoding as a critical tool for road ecology studies.
Fanjingshan
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2015 —
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Local ecological knowledge reveals severe declines in the Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamander (<em>Andrias davidianus</em>) across three Guizhou Province reserves, including potential functional extinction at Mayanghe. Despite being a priority species for conservation, few recent sightings were recorded in Fanjingshan and Leigongshan, with respondents citing overharvesting—likely driven by the booming salamander farming industry—as the primary threat. The study demonstrates that questionnaire-based surveys can provide novel quantitative data to assess population status where traditional field techniques fail, advocating for broader adoption of this approach in future conservation efforts.
Aldabra Atoll
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2015 —
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A recent hybridization event between the endemic Aldabra fody (Foudia aldabrana) and the invasive Madagascar fody (F. madagascariensis) on Aldabra Atoll poses a significant threat to the genetic diversity of the native species. Molecular analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear markers confirmed this admixture, revealing that the invasive population likely originated from Assumption Island, where it was introduced in the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of molecular tools in detecting hybridization events that may go unnoticed morphologically, providing critical insights for managing invasive species and preserving endemic biodiversity on islands.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2015 —
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Research using site-occupancy models reveals that large populations of the Tasmanian tree frog (Litoria burrowsae) are more likely to be found in naturally formed ponds and are less prone to chytridiomycosis, a deadly fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The study also identified that strong winds and time after sunset negatively impact the detectability of these populations. Conducted within the largely disease-free Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (1.40 million ha), this work highlights the potential of site-occupancy modeling to improve conservation efforts by providing more accurate and efficient surveillance for cryptic species vulnerable to disease. The findings, though limited by the small number of Bd-positive sites recorded, underscore the importance of proactive monitoring in remote regions to prepare for potential disease spread.
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
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2015 —
WHE90E2FEAC19
Samburu National Reserve, Mukogodo Forest Reserve near Mount Kenya, and Addo Elephant National Park rank as Africa's top destinations for nature-based tourism, driven by the global appeal of iconic species like lions, elephants, and leopards. Researchers quantified this potential using social media data—specifically photo counts from a sharing platform—as a proxy for species charisma and accessibility. By analyzing over 2400 wildlife images across African protected areas, they linked biodiversity to tourism attractiveness without relying on resource-intensive surveys. This novel method leverages freely available IUCN Red List data and online platforms, offering a scalable approach to assess cultural ecosystem services. While it highlights globally popular species—often not the most conservation-critical—the index provides insights into human-perceived benefits, though it omits factors like accessibility or safety that also shape tourism dynamics.
Chaco Culture
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2015 —
WHED53A05E70F
A new study reveals that reptiles played a significant but understudied role in the diets of ancient inhabitants of the Chaco-Santiagueña region in northwestern Argentina during the Agroalfarero period (350 AD to Spanish conquest). Analysis of tortoise, snake, and lizard remains from archaeological sites indicates anthropic use, such as burning for tortoises and cut marks on Tupinambis bones, suggesting these reptiles were consumed seasonally. While evidence is limited—tortoises show body part representations and burned bones, while snakes provide only indirect thermal alteration clues—Tupinambis consumption is more clearly documented through disarticulation and skinning marks. Reptiles contributed minimally (0.5–8% NISP) but complementarily to the diet, highlighting a previously overlooked resource in zooarchaeological studies of this region.
