Anticosti
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2013 —
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Researchers have discovered Quasiaulacera, a new genus of aulaceratid stromatoporoids from the Hirnantian (Late Ordovician) period on Anticosti Island, Canada. This genus, characterized by its large, columnar form and unique structural features, includes two species: Q. stellata and Q. occidua. The study reveals that Quasiaulacera thrived during a period of global cooling linked to the Hirnantian glaciation but faced extinction at the Ordovician-Silurian (O/S) boundary. This finding supports evidence that the Hirnantian era was marked by both innovation and migration in tropical latitudes, despite significant generic loss. The research combines detailed morphological analysis with stratigraphic data from the Ellis Bay Formation to elucidate the evolutionary dynamics of stromatoporoids during this critical period.
Pasargadae
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2013 —
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Research on Pasargadae reveals that the site, with its sparse and strategically placed constructions, likely functioned as a vast 'paradise' or <em>paradeisos</em>, a Persian concept of an idyllic garden admired by Greek authors. The study suggests that the majority of the area was designed as a sprawling park, housing only a few prestigious buildings to showcase royal opulence. Additionally, it proposes that the nearby valley containing Cyrus the Great's tomb may have been landscaped and irrigated, further emphasizing the site's significance as a center of imperial display.
Península Valdés
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2013 —
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In Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, guanaco populations thrive more in areas where ecotourism complements livestock production compared to traditional sheep ranching alone. The study found that smaller paddocks with higher stocking rates and greater vegetation productivity (measured by EVI) correlated with fewer guanaco sightings. However, when ecotourism was integrated into ranch management, guanaco encounter rates increased regardless of paddock size, suggesting reduced human disturbance. Land subdivision emerged as a key predictor of guanaco distribution in sheep-only ranches, while the addition of ecotourism appears to mitigate negative impacts on native ungulates. The research highlights potential strategies for balancing livestock production and wildlife conservation in Patagonian rangelands.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2013 —
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A significant annual decrease of 3.38% in glacier area was observed between 1978 and 1996 in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone (SNPBZ), highlighting the ecological impacts of environmental changes on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study identified 168 plant species, with 67% being palatable for livestock, indicating underutilized rangeland biomass despite exceeding current demand. This suggests that grazing reduction could enhance productivity and biodiversity, aligning with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Researchers used multivariate and bivariate analysis, along with geographic information system techniques, to assess land use trends and ecological data, providing critical insights for sustainable rangeland management in the Himalayan region.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2013 —
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A significant discovery from the PANSTR12 expedition reveals that the Sciara del Fuoco, a prominent morphological feature on Stromboli's western flank, exhibits distinct magnetic signatures linked to its deformative structure. This finding underscores the importance of monitoring such instability zones for comprehensive volcanic risk assessment. The study employed advanced geophysical and oceanographic techniques, including multibeam surveys and magnetometric measurements, to characterize the submerged portions of the Sciara del Fuoco and surrounding areas. Additionally, the expedition aimed to track the evolutionary processes of gas eruptions in Panarea's vicinity, providing insights into the tectonic and geodynamic dynamics of the Aeolian volcanic arc. Conducted by a collaboration between INGV, ISMAR (CNR), and IIM, this research contributes crucial data for understanding the complex interactions between volcanic activity and structural instability in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Timbuktu
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2013 —
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An analysis of online comments on the destruction of libraries in Timbuktu reveals how societal discourse frames the preservation and loss of books and manuscripts. The study examines reactions posted on the Library and Information Association of South Africa's website, highlighting key themes and language used in public responses to cultural heritage destruction. This approach sheds light on the emotional and intellectual dimensions of library preservation efforts, offering insights into global attitudes toward intangible cultural assets.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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2013 —
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The rebranding of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park to iSimangaliso Wetland Park (iSWP) aimed to shift its market positioning from a globalized ecotourism destination to one rooted in indigenous and local identity. This study evaluates whether this strategic rebranding, driven by concerns over competition with other international destinations like those in the Caribbean, has successfully translated into tangible and intangible benefits for the predominantly white town of St Lucia. Despite ongoing political challenges, including unresolved land claim disputes stemming from colonial and apartheid-era forced removals, the research examines how the rebranding has influenced local stakeholders' participation in ecotourism development. The findings highlight both the potential and limitations of localization strategies in post-apartheid South Africa's ecotourism landscape.
San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
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2013 —
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The Becerro Galicano, created at San Millán de la Cogolla Monastery between 1192 and 1195, represents a strategic rebranding of the monastery's identity. This cartulary deliberately downplayed its Navarrese heritage in favor of emphasizing Castilian origins to counter claims from the bishopric of Calahorra. The study compares it with its predecessor, the lost Becerro Gótico, revealing a shift driven by regional warfare and ecclesiastical politics in 12th-century Rioja. By analyzing textual content and historical context, researchers demonstrate how the monastery used legal documentation to secure its territorial claims through higher ecclesiastical authorities.
Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad
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2013 —
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Post-conflict heritage reconstruction can both aid reconciliation and perpetuate symbolic violence, depending on the intentionality behind rebuilding efforts. This study reveals that while international interventions often promote a universalized 'heritage of mankind' framework, they may overlook local valuations and long-term ethical consequences, potentially undermining reconciliation. The research examines three key aspects: the guiding principles behind reconstruction choices, the resulting symbolic landscape, and the ethical dilemmas posed by third-party involvement. By analyzing the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovinathe study highlights the tension between global heritage standards and local interpretations, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to post-conflict reconstruction that balances international values with community perspectives.
Curonian Spit
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2013 —
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Researchers have reconstructed the evolutionary history of the Dead (Grey) Dunes, a significant geological feature on the Lithuanian half of the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit. Using advanced geophysical and geochronological techniques—including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), LiDAR data, and radiocarbon dating—the study identified four distinct phases of dune formation spanning from 5800 to 4500, 3900–3100, 2600–2400 calendar years BP, and the modern period. These findings reveal the dynamic nature of this aeolian environment, offering new insights into its paleogeographic development over millennia.
Group of Monuments at Hampi
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2013 —
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A digital reconstruction of the Virupaksha Bazaar Street, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Vijayanagara period (1327–1674 AD), reveals the densely packed urban fabric of Hampi's bustling marketplace. The 800-meter-long street, lined with over 50 structures spaced as closely as 0.5 meters apart, was reconstructed using 2D drawings, 3D models, and immersive panoramic views to capture its historical architectural context amid constant changes due to occupation, alteration, and abandonment. This approach provides a narrative walkthrough of the street, offering unprecedented insight into its layered history and spatial complexity.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2013 —
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Extreme mortality events on the Belize Barrier Reef caused significant and differential impacts on sponge species, with some groups showing efficient regeneration while others relied on recruitment or failed to recover. The study, spanning 6 years with 8 censuses, revealed that sponge recovery varied by higher taxa and growth forms, with orders like Aplysinida and Poecilosclerida suffering severe losses during the 2008 event, while Hadromerida and Dictyoceratida were disproportionately affected in 2011. Recovery was rapid initially due to partial mortality of massive sponges but was hindered by the loss of entire individuals in some groups. These findings underscore the importance of species-level identification in monitoring efforts and highlight the need for further research into sponge systematics and resilience.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2013 —
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Researchers have successfully reconstructed the original acoustic environment of Stonehenge, revealing its unique sound reflections and reverberations. Using measurements from a full-scale replica in Maryhill, USA, they employed hybrid ambisonic and wave field synthesis (WFS) technology to simulate the space's complex auditory experience. This approach combined anechoic recordings with B-Format impulse responses, allowing for precise rendering of both focused sound sources and reverberant fields. Comparisons with modern Stonehenge measurements highlight the site's historical acoustic properties, offering new insights into how Neolithic people would have perceived its soundscapes.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2013 —
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A collaborative project successfully restored approximately 35 to 40% of the degraded area within Quilombo do Cabral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Paraty, RJ, Brazil. The initiative, spanning three years, employed carbon offset funding to plant around 8,000 trees along highway verges and implemented fire reduction techniques, soil preservation strategies, and agro-forestry systems (SAF). These efforts aimed to reconnect forest fragments while engaging the local community in socio-environmental conservation. The project, coordinated by an interagency group including LEPAC/UNICAMP, EMBRAPA, UFRRJ, ICMBio, SEDUMA, and Carbono Florestal, identified priority areas for biological corridors and SAF through prior consultations and field surveys. This study highlights the potential of integrated approaches in restoring degraded landscapes while addressing both ecological and social dimensions.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2013 —
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A 1922 paleontological expedition to Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, yielded significant fossil discoveries that challenged long-held myths about its purpose and success. Led by Elmer S. Riggs, the team recovered notable specimens including a lambeosaurine hadrosaur (later displayed alongside Gorgosaurus) and a juvenile Gorgosaurus nicknamed 'Elmer.' Contrary to popular belief, the expedition was a valuable preparatory mission for a subsequent, more extensive South American fossil-hunting campaign, rather than an abandoned effort. The study relied on historical records and field notes to debunk misconceptions about Riggs' motivations and the expedition's outcomes.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
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2013 —
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Research identifies a replicable interpretative model for the rural territory of the AMCO region, part of Colombia's Coffee Cultural Landscape, revealing formal patterns that define its identity. The study demonstrates how natural and anthropogenic elements, such as support structures, mosaics, compact cores, linear arrays, and dispersion objects, interact to create recognizable spatial logics. These patterns are influenced by geographic conditions and strategic positioning within road networks, offering a framework for planning and regulating rural development. The model was validated in another area of the Coffee Region, suggesting its applicability to similar landscapes.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2013 —
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A Bayesian analytical approach significantly reduces the sample size requirements for estimating Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli) abundance while improving precision, making it feasible to conduct distance sampling surveys in small or low-density areas. The study estimated populations of 2,252, 2,809, 1,669, and 12,428 sheep across Denali National Park and Preserve (DENA), Western Arctic National Parklands (WEAR), Itkillik preserve subarea, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST), respectively, using only 57 to 100 group detections—50–75% fewer than previously recommended. This was achieved by borrowing detection information across surveys and incorporating informed priors, demonstrating the method's efficiency in small-area conservation assessments.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2013 —
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Southern right whales (SRWs) have reestablished their historical wintering grounds around mainland New Zealand, with regular sightings since 1988. This resurgence, likely from a remnant population persisting in the subantarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands, shows promise for recovery after near-extinction due to whaling. Between 2003 and 2010, 125 sightings were recorded, including 28 cow-calf pairs—a significant increase compared to earlier decades. Two females were documented returning to the mainland with calves every four years, indicating site fidelity. Photographic identification and DNA profiling further revealed within-year movements and connectivity between mainland and subantarctic grounds. While the majority of SRWs remain concentrated in the subantarctic, this study highlights a positive trend in their range expansion.
Statue of Liberty
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2013 —
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A re-examination of the Statue of Liberty challenges the long-held perception that it symbolized universal freedom and opportunity for all Americans during its 19th-century inception. While the statue has been revered as a beacon of hope for immigrants fleeing hardship, historical analysis reveals that the promise of liberty and happiness was not universally realized, reflecting ongoing struggles for equality. This study derives from a fourth-grade social studies lesson designed to critically engage students with this narrative, prompting them to question the accessibility of American ideals in the late 1800s. The approach combines historical inquiry with educational pedagogy to foster nuanced understanding, illustrating how symbolic representations can both inspire and obscure complex societal realities.
Robben Island
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2013 —
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Robben Island, once synonymous with oppressive apartheid-era imprisonment, underwent a profound metamorphosis that contributed significantly to the dismantling of apartheid and South Africa's transition to democracy. This transformation was driven by the resilience, hope, efficacy, and optimism exhibited by political prisoners like Nelson Mandela, who disrupted the traditional prison paradigm from within. The study employs institutional work theory at a macro level and positive psychological capital concepts—hope, efficacy, resiliency, and optimism—at a micro level to analyze this process. Drawing on firsthand accounts from former prisoners and guards, the research reveals how these factors collectively fostered an environment of learning and change that ultimately led to freedom and societal transformation. The findings underscore Robben Island's role in one of modern history's most significant societal shifts, offering valuable insights for organizational scholars and practitioners.
Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
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2013 —
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Urban regeneration through international building exhibitions (IBA) has demonstrated significant potential for innovation and sustainability, as shown by the German model dating back to the early 20th century. The IBA Emscher Park project (1989–99), which revitalized the Ruhr Valley's former industrial heartland, stands out for its diverse, innovative approach that blended architectural design with ecological principles and regional resilience strategies. This study highlights how the IBA model effectively coordinated regeneration across municipalities through political governance structures, guided incrementalism, and sustainability integration. Its legacies and transferable lessons offer valuable insights for contemporary urban renewal efforts worldwide.
The Great Spa Towns of Europe
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2013 —
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Scheveningen, once a prestigious European beach resort and part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, faced significant urban decay by the late 20th century. Despite ambitious regeneration plans aiming to transform it into The Hague's Second International Center with grand architecture and integrated coastal development, financial constraints post-2008 halted these efforts. While tourism remained a key economic driver, local resistance and administrative challenges led to an uneven transformation, preserving the old fishing village but altering the harbor and beach dynamics. This case study highlights the tension between grandiose urban planning aspirations and practical limitations, revealing how local stakeholders' stubbornness and global financial crises can derail even well-intentioned regeneration projects.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2013 —
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A significant velocity gradient exists across the St. Elias Mountains, with glaciers on the Pacific-facing slope moving up to ten times faster than those of similar size on the landward side, likely due to higher accumulation rates. The study, using speckle tracking of Radarsat-2 imagery from 2011–2012 and feature tracking of Landsat-5 images, identified multiple surge events and interannual variability in glacier motion, while also detecting a long-term decline in velocity on Kaskawulsh Glacier, consistent with surface elevation changes observed over decades. This research provides critical insights into the dynamics of glaciers in Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory.
Curonian Spit
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2013 —
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Coastal sands along the Curonian Spit, a 98-km-long barrier island in the southeastern Baltic Sea, exhibit cyclic patterns of heavy-mineral concentrations (HMCs) with a wavelength of approximately 10 km. These variations, linked to wave runup during major storms and secondary aeolian reworking, serve as indicators of long-term hydrodynamic energy distribution along drift-aligned sandy coasts. The study found that higher HMC values correlate with dominant coastal erosion (e.g., Pervalka-Nida), while lower values correspond to regions of sand accumulation (e.g., Kopgalis-Pervalka). Researchers analyzed 303 surface sand samples using a Bartington MS3 field scanning sensor to measure low-field volume magnetic susceptibility (MS), distinguishing between background quartz-rich sands (κ < 50 μSI) and HMC-enriched surfaces (κ > 150 μSI). The findings highlight the potential of surficial HMCs in characterizing regional sedimentological and hydrometeorological conditions.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2013 —
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A new indicator, the Drainable Storage Capacity Index (DSCI), reveals significant underestimation of soil storage capacities in existing databases for the Cévennes-Vivarais region. By comparing cumulative streamflow and precipitation, DSCI effectively identifies gaps in documented deep-weathered rock horizons—critical for water transfer and storage. The study also applies streamflow recession analysis to estimate water storage capacities and hydraulic conductivities, uncovering distinct hierarchies among geologies: hard crystalline rocks exhibit the thickest but least conductive deep soil layers, while sedimentary rocks and alluvium are thinner yet more conductive. These findings provide essential data for developing distributed hydrological models in the region, addressing a critical need for accurate soil property assessments beyond conventional agronomic databases.
City of Cuzco
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2013 —
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Archaeological research in the Cusco region of Peru reveals that the Wari state's influence (c. AD 600–1000) was limited and discontinuous, challenging assumptions about its extensive control. Using systematic surveys and GIS analysis, the study mapped settlement patterns and ceramic distributions within 70 km of Pikillacta, a key administrative center. Findings indicate that while Wari cultural, economic, and political influence was present, it was not uniform across the region, mirroring colonization practices of other early states.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2013 —
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A comprehensive regional-scale analysis of high-mountain hazards and risks in the Pamir (Tajikistan) reveals critical multi-hazard indicators, including rock slides, ice avalanches, periglacial debris flows, and lake outburst floods. The study, conducted using GRASS GIS software, maps these hazards by combining susceptibility, event magnitude, travel distances, and impact areas, then overlays them with land-use exposure data to produce risk indicators at the community level. This approach provides an objective basis for prioritizing communities for further research and risk mitigation measures, offering valuable insights for managing multi-hazard risks in high-mountain regions like Tajik National Park.
Dougga / Thugga
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2013 —
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A study of the Roman-era territory and urban landscape of Thugga (Dougga, Tunisia) reveals that while the boundaries of its pagus remained stable due to immunity from 205 AD until municipalization, distinguishing between rural (pagus) and urban (civitas) domains within the broader territory remains elusive. However, inscriptions clarify public domain allocations in the urban area, showing a reciprocal exchange under Emperor Commode that led to rapid community fusion. The research also attempts to differentiate urban necropolises attributed to each entity. Using epigraphic evidence, the study reconstructs administrative and spatial dynamics, offering insights into Thugga's unique territorial organization within Carthage's pertica.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2013 —
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Between 1973 and 2010, the Badain Jaran Desert experienced complex changes in its lake system, with no clear spatial correlation in area fluctuations. While 19 lakes dried up and 43 shrunk, six expanded and seven new lakes emerged—most notably in the eastern region. This pattern suggests diverse water supply sources or delivery mechanisms across the desert's lakes. Researchers analyzed remote sensing imagery from four time points (1973, 1990, 2000, 2010) to quantify these changes, revealing that spatial variability in lake dynamics is likely driven by regional differences in hydrological processes.
Old City of Sana'a
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2013 —
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Archaeological excavations reveal that Yemen's houses from over 2000 years ago resembled modern Sana'a dwellings, with multi-floor palaces and high-rise structures discovered at Shabwa. Sana'a, one of Arabia's oldest towns, has a rich history tied to trade, incense production, and significant pre-Islamic and Islamic periods. However, limited archaeological research within its walls hinders a deeper understanding of its development. The study highlights the town's historical significance, from its role as a trade center to its decline under Turkish rule and subsequent modernization, which poses threats to its UNESCO World Heritage status. It raises critical questions about preserving Sana'a's unique character amid rapid urban growth.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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2013 —
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Auschwitz-Birkenau's Scrolls offer a unique, firsthand account of life within the Nazi extermination camp, providing unprecedented insight into prisoner experiences and survival narratives. These handwritten testimonies, created clandestinely in Birkenau, challenge historical interpretations by grounding them in direct witness accounts rather than post-war reconstructions. The collection, edited by Chare and Williams, employs qualitative analysis to examine themes of memory, resistance, and identity, revealing the complex interplay between individual and collective trauma. By centering on these scrolls, the study bridges gaps in historical documentation, offering a nuanced understanding of Auschwitz's social dynamics and the psychological resilience of its inmates.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2013 —
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A novel approach to estimating travel costs for heritage tourism emerges from this study, demonstrating that 'travel time' derived from geographic information systems (GIS) is a more practical and accurate proxy than traditional 'travel distance' in the travel cost method (TCM). Applied to Hahoe Heritage Village in South Korea, the research analyzed data from 552 visitor surveys using zonal TCM, revealing that shortest transport time better reflects economic behavior. This finding advances methodological rigor in heritage tourism economics, offering a more nuanced understanding of consumer surplus and resource valuation.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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2013 —
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Research on lead-antimony printing letters from the UNESCO-listed Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Antwerp reveals corrosion with exceptional volume increase, posing significant conservation challenges. The study employed a combination of analytical techniques—including microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrolytic methods—to assess corrosion patterns and identify appropriate strategies for further investigation. An adapted Oddy test was also utilized to evaluate environmental factors contributing to degradation. This work provides critical insights into the preservation of historical metal artifacts, particularly those with complex alloy compositions, and highlights the need for specialized conservation approaches.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2013 —
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A novel AI integration model, ABR@G, significantly enhances the accuracy of predicting tourist quantities at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, addressing the challenges posed by complex linear and non-linear data patterns. Unlike traditional models that rely on simple linear combinations or single-model approaches, this method combines seasonal ARMA, neural network, and revised ARIMA models using a specialized AI technique (GMDH). Applied to Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, the ABR@G model demonstrated superior predictive performance, offering a robust tool for effective scenic management and environmental protection. This approach provides a foundation for better tourist flow regulation, mitigating potential environmental impacts.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2013 —
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A novel approach combining the PC (Principal Component) method with fuzzy logic was successfully applied to assess tourist satisfaction at Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. The study identified key factors influencing visitor contentment, including environmental quality, service standards, and overall experience. By leveraging the PC-FUZZY method, researchers quantified satisfaction levels more accurately than traditional models, revealing that environmental preservation and high-quality services were critical to enhancing tourist perception. This research provides a robust framework for destination management, offering actionable insights for balancing conservation efforts with visitor experience optimization.
Tikal National Park
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2013 —
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A groundbreaking 9-year study at Tikal National Park, Guatemala, documented the ecology and spatial needs of 20 species of Neotropical raptors, including two owls, revealing unprecedented insights into their morphology, diet, hunting behavior, habitat use, breeding patterns, vocalizations, population density, and conservation status. The research, conducted by The Peregrine Fund's Maya Project, employed innovative field techniques such as observation points atop ruins and emergent trees, taped call broadcasts, nest traps, and radio tracking to overcome the challenges posed by the dense, humid rainforest environment. Notably, the project located 70 nests of the barred forest falcon (Micrastur), a species whose nests and eggs had never been previously described, despite its commonality in Tikal's forests. The study also highlighted the unique prey specialization and hunting adaptations of Neotropical raptors, contrasting them with temperate-climate counterparts. With tropical deforestation rates exceeding 3% annually in Guatemala, this comprehensive data set is invaluable for conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of these elusive birds of prey.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2013 —
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A decade-long research programme led by Mike Parker Pearson at UCL has significantly advanced the understanding of Stonehenge, one of Britain's most enigmatic prehistoric stone circles. The study integrates archaeological investigations with landscape analysis, revealing new insights into the monument's construction phases and its broader cultural significance. Key findings challenge long-standing theories about Stonehenge's purpose and usage, suggesting it was a complex ceremonial site with multifaceted functions beyond mere astronomical alignment. The research employs a combination of excavation, geophysical surveys, and comparative analyses to reconstruct Stonehenge's evolution from its earliest stages to its final form.
South China Karst
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2013 —
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Soil physical-chemical properties in South China Karst exhibit a non-linear response to rocky desertification succession, initially deteriorating before improving with increased severity. Key indicators such as organic matter content, nitrogen levels, capillary moisture capacity, bulk density, and porosity show significant correlations and serve as critical factors in evaluating desertification degrees. The study proposes that bare rocks in extreme desertification environments act as nutrient sinks, challenging the assumption of continuous soil degradation. Researchers analyzed 45 sample plots across three karst landforms using chemical determination and mathematical statistics to uncover these patterns. Findings provide theoretical support for karst forest ecosystem protection and rocky desertification control.
Chartres Cathedral
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2013 —
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This study highlights the significant influence of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc as both an architect and architectural theorist, particularly through his extensive restoration projects across France. His most notable contributions include the restoration of Chartres Cathedral, among others, which set new standards for historical preservation. The paper also explores Viollet-le-Duc's defining definition of 'Restoration' in the <em>Dictionnaire raisonné</em>, emphasizing its modern context and impact on architectural thought. Additionally, it connects his work to that of Gaston Paris, a pioneer in historical linguistics, through their collaborative projects, such as Notre-Dame de Paris. The research approach involves analyzing Viollet-le-Duc's writings and restorative practices, providing insight into the evolution of restoration as both a practice and a concept.
Brasilia
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2013 —
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The conservation of modern architecture, exemplified by the Cathedral of Brasília, presents unique challenges due to its innovative use of materials, technologies, and infrastructure systems. Unlike traditional structures, modernist designs like Brasília's cathedral lack established conservation frameworks, necessitating novel approaches to preservation. This study highlights the complexities involved in restoring such landmarks, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies that balance authenticity with contemporary conservation practices.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2013 —
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A comprehensive survey of rodents in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, identified 32 species, including the first record of the Loatian Rock Rat (Laonastes aenigmamus) in the country. The study, conducted between 2007 and 2011 across four areas, used live traps over 4,500 trap-nights to document rodent diversity, updating the previous list from 29 to 35 species. Notably, strict-forest species showed nearly twice the trap success rate of non-strict-forest species, reflecting the park's relatively intact primary forest. The survey also highlighted six priority conservation species, some listed in Vietnam's Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List, while noting threats from illegal hunting and forest degradation.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2013 —
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A new study challenges the long-standing classification of the New Caledonian maskray, revealing it as a distinct species separate from the widely distributed blue-spotted maskray. Using cytochrome-oxidase I (COI) gene sequences and spotting pattern analysis, researchers identified a significant genetic divergence (2.6%) between the New Caledonian maskray and typical N. kuhlii samples from the Indian Ocean and Coral Triangle. The study's findings, based on specimens collected across multiple regions, demonstrate that the New Caledonian maskray forms a phylogenetically distinct haplogroup, justifying its resurrection as Neotrygon trigonoides. This research sheds light on the cryptic biodiversity within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Lagoons of New Caledonia and underscores the importance of genetic analysis in species delimitation.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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A critical disconnect between official assessments and public perception hinders conservation efforts in Brazil's Pantanal, particularly in the Cuiabá River Basin. The study reveals that environmental degradation is often attributed to an indistinct 'vague other,' obscuring responsibility and complicating regulatory interventions. This misattribution of blame stems from politicized interpersonal dynamics and broader socioeconomic pressures, rather than clear accountability. The research underscores the need for a nuanced approach that addresses these complex interactions, moving beyond simplistic development-conservation debates to foster effective environmental governance.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2013 —
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Researchers revalidate the genera <em>Bia</em> and <em>Zuckertia</em>, previously considered sections of <em>Tragia</em>, based on morphological and molecular analyses. The study proposes a new circumscription for <em>Bia</em> and describes <em>B. capivarensis</em> sp. nov., a newly discovered species from Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil. This discovery contributes to the taxonomic understanding of Euphorbiaceae and highlights the biodiversity significance of the region. The research also provides a key to distinguish between <em>Zuckertia</em> and <em>Bia</em>, along with detailed morphological data for the new species.
Chitwan National Park
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2013 —
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A significant portion of revenue from Chitwan National Park's Buffer Zone is disproportionately allocated to infrastructure development, such as roads and schools (42%), while critical conflict reduction measures receive less attention. Only 35% of the budget supports conservation and conflict management, with minimal funds directed toward wildlife damage compensation or alternative energy solutions. This imbalance may exacerbate park-people conflicts. The study surveyed 100 user groups from 14 committees to analyze revenue disbursement trends, revealing inefficiencies in addressing root causes of conflict. Simplifying relief fund processes and prioritizing wildlife victim provisions could mitigate these issues.
The Persian Qanat
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2013 —
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A review of the ancient Persian Qanat system demonstrates its potential as a sustainable solution for water scarcity in arid regions, despite its decline in modern usage. The study explores why these 3,000-year-old underground tunnels, once vital for agriculture and domestic water supply, are no longer widely employed today. It also proposes innovative methods using new materials and technology to revitalize the Qanat system, including a multi-purpose model that integrates rainwater infiltration management. This approach could address urban water challenges in both dry and wet cities, offering a blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation for sustainable water management.
Gunung Mulu National Park
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2013 —
WHE8CD505D032
A comprehensive taxonomic revision of Begonia species (Begoniaceae) from the Melinau limestone in Gunung Mulu National Park and Gunung Buda National Park, Sarawak, Borneo, reveals 13 new species, including <em>Begonia apiensis</em>, <em>B. benaratensis</em>, <em>B. conniegeriae</em>, <em>B. divergens</em>, <em>B. lucychongiana</em>, <em>B. magentifolia</em>, <em>B. melinauensis</em>, <em>B. ramosissima</em>, <em>B. rhodoneura</em>, <em>B. umbratica</em>, <em>B. vulgare</em>, <em>B. yiii</em>, and <em>B. xiphophylloides</em>. Additionally, a putative natural hybrid between <em>B. conipila</em> and <em>B. lucychongiana</em> is described. All species are endemic to the Melinau limestone, with 10 restricted to limestone habitats, highlighting the region's unique biodiversity. The study also documents the vegetation types and habitats of each species, noting that <em>B. apiensis</em> is Rare due to its extreme localization and threat from tourist activities, while others are Least Concern under IUCN criteria.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2013 —
WHECA2DA5EC89
Research on the Marquesas Islands reveals that Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) comprises 11 species, with six included in molecular phylogenetic studies suggesting a single introduction origin. This makes Cyrtandra potentially the largest lineage of vascular plants in the region, surpassing Psychotria's 13 species, which are thought to consist of three separate lineages. The study describes three new species—<em>C. uapouensis</em>, <em>C. uahukaensis</em>, and <em>C. kenwoodii</em>—and provides amended descriptions for eight previously known species, along with a key to identify them. This revision enhances the understanding of Marquesan flora's diversity and evolutionary history.
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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2013 —
WHE2B42A1949D
A critical reassessment of Jesuit mission records and economic data reveals that the Guaraní missions, despite efforts to Europeanize their inhabitants through agriculture and animal husbandry, failed to fully implement the rigid work schedules associated with these practices. This challenges the traditional narrative that the Jesuits successfully transitioned the Guaranís from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled, domesticated economies.
Coro and its Port
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2013 —
WHE1A419FAB27
A dense, mutually beneficial trade relationship between Venezuela and Curaçao flourished during the late 18th century, particularly from 1795 to 1800. This symbiotic economic bond, facilitated by Curaçao's status as a free port since 1674, was so significant that it sometimes surpassed Venezuela's ties with Spain in importance. The study reveals that Venezuelan products, especially from Coro, were staple exports via Curaçaoan traders who dominated Caribbean trade routes. Additionally, the research highlights the human dimension of this relationship, noting that enslaved individuals fleeing Curaçao frequently found refuge in Coro, suggesting a complex interplay of commerce and social dynamics during this period.
