Antequera Dolmens Site
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This homage celebrates the pioneering contributions of Professor Michael Hoskin, a leading figure in archaeoastronomy and cultural astronomy. Hoskin's extensive research on megalithic monuments across the Mediterranean basin, including the dolmens of Antequera (Spain) and Talayotic Menorca, established their significance as World Heritage Sites. His work spanned over 2000 monuments, demonstrating the scientific value of archaeoastronomy in cultural heritage preservation. As editor of <em>The Journal for the History of Astronomy</em> for 45 years, Hoskin championed interdisciplinary collaboration, advocating for archaeoastronomy's role as a vital archaeometry tool. His legacy includes foundational texts like <em>Tombs, temples and their orientations</em>, which redefined our understanding of megalithic orientations and their cultural importance.
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
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A significant sea level rise, or abnormal surge, occurred in Hiroshima Bay approximately 8 days after a typhoon passed through the Seto Inland Sea (SIS) in September 2011. This event led to flooding at Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. Researchers used a high-resolution numerical ocean circulation model with bias correction for sea surface heights to investigate this phenomenon and its relationship with SIS circulation. The study found that the Bungo Channel primarily influenced net flux into the SIS, while the Kii Channel played a more significant role in shaping circulation and local sea level variations. The Kanmon Strait had minor impacts. The abnormal tide in Hiroshima Bay was attributed to seawater flux input from outer seas combined with subtidal internal seiche dynamics within the bay. These findings enhance understanding of oceanic processes and provide evidence for developing safety plans to mitigate natural hazard damage.
Curonian Spit
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Researchers have identified distinct cooling patterns of seawater along the Curonian Spit, revealing both typical and anomalous regimes influenced by coastal dynamics. The study highlights how wind-driven processes, such as upwelling and mixing, can lead to rapid temperature drops, particularly in shallow nearshore areas. Using a combination of field measurements, satellite data, and numerical modeling, the team analyzed thermal variability over multiple seasons, uncovering mechanisms that deviate from expected cooling trends. These findings contribute to understanding coastal climate resilience and may inform conservation strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
City of Safranbolu
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A key finding from this study is that the street network's accessibility in Safranbolu significantly shapes its urban architecture and serves as crucial routes for sustainable tourism. Using space syntax analysis on Open Street Map data, researchers examined how high global integration streets influence traditional architecture and enhance experiential tourism. The study highlights the importance of spatial configuration in preserving historical areas while improving accessibility for visitors. This approach offers valuable insights for urban planners and local governments aiming to balance heritage conservation with sustainable development.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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Sonic violence was a deliberate and effective tactic used by SS guards at Auschwitz-Birkenau to instill fear, disorient prisoners, and ensure compliance during the deboarding process. The study reveals that amplified commands, antisemitic slurs, barking, beatings, and gunshots created a chaotic acoustic environment that inflicted both physical and psychological trauma on Jewish arrivals. Survivors' memoirs and interviews were analyzed using methods from sound and sensory studies to demonstrate how this sonic assault led to mental paralysis and lasting sensory memories of the genocide. The research underscores the profound impact of auditory violence in the perpetration of mass atrocities.
Old Town of Cáceres
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Research on the Old Town of Cáceres reveals that acoustic environment significantly influences the perception and satisfaction of urban green spaces, despite noise levels being lower than other evaluated features. The study found a strong correlation between noise satisfaction—primarily from road traffic—and overall satisfaction with these areas. This insight underscores the importance of considering environmental noise in sustainable urban development projects, such as expanding green spaces like Parque del Príncipe and connecting them to the Old Town via Paseo de Canovas. The findings suggest that neglecting noise management could hinder achieving sustainable development goals, even in cities with high green area per capita and aesthetic value.
Wadden Sea
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Research comparing hydro-acoustic devices reveals that while all tested systems—singlebeam echosounder (200 kHz), multibeam echosounder (455 kHz), and sidescan sonar (380 kHz)—showed similar spatial patterns in mapping the German Wadden Sea, the singlebeam was more influenced by its lower frequency, limiting its resolution. Four major acoustic classes were identified, primarily distinguishing sand, broken shells, gravel, and muddy sediments, with Class 1 and Class 3 (medium sand with varying gravel/shell fragments) being the most consistent across devices. Surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 highlighted higher variability in 2007, though current understanding of footprint-sediment interactions remains insufficient. This study underscores the potential and limitations of hydro-acoustic tools for sub-tidal habitat monitoring in UNESCO-listed areas.
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
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Delhi's historic monuments, including Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, and the Indian War Memorial, reveal a dynamic evolution of typography that reflects cultural influences and historical eras. This study documents how inscriptions on these structures, using diverse scripts and materials like different types of stones, adapt to convey messages of remembrance and loss. The findings highlight the resilience and adaptability of type design in urban landscapes, contributing to a deeper understanding of its role in shaping cultural heritage. By analyzing inscription methods, script styles, content presentation, and spatial integration, this research addresses a gap in literature while aligning with themes of civic engagement through art and design.
Putorana Plateau
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Arctic small glaciers, covering tens of thousands of square kilometers, are primarily influenced by oroclimatic factors and exist below the climatic snow line. A study on the Putorana Plateau, conducted between 2002 and 2019, provides detailed glaciological characterization of these glaciers, building upon earlier catalogs that relied mainly on aerial photographs with limited ground studies. The research involved field expeditions by a team from Moscow State University's Faculty of Geography, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the region's glacial features.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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Residents of Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam, have developed deep resilience to flooding through adaptation and adversity acceptance, fostering a harmonious relationship with their UNESCO-listed environment. This resilience stems from centuries of cohabitation with flood waters, blending traditional knowledge, local beliefs, and adaptive strategies—dubbed 'leaning into nature.' Modern flood prevention measures often trace back to historical practices, highlighting the enduring value of indigenous approaches in mitigating climate change impacts. The study, based on fieldwork, document reviews, and interviews, underscores the significance of integrating local wisdom with contemporary heritage and disaster management policies to sustain this balance.
Medina of Fez
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A balanced approach to adapting traditional dwellings for modern needs can preserve cultural heritage while enhancing sustainability. This study identifies key similarities between Moroccan riads and Korean hanoks, focusing on construction methods and spatial arrangements that integrate green technology and natural materials. By analyzing behavioral, technical, and contextual factors, researchers propose a systemic comparative method to guide the rehabilitation of riads in Fez's medina, addressing material degradation and ensuring habitability without compromising traditional design legitimacy. The findings highlight the potential for adaptive reuse, offering a model for sustainable development that respects historical integrity while meeting contemporary demands.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
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A sudden flood event in Pindal Cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Altamira rock art complex, introduced significant pollution from nearby cattle farming, altering the cave's microbial community and biogeochemical dynamics. The study found that the flood triggered a rapid increase in methanogenic archaea and denitrifying bacteria, along with microorganisms linked to mammalian intestinal tracts, while also elevating ammonium and nitrate levels—a sign of ongoing nitrification. One year post-flood, microbial populations associated with the pollution began to decline, yet the cave's ecosystem remained fundamentally reshaped by persistent anthropogenic influence. This research highlights the resilience and adaptive capacity of cave microbes to environmental disturbances, offering critical insights for conservation efforts in culturally significant underground ecosystems.
Himeji-jo
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Renovating historical heritage sites, such as Himeji Castle, can trigger sustained increases in neighboring land prices. A study analyzing the 5.5-year renovation project (2009) found that while the upward trend in land prices accelerated during construction, its post-renovation momentum persisted in some areas—contrasting with a diminishing effect observed elsewhere. This 'neighborhood effect' suggests that heritage restoration may offer long-term economic benefits beyond immediate conservation goals. The research employed land price trends as key indicators to quantify these impacts.
New Lanark
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Robert Owen's innovative approach to worker welfare at New Lanark, Scotland, demonstrated that decent housing and education for children could significantly enhance productivity and community success. This social experiment, documented in his address to the inhabitants, showcased the potential benefits of humane labor conditions, influencing broader social reforms. Owen's success at New Lanark inspired him to scale his ideas, leading to the establishment of the socialist community of New Harmony, Indiana, though this latter endeavor ultimately faced challenges and collapse.
ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape
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Land restitution and the recognition of human dignity have been pivotal in addressing historical harms and enabling reconciliation for the ≠ Khomani San people. This study demonstrates that while South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) fell short in acknowledging the humanity of the San, the restoration of land rights provided a foundation for reparative, restorative, and reconciliatory justice. By reclaiming their narrative and cultural space, the ≠ Khomani San have begun to heal from deep structural harms caused during colonialism and apartheid, fostering broader emancipation. The research employs qualitative analysis within these justice frameworks to highlight the transformative potential of land rights in restoring relationships and identity.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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Advanced machine learning models, particularly random forest (RF), demonstrate exceptional accuracy in predicting groundwater storage variations in the Rabat–Salé–Kénitra region of Morocco, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.981 and minimal prediction errors. This study highlights RF's superior performance over other models like ANN, GB, SVR, DT, and Prophet, which was integrated for handling seasonality in time-series data. The research emphasizes the urgent need to integrate these predictive models into groundwater management strategies to combat groundwater depletion caused by population growth, agricultural expansion, and climate change-induced droughts. These findings offer policymakers a robust toolkit to regulate water extraction, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the long-term viability of vital groundwater resources in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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A novel multichannel lighting system for heritage environments, tested at the Cathedral of Seville, demonstrates superior color rendering and reduced photodegradation compared to standard LED systems. This approach minimizes short-wavelength light while maintaining daylight-like spectral distribution, as validated by subjective surveys (Farnsworth-Munsell and Natural Color System tests) in two key areas: the Museum of the Cathedral and the Evangelist Chapel. The findings highlight a multi-parameter strategy that balances color perception with preservation, offering a significant advancement for lighting technologies in architectural heritage conservation.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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A novel application of affordance theory enriches the understanding of Augmented Reality (AR) in tourism, particularly at World Heritage Sites (WHS). This study demonstrates that AR enhances human-environment interactions at two levels: individual engagement with AR and sequential interaction between humans and the physical environment. Using the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City as a case study, it reveals how AR can contribute to sustainable tourism development by fostering deeper connections between visitors and their surroundings. The research bridges theoretical gaps in AR adoption within tourism contexts, offering practical insights for balancing technological innovation with conservation efforts at WHS.
Landscapes of Dauria
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Aeolian sands in the temperate boreal zone of northern Asia, particularly in the Landscapes of Dauria (Western Transbaikalia), exhibit unique characteristics distinct from subtropical and tropical deserts. These sands, dominated by medium- and fine-grained, polymineral material with unstable minerals like feldspars and pyroxenes, form mini-deserts with active aeolian processes such as dunes and deflationary basins. The study reveals that the activation of these processes is driven by both natural factors—including neotectonic movements, semi-arid climate, and vegetation types—and anthropogenic activities like deforestation and land plowing. Radiocarbon dating indicates that aeolian activity has intensified during the Holocene, primarily sourced from river and lake beaches, floodplains, and terraces. Unlike tropical deserts, where sands are finer and monomineral, boreal zone sands are coarser and more diverse mineralogically, offering potential for ecotourism development.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
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This study reveals how Christian Iberian rulers employed Umayyad spolia—such as basins and capitals—as a strategic visual tool to assert legitimacy, memory, and identity. By analyzing the reuse of these elements in buildings like San Isidoro de León and churches across Jaca, Valencia, Santander, and Tarragona (12th–13th centuries), it demonstrates that Christian territories adapted an 'Umayyad aesthetic of appropriation,' creating a shared visual language. The research adopts a comparative, interdisciplinary approach, tracing this phenomenon from Umayyad al-Andalus to later Taifa, Almoravid, Almohad, and Christian kingdoms, highlighting its continuity and cultural significance.
Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions
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Applying the ICOMOS International Charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism (ICCHT) can enhance the resilience of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) to climate change impacts, ensuring sustainable tourism and conservation. A case study on Ghana's Forts and Castles WHS demonstrates that integrating ICCHT principles—particularly those addressing climate adaptation—and leveraging UNESCO-aligned monitoring tools can mitigate degradation risks from adverse weather conditions. This approach supports continuous site use, sustainable livelihoods, and economic benefits for local communities while preserving cultural landscapes. The study highlights the need for better implementation of UNESCO recommendations to improve WHS management in Africa.
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
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Afrotourism emerges as a transformative force in Brazilian UNESCO World Heritage Sites, challenging dominant colonial narratives by centering Afro-descendant cultural references. This study reveals that such sites—including Salvador de Bahia’s historic center and Cais do Valongo’s archaeological remains—serve as arenas for symbolic struggles to recognize Afro-Brazilian heritage, both tangible and intangible. By adopting a decolonial lens, the research demonstrates how Afrotourism can reshape heritage discourses, amplifying local community roles in reclaiming memory and cultural assets. The findings underscore the potential of Afrotourism to disrupt hegemonic narratives while highlighting its challenges, particularly in balancing preservation with inclusive representation.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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A transition to organic and agroecological management in rural settlements of the Chapada dos Veadeiros region has significantly enhanced sustainability, particularly by reducing environmental impacts. The study, using the AMBITEC-AGRO system, found a 3.73% reduction in environmental impact indices after the shift, with improvements also noted in economic (7.70%) and social dimensions (7.19%). Key factors contributing to these gains included increased employment, income, consumer benefits, and health outcomes. The research employed a three-stage approach involving surveys, questionnaires, and interviews, followed by data analysis using weighting matrices to generate impact indices.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
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Traditional agroecological systems in Colombia's Coffee Cultural Landscape play a pivotal role in environmental conservation, economic development, and community strengthening. This study reveals that integrating agroecology with cultural identity is crucial for the sustainability of this globally recognized site. Researchers employed interviews, focus groups, and participant observation to analyze sociocultural determinants driving local development in southwestern Colombia. Their findings underscore the importance of collaboration among local actors and public policies that support these practices, offering a blueprint for sustainable coffee cultivation and community resilience.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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Traditional agroforestry systems (AFS) in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico, can preserve 68% of native perennial plant species and 34% of individuals found in surrounding wild vegetation. A redundancy analysis and generalized linear models revealed that while AFS maintain similar species composition and diversity to wild vegetation across most forest types, thorn forests showed a notable reduction in species richness and altered composition. Despite lower individual abundance in AFS, these systems emerge as a viable strategy for biodiversity conservation, underscoring the need for fair valuation and promotion of peasant agroecological management practices in regional conservation policies.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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AI and big data analytics significantly enhance operational efficiency and visitor satisfaction in Samarkand's tourism sector, particularly benefiting younger and international tourists. The study, conducted through qualitative case analysis involving interviews, surveys, and observations with tourism operators, technology experts, and visitors, demonstrates substantial improvements in booking systems, guest services, and personalized offerings. These findings underscore the transformative potential of digital technologies in modernizing Uzbekistan's tourism industry while preserving its cultural heritage. Continued investment in digital infrastructure is emphasized to sustain these advancements.
Vilnius Historic Centre
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A study on air pollution in Vilnius Historic Centre reveals declining levels of particulate matter (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO), while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations remained relatively stable from January 2020 to December 2022. The research highlights the predominant anthropogenic sources, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities, and emphasizes the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in monitoring pollution and identifying hotspots. A calculation model developed in MatLab was used to assess pollution trends, underscoring the importance of government regulations, technological advancements, and public participation in mitigating air quality impacts on public health and the environment.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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A significant decline in nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations, particularly NO2—a strong indicator of human activity such as car and maritime traffic—was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cartagena, Spain. Analyzing 15 years of air quality data, researchers found that while NO2 levels dropped sharply post-pandemic, other pollutants like SO2, O3, and PM10 remained stable or showed irregular trends. The study also identified distinct seasonal patterns for NOx and O3 but noted no weekly cycle for SO2. Weather types, particularly anticyclonic and eastern flow conditions, were linked to the most pronounced changes in pollutant concentrations. This research highlights the sensitivity of NO2 to human activity disruptions and provides insights into long-term air quality trends in a highly trafficked port city.
Choirokoitia
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Recent excavations at Khirokitia (Cyprus), spanning from 1993 to 2009, have shed new light on the significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as a key Neolithic settlement in the Eastern Mediterranean. Occupied primarily during the 7th and early 6th millennia cal. BC, Khirokitia's strategic location on a steep hillside, bordered by the Maroni River, offers unique insights into early human adaptation and societal organization. This monographic volume, building upon Porphyrios Dikaios' seminal work from 1953, presents detailed findings from extensive archaeological research, contributing significantly to our understanding of Neolithic Mediterranean cultures.
Aachen Cathedral
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Recent research sheds new light on Alcuin's role as a church planner, particularly in the construction of Aachen Cathedral and St. Sophia's Church in York. The study presents two novel pieces of evidence suggesting significant progress in the cathedral's construction between 795 and 799, challenging previous assumptions about its timeline. It also proposes the use of Italian columns in Aachen and other churches, such as Centula and Saint-Amand, linking Alcuin's influence to broader architectural practices of the era. Additionally, the article highlights Alcuin's donation of Bible copies and his connection to the oldest Vitruvius manuscript, Harleianus 2767, offering a deeper understanding of his intellectual and architectural legacy.
Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches
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Research reveals a rich history of silversmithing in Ávila, Spain, with evidence of dozens of silversmiths from Madrid, Ávila, Naples, and other regions active in the 18th and 19th centuries. These artisans were responsible for crafting or repairing silver works in various parishes across the region, as documented through meticulous analysis of account books. The study sheds light on the cultural and economic significance of silversmithing during this period, highlighting its role in both artistic expression and religious practices.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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A new perspective on Neolithic mortuary practices emerges from histological analysis of human remains at the Knowe of Rowiegar chambered cairn, Orkney. The study reveals diverse patterns of bioerosion in bone microstructure, suggesting that remains were placed in the cairn at different stages of decomposition—some immediately after death, others following a more complex, multi-stage rite. This challenges assumptions about uniformity in Neolithic burial practices and highlights the potential for varied treatment processes. The research integrates histotaphonomic analysis with osteological data to reconstruct mortuary behavior, offering insights into the social and ritual significance of disarticulation and fragmentation in Neolithic Orkney.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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A detailed reconstruction of the Grand Master's daily life and living conditions at Marienburg Castle (Malbork) during the first half of the 15th century reveals a structured routine dominated by religious obligations, political administration, and courtly meals. Analysis of diverse sources—including letters from the Grand Master’s physician, order rules, accounts, chronicles, and diplomatic records—highlights three core components: frequent religious observances (such as night prayers), structured dining (midday and evening feasts, morning soups), and extensive administrative duties (consultations, negotiations, and meetings). While leisure activities were limited, glimpses into his private life—pets, music, studies—emerge sporadically. This study provides the first comprehensive portrait of a Teutonic Order leader's dual existence: one of public duty and another, more intimate sphere rarely documented in historical records.
Semmering Railway
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The Semmering Railway, the world's first high mountain railway, revolutionized access to the Alps for urban society during industrialization. This study reveals that while it brought tourists closer to the mountains, locals likely always viewed them as urban intruders. Analysis of texts by Peter Rosegger and Heimito von Doderer shows Rosegger's critical stance on tourist development and his emphasis on observing nature from the train, contrasting with Doderer's depiction of travelers' fascination with the Alpine landscape. The research explores how these writers captured the changing relationship between people and the mountains, highlighting the railway's dual role in both connecting and alienating urban visitors from their surroundings.
Tongariro National Park
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Alpine plant communities in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, exhibit species-specific responses to climate warming and dominant species removal, with native plants showing shifts toward more acquisitive growth strategies. Research using 18 functional traits—including leaf morphology, tissue chemistry, biomass, and height—revealed that high-alpine species like <em>Poa cita</em> and <em>Rytidosperma setifolium</em> benefited from warming, while invasive species showed little response. Principal component analysis suggested a decoupling of trait correlations under these conditions, indicating potential disruptions in alpine ecosystem services. These findings underscore the need for nuanced management strategies to balance native plant survival with invasive species control in culturally and scientifically valuable alpine habitats.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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A study reveals that alternative objects, beyond traditional precious materials, can effectively symbolize prehistory and resonate with the public, challenging conventional interpretations of social status. The research analyzed reactions to such objects displayed in 'The World of Stonehenge' exhibition at the British Museum in 2022, demonstrating their potential to convey more representative and inclusive messages. This approach offers a new perspective on democratizing museum displays and addressing decolonization debates in prehistoric collections.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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Chrysophycean stomatocyst assemblages from high mountain lakes in the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Area (TPRYPA) demonstrate significant potential as indicators for climate reconstructions. The study identified 194 morphotypes and found that altitude is a key environmental gradient influencing cyst composition, with notable shifts at 3200 m and 4400 m. A cyst-based inference model using weighted-averaging method achieved a cross-validated jack-knifed-R² of 0.60, suggesting that these cysts can effectively predict altitude and climate variability in alpine regions. This research highlights the utility of chrysophycean stomatocysts as powerful tools for understanding feedback mechanisms between low-latitude and high-altitude areas in the context of global climate change.
Mount Wuyi
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Soil microbial communities in Moso bamboo forests of Wuyi Mountain, China, exhibit significant structural variations along altitudinal gradients, with bacterial diversity peaking at mid-altitudes (850 m and 1100 m) while fungal diversity is highest at lower (530 m) and mid-altitudes. Alphaproteobacteria dominate bacterial communities, whereas Agaricomycetes are the most abundant fungi across all altitudes. Soil texture, pH, and available potassium content emerge as key drivers shaping microbial composition, with clay content playing a pivotal role in both bacterial and fungal community structure. This study highlights altitude-dependent shifts in microbial diversity and composition within a single ecosystem, providing critical insights for sustainable management of Moso bamboo forests under climate change scenarios.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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Edinburgh's UNESCO-listed Old Town, despite its rich medieval heritage, has largely overlooked the stories of historical women in its public narrative. This study argues that by focusing on two under-appreciated heritage assets—Trinity Apse and Magdalen Chapel—the city could counter male biases and create more inclusive visitor experiences. Trinity Apse, linked to Queen Mary of Guelders, and Magdalen Chapel, overseen by merchant Jonet Rynd, offer untapped potential for reinterpretation. The research suggests that integrating these women's narratives into heritage interpretation would not only diversify the city's historical representation but also enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain
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Urban planning and territorial management can effectively protect the historical landscape of the Camino Francés in Galicia, particularly when implemented at a supra-municipal level. The study highlights that collective action across administrative boundaries enhances the preservation of cultural heritage, shifting focus from individual elements to broader, interconnected values. By analyzing legislative frameworks and urban development strategies, researchers demonstrate how integrated planning can mitigate threats to the route's historical integrity while balancing modern needs. This approach offers a scalable model for safeguarding UNESCO-listed sites facing similar challenges.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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Migratory shorebirds wintering in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, exhibit seasonally decreasing intake rates, contrary to expectations. The study, employing an allometric approach, found that smaller species experienced particularly pronounced declines in daily energetic intakes. Notably, species like the Ringed Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, and Bar-tailed Godwit showed exceptionally low intake rates compared to other wintering sites along the East Atlantic Flyway, suggesting potential energetic constraints during their fuelling phase for return migration.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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Ancient Mesopotamian art, spanning from the Neolithic to Early Bronze Age, reveals evolving depictions of gods and heroes (kings) that reflect spiritual beliefs, earthly power, and societal advancements. Key artifacts like the Vultures Stele and Lion Hunt Stele illustrate how these representations shifted over time, symbolizing administrative growth, economic prosperity, and military development. The study highlights that while gods embody the spirit world, heroes—often portrayed as hunters or warriors—represent earthly authority, sometimes even claiming divine status. This visual narrative provides deeper insights than written records alone, underscoring art's pivotal role in understanding Mesopotamia's cultural and historical landscape.
The Grand Canal
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A southward shift in the distribution of national intangible cultural heritage (ICH) along China's Grand Canal, driven by urbanization and economic development, has been identified. The study reveals significant spatial clustering of ICH, particularly at the northern and southern ends of the canal, with marked regional disparities in quantity and structure, dominated by traditional skills and drama categories. Urbanization emerges as the strongest influencing factor, while natural environmental impacts, though minor, remain relevant. Employing GIS-based spatial analysis techniques—including kernel density estimation, mean nearest neighbor index, and standard deviation ellipse—the research analyzed 504 national ICH items, providing actionable insights for sustainable cultural preservation and economic growth in the Grand Canal Basin.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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A rare and ecologically significant discovery of four Riella species, including one new to Tunisia (Riella bialata), was made in a small anthropogenic pond on Djerba island. This finding highlights the unique biodiversity supported by human-altered habitats, with significant differences in development, life strategies, and ecology among the species. The study combined field observations with spore culture analysis to elucidate their presence in this temporary habitat, raising conservation concerns due to its vulnerability.
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
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The Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, particularly the Banditaccia necropolis, represent a unique archaeological landscape where native vegetation and funerary structures coexist symbiotically. This study introduces preliminary considerations for the Co.R.A.Ve. Research and Conservation Project, which aims to develop conservation methodologies that preserve this delicate balance without compromising the site's historical and emotional value. By employing theories from Carlson and Assunto, the research frames the necropolis as a 'historic landscape,' emphasizing the interplay between nature, culture, and human perception. The project addresses challenges posed by traditional restoration practices, advocating for interventions that maintain the integrity of both vegetation and ruins while enhancing their long-term protection.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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An archaeological analysis of five sites in Huanren County reveals significant insights into the cultural evolution of early Goguryeo, a key kingdom in Northeast Asia. The study identifies diverse tomb structures, including stone cists, dolmens, and stone-mound tombs with capstones, which exhibit transitional characteristics between Bronze Age practices and early Goguryeo traditions. Cremation customs were also documented, with high-temperature cremation evidenced by the grayish-white bones found in Wangjianglou tomb No. 1. The research traces cultural changes over time, noting the introduction of Eastern Zhou ironware around the mid-3rd century BC and the increasing prominence of stone mounds in tomb construction by the late 3rd to 2nd century BC. These findings highlight the dynamic development of funerary practices and material culture during this period.
Australian Convict Sites
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Distinct material evidence and youthful inmate responses can be identified at Point Puer, a colonial Australian institution for young convicts, suggesting that the archaeology of juvenile prison sites differs from adult equivalents. The study analyzed crime and punishment practices through spatial analysis, artifact distribution, and documentary records, revealing control-focused tensions shaped by interactions between adults and youth. This work contributes to the nascent field of age-related institutional archaeology.
Baekje Historic Areas
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A recent architectural archaeological study on the Buyeo Hwajisan Historic Site No. 2019-2, located within Baekje Historic Areas (South Korea), challenges prior assumptions about its function. Unlike previously proposed uses—such as a detached palace or banquet hall—the site lacks evidence of heating facilities, outdoor kitchens, or large ice storage typical of such structures. Instead, the study suggests it served a ceremonial purpose, supported by its single-well design and absence of residential or administrative features. The research analyzed the site's cornerstone building, characterized by clay walls without columnar lines, contrasting with other known Baekje Dynasty sites that typically include base stones. This finding underscores the rarity and specificity of Hwajisan's architectural style, offering new insights into Baekje ritualistic structures.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2024 —
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Istanbul's urban planning faces an ecological dilemma, balancing seismic resilience and sustainability while grappling with the legacy of Henri Prost's century-old zoning strategies. The study reveals that integrating historical zoning practices—particularly those emphasizing green-areas and housing typologies—can address contemporary challenges like climate change and urban density. By analyzing Prost's distinctive district-specific zoning techniques, the research proposes novel sustainable solutions to protect green spaces while planning new settlements. It highlights a critical gap in current regulations and advocates for revisiting old zoning laws to foster a harmonious relationship between human development and environmental sustainability.
Gunung Mulu National Park
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2024 —
WHE7A7D3C9F37
A mean willingness to pay of MYR40.61 (USD9.60) per park entry for biodiversity conservation in Gunung Mulu National Park was identified, revealing that public support is strongly influenced by attitude and experience rather than awareness or economic factors. The study, involving 87 visitors and 99 local community members, used validated questionnaires to assess preferences and well-being, finding that socio-demographic and environmental factors significantly shaped willingness-to-pay (WTP) for conservation efforts. Notably, respondents with lower knowledge but high positive attitudes showed strong support for reduced entrance fees, while economic considerations did not predict WTP. This research highlights the complex interplay between social values, conservation awareness, and economic valuation in protected areas, offering insights to guide sustainable tourism policies.
