Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2026 —
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A Random Forest model achieved 81.6% accuracy and an AUC of 0.912 in predicting cave and sinkhole locations in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, offering a promising tool for fossil site surveying in karst landscapes. The study analyzed multispectral imagery, DEMs, and geologic data to identify key predictive variables, with distance to faults, Chuniespoort Group location, dolomite/chert presence, and elevation proving most influential. Only three of 48 variables contributed less than random chance, highlighting their potential for refining models in future research and applications across similar regions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Community-Based Tourism Enterprises (CBTEs) around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) significantly enhance conservation outcomes and livelihoods, but their performance has been uneven across sectors. The study found a strong link between CBTE operations and positive socio-economic and environmental benefits, which bolster local support for biodiversity conservation. However, challenges such as market demand fluctuations, limited innovation in income generation, and over-reliance on tourism threaten long-term sustainability. To address these issues, strategic interventions—including increasing community-owned accommodation enterprises, capacity building, and digital marketing—are recommended to improve service quality, strengthen value chain collaborations, and boost tourist flow. The research highlights the potential of CBTEs as a sustainable development model but emphasizes the need for targeted support to maximize their impact on conservation and livelihoods.
Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
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A novel semi-quantitative SDG assessment model reveals that Bursa and Cumalıkızık's 2021–2026 World Heritage Management Plan strongly aligns with SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships), while underrepresenting SDGs 4 (Education) and 8 (Economic Growth). This first systematic application of such a framework to a Turkish heritage site highlights operational gaps in educational programming and community engagement, despite adherence to UNESCO's Historic Urban Landscape principles. The study introduces a replicable evaluation matrix for future sustainability planning.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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Research identifies that Mitchell's, modified Mitchell's, and Manson's universal slopes methods provide the most accurate and robust estimates for predicting fatigue properties of historic metallic bridge materials—puddled iron (pre-1900) and mild steel (post-1900)—using monotonic tensile strength data. These findings are critical for assessing the structural integrity of heritage sites like Oporto's Luiz I Bridge, where experimental fatigue data is often unavailable. The study evaluated 10 estimation methods, revealing that while modified Park–Song's method performs well for puddled iron, it lacks general robustness. Conversely, modified four-point correlation and GP-symbolic regression showed poor agreement with experimental data, particularly in high- and low-cycle regimes. This work establishes reference fatigue properties for these materials, advancing conservation efforts by bridging known monotonic strength behaviors with fatigue resistance predictions.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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Gjirokastra's urban development over four centuries is intricately linked to its geomorphological conditions, with the city's expansion influenced by terrain vertical zoning and landform transformations. The study reveals that Ottoman-style houses dominate the hilly sectors, while apartment blocks cluster along the Drino valley, reflecting a dynamic interplay between natural relief elements and urban growth. To guide future urban planning, the research emphasizes the need for scientifically-based criteria to balance expansion with the preservation of cultural heritage, considering evolving landforms shaped by increasing urban pressure and tourism.
Dazu Rock Carvings
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Nanolime synthesized via anion-exchange method significantly enhances the mechanical resistance of weathered sandstone at Dazu Rock Carvings while preserving its visual and hydro-physical properties. The treatment increased uniaxial compressive strength by approximately 26%, with negligible changes in color, porosity, or permeability. Accelerated aging tests demonstrated superior durability compared to traditional lime water treatments, retaining higher hardness and elastic modulus. Field monitoring showed rapid recovery of surface hardness within 24 hours, followed by continued strengthening over 100 days. The study highlights the potential of anion-exchange-derived nanolime as a mineral-compatible consolidation treatment for weathered sandstone, though further long-term field studies are needed to assess its durability and service-life performance.
Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia
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A detailed analysis of lithic artifacts from Beefa Cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Melka Kunture archaeological complex in Ethiopia's Upper Awash Valley, reveals insights into the daily activities and subsistence strategies of a mid-Holocene Later Stone Age community. The study combines techno-typological analysis with use-wear and residue analysis, supplemented by archaeobotanical and archaeozoological data, to reconstruct occupation patterns and economic practices. Preliminary findings establish Beefa Cave as a key site for understanding Holocene settlement dynamics in the region, offering a diachronic perspective on human-environment interactions during this period.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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A comprehensive review challenges alternative proposals, reinforcing the traditional 2–3 BC date for Jesus’ birth. By scrutinizing historical records—such as Augustus’s census decree, Quirinius’s governorship, and Herod’s death—the study debunks claims suggesting earlier or later dates (e.g., 6–7 BC or AD 6–7). The research also interprets the Star of Bethlehem as a series of celestial events, including Jupiter-Venus conjunctions, aligning with astrological knowledge of the Magi. This conclusion supports the scientific credibility of the Gospels’ accounts by validating their historical and astronomical consistency.
Faya Palaeolandscape
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New archaeological evidence from Buhais Rockshelter in the Faya Palaeolandscape, UAE, challenges the long-held belief that Arabia was uninhabited during the last glacial period. Stratified stone tool assemblages indicate repeated human occupation between 60,000 and 16,000 years ago, coinciding with periods of increased water availability in the region. This contradicts previous assumptions about human absence in southern Arabia during this critical timeframe for human evolution. The study combines archaeological excavations with paleoenvironmental analysis to reconstruct habitation patterns, extending known records from Jebel Faya and providing empirical data to test models of human adaptation and dispersal in desert landscapes.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
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Effective forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon requires synergistic governance combining land-use regulation, environmental policy, financial investment, and technological innovation. A systematic analysis of 18 years of research reveals that policy instruments serve as the central coordination layer, while financial support determines scalability and technological feasibility. Land-use strategies are most effective when supported by clear institutional frameworks and local stakeholder engagement. Key barriers to implementation include policy ambiguity, inefficient funding allocation, and limited stakeholder participation. This evidence-driven framework highlights the need for integrated, multi-strategy approaches to overcome fragmented governance challenges in large-scale environmental conservation.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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Researchers have identified and described Eviota niedenthali, a new species of dwarf goby from Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands. This discovery contributes to the biodiversity documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in regions with limited exploration like the Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site. The species is characterized by unique morphological traits, including a specific dorsal/anal-fin formula (8/8), branched pectoral-fin rays, absence of a fifth pelvic-fin ray, and distinctive black spots on the caudal peduncle and pectoral-fin base. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to distinguish this species from others in the Eviota genus, highlighting its significance for marine biodiversity research.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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Scientific research on the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) has shown sustained growth and thematic diversity, with 106 unique articles published between 1997 and 2025. Mexico leads in scientific output, followed by the United States and Canada, with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) as the most productive institution. The study identified six key research domains: conservation and environmental management, socioeconomic aspects and governance, forest ecology, research methodologies, monarch butterfly biology, and climatic and hydrological phenomena. Notably, 2020 was the most productive year, while 2014 saw the highest citation count. This bibliometric analysis provides critical insights to inform conservation policies and strengthen sustainable management of the MBBR.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Tehuacán–Cuicatlán Valley and other arid regions in Mexico, the USA, and Guatemala are critical hotspots for threatened evolutionary diversity in Agave, hosting a disproportionate share of evolutionarily unique and endangered species. Using a time-calibrated phylogenomic framework analyzing 207 taxa and 286 nuclear genes, researchers traced Agave's origins to Aridoamerica during the late Miocene (∼7 Ma), highlighting how dispersal and macroevolutionary processes shaped its biodiversity. The study identifies 70 Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) taxa, with species like <em>Agave montium-sancticaroli</em> and <em>A. aurea var. promontorii</em> facing extreme conservation risks. These findings underscore the urgent need to prioritize spatial conservation efforts in these regions, where anthropogenic pressures exacerbate threats to unique evolutionary lineages.
Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia
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A complex, non-linear interplay between urban development and environmental change is revealed in the western sector of the Latin colony of Aquileia. The study demonstrates that specific construction choices and patterns of urban growth escalated environmental transformations, while also highlighting adaptive and mitigation strategies employed by its inhabitants. Fresh archaeological and environmental data, including fill layers from sewer systems and the Roman theatre, along with new mechanical corings from the Canale Anfora—a critical hydraulic infrastructure—were integrated with radiometric analyses to establish a precise chronological framework. This approach uncovers nuanced dynamics that challenge linear narratives of urban and natural landscape evolution.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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A study reveals that ozone production at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is highly sensitive to nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from the Permian Basin's oil and gas (O&G) activity, with satellite data confirming a parallel increase in regional NO2 levels. Analysis of 2021 measurements showed O&G emissions as the dominant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), alongside aged biomass burning smoke. Modeling indicated that reducing NOx emissions would more effectively decrease ozone levels than targeting VOCs, though both measures could mitigate exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Satellite observations also highlighted a decline in the formaldehyde-to-NO2 ratio, further supporting NOx-sensitive ozone production linked to O&G activity.
Meidan Emam, Esfahan
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A study on Isfahan, Iran, reveals that regenerating historical sites and employing sensory marketing significantly enhances destination brand equity, which in turn fosters sustainable creative tourism. The research, conducted through a descriptive-correlational survey involving 384 domestic and international tourists visiting Isfahan's historical landmarks during spring, used structural equation modeling to analyze data. Findings indicate that combining physical regeneration of sites like Naqsh-e Jahan Square with sensory experiences can elevate urban identity, improve destination perception, and promote sustainable tourism development in historic cities.
Sun Temple, Konârak
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Tourism at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sun Temple of Konark, significantly boosts the local economy while posing challenges to cultural preservation. A mixed-method study involving surveys and stakeholder interviews revealed that tourism generates jobs, improves infrastructure, and enhances income levels, yet it also raises living costs and risks diluting local traditions. Despite these trade-offs, respondents overwhelmingly support continued tourism growth, with 80% advocating for government encouragement. The research highlights the need for sustainable development strategies to mitigate negative impacts while leveraging tourism’s economic benefits. Key recommendations focus on balancing cultural integrity with economic gains, ensuring long-term viability for both heritage conservation and local livelihoods.
Papahānaumokuākea
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A groundbreaking mapping expedition, EX2501, conducted by NOAA Ocean Exploration from October 19 to November 12, 2024, significantly advanced the understanding of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The expedition mapped an extensive area of 44,264 square kilometers of seafloor within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, all at depths greater than 200 meters. This comprehensive mapping effort provides critical data for scientific research and conservation efforts in one of the most remote and ecologically significant marine regions on Earth. The expedition utilized advanced oceanographic technologies to capture detailed seafloor topography, contributing valuable insights into the geological and biological characteristics of this unique World Heritage Site.
Papahānaumokuākea
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A groundbreaking expedition in Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument mapped 48,219 sq. km of seafloor and conducted 16 ROV dives, significantly expanding our understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The NOAA-led mission (April 8–May 5, 2025) utilized advanced mapping and remotely operated vehicles to explore previously uncharted deep-sea terrain within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This unprecedented survey provides critical baseline data for marine conservation efforts, revealing complex seafloor topography and supporting biodiversity research in one of Earth's most remote and ecologically significant regions.
Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
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Tourists' emotional attachment to Sumatra's natural heritage destinations significantly drives their intention to revisit, according to new research. The study found that destination attributes, escapism, and authenticity positively influence place attachment and memorable tourism experiences, which in turn mediate the relationship between these factors and revisit intention. Conducted on 300 tourists visiting sites like the Toba Caldera Geopark and the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, the research used partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze survey data. These insights suggest that enhancing authenticity, experience quality, and emotional value in destination management can foster sustainable tourism. The findings also expand theoretical understanding of tourist psychological factors in nature and cultural tourism contexts.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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Researchers have identified a highly effective algicidal bacterium, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain LIG25, capable of inhibiting over 98% of algal growth in ornamental fountains at the Alhambra and Generalife (Granada, Spain). This discovery offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical biocides for conserving cultural heritage sites vulnerable to biodeterioration. The study employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize bacterial communities from eight fountain samples, revealing 18 genera with reported algicidal activity. Functional screening assays using filtered fountain waters against Chlorella vulgaris demonstrated intrinsic inhibitory capacity, with the most active sample selected for further isolation and validation through co-culture assays, cell density measurements, and PAM fluorometry. Despite detecting a diverse microbiome, no significant link was found between taxonomic composition and biofilm development, underscoring the complexity of microbial interactions in these environments.
Historic Centre of Macao
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Public perception of the Historic Centre of Macao, as reflected in user-generated content on travel and map platforms, reveals a strong positive sentiment with a focus on churches, squares, facades, gardens, walking, and photography. While this aligns primarily with UNESCO's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) criteria—particularly Criterion (iv) for material urban fabric and architectural ensembles—it also highlights concerns like crowding and commercialisation not addressed by the OUV framework. The study employed a multi-modal approach, analysing multilingual reviews using sentiment classification, semantic keyterm extraction, and an OUV alignment pipeline, alongside visual theme grouping of user-uploaded images via pretrained vision models. This method demonstrated partial overlap between textual and visual signals, offering insights that could enhance monitoring and communication for urban World Heritage sites.
Changdeokgung Palace Complex
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Digital design technology can standardize and adapt the aesthetic value of traditional cultural heritage, such as the patterns of Changdeokgung Palace Complex's Nakseonjae, to modern lifestyle product specifications without compromising its core identity. This study confirms that a design adaptation process based on morphological analysis allows for flexible expansion into diverse product lines while preserving traditional aesthetics. Additionally, it demonstrates how combining digital precision with traditional craftsmanship in prototype production merges the intangible qualities of digital data with the tangible nature of handcrafted materials. The research contributes to the potential transformation of preservation-focused heritage data into high-value commercial products, supporting the development of a Korean cultural ecosystem with strong identity and economic viability.
Fortress of Suomenlinna
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Modern technologies, including multi-beam echosounders and photogrammetry, have revealed the submerged scars of past wars within the underwater landscape of Suomenlinna sea fortress. These remnants, such as deliberately placed ship hulls used as defensive obstacles during the Crimean War (1853–1856), offer a tangible connection to historical conflicts preserved in the Baltic Sea. The study highlights how these archaeological remains, despite their complex formation processes and location in active water areas, serve as enduring places of memory for past events. By integrating underwater investigation with archival records and historical narratives, researchers can reconstruct missing links that deepen our understanding of the fortress's strategic use during wartime.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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A study of the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome, designed by Richard Meier and completed in 2006, reveals how multiple heritage dimensions shape urban development within historic sites. The research applies Assemblage Theory and Actor-Network Theory to analyze the socio-material interactions influencing the project's contentious trajectory. It highlights the challenges of contextualizing modern architecture in transnational heritage assemblages, emphasizing the need for frameworks that recognize the complex interplay between human and non-human actants. This approach offers new insights into heritage conservation practices and urban planning, particularly in culturally significant areas like Rome's historic center.
Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo
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The concept of 'visual integrity' in UNESCO World Heritage Site inscriptions perpetuates a homogenizing lens, despite its absence from official guidelines. This study reveals that the application of integrity in site evaluations is historically tied to normative aesthetics, which prioritize uniformity and unity. Analyzing two sites—Mbanza Kongo (Angola) and Writing-on-Stone (Canada)—the research demonstrates how this approach visualizes heritage through a narrow, standardized perspective, often at odds with its cultural diversity. The findings highlight the need for a more inclusive interpretation of integrity to better reflect the dynamic nature of World Heritage Sites.
The Porticoes of Bologna
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Bologna, Italy's porticoes serve as a dynamic canvas for facial expressions that encode power, memory, devotion, resistance, and consumerist desire. The study reveals how these faces, found across institutional and vernacular contexts, create a distinctive urban semiotics through their spatial density and typological distribution. Unlike numerical censuses, this qualitative analysis leverages fieldwork and semiotic methods to demonstrate the fluid negotiation of meaning between urban centers and peripheries. Walking itself emerges as a hermeneutic practice, embodying the city's visual ecology. This research positions Bologna as a paradigmatic model for studying facial semiotics in European cities.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
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A transparent virtual reality (VR) visualization system significantly enhances the structural analysis of 3D point clouds from historic architecture, addressing limitations in conventional VR rendering. The study, focusing on Tamaki Shrine—a UNESCO World Heritage site—demonstrates that combining feature enhancement with opacity control improves visibility of internal depth relationships and point-density variations, particularly in complex wooden structures. Researchers achieved this by processing large-scale point cloud data using Poisson disk sampling for real-time optimization, followed by principal component analysis (PCA) to quantify structural salience. A custom alpha-blending shader in Unity enabled two visualization modes: binarization for sharp edges and opacity gradation for soft-edge regions. Tested with a Meta Quest Pro, the system offers distinct viewing modes that facilitate deeper structural understanding than traditional rendering methods.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
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Modern-period stone pagodas (late 19th to early 20th century) in Korea, often dismissed as Japanese colonial artifacts due to their perceived stylistic divergence and decline in quality, are shown to be deeply rooted in Korea’s indigenous stone tradition. This study challenges the prevailing narrative by demonstrating that these pagodas evolved through interactions with Joseon Dynasty tomb stonework for kings and scholar-gentry—a form that flourished during a period of limited pagoda construction. By comparing specific examples, the research reveals that modern-period pagodas sustain continuity within Korean stone pagoda history, countering earlier prejudices about their authenticity and origin.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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Centuries-old agricultural landscapes, including the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces in China, demonstrate how adaptive practices can sustain food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity while working with natural water cycles. A comparative analysis of four traditional systems reveals their resilience stems from dynamic adaptation to environmental and socio-economic shifts, rather than rigid practices. Key lessons highlight circular water and nutrient flows, climate adaptability, the interdependence of food, ecology, and society, and the benefits of nature-based production over monocultures. However, these systems face threats from aging farming populations and urban expansion, which can disrupt their ecological foundations. The study advocates for adaptive agro-landscape planning to preserve these sustainable models in modern contexts.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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A fragment of monumental paintings from the 5th-century AD palace and park complex of Sigiriya, featuring 22 female figures on its rock face, offers new insights into the iconography and function of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite decades of research, the purpose and meaning behind these unique paintings remain debated. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to interpret the paintings in relation to the complex's architectural layout, functionality, and overall design. By examining various interpretations and stylistic parallels, the author proposes an original understanding of how these female images contribute to Sigiriya's spatial composition and conceptual design.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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Feminist activists in Mexico City have redefined public protest by creating 'anti-monuments' to challenge state prioritization of heritage over gender-based violence prevention. These counter-hegemonic memorials, established during demonstrations, commemorate femicide victims while critiquing the protection of traditional monuments like those in Xochimilco and the Historic Centre. Unlike other social movements, feminists employ symbolic space occupation and monument damage as tactics that intertwine politics, memory, and urban heritage. The study reveals how these actions reflect broader tensions between state authority and grassroots demands for justice.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
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Hyundai Motor Group's headquarters site exhibits deep-rooted Feng Shui principles, blending orographic hierarchy and landform imagery to create an auspicious environment. The study identifies Mt. Cheonggye as the Taejosan and Mt. Guryong as the Jusan, forming a Samgilseong formation with Ansan Mountain and watercourses. The site's orientation aligns with traditional Yudu-hyeol principles, combining facing mountain and waterflow dynamics. Remedial elements like a round fountain and transparent glass were incorporated to enhance harmony. Notably, the area surrounding Mt. Guryong includes historical sites such as Pungnap and Mongchon Earthen Fortifications from the Baekje Kingdom and Joseon Dynasty royal tombs, including Heonneung and Inneung. The spatial layout reflects Cheon-won-ji-bang cosmology and strict primary-secondary order, demonstrating a seamless integration of traditional Eastern philosophies into modern corporate architecture.
Trang An Landscape Complex
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A first-of-its-kind study documents 41 fish species—spanning 8 orders, 17 families, and 33 genera—in the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, Vietnam. Among them, 12 were previously unrecorded in the Red River’s ichthyofauna, while biodiversity metrics (Shannon-Wiener index H′: Fair to Very Good; species richness d) revealed a remarkably even distribution across four key areas. The research also flags marine/brackish-water intruders and exotic invaders with potential ecological consequences. Conducted via four 2024 surveys at 20 sites, this work establishes a critical baseline for monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable ecotourism in the World Heritage Site.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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Researchers document the first record of the Critically Endangered Vandeleuria nolthenii, a montane-endemic rodent, from Hakgala Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands. This discovery extends the known distribution of the species within human-modified montane habitats, highlighting its ability to utilize exotic vegetation and persist in modified landscapes. The observation involved five small, long-tailed mice emerging from a cavity in a dead Cupressus macrocarpa tree, suggesting a mother accompanied by nearly grown offspring. The study underscores the potential of citizen science in documenting elusive small mammals and advocates for continued collaboration among visitors, naturalists, and researchers to support monitoring and conservation efforts.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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A six-year monitoring effort in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panamanian Pacific, has documented fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) for seven species, including three snappers, one jack, one grouper, and one wrasse. These aggregations were observed at multiple sites within Coiba National Park (CNP) and, for the first time, in the Islas Secas Archipelago (ISA). The study revealed that FSAs are associated with environmental conditions such as water column stratification, cold-water intrusion, thermocline shoaling, and decreased dissolved oxygen, all correlated with temperature dynamics. Spawning events were most frequent during morning hours. This research expands the known diversity of FSA-forming species in CNP from three to seven and provides new documentation for ISA.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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A significant rise in the Greater White-fronted Goose (GWfG) population along the Pannonic flyway, particularly in Hortobágy National Park, has been linked to climate change. Over 31 years (1989–2019), GWfG counts surged from under 2,000 to over 30,000 individuals, with a notable shift toward overwintering beginning in the mid-2000s. Milder winters, characterized by fewer frost and snowy days, have been the primary driver of this increase, while hunting disturbance and land cover changes played minor roles. Spring counts rose rapidly in the early years, whereas autumn counts increased more recently, indicating a dynamic response to climate shifts. The study highlights how climate change is reshaping migratory patterns, with implications for conservation strategies.
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
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A systematic analysis of folk culture tourism development in Xidi Village, China, reveals significant gaps between cultural resources, market demands, and available products, despite overall consistency among these dimensions. Key strategies to bridge these gaps include creating material product systems that emphasize local characteristics, innovating nonmaterial folk cultural experiences, designing attractive tourism routes, and addressing differentiated tourist needs. The study leverages the Resource–Market–Product (RMP) framework, integrating data from a local chronicle, pilot surveys, and online content analysis, to provide actionable insights for sustainable rural tourism and cultural revitalization.
Wadden Sea
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Food routes in the Dutch Wadden Sea emerge as a promising yet underdeveloped tool for sustainable regional development and food consciousness. Unlike traditional food tours, these routes aim to foster short food supply chains, promote local food cultures, and engage visitors through immersive experiences. A qualitative study involving interviews with businesses across sectors—restaurants, farms, and food producers—revealed that while participation drives visibility and customer attraction, challenges such as poor coordination, lack of measurable outcomes, and limited diversity in offerings hinder their potential. Effective implementation requires grassroots support, strategic planning, marketing, clear value propositions, and impact monitoring. This research highlights the shift from consumption-driven tourism to more sustainable, community-centred initiatives, offering valuable insights for policymakers, planners, and local businesses aiming to promote local food and culture.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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A new analysis of Upper Paleolithic sites in the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape reveals that high-elevation locations (50–85 m above river level) likely served as strategic footholds for ancient populations, combining functions such as raw material sources, observation posts, logistical nodes, and habitation areas. Unlike lower-lying sites (10–40 m), these higher sites facilitated movement between major tributaries—Khaniy-Gol, Egijn-Gol, and Ikh-Tulberiin-Gol—while also offering access to hunting grounds in the Kharganyn-Gol valley. The study used cluster analysis of 52 sites based on elevation and distance from water, along with cost surface modeling to assess energy expenditure for movement, confirming the transit role of the Tolbor valley and its connectivity to adjacent regions.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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A non-native sika deer (Cervus nippon) was discovered in the northern part of Okinawa-Jima Island raising concerns about its potential impact on endangered and endemic plant species. Fecal DNA metabarcoding analysis of one fecal sample from the deer revealed 24 plant species, including two endemic to the Ryukyu Islands, with one listed as critically endangered (CR) by Japan's Environment Ministry. The study suggests that if sika deer establish a population in this region, they could pose significant threats to local biodiversity and ecosystems. Immediate measures are recommended to prevent further invasions and mitigate potential ecological damage.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
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Bhutan's largest population of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), one of the world's rarest birds, faces significant climate-induced habitat shifts. Projections indicate a potential expansion of suitable habitat from 8,219 km² under baseline conditions to 13,784 km² by 2100, but with increased fragmentation and suitability loss in unprotected areas like Monggar and Pemagatshel. Protected zones such as Royal Manas National Park remain resilient, while others may become unsuitable due to climate change. This study, Bhutan's first nationwide climate-informed habitat model, combines 361 verified occurrence records (2001–2024) with 24 environmental predictors using a weighted ensemble modeling framework—integrating generalized linear models, generalized additive models, and random forest algorithms—to project future distributions under Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 3 scenarios. It highlights protection gaps, advocates for adaptive conservation strategies, and underscores the need for connectivity measures amid dynamic anthropogenic pressures.
Ogasawara Islands
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A study on the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, identifies high-risk areas for potential reinvasion by the giant African snail (Achatina fulica), despite its declining population since the 1990s. Researchers developed species distribution models (SDMs) using MaxEnt, leveraging data from Chichijima and Hahajima in Ogasawara, as well as Hualien County, Taiwan—both sites with high-density populations. The model trained on Hahajima data proved most accurate for predicting conditions on Chichijima due to similar environmental factors, pinpointing previously unsurveyed but vulnerable zones. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of transferring SDMs across regions to improve risk assessment in data-limited scenarios, offering a proactive strategy for invasive species management and early intervention.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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A novel prediction model for forestry tourism resource carrying capacity, integrating multi-source data fusion with advanced machine learning techniques, demonstrates exceptional accuracy and stability. The framework combines a modal-level multi-head cross-attention mechanism with a GAT-Transformer model to adaptively weigh and fuse heterogeneous data, suppressing noise and capturing long-term temporal dependencies. Tested on two years of multi-source observation data from Wulingyuan National Forest Park, the model excels in temporal scale adaptation, spatial generalization, and resilience against missing data and noise. Its lightweight structure ensures low inference latency, balancing prediction accuracy with engineering practicality.
Maya Site of Copan
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Decades of pioneering research, led by David Stuart—a prominent Mayanist and MacArthur Genius award recipient—have unlocked the decipherment of Maya hieroglyphs at Copán, Honduras. This breakthrough allows scholars to read and interpret the historical narratives inscribed on ancient monuments, revealing a fascinating civilization previously shrouded in mystery. The study builds on advancements in glyph interpretation, providing unprecedented access to Maya history through epigraphic analysis. Stuart's contributions, beginning in his teenage years, have been instrumental in this scientific achievement, offering a synthesis of knowledge that bridges gaps for both academic experts and general readers.
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz
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2026 —
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Archaeological evidence challenges the traditional view that ancient Kesh was located at Shahrisabz, instead supporting its identification with modern Kitab. The study reconstructs the developmental dynamics of the Kitab-Shahrisabz oasis from antiquity to the early 20th century, revealing that urban development in Kitab began as early as the third-second centuries BCE and thrived during the Kushan-Kangju period, characterized by defensive walls, a citadel, and rich cultural deposits. In contrast, Shahrisabz remained predominantly rural until the ninth–twelfth centuries, when it emerged as a major urban center under Timurid rule. The research integrates archaeological, topographical, architectural, historical, and ethnographic data, including findings from the Kesh Archaeological and Topographical Expedition (KATE) conducted in the 1960s, to clarify the historical relationship between these urban centers and their evolution over time.
Bisotun
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2026 —
WHE19DF128C81
A groundbreaking study reveals that Abulqosim Firdavsi's epic 'Shohnoma' marked the first instance of dedicating a separate section (na't) to Prophet Muhammad in Persian literary tradition, establishing a precedent for such poetic tributes in prefaces and introductions. Prior to this, na'ts were embedded within longer works without distinct structural placement. The research analyzes Behistun inscriptions—a foundational written source—and Firdavsi's 10th-century text to demonstrate how the latter formalized this literary convention, reshaping Persian prose and poetry. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about the evolution of devotional writing in Islamic literature.
Gaya Tumuli
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2026 —
WHEF426FAB378
Korean mounds, traditionally classified as tombs, may have served more complex purposes beyond burial. A study challenges the long-held assumption that these structures were exclusively graves, drawing parallels with Egyptian pyramids and Chinese mounds. Research suggests they could have functioned as fortified dwellings or repositories for preserving cultural knowledge and artifacts. The sealed wooden chambers, protected by layers of clay and earth, indicate a design intended to safeguard contents from both grave robbers and environmental elements. If future excavations uncover artifacts inconsistent with typical burial practices at sites like Gaya Tumuli or Marsian Tumuli Mounds, this theory could gain further support.
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower
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2026 —
WHE4340DB5B10
Fortress walls of Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Baku, stand as enduring symbols of resilience, reflecting the city's ancient history and cultural significance. This study reveals that these fortifications, despite their exposure to natural and external influences over centuries, have played a pivotal role in preserving historical memory and contributing to modern cultural tourism. The research delves into the construction history, restoration efforts, military significance, and usage purposes of the fortress walls, while also examining the factors leading to their destruction. Notably, the study highlights that the partial obliteration of these walls due to economic demands and natural circumstances has not only erased historical narratives but also impacted cultural tourism. The findings underscore the importance of fortress walls as 'stone chronicles' in studying the past and enhancing global recognition.
Nyungwe National Park
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2026 —
WHE3867735B6B
A comprehensive herpetological study of Nyungwe National Park, Rwandareveals 34 amphibian and 50 reptile species, with 59% of amphibians and 34% of reptiles being Albertine Rift endemics. Three amphibian species are locally endemic to the park, highlighting its biodiversity significance. The research spans four decades (1984–2024), documenting ongoing discoveries in this montane rainforest refugium. Species were categorized by altitudinal zones and IUCN Red List status, while traditional ecological knowledge and vernacular names were also explored. This study underscores Nyungwe’s role as a critical biodiversity hotspot with unresolved taxonomic gaps.
