Monte San Giorgio
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Monte San Giorgio, a globally significant UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning Switzerland and Italy, has emerged as a pivotal locality for understanding Triassic marine ecosystems. The site's remarkable fossil record, particularly its Konservat-Lagerstätten, preserves articulated skeletons of marine reptiles and other vertebrates and invertebrates, offering unprecedented insights into ancient biodiversity. Over the past century, systematic excavations led by Bernhard Peyer from the University of Zurich have yielded a wealth of data, including groundbreaking discoveries that gained international relevance with the identification of similar fossil-rich sites in China. Advanced methodologies, such as computed tomography (CT), have further enriched research, particularly by revealing intricate details of endocranial anatomy in tetrapods. This special issue commemorates these centennial efforts and their profound impact on global paleontological research.
The Historic Centre of Odesa
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UNESCO World Heritage status significantly enhances the protection and restoration of cultural heritage during armed conflicts, as demonstrated by comparative analyses of Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Odesa (Ukraine). Both cities, though inscribed on the UNESCO list decades apart—Dubrovnik in 1979 and Odesa in 2023—their experiences highlight how international recognition mobilizes resources, fosters cooperation, and mitigates risks to architectural and historical values. While Dubrovnik's post-war recovery symbolized resilience after Croatia’s War of Independence, Odesa faces ongoing challenges during the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, including threats to museums, libraries, and civil society-led preservation efforts. The study underscores that UNESCO designation serves as a critical tool for safeguarding heritage, emphasizing the role of local engagement and global support in mitigating destruction and looting.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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At Çatalhöyük, a shift in settlement patterns around 6400 BCE introduced special-purpose buildings characterized by small, cell-like rooms, distinct from earlier domestic structures. Unlike the dense Early Neolithic dwellings with intramural burials, these late Neolithic buildings featured dedicated burial chambers. Building 173, examined in this study, exemplifies this phenomenon, containing two dozen burials both on floors and within fills. The research investigates the origin, character, and relationship of these special-purpose buildings to other dwellings, drawing from excavations in the TP, TPC, and East Areas. This shift marks a significant change in funerary practices and architectural organization at Çatalhöyük.
Namib Sand Sea
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A groundbreaking study reveals that data fusion products derived from Sentinel-2 and EnMAP imagery are significantly more effective for mapping arid grasslands compared to standalone multispectral or hyperspectral data, with validation showing R² values of 0.51 (NDVI) and 0.66 (SAVI). This research, conducted in Namibia's NamibRand Nature Reserve (NRNR) and ProNamib Nature Reserve (PNNR), employs a multi-sensor approach combining Mixture Tuned Matched Filtering (MTMF) with field-collected spectral data to analyze grassland distribution. The study also introduces a unique spectral library of grass species, though dry conditions limit inter-species spectral separability. These findings underscore the potential of advanced remote sensing techniques for monitoring and conserving arid ecosystems, aligning with global restoration efforts.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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A recent study significantly expands the known diversity of sponge species in submarine caves and tunnels within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. Researchers documented 69 sponge species, doubling the previously recorded number (29) for these cryptic environments. The study highlights distinct community structures across cave zones: semi-dark areas are rich in Demospongiae, Homoscleromorpha, and Calcarea, while transition zones feature desma-bearing sponges and thinly encrusting spirastrellids. Notably, the darkest zone in Ilha do Meio Cave was nearly azoic, containing only three species. The research involved scuba diving explorations at depths of 5 to 18 meters across three cavities—Sapata Cave, Ilha do Meio Cave, and Pedras Secas Tunnel—revealing the unique biodiversity and ecological dynamics of these underwater habitats in the Southwestern Atlantic.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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Sponge spicules preserved in sediments offer a novel, non-destructive method to assess past and present sponge fauna diversity in Ha Long Bay's karst lakes. The study identified distinct sponge taxa compositions across four lakes and surrounding sea areas, with significant differences between inland and marine environments. Notably, four sponge genera previously unrecorded in the South China Sea were detected, highlighting the potential of sedimentary spicules as a proxy for comprehensive biodiversity studies. This approach circumvents the challenges of studying cryptic sponges, providing valuable insights into their ecological distribution and historical presence.
Bryggen
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Bryggen, a historic trading site in Bergen, Norway, serves as a rich linguistic landscape where 'language traces' and 'linguistic palimpsests' reveal layers of cultural and historical significance. The study demonstrates that visible language elements—such as writing systems and multilingual representations—coexist with deeper, diachronic layers that emerge through exploration. By analyzing street names and naming conventions, the research highlights how normative language practices reflect cultural identity and historical shifts. This approach underscores Bryggen's role in preserving linguistic heritage and its didactic potential for education.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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St Stephen's Chapel, a cornerstone of late medieval art and architecture, played a pivotal role in shaping British political culture. Originally the principal royal chapel for the Plantagenets, it became the meeting place for the House of Commons after the Reformation, influencing its design for 300 years. The 1834 Palace fire led to its reconstruction as St Stephen's Hall, which later served as a site for Suffragette activism and is now marked by the monumental artwork 'New Dawn.' This publication traces the chapel's history from the 13th century to the present, exploring its religious significance, political impact, and architectural evolution. It highlights interactions between visual and political culture, the contexts of kingship, and the adaptation of St Mary Undercroft. The study combines historical analysis with antiquarian rediscovery, offering insights into the enduring legacy of this landmark.
Sun Temple, Konârak
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Dance festivals at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sun Temple of Konark, India, serve as choreographed spaces that shape cultural heritage and statecraft. The study reveals how these festivals juxtapose the temple's archaeological value with the cultural significance of dance, raising critical questions about negotiations, appropriations, and discomfort inherent in such processes. It also examines broader cultural discourses, including historical, diplomatic, and touristic networks, influenced by the festival. Through ethnography, visual analysis, and choreographic examination, the research explores how Odissi dance—remodeled into a state-recognized classical form post-1936—has become an anthropomorphic symbol of Odisha's geopolitical identity. This work highlights the representational aspects of regional-state dynamics in dance, which inform the staging of the Konark Dance Festival.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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Sustainability indicators for urban heritage sites must be tailored to local cultural contexts, as general approaches fail to address the diverse needs of communities. A study involving stakeholders from Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Malaysia, revealed that current management practices and conservation efforts vary significantly between these historic cities. Stakeholders highlighted practical challenges in applying universal indicators and suggested improvements for future monitoring. The research underscores the importance of inclusive community engagement in heritage management policies, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11.4. While the study is limited to two locations with a small sample size, it provides valuable insights into developing context-specific sustainability criteria for urban heritage sites.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Standardized bat monitoring techniques, while effective in some ecosystems, significantly underperform in others due to local environmental and landscape factors. A study comparing mist-netting surveys in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR), a Mexican tropical forest, and Krka National Park (KNP), a Croatian Mediterranean scrubland, found that CBR's standardized surveys detected 69.8% of the known bat species assemblage compared to just 8.3% in KNP. Targeted surveys in KNP, focusing on peak bat activity periods and high-value sites, were necessary to achieve meaningful capture rates. The research highlights the importance of adapting monitoring strategies to local conditions, challenging the one-size-fits-all approach in ecological studies.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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Coral reefs around Zanzibar, including those near Stone Town, exhibit significant long-term declines in hard coral coverage, particularly following El Niño events. Branching Porites and Acropora dominate sheltered reefs, while soft corals and algae thrive in areas with strong hydrodynamic conditions. Seasonal variations, especially in soft coral Corallimorpharia, further shape reef communities, with northern exposed reefs showing distinct differences from more sheltered ones like Chumbe. The study analyzed benthic composition across ten reefs from 1992 to 2016, revealing average dissimilarities of 60–75% between sites and highlighting the impact of human activity and physical exposure on coral health. Hard corals, which covered 40–70% in most years, declined sharply post-1998 but showed recovery signs at remote reefs. Continued monitoring is crucial to assess the effectiveness of management strategies for sustaining these vital ecosystems.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic district, serves as a catalyst for sustainable urban growth by preserving its built heritage identity. This study reveals that local perceptions of Stone Town's cultural significance—rooted in Swahili, Arab, European, Indian, and African influences—can guide future development while safeguarding its unique architecture. Through qualitative methods including interviews and participatory workshops, researchers found that residents' attachment to Stone Town extends beyond its physical structures, shaping their vision for the city's expansion. The findings highlight heritage conservation as a key strategy to balance cultural, social, economic, and environmental sustainability in Zanzibar City. This work contributes to broader efforts to integrate heritage preservation into urban planning frameworks.
Putorana Plateau
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A pioneering study reveals that the stonefly fauna of the Putorana Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern East Siberia, is notably impoverished, comprising only 12 species from 9 genera and 5 families. This marks the first comprehensive investigation of stoneflies (Insecta, Plecoptera) in this region. The research, conducted across nine areas using 12 sampling techniques between 2019 and 2024, identified five Capniidae, three Chloroperlidae, two Nemouridae, one Leuctridae, and one Perlodidae species. Seven of these species are newly recorded for the north of Eastern Siberia. Stoneflies were found inhabiting all types of running and standing waters across all altitudinal zones, from boreal forests to mountain deserts. Chorological analysis indicated a predominance of East Palaearctic distribution among the species.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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A reanalysis of geochemical data challenges the assumption that sarsen stone #58 at Stonehenge originated from a single source, suggesting instead that it may have been sourced from three to six distinct locations. The study highlights the importance of considering interlinked geochemistries in material sourcing analyses, arguing that such an approach leads to more nuanced and reliable conclusions. By revisiting data published in 2020, researchers employed a geochemical framework to question the potential single-source interpretation, thereby broadening the possible origins of this enigmatic stone.
Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent
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A comparative analysis of vernacular 'cults' at two sacred sites—Maximilian Voloshin’s grave in Crimea and a tower of the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow—reveals that both attract visitors who leave inscribed stones with requests for health, family well-being, prosperity, and success. While these appeals mirror societal values reflected in sociological surveys, they primarily serve as aesthetic or symbolic gestures rather than expressions of urgent need. The study quantifies the structure of these messages, demonstrating parallels between the two sites despite differences in context, and underscores their role as tourist attractions where 'honoring' the mythologized figures is more about ritualistic gaming than practical petitioning.
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
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A groundbreaking application of modern surveying techniques, including aerial photogrammetry with drones and artificial intelligence, has enabled the creation of a highly accurate 3D digital twin of the Torre di San Giovanni Battista (Torre Scola), a historic Genoese fortification near Porto Venere, Italy. This approach overcame the challenges posed by the tower's inaccessible maritime location, allowing for detailed architectural analysis and the production of scale replicas via 3D printing. The study also enhanced historical photographs using AI, providing new tools for both academic research and public engagement. Originally built in 1606 to defend the Gulf of La Spezia, the tower was partially destroyed in 1800 but preserved due to its historical significance. Today, it stands as a potential symbol of tourism in Liguria, gaining prominence through social media and drone imagery.
Naval Port of Karlskrona
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Scuttled ships, long dismissed for their perceived lack of archaeological value due to the absence of artefacts, play a crucial role in understanding and strengthening the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study focusing on the Naval Port of Karlskrona in Sweden demonstrates how storytelling about these shipwrecks can effectively engage interest and highlight their historical significance. By employing various narrative methods, researchers have shown that scuttled ships contribute significantly to discussions on cultural heritage preservation, usage, and development. This approach challenges traditional perceptions and underscores the importance of integrating such elements into broader heritage management strategies.
Landscape of Grand Pré
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Literature by marginalized communities in Nova Scotia—Gaélique, Black, Acadian, and Mi’kmaw authors—challenges the province's romanticized 'Maritime Paradise' narrative by reclaiming contested landscapes through creative works. This study reveals how five authors (Alistair MacLeod, Sylvia D. Hamilton, George Elliott Clarke, Serge Patrice Thibodeau, shalan joudry) subvert imperial erasure of displacement and violence, forging unique cultural connections to place. Using theories of landscape from Doreen Massey, Tim Cresswell, and W. J. T. Mitchell, the analysis demonstrates that their works resist assimilation while centering Indigenous and diasporic perspectives in Nova Scotia's contested history.
Komodo National Park
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Tourist satisfaction at Komodo National Park is strongly influenced by service quality and destination management, with high overall ratings for accommodation facilities and conservation efforts. A study of 320 tourists found these factors to be key predictors of visitor perceptions, while areas like information dissemination and education were identified as needing improvement. The research highlights the potential for integrated strategies to enhance visitor experiences while promoting sustainability in ecotourism destinations.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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Historic Jeddah, once neglected due to rapid modernization and economic shifts, faces ongoing challenges in preserving its architectural heritage. The study highlights that while initial preservation efforts, such as those led by Robert Matthew in the 1980s, proposed strategies like restoration or replacement, Saudi Arabia's '2030 Vision' program lacks a clear master plan for redevelopment. This has resulted in unplanned removals of slum areas and expropriation without defined future use, risking the loss of historic value. The research evaluates current preservation strategies to identify their effectiveness and potential future contributions to sustainable urban development while maintaining cultural integrity.
Historic Centre of Riga
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Urban streetscapes, particularly in historic centers with narrow, heavily trafficked streets, require innovative planning to balance safety, environmental accessibility, and cultural heritage while enhancing public comfort. A study on Terbatas Street in Riga's Historic Centre introduces a scenario-based methodology for evaluating design options that address these challenges. By engaging with city residents and non-governmental organizations, the approach allows for the assessment of multiple action plans, ensuring decisions align with both immediate needs and long-term urban development goals. The research validates key streetscape planning principles, offering practical guidance for landscape architecture in constrained outdoor spaces. This methodology was developed as part of a broader project aimed at improving public outdoor spaces and accessibility in Riga's historic center.
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
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A detailed structural analysis of the Evangelical Church of Apos, Sibiu County, reveals significant damage caused by differential settlements, mechanical stress from buttress detachment, and seismic activity. The study identified pronounced cracks due to land sliding and brickwork disintegration, exacerbated by prolonged moisture exposure. Using advanced methods like three-dimensional laser scanning alongside traditional surveys, researchers documented the church's historical reconfigurations and incompatible material interventions that compromised its structural integrity. Proposed conservation measures prioritize reversibility and authenticity preservation, focusing on strengthening walls, arches, vaults, and addressing humidity sources to prevent further erosion.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals how structural integrity of bridges, from ancient stone to modern concrete, has evolved over millennia. The study highlights the significance of preservation and retrofitting techniques for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, using two case studies: the iconic Old Stone Bridge in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and a historical riveted steel bridge in Transylvania (Romania). For the latter, an Engineering Critical Assessment provided solutions for retrofitting, ensuring structural stability without compromising historical integrity. This research builds on the foundational work of Prof. Stojan Sedmak, a pioneer in fracture mechanics, and underscores the applicability of structural integrity assessment in heritage conservation.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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A historic stone building, the Zahdeh Building in Hebron's Old Town, demonstrates remarkable structural resilience. Through advanced numerical modeling and non-linear static analysis using ANSYS, researchers determined that the building can withstand its current load while also supporting an additional two floors. This finding underscores the robustness of traditional construction techniques and provides a method for assessing similar structures to preserve architectural heritage. The study employed experimental techniques to determine the mechanical properties of stone and mortar, validating numerical models to ensure accuracy. These methods offer a reliable approach for structural assessment, applicable to other historic buildings worldwide.
Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
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Puri Agung Kerambitan, a unique cultural landscape in Bali Province, exhibits distinct spatial patterns and functions rooted in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy. The study identifies nine primary spaces within the site, each aligned with the Sanga Mandala principle, alongside three additional functional areas: saren gong, teba puri, and telajakan puri. These spaces serve specific purposes tied to traditional Balinese governance, residence, and heritage tourism. Through a survey method involving observations, interviews, and literature review, researchers mapped these patterns to preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism. The findings underscore the site's potential as both an educational resource and a tourist attraction, advocating for government support in its preservation and promotion.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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A study on the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple reveals how ethnomathematics can be effectively integrated into cultural preservation and education. The research identifies six key mathematical aspects embedded in the ballet: counting, number of accessories, angles formed, location and floor patterns, measurements, duration, stage area, designing elements like jarik motifs, dance choreography that avoids collisions, and the narrative structure and symbolic meanings of costumes. This approach not only facilitates the understanding of abstract mathematical concepts but also serves as a tool for cultural preservation. The study employed qualitative methods, including literature reviews and data analysis techniques such as collection, reduction, and conclusion formation, to uncover these fundamental aspects.
Ujung Kulon National Park
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A comprehensive study of plant diversity in the Javan Rhino and Conservation Area (JRSCA) within Ujung Kulon National Park has identified 241 plant species in undeveloped areas, including three vulnerable and one endangered species according to IUCN standards. Additionally, 89 species were found to be potential food sources for the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros. The research used quadratic sampling methods and interviews to assess plant diversity across different growth stages—trees, poles, saplings, and seedlings/understoreys—revealing a high level of biodiversity with varying species diversity indices. In areas designated for JRSCA development, 141 plant species were documented, including one vulnerable species, alongside plans to fell 2,221 trees with an estimated volume of 3,528.14 m³. This study underscores the ecological importance of Ujung Kulon National Park and provides critical data for minimizing the impact of conservation efforts on native plant diversity.
Djémila
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Ancient Roman construction techniques in Algeria, particularly at sites like Djemila, Timgad, and Lambèse, reveal sophisticated post-seismic interventions that mirror those found in European counterparts such as Pompeii and Ostia. The study identifies a correlation between historical renovations and seismic activity, suggesting that Roman builders in North Africa adapted their methods to mitigate earthquake damage. This insight underscores the advanced engineering expertise of Roman civilizations, which extended across their vast territories. The research employed visual examinations and comparative analyses, drawing parallels between Algerian and Italian sites to reconstruct past repair strategies.
Samarra Archaeological City
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A study on the Tigris River west of Samarra, Iraq, revealed significant gender imbalances among fish populations, with female dominance ranging from 1.19:1 to 7.0:1 across eight species. Monthly variations in gonad function (G.S.I) were also observed, indicating reproductive activity fluctuations. Environmental factors such as water temperature (10–22°C), dissolved oxygen (6.5–8.4 mg/L), and turbidity (39.5–49 NTU) were measured over six months, with notable peaks in temperature and turbidity during colder months. The research highlights the ecological dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's aquatic ecosystem, providing insights into species-specific reproductive strategies and environmental influences.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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A study of Buffon's kob (Kobus kob kob) in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, revealed that feeding is the dominant diurnal activity, accounting for 53.2% of observed behavior, particularly during morning, afternoon, and late evening. Resting became prevalent at mid-day when temperatures peaked. The research employed Altman's (1974) methodology, tracking 79 individuals—comprising adults, juveniles, and sub-adults—through direct observation from 6 am to 6 pm. Kountadala pond emerged as a key aggregation site for the species. While feeding was the primary focus, other behaviors such as walking (5.22%), running (3.25%), standing (4.3%), and agonistic interactions (<1%) were also documented. The findings provide critical insights into the diurnal activity patterns of this species, which could inform conservation strategies for Niokolo-Koba National Park.
Longmen Grottoes
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A comparative analysis of Guanfo statue impressions at the Longmen Grottoes reveals that these Buddhist artifacts not only reflect religious devotion but also symbolize the social and political identity of their creators as subjects of the imperial state. Using field investigations and historical argumentation, the study identifies five main types of Dharma seal impressions, tracing their origins to ancient India's Shakya sect while highlighting regional adaptations in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism. The research demonstrates how these artistic motifs encapsulate broader cultural shifts, offering a novel perspective on the intersection of faith, governance, and artistry during this period.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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A new digital protection framework for the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, a 5,000-year-old symbol of Chinese civilization, has been proposed to safeguard its cultural heritage. The study identifies key strategies—including digital technology integration, global cooperation, and visitor data analysis—to enhance preservation while expanding Liangzhu’s international influence. By leveraging modern tools for restoration, display, and cross-border collaboration, the model aims to set a precedent for protecting intangible and tangible cultural assets worldwide.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
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Archaeological excavations at the Suseo-dong ruins reveal that Joseon Dynasty temples underwent significant evolutionary changes, transitioning from royal-supported Buddhist sites to Confucian-influenced tomb management facilities. High-quality porcelain and dragon-patterned tiles indicate their initial association with royal or elite structures, while lotus and Sanskrit-marked tiles suggest later temple affiliations. The site's transformation—from a private family temple (Bunam) in the 15th century to a tomb management temple (Jopo)—mirrors broader political shifts during the Joseon Dynasty, including the decline of Buddhism under Confucian rule and the Imjin War's impact on royal tombs. Despite initial prominence, economic neglect led to the eventual closure of Bongheon Temple by 1872.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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Visitor comments reveal four key pathways for enhancing Liangzhu culture’s global reach. Analyzing online feedback from the UNESCO-listed Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park using ROST software, researchers identified critical strategies to strengthen international dissemination of this 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization landmark. The findings highlight actionable improvements aimed at boosting Liangzhu’s cultural influence worldwide.
Ellora Caves
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Aurangabad district, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ellora Caves and Ajanta, experiences significant socio-economic and cultural impacts from tourism. The study reveals that tourism serves as a pivotal driver for local development, fostering international relations while delivering diverse social benefits. To assess these effects comprehensively, the research employs both primary data—gathered through direct observation and personal experience—and secondary data sourced from government reports, academic literature, and other authoritative materials. Content analysis is applied to interpret the multifaceted tourism impacts on Aurangabad, providing a robust foundation for understanding its developmental potential. The findings underscore the need for balanced tourism growth to sustain cultural heritage while maximizing economic and social advantages.
Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė)
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A rare discovery of bone styli in the 16th-century cultural layers of Vilnius, Lithuania, challenges assumptions about their presence in medieval burial grounds. Unlike other cities in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where styli are typically found in urban settings before burial sites, these artefacts were unearthed outside the original burial ground horizon, raising questions about their origin and association with the 'Civitas Rutenica'—a Ruthenian city mentioned in historical records. The study examines whether these styli could have been part of the earlier burial ground or linked to later cultural influences, providing new insights into the religious affiliation and material culture of medieval Lithuania.
Yakushima
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A comprehensive analysis of submarine sediment distribution around the western Tokara Islands and southern Yakushima Island reveals strong influences from the Kuroshio Current on both geological and biological processes. The study, conducted through 95 surface sediment sampling points and one core sample, found that sediment types—ranging from coarse sand to mud—are shaped by abundant fine-grained material supplied from surrounding landmasses and localized bottom currents. In Yakushima's southern region, extensive rock exposures along ridge lines and the presence of biogenic debris in sandy sediments suggest intensified erosion and sediment movement linked to Kuroshio Current dynamics. Analysis of foraminifera, coral distributions, and environmental DNA further indicates that biological productivity is closely tied to these oceanographic factors.
Venice and its Lagoon
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Heritage preservation, a global effort spanning two centuries, has achieved significant successes through international cooperation and policy integration. The World Heritage Convention, a key UNESCO initiative, has revitalized historic urban centers like Venice, Fès, and Havana by setting global policy frameworks and promoting good conservation practices. However, heritage faces growing threats from overtourism, unsustainable development, climate change, and politicization of historical narratives. These challenges highlight the need for balanced approaches to protect both cultural and natural heritage while addressing power imbalances and diverse historical perspectives.
Sukur Cultural Landscape
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The Sukur Kingdom, Nigeria's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains largely unknown despite its significant cultural and historical value. This study identifies the site as a potential key tourist attraction due to its unique terraced fields, ancient iron smelting technology, and rich cultural landscape. By analyzing challenges in its promotion, the research proposes strategies for popularizing the site while ensuring heritage preservation. The approach combines cultural, historical, and geographical analysis to highlight Sukur's global significance and address barriers to its recognition.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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A significant rise in summertime ozone (O₃) levels at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, exceeding 70 ppbv, is linked to the rapid expansion of oil and natural gas (O&G) development in southeastern New Mexico. The study reveals that O₃ production is highly responsive to reductions in both nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and O&G-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with NOₓ reductions proving most effective. Using a constrained F0AM box model, researchers analyzed VOC reactivity and radical budgets, demonstrating that morning O₃ levels are primarily controlled by local photochemistry, while afternoon levels become sensitive to NOₓ loss. A high-O₃ episode was found to be influenced by aged O&G emissions, as indicated by back-trajectory analysis and low i-/n-pentane ratios, suggesting significant nonlocal O₃ formation.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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The Roman Empire's frontiers, spanning over 6,000 km along rivers, mountain ranges, and artificial barriers, were dynamic zones of contact, exchange, coercion, and exclusion. These frontiers, central to the International Congress of Roman Frontier Studies (LIMES), offer a diverse array of topics for scholarly exploration. This volume, part of the proceedings from the 25th LIMES Congress held in Nijmegen in 2022, delves into various aspects of supply and provisioning within the empire, focusing on organic material finds, riverine and maritime supply systems, militarily controlled mining, building material procurement, agro-political schemes, water management, and military material culture. The collection aims to provide both generalists and specialists with coherent thematic collections, making complex topics more accessible.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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A dramatic increase in proglacial lakes, from five to over 200, has been observed on the Seward Lobe of S?t? Tlein (Malaspina Glacier) between 1972 and 2020. This rapid expansion of thermokarst lakes, particularly small but potentially impactful ones like Sitkagi Lagoon—an ice-walled lagoon influenced by Pacific Ocean tides—suggests a shift toward catastrophic tidewater glacier retreat. The study combines high-resolution mapping (1:24,000 scale) with satellite imagery and fieldwork to document surficial geology and lake changes, revealing that while glacial outwash and moraines remain stable since 1958, lake dynamics are accelerating. These findings highlight the glacier’s evolving response to climate change.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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Integrated digital surveys, leveraging 3D laser scanning and Structure from Motion (SFM) photogrammetry, offer powerful tools for documenting and diagnosing heritage vulnerabilities in urban blocks. A study of a Mexico City historic center block between Plaza Mayor and Templo Major demonstrated that these methods can effectively capture plastic deformations and masonry wall misalignments, providing critical data for conservation and restoration efforts. By analyzing building facades at an urban scale and individual architectural units at finer scales, researchers identified structural lesions, failure patterns, and collapse risks—key insights for preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site, once the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan.
China Danxia
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A novel sustainability assessment model reveals that geotourism at Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, part of China's UNESCO-listed Danxia Landforms, can enhance economic and social benefits while managing environmental impacts. The study finds that elderly tourists, children, and high-income visitors contribute more to sustainable geotourism, with longer stays and higher energy consumption initially negatively affecting sustainability but diminishing in impact as tourism consumption levels improve. Positive drivers include tourism expenditure, travel mode, and ecological awareness, while new energy technologies are highlighted for promoting green development. This research provides a framework for assessing geoheritage sustainability and informs policy recommendations for balanced growth.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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A recent study reveals that the Community Model of Avocado Production (CMAP) in five indigenous communities within Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve shows promise for sustainable avocado cultivation without compromising forest conservation. The research, conducted through 42 interviews with producers and using a sustainability framework, identified critical points across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. While the CMAP supports local employment and land ownership, its economic viability is hindered by factors such as low profitability and high yield loss to pests. However, with targeted economic support for sustainable practices, the model could enhance livelihoods while preserving the reserve's ecological integrity.
Sacred City of Kandy
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2024 —
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Hotels in Kandy, Sri Lanka, have significantly adopted sustainability practices, particularly focusing on environmental and socio-cultural aspects. However, there is a notable gap in understanding how economic indicators relate to these sustainability commitments. Larger hotel chains demonstrate a more consistent implementation of sustainable practices compared to smaller ones. This research provides valuable insights for both future researchers and local hospitality practitioners by offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainability practice adoption in Kandy.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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2024 —
WHE8EFFF00D93
Smallholder vegetable farmers in the central highlands of Sri Lanka exhibit significant deficiencies in informedness regarding responsible pesticide use, primarily due to moderate knowledge levels and misconceptions about protective practices. Despite a reliance on pesticides as a means to increase crop yields, constraints such as limited access to information hinder their awareness. The study found that while knowledge and practice are significantly associated with informedness, attitudes do not play a significant role. Notably, men and younger farmers demonstrate higher levels of awareness compared to other demographic groups. Targeted efforts to enhance knowledge and correct misconceptions could improve farmers' informedness and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus
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2024 —
WHECE924D030B
A groundbreaking approach to achieving CO2-neutral historic districts is demonstrated through the 'CO2-neutrales Welterbe Speicherstadt Hamburg' project. This initiative successfully integrates renewable energy retrofitting with historic preservation, offering a scalable model for climate-neutral building stocks by 2045. The project combines practical and methodological strategies: it employs historically sensitive components for heat supply while leveraging Building Information Management (BIM) to centralize simulation models for thermal and ecological efficiency. This holistic method addresses the unique challenges of retrofitting listed buildings, providing a significant step toward decarbonizing heritage architecture.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2024 —
WHE7092FA0333
Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, faces significant challenges and opportunities as it transitions from a predominantly religious and business-focused destination to a global travel hub. Research reveals that while tourism has spurred economic growth and enriched travel experiences, it also threatens cultural heritage authenticity and sustainability due to overtourism and limited services. Qualitative analysis, including 15 in-depth interviews and on-field observations, underscores the need for balanced management strategies that prioritize heritage conservation alongside sustainable development. This study highlights the tension between preserving Jeddah's unique identity and meeting the demands of emerging tourism, offering insights critical for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites navigating similar transitions.
