Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande
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Archaeological excavations at the ruins of the Cathedral of Cidade Velha, Cape Verde, uncovered clay tobacco pipe sherds dating from the late 17th and 18th centuries. These findings suggest frequent tobacco consumption in colonial-era Cape Verde and reveal commercial links between the Portuguese Empire and other European regions. The study, conducted between 1989 and 1993 under the direction of one of its authors, examined material culture contexts tied to temple reformations, providing insights into the archipelago's colonial period.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2020 —
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Archaeological evidence reveals that Cahokia, a significant Mississippian culture center, maintained substantial exchange relationships with the Mill Creek villagers of northwestern Iowa and eastern South Dakota. This study synthesizes decades of research to evaluate the extent and nature of these exchanges, highlighting Cahokia's broader cultural and economic influence beyond its immediate vicinity. The analysis combines data from multiple archaeological sources to propose hypotheses about the interactions between Cahokia and its northern and western neighbors, offering new insights into the dynamics of Mississippian societies.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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New research reveals Cahokia's far-reaching influence as the largest Mississippian city (AD 1050–1275), extending its cultural, economic, and ideological hegemony across North America. Evidence from distant sites like Kincaid (Ohio River Valley) and Aztalan (Wisconsin) demonstrates Cahokia's impact on monumental architecture, subsistence practices, and religious iconography, even in regions with uncertain ties to the city. The study also traces the diaspora of Cahokian culture via the Mississippi River, highlighting its enduring legacy long after abandonment. This volume synthesizes artifact analysis, burial practices, and iconographic studies to reconstruct Cahokia's complex network of influence.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2020 —
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Archaeological research at Cahokia Mounds reveals complex social dynamics, including hegemony and diaspora, which shaped the development of one of North America's largest pre-Columbian cities. The study suggests that Cahokia's influence extended beyond its immediate boundaries, with evidence pointing to a network of interactions and migrations that contributed to its cultural and political dominance. Using contextual analysis, the research examines how Cahokia's societal structure evolved over time, highlighting the interplay between local traditions and external influences. This approach provides new insights into the resilience and adaptability of ancient societies in the Mississippi River Valley.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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A reassessment of the interaction between Cahokia and Moundville, two significant Mississippian centers, finds minimal evidence of direct contact despite the presence of exotic artifacts and architectural similarities. While rare Mill Creek chert bifaces, a Missouri flint clay effigy pipe, sheet copper objects, and a 'greathouse' built in a potentially Cahokian style were identified, there is no conclusive proof of Cahokian involvement in Moundville's emergence or development. This update builds on previous research by incorporating recent findings from the earliest period at Moundville.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2020 —
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Archaeological evidence from the Craig Mound at Spiro reveals a centuries-long ritual connection between the Mississippian urban center of Cahokia and the northern Caddoan site, suggesting sustained cultural exchange. The study identifies inalienable goods such as copper plates, flint clay sculptures, shell cups, gorgets, and symbolic weaponry as exports from Cahokia, indicating that Cahokian belief systems significantly influenced Spiro's religious practices. This sustained interaction is inferred to have occurred through ritual sodalities and social houses, highlighting the enduring impact of Cahokia on regional ritual traditions.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2020 —
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Historians' role in addressing past human rights abuses, as highlighted by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, is better understood through their production of impermanent historical narratives rather than a singular 'truth.' This study argues that these narratives are shaped by discursive authority and supported by truth commissions, embedding them in public memory. The research critiques the simplistic demand for absolute historical truth, instead advocating for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the dynamic nature of history and its intersection with public discourse.
The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities
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A critical assessment of the feasibility of restoring Iraq's marshes, once spanning 15,000 to 20,000 square kilometers, reveals that despite political shifts and a renewed focus on restoration after 2003, significant water scarcity—driven by upstream dam construction and climate change—poses substantial challenges. The study suggests that with a prudent water resources strategy, the remaining 75% of the marshes could be restored, requiring approximately 13 billion cubic kilometers of water. This analysis highlights the delicate balance between ecological restoration and resource management in this biodiversity-rich region, often referred to as the 'Garden of Eden.'
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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A recent survey of early dinosaur fossil collections from the Upper Cretaceous of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, including those from Dinosaur Provincial Park, reveals Canada's first known occurrences of several dinosaur taxa. These include the first Canadian and global records of Caenagnathidae (1884) and Thescelosauridae (1889), alongside numerous other significant finds. The study highlights collecting biases, with overrepresentation of ornithomimids and small theropods, while ceratopsids and ankylosaurs are underrepresented. The research, based on historic collections housed in the Canadian Museum of Nature, provides a comprehensive narrative of early paleontological efforts in Western Canada during 1874–1889, shedding light on the region's rich fossil record and its contributions to understanding dinosaur diversity, ecology, and extinction.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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A detailed geological and structural overview of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, spanning from Drumheller, Alberta, to Golden, British Columbia, reveals the dynamic deformation processes within the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and its associated ranges. The study highlights significant fossil locations, including dinosaur remains at Dinosaur Provincial Park and the Royal Tyrell Museum, as well as trilobites and soft-bodied fauna from the Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarries. It explores how thrust belt deformation varies with lithology, thickness, and rock strength, providing insights into the region's geological history, oil and gas exploration, and mining activities. This field guide serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the complex interplay between tectonic forces and sedimentary processes in one of North America's most geologically diverse regions.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2020 —
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Researchers have identified two novel antifungal-resistant yeast species, Candida metrosideri and Candida ohialehuae, associated with the flowers of Metrosideros polymorpha in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. These species, classified within the family Metschnikowiaceae, exhibit elevated resistance to amphotericin B (>4 μg/mL), a key antifungal drug. The discovery was made through morphological and physiological characterization, along with sequence analysis of multiple genetic markers, including rRNA genes and RNA polymerase II subunits (RPB1 and RPB2). Both species form a distinct subclade linked to insects, flowers, and clinically relevant taxa, suggesting potential ecological and evolutionary significance in their niche. Their ascosporic state remains unobserved, adding another layer of intrigue to their biology.
University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia
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The University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 22, 2013, marking a significant milestone in its centuries-long history. This recognition was the result of a meticulous process led by two key projects under the Rectorship: the Gabinete Paço das Escolas and the Gabinete de Candidatura à UNESCO, established in March and October 2004, respectively. These initiatives played a pivotal role in shaping the university's candidacy, drawing on extensive documentary and bibliographic research to highlight its historical significance and cultural influence. The study delves into the contributions of political-conceptual protagonists, theorists, and decision-makers who were instrumental in this endeavor.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2020 —
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A list of musicians from Canterbury Cathedral, compiled around 1541, reveals the institution's rich musical culture post-dissolution. The document, featuring Thomas Tallis as its first named singer, underscores the cathedral's enduring legacy as a hub for music and art, despite significant reorganization following Henry VIII's dissolution of monastic communities. This finding highlights the resilience of Canterbury’s musical traditions during a period of upheaval, with twelve professional singers leading a new lay staff. Supporting evidence includes references to the Peterhouse partbooks, suggesting a curated collection of music for Tallis and his colleagues, further emphasizing the depth of musical activity at the site.
Tashkent Modernist Architecture. Modernity and Tradition in Central Asia
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Central Asia's rapid urbanization between 1955 and 2017, marked by a 20-fold increase in urban populations, is analyzed through the lens of Tashkent, Almaty, and Astana. These cities, shaped by Soviet modernism post-earthquake reconstruction (Tashkent) and administrative relocations (Astana), reflect distinct paths of modernization. The review highlights how urban architecture and governance in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan interrelate, emphasizing citizen experiences and global theoretical frameworks to contextualize these developments on a broader scholarly stage.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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A study of the ceramic tiles in Seville's Real Alcázar reveals that the palace's Mudéjar Palace, dating to the 14th century, features five distinct colors—green, black, molasses, white, and blue—each influenced by specific chemical elements like iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, and tin. Using non-invasive techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and diffraction (XRD), along with microscopy, researchers analyzed 24 zones of the palace's tiles, identifying inclusions like wollastonite, quartz, bustamite, feldspars, casiterite, and malayaite. The findings indicate that the ceramic paste was calcic and fired at approximately 900°C. The study also highlights the presence of salts such as thenardite, gypsum, sodium chloride, and nitrogen compounds, which contribute to the tiles' deterioration. Notably, the ceramics exhibit no homogeneity due to varying installation periods—spanning from the 14th century to recent restorations—and multiple restoration interventions over time.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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A study on the Cartagena Bay, Colombia, revealed significant levels of mercury (Hg) and dissolved/dispersed hydrocarbons (DDH) in sediments and waters, particularly at a loading port. Mercury concentrations ranged from 109 to 288 µg/kg dry weight, with an average of 183.33 ± 55.41 µg/kg, while DDH levels varied between 4.51 and 18.04 µg/L in port waters—no hydrocarbons were detected at distant sampling points. The findings suggest ongoing or residual contamination, necessitating further monitoring to assess trends. Researchers also recommend expanding analyses to include other heavy metals and coal due to observed pollution linked to improper cleaning practices at the port.
León Cathedral
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Diagnostic analyses of the plasters and paints on León Cathedral’s main façade, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, reveal critical insights into its material composition. The study identifies distinct layers and pigments, providing foundational data for a conservation strategy that integrates architectural, chemical, geological, and restoration expertise—a multidisciplinary approach largely unprecedented in Nicaragua. By characterizing the intonaci (plasters) and tinte (paints), researchers aim to preserve the cathedral’s historical integrity while addressing gaps in local conservation practices.
Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
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The exhibition 'Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time' at the Block Museum of Art challenged Eurocentric narratives by centering Africa's role in medieval global trade networks (8th–16th centuries). It highlighted the Sahara as a hub for gold, salt, and intellectual exchange, juxtaposing archaeological fragments with intact artworks from West/North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The exhibition revealed Africa's sophisticated artistic innovation and economic influence during this period, particularly through trade in gold, which drew European attention. Key artifacts included gold-leafed manuscripts, terracotta figures, and ivory carvings, alongside didactic panels and video interviews that contextualized trans-Saharan trade routes. By emphasizing fragmentary evidence—such as Tellem textiles from the Bandiagara Escarpment and Chinese porcelain found in Mali—the exhibition demonstrated Africa's foundational role in shaping global medieval civilizations, deconstructing colonial-era perceptions of the 'Middle Ages.' The research approach combined curatorial scholarship with multimedia storytelling to bridge gaps between material culture and historical narratives.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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Hybrid spectacles blending opera and bullfighting, termed 'opéra tauro-comique,' emerged in the Roman amphitheatres of Arles and Nîmes during the Third Republic, democratizing cultural experiences. These performances, combining Bizet's <em>Carmen</em> with live corridas, were a popular attraction from 1899 to 1981, particularly at Whitsun ferias. The study examines how these spectacles articulated disparate elements of opera and bullfighting, challenging perceptions of Spanish local color and ritualistic violence while fostering a shared meridional identity. Audience reactions and the cultural significance of this fusion are explored through historical analysis.
Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande
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A pioneering archaeological map of Cidade Velha reveals authentic vestiges that trace the site's cultural diversity and historical trajectory, particularly its 16th and 17th-century urban expansion. The study identifies and inventories all remnants within the protected area, encompassing the Ribeira Grande valley and historic center, offering critical insights for conservation efforts. This first approach to archaeological mapping provides a foundational element for understanding and preserving the site's rich heritage, highlighting its significance as a primordial populated area.
Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape
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A recent study has identified three key zones in Chad—Kanem/lac Tchad, Batha, and Ennedi—as critical areas for the reproduction and gregarization (swarming) of the desert locust (<em>Schistocerca gregaria</em>), a major agricultural pest. These findings suggest that Kanem/lac Tchad may represent a new focal area for locust swarm formation, expanding our understanding of their spatial distribution. Researchers analyzed over 7,000 historical observations (1965–2017) using spatial density smoothing techniques to map seasonal patterns during invasion and remission phases. While the Tibesti massif remains a known hotspot, reports from this region have declined due to security challenges. The study highlights the need for more consistent monitoring to assess potential shifts in locust distribution over time.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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A comprehensive debris-flow prevention and control system, tailored to the topographic features of Jiuzhaigou Valley's gullies, was developed following the 2017 earthquake that increased loose material and debris-flow activity. The study focuses on Xiajijie Lake gully, analyzing its disaster history and formation while proposing principles and measures for mitigation, including lateral diversion and deposition at the outlet. Environmental considerations were also integrated, such as using galvanized wire gabions to reduce impact force and planting bushes or grass on retaining walls for aesthetic enhancement. This approach combines structural and environmental strategies to mitigate debris-flow hazards in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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Neolithic Çatalhöyük was likely situated within a complex landscape of multiple interconnected river channels, featuring drier islands and localized wetter zones. This study challenges previous environmental interpretations by employing high-resolution sedimentary data to reconstruct the site's ancient topography and ecological niches. The research reveals a mosaic environment where riverbanks supported tree and shrub vegetation, while islands provided suitable areas for cultivation. By critically reviewing existing palaeoenvironmental evidence, the authors offer new insights into the potential land uses and environmental conditions that shaped Neolithic life at Çatalhöyük.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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Nowruz celebrations in Bukhara and Samarkand during the late 19th to early 20th centuries exhibited distinct cultural practices influenced by political shifts, particularly Russia's annexation of the region. In Bukhara, Emir Muzaffar introduced large-scale official Nowruz festivities to bolster the Manghit dynasty's legitimacy, sparking debates among Islamic intellectuals over its alignment with tradition. Conversely, Samarkand's celebrations integrated agricultural and pastoral elements, legitimized through mosque prayers and visits to sacred sites, but diminished in scale post-annexation due to the absence of official sponsorship. The study, based on archival sources, memoirs, and Imperial Russian history, contrasts these two forms of Nowruz—official and folk—to highlight how political transformations reshaped ritual practices and social discourses across the Zerafshan Valley.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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New research reveals that the Campbell Plateau, part of Zealandia and the Gondwana super-continent, has undergone substantial erosion and deformation since its separation ~98 million years ago. Sub-bottom profile data from 2017-2018 indicate a relatively undeformed sub-surface with minor reverse faulting, contradicting previous interpretations. The study identifies dynamic sedimentary processes, including onlap/downlap surfaces interpreted as current scours and erosional features, particularly in the southern plateau. A plateau-wide Pliocene unconformity suggests a large-scale erosional event. Lithological changes from Cretaceous biogenic sediments to Miocene nannofossil-rich oozes and Pleistocene foraminiferal oozes are linked to Southern Ocean circulation patterns, including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and local wind-driven currents.
Sacred City of Caral-Supe
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A proposed archaeological interpretation center in Barranca, Peru, aims to elevate the cultural and historical significance of the region beyond its association with the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caral. The project seeks to showcase the province's 24 archaeological settlements through immersive exhibits, workshops, and educational programs, targeting both locals and tourists. Strategically located near major transportation routes, the center is designed to resemble pre-Colombian ruins, serving as a landmark that inspires further cultural development in the area. By bridging education and tourism, this initiative could boost internal and external visitation while fostering a deeper appreciation for Barranca's rich heritage.
The Gedeo Cultural Landscape
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A study on the Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden, established in 2017 for biodiversity conservation and ecotourism in South Ethiopia's Gedeo Zone, reveals significant potential for sustainable ecotourism development. The garden's diverse flora, fauna, attractive landscapes, cultural resources, and rivers serve as key attractions. Opportunities include the unique natural and agro-forestry ecosystems, proximity to Saron Lodge, and a variety of cultural attractions. However, challenges such as low community benefits, inadequate participation, lack of an ecotourism plan, unsustainable resource use, insufficient accommodation, and absence of local guides hinder progress. The study recommends integrating communities into ecotourism development to address these issues effectively.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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A comprehensive analysis identifies ten islands or archipelagos in Northwestern Mexico as high-priority sites for seabird conservation, including the Revillagigedo and San Benito archipelagos. The study ranked 91 sites based on breeding seabird communities (35 species across 11 families), using criteria such as conservation category, preferred habitat, and foraging guilds. Highlighting the urgency, it notes that many species migrate internationally, escalating conservation challenges beyond national borders. The research, synthesizing 119 reports from 1922–2018, emphasizes the need for advanced monitoring tools to establish population baselines and track trends effectively.
Historic Centre of Riga
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Public outcry and prolonged negotiations over detailed urban plans for waterfront areas in Riga (Mezapark) and Tallinn (Kalarand) reveal a critical gap between civic engagement strategies and public expectations. Despite increasing demand for participation in shaping city development, existing planning frameworks in post-socialist societies fall short of meeting these needs, highlighting the necessity for a cultural shift in urban planning. The study, based on semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and analysis of planning documentation, underscores the ineffectiveness of current civic engagement models and calls for reform to better align with community aspirations.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
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Chami, Mauritania's newly developed town, exemplifies the intricate interplay between urban planning and artisanal gold mining, offering insights into the dynamics of desert urbanization. The study reveals that Chami's development, initially a state-led initiative with minimal inhabitants, gained momentum through the centralization of gold mining activities, transforming it into a bustling 'mushroom town.' This unique trajectory highlights how gold rushes and urban planning policies can mutually reinforce each other, creating complex socio-economic landscapes. However, the town's future remains uncertain due to potential shifts in government regulation, distribution of mining rents, and environmental concerns, particularly its proximity to Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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Research reveals that while Ogii Lake and the Old Orkhon River maintain clean water quality, phosphate (PO4³⁻) concentrations are significantly higher—2.7 to 3.4 times the standard level—in 2018. This increase is linked to livestock distribution around the lake and heightened discharge following summer rainfall. The study analyzed water samples from springs, streams, the lake, and groundwater over two summers (2017–2018) using standardized methods, alongside a questionnaire assessing anthropogenic impacts. It also tracked waste generation from livestock and tourists, vegetation changes via NDVI, and lake surface area shifts over decades. Findings underscore the need for sustainable management to mitigate environmental risks in this Ramsar-listed wetland.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
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Recent research at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park reveals concerning changes in benthic cover, likely linked to eutrophication. Specifically, Site 4 in the South Atoll has shown significant declines in hard coral cover (HCC) and increases in algae, with cyanobacteria dominating space in 2018 and sponges overgrowing corals by 2019. These shifts are attributed to increased guano-derived nutrients in lagoon waters, which may trigger a long-term decline in coral health. The study highlights the need for enhanced monitoring to address potential environmental threats to this globally significant marine protected area (MPA).
Aldabra Atoll
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Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea), currently listed as Vulnerable, face significant population threats from climate change. A study on Aldabra Atoll revealed distinct seasonal patterns in plasma hormone levels—testosterone in males and oestradiol in females—that align with known reproductive cycles. These findings provide critical insights for monitoring and managing captive breeding programs, both ex-situ and in-situ, to support conservation efforts and establish resilient populations. The research, conducted over a year on wild tortoises, analyzed monthly hormone concentrations alongside meteorological data, offering a foundation for endocrinological strategies in species preservation.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
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Over four decades, the waterbird community in the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania—a critical site for coastal waterbirds along the East Atlantic Flyway—has undergone significant changes. While total waterbird numbers declined between 1980 and 2017, the Great White Pelican showed a notable increase. Five species experienced sharp declines: Long-tailed Cormorant, Red Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, and Western Marsh Harrier. These changes were driven primarily by shifts in species dependent on intertidal mudflats (declining) versus those relying on sublittoral and offshore zones (often increasing). The study analyzed seven complete waterbird counts from 1980 to 2017, along with yearly data from the Iwik region since 2003, revealing a significant shift in species composition over time.
Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
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Hiking Mount Fuji induces significant physiological stress, marked by elevated urinary catecholamines and cardiac overload indices. A study of six young male hikers found that heart rate, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and double product were significantly higher at the summit (3,776 m) compared to sea level and the 5th Station (2,400 m), with a notable drop in oxygen saturation. These changes correlate with increased adrenergic sympathetic nervous activity, likely driven by hypobaric hypoxia, temperature drops, and exercise intensity. Even at lower altitudes, such as the 5th Station, catecholamine levels rose significantly, indicating that altitude-related stress begins well before reaching the summit.
Mount Huangshan
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Between 2000 and 2015, water retention in Huangshan’s forests rose slightly (0.15 m³ ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) while carbon sequestration surged (25.57 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹), both showing increased spatial uniformity. Climate factors—especially rising precipitation and temperature—drove these changes, yet tourist disturbance had a stronger negative impact on carbon sequestration than climate did. Structural equation modeling revealed that climate was the dominant driver of water retention, whereas tourist pressure overshadowed climatic influence on carbon storage. These findings clarify how geopark ecosystems respond to global change and human activity, offering actionable insights for sustainable management.
Białowieża Forest
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A bark beetle infestation significantly deteriorated the health of Norway spruce stands in Białowieża Forest between 2013 and 2019, with weather conditions during May–September exacerbating the damage, particularly in 2015, 2018, and 2019. Using Landsat 8 imagery, researchers found that changes in spruce health were detectable through shifts in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) distributions—minimum, mean, and median values declined, and the shape of NDVI distributions altered over time. A threshold NDVI value of approximately 0.6 effectively distinguished healthy from unhealthy spruce stands, demonstrating the utility of medium-resolution satellite data for large-scale forest monitoring. This study highlights the potential of readily available Landsat archives to support routine assessments of stand health in response to disturbances like bark beetle outbreaks.
Lake Baikal
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A dramatic increase in nutrient supply from deep waters to the photic zone of Lake Baikal has been observed since the mid-19th century, driven by changing wind dynamics and reduced ice cover. This shift, analyzed through silicon isotope composition in diatoms—the dominant primary producers—highlights the impact of climate change on the lake's biogeochemical cycling. The study also notes growing threats from untreated sewage and catchment development near the shore, raising concerns about the resilience of this highly endemic ecosystem, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique biodiversity.
Península Valdés
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Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) at Península Valdés, Argentina, demonstrate remarkable behavioral and ecological flexibility, as evidenced by changes in their habitat use patterns over four decades. This study, spanning from 1970 to 2020, identified 618 individual whales sighted across multiple years, revealing shifts such as the abandonment of a major concentration region and the establishment of new nursery areas near growing whalewatching industries. Some whales were also resighted on distant feeding grounds and other nursery sites, suggesting long-range movements. Isotope analysis further indicated diverse feeding strategies among individuals. The research highlights the adaptability of these whales to environmental changes, including potential responses to human disturbances.
Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto
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A key insight from this study is that the transformation of Sawahlunto's Ombilin coal mines into a UNESCO World Heritage Site was driven by multi-dimensional system innovation, involving government sector reforms, economic development, and socio-political change. The research identifies two critical success factors: strong leadership and effective integration of heritage assets to balance diverse stakeholder interests. This study enriches the understanding of system innovation through historical reconstruction and offers a novel approach to social history by analyzing the path to World Heritage status. It highlights how leadership played a pivotal role in revitalizing heritage assets, contributing to sustainable tourism development.
Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape
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Cornwall and West Devon, the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK, present unique mining hazards due to its extensive metalliferous mining history spanning over 2000 years. The study identifies key risks linked to the region's distinctive geology, including steeply dipping mineral veins, deep and complex mine structures, and contamination from ore-processing by-products, particularly arsenic. Additionally, kaolin mining introduces hazards related to waste management and stable spoil tip maintenance. This research highlights the need for advanced heritage preservation techniques and remediation strategies to address these long-standing challenges, positioning Cornwall and Devon as leaders in mining hazard treatment.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Nanoparticle-based consolidation using alkaline earth hydroxides (calcium hydroxide and barium hydroxide) successfully stabilized sulfate-polluted Maya mural paintings at Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico. This innovative approach demonstrated long-term re-adhesion of flaking painted layers while maintaining compatibility with the original lime-based painting technique. The study highlights the effectiveness of nanoparticle dispersions in preserving fragile artistic substrates under challenging subtropical climate conditions, offering a sustainable solution for conserving cultural heritage without compromising physicochemical properties.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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New Caledonia's post-obduction evolution, spanning from the Late Oligocene to the present, reveals significant tectonic and sedimentary dynamics. The study highlights two key granitoid intrusions into the Peridotite Nappe, alongside extensive regolith development controlled by tectonic uplift and subsidence. The Népoui Group, a mix of marine carbonate and siliciclastic deposits, reflects this dynamic history, while remnants like the Gwa N'Doro Formation and Fluvio-lacustrine Formation showcase Miocene to present-day river systems. Offshore seismic surveys indicate substantial Neogene subsidence, though undated sedimentary successions remain. Quaternary formations, including aeolianite and calcrete inland, and a barrier reef–lagoon complex offshore (dated to ~400 ka), further illustrate New Caledonia's complex geological narrative. The chapter synthesizes models for this evolution, integrating field observations, seismic data, and sediment analysis.
Ancient City of Ping Yao
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Salt crystallization and freeze–thaw cycles are identified as the primary factors contributing to the weathering of traditional Chinese blue bricks, particularly in damp areas of the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Ping Yao. This study analyzed brick samples from historical buildings, assessing their mineralogical and physico-mechanical properties—such as density, porosity, water absorption, and compressive strength—as well as their resistance to salt crystallization and frost. Laboratory experiments revealed that these environmental stresses degrade brick integrity through mechanisms like contour scaling, flaking, powdering, and efflorescence formation. The research proposes an anti-weathering strategy combining damp blocking, desalination, and targeted brick replacement, offering practical solutions for preserving this heritage site while addressing broader challenges in conserving traditional Chinese architecture.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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A devastating debris flow event in Zechawa Gully, Jiuzhaigou Valley, China, was triggered by heavy rainfall following the 2017 Ms 7.0 earthquake, causing significant traffic disruption and property damage. Research reveals that a failed check dam amplified the debris flow's peak discharge, intensifying its destructive impact. The study proposes optimized mitigation strategies combining blocking and deposit-stopping measures, which were successfully implemented in May 2019 to control subsequent debris flows, including one on June 21, 2019. These findings highlight the critical role of engineered countermeasures in managing post-earthquake disaster risks, particularly in earthquake-prone World Heritage Sites like Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Mount Wuyi
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A study on Mount Wuyi reveals that mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests (BCF) exhibit higher light fraction organic matter content and carbon storage compared to evergreen broad-leaved forests (EBF) and coniferous forests (CF). This finding suggests BCF plays a significant role in soil organic carbon dynamics. The research used density fractionation to analyze surface soil samples from different forest types across elevations, showing that fine root biomass is a crucial source of light fraction organic matter. This insight is vital for understanding soil carbon cycling under future climate and vegetation changes.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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A study conducted in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, reveals that the traditional bulk formula for estimating sea surface resistance coefficients, derived from past typhoon wind speeds, may not accurately predict coastal flooding under the intensified typhoons expected with climate change scenario A1B. This finding underscores the urgent need for more observational data on future typhoons to improve the accuracy of storm surge prediction models. The research utilized long-term fixed observations to analyze sea current characteristics during typhoons, highlighting a critical gap in current predictive modeling that could significantly impact coastal management strategies.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2020 —
WHE1FE11D1642
A riverbank failure along the Arno River in Florence, Italywas primarily caused by the loss of water from subterranean pipes, leading to a critical reduction in stability. This conclusion was drawn from an integrated analysis combining borehole data, geotechnical characterization, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), digital photogrammetry (DP), bathymetric and geophysical surveys, riverbank stability assessments, and seismic vibration evaluations. The TLS survey revealed the 3D deformation patterns of the riverbank, landslide geometry, and involved volumes, providing critical insights into the failure mechanism. Stability analysis further demonstrated that the lowest safety factor occurred under conditions of complete saturation of filling materials and low river levels, reinforcing the hypothesis that pipe-induced water loss was the key trigger for the collapse on May 25, 2016.
Kathmandu Valley
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2020 —
WHEF23B1E50A5
A study on airborne dust in Kathmandu Valley reveals the presence of asbestiform minerals, characterized by high aspect ratios, alongside clay, crystalline silicate, and carbonate minerals. Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), researchers identified quartz with high crystallinity and variable elemental distributions, including C, O, Mg, Ca, and Si. Notably, some minerals in the dust samples were also found in cement, suggesting construction materials as a potential source of airborne pollutants. This research provides critical insights into the mineralogical composition of particulate matter in one of the world's most polluted urban areas.
Galápagos Islands
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2020 —
WHE53A4BA3C41
A groundbreaking expedition to the Galapagos Islands revealed 30 previously undescribed deep-sea benthic invertebrate taxa, including five new genera (2 sponges and 3 cnidarians), marking a significant advancement in our understanding of this pristine yet understudied region. The research, conducted using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system, explored depths ranging from 290 to 3,373 meters across seven sites, capturing over 85 hours of footage and collecting 90 specimens for analysis. The study documented diverse deep-sea communities, such as cold-water coral gardens and soft-sediment faunal assemblages, providing a baseline for assessing future impacts from climate change and anthropogenic pressures. These findings have directly informed the establishment of fully protected deep-water areas within the Galapagos Marine Reserve, aimed at preserving these unique ecosystems in an era of rapid environmental change.
