Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2018 —
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An integrated evaluation methodology has been developed to measure the values and pressures within the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont, specifically the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato regions. This approach assesses both the economic value of the territory and the pressures exerted on its components through a system of indicators. The methodology provides a reliable tool for decision-making in defining territorial transformation scenarios, offering a comprehensive framework to balance economic and environmental considerations in this culturally significant landscape.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2018 —
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A strong sense of identity and pride among residents of the Amalfi Coast, reinforced by UNESCO recognition, plays a pivotal role in sustaining cultural heritage and driving tourism growth. This study highlights how local communities actively promote their region despite economic disparities, such as the North-South divide, to attract visitors. The research confirms that foreign tourists prioritize the region's natural beauty and cultural appeal over socio-economic challenges, contributing to its rise in global recognition—Positano, for instance, earned a spot in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. Statistical data on tourism trends further validate this upward trajectory, underscoring the interplay between heritage preservation, local initiative, and international appeal.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
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2018 —
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Recent excavations at Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994—revealed significant new structures that have transformed the understanding of this historic Danish site. Discoveries included a large palisade encircling the area, three Trelleborg-type houses, and the largest Viking Age ship setting in the Nordic region. These findings led to a boundary modification of the original inscription in 2018, highlighting their archaeological significance. The study also explores the challenges and opportunities of managing cultural heritage outside major urban centers, drawing on insights from a 2017 conference in Poland. Jelling's status as one of Denmark's most visited historical sites underscores its importance in both research and heritage preservation.
Lena Pillars Nature Park
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2018 —
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Lena Pillars Nature Park, the only Russian karst area nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, stands out due to its unique 'ground frozen karst' formation. This study reviews 37 global World Karst Natural Heritage sites, analyzing their distribution and significance, with a focus on extreme climate conditions like cold or arid environments. It highlights the need for recognizing new properties that represent sulfate and salt rock karst development. The research employs geographical and geological analysis to emphasize the outstanding universal value of Lena Pillars Nature Park, while also considering broader implications for karst heritage conservation.
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
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2018 —
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A key insight from the study on Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, is that universal design interventions can significantly enhance accessibility and appreciation of heritage sites for diverse users. The research demonstrates how integrating principles of equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and designing for diversity can improve physical and intellectual access to such sites. Conducted as part of a Master's in Architectural Conservation Design Studio at Jantar Mantar, the study involved diverse stakeholders and proposed practical solutions. It highlights the role of architects and education in fostering accessibility awareness, emphasizing the need to incorporate universal design teaching in architecture schools. This approach aims to create more inclusive heritage sites that cater to varied needs while preserving cultural significance.
Phoenix Islands Protected Area
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2018 —
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A critical analysis reveals that the reported fishing surge around the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) was not due to its closure, as previously claimed, but instead a consequence of a strong El Niño event affecting multiple exclusive economic zones (EEZs). The study challenges the 'blue paradox' concept, which posits unintended negative outcomes from conservation policies. By examining regional data and long-term catch trends, researchers demonstrate that the surge was part of a broader phenomenon unrelated to PIPA's closure. This finding underscores the importance of comprehensive data analysis in attributing environmental changes.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2018 —
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Urban agriculture in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient sacred city (377 BCE–1017 CE), played a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and spiritually enriching environment. Large water tanks, paddy fields, and canal systems were not merely functional but integral to the Buddhist sacred landscape, fostering human connection with nature while supporting the city's sustenance. This study reveals that these agricultural elements were central to everyday life, shaping social practices and enhancing human well-being through their integration into the urban form and cultural rituals. By synthesizing phenomenology, anthropology, landscape analysis, and historical methods, the research demonstrates how Anuradhapura's design harmonized practical needs with sacred experiences, offering a model for sustainable urban development rooted in spiritual values.
Historic Centre of Riga
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2018 —
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Urban densification in large housing estates, particularly those built post-World War II outside historic city centers, presents both opportunities and challenges. A study analyzing infill developments in the Imanta district of Riga identified four distinct approaches to densification, some of which enhance public space for residents while others risk isolating new developments from their surroundings. This research highlights the complexities of urban regeneration strategies aimed at promoting compact city models and curbing urban sprawl, offering insights into the potential social and spatial impacts of privatization on public open spaces.
City of Valletta
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2018 —
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Despite its rich urban heritage, Valletta has struggled to transition from sun-and-sea tourism to a more culture-oriented model. While recent policy shifts and investments have improved its cultural appeal, the dominance of traditional tourism persists, limiting the long-term impact of initiatives like Valletta's 2018 designation as European Capital of Culture. This case study reveals that even in destinations with strong heritage, shifting tourism paradigms proves challenging.
Historic Centre of Siena
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2018 —
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Green areas in Siena's historic center contribute significantly to CO2 absorption, with an efficiency of 1.95 t CO2 per hectare annually—a remarkable figure for a densely populated urban area. This study quantifies the carbon uptake capacity (330.50 t CO2 yr⁻¹) of vegetation types such as trees, olive groves, vineyards, and grasslands, highlighting their role in regulating planetary energy balance. By analyzing 71.54 ha of green spaces within the 169.64-ha historic center, researchers demonstrate that strategic urban planning and maintenance of green areas are critical for sustainable city development. The findings underscore the ecological value of preserving natural heritage even in highly urbanized settings.
M'Zab Valley
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2018 —
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Urban expansion in the M'Zab Valley, Algeria, is significantly threatening its UNESCO-listed oasis heritage, characterized by unique architecture and urban organization. The study identifies key actors and factors driving these urban encroachments, which not only compromise the valley's cultural and architectural integrity but also degrade its environment. By analyzing historical and contemporary urban development patterns, the research highlights the delicate balance between preserving this intangible heritage and addressing modern urbanization demands.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
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2018 —
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The Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Osogbo, Nigeria, has undergone significant transformations due to urbanization, modernization, and globalization. This study reveals that the city's landscape evolution can be categorized into four semi-concentric phases: natural, traditional, modern, and post-modern, each shaped by political dynamics, sociocultural orders, architecture, land use, urban governance, housing, and religious practices. The research employs a monarchical chronology to trace these changes from the grove's origins around 1800 to 2015, highlighting the critical role of the monarchical system in landscape heritage conservation. It concludes with a prognostic model for the archetypal Yoruba city, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance as a hub for the Yoruba nation.
Tipasa
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2018 —
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Photogrammetry emerges as a powerful tool for reconstructing the lost architectural details of ancient structures, offering unprecedented insights into their original states. This study demonstrates its application in virtually restoring the three access doors of the Nameless Temple at Tipasa, Algeria, by generating 3D models from fragmented voussoirs unearthed during excavations. By integrating historical documentation and architectural treatises, researchers proposed a plausible reconstruction hypothesis for the temple's sacred courtyard entrance. The approach not only documented existing remains but also enabled the visualization of missing elements, enhancing our understanding of Tipasa's history. This method serves as a model for digital heritage conservation, bridging gaps in archaeological knowledge through advanced surveying techniques.
Dja Faunal Reserve
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2018 —
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A camera trap survey in the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon, revealed significant differences in mammal communities between two sites 32 km apart. One site exhibited lower species richness, the absence of disturbance-sensitive felids and white-bellied duikers, higher abundance of disturbance-tolerant species, and reduced presence of larger-bodied mammals. These patterns suggest elevated hunting pressure at this site, potentially driving shifts in community structure. The study employed two 40-trap grids over a minimum of 100 days to assess mammal richness, diversity, guild structure, body-size patterns, and relative abundance, providing critical insights into the impacts of anthropogenic pressures on Central African forest ecosystems.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2018 —
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Stranded marine fauna, such as dead cetaceans and marine turtles, provide a substantial and regular food source for dingoes on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia. Between 2006 and 2016, an average of 30.3 tons of carrion was available annually, supporting the dietary needs of roughly 5–10% of the island’s dingo population. Camera traps revealed that dingoes, including entire packs, visited carcasses daily after a short decomposition period, indicating significant reliance on marine subsidies. This study highlights how marine strandings can influence terrestrial carnivore diet, behavior, and abundance, potentially leading to cascading effects in terrestrial ecosystems.
Old City of Zamość
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2018 —
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A comprehensive reassessment of Zamość Old Town's value after 25 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List reveals its enduring significance while highlighting the need for adaptive conservation. The study identifies authentic material carriers of its value and sets boundaries for future interventions, crucial for managing a heterogeneous historical urban landscape. Using updated preservation theory and evaluation methodologies, it provides actionable insights for ongoing restoration efforts, ensuring Zamość's spatial harmony and functionality align with contemporary urban demands.
Hwaseong Fortress
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2018 —
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A study analyzing visitor profiles to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea, reveals four distinct groups based on their evaluation of the site's value: Outing Seekers (OS), Tourism Seekers (TS), Heritage Seekers (HS), and Serious Travel Seekers (SS). These profiles differ significantly in terms of travel distance, recognition of the fortress as a World Heritage Site, and the influence of its status on their decision to visit. The research also highlights variations in visit satisfaction and intent to revisit among these groups. By employing latent profile analysis (LPA) on data from 656 visitors, the study provides insights into visitor behaviors that can inform sustainable heritage tourism strategies, balancing world heritage value with the site's inherent attractiveness.
Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)
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2018 —
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A comprehensive census of vascular plants in the Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida, Morocco) reveals 57 species linked to significant biodeterioration of historical structures. The study identifies therophytes and hemicryptophytes as dominant types, accounting for 79% of the flora, with their rooting patterns posing a substantial threat to substrate integrity. While spontaneous plants constitute 81%, invasive naturalized species like <em>Lycium europaeum</em> exacerbate structural damage, necessitating urgent conservation measures. The research employed systematic sampling and botanical identification to assess vegetation impacts on monument degradation, highlighting the critical role of plant colonization in historical preservation challenges.
Derwent Valley Mills
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2018 —
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The Derwent Valley Mills, located in Derbyshire, England, represent a pivotal development in industrial history as the birthplace of the water-powered cotton spinning industry and advanced skyscraper construction techniques. This study reveals how Cornelius Vermuyden's drainage of a lead mine catalyzed legal reforms and mining practices that facilitated the establishment of early mills in the valley. Sir Richard Arkwright's innovations, including the Masson Mill at Matlock Bath, marked significant advancements in mill design, leveraging mine drainage water for power. The research also explores the competitive dynamics among mills and their influence on high-rise building designs. Additionally, it recounts the controversial figure of Samuel Slater, known locally as 'Slater the Traitor' for his alleged betrayal by illegally taking technical knowledge to the USA, where he established his own mills.
The Forth Bridge
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2018 —
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A study monitoring the vertical deformation of the Forth Road Bridge's southern tower reveals a subsidence rate of approximately 4.7 mm per year, with high precision and minimal uncertainty. The research employed advanced GNSS data processing techniques to analyze 33 months of deformation data, identifying significant seasonal signals linked to thermal effects. A thermal expansion model demonstrated a 98.9% consistency with observed annual signal amplitudes, underscoring the substantial impact of temperature variations on bridge tower deformation. While daily signal amplitudes showed poor correlation with ambient temperature, their phase variations aligned closely post-February 2016. The study also explores the potential influence of the North Atlantic Drift on these signals due to the bridge's unique geographical location. It emphasizes the need for more detailed meteorological and loading data to further investigate deformation mechanisms over time.
Virunga National Park
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2018 —
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Virunga National Park, Africa's first and most renowned national park, faces an eco-crisis rooted in historical rhetoric. The study identifies problematic narrative patterns—echoing Joseph Conrad’s 'Heart of Darkness'—in both human rights campaigns from the Congo Reform Movement (1900) and animal rights movements led by figures like Dian Fossey in the 1970s. These campaigns, while advocating for justice, share responsibility for perpetuating ecological threats to Virunga's biodiversity, particularly its iconic mountain gorillas. The analysis highlights the documentary <em>Virunga</em> (2014) as a rhetorical model offering an alternative narrative path. This work critiques the long-term political and environmental consequences of such discourses, urging a reevaluation of their impact on conservation efforts.
Alto Douro Wine Region
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2018 —
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A study of the UNESCO World Heritage site Alto Douro Wine Region identified three distinct visitor segments: same-day visitors, cultural visitors, and individual mass visitors. These groups were characterized by their socioeconomic traits, cultural consumption experiences, and travel behavior. The research employed univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, including Categorical Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis, to segment the data collected from site visitors. This segmentation provides valuable insights for heritage management, helping to optimize provision, attract new visitors, and encourage repeat visits.
Teide National Park
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2018 —
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A public bike-sharing system shows promise as a sustainable transportation solution for the Teide National Park (TNP), Spain's most visited national park. The study, combining revealed and stated preferences with ordered logit models, found that bicycles could significantly reduce car dependency—currently at 70%—mitigating environmental strain and enhancing visitor experience. This approach offers a practical strategy to improve mobility management in high-traffic protected areas, balancing ecological preservation with tourism sustainability.
Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
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2018 —
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Recent scholarship on visual culture during the Ming and Qing dynasties reveals a dynamic interplay between imperial authority, religious practices, and societal values. Unlike studies on modern Chinese visual culture, which often rely on Western theoretical models, research on the imperial era draws more from art history and anthropology. Key findings highlight how the imperial court used visual elements to project authority, while also exploring auspicious symbolism in tomb contexts, Buddhist and Daoist influences, Confucian values through writing and imagery, urban consumerism via woodblock illustration, rural visual traditions, vernacular images, erotica, and the assimilation of foreign visual elements. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of how visual culture evolved alongside political and social changes over two millennia.
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
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2018 —
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Volubilis, Morocco’s most-visited archaeological site, reveals a dynamic post-Roman history through new excavations. Contrary to assumptions of decline after the third century, elite houses continued commissioning sophisticated mosaics into the fifth century before a catastrophic earthquake ended Roman occupation. The site then revived in the sixth century under Berber Awraba rule and became pivotal in the eighth century as the headquarters of Idris I, who unified much of Morocco. This study sheds light on Volubilis' resilience and cultural transitions across three eras—Roman, Berber, and early Islamic—challenging narratives of post-Roman collapse.
Garamba National Park
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2018 —
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Garamba National Park, DRC, demonstrates resilience in biodiversity conservation amid armed conflict. Over 40 years of systematic aerial surveys reveal trends in large mammal populations, particularly pachyderms, influenced by eight conflict crises and periods of peace between 1960 and 2016. The study highlights the park's ability to sustain wildlife despite international support fluctuations, offering critical lessons on conservation strategies during armed conflicts. Unlike typical scenarios where conflicts deter funding, Garamba serves as a model for maintaining biodiversity even in unstable environments.
Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé)
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2018 —
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Wirikuta, a sacred region in Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert and the endpoint of an annual 550-kilometer pilgrimage by the Wixárika (Huichol) people, faces significant threats despite its legal protection under Mexico's Indigenous rights framework. The study highlights Wirikuta's dual importance as both a natural site and a cultural landmark, protected by official decree to allow Indigenous management aligned with traditional practices. However, illegal mining activities pose severe risks to the region's ecological integrity and the Wixárika way of life. This research underscores the critical role of Indigenous stewardship in preserving Wirikuta while identifying urgent challenges, including legal violations and environmental degradation, that demand immediate attention for its sustainable future.
Wooden Churches of Maramureş
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2018 —
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Increasing tourist traffic poses significant threats to the preservation of the UNESCO-listed wooden Orthodox churches in Maramureș, Romania. Despite their recognition as a living open-air museum, these unique 18th-century structures face growing pressure from tourism development. A SWOT analysis conducted between 2013 and 2017 revealed key challenges, including potential damage to the fragile architecture and cultural heritage. The study also identified opportunities for sustainable tourism that could balance conservation with economic benefits. By analyzing tourist traffic data and literature, researchers highlighted the need for strategic planning to protect these irreplaceable landmarks while fostering responsible tourism growth.
Sangay National Park
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2018 —
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A mycological exploration of Sangay National Park (SP) and Llanganates National Park (LP), Ecuador, identified eight fungal species belonging to the genus <em>Xylaria</em> within the order Xylariales. Among these, one record remains unidentified at the species level, suggesting it may represent a new species. The study employed bioinformatic tools to analyze ribosomal DNA sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and constructed a Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree to assess diversity and relationships among collected samples. These findings provide foundational data for designing conservation strategies aimed at preserving fungal biodiversity in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sangay National Park
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2018 —
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A mycological exploration of Sangay and Llanganates National Parks, Ecuador, has uncovered eight fungal samples belonging to the genus Xylaria within the order Xylariales. Two of these were identified from Sangay National Park, while six originated from Llanganates. Notably, four samples defied species-level identification, hinting at potential new species. The study employed phylogenetic analysis using Maximum Likelihood methods on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequences to achieve taxonomic identification. This research provides foundational biodiversity data crucial for the conservation of fungi in Ecuador's protected areas.
Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
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2018 —
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The archaeological site of Gamzigrad, home to the late ancient imperial palace of Felix Romuliana built by Roman emperor Galerius, offers valuable insights into intensive building activities across its structures. A critical analysis of protection and presentation methods at this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals both advantages and disadvantages, highlighting the need for improved integration of old and new elements. This study contributes significantly to the objective review of contemporary methodological approaches in the field of archaeological site protection and revitalization, with potential applications for other sites in Serbia and the region.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2017 —
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A new model for studying the sacred space of Dra Abu el-Naga, part of the Theban Necropolis, reveals how tombs were strategically positioned to reflect kinship, political marriages, and social hierarchies, demonstrating a deliberate effort to maintain connections in the afterlife. This research integrates prosopographical-genealogical, archaeological, and GIS data to reconstruct the palaeorelief and visualize the ritual landscape from 1550–1069 BC, offering precise geographic coordinates for the first time. The approach bridges textual and archaeological perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of funerary landscapes that can be applied to other ancient Egyptian necropolises.
ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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Alcohol abuse among the ≠Khomani people, a small community resettled on six farms totaling 40,000 hectares after a successful land claim in 1999, poses significant challenges to sustainable development. This study highlights the complex interplay between cultural tourism, desire paths, and alcohol use/abuse within the ≠Khomani Cultural Landscape, using visual traces of alcohol's presence in the sand-dune landscape. The research employs 'cultural mapping' techniques, focusing on visual stills collected during a 2011 trip to the Kalahari by University of KwaZulu–Natal researchers. It contrasts the corporeal existence of alcohol with commercial tourist branding, offering insights into the social dynamics and developmental struggles faced by this community.
Huascarán National Park
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2017 —
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Tropical mountain peatlands, such as those in Peru's Huascarán National Park, are undergoing significant ecological transformations due to glacier recession. A 23-year remote sensing analysis revealed that these ecosystems are losing area through fragmentation and isolation, driven by shrinking glaciers and reduced stream discharge. However, precipitation may become a more dominant factor in the future. The study also found high plant diversity, with vegetation heterogeneity influenced by abiotic factors like elevation and organic matter content. Ecological oral histories from local users corroborated these findings, highlighting the interconnected social and biophysical processes affecting peatlands. The research suggests that future stewardship should involve local communities, supported by national parks and NGOs, to address these changes effectively.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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2017 —
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Residents' perceptions of tourism's economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts in UNESCO-protected sites directly influence their support for tourism development. A study on the Old City of Dubrovnik (OCD) revealed that residents who view tourism positively tend to support its expansion, while those perceiving negative effects oppose it. The research applied statistical methods, including Cronbach alpha, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM), to test a model linking these perceptions to tourism support. Findings underscore the importance of resident perceptions in shaping sustainable tourism policies, particularly in UNESCO sites where interactions between locals, tourists, and development are intense.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
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2017 —
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The Pseudo-Turpin Chronicle, a medieval narrative text, reveals its significant role in promoting the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Composed around 1145, likely in France, it claims to be an eyewitness account of Charlemagne's wars in Spain by Turpin, archbishop of Rheims, contradicting the chanson de geste tradition where Turpin is depicted as dying at Roncevaux. The chronicle links Charlemagne's campaigns to a divine request from St. James and supports the Reconquista, as evidenced by its connections to the Liber Sancti Jacobi in manuscripts like the Codex Calixtinus. Its widespread circulation across multiple languages underscores its cultural and religious influence during the medieval period.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking digital approach has successfully reconstructed and analyzed two small fragments of louteria, a large terracotta vase from the Greek colony of Akragas (modern-day Agrigento, Sicily). By employing high-precision 3D modeling techniques based on image analysis, researchers achieved unprecedented detail in documenting these archaeological artifacts. The resulting models revealed intricate decorative features and geometric characteristics that were previously obscured or challenging to study. This method not only preserves the fragments digitally but also provides a new framework for interpreting and understanding their historical significance within the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Area of Agrigento.
Cultural Landscape of Sintra
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2017 —
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During the Islamic period, Sintra's strategic landscape played a pivotal role in shaping its defensive system. Research reveals that beyond the two known castles and a ribat, Sintra likely featured additional fortifications and checkpoints, facilitating communication with distant regions and marking its maritime cultural landscape. This defensive network was underpinned by meticulous geographical planning, leveraging terrain, village connections, ports, and anchorages—some of which predate this era. The study cross-references historical, archaeological, toponymical, and geographical data to uncover these insights, highlighting Sintra's significance in the Lisbon region's military defense.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2017 —
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Gentrification and 'touristification' in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo have significantly reshaped urban dynamics, increasing economic competitiveness but also exacerbating segregation and urban poverty. The study reveals that recent urban planning shifts, often supported by supranational development agencies, have prioritized tourism and property investment, leading to stark socio-urban contrasts. Morphological analysis highlights how these changes have altered the city's landscape, with serious implications for social equity. The research underscores the consequences of such transformations, offering insights into the broader impact of global tourism trends on Caribbean urban centers.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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2017 —
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A pioneering digital enhancement project at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agrigento Valley of the Temples, has successfully mapped the Temple of Juno Lacinia, making it the first Greek temple globally accessible via a 360° online tour on Google platforms. This initiative introduces interactive features such as clickable points of interest, accompanied by descriptive sheets detailing architectural and decorative elements, capitals, columns, 3D reconstructions, videos, and aerial virtual tours captured using drones. The project, currently in its pilot phase, aims to expand this immersive experience to the entire valley, offering multilingual (Italian and English) and audio-guided content. This approach not only preserves and showcases the site's cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for digital preservation and accessibility of archaeological sites worldwide.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2017 —
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The Ring of Brodgar stone circle and associated Neolithic sites evoke a dynamic, hauntological experience for visitors, characterized by a tension between perceived presence and absence. This study reveals that the site's mise en scène, akin to surrealist frottage or a photograph, indexically represents an unknowable past while simultaneously soliciting imaginative engagement with heterochronia—simultaneous yet incompatible manifestations of time and space—and metatheatre, hinting at cryptic ritual performances. The research draws on surrealist theory, Robert Smithson's concepts, and semiotic analysis to argue that visitors' responses are shaped by this dialectical tension, where the imaginary blurs with the real, as described by Breton. The approach combines archaeological interpretation with performance studies to explore how these sites provoke a sense of presence despite their enigmatic nature.
Ancient City of Bosra
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2017 —
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A new architectural approach aims to transform the devastated ancient city of Bosra, Syria, into a symbol of hope and resilience through a museum-memorial. This design-led thesis proposes preserving fragments from both the Syrian Civil War and historical periods in an allegorical timeline, creating a sensitive reminder for returning residents while safeguarding Syria's cultural heritage. The project addresses the irreversible damage to ancient ruins like Bosra, which has suffered significant loss due to war, by integrating contemporary and historic artifacts into a memorial experience. The research explores speculative preservation methods to honor Syria's past amid ongoing conflict.
Gordion
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2017 —
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Ancient Gordion offers a unique perspective on agricultural sustainability and environmental change through its diachronic record. The study reveals that different political and economic systems implemented over time at Gordion resulted in varied agricultural practices with divergent environmental impacts. Some regimes fostered sustainable agriculture, while others led to significant environmental alteration. This comprehensive analysis of 220 botanical samples from the 1993-2002 excavations, combined with paleoenvironmental data, reconstructs agricultural decision-making processes and their social contexts. The research provides a valuable dataset for regional synthesis in the Near East and introduces innovative methods to study the relationship between social and environmental change globally.
Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht
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2017 —
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A comprehensive review of the Amsterdam Canal Ring Area reveals its enduring significance after 400 years. The study, authored by Marleen Sloof and Jaap Evert Abrahamse, highlights the site's architectural, urban planning, and historical value, emphasizing how it reflects Amsterdam's golden age and its adaptability to modern needs. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical analysis, urban studies, and conservation science to assess the site's cultural and natural heritage. It underscores the importance of preserving such sites while balancing development and tourism pressures.
Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty
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2017 —
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A comparative analysis of the Maidams, the mound-burial structures of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, India, reveals striking architectural and symbolic parallels with the Egyptian pyramids. The study highlights that both systems share complex construction techniques, hierarchical organization, and cultural significance, despite their geographical and temporal differences. Researchers employed a methodical approach to assess structural attributes, burial practices, and socio-political contexts, drawing on historical records and archaeological data. This comparative framework underscores the sophistication of Ahom burial traditions, challenging conventional narratives that emphasize Egyptian uniqueness in monumental architecture.
Teide National Park
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2017 —
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A significant link between visitor behavior and environmental impact at the Teide National Park (TNP), one of Europe's most visited sites, was identified through a CHAID algorithm analysis. The study revealed that visitors arriving by car tend to stay longer in the park, correlating with increased environmental footprint due to prolonged exposure and higher emissions from private vehicles. Conducted via 805 valid questionnaires in 2016, this research underscores the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions, such as promoting less polluting vehicles or alternative transportation modes, to mitigate ecological strain on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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2017 —
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Archaeological analysis of East Asian royal tombs reveals that the construction of massive royal tombs, such as those found in Northern Wei (China), Gaya (Korea), and Wa (Japan), was a shared process across different historical contexts, driven by the establishment and growth of royal authority. The study highlights that the Northern Wei dynasty, despite its nomadic origins, began constructing large tombs in the late 5th century, likely as part of sinicization policies and in response to neighboring regimes like Koguryo and the Rouran Khaganate. In Gaya, the decline of state power and changes in royal lines are inferred from the absence of new large tombs after the 4th century, while Daegaya's tombs suggest a social development comparable to Silla and Baekje. In Wa (Japan), the frequent relocation of tomb construction sites indicates dispersed royal authority and instability in hereditary succession. The research combines in-situ investigations with historical analysis to uncover these patterns, providing insights into the political and social dynamics of ancient East Asian societies.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2017 —
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Investments in cultural heritage tourism can significantly boost economic growth, employment, and income in tourism-dependent economies. A study on the Colonial City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic demonstrates that enhancing cultural heritage tourism opportunities diversifies the tourism product, expands the visitor base, and increases tourism expenditure. The research introduces an integrated economic model combining economy-wide modeling, time series analysis, stated preference approaches, and net present value analysis to evaluate such investments. This framework provides valuable insights into how targeted investments can accelerate economic development, offering a replicable approach for other regions with similar goals.
Keoladeo National Park
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2017 —
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A comprehensive study of Keoladeo National Park (KNP) reveals significant shifts in mammalian diversity and ungulate population dynamics since its designation as a protected area. The research documents the local extinction of eight mammal species, including the blackbuck, while identifying 34 extant species within the park. Line transect surveys estimated densities for key ungulates: chital (52.37 ind/km²), feral cattle (33.66 ind/km²), nilgai (13.68 ind/km²), wild boar (3.21 ind/km²), and sambar (0.32 ind/km²). Notably, habitat generalist species like chital and nilgai have seen increased densities over the past 25 years, contrasting with declines in more specialized species such as the sambar. These findings underscore substantial changes in mammalian diversity, driven by habitat alterations and local extinctions, particularly among carnivores.
Sangay National Park
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2017 —
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A study comparing two methods for determining soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Andean eyebrow forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador, found that while both the ignition loss (LOI) and DUMAS combustion methods yield similar SOC measurements (R² = 0.99), the DUMAS method offers greater precision with reduced time and labor requirements. The research involved analyzing soil samples from five plots at four depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, >30 cm) across three conglomerates in the southwestern zone of Sangay National Park. Though the correlation between methods was low, DUMAS demonstrated a slightly higher variability (3.38%), likely due to sample volume and equipment precision. These findings suggest that DUMAS combustion is a robust alternative for SOC determination, balancing accuracy with operational efficiency.
