City of Cuzco
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2011 —
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Postcards depicting 'Andean poor children' in Cusco, Peru, serve as a lens to understand how diverse actors—producers, tourists, vendors, and volunteers—negotiate meanings around childhood poverty through their interactions. While structural inequalities perpetuate stereotypical representations, the study reveals creative appropriation, resistance, and adaptation of these ideologies by those involved. This dynamic process reshapes discourse on poverty and sustains economic subsistence in the Andean market. The research combines ethnographic fieldwork with interviews to explore how flexible practices redefine visual narratives and social perspectives.
Vredefort Dome
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2011 —
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Research identifies critical gaps in adherence to proposed guidelines for sustainable whitewater rafting practices at the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, revealing that not all operators fully comply with recommended standards. The study, conducted with 11 rafting operators and key industry stakeholders, developed a structured management tool through a self-administered questionnaire to address environmental protection, client safety, and operational risks. Findings underscore the need for stricter adoption of these guidelines to balance growing demand for adventure tourism with ecological preservation. Additionally, the research advocates for national standards to regulate commercial and private rafting operations in South Africa, ensuring long-term sustainability and professionalism within the industry.
Old City of Sana'a
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2011 —
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Residential open spaces in Sana'a, Yemen, exhibit distinct thermal performance patterns during the summer period, with older urban areas demonstrating superior climatic comfort compared to newer developments. The study, conducted through field measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, revealed that traditional designs in the Old City of Sana'a generate more favorable microclimates, offering potential insights for sustainable urban planning. These findings underscore the importance of integrating climate-responsive design elements into residential spaces to enhance thermal comfort and mitigate heat stress in high-altitude urban environments.
Great Barrier Reef
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2011 —
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Future temperature increases may lead to the contraction of Zostera muelleri from the northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) by over 1000 km, potentially disrupting critical fisheries habitats. This study found that while Halodule uninervis thrives at higher temperatures (33°C), Z. muelleri experiences severe metabolic imbalances and growth reductions under the same conditions. Researchers assessed metabolism, growth, and survival of both species over one month at three temperatures (27°C, 30°C, 33°C) under saturating and limiting light levels. H. uninervis exhibited up to 10× higher carbon production at 33°C with saturating light, while Z. muelleri showed near-zero growth and a 90% reduction in biomass. The decline was more pronounced in low-light conditions, where Z. muelleri's carbon balance shifted into deficit. These findings suggest that Z. muelleri, currently near its thermal threshold, may disappear from northern GBR estuaries, impacting muddy habitat-dependent fisheries.
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
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2011 —
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Astronomical and topographical orientations were not random in Hittite temples, contrary to previous assumptions. This study reveals well-defined patterns in the orientation of Hittite monuments, providing insights into their cultural and religious significance within the Anatolian context. By analyzing a statistically significant sample of Hittite temples and gates, along with preliminary Phrygian data, researchers demonstrate that these orientations were purposeful and linked to solar cults and festival calendars. The findings challenge earlier skepticism about Hittite interest in celestial phenomena and contribute to understanding the transition from Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age religious practices.
Grand Canyon National Park
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2011 —
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Three experimental high-flow releases (HFEs) from Glen Canyon Dam, conducted in 1996, 2004, and 2008, demonstrated that artificial floods can restore critical downstream ecosystem functions in the Colorado River. These controlled releases mimicked pre-dam seasonal flooding, benefiting endangered humpback chub populations, sandbar habitats, cultural sites, and recreational resources within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park. The study synthesized findings from multiple HFE-related investigations since 1996, providing a framework for future implementations to mitigate the dam's ecological impacts.
Macquarie Island
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2011 —
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Researchers have discovered three new species of carnivorous sponges (Cladorhizidae) in deep waters around New Zealand and Macquarie Island, each exhibiting remarkable deviations from known sponge morphology. Abyssocladia carcharias stands out with its pedunculate disc shape and unique multidentate isochelae, while Asbestopluma (Asbestopluma) anisoplacochela introduces a novel microsclere form, the anisoplacochelae, characterized by dissimilar plate-like central teeth. Asbestopluma (Asbestopluma) desmophora features densely packed desma megascleres at its base and exhibits dichotomous branching. These findings challenge existing phylogenetic understandings of Cladorhizidae and highlight the biodiversity of deep-sea environments in the region, including Macquarie Ridge.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified three new species of oribatid mites—Galumna lanceosensilla n. sp., Trichogalumna africana n. sp., and Galumnopsis giganteus n. sp.—from the soil of Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia. These discoveries, belonging to the superfamily Galumnoidea, expand our understanding of mite biodiversity in the region. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to distinguish these species based on characteristics such as body structure and sensory setae. This research contributes to the documentation of microarthropod diversity, which plays a crucial role in soil ecology and conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Galápagos Islands
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2011 —
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A comprehensive inventory of Thysanoptera (thrips) in the Galápagos Islands reveals 77 species across 17 islands, including nine pest species. This represents a 54% increase from previously known records, with four species—Frankliniella occidentalis, Gynaikothrips uzeli, Thrips palmi, and Thrips tabaci—documented for the first time in the archipelago. The study combined museum specimens, field collections (2009), and published literature to achieve this significant expansion of the Galápagos thrips fauna.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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A comprehensive study of ticks on free-living wild mammals in Emas National Park, Brazil, reveals significant new host-parasite associations. Over nearly a decade (1999–2008), researchers documented nine tick species across multiple mammal orders, including several novel findings: adult <em>Amblyomma tigrinum</em> parasitizing pampas cats (<em>Leopardus colocolo</em>), and nymphs of six tick species on previously unrecorded hosts such as crab-eating foxes (<em>Cerdocyon thous</em>) and other carnivores. While most associations were consistent with prior records, the study expands our understanding of ectoparasite diversity in Brazilian wildlife, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring in protected areas like Emas National Park.
Burgos Cathedral
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2011 —
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A study of Burgos Cathedral and associated Gothic churches reveals three distinct architectural scales, achieved through versatile typology and simple metric rules. These findings suggest that the stonemason groups' designs were adaptable yet standardized, enabling widespread replication across Spain during the 13th and 14th centuries. The research analyzes ground-plan geometry and proportions to uncover underlying design principles, offering new insights into the diffusion of Gothic architecture.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2011 —
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Awarded the German Architecture Prize 2011, the reconstruction of the Neues Museum on Berlin's Museumsinsel stands as a landmark achievement. Led by David Chipperfield Architects with Julian Harrap and overseen by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation alongside the Federal Office for Building and Spatial Planning, this project exemplifies innovative restoration blending historical fidelity with contemporary design. The honor recognizes not only architectural excellence but also the meticulous preservation of cultural heritage within a dynamic urban context. This case study highlights the intersection of conservation challenges, modern engineering, and aesthetic innovation in safeguarding UNESCO-listed sites.
Western Caucasus
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2011 —
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A comprehensive survey of the hepatic flora in Sochi National Park, Western Caucasus, identifies 80 taxa, including two species new to the Caucasus and 17 previously unrecorded in Krasnodar Territory. This study significantly expands the known biodiversity of the park, with 41 hepatics documented for the first time. Notably, three red-listed European species and six species from the Krasnodar Territory Red Data Book were found, underscoring the park's critical conservation value. The research combines literature reviews with field collections of 250 specimens, providing a robust dataset that enhances our understanding of this ecologically significant region.
Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
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2011 —
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A significant mural by Juan O’Gorman on the southern wall of the Biblioteca Central at UNAM’s Ciudad Universitaria campus reinterprets the astronomical debate between Ptolemaic and Copernican models, blending Mexican modernist art with colonial-era cultural encounters. Unlike Antonio Ruiz’s conventional cosmographic approach, O’Gorman’s mural integrates pre-Hispanic codices with modern library functions, creating a tension that reflects Mexico’s complex historical narrative. The study analyzes this mural as part of a broader programmatic design, highlighting its role in reshaping Mexican identity through art and architecture.
Iguazu National Park
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2011 —
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Mass tourism at Iguazu National Park, attracting over one million visitors annually, has significantly impacted both the Mbya Guaraní indigenous population and the surrounding environment. The edited collection 'Tourism in Northeastern Argentina' reveals that while ecotourism is often promoted for its environmental benefits, it can lead to the loss of traditional lands for indigenous groups like the Mbya, who have been forced to adapt their culture to accommodate tourism. The study also highlights the challenges faced by nearby towns, such as Colonia Carlos Pelligrini, in balancing economic development with environmental protection, particularly in preserving pristine wetlands. This research underscores the complex intersection of human and indigenous rights with environmental conservation in the context of rapidly growing tourism.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2011 —
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A study on tourism revenue sharing (TRS) at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, reveals that the policy's governance capacity is low due to structural incongruence among its dimensions—actors, resources, rules of the game, and discourses. Despite participatory reforms, the Uganda Wildlife Authority retains control over resources and sets the rules, leaving local communities undercompensated for conservation costs. Weak communication, unfair distribution, corruption claims, and powerful local elites further exacerbate these issues. The research, based on qualitative data from BINP and surrounding parishes, suggests that addressing inequities in TRS design could enhance its potential to support conservation through development.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2011 —
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Tourism at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has been a contentious force, shaping the struggle for intellectual and material possession of Australia's 'Centre.' Contrary to prevailing narratives, the Australian National Travel Association (ANTA) actively positioned Uluru as a tourist destination in 1958, embedding it with colonial symbolism to honor explorers and prospectors. This study reveals that ANTA's efforts marked the first phase of a broader conflict over Uluru's heartland, culminating in Anangu's restoration of customary rights in the 1980s. Today, Anangu navigate tourism's dual role—both as a catalyst for change and a potential avenue for reconciliation between colonizers and the colonized. The research traces ANTA's brokerage of travel traditions and tourist gazes, analyzing how these practices formalized climb-based expectations that now face dismantling.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2011 —
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Nearly 25% of actively used buildings in Melaka City's old residential quarter have been repurposed for tourist-dependent uses (TDUs), predominantly along Jonker Street. This adaptive reuse, while economically significant, raises concerns about potential negative impacts on the area's character and sustainability. The study classifies these reuse approaches and assesses their effects on physical, social, economic, and tourism aspects. Surveys involving local residents, business owners, and tourists revealed varied perceptions of adaptive reuse, highlighting both benefits and challenges. The research proposes planning measures to regulate such transformations while preserving the quarter's heritage value.
Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
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2011 —
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Heritage management often claims to benefit local communities, but true collaboration is rarely achieved beyond superficial consultation. A case study of Blaenavon Industrial Landscape in Wales reveals that deeper engagement with community concerns and values could better fulfill goals like empowerment and social wellbeing. The research analyzed existing community involvement practices at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting a disconnect between heritage professionals' intentions and actual outcomes. It argues for more critical, needs-driven approaches to community participation to maximize economic and social benefits.
Acropolis, Athens
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2011 —
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Despite the transformative impact of the Olympic Games on Athens' infrastructure and global image, the city's cultural tourism has continued to decline, leaving untapped potential in its rich heritage, multicultural identity, and landmarks like the New Acropolis Museum. This study, based on semi-structured interviews with top officials, reveals that Athens' tourism policy responses have not fully leveraged these assets due to challenges such as environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and a weakened socio-cultural/economic status. The research underscores the need for cultural tourism strategies to be multidimensional, aligning heritage assets with global developments to maximize their potential as cultural destinations.
Blenheim Palace
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2011 —
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A 18th-century controversy surrounding the accuracy of English-made astronomical quadrants, particularly those used at the Greenwich Observatory, revealed that their precision was indeed exceptional. Despite French astronomer Cesar-Francois Cassini de Thury's claims in 1785-87 that the latitude and longitude measurements were erroneous by up to 15 seconds, Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne defended the accuracy of these instruments, supported by meticulous examinations conducted by instrument maker John Bird. This controversy prompted Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace to commission Jesse Ramsden to develop a specialized apparatus to verify the arc of his own 6-ft quadrant, ensuring its reliability amid growing doubts about English quadrants' precision.
Western Ghats
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2011 —
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A rich trove of ethnomedicinal knowledge among the Paliyar and Muthuvar tribal communities in Theni District, Western Ghats, Southern India, reveals 86 medicinal plant species used for treating various ailments. Dominant families include Acanthaceae (7 species) and Cucurbitaceae (5 species), with leaves being the most commonly utilized plant part. This study, conducted through standardized interviews with 12 traditional healers from August 2008 to July 2009, underscores the potential for discovering novel bioactive molecules from these plants, reflecting a deep cultural connection to local flora and its therapeutic applications.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified the first evidence of incommensurate structural modulation in heyrovskýite (Pb6Bi2S9), a rare silver- and copper-free sulfosalt from Vulcano, Aeolian Islands. This unique modulation, characterized by an angle of ~29° relative to the b* axis and a wavelength of ~75 Å, suggests a possible ordering process of Pb and Bi cations or vacancies within the mineral's structure. While ion-milling during sample preparation may have induced this feature, its potential as a primary characteristic of heyrovskýite cannot be excluded. The study employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), to analyze specimens prepared via crushing, ion-milling, and ultramicrotomy, revealing well-ordered crystals with minor stacking faults and rare nanoscale intergrowths of lillianite and heyrovskýite.
Timbuktu
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2011 —
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Henry (Heinrich) Barth's seminal work, 'Travels and Discoveries in North and Central Africa,' revolutionized the study of African history by pioneering the use of oral traditions for historical research. His five-volume account, published in 1857–1858, remains a cornerstone of knowledge on African culture, blending detailed observations with annotated maps and engravings. Barth's expedition, initially part of James Richardson's 1849 mission to explore trade routes and study slavery, became a solo journey after the deaths of his colleagues. His travels spanned Lake Chad, Cameroon, and Timbuktu, where he meticulously documented the languages, civilizations, and resources of the regions he traversed. This groundbreaking approach not only advanced geographical knowledge but also laid the foundation for future ethnographic and historical studies on Africa.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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2011 —
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James Silk Buckingham's 'Travels in Mesopotamia' (1827) offers a detailed account of his journey from Aleppo, Syria, to Sinjar, Iraq, providing valuable insights into the region's ancient sites and modern inhabitants. This two-volume work combines historical observation with personal commentary, reflecting Buckingham's extensive experience as a traveler and writer. Published in 2011, this reissue preserves his original descriptions, which blend geographical detail with cultural analysis, contributing to the understanding of Mesopotamia's heritage during the early 19th century.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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2011 —
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John Lewis Burckhardt's 'Travels in Syria and the Holy Land' offers a unique and detailed account of Arabian life, culture, and architecture during the early 19th century. The publication is notable for its vivid descriptions of the ancient city of Petra, particularly its Nabataean tombs, which provide invaluable insights into the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. Burckhardt's two-year sojourn in Aleppo, where he immersed himself in Arabic studies and Islamic law to prepare for his travels, allowed him to gain firsthand knowledge and perspective. His observations, while constrained by the need to avoid suspicion as a non-Muslim, contribute significantly to our understanding of the historical and cultural landscape of Syria and the Holy Land during this period.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified two significant glacial advances in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, predating the Little Ice Age. Using tree-ring chronologies from Geikie Inlet, they determined one advance occurred around AD 850, while another took place between 3400 and 3000 cal yr BP. The study cross-dated one chronology with living trees in Prince William Sound, providing calendar dates, whereas the second relied on radiocarbon dating due to its floating status. These findings align with glacial expansion patterns observed in other Alaskan and British Columbian tidewater glaciers, offering a more precise timeline for past glacial activity in the region.
Yakushima
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2011 —
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Male Japanese macaques on Yakushima Island (Macaca fuscata yakui) employ troop takeover as a reproductive strategy, achieving higher success rates compared to resident males despite a low overall offspring siring rate of 33.3%. Unlike one-male groups, takeovers in multimale troops occur exclusively during the mating season, with non-troop males (NTMs) rarely cooperating and former alpha males seldom expelled. New alpha males do not commit infanticide, and their tenure lasts less than two years on average. Logistic regression analysis identified the number of NTMs associating with a troop as a key predictor for takeover events. Paternity discrimination revealed that while takeover success is low, it remains a viable alternative strategy for reproductive success in male Japanese macaques.
Brasilia
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2011 —
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A study on the Bananal stream subbasin in Brasília National Park, Cerrado biome (Brazilian Savanna), revealed that around 69% of the fish diet consisted of allochthonous resources, highlighting the critical role of riparian vegetation in supporting aquatic fauna. Despite seasonal climate variations, no significant influence on fish diet was observed, likely due to the stabilizing effect of riparian vegetation acting as a transition area. The research analyzed stomach contents of 13 fish species across four samples (two per season) and identified four feeding guilds: detritivores, omnivores, invertivores, and piscivores. This study underscores the importance of undisturbed areas for understanding fish biology and guiding conservation policies, particularly in managing aquatic resources and restoring damaged ecosystems.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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2011 —
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A comprehensive tsunami hazard assessment for the coastal areas of Rabat and Salé, Morocco, reveals significant vulnerability to seismic events. The study, part of the SCHEMA European project, developed a generic methodology combining numerical modeling, field surveys, Earth Observation, and GIS data to evaluate risk in this densely populated and rapidly developing region. Two scenarios—one based on the historical Lisbon earthquake of 1755 (worst-case) and another on the Horseshoe earthquake of 1969 (moderate)—were analyzed to estimate the range of potential hazards. The findings highlight critical inundation extents and depths, offering crucial insights for urban planning and disaster preparedness in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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2011 —
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A GIS-based method reveals significant tsunami vulnerability in Rabat and Salé, Morocco, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. The study combines numerical modeling of worst-case tsunami scenarios—derived from historical earthquakes like the 1755 Lisbon quake—and building vulnerability data to produce damage maps. These maps highlight risks in residential and tourist zones along the Bouregreg Valley, where flat terrain and rapid urbanization exacerbate exposure. Findings underscore the need for targeted evacuation planning and mitigation strategies to address tsunami-induced hazards in this UNESCO-listed region.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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2011 —
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Over the past 25 years, Havana's historic center has undergone significant transformations, particularly in the Plaza Vieja or Old Town Square, which was central to a UNESCO-led international restoration campaign initiated in 1982. This study provides detailed insights into the urban and social rehabilitation process, highlighting key stakeholders, management strategies, and demographic changes within the neighborhood. The research offers valuable data on housing evolution and the implementation of a unique management model, contributing to global urban conservation practices.
Kaziranga National Park
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified two new species of dorylaim nematodes, <em>Prothornenema vulvatum</em> and <em>Allodorylaimus kazirangus</em>, along with a known species, <em>Thornia propinqua</em>, from Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India. These discoveries contribute to the understanding of nematode biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations to characterize the new species based on key features such as body length, lip region structure, odontostyle length, vulva morphology, and tail shape. <em>Prothornenema vulvatum</em> exhibits unique cuticle invaginations and sexual dimorphism in tail shape, while <em>Allodorylaimus kazirangus</em> stands out with its long, tripartite uterus and asymmetrical ring-like structure at the pharyngeal-cardia junction. The findings expand the known diversity of dorylaim nematodes and highlight the ecological significance of Kaziranga National Park.
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
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2011 —
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A sophisticated rainwater drainage system, characterized by its complex implementation and strategic adaptation to the natural terrain, was uncovered during archaeological excavations at the Franciscan convent in Carcassonne. This system, which dates back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries, demonstrates advanced engineering for its time, reflecting a nuanced understanding of hydrology and urban planning. The discovery was made during preventive excavations conducted between October 2006 and February 2007, offering rare insights into medieval water management practices within the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne.
Masada
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2011 —
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A new hypothesis challenges the long-held belief that the Roman assault ramp at Masada was 'operational' during the final stages of the siege, prompting a critical reassessment of the archaeological evidence. This study re-examines the complex suite of siege-related structures surrounding the fortress-palace, providing fresh insights into one of the most complete surviving ancient siege systems. By synthesizing historical accounts and archaeological remains, the research offers a nuanced understanding of Roman engineering and military strategy during the reduction of Masada in either A.D. 72/73 or 73/74.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2011 —
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Modern archaeological exploration of Jerusalem, initiated by Louis-Félicien Caignart de Saulcy's 1851 excavation at the 'Tomb of the Kings,' revealed significant artifacts, including marble sarcophagus fragments, suggesting connections to the biblical Davidic Dynasty. De Saulcy's systematic approach marked a pivotal shift from mere pilgrimage to rigorous scientific investigation in the Holy City. A 2006 conference at Brown University, commemorating 150 years of archaeological research, compiled findings across five periods—from early humans to medieval times—highlighting the role of national and religious organizations in shaping Jerusalem's archaeological narrative. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of excavation history, current status, and historical artifacts, offering insights into Jerusalem's layered past.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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Current conservation efforts in the Cerrado Protected Areas, specifically Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, fail to adequately protect rare odonate species. The study reveals a direct linear relationship between species range size and protection levels, with wider-ranging species being more likely to be protected than restricted or threatened ones. Using niche-based species distribution models (SDMs), researchers identified critical gaps in the existing conservation network, highlighting three areas of high odonate beta diversity where urgent conservation action is needed. The analysis also demonstrated that raw odonate data without SDM modeling provides limited utility for setting conservation priorities.
Galápagos Islands
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2011 —
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Research reveals that the evolutionary history of Galápagos tortoises is shaped by both dispersal and vicariance, challenging traditional assumptions about island colonization. Only three of five extinct or nearly extinct species represent independent evolutionary units, with dispersal from South America initiating around 3.2 million years ago (Ma) following the emergence of San Cristobal and Española islands. Subsequent dispersal to younger islands began at approximately 1.74 Ma, accompanied by multiple colonizations within the archipelago. Vicariant events, driven by island formation, coalescence, and separation, contributed to lineage diversification on Pinzón and Floreana dating from 1.26 and 0.85 Ma, respectively. This study integrates DNA data from extinct and extant species with geological information and human activity records, providing a comprehensive model for reconstructing the history of endangered taxa despite extinctions and human-mediated dispersal events.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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2011 —
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Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Croatia, exemplifies how conservation can drive economic growth in upland regions. The park's strategic planning and management have transformed it into a major tourist destination, generating significant income for the local economy and contributing to public sector finances rather than draining them. This case study highlights the park's dual role as both a conservation agency and a sustainable business model, demonstrating its effectiveness in creating economic value while preserving natural heritage.
Western Caucasus
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2011 —
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Upper Jurassic reefs in the Russian Western Caucasus reveal diverse and structurally controlled reef complexes that serve as potential analogues for exploration targets in the eastern Black Sea. These reefs, categorized into coral-dominated, siliceous sponge-microbialite, and microbialite types, developed on two Late Jurassic carbonate platforms: the North Caucasus platform to the north and the South Adler platform to the south. Coral-dominated reefs, found at shallow-water platform margins and deeper mid-shelf settings, exhibit varying diversity levels, while siliceous sponge- and microbialite-dominated reefs were restricted to deeper-water environments. The study suggests that these outcrops could provide critical insights for understanding seismic-imaged reef complexes on the Shatskiy Ridge, depending on their palaeowater depth.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2011 —
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A powerful urban coalition, dominated by central and local government actors, state institutions, and private-sector entities, has emerged in Turkey since the 2000s, driving neo-liberal urban transformation policies aimed at maximizing land rents and real-estate development. This coalition's influence, bolstered by legal changes and institutional initiatives like those of the Mass Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), has reshaped Istanbul's socio-spatial structure, prioritizing areas with high rent-gaining potential while exerting pressure on squatter housing and historic urban centers inhabited by the urban poor. The study reveals how this hegemonic discourse, supported by developers, landowners, and media, has steered Istanbul toward a vision of international finance, service, and tourism, illustrating broader trends in economic and political spheres.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2011 —
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Researchers have developed a predictive model to estimate the attenuation of vibrations caused by urban trams, addressing concerns about structural stress on historic buildings. The study, conducted in Rome's historic center, identified key parameters influencing tram-induced vibrations and their propagation. By analyzing experimental data, the team derived a transfer function that estimates attenuation levels in historical urban contexts. This model provides valuable insights for preserving cultural heritage sites while managing modern urban infrastructure challenges.
The Grand Canal
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2011 —
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Rapid urbanization significantly degrades surface water quality along the Grand Canal of China, with urban sections showing elevated levels of eutrophic nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as metals that, while within national standards, may still pose risks to aquatic life according to stricter U.S. EPA criteria. The study found a strong correlation between urbanization levels and water quality parameters, particularly electrical conductivity, nutrients, and metals, with industrial activities contributing to metal loadings. These findings highlight the urgent need for mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable urban development along this historic site.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of the Lagoons of New Caledonia reveals how organic matter (OM) interacts with metals such as Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd, providing critical insights into both natural and anthropogenic pollution sources. By combining fluorescence spectroscopy, polarography, and potentiometry, researchers determined the conditional stability constants of OM-metal complexes, enabling predictions about metal pollution's fate in the lagoon. This study also distinguished between terrigenous (natural) and anthropogenic OM origins for the first time, using advanced geochemical modeling with discrete pKa distributions. The findings underscore the sensitivity of nearby coral reef biocenosis to these metal complexes, which originate from nickel extraction and coastal erosion, offering a novel framework for understanding and mitigating environmental impacts on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2011 —
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Harbor seals in Glacier Bay, Alaska, exhibit distinct foraging and activity patterns depending on whether they use glacial or terrestrial habitats. Glacial seals travel significantly farther to forage (≥40 km) compared to terrestrial seals (<5 km) and spend more time hauled out (26% vs. 11-16%). Despite the increased foraging costs, glacial seals maintain similar body condition by consuming higher-quality pelagic fish diets, which may offset energy expenditures and support lactation efficiency. This study highlights the adaptability of harbor seals to different habitats, providing insights into their resilience in the face of climate change-induced glacial retreat.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2011 —
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Canopy bridges significantly aid arboreal mammals, including rare and endemic species, in crossing roads within the Wet Tropics of Queensland. The study found that nine mammal species, five of which are endemic or listed as rare, utilized three types of rope canopy bridges—single rope, ladder-like, and tunnel-shaped—to traverse a 15-meter-wide tourist road and a highway. Notably, over 50 crossings were observed on an elevated ladder-like bridge, while longer (~40 m) bridges were used by four species. These findings suggest that such structures can mitigate road-kill risks and reduce subpopulation isolation, offering potential broad applications for conserving arboreal mammals in fragmented habitats.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
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2011 —
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Research at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs reveals that marine influence diminished over time during the Pennsylvanian period. Sedimentologic and paleontologic analyses of interbedded limestone deposits, containing marine organisms like ostracodes and bivalves, indicate open marine conditions in older sections transitioning to fluvial and coastal environments higher up. This finding challenges assumptions about the site's paleogeographical position and suggests that Cordaites trees may not represent the earliest mangroves. The study used multiple environmental proxies to track changes in marine influence, providing new insights into the site's complex depositional history.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2011 —
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Research at Uzon volcano caldera, Kamchatka, reveals it as a unique natural laboratory for studying present-day oil formation. Analysis of thermal spring oil shows using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry demonstrates that these compounds share genetic identity with organic matter from Pliocene–Quaternary deposits, confirming their biogenic origin. The study debunks theories suggesting hydrothermal abiogenic synthesis, providing critical insights into naphthide genesis processes in volcanic environments.
The Sundarbans
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2011 —
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Indian visitors to the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's only mangrove forest inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers, place significant economic value on its biodiversity. This study reveals that visitors perceive the site not just as a tiger reserve but also as a critical habitat for other species like spotted deer, crocodiles, and snakes, contributing to its ecological importance. The research employs economic valuation techniques to quantify visitor preferences, highlighting the region's role in coastal evolution and conservation challenges posed by human encroachment. Findings underscore the need for balanced conservation efforts to protect both the tiger population and the broader ecosystem, which faces threats from rapid forest cover depletion despite recent conservation successes.
City of Quito
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2011 —
WHEFA3C995A0C
Colonial Quito's urban development, as described by Spanish scientists Antonio de Ulloa and Jorge Juan in the 1730s, reveals a dynamic interplay between Andean traditions and European influences. Their observations highlight the city's plazas, blending indigenous spatial organization with European architectural aesthetics. The study employs historical analysis to dissect this duality, uncovering how power dynamics shaped Quito's urban landscape during its colonial era. This research contributes to understanding the cultural synthesis that defined Latin America's colonial cities, offering insights into the negotiation of space and identity in a multicultural setting.
