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Understanding the spatial distribution of world cultural heritage in its present-day geographical context is the foundation for the identification of and subsequent protection from key threats and vulnerabilities, particularly those arising from anthropogenic climate change. To address this challenge, we classified 45 Spanish world cultural heritage sites (WCHS) listed in the UNESCO register (as of 2023) according to type, entry date, and creation date. To establish a basis for a detailed analysis of the specific impact of climate change on the Spanish WCHS, a spatial cartographic database was developed showing the relationships between the WCHS and key geographical and climatic variables. We then used historical climate data, combined with a review of the impact mechanism of climate conditions on cultural heritage, to quantitatively evaluate the extent to which the WCHS in Spain are affected by local climate conditions from five aspects: freeze thaw cycle, thermal stress (thermoclastism), hydrodynamic scoring, corrosion, and biodegradation. Based on the above climate condition risks, we identified the five Spanish WCHS with the greatest potential climate condition risks, including Santiago de Compostela (Old Town), Pyrénées—Mont Perdu, the Roman Walls of Lugo, the Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain, and the Tower of Hercules. Additionally, based on different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), we conducted a qualitative assessment of climate risk changes for WCHS in Spain under climate change. We found that the SSP1-2.6 scenario had the lowest climate risk, emphasizing the importance of achieving carbon neutrality for the protection of the WCHS. Our work translates historical climate conditions into specific climate risk levels for cultural heritage, providing data and theoretical support for effectively assessing the climate risks to Spanish WCHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shibing Karst constitutes a pivotal component of the "South China Karst," and its ecosystem health integrity crucially influences the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the corresponding Natural World Heritage (NWH). Consequently, robust ecosystem health assessment (EHA) is imperative for the judicious conservation and management of this heritage, as well as for the sustainable progression of the region. This research assessed the health of the Shibing Karst ecosystem from 2004 to 2020 by employing changes in landscape patterns through the Vigor-Organization-Resilience-Ecosystem Services (VORS) model. Spatial autocorrelation was employed to discern the spatial coherence and evolutionary patterns of ecosystem health, whereas a geo-detector ascertained the pivotal determinants impacting regional ecosystem vitality. The findings revealed that: (1) The landscape patterns distribution in the study area exhibited considerable constancy, primarily comprising forest land, with a rising trajectory in construction land and water, juxtaposed with a recession in shrubland, grassland, paddy land, and dryland expanses. (2) From 2004 to 2020, the ecosystem of the study area maintained its health and remained stable, with mean values of 0.8303, 0.7689, 0.6976, and 0.7824, respectively, showing an evolutionary trend of an initial downtrend trend followed by an upswing, with 2016 marking a pivotal juncture. (3) Spatial clustering analysis highlighted significant clustering characteristics of ecosystem health, with a nominal decrease in the Global Moran's I index from 0.666 to 0.665, which is indicative of a subtle decrease in clustering over time. High-high clustering areas were predominantly located within the World Heritage Site (WHS), while low-low clustering areas were mainly distributed in the southeastern part of buffer zone. (4) Land use and cover change (LUCC) and Ecosystem Services (ESs) were identified as the primary indexes of EHA, with Ecosystem Resilience (ER), Ecosystem Vigor (EV), and Ecosystem Organization (EO) exerting relatively mild influences. This study provides a scientific framework for policymakers in local governance to devise strategies for ecosystem conservation and management, enhances the analytical perspective on the integrity and conservation of Karst Natural World Heritage (KNWH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looks at the prioritisation of development projects and the consequential devaluation of cultural heritage in the case of the Kawo Amado Kella defensive wall in Wolaita, southern Ethiopia. The study region has several cultural, natural and combined world heritage sites, although the location is practically unknown on a regional and national level. The area is one of Ethiopia's most culturally rich regions, and the wall was discovered at an ancient location near the Omo River. The Wolaita people live in the Omo River basin and have a rich cultural heritage and over time the defensive wall has suffered from various man-made and natural forces. This study focussed on the maintenance and conservation challenges of the Kawo Amado Kella defensive wall and used a qualitative ethnographic research approach with purposive sampling to understand the significance of the wall on a regional and national level as well as internationally. The results of the research are presented in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic pollution threatens some of the world's most iconic locations for marine biodiversity, including the remote Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Using the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) as a sentinel species, the present study assessed microplastics and suspected anthropogenic cellulose concentrations in surface seawater and zooplankton near Santa Cruz and Galápagos penguin colonies (Floreana, Isabela, Santiago), as well as in penguin potential prey (anchovies, mullets, milkfish) and penguin scat. On average, 0.40 ± 0.32 microplastics L−1 were found in surface seawater (<10 μm; n = 63 L), while 0.003, 0.27, and 5.12 microplastics individual−1 were found in zooplankton (n = 3372), anchovies (n = 11), and mullets (n = 6), respectively. The highest concentration (27 microplastics individual−1) was observed in a single milkfish. Calculations based on microplastics per gram of prey, in a potential diet composition scenario, suggest that the Galápagos penguin may consume 2881 to 9602 microplastics daily from prey. Despite this, no microplastics or cellulose were identified in 3.40 g of guano collected from two penguins. Our study confirms microplastic exposure in the pelagic food web and endangered penguin species within the UNESCO World Heritage site Galápagos Islands, which can be used to inform regional and international policies to mitigate plastic pollution and conserve biodiversity in the global ocean. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1442–1457. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most protected area impact research that uses counterfactuals draws heavily on quantitative methods, data, and knowledge types, making it valuable in producing generalizations but limited in temporal scope, historical detail, and habitat diversity and coverage of ecosystem services. We devised a methodological pluralistic approach, which supports social science qualitative methods, narratives, mixed methods, and interdisciplinarity, to fully unlock the potential of counterfactuals in ensuring a place‐based and detailed understanding of the socioecological context and impacts of protected areas. We applied this approach to derive possible counterfactual conditions for the impact of a montane protected area on 40 years of vegetation change in the Cape Floristic Region—a global biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa. We incorporated diverse methods, knowledge, and information sources, drawing on before–after protected area comparisons for inside and outside the protected area. A significant increase in shrubland vegetation (17–30%) was observed and attributed primarily to a decline in frequent burning for grazing. This also occurred outside the protected area and was driven by socioeconomic drivers and not by concerns over biodiversity conservation or land degradation. Had the protected area not been established the area would have seen intensification of cultivation and increased road networks, buildings, and water storage in dams. Our approach increased historical temporal coverage of socioecological change and contextualized assumptions around causality. Protected area impact evaluation should reengage in place‐based research that fully incorporates pluralism in methodologies for constructing counterfactuals in a way that builds regional and global understanding from the local level upward. We devised 10 key principles for deriving counterfactuals grounded in methodological pluralism, covering aspects of collaboration, cocreation, inter‐ and transdisciplinarity, diverse values and lived experiences, multiple knowledge types, multiple possible causal mechanisms, social science qualitative methods, perceptions, perspectives, and narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Built heritage has been both subject and product of a gaze that has been sustained through moments of colonial fixation on ruins and monuments, technocratic examination and representation, and fetishisation by a global tourist industry. We argue that the recent proliferation of machine learning and vision technologies create new scopic regimes for heritage: storing and retrieving existing images from vast digital archives, and further imparting their own distortions upon this gaze. We introduce the term ' machinic gaze ' to conceptualise the reconfiguration of heritage representation via artificial intelligence (AI) models. To explore how this gaze reframes heritage, we deploy an image-text-image pipeline that reads, interprets, and resynthesizes images of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Employing two concepts from media studies— heteroscopia and anamorphosis —we describe the reoriented perspective that machine vision systems introduce. We propose that the machinic gaze highlights the artifice of the human gaze and its underlying assumptions and practices that combine to form established notions of heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) act as icons to attract visitors seeking to experience cultural (ancient) heritage. Gastronomy, as cultural heritage, reinforces the identity of a destination. Presenting a case study from a Portuguese UNESCO WHS, this study brings insights into how these destinations may deepen the knowledge on gastronomic visitors, contributing to their sustainable development. Specifically, this study aims to identify the importance that visitors give to gastronomy and to identify their differences in terms of profile and travel behaviour, through data collected using a visitors' survey. Results show that gastronomy can be a major motivator for visiting a WHS and indicate that visitors strongly motivated by gastronomy have differences in terms of demographic profile, motivations and expenditures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the onset of conflict in Syria in 2011, several heritage sites have suffered partial or complete destruction. The ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2013, alongside five other Syrian heritage sites. Between 2015 and 2017, Palmyra experienced the loss of nearly 40% of its historic buildings and landmarks. The site's remote location and ongoing armed conflict pose additional challenges in accessing and preserving it. This paper introduces an interactive online platform employing 360° media to document and disseminate information about the world heritage site of Palmyra. The platform contributes to the safeguarding process of Palmyra, facilitating public engagement and interaction with the site. It also has potential applications for other sites in Syria and beyond. The platform allows users to explore both archival and current information of damaged historical monuments and buildings, revealing their layered histories before and after demolition. Employing interactive 360° media, similar to applications like Google Street View, the platform offers a reality-based digital environment. Users can virtually move into different buildings or follow specific pathways within the site, accessing archival information and documentation about particular monuments and buildings along their journey. This project serves as a unique informational resource for decision-makers and policy planners, aiding in the understanding of the site and the development of relevant strategies and recommendations. It also proves beneficial as an educational tool. The collective understanding fostered by this platform is expected to positively influence post-conflict restoration and reconstruction plans, making it an invaluable asset for research and educational purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the potential of advanced technologies in the field of cultural heritage. It highlights how these technologies, such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, can be used to understand, preserve, and enhance cultural heritage. The article also presents scientific papers from the Florence Heri-Tech International Conference, showcasing the various applications of these technologies. The papers cover topics such as the use of hyperspectral imaging for hieroglyph recognition, the enhancement of user experience in cultural spaces through advanced systems, and the use of non-invasive techniques for conservation. Overall, the article emphasizes the significant impact of technology on the research, preservation, and promotion of cultural heritage. [Extracted from the article]

The document is a contents list for the journal CrystEngComm. It highlights various papers and communications published in the journal, including topics such as hydrogen storage, coordination polymers, luminescent sensors, and chemical solution deposition. The cover image features the Tembleque Aqueduct World Heritage Site in Mexico. The journal is published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, a leading chemistry community that connects the world with the chemical sciences. [Extracted from the article]

India, one of the most dynamic ancient civilizations, possesses a multitude of historical artifacts, with 37 of its notable architectural structures recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yet, the ever-changing climate, especially air pollution, expedites the natural deterioration of historic sites and diminishes their aesthetic appeal, causing socio-economic damage. With this in mind, the current study aims to offer a logical scientific foundation for the implications of air pollution, seasonal shifts, and COVID-19 on 14 significant historical places in India during the year 2019-20. Delhi, among the cities most severely affected by atmospheric pollution, recorded an alarming air quality index (AQI) of 102–141, which can intensify the risk of cultural sites to corrode and deteriorate. Analysis reveals that the winter season had elevated levels of NO2 and particle pollution (PM2.5, PM10), whereas summer had the higher levels of O3. Throughout the 5-month lockdown period, ozone levels exhibited an elevation, contrasting with the reduction observed in other air parameters. Notably, there was a substantial 70% decrease in particulate matter concentration, which had previously remained stable over the course of the year. Variations in geographic locales and anthropogenic influences contribute significantly to the dose-response statistics, revealing an unprecedented elevation in corrosion risks to historical limestone and sandstone structures across target sites. Moreover, the research addresses available Governmental initiatives, and effective strategies designed to safeguard heritage sites against the corrosion and material degradation, offering a comprehensive exploration of protective measures. Thereby, the current research is centred on establishing a foundational understanding of the impact of air pollution on cultural heritage, utilizing a comparison to the year with the lowest air pollution levels, which can aid policymakers in enhancing risk management and implementing a robust national mandate for the preservation of cultural heritage sites against corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the built heritage studies, the intricate web of social and selective processes that define heritage is evident. These processes are, in many cases, intertwined with the notion of scale, examplified through the production of heritage sites at the local, national, and transnational scales. While heritage and geography scholars have articulated the role played by scale in heritage-making and argue against a rigid, fixed, and hierarchical understanding of scale, they highlight the constant reproduction of scale. There is, so far, limited explanation of how the perception of scale gets reproduced and how crucial actors manipulate scalar power and resources for heritage making and the reproduction of scale. To fill this gap, this paper delves into mainland China's heritage-making, using the southern Anhui historical villages as an example. Based on intensive 5-month field research, this paper has three findings: 1) The nomination process for a World Heritage Site is notably influenced by politics and selectivity; 2) Diverse stakeholders are pivotal in shaping heritage narratives; 3) Individual contributions to heritage creation directly interact with, and subsequently reshape, 'scale', an entity that is simultaneously discursive and tangible. By integrating the notion of 'scale' into heritage discussions, we illuminate two concurrent processes: creating hierarchies through rule assimilation by interpreting the UNESCO standard internally and evolving socio-spatial dynamics via the manifestation of individual agency with resource manipulation, scale jumping, and reproduction of scale. This approach aligns with the material orientation in human geography and repositions 'scale'. Here, it's not just an epistemological framework but also a tangible force that steers individual perceptions and actions and yields measurable material impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the significance of the Temple of Bel in the history of Palmyra, highlighting key aspects of its design and development. It reviews the measures taken by the archaeological authorities during the French Mandate (1920–1946) to manage and conserve the monument, such as relocating the local community outside the archaeological site far from the sanctuary and the implementation of repairs to the cella. Finally, it discusses the damage wrought by ISIS in 2015 to Palmyra, which included the partial destruction of the temple using explosives, and revisits the work of the specialists who examined this structure after it was destroyed. In order to preserve Palmyra's cultural legacy, the relevance of the cella's future conservation needs as a priority are underscored, not simply for the World Heritage Site, but within the wider context of Syria and the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The alcobaça monastery currently exhibits an extensive bacterial pink biofilms. • This biodeterioration evidence seems to be associated with salt efflorescences. • The colour is probably due to the production of bacterial pigments. • High-throughput sequencing allowed the identification of pink-pigmented bacteria. • This study is helpful to determine the best cleaning procedure to be implemented. The Alcobaça Monastery (Portugal), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, currently exhibits a high degree of surface alterations of the stone architectural elements inside the church, including an extensive pink coloration in the walls and columns, bacteria biofilms, and salt efflorescences. The main goal was to identify the microbiota that colonizes the walls and columns of this monument, to help custodians and conservators-restorers in the selection of the correct procedure to be adopted for the conservation of the monument. Regarding the observed pink discoloration, and considering previous studies, we hypothesize that is caused by biofilms formed by bacteria or other microorganisms that produce pigments of the same color, particularly carotenoids. Curiously, a distinct phenomenon was noticed: the pink discoloration always seems to appear at a very similar height in most of the columns and walls, starting at 40 cm to the floor and associated with the presence of salts on the walls. Using high-throughput sequencing approaches, we were able to characterize the microbial community present. We identified several bacteria that are producers of pink pigments and halotolerant such as Rubrobacter radiotolerans, Domibacillus robiginosus, Bacillus licheniformis and Halalkalicoccus sp. that develop in areas of high salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western Iran, dates back to more than 2500 years ago, and is colonized by a great diversity of lichen-forming fungi. A survey of the lichen-forming fungi revealed a species abundant in different areas of the cultural site, which turned out to be a new species of the genus Circinaria. The new species, Circinaria persepolitana , is introduced and described on the basis of morphological and molecular data. Circinaria persepolitana is characterized by having a crustose thallus, rimose to areolate, usually with bullate areoles, with an olive green to olive-brown surface and angular to elongate areoles in the marginal zone. Phylogenetic analyses including other species of the genus showed that the new species is phylogenetically close to C. mansourii , C. ochracea and C. reptans. We propose a new combination of Circinaria reptans (Looman) Sohrabi, Owe-Larsson & Paukov. The bioweathering capacity of the new species was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, examining the interface between the lichen thallus and the lithic substratum to assess its potential threat to the conservation of heritage surfaces. We found this species to be a potential biodeteriogenic agent, as thalli were closely attached to the lithic substratum and biogeophysical and biogeochemical changes at the rock surface could be associated with the colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural tourism is one of the most sustainable and fastest-growing types of tourism, and so has been widely studied. Despite countless works analyzing the possible factors that can condition the choice of the tourist destination, few have addressed how they may differ by sex and within cultural tourism, and they contradict. This paper analyzes this phenomenon through the dimensions of cultural offerings, services and motivations in the city of Málaga, a very tourist city in Spain, which is the fourth country out of 167 with the most world heritage sites—UNESCO. Partial least squares—structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) were performed for a database of 415 cultural tourists survey responses. The results showed differences between constructs depending on the sex of the tourists. For men, the factor that most affects the choice of destination is tourist motivation—namely, the reason for their visit—followed by services. Conversely, services are first for women, followed by cultural offerings and motivations. The results of this study can be valuable when designing more specific tourism strategies adapted to the profile of tourists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are to (1) classify wildlife tourists' behaviors and attitudes toward wildlife tourism; (2) analyze expectations of wildlife tour programs in the Dong Phaya Yen‐Khao Yai World Heritage Site in Thailand. The data collection methods were: questionnaires and focus groups conducted from September 2021 to February 2022. A path analysis model analyzed factors influencing wildlife tourists' decisions. This study proposed four wildlife tourist groups: true wildlife, researchers, generalists, and tag‐along. Tourists' wildlife tourism programs and models have been proposed to respond to the needs of each wildlife tourist with mindfulness and conservation as the focus. The results indicated that the wildlife tourism development in this area must use value‐creation with conservative wildlife activities and attractions. Based on these results concerning tourism development, wildlife tourist types should be considered significant concerns of wildlife tourist activities. For effective tourism development, priority should be given to developing facilities and providing quality services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mortality event involving 23 allied rock‐wallabies (Petrogale assimilis) displaying neurological signs and sudden death occurred in late April to May 2021 in a suburban residential area directly adjacent to Magnetic Island National Park, on Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), North Queensland, Australia. Three allied rock‐wallabies were submitted for necropsy, and in all three cases, the cause of death was disseminated toxoplasmosis. This mortality event was unusual because only a small, localised population of native wallabies inhabiting a periurban area on a tropical island in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area were affected. A disease investigation determined the outbreak was likely linked to the presence of free‐ranging feral and domesticated cats inhabiting the area. There were no significant deaths of other wallabies or wildlife in the same or other parts of Magnetic Island (Yunbenun) at the time of the outbreak. This is the first reported case of toxoplasmosis in allied rock‐wallabies (Petrogale assimilis), and this investigation highlights the importance of protecting native wildlife species from an infectious and potentially fatal parasitic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hatchery fish and their offspring (including hatchery‐wild hybrids) have lower reproductive success than wild fish. Thus, the straying of hatchery fish may negatively impact wild populations, depending on the number of wild salmon returning and hatchery strays. We investigated the straying status of hatchery‐origin pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), which have a higher straying rate than other salmonids, in an unstocked river at the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site, Japan. The hatchery strays accounted for 40.0% and 19.0% of the total samples in 2021 and 2022, respectively. These results indicate that hatchery pink salmon have invaded unstocked rivers and potentially genetically affect wild populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River estuaries are influenced by terrestrial and marine areas, and have a unique environment that is constantly fluctuating. They are also important habitats for biodiversity conservation. Tanegashima Island is significantly influenced by the Kuroshio Current. Although nearby Yakushima Island has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage site and information on many species has been collected, there is little information on species inhabiting the river estuaries of Tanegashima Island. In this study, the river estuarine ichthyofauna of 26 small and medium‐sized rivers on Tanegashima Island was surveyed and a total of 2758 individuals of 29 species and one genus belonging to 15 families were collected. The fish fauna of the river estuaries of Tanegashima Island were classified into three groups, namely the river estuaries where coastal terraces are underdeveloped and drowned valleys are formed, the river group where the riverbed gradient at the mouth is high, and other river groups. Environmental factors selected as being important for ordination of fish fauna were the altitude of the headstreams at the watershed scale, the gradient of the river estuarine area, and the presence or absence of rapids in the estuary. The importance of the geohistorical factor of drowned valley formation, in addition to habitat and watershed scale environmental factors, as a factor on river estuarine fish fauna is an important finding for future conservation of local biota diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World Heritage serial properties are groupings of several heritage component parts that share common themes and values. This paper examines how these serial properties, as well as their individual component parts, are influenced by serial interpretive dynamic, and how this dynamic affects on-site interpretation. We demonstrate these issues through the Israeli serial property inscription of the Biblical Tels – Megiddo, Hazor, Beer-Sheba (2005). We chart the revisions along the inscription process to point out the presence of an interpretive dynamic. We describe interpretive dynamic as the effect of the justifications of the nomination over heritage significance and interpretation, both within the realm of World Heritage and in each heritage property locally. This paper concludes that interpretive dynamic is an inevitable part of the serial process. We argue that the dynamic represents a gap between the frequent use of series as an inscription catalyst and their essence as value-oriented constructs. Considering this, we criticise the overuse of serial inscriptions and call for a revised definition that re-addresses the important place of interpretation in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an assessment study of traffic-induced ground vibrations and their effects on masonry-type historic structures in Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. The first objective is to propose a practical prediction of the attenuation rate of vibration for risk management of the monuments located along roadsides in the city. The attenuation of vibration waves traveling from traffic sources and the intensity of ground vibrations were determined by in situ vibration measurement. The results from the investigations in the Ayutthaya area were compared with those obtained from other sites having different characteristics of subsoil classified by the average shear wave velocity (Vs). It was found that the attenuation rates at a long distance from the source tend to be dependent on soil property in terms of Vs of subsoils. The attenuation curves derived from the regression analysis are proposed for risk management from the vibration of the heritage site. The second objective is to assess the effects of traffic vibrations on historic structures. The highest amplitude observed in Ayutthaya was within the recommended vibration criteria for historic buildings. In addition, finite element analysis of a 3D stupa model revealed that the stresses resulting from the ground vibration records induced by traffic was lower than the strength of ancient brick and mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megalithism in Sardinia (Italy) had its highest expression during the Bronze Age with the creation of monumental complexes known as Nuraghes. These unique monuments have recently been the subject of in-depth investigations for their potential to be recognized as World Heritage Sites (by UNESCO). The main purpose of our research was to make a contribution to obtain a more in-depth characterization of these monuments by testing a 3D model of a complex Nuraghe, integrated with an analysis of the geolithological context. This work first focused on the geological and typological investigation of the materials used in its construction, which was then compared with the geolithological characteristics of the region. A survey of the outcropping remains was carried out by means of Structure-from-Motion Multi-View Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry with UAV ground and aerial acquisition using APS-C photo sensors, georeferenced with an RTK-GNSS ground survey. The level of accuracy of our digital models shows the potential of the proposed method, giving accurate and geometrically consistent 3D reconstructions in terms of georeferencing error, shape and surface. The survey method allows for the virtualization of the current state of conservation of the Nuraghe, giving a solid basis to set up further (future) archaeological excavations and to contribute to knowledge on the architecture of the structures. This study also provides useful information on the nature and origin of the construction materials and proposes a hypothesis on the original dimensions of the monument, which is often a topic of debate in the world of archaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sukhothai Historical Park, designated as a world heritage site in Thailand, encompasses the remnants of the Sukhothai Kingdom and serves as a valuable locus for geological and geoarchaeological investigations. Situated in the Sukhothai province, the region is characterized by diverse lithologies, including slate, phyllite, and laterite, as well as red bricks (synthetic materials), utilized in the construction of various ancient structures. Petrographic analysis using polarized light microscopy reveals the phyllites as the primary dimension stones, exhibiting foliated and mylonitic textures with small quartz augen. A portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer was employed for geochemical analysis and the analysis of major oxides and trace elements. The resulting data facilitated the classification of protoliths and comparison with rocks from an abandoned quarry near Saritphong Dam in the western part of the historical park. Notably, phyllites utilized in several prominent structures within the park; Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Pa Daeng 2, Wat Thap Sakae, Wat Chetuphon, Wat Sri Chum, and Wat Mangkorn Temples, exhibited similar characteristics to those in the Wat Khao Noi old quarry, as confirmed by Rubidium (Rb) and Strontium (Sr) values. The SiO2/Al2O3 and FeO/K2O ratios were pivotal in identifying the protoliths of the studied phyllites as shales. In summary, the primary dimension stones for Sukhothai Historical Park originated from the western mountain within the park, with laterites sourced from foothill areas. The presence of quartz pebbles in red bricks suggests local sediment utilization, and quartz additions were employed to enhance structural strength. This comprehensive geoarchaeological study sheds light on the geological composition of the Sukhothai Historical Park, providing valuable insights into the selection and utilization of construction materials in this historically significant site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Arctic region, microbial degradation poses a significant threat to the preservation of archaeological deposits, actively consuming irreplaceable cultural and environmental records. In this study we assess the potential effects of the last 40 years of climate change on organic archaeological deposits within the UNESCO World Heritage area Kujataa in South Greenland. We use the dynamic process-oriented model, CoupModel to simulate soil temperatures and soil moisture contents at four archaeological sites in the area. The results show that the organic deposits have experienced a substantial warming the last 40 years, which combined with decreasing soil moisture contents creates a dangerous combination that can accelerate the degradation of organic materials. Currently, there are 583 archaeological sites registered within the area. Our findings highlight that the current climatic conditions are not conducive to organic preservation. The greatest risk of degradation lies within the relatively dry continental inland areas of the study region, where all Norse Viking Age settlements are situated. However, even at the "cold" and "wet" outer coast, the combined effects of rising summer temperatures and declining soil moisture levels may already be exerting a noticeable impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits provided by ecological assets play a crucial role in enhancing human well-being. However, there is a scarcity of viable methods for assessing their status. This study is grounded in Land Use and Land Cover Change (LUCC) and integrates both the quantity and quality aspects of these assets. Utilizing the ecological asset index (EQ and EQi), this study conducts a quantitative assessment of the assets in the Shibing karst and the Libo-Huanjiang karst heritage sites, while also qualitatively analyzing their influencing factors. The findings reveal that: (1) In the Shibing heritage site, forest and impervious surface assets exhibited an upward trend, whereas cropland and grassland experienced a decline; meanwhile, shrub and water body assets remained relatively stable. The total area of assets rated as excellent or good increased by 95.371 km2, resulting in an EQ enhancement of 45.427. (2) Likewise, in the Libo-Huanjiang heritage site, forest and impervious surface assets demonstrated an upward trajectory, while shrub assets declined. Cropland, grassland, and water body assets experienced minimal variation. The total area of assets rated as excellent or good expanded by 168.227 km2, resulting in an EQ enhancement of 80.806. (3) The execution of a series of ecological protection projects and management plans for heritage site conservation primarily accounts for the enhancement of regional assets. Notably, ecological resources, socio-economic conditions, human resources, and conservation management policies serve as pivotal drivers influencing the alterations in heritage site assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the 10 major topics related to geodiversity that have emerged since the concept was first introduced in 1993, 30 years ago. After a short introduction, each of the 10 topics is then illustrated by a relevant case study. The 10 topics (italics) and their case studies (bold) are as follows: 1. Celebrating, International Geodiversity Day; 2. Measurement/Assessment, Potential role of remote sensing; 3. Natural Capital and Geosystem Services, Coastal geosystem services; 4. Biodiversity, Mangue de Pedra, Brazil; 5. Geomaterials, The circular economy; 6. Geotourism, World's top geotourism sites?; 7. Geoheritage, Landscape restoration; 8. National Geoconservation, Trump golf course and an SSSI, Scotland; 9. World Heritage Sites and Global Geoparks, Azores Global Geopark, Portugal; 10. Sustainability, Xitle Volcano, Mexico City. It is concluded that, given the way in which geodiversity has developed as a concept, leading to new insights and avenues of research and advancing our understanding of the world since its first use, it clearly now constitutes a significant, geoscientific paradigm. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Geodiversity for science and society'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Korea has recently changed its domestic legislation relating to cultural and natural heritage and has actively participated in relevant UNESCO conventions and programmes. Early North Korean heritage law in the 1990s focused on tangible cultural heritage only. However, since Kim Jong-un took power in 2012, it began to evolve to include intangible cultural heritage and natural heritage, accommodating relevant provisions of UNESCO conventions and programmes. This series of legal changes in the field of heritage under Kim Jong-un's regime represents a significant attitudinal shift on the part of North Korea toward the international community. It reflects the regime's strong will to join international conventions and programmes in a pragmatic manner, particularly in relation to tourism promotion utilizing UNESCO's name. This paper analyses, in detail, the specific changes to provisions per heritage category, together with North Korea's relevant activities. The implication of these changes to North Korean heritage law and policy leads to the expectation that the current tendency to seek out and value UNESCO designations will continue in the Kim Jong-un's regime and the international cooperation of North Korea in the field will increase as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragile geological features must undergo frequent structural health assessments to prevent catastrophic failure events. The mechanical behavior of natural sites is largely guided by vibrations of the earth and environmental exposure, but damage is rarely assessed, except empirically. The Chauvet‐Pont d'Arc cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a shining example of fragility that would benefit from monitoring. It is overhung by a rock column known as Abraham's pillar that extends out from the cliff like a natural tuning fork. For this study, we monitored dancing movements of this pillar for over 2 years to analyze its elastic response to weather conditions. Using ambient‐seismic‐noise‐based methods, we identified the pillar's first two natural resonance modes. Through extensive monitoring of the site, we observed the striking temporal evolution of these two resonance frequencies on hourly, daily, seasonal, and pluriannual scales in response to changes in air temperature and insolation. Based on thermo‐acousto‐elastic modeling with a simplified 3D geometric structure, we determined how thermally‐induced stress stiffening affects the rock material, by applying convective and radiative heat fluxes to the model. From the results obtained, we suggest a novel quantitative method based on daily observations that can estimate the level of damage within the rock material. Our work provides a foundation for distinguishing between reversible processes and damage for hazard studies in the frame of climate change. Such knowledge is crucial not only for the preservation of heritage sites but also for enhancing risk assessment protocols and informing conservation efforts worldwide. Plain Language Summary: Rock columns are prominent geological features detaching from rock cliffs. The Chauvet‐Pont d'Arc cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is overhung by such a rock column called Abraham's pillar. By seismic sensors, we monitored vibrations of this pillar that continuously oscillates like a natural tuning fork. These vibrations are particularly amplified at two certain frequencies, called natural resonance frequencies, that are related to fixation conditions and health state of the pillar. Their values fluctuate along days and years, and this wandering is strongly linked with air temperature and solar heating over time. We modeled how temperature affects the mechanical properties of the rock material. Based on these results, we suggest a novel method that can estimate the daily level of damage within the rock material, paving the way to enhance rockfall hazard assessment and prevent catastrophic failures. Key Points: The Chauvet‐Pont d'Arc UNESCO site is overhung by a rocky pillar that has been monitored during more than 2 yearsResonance frequencies of pillar's bending modes evolve with thermal forcings at daily and seasonal time scalesThermo‐acoustoelasticity is used to model thermally‐induced stresses and acoustoelastic parameters are proposed as a proxy of rock damage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the perception of a "sense of place" among tourists visiting Hegra, an archaeological site in northern Saudi Arabia, through reviews on TripAdvisor. The 267 reviews on TripAdvisor between 2020 and 2023 were analyzed using the VADER sentiment polarity analysis tool and object modeling using the NMF machine learning algorithm. The results highlight positive factors linked to the history and uniqueness of the place while showing some critical issues related to isolation, cost, privatization, and competitiveness. The originality of the research lies in the type of case study chosen, an archaeological site of a country that has recently opened its doors to tourism, and in the pragmatic nature of the investigation, oriented towards the search for possible solutions to be adopted in terms of heritage management based on the feedback received for the development of the tourist destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, a new approach was introduced into the management of heritage on Ilha de Moçambique by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Known as the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, this seeks to expand current understanding of the island's historic urban heritage, recognising that 'heritage' is not limited solely to monuments or the built environment. Importantly, HUL incorporates urban sustainable development within the scope of heritage preservation. Given this, the adoption of the HUL approach has the potential to contribute to ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the built heritage, as prescribed by the 1972 UNESCO Convention, of Ilha de Moçambique, and effectively maintaining the Outstanding Universal Values that resulted in the declaration of the island as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. This paper discusses how local communities use the resources and heritage available to them and the central role of commerce, and the marketplace, in the heritage landscape of the island. A critical aspect of this is the sale of antiquities, including archaeological items, to tourists. Perspectives developed within the Rising from the Depths (RftD) network recently supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) UK, with funding from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), offer positive alternative solutions to overcome this challenging situation. In particular, the network sought to identify how the tangible submerged and coastal Marine Cultural Heritage (MCH) of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar, and its associated intangible aspects, can be utilised to stimulate ethical, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in the region. Our paper demonstrates how the implementation of the RftD initiative when combined with the HUL approach can help to increase awareness among communities on Ilha de Moçambique about the relevance of their heritage and the need for preserving it while meeting everyday needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how monumental preservation at the Taj Mahal leveraged the broader goals of national and international agencies including UNESCO and other UN bodies, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, to address the wicked problems of pollution, pro-poor tourism, and sustainable development. I suggest that the Taj, and more specifically its future preservation, is bound up in a set of conflictual connectivities and centrifugal forces that far exceed normative heritage and conservation practice. Thus the Mughal tomb became 'the critical receptor' and nodal site for an onslaught of international technical, economic, developmental and conservation schemes attempting to link cultural conservation with environmental concerns, in concert with social and economic uplift, well-being and urban resilience. What remains after decades of foreign studies, consultancies, technical reports, preservation monitoring and novel technologies? And how might we disentangle those wicked problems encircling monumental preservation in an era of environmental and political toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water plays a vital role in deteriorating stone heritage, especially those carved into vertical rock slopes. Southeast China is home to numerous limestone rock-hewn heritages, many of which showcase diverse deterioration patterns on their facades. Nevertheless, due to the large scale of this heritage and the limitations imposed by the principle of minimal intervention in practices, there is still a lack of practical strategies for understanding moisture distribution. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the moisture distribution of limestone rock-hewn statues via in situ detection employing a portable hygrometer and laboratory calibration based on the gravimetric method and regression analysis. The in situ determination was conducted in the Ciyunling statues niche 1 (World Heritage Site), which was hewn in the Wuyue states (942 CE). Thirty-six measuring areas were evenly planned on the niche's façade, with 20 moisture readings obtained from each measuring area. Additionally, the surface hardness of the typical area of statues was examined using a non-invasive Leeb hardness tester and Kruskal–Wallis H test to assess the impact of moisture on deterioration. The findings reveal that the statues' moisture content is higher than the background wall between the statues, signalling a greater potential for deterioration on the surface of the limestone statue. The primary source of moisture appears to be gaseous water in the atmosphere, which accumulates in the micropores through capillary condensation. Furthermore, the statistically significant differences in surface hardness between the chest/shoulder of statues and the root of the façade highlight the softening effect of moisture on the foundation of the limestone statues. Hence, the methodology utilised in this study serves as a viable approach for examining moisture levels and the extent of deterioration in rock-hewn heritage structures. Highlights: Systematic in situ measurement of moisture distribution on the facades of limestone rock-hewn heritage. A linear regression equation between limestone's electrical resistance-based moisture content (ωc) and the gravimetric moisture content (ωo) was obtained. The surface of the limestone statues contains more moisture signalling a greater potential for water-induced weathering. the surface hardness of the limestone facade significantly diminishes as the height decreases according to Kruskal–Wallis H test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UNESCO's Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972) (Convention) provides the highest level of international recognition for outstanding universal heritage places. While the Convention has been instrumental in aiding heritage preservation, arguably it has also reinforced a problematic 'culture' and 'nature' division in protected area management. This is not a new observation. One solution that attempted to address this issue was the introduction of the World Heritage (WH) 'Cultural Landscape' category in 1992. Yet, as of 2023, there are only 127 Cultural Landscape properties of the total 1157 properties on the WH List (10.9%). Poor recognition of the category appears particularly acute in some regions, such as Australia-Oceania, and in this paper, we consider this apparent under-utilisation with a systematic review of the literature about the category. Our analysis reveals significant and concerning regional variations in both use of the cultural landscape category and in research about it. In our current era, when better recognition of First Nation heritage is demanded, and when greater protection of heritage assets is required, further uptake of the Cultural Landscape category has the potential to redress these pressing societal concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have highlighted a lack of practical strategies in mobile learning that effectively enhance learners' agency with mobile technology. The paper aims to engage and interest learners in cultural issues by exploring the capacity of mobile technology. In this paper, we report the design and development of a prototype story game app, The Story of Praya Lane that combines use of mobile sensing, machine learning and augmented reality (AR) to engage users in physical mobile activities as part of a gamified, non-linear storytelling application. We took a multidisciplinary approach to involve cultural heritage stakeholders to preserve and share the cultural stories of the Kristang community in Praya Lane, Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The results of user study show promise in promoting interest and engagement in cultural learning and reflection. From our findings, we recommend design guidelines for future interactive story games to support cultural learning and engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medina of Fez started to play a key role in the tourism industry after the Second World War (Girard, M. 2006a. "Imaginaire touristique et émotion patrimoniale dans la medina de Fès (Maroc)." Culture & Musées 8: 61–90). The city's image, traditionally linked to craftsmen, religious buildings and cultural heritage has contributed to the tourism industry and put Fez on the international map of world destinations. Labeled in 1981 as a World Heritage site, it has been experiencing government-orchestrated rehabilitations parallel to private investments in built heritage. Contributing to the economic development of the city, these investments have also transformed the image of the medina. A flourishing touristic destination and an urban environment of daily life shape the contemporary identity of the medina, structured around plural social imaginaries sometimes complementary and sometimes competing with one another. The paper qualitatively addresses the transformation of Fez's medina from the angle of spatial imaginaries considering the latter as a defining factor in the formation of the medina's contemporary identity. It discusses the emergence of new spatial imaginaries, which are thriving daily at the crossroads of diverse practices and initiatives of local and international actors. Results suggest that further understanding of the conditions of emergence, and spatial expression of these imaginaries can contribute to the debate on the development of historical medina in Morocco while highlighting the forces of reinvention of local identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a project that explored the possibilities for utilizing graphic heritage as a tool to help UNESCO designations managers and their stakeholders better interpret their heritage in light of sustainable development challenges in urban environments sensitive to heritage. With the eventual goal to inform policy-making that benefits from a closer understanding between design and heritage, five phases are outlined. These employ several methods resulting in two important ways for graphic heritage to enhance the management of urban heritage contexts with possible future implications for UNESCO-designated Creative Cities, World Heritage Sites, and Biosphere Reserves. These contextualize the intrinsic and extrinsic nature of graphic heritage for UNESCO designations, and a scoping study for Bradford UNESCO City of Film features with several objectives outlining the basis for future research, collaboration, and wider dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wu-Yue, meaning five-mountains, refers to five sacred mountains in China. The sacredness of this cultural landscape was manifested through the religious activities centered in those mountains and the state rituals of imperial China. This sacredness became recognized in the global context in 2010, when one mountain became the physical context of a newly inscribed World Heritage Cultural Site that purported to be at "The Center of Heaven and Earth." However, the sacred mountain itself was deliberately excluded from the narratives justifying the value of this heritage. Drawing upon archival research and limited fieldwork, this paper argues that although both Wu-Yue and "The Center of Heaven and Earth" are manipulated cultural concepts heavily charged with political agendas, significant differences exist between the processes of making these two heritages, the players involved in such processes, and the consequences of the socio-politically produced space. Wu-Yue, representing the ideological construct of the state power, was gradually established and constantly redefined over 3000 years through evolving ritual performances and cultural practices. In contrast, "The Center of Heaven and Earth" was created between the 2009 and 2010 sessions of the World Heritage Committee, yet with an embedded new political agenda: modern China, represented by a historical capital of imperial China, has become the center of the known world, from which a new global power is ascending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses a poorly studied outcrop of orbicular granite from the Matopos granite batholith in the Diana's Pool area, Zimbabwe. Historical samples from Diana's Pool exhibit closely packed orbicules in a granitic matrix. They are 9 to 14 cm in diameter and are characterised by different types of orbicules containing coarse-grained felsic cores, fine-grained and alternating ferromagnesian and feldspathic shells, and a coarse-grained matrix. The orbicules are generally spherical to ellipsoidal in shape, however, some appear to be abraded and deformed. The compositions and grain sizes of cores and the matrix are comparable. Both the matrix and the cores are medium- to coarse-grained and dominated by plagioclase (the matrix probably in slightly lesser proportions), microcline (in variable proportions, and seemingly absent in some cores), quartz, biotite and accessory hornblende and magnetite. Contrary to the cores and matrix, shells are fine-grained and exhibit polygonal textures. In addition to this, the shells are dominated by biotite and magnetite; however, they do not contain hornblende. Plagioclase shows an almost complete overlap of An contents, x̅ = 26 ± 2.3 (core), x̅ = 24 ± 0.9 (shell) and x̅ = 25 ± 2.0 (matrix). Biotite composition in the shells is significantly less magnesian (x̅ = 16 ± 2.4) than in core (x̅ = 27 ± 2.2) and matrix (x̅ = 25 ± 2.2), whose compositions overlap. Average initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios from plagioclase in all the analysed shells (x̅ = 0.70226) are slightly more radiogenic than in the matrix (x̅ = 0.70193) and cores (x̅ = 0.70187). Cores are autoliths, which are plagioclase-rich, cumulate, or rim fragments reworked by new magma inputs or injections. Heterogeneous nucleation leading to the formation of orbicular shells around the cores is attributed to adiabatic decompression of magma pulses ascending in dykes, leading to superheating and resorption of early solids, and volatile exsolution, inducing undercooling, supersaturation, and shell crystallisation. The coarse-grained matrix crystallised later, after the orbicules formed, creating the groundmass and locking the orbicules in place. The deformation of shells and cores suggests that the orbicules continued to evolve in the presence of a melt (matrix material). As part of the Matopos Hills World Heritage Site, the Diana's Pool orbicular granites present a unique and noteworthy petrogenesis, which should be preserved as part of the region's important geoheritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various topics related to heritage conservation and management. It begins by addressing the UK government's consultation on the adoption of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), emphasizing that ratifying the convention does not automatically impose additional burdens or obligations. The article also explores the relationship between intangible heritage and physical places, as well as the challenges faced in preserving authenticity and cultural characteristics in urban environments. It further examines the role of citizen participation in cultural heritage management, the destruction of heritage assets in Kenya, the representation of Indigenous Peoples' rights, and the integration of industrial heritage in planning documentation. The article concludes by highlighting the need for collaboration, understanding, and respect in sustainable conservation practices, particularly in the context of the climate crisis. [Extracted from the article]

• Ancient charred bread can be preserved, maintaining microstructures of cereals. • Bread found in seven archaeological sites in Northern Italy was analysed. • Optical and scanning electron microscopy are used to study microstructural elements. • Infrared spectroscopy can be used to support microscopy. • Raw materials and methods of preparation were identified. This study examines charred bread-like samples found in several archaeological sites across northern Italy and dating from the Early Bronze Age to the Early Middle Ages, some of which are included amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The aim is to investigate differences and homogeneities in bread production processes in different eras and cultures. Bread was a staple food in many ancient societies, but has rarely been found amongst the materials that survive in archaeological sites. When it is found, it is usually because the bread was charred by accidental combustion (falling into the oven during baking) or deliberate combustion (for ritual purposes). The literature on the issue is not abundant, but has been growing over the past decade. There is, therefore, room to propose new study methodologies at this time. We studied eight samples of charred bread-like products and we used optical and scanning electron microscopy to identify plant tissue remains attributable to cereal caryopses, partly modified by bread-making processes. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and, for the first time, infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR) were also used to investigate the composition and preparation methods of the different types of bread-like products. In particular, FTIR-ATR analysis can give indications about the presence of starch, gluten and lignin in the sample under investigation and it can, therefore, be used as a screening to guide subsequent SEM analysis in the search for specific cereal residues in the dough. In some cases, the different techniques used also revealed the presence of minerals such as silicates and carbonates, probably due to grinding residues or poor sample cleaning. During SEM observations, phytoliths, diatoms and framboids were also found in some of the samples. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study investigates factors with both beneficial and harmful qualities for Cultural World Heritage Sites in Europe and North America. • Information employed originates from the UNESCO Periodic Report II and the heritage database. • Factors related to tourism and transportation most often perceived as both beneficial and harmful by site managers. • Bivariate Probit estimations control for site characteristics and location of site. • Estimations reveal that managers are mainly ambivalent to tourism/visitors/recreation, interpretive and sightseeing facilities as well as to ground transport infrastructure. The aim of this study is to investigate factors with both beneficial and harmful qualities for Cultural World Heritage Sites. Particular but not exclusive attention is given to aspects relating to tourism and infrastructure. Data from the World Heritage List for North America and Europe, linked to the 2014 UNESCO Periodic Report II, are employed for the analysis. A simultaneous Bivariate Probit model estimation is carried out on the 30,954 observations and 402 Heritage Sites. World Heritage managers assess that certain factors are both beneficial and harmful for their sites. These contradictory perceptions appear most commonly in relation to tourism/visitors/recreation (28% of the sites), ground transport infrastructure (16%) and to the Society's valuing of heritage (12%). Besides this, ambivalent perceptions are also identified for housing, commercial development, land conversion, forestry/timber production and renewable energy facilities, although to a lesser extent. Estimation results reveal that the highest degree of ambivalence occurs in relation to tourism/visitors/recreation, interpretive and sightseeing facilities and ground transport infrastructure when location and specific site characteristics are controlled for. Thus, the results coincide only to some extent with the descriptive statistics. Compared to other groups of Cultural World Heritage Sites (cultural landscapes, religious sites and other sites) managers of cities have a significantly lower probability of perceiving the different factors as harmful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal in China became a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014, and the water quality of this ancient man-made canal has increasingly attracted societal attention. This study focuses on monitoring the water quality of the Beijing section of the Grand Canal (BGC) using remote sensing technology. Analysis of the comprehensive trophic level index (TLI) indicates that the water in the Canal was predominantly light eutrophic from 2016 to 2022. The annual average results of the TLI reveal that the water quality in the Kunming Lake and North Canal of BGC is generally good, characterized by some mesotrophic waters, and others are in light eutrophication. The TLI for the entire BGC water body decreased from 64.7 in 2016 to 60.3 in 2022, indicating an improvement trend in water quality. Notably, the proportion of good water with TLI less than 60 increased from 50% in 2016 to 83% in 2022. This improvement of water quality may be attributed to the reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides and the implementation of various environmental policies by Beijing Municipal government. These findings offer valuable insights for the management and protection of the water resources of the BGC, and further contribute to the evaluation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba is struggling with a growing environmental problem: the uncontrolled spread of the allochthonous weed species marabou (Dichrostachys cinerea) throughout the country. Over the last 70 years, marabou has become a formidable invasive species that poses a threat to Cuban biodiversity and agricultural productivity. In this paper, we present a free and affordable method for regularly mapping the spatial distribution of the marabou based on the Google Earth Engine platform and ecological surveys. To test its accuracy, we develop an 18-year remote sensing analysis (2000–2018) of marabou dynamics using the Valle de los Ingenios, a Cuban UNESCO World Heritage Site, as an experimental model. Our spatial analysis reveals clear patterns of marabou distribution and highlights areas of concentrated growth. Temporal trends illustrate the aggressive nature of the species, identifying periods of expansion and decline. In addition, our system is able to detect specific, large-scale human interventions against the marabou plague in the area. The results highlight the urgent need for remedial strategies to maintain the fragile ecological balance in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study validated the theoretical keypoints obtained from a previously published scoping literature review within the context of three Norwegian World Heritage sites: Røros, Rjukan, and Notodden. The cross-sectional table of the urban heritage facility management (UHFM) framework, which is based on interviews and correspondence, demonstrates the connection between the tasks of the six clusters of technical departments responsible for the provision of urban-scale support services and the modified critical steps of the Historic Urban Landscape approach, in which an additional step for "monitoring and evaluation" was included. UHFM operates at the intersection of heritage preservation, urban-scale facility management, and stakeholder coordination, which requires a careful balance between urban heritage conservation and sustainable urban management practices, thus enabling the preservation of World Heritage status that, among others, fosters sustainable tourism. The three case studies highlighted the significance of UHFM in preserving heritage value, authenticity, visual quality, and significance. Besides providing comprehensive support services that extend beyond the daily tasks of conservators and World Heritage managers, UHFM also allows feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement. This study highlighted the complex relationship between the provision of urban-scale support services and the preservation of Outstanding Universal Value as the core business of World Heritage sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The historic town of Birgi is a historic settlement within İzmir, Turkey, included in the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2012. Traditional Birgi houses, dated to the second half of the 18th and the beginning of the 20th century, are one of the best-representative and best-preserved examples of the hımış houses – the most common housing typology of the Ottoman Period. These hybrid structures include a masonry ground floor and timber frame upper floors as their primary load-bearing systems, with details shaped in line with the regional material availability and the performance of these materials, as well as technical know-how and the local experience of major historic fires and earthquakes. In this study, authentic construction techniques used in the West Anatolian Ottoman houses and information about the construction processes are presented through Birgi's traditional houses. For this aim, a visual examination and documentation of various hımış sub-typologies representative of different construction periods are conducted. The differences in construction details are evaluated in light of the predominant architectural styles and technological possibilities of their construction periods. In addition, the strengths and weaknesses of authentic construction techniques and common construction errors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers affect in historical and contemporary architectural practice. This takes shape through a consideration of a 2012–2015 historic preservation project involving one of the famed rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia, which sits in a complex of churches designated a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1978. Using theory, interviews, and speculative and projective diffractive drawings, we suggest how envisaging the affective unsettles "normal" architectural practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]