UNESCO World Heritage Site Research Articles

First known extinct feathertail possums (Acrobatidae, Marsupialia): palaeobiodiversity, phylogenetics, palaeoecology and palaeogeography

Four new fossil feathertail possum species (Marsupialia, Diprotodontia, Phalangerida, Petauroidea, Acrobatidae) are described from late Oligocene to middle Miocene fossil deposits in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, northwestern Queensland. They are the first pre-Pleistocene fossil representatives of this family to be described. Two species are referred to the modern genus Acrobates and two to the modern genus Distoechurus. These species are distinguished from each other and from the living Distoechurus pennatus and Acrobates pygmaeus on the basis of qualitative and quantitative characters of the first lower molar (m1), which is the only tooth known for all four fossil species. Fortunately, m1 is morphologically the most variable tooth in the cheektooth row of acrobatids, and it exhibits numerous genus- and species-specific features. Phylogenetic analyses based on dental characters strongly support monophyly of Acrobatidae relative to other petauroids, as well as providing relatively strong support for reciprocal monophyly of Acrobates and Distoechurus, including the newly described fossil members of these genera. Recognition of species of Acrobates and Distoechurus in these fossil deposits is broadly congruent with recent estimates for the time of divergence of the two modern genera based on molecular data, and also provides an additional fossil calibration point for future studies of marsupial divergence times. These fossil species provide new insights into the biogeographical and ecological history of this enigmatic family of small possums, specifically that the oldest known species of Acrobates occurred in closed forest environments (in contrast to the living species, A. pygmaeus and Acrobates frontalis, which today inhabit open sclerophyll forests and woodlands) and that Distoechurus appears to have originated in Australia, only subsequently dispersing to New Guinea before becoming extinct in its Australian homeland.Prudence R. Fabian [pruefabian@gmail.com], Michael Archer [m.archer@unsw.edu.au], Suzanne J. Hand [s.hand@unsw.edu.au], Earth and Sustainability Science Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Robin M.D. Beck [r.m.d.beck@salford.ac.uk], School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK.

Recreational impacts of an oil spill in a world heritage area: a combined travel cost and contingent behaviour method approach

ABSTRACT Fiordland National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. An oil spill in this area could impact the visitation to not only Milford Sound, but to all of Fiordland National Park and the lower South Island. This study examined the impacts on the recreational value of Fiordland National Park under three oil spill scenarios in Milford Sound. Using a combined approach of travel cost and contingent behaviour methods revealed a consumer surplus of a visit to Fiordland National Park of NZD 534.76 and NZD 1,449.28 per person, with and without accommodation respectively. This leads to an aggregate consumer surplus estimate ranging from NZD 427.8–1,159.4 million for Fiordland National Park based on pre-COVID visitor numbers. The three oil spill scenarios represented small, medium, and large-scale oil spills, limiting various water-based activities at each step. This showed that for each increase in oil level, there was a decrease of NZD 164.10 and NZD 923.73 per person with and without accommodation respectively. This leads to an estimated minimum decrease of the welfare of visitors by 30.7–63.7 percent, or a decrease of NZD 131.3–734.0 million in the annual recreational value. Key Policy Highlights Aggregate annual recreational value estimates ranging from NZD 427.8 million – NZD 1.6 billion pre-COVID19. An oil spill occurring in Milford Sound demonstrated a minimum annual recreational value decrease of NZD 131.3 million over five years. These results demonstrate the need for appropriately funded prevention and preparedness policies to minimize possible damages.

Heading for a fall: The fate of old wind-thrown beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) is detectable in their growth pattern

Common beech (Fagus sylvatica) is one of the most important deciduous tree species in European forests. However, climate-change-induced drought may threaten its dominant position. The Sonian Forest close to Brussels (Belgium) is home to some of the largest beech trees in the world. This UNESCO world heritage site is famous for its high density of very large beech trees as a result of its climatic suitability, fertile soil conditions, and past management. Here we utilized tree-ring data from increment cores to investigate the growth of these old and monumental beech trees, evaluating their growth trends, response to past climate, and the effect of mast years on 39 living and 16 recently wind-thrown trees. Our analysis reveals that the sampled trees were generally sensitive to spring and summer droughts but recovered quickly after such an extreme climatic event. The growth trend of living trees has remained high and only shows a slight, statistically insignificant, decline over the past 50 years. Although the overall growth rate remains strong (BAI 50 cm2/year), the past five decades have shown strong inter-annual growth variations due to frequent and more intense droughts combined with an increased frequency of mast years. We also found notable differences in growth patterns between the living trees and those that had recently been wind-thrown. While there were no significant differences between living and wind-thrown trees in response to droughts, heatwaves, or mast years when examining year-to-year growth changes, the wind-thrown trees did exhibit considerably lower overall growth rates and a significant downward trend in growth (BAI −0.57 cm2/year). This difference in growth trends has been apparent since at least the 1980s. Overall, the findings of this study can provide valuable insights for understanding the long-term dynamics of lowland beech forests and their responses to climate change.

Comparative analysis of responses to COVID-19 in UNESCO Landscapes and World Heritage sites from Southern Europe and America

PurposeDue to the global COVID-19 pandemic, UNESCO Landscapes and World Heritage sites have faced unstable situations. Both at the sites themselves and in the research centres, universities and even the homes of the people involved, they have acted and responded to the best of their ability. In this context, the aim of the comparative analysis of different cases carried out here is to understand the main effects of the pandemic in the short term. On the one hand, the purpose is to determine what the general response trends have been and, on the other, to measure the resilience capacity in each case.Design/methodology/approachUp to eight cases studies representing different and diverse kinds of Heritage and Protected Natural sites from Southern Europe and America are compared.FindingsIn a context of uncertainty, new responses, unique opportunities and hitherto unseen weaknesses have arisen in research and management of natural and cultural heritage. In general terms, the dialogue between officials, technicians and researchers that have put together this article underlines the need to work towards a governance model that engages everyone in dialogue. Discrepancies between overlapping strategies and plans, which is the main conflict detected, should be avoided while a decentralisation of policies could be more operational. In this sense, situated knowledge may be of help in configuring practical management tools.Originality/valueThis paper compares and contrasts for first time the effects of the pandemic in Europe and Latin America. This exercise has provided a valuable diagnostic for present and future heritage management.

Nature-Based Solutions to Regenerate Mediterranean Cities: A Case Study in Catania, Sicily

This work is part of research conducted within the Di3A Landscape Design and Redevelopment Laboratory at the University of Catania. Its objective is to improve the enjoyment of public spaces through the study of landscape design in highly urbanised and historical areas. The case study used was the historical centre of the city of Catania in Sicily. This study focused on the green aspects of the redevelopment of some open spaces of the Antico Corso district using international and national thematic studies on public spaces as a reference. In particular, the research concentrated on the design of the Garden of Via Biblioteca inside the former Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò La Rena, a UNESCO world heritage site redeveloped by the famous architect Giancarlo De Carlo. After a careful analysis of the area, we decided to use contemporary project themes with the aim of enhancing the present historical elements and nature-based solutions, which, through the introduction of carefully selected plant species, favour biodiversity in the urban environment. The method adopted was divided into three main phases: (1) spatial analysis; (2) a SWOT analysis method; and (3) the planning and design of the green redevelopment of places to be reconverted into public spaces. This methodology has already been tested on the open spaces of the former Vittorio Emanuele Hospital inside the Antico Corso District, showing how the multidisciplinary approach applied can be replicated in other urban contexts in historical centres. The results of these studies may be useful in the context of urban planning reforms envisaged by Regional Law No. 19/2020 and Regional Law 13/2015 in Sicily and to help the Superintendencies of Landscape and Cultural Heritage to preserve and to enhance historical greenery. The adopted strategies may also be useful in the application of the PUI (Integrated Urban Plan) of the Province of Catania that follows the PNRR (National Plan of Reconstruction and Resilience) parameters to provide local services to the municipalities involved. These pilot projects should be extended to bigger areas. The applicability of the methodology could be tested in other parts of the Municipality of Catania with a particular focus on run-down areas, followed by further testing on territorial sections of the province.

Heritage and Environment: Greenery as a Climate Change Mitigation Factor in Selected UNESCO Sites in Krakow

The quantity and condition of urban greenery directly affect the quality of life of residents and space users. This quality is linked to measures that reduce the negative impact of climate change. It was assumed that urban greenery should not only be protected but also should have its stock increased, which is not easy in a historical, compact structure under statutory conservation. This paper discusses the issue of green areas in the strict city centre of Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. The study area includes two medieval towns that had their town charters issued in the 13th and 14th centuries, which together formed a central town and a satellite town. Kazimierz and Stradom were subjected to a detailed investigation. A review of the literature and other sources made it possible to identify changes in the structure of green spaces in terms of chronology and quantity. Changes in the area, accessibility and the legal provisions arising from the various forms of statutory conservation and their consequences were analysed. Multi-criteria analyses of the historical urban structure and the types, forms and potential for introducing greenery into the historical area were also performed. The intention was to strengthen green infrastructure, which is a key element in climate change mitigation.

Examining urban polarization in five Spanish historic cities through online datasets and onsite perceptions

At present, the planning and management of historic districts are faced with the challenge of striking a balance between the needs of residents and seasonal pressures from visitors. These socially bustling sites could also benefit from the data cross-referencing of cultural and social patterns in order to identify areas for improvement. This research analyses geo-referenced online datasets and data from social media applications, subsequently contrasting these with onsite data from in-person interviews. These specific variables highlight parallels and conflicts between districts designated World Heritage areas in five Spanish cities. The study provides a quantitative analysis of hotspots and coldspots within the built environment. This is followed by an examination of these two types of areas using qualitative data linked to the three most challenging issues: housing and the built environment; basic services; and cultural services. When analysing the future of historic districts three major challenges to management highlighted in the results should be considered. Firstly, even in socially active districts, imbalances and dysfunctional areas are highlighted by both online data and onsite perceptions. Secondly, the study of the dynamics of districts for observing how stakeholders adapt to this social, economic, and mobility-related polarization. Thirdly, while the study acknowledges the changes to the consumption of culture, there is still potential for improvement in hosting alternative or countercultural movements.

Long-term stability of temperate Australian wet forest-moorland mosaics despite recurrent fires associated with late Holocene climate change

ContextThe primary factors(s) responsible for the maintenance of Alternative biome states (ABS) in world forest biomes remains unclear and debatable, partly due to insufficient long-term ecological data from suitable ecosystem sites. The occurrence of moorland in southern and western Tasmanian wet temperate forest presents a suitable setting to test for ABS and understand the main stabilizing factors of ABS.ObjectivesWe use a palaeoecological approach to test for ABS and identify the degree of vegetation change and the effect of climate change and fire occurrence associated with ABS in southern Tasmania.MethodsSediment sequence from sink-hole lake in a forest and nearby pond in southern Tasmania were analysed for pollen and charcoal to reconstruct histories of forest, moorland and fire in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). Reconstructions were compared to palaeoclimate record.ResultsMoorland and forest in southern Tasmania have occupied the same habitat for at least the last 2600 years, and neither past climate change nor fire occurrence affected the stability of the vegetation mosaic. We suspect that localized environmental settings, such as topography and edaphic conditions are the primary stabilizing factors of the forest-moorland mosaics.ConclusionsThe observed stable vegetation mosaics in our study is contrary to the dominant ecological paradigm of landscape dynamics currently used to manage the TWWHA, and there is a need to refine the ecological basis of fire management in the area. Similar targeted palaeoecological studies are needed to fully understand the underlying factors responsible for the persistence of treeless vegetation in world forest biomes.

Geospatial Tool Development for the Management of Historical Hiking Trails—The Case of the Holy Site of Meteora

This paper presents a holistic guiding methodology for the development of a geospatial tool to be used for the documentation, planning, smart management and dissemination of a country’s network of historic hiking trails. To deal with the challenges and to ensure the sustainability of a historic site, geospatial documentation merging authoritative and crowdsourced data and a WebGIS-based spatial analysis is necessary. Geospatial data collection should include professional field surveys, professional and crowdsourced photographic documentation and video recording of the existing historic walking/hiking trails. A geodatabase, structured using relational model technology, including vector spatial entities (feature classes), mosaics (raster) and tabulated data (geodatabase tables), should be developed on a commercial or open platform; in this case, the ArcGIS Pro is used. Entities with embedded descriptive information and metadata for the technical, legal, historical, and administrative context may then be created. An object-oriented data model is needed to connect spatial and descriptive information. Spatial and descriptive queries or correlations between attribute fields of spatial entities must be enabled for specialized information retrieval by either experts or users. Next, a web GIS application to present the developed geodatabase in a visually appealing and informative way is created. It should integrate 2D maps with built-in tools and should support advanced functionalities, such as: (i) pop-ups that display brief information and images about specific spots along the trails; (ii) dynamic visualization of the vertical profile of each trail; (iii) multimedia information about landmarks, natural features and scenic viewpoints. Finally, the tool includes a feedback service and continuous efficiency monitoring and assessment, and enables adjustments, if and where needed. The tool is tested and used for 10 historical walking/hiking trails of the archaeological and Holy Site of Meteora, Central Greece. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The network, with a total length of 35 km, leads to six monasteries, still active since the 12th century, passing by gigantic rocks and beautiful natural landscapes. The site is famous globally and the greater area is continuously overcrowded with visitors. The tool is anticipated to be used for the documentation and management of the whole walking/hiking historic trail network of Greece in the future.

Karst Corrosion and Erosion in Some Areas of Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak, Northern Borneo): New Data and Comparision with Lessini Mountains, Veneto, Italy

New insight on karst corrosion conducted in Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak, Borneo) and started in 2019 are presented. Mulu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and one of the most studied karst areas in the world.
 Dissolution represents an important factor for speleogenesis and can be measured by monitoring the weight variation over time of limestone tablets exposed in underground and outdoor environments. We describe new monitoring results and compare them with the existing ones present in literature and with a study carried out in Italy (Lessini Mountains).
 The study conducted in Borneo was authorized by the Sarawak Forest Corporation (Permit SFC.810-4/6/1 (2023) 005 and Park permit No. WL 03/2023). Rock tablets were used to calculate the dissolution rate, collecting this type of “data loggers” after 3 years, due to the difficulties that arose during the Covid pandemic.
 The results of this monitoring partially confirm those collected in 2020. Some rock tablets have undergone both a reduction in weight due to dissolution and erosion by water, and the deposition of calcareous incrustations without increasing in weight. The new corrosion data have been compared with some values of chemical parameters of the water, as well as with those existing in the literature. This study increasing the existing data on karst corrosion in the Mulu area, which date back to the late 70s-early 80s of the last century.

Virtual Reconstruction of Lost Cultural Heritage – The Case of the Historical Church of Pammegist Taxiarch Archangel Michael in Medieval City of Corfu. A holistic Interdisciplinary approach, in Challenging Times enhancing Sustainable Urban Development

The present work is about the application of digital record of Lost Cultural Heritage monument in Corfu island - the case of the Church of Pammegistos Taxiarch Michael situated in the heart of the oldest medieval district of ‘Campiello’ in the Old Town of Corfu, built at the 14th century. Today the building has been demolished and a homonymous square has been created in its place. The "Taxiarch square" is a free space formed randomly, violently and as a remnant after the bombings of the 2nd World War. Considering an essential step in understanding and conserving the values of the memory of the glorious past, creating a as close as possible digital record of the most important monument in the area for the future, providing a means to communicating the knowledge and value of the tangible monument to the society. Our effort aims to efficiently open new orisons to the locals, in upgrading the living standard, while through culture and dialogue we might provide the necessary transformative dimension that ensures the sustainability of development processes. In our Challenging Times the data coming to light from in-situ research, the archives, bibliography etc., applied to the following modelling features the role of 3D virtual reconstruction of the important monument of cultural heritage in Corfu Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece acquires even greater importance, supporting archaeological and architecture research and art history, used as well as a vehicle for the cultural and evocative involvement of the people.

Cryptic biodiversity: A portfolio‐approach to coral reef fish surveys

AbstractBiodiversity conservation and management requires surveillance that captures the full spectrum of taxa. Here, we showcase the potential for a portfolio of visual, extractive, and molecular methods for detecting previously hidden components of tropical fish biodiversity in an economically and culturally valuable marine site that spans a tropical‐temperate ecotone—the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. With scale and practicality in mind, we demonstrate how environmental DNA (eDNA) methods deployed in a stratified sampling design can yield a more comprehensive monitoring program for species presence than current alternatives (e.g., extractive sampling via anesthetic). eDNA from filtered water samples detected up to six times as many cryptobenthic fish species per site than samples collected with anesthetic, indicating it is a potentially powerful tool for assessing biodiversity of tropical fishes. However, there were also species that were only found when using anesthetic and the contribution of cryptobenthic species to overall diversity of the fish assemblage was unexpectedly low, suggesting not all cryptobenthic fish species have been detected with eDNA. There were also distinct differences in cryptobenthic assemblages both among sites and sample depths (2–3 m) when using eDNA from filtered water, suggesting this technique may be able to identify fine scale spatial differences in cryptobenthic fish assemblage. eDNA collected from water detects the most cryptobenthic species and is therefore an efficient tool for rapidly assessing biodiversity, but extractive techniques may still be required for biological and monitoring studies, and when combined with eDNA sampling provides the most comprehensive assessment of cryptobenthic fishes.

The effect of silvicultural systems on soil function depends on bedrock geology and altitude

Soil quality and function in forest environments are influenced by the interaction of soil-forming parameters and silvicultural systems. Hyrcanian forests were recently accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which extends across an area of approximately 1.8 million hectares and ascend to an elevation of 2800 m above sea level (m.a.s.l). In these woodlands, Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) is the predominant tree species and could be observed at 700–1500 m.a.s.l., and occur on different parent rocks. Shelterwood and single-tree selection techniques have been the primary management methods for beech forests for the past forty years. Studies investigating the impacts of silvicultural systems have not yet been done on soil and forest floor features on different bedrock geology and altitudes. Therefore, in this study, we examined the influence of single-tree selection and shelterwood methods, 25 years after employing those methods, on soil quality and function compared to control areas (intact forests) in Hyrcanian beech stands. For this purpose, 15 forest floor (30 × 30 cm) and topsoil (0–10 cm depth) samples in each silvicultural systems (i.e., single-tree selection and shelterwood methods and control zones) × 4 regions (including Rasht, Nowshahr, Sari and Gorgan) × 4 altitude levels (with averages of 800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 m.a.s.l.) were considered. According to our findings, the investigated forest regions, forest floor and soil characteristics across various locations spots could be separated by principal component analysis output, and more than 85% of the variance was explained by the first and second axes. The structural equation model showed that the region, altitude and silvicultural systems had an effective role in the changes in soil biological activities by influencing the forest floor, and the soil physicochemical features. Based upon the network model, the C/N ratio, the sand content, the soil aggregate stability, the available K, the fulvic acid, and the Acarina density were found to be prominent factors with regard to soil function. In the control sites, increased soil organic material fractions, microbial/enzyme and biota activities were detected, particularly at the lower altitudes of the Nowshahr site, which had geological formations of dolomite and calcic layers. Taken together, it seems that the single-tree method, commonly referred to as the close-to-nature technique produces more suitable conditions for soil functioning compared to the shelterwood management approach. Silvicultural systems, bedrock geology and altitude can have major detrimental effects on soil function and fertility, over the long-term, impacts may increase with harvest intensity.

Integration of photogrammetry and laser scanning for enhancing scan-to-HBIM modeling of Al Ula heritage site

The study highlights the significance of combining imaging and laser scanning techniques to enrich point clouds used for reliable documentation and Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM). The fusion-based approach was used to document Al Ula Heritage site in Saudi Arabia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved tombs from the first century BC. The HBIM parametric modeling process requires a detailed survey to collect all geometric data. Although terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) are an efficient tool for 3D recording of heritage scenes in a short period of time, the data resolution is insufficient for identifying and evaluating the spatial distribution of surface weathering forms. Furthermore, combining scans collected at different times may pose difficulties in recording the texture. These issues have an impact on the subsequent 3D modeling phase as well as the efficiency of interpreting and tracing surface features in the Scan-to-BIM process. The proposed workflow using imagery data to enhance both the geometry and coloring of laser point clouds. In addition to texture mapping, the high-resolution imagery is used to densify the laser data using dense image matching, allowing for a clear reading of the surface features, and serving as a useful tool to identify the type, extent, and severity of façade damage. TLS and imagery data were collected separately, with images taken at the best time and location for realistically recording of surface details. Finally, the captured images are orthorectified by TLS geometric information and used for HBIM texturing to provide realistic decay mapping. The results showed that the combination of TLS and photogrammetry allowed for the efficient collection of 3D data, which improved tracing and digitizing HBIM with complete mapping information. The research findings will be greatly useful in the management and planning of historic building conservation and restoration projects.

Structural morphology and seismic evaluation of intersecting masonry space structure (Karbandi system)

Research into the historical masonry buildings of the city of Tabriz have resulted in determining the fundamental features of some important masonry structural systems. These features include architectural and structural morphologies, force flow/management in the structures, and understanding the interplay of different structural elements. In this paper, these features are assessed by analyzing the structural response of the Haj Mohammad-Qoli Timche in the Tabriz Bazaar, a registered UNESCO World Heritage site. This study was carried out in three main stages. First, the architectural and structural morphologies of the Timche were investigated. The results demonstrated that Karbandi is a highly-efficient structural system in the construction of arched historical buildings. Thereafter, two scaled experimental models of the Haj Mohammad-Qoli Timche were constructed to perform experimental and numerical evaluations. A suitable agreement exists between the numerical and experimental results, to the point that the frequency error percentages for the first and second specimens are equal to 0.5% and less than 1%, respectively. Finally, the seismic behavior of the structure was assessed using Incremental Dynamic Analyses. The results indicated that due to collapse initiating at higher stress intensities, the Karbandi is a suitable structural system capable of withstanding seismic loads. The results also revealed that the arch intersection points eliminate the tension regions, thereby improving the seismic behavior of the Karbandi. Buttress elements were added to the structure during the restoration of the Timche as a seismic enhancement measure.

Preferred nesting habitat of the slow-breeding Superb Lyrebird is rare and was disproportionately impacted by Australia’s “Black Summer” megafires (2019–2020) within a World Heritage Area

Abstract Understanding nest site selection is critical to developing effective conservation management actions. The Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) is one of many endemic species extensively impacted by Australia’s unprecedented 2019–2020 megafires. Over a period of 5 months, an estimated 43% of the entire range of this slow-breeding species was burnt, with the biggest impact on the central subspecies M. n. novaehollandiae (55%). Four months prior to these megafires, we conducted a field study of nest site habitat selection in the Superb Lyrebird within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (15,400 km2): a key stronghold of the central subspecies of the Superb Lyrebird. We found that at the local scale, lyrebird nest sites were more likely to be found in habitats characterized by dense canopy trees and rich in rainforest elements such as vines and treeferns. At the landscape scale, lyrebird nests were most likely to be constructed in rainforest; this fire-sensitive habitat type made up only 1% of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The probability of nest occurrence also increased with slope. We also found that >74% of all nesting habitat within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area burned in the 2019–2020 megafires, including 80% of areas of high suitability for nesting. These results suggest that the impact of these megafires on Superb Lyrebirds may be greater than currently thought. Given the importance of rainforest as nesting habitat for the Superb Lyrebird, managers should prioritize its restoration and protect it from future fire events. More broadly, our results illustrate how large-scale catastrophic events—such as megafires—can disproportionately affect habitats critical to specific points within an organism’s life cycle.

Designing effective environmental policy mixes in the UN Decade on ecosystem restoration

The 2020s are starting under challenging circumstances. The impact of COVID-19 recovery plans and the realignment of geopolitics with energy provisioning will be crucial for meeting global environmental policy targets, such as those exemplified by the recently launched United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. How to build a more ecologically viable society, however, remains a contested issue. Several scholars are also highlighting the importance of complexifying environmental policy beyond individual instruments centred on the limiting paradigm of economic growth. Drawing on these considerations, we make a case for Environmental Policy Mixes (EPMs), which can better accommodate a diversity of institutional arrangements, contextual power dynamics, and a multiplicity of environmental targets. In this paper, we first present a database of 146 environmental policy instruments (provided in the annexe) that we collected through a survey of the literature. Second, we develop an EPM framework based on a set of 14 criteria that we then test with a selected group of experts in the field, both academics and business practitioners, through structured interviews and card sorting. Following, we present an adjusted final version of the framework and conclude with two illustrative examples of how to apply it. The first one is a case study of the environmental trade-offs in a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the other investigates how to align COVID-19 stimulus packages with the objectives of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The decade ahead is going to be critical for reaching global environmental targets. The EPM framework can facilitate policy discussions and guide decision-makers in tackling the environmental policy challenges of the 2020s and beyond.

Tourists’ perceived destination image and heritage conservation intention: a comparative study of heritage and film-induced images

研究目标位于中国广东省的开平碉楼是联合国教科文组织认证的世界文化遗产, 并经常被用作电影拍摄地。本研究调查了影响开平碉楼影视旅游游客的遗产保护行为的前因。本研究采用刺激-有机体-反应 (SOR) 理论的概念, 探究电影和遗产所诱发的目的地形象、游客的感知真实性和目的地依恋, 对游客遗产保护意图的影响。研究设计和研究方法本研究共回收 391 份有效问卷, 并使用基于协方差的结构方程模型来检验研究假设。发现实证结果表明, 电影和遗产诱导的目的地形象都直接影响游客的遗产保护意愿。此外, 游客的感知真实性和目的地依恋完全中介了目的地形象与保护意愿之间的关系。但是在遗产目的地形象的模型中, 感知真实性和目的地依恋的串行多重中介效应不显着。独创性研究结果有助于通过目的地形象、感知真实性和目的地依恋来理解游客的遗产保护意图。本研究丰富了关于目的地形象建设和遗产保护的文献, 并对遗产旅游和遗产保护的可持续发展以及遗产地的营销产生了积极影响。

Artefacts from Ban Chiang, Thailand: Pre-metal Age cord-marked pottery

Abstract Pottery excavated from the archeological UNESCO world heritage site Ban Chiang in Thailand stem from distinct periods. Black vessels with cord-mark design from Pre-metal Age (ca. 3000–1000 BC), Bronze Age pottery (ca 1000–300 BC) with yellow-brown surface and Iron Age samples (ca. 300 BC–200 AD) with red pictorial surface patterns. In a previous work [Bismayer U., Srilomsak S., Treekamol Y., Tanthanuch W., Suriyatham K. Artefacts from Ban Chiang, Thailand: pottery with hematite-red geometric patterns. Z. Kristallogr. 2020, 235, 559–568] we studied the mineralogical composition and their surface colour materials of shards from Bronze and Iron Age. In this work we focus on bulk features of the dark Pre-metal Age cord-marked ceramic shard PSN2-S10E13 and compare its elemental and mineralogical composition with bulk composition of sample 5412-S6E15 from Bronze Age. Experimental techniques are electron microprobe, X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, optical microscopy and X-ray tomographic microscopy (XTM). Sample PSN2-S10E13 contains more quartz than 5412-S6E15. In the bulk of the Pre-metal Age shard, diffraction signals of mullite occur, indicating higher firing temperatures compared to the younger sample. Phyllosilicate signals are seen in FTIR spectra of both shards. E-modes of quartz dominate FTIR spectra of both samples. Optical thin sections show voids around micro-particles in PSN2-S10E13 and XTM indicates that the pore volume percentage of sample PSN2-S10E13 is higher than in 5412-S6E15. Because of the large age gap to younger samples from Ban Chiang, the proper age of our oldest sample PSN2-S10E13 was determined using an accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) by simultaneous 14C/12C and 13C/12C isotope ratio measurements which yielded a radiocarbon age of 3609 ± 29 BP (resp. 1659 ± 29 BC).

Biocultural mapping: unpacking the myth of an unsuitable Country in the arid zone, Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, Australia

Defining spaces and places in retrojective Geographical Information Systems (GIS) of land use and occupancy is not an easy task. Research into the areas described as suitable for land use and occupancy need to incorporate multiple perspectives of what makes a land use patch useful or salient ecologically. The effect of the concept of 'Terra Nullius' and European colonisation is deeply apparent in the current GIS models of historical land use and occupancy of Aboriginal communities within arid zones in Australia. Biocultural zones of land use and occupancy zones omit spaces and places of habitation due to European bias of what a suitable ecological or hydrological land use zone should look like. This article employs Exploratory GIS methods to interrogate the data layers within the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, NSW, Australia. This work conclusively demonstrates that there are ranges of areas and land suitability zones prior to colonisation in the nineteenth century. In turn, these Exploratory GIS models of an active Country comprehensively address the question of why visually salient areas of hydrological and ecological Indigenous land use and occupancy continue to be ignored, destroyed, and damaged by settlements in semi-arid regions. Biocultural GIS mapping unpacks the myth that areas were empty or uninhabited by Aboriginal communities and underlines the need for biocultural GIS mapping tools to understand the habitable spaces and places of the arid zone.