United Nations Educational , Scientific And Cultural Organization Research Articles

“Planeterranean” diet: the new proposal for the Mediterranean-based food pyramid for Asia

Background and objectivesThe Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been recognized for its benefits for human health and sustainability for the planet, but it has considered not easy to reproduce in other populations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development is fostering a research project (Planeterranea), aiming to identify a healthy dietary pattern based on local foods with the same MD features. The aim of our study is to develop a MD-based food pyramid for Asian populations.MethodsAsia was stratified into six areas according to pedo-climatic conditions. For each region a comprehensive scoping review of local crops and typical foods was conducted on several databases such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s database, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) website, and PubMed, focusing on both plant-based and animal-based foods. Narrative review was then conducted on the identified foods to determine their nutritional composition and planetary health impact. Finally, the collected information was used to build up the Asian food pyramid with details for each respective region.ResultsWe proposed a food pyramid for Asian countries, guaranteeing the same nutritional intake and health benefits as MD, by considering dietary habits and typical foods of this population. From the bottom to the top, Asian fruits and vegetables present similar nutritional profile as those in MD. Whole grains (barley) may represent valid alternative to white rice. Sesame oil represents a source of unsaturated fats and an alternative to olive oil. Legumes (soybean), edible insects, mushrooms and algae, guarantee an adequate intake of plant-based proteins with a complete amino-acid profile and a low environmental impact with respect to animal-based ones.ConclusionsThis work is a new insight of healthy and sustainable local food system based on MD principles for the Asian population.

Enhancing the dissemination of Cantonese Opera among youth via Bilibili: a study on intangible cultural heritage transmission

Intangible cultural heritage is an invaluable treasure for all human beings worldwide. In 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Chinese Cantonese Opera, also known as Yueju in Chinese Pinyin, on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The awareness of inheriting Yueju is not uncommon, but advancing methods to involve more young generations in this art form is still necessary. In this study, we focused on Yueju videos on Bilibili, a cultural community and video website popular among the younger generation. Through quantitative and qualitative research, we explored the types of Yueju videos that would have a significant spreading effect. The 1916 Bilibili videos related to Yueju were collected using Python crawler technology. We analyzed each video using seventeen variables. The elaboration likelihood model (ELM) forms the theoretical foundation of this research. We constructed the Yueju transmission model with two persuasive routes based on this model. The research methods mainly comprised regression analysis, multi-factor ANOVA, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). We invited thirty-one experts to assess the importance hierarchy of those video factors and calculate the weight coefficient using AHP. This study demonstrated the central route concerning the causal relationship between video recognition and spreading effect through regression analysis. Additionally, this research identified the optimal combination of 8 video factors using multi-factor ANOVA in the peripheral route. In this study, we focused on the niche of Yueju video transmission on Bilibili. This research utilized the ELM and hybrid methods to obtain the statistical results. Then, we developed appropriate macro-level and micro-level strategies for transmitting Yueju culture, particularly those aimed at the younger generation.

LEVERAGING WEB SCRAPING TO GATHER TOURISM INFORMATION DATA

The influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on both individuals' daily lives and the economy is of significant importance. In this context, the tourism industry plays a crucial role, and it is essential to recognise the contributions of tourists in terms of sharing their experiences through tourism websites. Analysing this data is key to improving future tourists' experiences. Therefore, the objective of this study is to employ web scraping to gather data on places of interest (POI) and user attributes, specifically in the state of Melaka via the TripAdvisor website. Melaka is chosen as it is one of the places recognised by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The study focuses on the 200 POI locations (UNESCO) Map, encompassing both Melaka's core and buffer zones. These POIs are categorised into four heritage types: built heritage, natural heritage, personal heritage, and living heritage, with some belonging to more than one category. For the data collection process, this study utilised the TripAdvisor website and extracted a total of 14 attributes. Specifically, 27282 user data entries were collected from 163 POIs in the core zone area, and 8305 data entries from 37 POIs in the buffer zone area. The data is managed and stored in various formats, including CSV, JSON, and Excel files in the repository. The data helps in the development of a tourism application. Furthermore, the tourism industry can benefit from this study by enhancing their services and conserving the cultural heritage.

The palace of Charles V in the Alhambra: graphic analysis of the ‘large plan’ (circa 1532)

Around 1526, Emperor Charles V decided to build a new Renaissance palace in addition to the Nasrid palaces in the Alhambra of Granada, a monumental site currently included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage List. In that period, a large floor plan, which is preserved today at the Library of the Royal Palace of Madrid, was drawn to represent the building and its surroundings. Although this anonymous drawing has attracted considerable historiographic interest, a study of the graphical aspects analysed here, namely, paper assemblage, drawing technique, representation system, metrology, graphical scale, dimensioning, and labelling, is lacking. To accomplish this analysis, the original document was carefully examined and digitalised with high definition. This process allowed a comprehensive graphic analysis, utilising other drawings from the same period as a comparative reference and studying for the first time the major characteristics of one of the most relevant architectural drawings of the 16th century.

Smart Campus Innovative Learning Model for Social Practitioners of Universities’ Third Mission: To Promote Good Health and Well-Being

Currently, smart campuses represent the main development trend for higher education in Taiwan. The campus is transitioning toward digitization and dataization, which are key factors and important parameters for campus technology improvement. At the same time, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has pointed out that the third mission of higher education is university social responsibility (USR). It has also clearly stated that higher education should not ignore the major issues of sustainable development. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ understanding and attitudes toward the use of a “digital innovative health platform”, as well as a digital platform to lead participation in community “action plans”. Finally, it aimed to understand the connection between the “digital innovative health platform and action plan” in order to ensure the fulfilment of social responsibility and promote good health and well-being. This study sampled 400 students for a questionnaire survey and invited five student union representatives and one platform information center expert to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviewing. The results of this study indicated that the participants believed that digital platforms could highlight the importance of social responsibility and provide community service opportunities. Female students mainly focused on community “health services (health examinations and lectures)”, while male students mainly focused on “fitness activities”. This digital platform cultivates students’ knowledge and skills, and incorporates them into the community service system to allow students to participate in community activities independently. At the same time, students fulfill their social responsibility through actual services to promote good health and well-being.

Desiring-futures in education policy: assemblage theory, artificial intelligence, and UNESCO’s futures of education

ABSTRACT The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched its Futures of Education policy initiative in early 2020. The process sought to open a sustained global policy debate on educational futures in a world typified by climatological instability, social inequity, and political unrest. Drawing on Deleuze and Guattari’s theory of assemblages, this paper explores how the Futures of Education initiative simultaneously produces, captures, and reroutes flows of desire by opening its policymaking process to global consultation. Following this line of thinking, the paper introduces a speculative method for critical policy analysis that utilises AI-powered tools to generate expressive images and imaginaries of education futures based on UNESCO’s three stages of policy development. The authors argue that this method enables a step beyond conventional interpretations of a policy’s discursive content toward a speculative analysis of its processual dynamics and expressive potentials. Ultimately, the paper underscores the generative possibilities of AI-assisted methods for tracking flows and expressions of desire within education policy assemblages under conditions of climatological and political upheaval. The authors encourage further experimentation with plugging emerging technologies into global policy assemblages to better understand how desire is invested into particular images and imaginaries of educational futures.

A conceptual framework for characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas

PurposeThis study aims to propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for the characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas, with a focus on Siwa Oasis in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilizes a multidimensional approach, integrating perspectives from sustainability principles, stakeholders and the agricultural heritage frameworks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). It involves thematic analysis of qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and interviews with a diverse range of participants, including community members, government officials, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers.FindingsThe study identifies five key elements of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis: cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific. Cultural elements include traditional farming practices, irrigation systems and architectural features, while ecological elements encompass crop biodiversity, wildlife habitats and traditional landraces. Economically, date palm cultivation, olive production and agritourism activities play crucial roles in livelihood security and local economies. Socially, community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices shape the social fabric of the oasis, with festivals and rituals fostering a sense of belonging. From a scientific perspective, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices enhances sustainability and resilience.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused solely on Siwa Oasis as a case study, limiting generalizability to other desert-prone areas. Further research could explore additional regions to enhance the understanding of agricultural heritage in diverse contexts. Additionally, the qualitative nature of the study may limit statistical analysis. Future studies could employ mixed-methods approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural heritage dynamics.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the multifaceted aspects of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis can inform sustainable development initiatives, tourism planning and cultural preservation efforts. Local policymakers and stakeholders can utilize these insights to develop policies that support traditional farming practices, ecotourism and community development. Furthermore, the promotion of agricultural heritage can enhance economic opportunities, food security and environmental sustainability in desert-prone regions.Social implicationsRecognition of the social elements embedded within Siwa Oasis’s agricultural heritage highlights the importance of community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices. By acknowledging and preserving these aspects, initiatives can be developed to empower local communities, promote gender equality and preserve cultural identity. Such efforts can enhance social cohesion, strengthen cultural bonds and promote inclusivity in the development agenda of desert-prone areas.Originality/valueThis study contributes a novel conceptual framework that bridges multifunctionality concepts, sustainability principles and stakeholder perspectives to characterize agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas. It offers insights into the complex interplay of cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific dimensions of agricultural heritage systems.

“Wonder of Sciences and Technology Behind Magnificent Indian Temples which Leads These to UNESCO World Heritage list” A Review

ABSTRACT: From ancient time India has religious, spiritual and cultural heritage. Probably India was the land of engineering and artist. India has lot of marvellous temples from 6 to 7th century which indicates its rich culture as well as knowledge of science and technology of Indians. This is the reason why Indian temples are continuously added to world heritage list. UNESCO World Heritage list is compiled by United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through the world heritage committee according to the provision of the world heritage convention which was established in 1972. As of November 2021, India has 40 world heritage sites including 32 cultural, 7 natural and 1 under mix category. In 2023- 24 more sites are added to the list…… Shanti Niketan (Ravindanath Tagore house) and Temples of Hoysael rulers in Helibid. In India there are lot of temples which are part of UNESCO World Heritage list from 1983 onwards. Rock cut temple of Ellora 1983 Sun temple Konark 1984 Monument of Mahabalipuram 1984 Khajuraho group of monuments 1986 Group of monuments in Hampi 1986 Group of monuments in Pattadakal 1987 Chola temple (Brihadisawar temple Tanjavur) 1987 Mahabodhi temple Bihar 2002 Kakatiya Ramappa temple 2021 And recently in September 2023 Heysel rulers’ temples in Helibid also added to the list. Through this research paper we are going to know about the science and technology behind these marvellous temples which make these magnificent in structure and design also.

O-068 Educating young people about reproductive health

Abstract Comprehensive sex and reproductive health education is crucial for promoting overall health and wellbeing, as it plays a vital role in dispelling misinformation, fostering positive attitudes toward reproductive health, and empowering informed decision-making among young people. Despite its recognised importance by global entities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), comprehensive sex and reproductive health education remains insufficient worldwide. This inadequacy is a multifaceted issue, stemming from various factors, including governmental policies, social norms, cultural beliefs, inadequate curriculum, and insufficient teacher training. Schools, as primary providers of reproductive health education, often prioritise pregnancy prevention over other important reproductive health topics, leading to significant gaps in students' knowledge, further prompting young individuals to seek supplementary knowledge from external sources, like the internet or social media. To address this disparity and to promote reproductive health awareness, the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration (IRHEC) was established in 2019 and aims to provide educational resources for the public, teachers and health professionals. The IRHEC have created a teaching guide specifically for teachers to cover all aspects of reproductive health, to be used in schools globally. To develop this resource, it has been essential to determine what is taught in schools and the attitudes of teenagers to reproductive health education and family building. In the UK, we examined the curriculum in the four nations and huge gaps were identified in reproductive health education. Subsequently, a survey was conducted with 931, 16–18-year-olds in England and pupils were asked their views on their education, if they had been taught about a list of reproductive health topics in school and their attitudes to these topics. They reported that topics around pregnancy prevention were taught, such as contraception (90%), and sexually transmitted infections (90%) but key subjects such as fertility (30%) endometriosis (3%) and PCOS (2%) were not taught. This survey has been repeated in Belgium, Greece and Japan and similar patterns observed. Teenagers in the UK (21%) and Belgium (18%) rated their school sex and reproductive health education to be either poor or very poor compared to teenagers in Japan (3%). In the UK, Belgium, and Japan, young people have similar future parenthood intentions. Most young people in the UK (64%), Japan (60%), and Belgium (60%) want to have children in the future. A higher percentage of young people in Japan (70%) expressed a desire for two children compared to those in Belgium (60%), Greece (53%) and the UK (49%). To ensure comprehensive sex and reproductive health education, efforts must be tailored to the needs of each community and demographic. Collaboration among policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities is essential to enhance school curricula to include a broader spectrum of reproductive health topics and promote culturally sensitive educational approaches. By doing this, we can empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their reproductive health journey with confidence. There is an urgent need for a concerted action to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure that young people receive comprehensive sex and reproductive health education.

Fact check: Still not core journalism curriculum

Fact-checking has become a global industry, with more than 417 fact-checking outlets in 100 countries operating in 69 languages (Stencel, Ryan & Luther, 2023). According to the Duke Reporters’ Lab, half of the world’s fact checkers are associated with media outlets, but there are also 24 affiliated with academic institutions. Although the work is time consuming and resource intensive, fact-checking has increasingly been introduced to journalism programmes at universities and in professional settings. This expert article brings together some insights from a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Journalism Education Council (WJEC) roundtable event ‘Fact-Check and Verification as Core Journalism Curriculum’ hosted by RMIT University in Australia in 2021, alongside relevant literature exploring the nature and presence of fact-check based education approaches at that time. It concludes that while fact-checking and verification are important skills for student journalists, fact checkers do not necessarily need to be journalists, nor indeed have journalistic training. However, more students are needed who are excellent journalists and the authors argue that fact-checking is just part of that training.

Communicating educational innovation projects in Latin America mediated by the scaling of complex thinking: Contribution of the UNESCO-ICDE Chair in Mexico

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair in the open educational movement for Latin America aims to promote scientific, technological, entrepreneurial, and innovative development. In Mexico, face-to-face bootcamps occur every two years, where prototypes of high-value solutions for education are developed using design and active learning methodologies, with the aim of scaling complex thinking and sustainable development. In the 2023 edition, 94 academicians from 12 countries participated (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Spain, the Dominican Republic, and the United Kingdom). Experts from Tecnológico de Monterrey, the Open University, the University of Leeds, and Siemens Stiftung supervised the process. This article presents the prototyped proposals and the results of applying the Play2Train4C methodology, enabling participants to develop educational innovation projects under the paradigm of complex thinking. The results indicate that (1) the participants managed to prototype ten proposals validated by experts and (2) their perceptions of their systemic, critical, scientific, and innovative thinking (sub-competencies of complex thinking) improved by the end of the bootcamp. The conclusion was that the UNESCO Chair boosted solution-building skills for the complex problems arising in Latin America and enabled key agents in education to improve their complex thinking skills for quality education, as promulgated by sustainable development goal 4.

Fact check: Still not core journalism curriculum

Fact-checking has become a global industry, with more than 417 fact-checking outlets in 100 countries operating in 69 languages (Stencel, Ryan & Luther, 2023). According to the Duke Reporters’ Lab, half of the world’s fact checkers are associated with media outlets, but there are also 24 affiliated with academic institutions. Although the work is time consuming and resource intensive, fact-checking has increasingly been introduced to journalism programmes at universities and in professional settings. This expert article brings together some insights from a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Journalism Education Council (WJEC) roundtable event ‘Fact-Check and Verification as Core Journalism Curriculum’ hosted by RMIT University in Australia in 2021, alongside relevant literature exploring the nature and presence of fact-check based education approaches at that time. It concludes that while fact-checking and verification are important skills for student journalists, fact checkers do not necessarily need to be journalists, nor indeed have journalistic training. However, more students are needed who are excellent journalists and the authors argue that fact-checking is just part of that training.

Evaluation of Federal Government of Nigeria Funding of Public-University Education for the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goal-4

The development of a country depends upon the educational scenario of the country. Most often, sustainable development is understood to be growth that satisfies present requirements without jeopardizing the capacity of future generations to satiate their own development needs. The goal of higher education, like that of previous levels of education, is still to generate highly skilled workers who will drive the center of social, economic and scientific development through in-depth study. Ironically, the Nigerian universities funding model seems lob-sided, with the government taking the lion share. The great thing about Sustainable Goal 4 is that it calls on all United Nations members countries, including Nigeria to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote opportunities for lifelong learning for all” by 2030. While earlier studies mostly focused on funding of university education, very little research exists on the evaluation of Federal Government of Nigeria funding of public university education with an eye towards the attainment of sustainable development goal-4 target. The study adopts the institutional theory. Data for the study were drawn from participant observation and authentic secondary sources. The content analytical technique was used to review the literature on the subject matter. The study identified that financing of university education in Nigeria fall short of the benchmark of 26 % of the national budget as recommended by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Recommendations were made to prevent compromising the chances of delivery high quality university education in Nigeria by 2030.

Do Cultural Activities and Happiness Matter to the Tourism Sector?

Abstract Research purpose. The primary goal of this research is to determine the impact of the efficiency of the tourism sector in the European Union (EU). Design / Methodology / Approach. The analysis involved 25 selected EU countries using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Tobit regression modelling. For DEA expenses according to the stays per visit (1 night or over) when going to a foreign country, individuals actively working in the tourism industry and tangible heritage inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) are used as inputs and inbound tourism as an output. Variables for the Tobit model were as follows: cultural activities, Happiness index and tourist expenditure of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Findings. In nations characterised by lower efficiency levels, policymakers ought to enhance their strategies and encourage the advancement of their country's appeal to tourists. Additionally, there should be an increased emphasis on enhancing the well-being and happiness of the local population. Originality / Value / Practical implications. Theoretical research on the efficiency of the tourism sector in the EU lacks comprehensive studies that systematically examine the factors influencing efficiency across diverse EU member states. Although some research exists on specific aspects of tourism efficiency, such as environmental sustainability or economic impacts, there is a scarcity of holistic investigations that encompass various dimensions of efficiency, including resource utilization, infrastructure development, policy effectiveness, and socio-cultural impacts, within the EU's overarching context. Moreover, there is a limited exploration of potential variations in tourism efficiency among different EU regions and the underlying factors driving these differences. Bridging this research gap could offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics seeking to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of the tourism sector in the EU. The study’s constraint lies in the exclusion of Denmark and Luxembourg, which is attributed to insufficient statistical data.

Approaches for Maintaining Ethics in AI-Drive Education Solutions and Foster Sustainability

Abstract This article introduces sequential strategies regarding the way to use artificial intelligence as a learning facilitator for both teachers and students while preserving ethics and the legislative norms launched. Learning solutions are proposed to be used both by students, to study at school, but also at home, and by teachers to meet all the needs of students. The intelligent systems that are in general proposed to be part of the educational process can be designed so that the norms of ethics and responsibility are taken into account and as many actors involved in the educational environment, whether they are teachers, students, people who run educational institutions or decide to country level to be as it embraces with a much higher level of confidence artificial intelligence learning systems. For this work, a qualitative analysis was carried out to answer the question of how learning systems implemented with artificial intelligence should be built so that ethical principles are not neglected. While ensuring a sustainable environment. Specifically, a review of academic articles was conducted to highlight the concerns and importance of artificial intelligence in education. An analysis was also made of documents produced by specialised institutions such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), U.S. Department of Education, World Economic Forum, European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the European Union, and The Institute for Ethical AI in Education on the topic of ethics in artificial intelligence and and the guidelines outlined for building ethical systems and including sustainability. In the conclusion section of the article, admissions are made that there is necessary support from the institutions, so it is still possible to make educational systems with artificial intelligence that respect ethical norms and pay attention to sustainability.

How Can Accountants Enhance (or Save) Natural and Cultural Capital Valuation? Engaging Academics: A Collaboration with CPA Canada and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO*

ABSTRACTAccountants should engage more with natural and cultural capital accounting to make tools more accessible and to ensure critical information is provided to decision‐makers. While ecological economists have continued to innovate and design tools, corporate‐level accounting has seemingly lagged behind. We argue that the time is now for accounting researchers and practitioners to come together to build upon these tools to advance a sustainable agenda. We examine possibilities through the novel lens of a recent Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and Canadian Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report that explores tools to measure natural and cultural capital at UNESCO designated sites in Canada. From here, we pose a variety of questions, critiques, and pathways for researchers and practitioners alike.

Corporate Religion and Spiritual Tourism at a Luxury Tibetan Buddhist Resort

ABSTRACT This article analyses how spiritual tourism and the corporate form of religion are contributing to the rapid spread of Tibetan Buddhism in Vietnam. Specifically, we place the newly established Samten Hills, a Buddhist luxury resort, in two scholarly contexts. First: ecological discourses about Đà Lạt. Once a French hill station, Đà Lạt in the Central Highlands is famous for natural beauty and spiritual possibilities. Samten Hills is dedicated as a Drikung Kagyu spiritual area, and many of the resident monks are from Ladakh (North India). We highlight the transposition of Ladakhi Buddhist branding to a novel Vietnamese context. Through tour packages, advertising, spiritual practices, camping, and discourses about Buddhist mountain hierophanies, we consider this new iteration of spiritual tourism. Second: a spiritual business model that blurs the distinction between economic and religious activity and negotiates state surveillance. With Vietnam Federation of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associations (VFUA) and Guinness recognition and plans to construct a 2000-person Buddhist university, Samten Hills is the most public-facing, large-scale Vajrayana site in Southeast Asia. We analyse Samten Hills’ operational model – a for-profit business licence allied with discourses of heritage preservation and regional tourism initiatives but concealing Tibetan Buddhist practices – as an increasingly popular strategy for navigating state surveillance of religious activity.

Understanding the gastronomy tourists’ characteristics and perceptions: a cluster analysis of visitors to a creative city of gastronomy

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify and understand distinct tourist segments in Phuket, focusing on their characteristics, attitudes and perceptions as visitors to a creative gastronomic destination.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, cluster analysis is used to identify tourist segments in Phuket, a well-known United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) gastronomic city. The analysis is based on data collected from 525 domestic Thai tourists.FindingsCluster analysis revealed three distinct tourist segments: gastronomy enthusiasts, taste discoverers and gourmet wanderers. These segments exhibit significant differences in their characteristics and perceptions of Phuket’s gastronomic offerings.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to domestic Thai tourists in Phuket and does not include international visitors. In addition, the findings are specific to the context of Phuket and may not be entirely generalizable to other gastronomic destinations.Practical implicationsThe identified tourist segments provide valuable guidance for tourism professionals to tailor their marketing efforts, develop targeted products and meet the preferences of different gastronomically oriented tourists, contributing to the successful management of a gastronomic city.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the fields of destination management and gastronomy tourism by providing valuable insights for practitioners seeking to enhance their offerings and consider the preferences of different gastronomically oriented tourist segments. Identifying these segments enriches the understanding of visitor behavior in creative gastronomy cities.

Convergence or fragmentation? Recent developments in recognition of microcredentials and their impact on higher education in Asia and the Pacific

PurposeThis paper explores the development of microcredentials (MCs) through a regional lens, considering their implications for lifelong learning and skilled labour mobility in Asia and the Pacific. It also examines recent global initiatives led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).Design/methodology/approachThe study reviews recent global initiatives aimed at developing shared definitions and principles for MCs, as led by UNESCO, taking into account the importance of existing initiatives such as the pilot project launched by the Australian government in 2022. The formalization of MCs within national education systems is also examined, with reference to frameworks developed by organizations like the European Union (EU), Australia and the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA, 2020).FindingsThe paper underscores the increasing attention from international organizations and governments to the development and recognition of MCs, with significant efforts in countries like Australia and pilot initiatives in New Zealand and Malaysia. However, it also highlights that many MC projects in Asia are still in their early developmental stages, emphasizing the need for further progress and formalization.Originality/valueThis paper offers a unique perspective on the development of MCs in the Asia–Pacific region and their potential role in international education. It explores the prospects for MCs in international education, including student mobility and cross-border online courses. The challenge of integrating MCs into existing systems for recognizing international qualifications is discussed. Overall, the paper contributes to the understanding of MC frameworks as essential tools in the formalization of lifelong learning in the region, supported by the provided citations (OECD, 2021).

Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development: Major Themes and Research Trajectories

Our research endeavors to uncover patterns and understand the intellectual framework of studies on cultural heritage management and sustainable development. In this study, we utilize secondary data sourced from the Scopus database. We retrieved and downloaded 185 documents for subsequent analysis. The data was subjected to bibliometric analysis for thorough examination. The analysis exposed six melodies, i.e., Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Urban Development; Sustainable Development and Management of Cultural Heritage; Cultural Heritage and Vernacular Architecture; Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage Sites and Urban Regeneration; Heritage Management and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); World Heritage Sites and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), respectively. This study makes contributions both academically and within the community. The study provides important insights into the most influential journals, countries, and articles, which is academically essential. Also, six major themes that significantly contribute to the domain of cultural heritage management and sustainable development literature are presented, and they also provide an avenue for future research. Defending biological diversity, ecosystem services, cultural heritage, and associated values is crucial on the communal front. It should be the mainstay for achieving economic and social growth of local communities with environmental sustainability.