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In this paper, we analyze the extent to which low-income countries integrate into the global knowledge production network. We develop an (undirected) research collaboration model based on which we identify the drivers of global research collaboration using publication data of the field Business and Economics from the Web of Science and macroeconomic data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Institute for Statistics. Network and dynamic panel regression techniques are employed. Our results show that (i) reciprocal preferential attachment and the homophily between countries reinforce scientific collaboration, (ii) there is no evidence that low-income countries are becoming better integrated into the global knowledge production over the years, despite their active participation in international reserach collaboration, while (iii) high-income countries show a basic willingness to cooperate with them, which, in turn, promotes the integration of low-income countries, although this willingness seems to decline; and (iv) as to low-income countries, they have little choice but to invest more in education and R&D in order to advance in the global knowledge production network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the xiqu ('Chinese opera') genre of kunqu has grown in domestic and international prominence and is now an important part of PRC soft power and heritage projects. This article examines how Taiwanese institutions and aficionados contributed to the genre's material revival. It does so by examining their involvement in kunqu in the 15 years before the UNESCO recognition that marked the genre's improved fortunes. The engagement of Taiwanese institutions and audiences constitutes heritage diplomacy focused on a claim to shared culture, allowing kunqu troupes to improve a difficult situation at home and paving the way for greater international recognition. The fillip offered to kunqu by 1990s Taiwan, in the island's period of transition from one-party rule to multiparty democracy, represents a late and successful ROC elite heritage diplomacy intervention in the ordering of cultural prestige in China, projecting its admiration for the favoured genre of its exiled and disappearing elite. Understanding both PRC and ROC cultural heritage systems can be improved by border-crossing and non-state perspectives of heritage diplomacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Network as a global spatial brand and explores the tensions that emerge when this global brand is appropriated locally. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on case study research that uses critical discourse analysis to identify the implications of a transferable learning capacity. Findings: This paper identifies three different types of tensions in place brand management that emerge during the local appropriation of global brands: tensions inherent in multi-scalarity, tensions associated with integrating governance and strategy-related tensions. Originality/value: This study advances the theoretical understanding of the spatial complexity inherent in place brand management practices by focusing on the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Network as a global brand in a Scandinavian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans Bredow Institute (HBI), the Columbia Global Freedom of Expression and the UNESCO Chair on Freedom of Communication and Information co-hosted an academic workshop in New York City on 30 April 2024. European and US experts examined the current state of freedom of expression on digital platforms on both sides of the Atlantic. The round table took place as part of the Year of Science 2024 in Germany. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the German Basic Law ('Grundgesetz'), this Year of Science has 'Freedom' as its central theme. This provided an excellent opportunity to examine the various understandings of freedom as it relates to communication rights and free speech between the US and Europe. The full extent of mutual learning opportunities remains untapped, and the practical implications are vast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of generative AI in education introduces both opportunities and challenges, especially in student assessment. This paper explores the transformative influence of generative AI on assessment practices, drawing from recent training workshops conducted with educators in the Global South. It examines how AI can enrich traditional assessment approaches by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. The paper introduces innovative frameworks, such as AI-resistant assessments and the Process-Product Assessment Approach, which emphasize evaluating not only the final product but also the student's interaction with AI tools throughout their learning journey. Additionally, it provides practical strategies for integrating AI into assessments, underscoring the ethical use and preservation of academic integrity. Addressing the complexities of AI adoption, including concerns around academic misconduct, this paper equips educators with tools to navigate the intricacies of human-AI collaboration in learning settings. Finally, it discusses the significance of institutional policies for guiding the ethical use of AI and offers recommendations for faculty development to align with the evolving educational landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Musée Dynamique in Dakar, Senegal, and its role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of post-colonial Africa. It examines the museum's inauguration in 1966 during the First World Festival of Negro Arts, the ideological tensions behind its creation, and its design as a symbol of universalism and Senegalese nationhood. It explores the collaborative efforts of UNESCO, Senegal, and France in constructing the museum, highlighting the influence of African identity, modernism, and cosmopolitanism in its architectural conception.

According to an email I received in December 2022, I was 'part of the history of ACHS at one point over the last 10 years'. I am not entirely sure what that means, but it has given me a licence to write a short reflective piece on the Association of Critical Heritage Studies – its development, practice and experiences over the last decade. You could call this a 'pub conversation', but by thinking through each of the words that make up the name – Association; Critical; Heritage; and Studies – I reflect on the successes, challenges and opportunities that come with this institutional moniker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage Convention was adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2009. Since then, it has been ratified by a total of 72 parties, but Cambodia remains the only one of these parties located in Asia. Against this backdrop, this article presents the case of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) located on the shores of the South China Sea. The Macao SAR has a strong economy, which relies primarily on the gaming services and tourist industries, but is seeking to diversify its economy in order to make it more sustainable. To this end, the article assesses the role of underwater cultural heritage in diversifying its economy and stresses the need for greater policy coherence both between different cultural policies but also between cultural, commercial and other policy areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare can potentially improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and diagnostic accuracy. However, it also raises serious ethical issues, especially in light of possible disparities in the distribution and accessibility of AI-powered healthcare resources. This study investigates how AI might affect health disparities. It bases its proposal for an equitable AI implementation framework on the justice teachings of the Catholic Church. In line with the Church's ethical commitment to social justice, the paper makes an ethical case for a responsible approach to AI in healthcare by examining the concepts of human dignity, the common good, and preferential option for the poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Destruction of cultural heritage has increasingly taken center stage in global debates concerning conflict, crimes against humanity, and cultural genocide. From NATO to the UNSC, international bodies and their respective experts are reconsidering how to understand and combat targeted damage in an emerging terrain, where heritage destruction is being leveraged as a weapon of war. Relatedly, those same organizations, alongside government and non-governmental agencies, seek to rebuild historic sites as a means of (post-)conflict recovery, seamlessly tethering material and social renewal. Here we focus on the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in the aftermath of devastation wrought by Islamic State. We present findings from a survey of 1600 residents, revealing local attitudes toward the destruction of sites coupled with the international agencies and preservation programs seeking to manage heritage within the city. While Iraqis generally support heritage initiatives, we demonstrate how they prioritize broader rehabilitation efforts that foreground security and humanitarian aid. These results have implications for current and future projects in Iraq and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Architecture & Life Journal / Kocaeli Üniversitesi Mimarlık ve Yaşam Dergisi is the property of Architecture & Life Journal / Kocaeli Universitesi Mimarllik ve Yasam Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study explores the diversity and functions of microbiomes in ancient agroecosystems of the Mixteca Alta Geopark (MAG). Microbiome analysis could provide insights into soil bacterial communities and their role in enhancing soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to identify key features in the composition of the microbiota of the Lama-bordo, Valley, and Terrace agroecosystems in MAG. Analysis of agroecosystem soils revealed 21 bacterial phyla, with Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi dominating. These microbial communities contribute to soil health, carbon cycling, and disease suppression. The study identified specific phylogroups and metabolic pathways associated with nutrient-rich environments like Lama-bordo and Valley, and nutrient-poor, sandy soils like Terrace. Soils from Lama-bordo and Valley were grouped due to microbiome similarity despite geographic separation, whereas Terrace soils differed. Nutrient-rich Lama-bordo and Valley soils host copiotrophic bacteria, while nutrient-poor Terrace soils favor oligotrophic species like Acidobacteria. Functional analysis of microbiomes reveals distinct metabolic pathways, including antibiotic biosynthesis (streptomycin, vancomycin) suggesting a role in plant disease resistance, amino acid pathways indicating active nitrogen cycling, and vitamin B5 and lipoic acid pathways contributing to energy metabolism and antioxidant functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) responds to challenges of the Anthropocene through an explicit social-ecological approach. Implemented as a world network of biosphere reserves, MAB aims to increase [eco]system sustainability and resilience globally, via individual model sites for learning and sustainable development. This research provides an in-depth case study of MAB implementation in South Africa using the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR), established in 2007 when a key MAB guiding policy, the Madrid Action Plan came into effect. The study utilized semi-structured in-depth interviews with strategic and operational management, and document analysis. The CWBR prioritizes their role as a landscape coordinator, a driver of socio-economic development and site in which humans derive benefits from healthy natural environments. The CWBR have adopted a non-profit organization cooperative governance model in support of this vision, fulfilling the socio-economic development function primarily through successful international partnerships. Challenges faced include a perceived lack of sufficient government support, limited stakeholder awareness and insufficient resources for project implementation. Over reliance on the pillar of their model, the chief executive officer in the current governance form, is an instrument in their effectiveness, yet carries significant risk. These are learnings useful for other biosphere reserves translating an international designation for a local context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of protected areas as a strategy for biodiversity conservation implies the need for sustainable alternative livelihoods of rural, forest-dependent communities. This article contributes to the discourse on balancing environmental conservation and economic well-being by examining state-initiated livelihood projects in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the literature emphasizes on impacts of livelihoods on communities, it is also important to deal on the dynamics in the conceptualization and implementation of these livelihoods from the perspectives and experiences of implementers and beneficiaries, to possibly ensure sustainability. The data from in-depth interviews with implementers and survey among partner beneficiaries, revealed that strategies like conceptualizing projects with defined principles and purpose, engaging and understanding the community, implementing adaptive and responsive strategies, providing sustained marketing and technical support, and establishing partnerships with agencies, serve as facilitating factors for these livelihoods. However, these projects are challenged by lack of sustainability plan, of coordinated governance, and of sufficient, full-time, and tenured personnel. Hence, while state-initiated livelihood projects could be sustainable given its (state's) mandate and resources, there are also impediments due to some structural inadequacies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This persuasive position paper aims to discuss the public policy gaps in digital preservation identified by UNESCO and persuade the development of the current digital public policies. To evidence these gaps, the principal topics of digital public policies (digital strategy) from four countries were analyzed: Brazil, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The analysis evidence that these digital public policies are focused on the modernization of public administration and cybersecurity; they do not contemplate digital preservation. To support the position, current legislation in record management is indicated to connect the preservation of physical and digital documents. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is also used to persuade because digital preservation is an indispensable component of sustainable development. That is because today, large amounts of cultural heritage are created and only available digitally, and never "fixed" in a physical form, museums, archives, and libraries, also embarking on an epic journey to digitization and "no development is sustainable without considering culture." Digital culture heritage must be available for future generations, and only digital preservation can guarantee that; therefore, digital preservation must be treated as a public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK’s ratification of Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in March 2024 signals a formal commitment to engage with the concept of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). This article investigates how this commitment could reshape built heritage practices in the UK through fostering a more integrated relationship between the tangible and intangible qualities of heritage. It argues that prioritising this interface is essential for contemporary built heritage management, ensuring the diverse cultural values embedded in the historic environment are represented. After examining the broader UK context, the article narrows focus to England, where Historic England’s guidance and initiatives demonstrate how shifts in policy and practice could materialise in response to the convention. The article concludes by proposing three key opportunity areas that could emerge from emphasising the tangible–intangible relationship: 1) evolving understandings of heritage, community and participation; 2) recognising the mutual influence of ICH and physical heritage; and 3) strengthening place-based cultural practices. These opportunities offer a timely pathway for the UK to become a thought leader in heritage management by aligning conservation practices with evolving cultural values and community involvement, thus setting a new benchmark for built heritage management in a Western European context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human evolution has granted upon an individual's cognitive mechanisms necessary for remembering experiences, vital for both survival and reproduction. These experiences manifest into cultural traits, influencing human culture, particularly in healthcare and maintenance. Studies regarding medicinal plants and treatments are integral to the study of the medical botanical system. Pharmacopeias highlight the prevalence of specific species widely used, aligning with the "consensus within diversity theory" in evolutionary ethnobiology. Within the framework of this theory, we reflect on the results we've achieved in a priority area recognized by UNESCO for its biocultural significance, both locally and regionally. Methods: This study integrated network analysis and qualitative methods to examine the botanical medical system of "Parque Regional Quebradas del Norte" in Rivera, Uruguay. Results: Study results demonstrate a core-periphery structure, with a strongly interconnected core resistant to fragmentation, ensuring structural stability. Additionally, the presence of peripheral nodes throughout the system was identified, enhancing the resilience of the botanical medicinal system against potential disturbances. Conclusion: The core species renowned for their versatility and multiple medicinal uses, treating less severe ailments effectively. Additionally, core plants serve as prototypes for innovations. Their extinction poses a threat to the system's resilience. Conversely, peripheral plants, though vulnerable, offer possibilities for therapeutic innovations. In the face of environmental change, conservation efforts should prioritize species that are vulnerable to extinction, particularly within the core. Simultaneously, preserving knowledge associated with peripheral plants presents a bicultural conservation strategy, ensuring the botanical system's robustness among evolving ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores two interlinked forms of identity expression and heritage production in postcolonial Malawi. The first is the way ethnic communities reconstruct their cultural heritage and identities through the establishment of ethnic-based heritage associations which exhibit heritage at cultural festivals. This points to the shift in cultural production from one that was dictated by the discourse of national culture and single identity to one that is defined by the discourse of heritage which appeals to democratic sensibilities. The second is the inventorying and listing of cultural elements as dictated by the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is noted that the proliferation of ethnic-based heritage associations found resonance and synergy with UNESCO's appeals for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage as propagated by its 2003 Convention. However, as the article demonstrates, the imperatives of democracy and the UNESCO 2003 Convention promote ethnic consciousness at the expense of national consciousness. This creates a dilemma in imagining the nation. Drawing on archival and oral evidence, the article argues that the ethnic-based heritage associations, while promoting cultural preservation in line with the UNESCO Convention of 2003, have become sites of political mobilisation where notions of tribe and tribalism are reproduced and reaffirmed. Ultimately, the UNESCO 2003 Convention, while promoting the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, reinforces the idea of tribe in Malawi. The article contributes to our understanding of the politics of identity and heritage production in postcolonial Malawi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Business Ethics is the property of Economic Enterprise & Business Ethics Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

For a long time, tourism in Saudi Arabia has been predominantly religious and business-related. In 2019, the kingdom opened its door to tourism for the first time. It produced a significant change in the tourism industry. This research explores the balance between heritage conservation and tourism development, focusing on social, environmental, and economic aspects. The methodology is based on qualitative analysis through 15 in-depth interviews and on-field observations, with Historic Jeddah as a case study. The results confirm that tourism has profoundly changed the city of Jeddah, facilitating new opportunities and presenting new challenges. So, the new aspects that emerge, such as heritage value, economic growth, overtourism, and the travel experience, impose a new management strategy for upcoming opportunities and also challenges. These aspects highlight the management and the authenticity of the place but also provide evidence of the high costs and scarcity of services. Sustainability seems to be the framework that can guarantee an equilibrium in the development process, reducing the impact on the cultural heritage. The originality of this research is to provide a view on this tension between heritage conservation and tourism development from the perspective of an emerging travel destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The territorial personality of a region is defined by its diverse elements and complex interrelations, evolving over time. This scientific endeavour, particularly prevalent in regional geography, aims to understand and leverage these identity elements for regional branding and development. Such studies focus on areas known as "lands", among which the Land of Maramureș in Romania is notable for its historical depth and cross-border nature with Ukraine. Characterized by its unique culture and the intricate relationships between its people and the land, Maramureș showcases significant multiculturalism. This paper investigates the key elements that constitute the regional identity of Maramureș, ranking them by their perceived importance among local residents. By identifying and understanding these elements, the research seeks to enhance their recognition and utility as drivers of regional development. The findings aim to serve both academic readers and local government authorities, guiding investments in identity-aligned initiatives to foster regional growth and improve community well-being. This approach underscores the critical role of territorial identity in shaping regional strategies and enhancing the quality of life for inhabitants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La ampliación del relato turístico de los destinos a partir del binomio turismo e industrias creativas se alinea con los objetivos de sostenibilidad y competitividad, ya que permite desarrollar estrategias de reposicionamiento y redistribución turística. Sin embargo, conlleva una serie de retos dada la dificultad de poner en valor una actividad creativa-cultural con sus propias dinámicas. El artículo presenta un estudio exploratorio con el objetivo de identificar iniciativas que potencien el vínculo entre turismo e industrias creativas. A este fin, se toma como marco de estudio la red de ciudades creativas de la UNESCO, focalizando en el diseño, la música y el cine. Se realiza un análisis de contenido de las memorias presentadas por las ciudades creativas para identificar y categorizar las acciones realizadas relacionadas con el sector turístico. Así, se pretende destacar buenas prácticas para redefinir la actividad turística en territorios urbanos y ampliar la noción de turismo cultural.

Language landscapes are cultural, complex and multidimensional. They reflect the diverse interaction between culture, society and the environment, while at the same time forming an integral part of local identity and cultural heritage. This article examines two peripheral language landscapes and explores the role language policy (Spolsky 2004) plays on remote natural sites. Our research focuses on the UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by two countries, Finland and Sweden, and the language landscapes of two nature trails. The photographed signs are categorized by language, number of languages, permanency and by their (in)official character. The signs are analyzed quantitatively, and the results show that the majority of the signs in both nature loca-tions are official and permanent. The most common language is Swedish. In the Finnish context, the majority (67 %) of the signs are multilingual while the majority of the signs (59 %) in Swedish context are monolingually Swedish. The results show that official language policy is visible even in remote nature context but that the nature trails do not reflect the actual languages in the society. This excludes especially the users of national minority and the users of immigrant languages from the intended user group of nature trails where the legal concept of everyman’s right on the other hand guarantees everyone’s right to enjoy nature.

Through bibliographic review and content analysis of primary sources, this article analyzes and makes visible key ideas emanating from Latin American Social Theory in the multilateral agenda of communication and culture discussed at UNESCO between 1970 and 2015. Bridges are established between concepts such as the right to communication, National Communication Policies, Buen Vivir, interculturality and decoloniality, and paramount UNESCO reports and legal instruments. In this sense, we are able to rebuild the narrative that that underlies the evolution of the agenda, which begins with the critical approach to communication in the 1970s, makes a turn towards cultural diversity in the 1990s and culminates in the great question mark of the present moment, inaugurated in 2015, with the 2030 Agenda, where UNESCO’S four decades of debate on cultural self-determination of peoples are not reflected.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of tourist and economic interest in transhumance in Sardinia and more generally Italy. Previously viewed as a hindrance to sheep farming development and associated with isolation, sacrifice, and uncertainty for the people involved, transhumance is now being reconsidered. This study aims to explore the impact of this renewed attention by examining the new transhumance routes, identifying its advocates, and understanding why pastoral mobility was once deemed as a sign of cultural backwardness but is now celebrated as a heritage object and identity trait. The paper also investigates how transhumance has been integrated into territorial marketing efforts, often through rhetorical appeals to pastoral identity and authenticity and nostalgic and poetical depictions of a mythologized past. In fact, the emotional peak following UNESCO’s recognition of transhumance as intangible heritage is not the sole driver of this trend, as Sardinia has been focusing on the heritage value of pastoral mobility since the early 2000s. This paper emphasizes the role that rural space and landscape revaluation, sustainable tourism promotion, new pastoralism models, and local agri-food production revitalization play in driving this shift, aligning with current environmental and cultural heritage conservation and enhancement policies.

In recent decades, Japanese rice wine, sake, exports to international countries have developed tremendously. Recently, in particular, sake exports are increasing in both volume and unit value due to factors such as the registration of Japanese cuisine as an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO in 2013 and the economic situations including the rapid depreciation of Japanese yen. However, there are no studies which investigated sake exports via empirical methods as far as we know. In this study, we constructed hierarchical Bayesian models and analyzed unbalanced panel datasets on the export of Japanese sake to China, Hong Kong SAR China, Singapore, Taiwan and the US by using a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method and an ancillary-sufficiency interweaving strategy (ASIS) as the first empirical study of Japanese sake export. As a result, it was found that the trends in export volume and unit value to China, Hong Kong SAR China, Singapore and the US were significantly positive. In addition, although Taiwan had a negative trend before UNESCO registration, the trend became positive after its registration. Based on these results, it can be concluded that Japanese sake has been booming worldwide, though the degree may vary from country to country. Especially, we found that the UNESCO registration of Japanese food, Washoku, has significant effects on booming sake exports both in terms of volume and unit value. Finally, we divided the sake export data by regional customs offices in charge and conducted a detailed analysis on regional heterogeneity in sake exports. From the results, we found there were some different trends among regions.

Culture and tourism are crucial for economic growth and sustainable development, working together symbiotically. Culture boosts tourism by supporting heritage, production, and creativity, while cultural heritage, reflecting national identity and traditions, strengthens local economies. This study uses a panel data analysis to examine the impact of cultural factors on international tourist arrivals in 27 EU nations. The Driscoll–Kraay method reveals that UNESCO World Heritage Sites, government cultural expenditures, household recreation and cultural expenditures, real GDP per job, and bed capacity positively influence international tourist numbers. Regarding cultural factors, World Heritage Sites have the most significant influence, with each additional UNESCO site leading to a 0.22% rise in tourist numbers. The most crucial determinant of tourist arrivals is bed capacity, with a one percent increase leading to a 0.66% increase in tourist arrivals. Conversely, healthcare expenditures and political civil liberties have a negative impact on tourist arrivals. This study discusses managerial implications and offers recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic global challenges and environmental pressures are increasingly significant. Developing pro-environmental behavior and geoethics is crucial for enhancing awareness, action capability, and respect for natural systems. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) play a vital role in conserving geological and biological diversity while aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. This quasi-experimental study, conducted during the 4th Summer School of Environmental Education on Geotopes and Sustainability at the Sitia UGGp, uses a pre–post design and comprehensive questionnaire to explore changes in participants' sense of place and geoethical awareness. Results indicate significant improvements in place attachment, place meaning, and geoethical awareness. These findings suggest that stronger emotional bonds and deeper personal meanings related to the Sitia UGGp correlate with increased geoethical awareness. This research highlights the role of psychological connections in influencing geoenvironmental ethics and underscores the importance of place-based emotional and cognitive bonds in fostering geoethical thinking. However, this study's limited sample size and the specific geographic context of Sitia UGGp may limit the generalizability of the findings. Despite these limitations, this study provides insights into the interplay of emotions, meanings, and geoethics within the sustainability and resilience spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the surrounding climatic environment, the intrinsic characteristics of the stones used in construction are a critical factor to understand a building's conservation state and define the necessary planning and conservation management activities. The use of environmentally susceptible stones, such as carbonate stones, in heritage buildings can be especially problematic. The present investigation presents an overview of past research and contributes to identifying the types of carbonate stones used over time in Coimbra's Old Cathedral in Portugal, which was classified as a National Monument and integrated into the Coimbra World Heritage site by UNESCO. Our mineralogical and chemical analyses revealed the use of carbonate stones from different quarries (Coimbra region), including Ançã limestone and dolostone (Porta Especiosa portal), Portunhos limestone and Outil limestone (in the perimeter of windows), and marlstones and Outil limestone (side facades). These stones, which were installed at various times during the construction and alteration of the monument, represent a great challenge for conservation planning due to their intrinsic vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions and pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Acta Bioética article from October 1, 2024 addresses the ethical and bioethical challenges in research data management in Chile, in relation to European regulations such as the GDPR and FAIR principles. The role of institutions such as La Referencia, CLACSO, and UNESCO in promoting practices aligned with European standards is highlighted. The importance of integrating responsible data management in research is emphasized, including the implementation of DPIAs in Chile to improve data protection. [Extracted from the article]

It took nearly a century to discover a total of 430 figurative Nazca geoglyphs, which offer significant insights into the ancient cultures at the Nazca Pampa. Here, we report the deployment of an AI system to the entire Nazca region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, leading to the discovery of 303 new figurative geoglyphs within only 6 mo of field survey, nearly doubling the number of known figurative geoglyphs. Even with limited training examples, the developed AI approach is demonstrated to be effective in detecting the smaller relief-type geoglyphs, which unlike the giant line-type geoglyphs are very difficult to discern. The improved account of figurative geoglyphs enables us to analyze their motifs and distribution across the Nazca Pampa. We find that relief-type geoglyphs depict mainly human motifs or motifs of things modified by humans, such as domesticated animals and decapitated heads (81.6%). They are typically located within viewing distance (on average 43 m) of ancient trails that crisscross the Nazca Pampa and were most likely built and viewed at the individual or small-group level. On the other hand, the giant line-type figurative geoglyphs mainly depict wild animals (64%). They are found an average of 34 m from the elaborate linear/trapezoidal network of geoglyphs, which suggests that they were probably built and used on a community level for ritual activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalisation emerged as a central problem in global social governance in the past decade. 'Digital transformation' was expected to bring new social risks, requiring a redesign of the welfare state. This study examines the social policy responses of international actors on the digitalisation agenda in the 2010s and early 2020s. Inspired by sociological institutionalism, it shows different trajectories followed by UN agencies, the OECD and the World Bank in terms of addressing the social implications of this transformation. Despite these divergent organisational agendas, the article reveals the emergence of a new transnational policy paradigm, the 'Schumpeterian consensus', overcoming the antagonism between 'economic' and 'social' institutions from previous decades. In this paradigm, the 'Schumpeterian investment state' is seen as a mediator between the creative and destructive potential of technological change. Its social model encourages governments to invest in skills, universal social protection and flexicurity for the digital era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a few Swiss fossil localities are known globally and of which, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio, which extends from Switzerland into Italy, is the most important one. Following the discovery of the occurrence of articulated skeletons of marine reptiles in the local mines, large excavations were organized by Bernhard Peyer from the University of Zurich starting 1924. With this collection of articles, we commemorate the successful excavations and research, which initiated the publication of a series of monographies, mostly on the vertebrates but also on the invertebrates of this locality. Especially with the discovery of several remarkably similar Konservat-Lagerstätten in China, the discoveries from Monte San Giorgio gained global relevance. New methodologies such as computed tomography produced a wealth of new data, particularly on endocranial anatomy of several tetrapods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urbanization accelerates, World Heritage properties, critical conservation areas, face a growing threat of urban densification, jeopardizing their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). States Parties, the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention, are responsible for submitting periodic reports on the state-of-conservation of their World Heritage properties. These reports should explicitly address any instances of urban densification that may be occurring. But do they? This research investigates the relationship between urban densification and reporting practices in World Heritage properties over time and space. Through a spatiotemporal analysis, by analyzing changes in the built-up area within the core zones of cultural World Heritage properties from 1985 to 2015. We found that urban development, including housing, infrastructure, and tourism facilities, has significantly impacted World Heritage properties and an increase in built-up area can be observed especially in properties not reporting on urban threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Strasbourg, France designation as the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2024. Topics include the city's rich bibliophilic culture and history, the vibrant book markets and collections available to residents and visitors, and the city's ongoing commitment to the preservation and celebration of literature and art, such as through events like the Gutenberg Press Festival and contemporary exhibitions.

Emotions are highly influential variables in tourism. While emotions have gained momentum and have been regularly studied by tourism scholars in various aspects of tourism, social and non-social emotions remain underexplored, especially in heritage tourism. Considering the power of heritage YouTube vlogs in eliciting emotions that are essential in creating sustainability for heritage sites, this qualitative sentiment analysis investigation was undertaken to surface the social and non-social emotions present in the comments posted on select YouTube heritage vlogs. Accordingly, sixty-four (n = 64) heritage vlogs featuring the Historic City of Vigan, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, and Baroque Churches of the Philippines were utilized. Using Data Miner, three thousand eighty-nine (n = 3,089) significant YouTube comments were extracted, filtered, and underwent Phronetic Iterative Data Analysis (Tracy, 2013, Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact, 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons). Consequently, a protractor model dubbed as Vlogs as a protractor of audience social and non-social emotions with its three angles of reminiscence, intrigue, and desire emerged where various time perspectives and accompanying groups of social and non-social emotions generated by heritage vlogs situate themselves. Theoretically, this study expands the applicability of social and non-social emotions in heritage research while practically providing heritage tourism practitioners with information on utilizing social media to understand and promote heritage sites to online viewers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The World Heritage Convention has reached a milestone, and this year, in 2022, it is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The aim of this article is to review whether and how the goals of the strategic action plan (SAP) for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (2012–2022) have been reached. Design/methodology/approach: This article starts by considering the outcomes for three of the SAP goals, dealing with protection and management; the credibility of the World Heritage List and sustainable development, using additional information from the final implementation report of the SAP (UNESCO, 2021a), which provides key performance indicators and the implementation status for each goal and associated outcomes. This article then compares and contrasts available data, trends and examples to provide more in-depth analyses of the implementation of the three goals. Data have been gathered from my own research and from the work of other academics and practitioners. Findings: The article finds several key positive changes, including the recent revisions of the Operational Guidelines to include provisions from the 2015 UNESCO Policy on World Heritage and Sustainable Development. However, a number of concerning or worsening trends relating to the protection and management of the World Heritage List, its increasing lack of credibility and sustainable development make it difficult to conclude that the implementation of the goals has been positive. The article concludes with suggestions for addressing these issues. Originality/value: This paper fills a gap, as not much has yet been published on the state of implementation of the Convention at 50 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region has been experiencing a vibrant economy with heavy investment in higher education as an economic development driver. Being home to over 630 million people and more than 7,000 higher education institutions (HEIs) and over 12 million students, it was critical to evaluate the role of cross-border higher education in the region. This study aimed to investigate the factors and motivations contributing to the success and efficacy of cross-border higher education in the ASEAN region. Additionally, it sought to examine the impact of cross-border education on the development of global citizenship. A quantitative study was conducted using secondary data from the repositories of the World Bank and UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). Data was analyzed using descriptive visualizations and regression analysis. Results indicated variations in HEIs investments, with Brunei having the least. Many students moved from the ASEAN region to seek higher education in other regions, with Vietnam having the highest number of 137,022 students. The majority of these ASEAN countries have more than 10,000 higher education students' abroad. The United States, Australia, and Japan were the significant destinies of students from the ASEAN region. Government expenditure on tertiary education, gross domestic product (GDP), tertiary school enrolment, and GDP growth rate were found to have a significant influence on cross-border higher education mobility. Policy recommendations were the development of international collaborations, cross-border partnerships, and cross-national harmonization to enhance the partnership and mobility of higher education students in the ASEAN region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article explores the trajectory of vernacular architectural documentation and preservation in China, including both notable successes and unfortunate failures. While the documentation and preservation of monuments of the past have a long-recorded history, the story of the 'discovery', documentation, and preservation of vernacular sites—individual structures as well as building complexes—is less known. This essay presents how 'outsiders'—mainly intrepid academics within China—travelled to out-of-the-way villages and towns after 1949 to find historic structures that were known to local residents but not to the broader world, even within China. Tragically, their findings were unpublished for decades. During politically charged periods, there was an orgy of calamitous destruction of countless vernacular buildings, an astonishing loss caused by the abandonment, renovation for alternative uses, and even razing of historic residences, temples, lineage halls, bridges, and walls in both rural and urban areas. Despite these enormous losses, many today marvel at the abundance of seemingly 'historic' structures that are still standing. This essay examines the roots of this apparent contradiction. Rural revitalisation has become a national issue for China in recent decades. In support of this initiative, an extraordinary amount of successful historic preservation work in villages has been accomplished. Today, unlike in the past, heritage protection focuses on broader village landscapes rather than on individual buildings. The challenges of preserving architectural sites are centred around issues of restoration versus recreation as well as redevelopment, that is, demolition followed by reconstruction. The commodification of heritage through the acceleration of tourism continues to have both positive and negative impacts. Judgements about authenticity often continue to be at odds with investors' need to recoup costs and ensure ongoing profits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study delves deeply into the historical contexts of the countries involved, examining how the idea of cultural heritage and its protection under international law has changed through the years and in various social, economic, and political climates. When preserving cultural assets under public international law, we also consider the humanitarian aspect of this phenomenon. The study examines whether people and groups limit a state's power to act beyond limitations imposed by other states and international organizations. This research further examines the role of international human rights laws in this setting, the preservation of the individual's connection to cultural products, and whether or not an individual becomes a significant player in international law. The study's findings provide conclusive evidence of the pivotal catalytic role that UNESCO and similar international organizations play in the worldwide preservation of cultural heritage. UNESCO is the principal venue for monitoring whether or not states are adhering to international protection principles. Whether or not UNESCO can be effective without ratification processes for cultural preservation has to be investigated more deeply. The study's findings indicate that protecting cultural assets involves a wide range of aspects, including the rights and responsibilities of governments and the rights of cultures. In addition, our research suggests that the ever-evolving international legal system can improve its framework, which is relevant to preserving cultural treasures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]