INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF CAVES AND KARST 2021 „Explore, understand and protect“ Organized by the International Union of Speleology
KARST is a type of landscape that CAVES are the best-known type of SPELEOLOGY is the scientific study covers about 20% of the world’s land karst feature, but many other features and exploration of caves. They contain surface, with special surface, hydrolo- exist - karren, dolines, poljes, blind val- exceptional geological, biological, gical and underground features and leys, intermittent lakes, sinking streams, and cultural value, but are highly phenomena. large springs, subterranean rivers. vulnerable to damage.
When people live in karst areas, they Hundreds of caves are open to tourism change its natural environment and pro- around the world, many in World Heritage cesses. Important features, like caves, sites. About 150 million tourists visit caves are destroyed. Priceless cultural heritage each year, providing vital support to many and unique underground ecosystems national economies. Good tourism needs are lost. Pollutants from homes, facto- cave conservation and protection of natural ries, agriculture, and other activities and processes, or the tourism value of the caves industries threaten valuable community will be lost. Show caves can also teach peo- water supplies. ple about the importance of caves and karst.
Photo by G. Veni Photo by Z. Motyčka
Photo by Z. Motyčka
The discovery and exploration of caves is important knowl- edge of the environment in which we live. Cave maps and studies let us see into the foundation of our world that is mostly hidden underground. Karst and cave protection laws must be based on scientific re- search to ensure the best pos- The blue areas on the map show the world’s karst. sible measures for protection For more information about this map, visit: and pollution prevention, and https://www.whymap.org/whymap/EN/Maps_Data/Wokam/wokam_node_en.html for the best benefit to society.
Karst aquifers provide Caves have always played an estimated 13% of a special role in human his- the world’s drinking tory, from the beginnings water. They include the of human culture to the largest wells and springs present day. Caves and on Earth. Water and cave sediments house pollutants can enter the archives of past life. The underground in several world’s most significant ways, in dispersed form cultural and archaeologi- UISby rainfall Logo through bare Photo by F. J. Jacobs cal sites often are found or bcoveredy Nivaldo karst Colza surfaces;to in karst areas and caves. Photo by G. Veni and by flooding in through large open holes. Once underground, the water Caves and karst are home to many of the pla- Variations permittedmoves freely through - Colornet’s most Version diverse, important, and rare ecosys- open karst conduits, tems. Cave ecosystems and geologic features The International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK) is an initiative of the where the rate of self- are extremely sensitive to human activities and International Union of Speleology (UIS). The UIS is a non-profit organization cleaning is very low or visits. Damage is often permanent. If repair is dedicated to the exploration, study, and proper management of caves Photo by K. Kýška non-existent. possible, it is usuallyREVER difficult,SED expensive, and through international cooperation. www.uis-speleo.org takes a long time. COLOR VERSION
www.iyck2021.org
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