International Cave and Karst Day marks first global observance

The world is observing the first official International Cave and Karst Day on September 13. This global initiative, designated by UNESCO following a proposal by the International Union of Speleology, aims to raise awareness regarding the importance, scientific value, and vulnerability of karst ecosystems.

Karst landscapes cover nearly one-fifth of the Earth's land surface and serve as vital freshwater sources for over one billion people. These regions are critical for biodiversity and hold significant geological and archaeological records. However, they remain among the least explored and most ecologically sensitive areas on the planet.

Slovenia, a central hub for karst research, hosted major celebrations and an international scientific conference at Postojna Cave. In Croatia, the University of Zadar marked the day by presenting scientific projects focused on karst research and the environmental challenges facing these regions, such as pollution and unpredictable water flow. In Slovakia, experts noted that while only about three percent of the country's caves have been discovered, the karst landscape remains essential for water resources and tourism.