Moravian Karst caves undergo expert review for potential UNESCO listing

The Czech Ministry of the Environment is currently undergoing an expert assessment to determine if the Punkevní and Kateřinská caves, along with the Macocha Abyss, meet the criteria for UNESCO World Heritage listing. This preliminary evaluation aims to identify potential shortcomings or limitations in the proposal before a formal nomination is submitted.

Leoš Štefka, the former head of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area (1980–2020), has expressed skepticism regarding the proposal. He argues that the caves do not possess the same level of global karst uniqueness as existing UNESCO sites, such as the Škocjan Caves in Slovenia.

Štefka warned that the move might be driven by a desire to increase tourism, which could pose risks to the area. He noted that the Punkevní Cave already attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually and suggested that past mass tourism and historical interventions, such as blasting for underground boating, have already impacted the site's hydrology and formations.