# Moravian Karst UNESCO World Heritage bid > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/moravian-karst-unesco-world-heritage-bid > Updated: 2026-08-25T07:59:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Czech Ministry of the Environment is conducting 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 is intended to identify potential shortcomings in the proposal before a formal nomination is submitted. Leoš Štefka, who served as the head of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area from 1980 to 2020, has criticized the initiative. He argues that the sites lack the unique global value found in existing UNESCO karst locations, such as Slovenia’s Škocjan Caves. Štefka expressed concerns that the bid is motivated by a desire to increase tourism, which could threaten nature conservation. He noted that the Punkevní Cave already receives roughly 200,000 annual visitors and warned that historical human interventions, including blasting for underground boating, have already irreversibly affected the area’s hydrology and stalactite formations. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Moravian Karst caves undergo expert review for potential UNESCO listing Experts are evaluating whether the Punkevní and Kateřinská caves in the Moravian Karst qualify for UNESCO status, amid criticism from former officials regarding tourism risks and site uniqueness. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moravian-karst-caves-undergo-expert-review-for-potential-unesco-listing ### 2026-08-20: Moravian Karst UNESCO bid criticized by former official Former Moravian Karst official Leoš Štefka opposes the proposal to grant UNESCO status to the Punkevní and Kateřinská caves, citing insufficient unique value and risks from increased tourism. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moravian-karst-unesco-bid-criticized-by-former-official --- Cite as: Moravian Karst UNESCO World Heritage bid. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/moravian-karst-unesco-world-heritage-bid