Spotlight on Caves and Karst: First Global UNESCO Day of Action
On September 13, 2026, the hidden world beneath our feet took center stage around the globe—with a special focus on its importance for water, biodiversity, climate, and cultural heritage.
September 13 marked the first observance of International Caves and Karst Day. This day of action, initiated by the International Union of Speleology (UIS), was adopted in 2025 at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference. Under the theme “Explore, Understand, and Protect,” it aims to raise awareness of the importance of caves and karst landscapes and the need to protect them.
Habitats and Water Reservoirs
Caves and karst landscapes are far more than just fascinating landforms. Karst aquifers supply large portions of the world’s population with drinking water, yet they are also particularly vulnerable to contamination. Caves and karst landscapes are also home to unique and often endemic species. They are also of great importance for understanding our geological and cultural history: sediments and rock formations in caves preserve traces of past climate changes, while caves are among the most significant sites for archaeological and cultural artifacts of humankind.
The day of action also took place in the Swabian Alb
This topic holds special significance for the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb. Caves and karst formations shape the landscape of the Schwäbische Alb and connect geology, the water cycle, and natural and cultural heritage. On the occasion of the first day of action, the Ostalb-Kirchheim Cave Research Group in Königsbronn provided insights into its research at the Brenzhöhle. Free guided tours were held at the Sontheimer Cave near Heroldstatt; a documentary by the International Speleological Union was also screened.
Passend zum ersten Internationalen Tag für Höhlen und Karst hat die UIS ein deutschsprachiges Video von Uwe Krüger veröffentlicht. Es gibt einen Einblick in die weltweite Bedeutung von Höhlen und Karst.
Watch the video for International Caves and Karst Day
For more information, contact the Association of German Cave and Karst Researchers
Quellen
- Verband der deutschen Höhlen- und Karstforscher e. V. (VdHK): Erster internationaler UNESCO Tag für Höhlen und Karst
- Internationale Union für Speläologie (UIS): Internationaler Tag für Höhlen und Karst – 13. September 2026
- Internationale Union für Speläologie (UIS): Internationales Jahr für Höhlen und Karst 2021 – „Erforschen, verstehen und bewahren“
- UNESCO: International Day of Caves and Karst
