Cave and Karst legal status worldwide assessment: an initiative of the UIS KARST AND CAVE PROTECTION COMMISSION

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Karst is a type of landscape that covers an estimated 20% of the world’s land surface. Karst is created by the dissolution of bedrock. On the surface it takes many forms, which makes it difficult for the average person to recognize. Some are dramatic and scenic. Much of karst landscapes are also hidden from view in caves.
Caves and karst are priceless resources. Hundreds of caves are open to tourism around the world, many in World Heritage sites. About 150 million tourists visit caves each year, providing vital support to many national economies. Karst aquifers provide an estimated 10% of the world’s drinking water, and include the largest wells and springs on Earth.

In this International Year of Caves and Karst 2021 and 2022 we launch a worldwide census of the legal status of cave and karst especially in your country. This is a basic assessment of national, regional and local regulation on caves, karst and caving worldwide; Thanks for your help.

Email *

International years celebrate and inform the world about important topics, many of which are not known to the general public. Caves and karst occur around our planet but few people understand the great value of caves to humanity. Fewer still know what karst is.

Please write the name of your country; *

Are caves private or public properties?

In this section please explain to us who is legally the owner of a cave in your country. Are caves private or public properties? Or it is more complex than that ?

Explain the ownership of caves in your country . *

Private

Public

Private and public

Where are regulations regarding ownership of caves found in your country's legislation? *

Please provide the name of the cave property law/regulation and articles. If possible, send copies of the files to: cave.protection.laws@gmail.com ;

Is Karst recognized as a specific environment in your legislation? *

yes

No data

Other:

Is Karst protected in your legislation ? *

yes

Please indicate if there are regulations that are directly related to karst protection. If available, please send to: cave.protection.laws@gmail.com ; *

Is the practice of caving regulated in the country ? *

yes

Please indicate if there are regulations that are directly related to speleological activities. If available, please send to: cave.protection.laws@gmail.com ; *

Value of Karst and Caves

Caves and Karst areas are delicate environments of our natural heritage under threat from several risks and hazards such as: quarrying, water pollution, dumping, insensitive tourism, urban development, vandalism, and bad caving practice. Farming, particularly intensive rural land development, can disrupt natural drainage to features such as doline and swallow holes.

Over-development and intrusive tourism can reduce the visual amenity value and pose a risk to the ecology of caves and karst areas. Irresponsible caving can lead to damage and lost scientific and archaeological values of the caves.

Based on the text above, please list national, regional and local regulations and laws related to caves and karst. Please send any laws and regulations to: cave.protection.laws@gmail.com *

Caves are related to many aspects of human development such as agriculture, water management, industrial and urban development, please list here rules and laws that in your knowledge are related to caves and karst.

Send me a copy of my responses.

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