Happy 1st International Day or Caves and Karst!
George Veni
In 2021 and 2022 (extended by the COVID pandemic), the International Union of Speleology (UIS) organized the International Year of Caves and Karst. Nearly 1,500 events were organized by the UIS and its 253 partner organizations, reaching a minimum of about 321 million people. Based on the success, the UIS is now organizing an International Day of Caves and Karst. Today is the first time it is celebrated.
UIS is currently trying to get it accepted by UNESCO to be celebrated each year, and UNESCO’s recognition will be incredibly important in raising recognition of the importance of caves and karst. UNESCO will make their decision within about a month. For more information, and to learn how you can support the International Day, visit: https://www.caveskarstday.org/home. Sadly, the US has withdrawn its participation in UNESCO, so national support from here is not possible, but organizations can support the International Day proposal.
George
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George Veni, PhD
George Veni and Associates
Carlsbad, New Mexico USA
(m) +1-210-863-5919