Tower karst, China. Photo: Bärbel Vogel
KARST-AWARE
Management and Protection
KARST-AWARE
Management and Protection
Embedded Files
Management and Protection
Resolution on Karst Ecosystems for the United Nations Environment Assembly
At the next session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), Member States will consider a draft resolution on karst ecosystems.
Resolutions adopted by UNEA represent the collective will of the international community and help shape global and national environmental policies.
UNEA, convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is the world’s highest decision-making body on environmental matters. It brings together governments, observers, and accredited stakeholders from around the world to set priorities for global environmental policy and international environmental law.
The German Speleological Federation (VdHK) — as the only UNEP-accredited organization specifically focused on caves and karst — plays an active role in supporting this process. Through engagement with Member States and UNEP, the VdHK contributes expert knowledge and advocates for stronger international recognition of karst landscapes within UNEA’s agenda.
VdHKs initiatives
What is Karst?
Karst is a type of landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves. Karst landscapes are found worldwide and are important for groundwater resources.
Despite its crucial ecological and hydrological roles, karst is increasingly endangered by destructive mining and highly vulnerable to pollution due to its rapid, unfiltered water flow.
Importance
Alpine karst landscape. Photo: Max Wisshak
News
All speakers and panelists for our side event “Karst-Aware Decisions for a Sustainable Planet” are now confirmed. Join us online or in Nairobi on
Dec 11, 3:30pm EAT / 1:30pm CET / 7:30am EST
November 28, 2025The GEO-7 Official Press Launch will take place Tuesday December 9, 2:00pm EAT / 10:00am CET / 04:00am EST
November 28, 2025A Green Room Side Event at UNEA-7 was approved for the German Speleological Federation. It is supported by other organizations and Major Groups.
November 7, 2025The NGO Major Group uploaded its proposal to strengthen the UNEA-7 Resolution on Karst Ecosystems
November 7, 2025
Show cave in Germany. Photo: Peter Hofmann
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse