Tower karst, China. Photo: Bärbel Vogel
KARST-AWARE
Management and Protection
KARST-AWARE
Management and Protection
Embedded Files
Management and Protection
The Speleo UN Team is engaged at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Armenia. CBD COP 17.
We will highlight subterranean ecosystems in caves, karst and groundwater at several side events.
Find out more
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
Subterranean Geoecosystem
Cave animals are among the most range-restricted species on Earth — highly sensitive, prone to extinction, and threatened by groundwater extraction, pollution, and tourism. Global frameworks must include subterranean habitats like caves, groundwater and also artificial tunnels etc.. Most cave species are unassessed, so subterranean indicators must enter national monitoring. Climate change means protecting the stable thermal and hydrological conditions of caves and groundwater. Subterranean life is increasingly recognized as important to humans — with much still to discover.
White-legged Snake Millipede, Tachypodoiulus niger. Photo: Klaus Bogon
News
The German Speleological Federation (VdHK) will be present at the Conference of Parties on the Convention of Biological Diversity CBD COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia. Ana K. Celis will participate with the support of the Succow Foundation and the IUCN/WCPA Caves & Karst Specialist Group, UIS Karst and Cave Protection Commission, the UIS Biology Commission and the UIS Arts and Letters Commission.
September, 2026At the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Conference of Permanent Representatives (CPR) in Nairobi, VdHK delivered a statement on karst ecosystems. As part of a Statement on behalf the UNEP NGO Major Group. It was duly received and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stated in front of all member states that karst is relevant to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Targets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 11, and affirmed that karst is a highly significant ecosystem and an important water resource.
The conference documents reflects it. For a quick reference look for the word "karst" on Item 10. 55 (o) and 55 (j) on pages 35-37.
September, 2026Speleology at the United Nations High Level Political Forum in New York.
The official Side Event of the NGO Major Group "Solidarity in Action" a KCPC member will present our networks for the UN Environment Assembly 2025.
June 29, 2026UNEA-7 Green Room Side Event "Karst-Aware Decisions for a Sustainable Planet: Bridging Science and Policy" is available now at the VdHK-YouTube Channel
March 2026Online Session "Insights from the United Nation Environment Assebly UNEA-7" is available at the VdHK-YouTube Channel
Press release of the German Speleological Federation on the resolution on karst ecosystems at UNEA-7
December 12, 2025The Indonesian delegation proposed a resolution to UNEA focused on protecting and sustainably managing karst ecosystems worldwide to the United Nation Environment Assembly UNEA-7. The German Speleological Federation is accredited in the UN systems and supports the resolution.
October, 2025
Social Media Campaign for UNEA-7
of the German Speleological Federation, follow us
Photo: Alex Bengel, Timo Hess
Design: kleinundneumann.de
Photo: Alex Bengel, Timo Hess
Design: kleinundneumann.de
Photo: Werner Vogel
Design: kleinundneumann.de
Photo: Florian Bachmann
Design: kleinundneumann.de
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse