Tower karst, China. Photo: Bärbel Vogel
KARST-AWARE
Management and Protection
KARST-AWARE
Management and Protection
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Management and Protection
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Online Session
"Why the UN is talking about karst and why cavers should care - insights from the UN Environment Assembly UNEA-7"
online available at the
VdHK YouTube Channel
contact Bärbel Vogel
contact Ana K. Celis
Photo: Florian Bachmann
UNEA-7 Side Event
"Karst-aware decisions for a sustainable planet -
bridging science and policy, turning knowledge of the hidden geoecosystem into sustainable action"
online available at the
VdHK YouTube Channel
Photo: Alex Bengel, Timo Hess
News
UNEA-7 Green Room Side Event is available now at the VdHK-YouTube Channel
March 2026Online Session "Insights from the United Nation Environment Assebly UNEA-7" will be available from Wednesday March 11 at the VdHK-YouTube Channel
Press release of the German Speleological Federation on the resolution on karst ecosystems at UNEA-7
December 12, 2025The German Speleological Federation hosted an official Side Event at UNEA-7 on Karst-Aware Decisions for a Sustainable Planet: Bridging Science and Policy. Turning knowledge of the hidden geoecosystems into sustainable action.
December 11, 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
Resolution on Karst Ecosystems for the United Nations Environment Assembly
At the session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, Member States will considered 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 — played 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
Unfortunately the Indonesian delegation withdaw the Resolution on Karst Ecosystems as member states could not agree on a final version.
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
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Photo: Alex Bengel, Timo Hess
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Photo: Alex Bengel, Timo Hess
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Photo: Werner Vogel
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Photo: Florian Bachmann
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