Filling a Critical Gap in Global Conservation
Why karst protection is needed at UNEA-7?
Karst landscapes cover over 15% of the world's ice-free land (Goldscheider et al., 2020) and are the vital natural infrastructure that supplies drinking water to nearly 10% of the global population (Stevanovic, 2018) —some 800 million people.
Although some caves and karst systems are currently recognized as international protected areas, they represent only a small fraction globally. In fact, only 6.9% of subterranean ecosystems are currently protected under existing frameworks (Sánchez-Fernández et. al., 2021) — including the World Heritage Program WHP, UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, CaveMAB Network and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Broader international efforts must foster a "karst-aware" approach to recognize its profound importance, address its unique vulnerabilities, and integrate its protection into global biodiversity and climate frameworks.
Key components of a karst-aware global statement:
Karst areas are comprised of surface and subsurface landscapes, including sinkholes, caves, and aquifers, which are fragile and vulnerable to human activities.
Destroyed karst areas are irreversible, resulting in the permanent loss of their geoecosystems and cultural, scientific, and recreational values.
Some sensitive karst geoecosystems, such as caves, can sometimes be rehabilitated to former states of health, but at great expense and years of restoration work.
The health of subterranean geoecosystems is better served when protected from contaminants and surface activities through effective karst-aware management practices.
Limestone quarry Germany. Photo: Stefan Meyer
Effective karst-aware management practices include:
Inclusive governance;
Strengthening and training of children and youth, indigenous and local communities in the management of karst geoecosystems;
Reduction of the dependence on karst water while at the same time, protecting existing water supplies;
Reversing the loss of biodiversity and,
Protecting landscapes and landforms that are of aesthetic, cultural, economic and scientific value.
Geological excursion in Germany. Photo: Bärbel Vogel
Protecting Karst Advances the SDGs
Education and training on the fragility of karst geoecosystems are essential for their sustainable protection. Many protected areas and show caves contribute to quality education, but learning should go beyond these sites — integrating karst awareness into schools, universities, and community programs to foster a broader culture of conservation and responsible resource use.
Karst covers about 15% of Earth's land surface and supplies 10% of the world's population with water!
Yet karst aquifers are the most vulnerable to contamination and transport pollutants large distances through complex flowpaths with effectively no filtration. Achieving clean water and sanitation, is impossible if we ignore karst systems. Their unique combination of providing a major water source while being exceptionally vulnerable demands extra care.
Karst areas, especially those formed in limestone and gypsum, are under severe threat from mining and construction. There is almost no recycling of these materials, leading to unsustainable extraction and landscape degradation. To support responsible consumption and production, circular economy strategies must include the recycling and reuse of rocks to reduce pressure on fragile karst environments.
Karst geocosystems are rarely recognized in climate action discussions, despite their sensitivity to climate change. Subterranean fauna are especially vulnerable, as even slight environmental changes can threaten their survival. Unlike surface species, underground organisms cannot migrate to cooler habitats, making it uncertain how they will adapt to rising temperatures and shifting hydrological conditions.
There is limited knowledge about subterranean fauna in karst environments, leaving many species unstudied and vulnerable. Advancing research on these hidden geoecosystems is crucial to ensure the conservation of underground biodiversity and the protection of these unique habitats.
The vulnerability and hidden network of karst, makes it prone to misuse in conflicts. Protecting karst areas and caves supports peace, justice and strong institutions, by promoting fair governance, reducing resource-related tensions, and preventing environmental degradation during conflicts.
Protecting karst environments requires collaboration across borders and disciplines. Partnerships among scientists, policymakers, local communities, and international organizations are essential to share knowledge and best practices for the sustainable management and protection of karst landscapes worldwide.