Photo: Florian Bachmann
Representatives at UNEA-7
on behalf of the German Speleological Federation
Embedded Files
Photo: Peter Hofmann
Bärbel Vogel
President,
President,
President, UIS Karst and Cave Protection Commission
President, UIS Karst and Cave Protection Commission
Secretary, IUCN/WCPA GSG
Cave and Karst Working Group
NGO Major Group Contact Point
for the draft resolution on karst ecosystems
Over 30 years I am an engaged speleologist with a special focus on cave and karst protection and policy. I serve as president for the German Speleological Federation VdHK for almost 20 years now. In VdHK we invented the Cave Animal of the Year Campaign and the CaveLife App, the lost caves initiative and much more. In order to follow and participate in international debates, the VdHK is active in the European Environmental Bureau Working Group International Governance and accredited with ECOSOC and UNEP.
Photo: Chris Groves
Ana K. Celis
Ana K. Celis
Co-chair, VdHK Working Group on International Governance
Co-chair, VdHK Working Group on International Governance
Secretary, UIS Cave Biology Commission
Fulbright Scholar / Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow 2024-2025
Member, National Speleological Society USA
VdHK Representative in Nairobi 2025
present from Dec 1 - 12
I am an Archaeologist with a M. Sc. in Coastal Oceanography. In 2022, I founded Karst Lab México to integrate scientific, educational, and community-based solutions for the conservation of subterranean ecosystems. I am Alumna of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship and founding member of the Mexico-United States Binational Working Group on the Protection of Karst Resources.
I will represent VdHK at UNEA-7 from December 1-12 participating in Major Groups and Other Stakeholders (MGoS) meetings; co-organizing a Green Room Side Event and, providing information that expand the relevance of karst geoecosystems within global conservation and climate change agendas.
Photo: Dr. David B. Wechuli
Dr. David B. Wechuli
Bat Ecology and Conservation Specialist, Kenya
Dr. David B. Wechuli
Bat Ecology and Conservation Specialist, Kenya
VdHK Representative in Nairobi 2025
present from Dec 8 - 12
I hold a PhD in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, with a specialization in bat behavioral ecology. In 2023, I joined Bat Conservation International (BCI) as the Kenya Program Manager, where I oversee implementation of field-based conservation initiatives for threatened bat species and their habitats along the Kenyan coast. My work is also driven by a passion for community education and supporting efforts that enhance local livelihoods.
I will represent VdHK at UNEA-7 from December 8–12, participating in the Green Room Side Event and emphasizing the importance of karst and cave protection as integral components of bat conservation efforts.
Donation
Our sincere thanks to the organizations whose support made our presence at UNEA-7 possible.
We still need about €4,000, and any support would mean a great deal and reflect the wonderful solidarity within the speleo community. If you would like to support our presence at UNEA-7 please get in touch.
Further Members of the VdHK International Governance Working Group
Photo: Ferdinando Didonna
Board member to the SOCIETA' SPELEOLOGICA ITALIANA ETS and Cave Animal coordinator
Vice President of TETIDE.ORG
Secretary of European Cave Protection Commission ECPC
Member of IUCN/WCPA GSG Cave and Karst Working Group
VdHK Representative at UNEA-5 and UNEA-6
Having graduated in forestry sciences in Bari, Italy in 1998, today I work in cooperation with Latin America countries as a consultant for a European technical assistance company in the fields of rural and social development, economics, and environment. In 2002, I specialized in rural development with a Master's degree from UNED in Costa Rica, and then in micro-finance in 2009 from ULB Belgium.
Caving Clubs/Organizations: Honorary member of Gruppo Puglia Grotte (GPG), full member and past member of the Board of the Italian Speleological Society (SSI), member of Grupo Espeleologico Anthros (GEA) of Costa Rica, and member of the National Speleological Society NSS in the USA.
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