The Year is organized by the ISC Member International Union of Speleology (UIS) to inform the world of the great value of caves to humanity.
“Everyone around the world is affected by caves and karst, but few know it. Many streams important to communities and agriculture flow from karst springs. We can thank bats for their tremendous insect control and over 450 different foods, medicines, and other products. Each day we make new advances in cave and karst science to benefit our daily lives, and better understand how we already benefit from caves and karst. But few people understand the value of caves and karst, which is why the International Year of Caves and Karst is so important.”
George Veni, UIS President, answers some of the most common questions about caves and karst in an interview with the ISC.
The International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK), organized initially for the year 2021, was extended through 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic to celebrate the wonders and importance of caves and karst. Read a recap of the progress made by that point.
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