Man and Karst Conference

As part of the International Year of the Caves and Karst, organized by the International Union of Speleology (UIS) to celebrate caves and karst internationally and teach the world about their importance, the International Scientific Conference “Man and Karst” is organized in Sicily from 12th to 17th September 2022. The extreme north-western sector of Sicily, where this event will be held, which geographically belongs to the Monti di Capo San Vito in the Province of Trapani, represents an outstanding example for the comprehensive understanding of karst. Here we will explore pure karst landscapes, caves and spectacular and evocative Mountains and their profound relationship with Man.

In this context, the common relationship of Mediterranean Elimi peoples with its own peculiar karst environment has been represented for centuries, in the past with a wisely and naturally sustainable use of its resources, nowadays in an increasingly conflictual way, as dramatically devastating of its precious resources, first of all the karst waters and caves threatened by heavy degradation and contamination inclusive from waste waters or microplastic, for a senseless and inconsiderate use of the territory.