Year: 2026

The 2026 France Habe Prize This year, although the topics addressed by the candidates were very diverse, they were approached through a wide range of options, such as the protection and conservation of caves and karst environments, raising awareness of caving, the interplay between exploration findings and scientific research, education and tourism, whilst also identifying ways to ensure the long-term sustainability of their objectives. The members of the jury for the 2026 France Habe Prize assessed each submission using an evaluation grid that focused on relevance, presentation, interdisciplinarity, photography, scientific content, readability, and originality. They unanimously decided to award the 2025 France Habe Prize to the project entitled “Photographic, topographical and digital documentation of the deep sections of the Aven d’Orgnac” (France), submitted by Rémi FLAMENT. The winner receives a…

On 13 September 2026, the world will celebrate the International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) for the very first time following its proclamation by UNESCO. This is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of caves and karst for water resources, biodiversity, science, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. The official international celebration will take place in Postojna, Slovenia (10–13 September 2026): //izrkp.zrc-sazu.si/en/dogodki/international-day-of-caves-and-karst-idck But IDCK belongs to everyone! We encourage all UIS Member Countries, national societies, UIS Commissions, show caves, geoparks, biosphere reserves, universities, museums, schools, protected areas, NGOs, and local communities to organize their own IDCK activities around 13 September. Whether you organize a lecture, cave tour, exhibition, school event, clean-up campaign, or social media activity, every event helps raise awareness of caves and karst. Please register…

The France HABE Prize is presented annually by the International Union of Speleology (UIS). To ensure that the absent-minded and those running late don’t end up kicking themselves, the deadline for submitting applications has been extended to 30 June 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity! All the relevant information is available here: https://uis-speleo.org/index.php/karst-and-cave-protection-commission/ THANKS TO: The manufacturers of caving equipment RESSEG https://www.instagram.com/resseg and BARHAR https://www.barharrescue.com/collections/bags who are once again partnering with the UIS to reward the winner even more generously.

Subterranean Myths The 1st International Arts & Letters Contest | 2026 This contest is a creative call to all cavers, speleologists, and karst explorers at heart who see the underground world not only as a place of exploration but as a source of artistic inspiration. Whether you are a scientist documenting the depths or an explorer shaped by the silence of the cave, we invite you to share your unique perspective. Theme: "Subterranean Myths" - Artistic Reflections of the Karst World Tagline: Below the Surface, Beyond Imagination The Arts and Letters Committee is proud to announce its first international call for entries. This contest is an invitation to explore the world beneath our feet through the lens of creativity. Concept: What are "Subterranean Myths"? This theme goes beyond ancient folklore.…

Announcement: Call for Entries The 2nd UIS International Speleological and Karst Photography Contest Theme: "Invisible Life, Visible Impact: Guardians of the Dark"   The UIS Arts and Letters Commission, in collaboration with the UIS Cave Biology Commission and UIS Karst and Cave Protection Commission (KCPC), invites you to capture the fragile beauty of the subterranean world.   This year, we focus on the silent inhabitants of the dark—from microscopic life to complex ecosystems. Show us the "Invisible Life" and help us reflect on our "Visible Impact" on these sacred realms.     Categories: Cave Biology: Life and ecosystems underground.    Cave Protection & Conservation: Human impacts and preservation efforts.    Aesthetics and Creative Perspectives: Artistic visions of the dark.  General Speleology: Exploration, research, and people in caves.    Judging & Awards:   Blind Judging: To ensure total impartiality,…

Dear colleagues, dear friends, We are glad to inform you that the first Call for speleological events support in 2026 is open! Granted can be international expeditions or other events focused on the exploration, study, or protection of caves and karst, with an emphasis on educational, technical, and/or scientific cooperation. UIS Bureau especially encourages young cavers and scientists to submit proposals for their projects, and the Bureau will take these submissions into preference consideration. All requests should contain a description of the proposed event as detailed as you think is important for understanding the aims of your project, the purpose for which the funds will be used, and show explicitly that the proposed event is in line with the Statutes, Internal Regulations, and Code of Ethics of the UIS. Requests…

The Karst and Cave Protection Commission of the International Union of Speleology (UIS) is pleased to announce the opening of the France HABE Prize 2026. The prize is named in memory and in honor of Dr. France HABE from Slovenia (Yugoslavia), Past President of the Protection Department of the UIS (1973 -1997). The purpose of this prize endowed with 300€ is to promote the protection of karst and caves. Their natural heritage is an increasingly rich source of proven information on the history of our planet and of humanity, allowing us to act in a more thoughtful, effective and sustainable way for the future of our environment. This year the prize is supported by RESSEG and BARHAR. The deadline to submit for the France Habe Prize 2026 is May 20, 2026. France HABE…

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to invite you to participate in the events marking the first celebration of the UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst, to be held in Postojna, Slovenia, from 10 to 13 September 2026. These events represent the symbolic and official launch of the global observance of the International Day of Caves and Karst, proclaimed by UNESCO in 2025. Please find attached the invitation and the preliminary programme of events, which will be held under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, and under the patronage of UNESCO, with the support and cooperation of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO, Postojna Cave, Škocjan Caves Park, the Municipality of Postojna, the Municipality of Pivka, and the Speleological Association of…

We are glad to share with you Volume 67-2 of the UIS Bulletin. The PDF Interactive format can be downloaded by clicking on the link: http://uis-speleo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UIS-Bulletin-67-2-final.pdf The 117 pages of this issue bring the following topics: TABLE OF CONTENTS • Editorial • President’s Column • International Day of Caves and Karst • 19th International Congress of Speleology 2025 • UIS Bureau 2025–2029 • Minutes of the UIS Bureau Meetings • “Above and Below”: Barry Lawrence Ruderman Conference • List of UIS Commissions and Working Groups • List of Member Countries We appreciate your comments and suggestions to improve upcoming issues.

First Celebration of the International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK), proclaimed by UNESCO Postojna, Slovenia: 10–13 September 2026 Following the proclamation of the International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) by UNESCO, the first official celebration is planned to take place in Postojna, Slovenia, in September 2026. The central date of the celebration will be 13 September 2026, with a series of scientific and outreach events planned in the days leading up to it. Preliminary programme outline (subject to confirmation): 10 - 12 September 2026 – International conference in Postojna Theme: Sustainable management of caves and karst, with a focus on protection, education and research as a foundation for sustainable development, and scientific excursion to selected karst and cave sites 12 September 2026 (Saturday evening) – Official IDCK celebration…