Month: April 2026

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…