Author: Nathalia Uasapud

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…

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…

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…

Join us and celebrate the International Day of Caves and Karst - IDCK! This September 13th, we are thrilled to announce that the speleological community will celebrate the International Day of Caves and Karst for the first time. This unique event, approved by the UIS General Assembly during the 19th International Congress of Speleology in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, is a momentous occasion for all of us. The International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) is a proposed UNESCO-recognised annual observance on September 13th, dedicated to raising global awareness of caves and karst landscapes. These environments, which provide vital resources and preserve unique biodiversity, have a profound impact on a global scale, including supplying drinking water for over a billion people. They also hold invaluable geological and cultural records, making them…

If You are willing to participate in the next International Congress of Spelelology, You can find the rules, notices, and manuals for the 19th ICS available at https://www.speleo2025.org/downloads/rules On the web page, you can find: Photo salon regulations Cartographic salon regulation SpeleoMedia regulations Manual for sponsors and exhibitions Notice to pre and post-congress participants Scientific paper template

Are you passionate about protecting our natural underground wonders? We are thrilled to announce the theme for this first season’s UIS Cave Photo Contest: Responsible Caving This contest is all about highlighting practices that: Preserve cave ecosystems. Protect these hidden marvels for future generations. Calling all cave photographers and cavers! Share your best images that demonstrate responsible caving practices. We are looking for photos that show: Respect for the environment Sustainable exploration practices A commitment to preservation Whether it is minimizing light, leaving no trace, or being careful around fragile formations, your photo can inspire others to explore responsibly. Winning photos will be showcased on UIS social media platforms, promoting global awareness of sustainable caving. Each post will feature the photographer's name, a brief biography, and the compelling story behind…

Dear colleagues, Dear Friends, We are glad to inform you, that the new Call for speleological events support is open! Granted can be the international expeditions or other events, focused on exploration, study, or protection of caves and karst, with emphasis on educational, technical and/or scientific cooperation. All requests should contain description of proposed event as detailed as you are thinking is important for understanding of aims of project, purpose for which the funds will be used and show explicitly, that the proposed event is in agreement with the Statutes, Internal Regulations and Code of Ethics of the UIS. Requests which do not meet this requirements will not be accepted. Detailed conditions and more details about Speleological events support can be found in Speleological Events Support Guidelines on https://uis‐speleo.org/wp‐content/uploads/2020/03/Speleological‐Events‐Support‐Guidelines‐Version‐2‐September‐2019.pdf ,…