26/08/2026
The Global Geoparks Network Celebrates the International Day of Caves and Karst
Mine-Akiyosidai Karst Playteau UNESCO Global Geopark, Japan
Celebrate and Protect the World's Karst Systems!
The UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) is an annual observance on 13 September, dedicated to raising global awareness of caves and karst landscapes. Caves are naturally formed underground voids found worldwide, while karst landscapes form through the dissolution of soluble rocks, shaping distinctive surface and subsurface features. These environments provide vital resources, including drinking water for over a billion people, preserve unique biodiversity, and hold invaluable geological and cultural records.
The Global Geoparks Network Executive Board in its 176 session on June 3rd decided to invite all UNESCO Global Geoparks to celebrate UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) on September 13th, a moment dedicated to recognizing the immense value of Caves and Karst landscapes and their essential contribution to the well-being of people and the planet.
Caves and Karst landscapes are vital yet often underappreciated environments.
They host extraordinary biodiversity, provide drinking water resources and support livelihoods of millions of people. They are also source of cultural heritage, natural resources, and recreational opportunities.
However, these fragile environments face increasing threats from climate change, land degradation, and unsustainable practices. Protecting Caves and Karst landscapes is therefore crucial for building resilience and ensuring a sustainable future for the communities living in Karst environment.
UNESCO Global Geoparks host a large number of Caves and Karst landscapes exceptional territories for understanding, preserving, and responsibly managing Caves and Karst landscapes.
JOIN US to make the first celebration A GLOBAL MOMENT
dedicated to education, conservation, and public awareness.
The Global Geoparks Network encourages all Geoparks around the world to join in the celebration of UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) and promote Caves and Karst protection, conservation and management through science, education, and community engagement. By strengthening collaboration and inspiring local action, UNESCO Global Geoparks contribute to safeguarding Cave and Karst environments and enhancing the resilience of the communities who depend on them.
We are pleased to invite all the UNESCO Global Geoparks to participate in the celebration by sending representative photos of the most significant Caves and Karst landforms and landscapes in their territories in order to create a series of promotional tools for this Global celebration.
We also invite all the UNESCO Global Geoparks to organize events at their territories to celebrate the UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst with their communities.
The Global Geoparks Network, the Regional Geopark Networks and the National Geopark Networks will organize events to celebrate the UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst during next autumn.
The GGN will participate also 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, 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 Slovenia.
https://www.globalgeoparksnetwork.org/.../global-geoparks...
