Explore, Understand and Protect: Towards Sustainable Management of Caves and Karst

Caves and Karst landscapes are vital yet often underappreciated environments. A Karst is a distinctive topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water mainly on carbonate bedrock (usually limestone, dolomite, or marble). This geological process, occurs over many thousands of years, results in unusual surface and subsurface features ranging from sinkholes, vertical shafts, disappearing streams, and springs, to complex underground drainage systems and caves. 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. Caves and karst landscapes cover nearly a quarter of the Earth's land surface and provide drinking water to more than a billion people. Shaped over millennia by the slow dissolution of soluble rock, these hidden environments preserve unique subterranean biodiversity, irreplaceable geological archives and long records of human history and culture. The first International Day of Caves and Karst is being observed on September 13, 2026. The 2026 International Day of Caves and Karst, celebrated on 13 September, highlight the hidden yet indispensable role of underground landscapes in sustaining life on Earth. With the theme “Explore, Understand and Protect: Towards Sustainable Management of Caves and Karst”, this year’s observance emphasizes how karst systems and cave environments functioning as natural reservoirs, biodiversity hotspots, and climate archives—offer nature-based solutions to pressing global challenges. By revealing the intricate connections between surface and subsurface ecosystems, caves continue to deepen our understanding of Earth’s history and resilience. The theme focuses on: highlighting the value of underground landscapes, Encouraging nature-based solutions for global challenges and promoting the conservation of fragile ecosystems. Caves in the Caribbean. Some of the most noticeable and famous caves across the Caribbean combine striking limestone geology with rich indigenous and colonial history. Among the most famous are the Green Grotto Cave located in Discovery Bay in Jamaica. This labyrinth of limestone chambers, stalactites, and an underground lake is covered in signature green algae. The caves served as a refuge for Taino people, runaway slaves, and Spanish settlers, and even featured in the James Bond film "Live and Let Die" and the other is Cayman Crystal Caves which is situated in a lush tropical forest, these stunning caves feature gorgeous stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear underground water pools. Sustainable Future. 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 International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) is dedicated to raising global awareness of these fragile ecosystems and to promote their protection. Caves are vital natural, scientific, and economic resources that attract tens of millions of global visitors annually while holding irreplaceable archives of Earth's history. Caves contain some of humanity’s oldest archeological sites, sacred places, burial sites and artistic expression. 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. On this the International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) let us be reminded of the importance of caves and Karst to our own survival and existence. Let us commit to building partnerships especially with the youths. Let us capitalize on the connections between preserving our caves and Karst with that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals .11, 13 and 15 on water, urban development, climate action and biodiversity. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo ©