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SPELEOLOGY IN SOME BALKAN COUNTRIES Contributed by Anonymousz on Friday, April 15 @ 10:50:49 EEST
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 THE SPELEOLOGY IN SOME COUNTRIES ON BALKAN PENINSULA - brief information
SPELEOLOGY IN CROATIA
Speleological activity in Croatia started with first human entrances underground, where shelters or dwelling places were found. Such examples of speleo people traces or paleolitical artifacts exist in Croatian karst in several places (eg. Cave Vindija in Hrvatsko Zagorje, Cave Hušnjakovo near Krapina, Cave Šandalja near Pula in Istria, Cerovačke Caves in Lika, Cave Bezdanjača pod Vatinovcem in Lika, Cave Veternica near Zagreb, Cave Gromačka vlaka near Dubrovnik etc.)
The first entering were due to the needs, not due to curiosity. In 16th century started the period of first researches and expeditions. Croat from Dubrovnik, Nikola Gučetić had in 1584 described his observations on meteorological measurements in caves near Dubrovnik and Cavtat. That year is accepted as the beginning of scientific publishing on Croatian caves. Later on researches were made in some caves known in that time (eg. Marin Getaldić made some optical experiments in Betina Cave near Dubrovnik) or some researchers took place in investigating deeper parts or discovering completely unknown caves (in 17th cent J:V. Valvasor describes some caves of Trsat, Mt. Učka and Dalmatia), Ivan Lovrić together with Alberto Fortis in 1774 and 1776 explore Gospodska Cave on Cetina river well.
The first association that dealt with cave exploring in Croatia was Odbor za uređenje Baračeve špilje that was found 12th of August 1892 near Rakovica in region of Plitvice lakes. That one is considered as first speleological organization in Croatia and is among the first in the world (after Wienna, Trieste and Postojna).
Dr. Dragutin Gorjanović Kramberger and dr Josip Poljak at 31st July 1910 had established Comity for cave researches (Odbor za istraživanje špilja) under Geological council for Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonija in Zagreb. That is considered as the first Croatian scientific association dealing with underground karst phenomena researches.
During more than hundred years many speleological associations existed in Croatia. Some of them left significant evidences of their activities, the others had short existence but were important in historic terms.
Traditions of Comity for arrangement of Baračeve Caves (1892-1896) and legitimate successor of Comity for cave researches promotes Croatian Speleological Federation (Hrvatski speleološki savez) (1954-2002), established 2nd April 1954. in Zagreb, and which is republic speleological association and regular member of UIS (Union Internationale de Speleologie).
Today in Croatia exist 39 speleological associations, clubs and societies with about 450 cavers all together.
It is evident that in Croatia relatively small number of associations existed in history but they had explored more than 8800 speleological objects in last hundred years. That is impressive number considering number of active speleologists and area of Croatia.
More than 8800 of speleological object are known in Croatia today (caves and pits), which is considered great number related to dimensions of karst area and number of active speleologists. There are 15 touristicaly arranged caves in Croatia. Speleologists are associated in 39 speleological associations that are active in Croatian territory.
Important are discoveries of endemic underground animals - Proteus anguinus in more than 50 Croatian caves and pits and unknown underground species in two pits deeper than 1000 m. The deepest pit of Croatian karst is Lukina jama on Velebit, 1392 m deep, and the longest cave system is Đula - Medvedica Cave System near Ogulin, 16,5 km long.
Croatian speleologists are respected in the world and have organized or participated many international expeditions. Croatia is the member of UIS, International Union of Speleology, which has 60 members. Croatian karst is so-called locus typicus for all karst regions - it is considered for classic example of karst in the world, where first scientific theories of speleogenesis and karst groundwater flow were born.
The Speology in Romania
The Romanian Federation of Speology was founded on the 28th of May 1994 by reuniting all the organized speological structures in Romania to support the national caving activity on the long term. FRS is a member of the International Speological Union, which is affiliated to UNESCO.
The purpose of RFS is to create a common ground of activities and to find and unify all the persons who actively practice speology and the connexe disciplines in order to realize a better and more complex understanding of the caves and the underground world. Its aim is to realize this in the spirit of a more efficient protection of the environment and especially the karstic underground environment.
The purposes of the Romanian Federation of Speology are:
- to offer the material, moral, scientifical, technical, logistic and informational support of the members in order to make them practice speology more thoroughly, to stimulate and to select new members
- to promote the scientific input in speology and the connexe disciplines
- to organize the equipment, the activities, the teaching methods and also the data bases
- to provide the cavers with the safest exploration techniques, and with a well organized and supportive rescue service team
Along eight years of activity, the RFS has organized over 300 national and international activities. There have been many expeditions abroad within which many caves were explored. The Romanian cavers have actively participated to many of the important international congresses and scientific sessions.
There have been realized many high quality video films and slides, very appreciated within the cavers’ world and many TV broadcasting systems around the world have broadcast them.
Through several bilateral agreements established with the federations of countries like France, Italy, Hungary, Ukraine, China, Australia, Spain, Switzerland, Macedonia there have been initiated many international contacts / relationships, materialized in many abroad activities, exchanges of cavers and scientific input. Therefore, between October 1995 and October 2002, there have been a series of expeditions to USA, Australia, China, France, Ukraine, Crimea, Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, Canary Islands, and also many international caving camps in Romanian Karstic areas.
So far, the RFS has organized eight National Congresses of Speology, the most important caving events of these years, national symposiums of exploration and scientific sessions, eight editions of Speosport and National Seminars on the Protection of the Caves. At these events there were present members from the 96 organizations affiliated and in course of affiliation to RFS (there are 60 such caving organizations in Romania), great figures of geology, biospeology, karstology and hydrology, both from Romania and abroad, delegations from similar federations abroad and UIS.
The exploration and mapping of the caves and pitches, the speological education and protection of the environment, congresses, symposiums and festivals organized have beneficiated from a great interest and a good promotion in media.
Ever since its foundation, RFS and the member associates have initiated and performed many projects which had as purposes the protection of the caves and of the karstic environment, the ecological education, the training of the youngsters for the practice of speology and the connexe open door activities.
The publishing activity includes: 5 numbers of „Speomond" and the editions of „Panxian – China `96", „Crimea `97", „Pierre St. Martin `97", „Canary Islands `98", „Turkey `98", „Berger `98", „Berger `99", „Crimea `99".
Our cavers have also participated to the first international caving championship China `96 where our representatives have won 1st and 2nd prizes.
They have also participated to the International Conference of the Caving Trainers / Instructors in Madrid 1998.
The decisional system:
General assembly – the presidents of the clubs (or through delegate representatives, their votes depending on the number of their member-legitimates of RFS)
The Speleology in Macedonia
The karsts presence in Macedonia is covering some of the big or small lime-stone massifs, into the middle western and the south part of Macedonia and it can be found also in the small oasis as well as the other parts thru.
The karsts is substituted on Suva Gora(Suva Gora), Suva Planina(Suva Planina), Karadzica(Karaxica), Jakupica(Jakupica), Dautica(Dautica), Zeden(@eden), Bistra(Bistra), Baba(Baba), Cach(Sa~), Ljuben(Quben), Bukovich(Bukovi}), Krchin(Kr~in), Jablanica(Jablanica), Galichica(Gali~ica), Babuna(Babuna), Dren(Dren), Vitochevo(Vito~evo), Kozhuv(Ko`uv) and some other parts. The lime-stone presence is spotted on the higher parts of the mountains Shar Planina([ar Planina) and Skopska Crna Gora(Skopska Crna Gora) as well as the river Radika(Radika) and some small oasis around the valleys of Vardar(Vardar), Babuna(Babuna), Topolka(Topolka) and other rivers.
In this areas most often are occurring caves and ruinations who are explored by the speleologists in Macedonia.
The first written documents for explorings thru the speleological objects on the grounds of our country, are happening between the First and Second World War by P. S. Jovanovich, Dr. Stanko Karaman, V. S. Radovanovich. The same people and the organisations were exploring the caves of Dona Duka on Zeden, the caves in Porechje, Gold cave near Veles and the caves on Kozuf.
After the Macedonian liberation, the first organisation was Geographical Society from Macedonia and then thru Speleological Society from Macedonia, are the first beginnings for more extensive research and explorations on the caves in our country. Among the first speleologists in that present time were the names of: Prof. Josiv Josifovski, Dr. Zora Karaman, Dr. Risto Garevski,
Dr. Dushan Manakovich, Prof. Vecko Kostovski, Dr. Mitko Panov, Prof. Kosta Kostovski, Ilija Iliev, Prof. Vladimir Tochkovski, Mas. Stanko Stankovski, Dr. Tome Andonovski and students from the geographical section on the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences in Skopje.
Round about the sixties there is an attraction among the mountaineers for entering the speleological objects and at the first time the only reason was curiosity, but also as the collaboratives with the Speleological Society of Macedonia, and later in the years there was requirement in Skopje for establishing the Mountaineering Speleological Society "Peoni". In that particular time some other similar speleological clubs are formed, like: P.D. "Zlatovrv" in Prilep and P.D. "Orle" in Kavadarci.
Later with the years, there are two more groups formed, in the following order:
P.D. "Solunska Glava" and later on P.D. "Josif Josifovski-Sveshtarot".
>From the latest times in Republic of Macedonia the interest is expanding for developing and practising the speleology, and more groups and organisations are formed, like: P.D. "Bistra" from Kichevo, "Lisec" from Stip, "Serta" from Negotino, "Elenica" from Strumica, "Prosek" from DemirKapija, and they are part time engaging in speleology. The most recently developed organisations are: S.D. "Inferiorum" from Kichevo and Exploring Society "Ursus Speleus".
On the territory in our country there are recorded around 500 speleological objects. It needs to be mentioned that more that 300 are discovered and explored by S.D. "Peoni", around 100 objects explored by Dr. Dushan Manakovich and the rest by the speleological groups thruout the country.
The longest cave at the moment is The Cave Of Gunovica with around 1200 metres length, and in that cave is the longest underground waterfall which is 7 metres high.
In the year 2000, in cooperation with the French Speleological Federation, two Macedonian speleologists , Nikola and Mihail along with two of the French group, they are entering the cave(unexplored till then) in the waterfall, diving on a breath of air, thru "siphon", and are going further thru the cave 600 metres. From then onwards, The Cave of Gunovica is the biggest cave in Macedonia since then.
In according with the vertical speleological objects, the deepest ruination-pit is "Solunska 4" with a length of 450 metres and a straight vertical slope of 250 metres. In that pit, we found the biggest and for now still the only one, massive ice ornamentations. This exploration is accomplished by the speleologists from the C.D. "Peoni" in the year 1980.
All the geomorphologic data now is showing that Republic of Macedonia should have bigger speleological objects from those that are already founded, but the speleologists should work more on the present originated speleological objects, giving emphasis on overcoming the prevailing obstacles, like water impediments, landslides and drifts as well as revealing new objects.
Of great importance is that the speleological objects in R. Macedonia are more than interesting for the speleological explorations in our country, as well as the speleologists from the rest of the world, because of the whole variety of crystal forms in colourful designs, which is the main proof of the multifarious treasure of different minerals in our country, which is more attracting for the speleologists, and tempting them to enter these great kingdoms on this magnificent world…
GREEK FEDERATION OF SPELEOLOGY
As common practice in many countries of this world people with same interest parallel ideas and political approach use to become unified in teams, parties, clubs or societies. In this way they can unite their efforts and their strength for the development and the evolution of their goals & scopes according to their objectives. This practice is usual phenomenon in Speleology as well. Soon another issue is rising: the need of an organization that can unite in a democratic way the smaller teams, clubs, societies etc. under the federal, association or union principles. Federal associations or unions can achieve higher performance and reinforce development and evolutions in speleology.
Twenty years ago this federal need raised inside the Greek speleological community when the number of clubs was populated for the first time. Many years passed without any changes but during late 90’s the first discussion took place. The initial negotiations between the Greek speleological clubs started at 1998 reinforced by the dramatically increase of the cavers population and the increase in the number of clubs (double up during the 90’s and still increasing by the beginning of the new century).
Finally "Federation Hellenique de Speleologie" established at 19-11-2001. FHS is a non profit, non government national organization registered in Athens Greece according to the Greek laws, with number 16368 and ref. Nr 8521/2001 act of Greek Court in Athens. FHS has the following 6 members:
Speleological Hellenic Exploratory Club
Speleologie Club of Nafplion (Peloponnesus)
Athletic Scientific Tourist Climbing Speleological club AETOS
Speleological Club of Crete
Speleological Club of Ioannina
Speleological Hellenic Athletic Club
The FHS is consisted by a General Assembly and a Bureau. The General assembly is consisted by one delegate of each club/member and each delegate has 1 vote.
Greece has a huge number of cave objects (approx 10.000) in such a small part of land. Most of the caves are unexplored due to low cavers population. New techniques, increased cave population and the establish of our federation will reinforce the caves research in our country and soon will start improve our knowledge for the Greek caves. Cave rescue and caves protection will be one of the main priorities.
THE SPELEOLOGY IN BULGARIA
Bulgarian caves have been known since a very long time. Descriptions of them are to be found after XII Century in old manuscripts and in the papers by Bulgarian and foreign authors. The entrance parts of some of these caves have been converted into churches and monasteries, and have been used as cells by monks or for providing shelter for men and animals.
Scientific interest in the country's caves began soon after Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman domination in 1878. At the end of the 19th Century the first Bulgarian prehistorians, naturalists and geographers embarked on their investigation and publications appeared about the results obtained. This exploration continued in later years as well.
The first Bulgarian Speleological Society was founded on March 18, 1929. This was the result of the necessity to set up a public organization which, under the conditions prevailing at that time, would begin their systematic investigation, protecting them from destruction and setting the beginnings of cave tourism. The founders of the Society were eminent Bulgarian scientists, people active in the realm of tourism, and cave-exploration fans - office employees and workers.
The foundation of the First Bulgarian Speleological Society marked the beginning of a new stage in the development of speleology in Bulgaria. Though not very numerous in its members, and despite its limited financial capacities, the Society engaged in considerable and useful activities. It made a reappraisal of all that had been done until that time in cave investigation and in obtaining more knowledge about the country's caves. Organized trips and studies were carried out in certain caves and Karst regions of Bulgaria. The results obtained were published in the scientific publication of the Society - "Bulletin of the Bulgarian Speleological Society" - Volume One of which appeared in 1936.
Active propaganda was also carried out for the protection of the caves. There was useful and active cooperation between the Bulgarian Speleological Society and the Bulgarian Tourist Union. The first provincial branches of the Society was founded in the Rakitovo village and towns of Dryanovo and Lovech. Bulgarian Speleological Society became more active after l947. New members entered the Society, which included university students as well. They took part with great enthusiasm in 1948 and 1949 in what were known as the cave brigades organized with the generous support of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Detailed investigations were carried out during this period in the Karst regions of Lakatnik, Karloukovb, Rabisha (near Belogradchik), and Zlatna Panega in Lovech District. The charts prepared and the materials collected constituted important scientific contribution.
After 1949 the Bulgarian Speleological Society discontinued its activities over a brief period of time. A good deal of work was done by the speleologists in the town of Rousse, Chepelare vill. and by the university students organized in their Speleological Club "Akademik" in Sofia. Amateur work continued, as well as the research initiated in this field by the various institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and by Sofia University. However, there was a keenly felt need for a speleological organization in the country.
Such an organization was necessary to unite the efforts of amateur speleologists and of the specialists and to promote the development of this branch of science in Bulgaria. Favorable conditions to that end were created after 1957, with the restoration of the Bulgarian Tourist Union. At that time a number of scientists and amateur speleologists, as well as active supporters of the tourist movement, approached the Central Council of the Bulgarian Tourist Union with a proposal to set up a Committee for Cave Tourism. On July 14, 1958, the Central Council decided on setting up a Committee for Cave Tourism. Forty-two clubs were set up all over the country.
With the generous support of the Central Council of the Bulgarian Tourist Union, the new speleological organization rapidly grew in strength and became very active. Its objectives became concretely formulated and presented, and a number of enactment’s were passed. There were also a
number of additional initiatives, such as plenary sessions, conferences, gatherings, and international expeditions. Penetration, charting, and survey work in the known caves and in the discovery of new cave sites became more active and on a higher scientific and technological level. The Commission on Speleology and Cave Tourism (which replaced the Committee for Cave Tourism) took on the task of the development and popularization of cave tourism in Bulgaria.
After the Fourth Congress of the Bulgarian Tourist Union in 1972, the Commission on Speleology and Cave Tourism was transformed into Bulgarian Federation on Speleology, which continues operating until today. This new and higher form of organization furnished a fresh impetus to the development of speleology in Bulgaria. Its operation became more active and efficient. A new initiatives were taken with a view to improving the training and qualifications of the speleologists in the country. The speleological clubs obtained new equipment, and their activity increased. International ties grew stronger and broader. The successes attained were largely due to the correct understanding and to the moral and material support which was rendered and which continues being rendered by the leadership of Bulgarian Tourist Union.
Today, Bulgarian Federation on Speleology, the only national organization in Bulgaria who's role is essentially devoted to Speleology. The Federation represents the Bulgarian caverns and speleologists: in this capacity it organizes National Congresses, and within International Union of Speleology, nominates Bulgarian delegates at the International Congresses. The Federation co-ordinates both activities of Bulgarian cavers abroad establishing contacts with the corresponding Societies and the active of foreign cavers in Bulgaria. With 584 members in 2004 the Federation is organized on National level (an executive committee, a board of trustees, a head office in Sofia), and on regional level in 32 speleo clubs. Many expeditions were carried out. Caves in all Karst regions of the country have been duly studied, described, and mapped. Detailed scientific research and investigations were carried out in more than 1000 caves. The participants in these cave expeditions collected abundant research material and turned it over to the respective institutes and archaeological museums. The Cave Museum in the town of Chepelare is a valuable achievement, while the construction of the Cave Holiday Home in Karloukovo is expected to promote still further the research work carried out in the field of Speleology
A Main Card Index of Bulgarian Caves was set up in 1974 at the Bulgarian Federation on Speleology. This Card Index is a very comprehensive pool of information, the result of the systematic and continuous work of the Bulgarian speleologists - work which goes on unabated. Up to date the Index consisted information for all 5500 caves explored in Bulgaria.
The Bulgarian Federation on Speleology is engaged in active organizational work as well. Its annual plenary meetings and discussions have adopted decisions on important problems of organization, of providing better facilities to visitors in the caves, of ensuring safety, of improving instruction and sports training necessary for penetration in caves, of providing still better equipment to that end, and of cave preservation. Tens of international, national, city and club expeditions have been carried out. An important role in the training of the beginer cavers is played by the courses organised from each bulgarian caving club. In the same time the Federation organise annuly national training courses for instructors in speleology and for cave rescuers. For the purpose of honoring services rendered in the promotion of speleology in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Federation on Speleology instituted in 1974 the so-called "Bat Badge" in Gold, Silver and Bronze. A number of commissions have been set up at the Bureau of the Federation, for the purpose of improving its standards of operation, as well as an Cave Rescue Group with more than 100 members. Bulgarian speleologists are participating in solving a number of practical problems connected with the country's caves. Featuring prominently in the work of the Bulgarian Federation on Speleology are its international activities. Close ties have been set up to that end with a large number of speleologists and national speleological organizations in all other countries participated in international expeditions, organized in Bulgaria. Of great significance to the development of speleology and to the qualifications of the Bulgarian speleologists have been the big expeditions organized in one of the deepest and longest caves in the world Jean Bernard, Gouffre Berger, Pierre Saint-Martin, Felix Tromb-Hen Mort in France; Ilaminako Ateac (BU-56) and Torka Urielo- Spain; Snezhnaja and Pantyuhinskaya - Georgia; Kievskaja -Uzbekistan; Antro del Corcia, Michele Gortani, Spluga de la Preta- Italy; Chehi-2 in Slovenia, Chukurpinar Dudeni and Evren Gunay Mehmed Ali Dudemi - Turkey; Anu Buasili-Algeria; Epos Chasm, Provatina and Mavro Skiadi-Greece; Ozernaja and Optimisticheskaya-Ukraina etc.
Practiculary important are the expeditions for the exploration of new caves in Austria, Greece, South China, Cuba, Vietnam, Syria, Spain, Malaysia and Thailand and especially in Albania where more than 10 expeditions have been carried out since 1991. The total number of the caves discorever and surveyed by Bulgarian cavers and speleologists abroad is about 400.
The care for the development and popularization of cave tourism in Bulgaria has been entrusted to the Bulgarian Federation on Speleology. With the setting up of the Federation an end was put to the uncontrolled entries into the country's caves and to the damage caused to them before. Cave tourism became organized, with many improvements, electricity included, introduced for visitors. The overall work connected with this improvement is under the guidance of the Federation. No cave can become a tourist site before it had been thoroughly studies. All structures and improvements made must be of such a type as will not affect to any degree the natural environment and the natural conditions existing in the caves.
Attempts at introducing certain elementary improvements in some caves have been made also before the Second World War, but the all-round work on making the caves safe and accessible to visitors actually began in the 'sixties, i. e. after the setting up of the Bulgarian Federation on Speleology. There are nowadays eight caves in the country which have been provided with the requisite facilities as tourist sites; "Magura" near the town of Belogradchik (since 1960), "Ledenika" in the Vratsa Mountain near the town of Vratsa (since 1961), "Orlova Chouka" to the south of the town of Rousse (1961), "Bacho Kiro" near the town of Dryanovo (1964), "Sueva Doupka" at the Bresnitsa Village, Teteven District (1967), "Snezhanka" near the town of Peshtera in the Rhodope Mountains (1979 and 1980), "Dyavolskoto Gurlo" , "Yagodinskata Peshtera" and "Uhloviza Cave" in the Rhodope Mountains (1979 and 1980). All these caves are prepared for exploitation as tourist sites. They are closed and visitors can avail themselves of the services of specially trained guides.
The membership of the cave clubs is not very numerous. Numerical growth has not been our policy, but rather the high and steadily improving skills and qualifications of the cave-club members. The work done by the Bulgarian Federation on Speleology and by the individual cave clubs is aimed at creating the necessary conditions for the development of cave tourism and its popularization.
The Bulgarian Federation on Speleology, with its members - amateurs and research workers - is the sole organization in Bulgaria working for the advance of speleology and of cave tourism, and it is also the foremost detachment carrying out the requisite research and protecting the caves in the country.
CAVING IN TURKEY
Historically, speleological activities in Turkey has been initiated by one man, Temucin Aygen, with the great help from foreign cavers who has been interested in Turkey’s vast karstic areas. In mid-1960’s, Temucin Aygen, aware of the potential of Turkey, invited cavers to explore the caves of Anatolia. Although Turkish Speleological Society was established in 1964, together with Temucin Aygen, there were only limited Turkish people interested in this strange business. With increasing expeditions, very important explorations have been accomplished. Dumanlý-Kembos system (1966), Altinbesik Düdensuyu (1967), Düdencik (1967,Turkish depth record till 1989), Pinargozu resurgence (1970,one of tallest caves in the world &
longest cave in Turkey), Tilkiler Düdeni (1976-80) second longest cave in Turkey are some examples of foreign expeditions.With these expeditions and contributions from foreign cavers, slowly but surely raised the interest towards caving in Turkey. Within this sense, we are grateful to foreign cavers. Out of the little group of Temucin Aygen, students formed the first speleological society in Bogazici University in 1973. After various explorations and more than 350 new caves, Turkish depth record has been realised in 1989 in Cukurpinar sinkhole by BUMAK (-1190 m). Today, there are more than 10 clubs and societies dealing with caves & caving. The number may seem strange and little, especially compared to Europe. But we can easily say that this is just the beginning and building of caving culture in Turkey. At the moment, as of spring 1997, out of first ten deepest caves, eight of them have been discovered by Turkish cavers. Self-sufficiency, creation of culture, communication and better relations among Turkish cavers inevitably fires the question of our relations with foreign cavers. In November 1994, Turkish cavers had their second speleological symposium, held in Ankara. One of the most important part of the symposium was the declaration of "Turkish Cavers Union" by BUMAK and MAD (speleogical association established by Temucin Aygen in 1964). Today, after 2 years, this Union embraces clearly all the caving clubs and societies of Turkey. Apart from its other purposes, Turkish Cavers Union, on behalf of attendees, is representative for the foreign caving federations and groups that are active in Turkey, also follows and coordinates international caving expeditions in Turkey. Becoming more and more professional in caving and starting to be the owner of our caves led to strain of the relations with foreigners. Conflict of interest is becoming more and more apparent. Once, used to come with no restrictions or not following the prodecures, foreign cavers now has to understand the current conjencture of Turkish caving. If you look at the caving groups coming to Turkey, most of them are coming for sportive activities and to find a cave(s) that will carry them to world caving literature. Most of them has the minumum of scientific activities which we consider as drawing maps and writing reports. Interestingly enough, As Turkey we do not receive these documents that are produced or years after when foreigners don’t want to confront with problems when they are coming second time to Turkey. We believe that there are caving ethics that is or should be applicable to any caving activities whereever they are held. But what ever the reason might be, some foreign cavers seem to forget these ethics in Turkey. There were some confronted examples that we had to protest them to their related associations. As Turkish cavers we are in line with caving ethics so far and we wish the same thing happens for foreign cavers. Turkish laws concerning of caves and cave life which bind foreign cavers to follow prodecure(s) for caving activities in Turkey. Below you will find the details of these laws.
As of 20th of february 1984, Turkey has accepted the BERN agreement with 84/7601 code of the Council of Ministries. The first part of the Bern agreement indicates the protection of wild flora and fauna and their environment.Also, Law 3386, Law 2863 and Law 2872 concerns with the protection and conservation of natural and cultural habitat of Turkey both overground and underground which covers cave(s) and cave flora and fauna.The 9th rule of the Law 2863 indicates and explains the circumstances in which one has to have a permission from the High Board of Conservation of Natural and Cultural Habitat. Clearly, foreign cavers who are coming or carrying out an expedition in Turkey has to get an permission from this board.
As Turkish Cavers, What do we expect from foreign cavers related to..?
a. Expeditions As Turkey, we always welcome any scientific activity or expedition which will be benefited by the concerned science worldwide and in Turkey. However, we do not accept and call caving expeditions carried for sportive activities and writing a report and drawing maps as scientific. Therefore, we regret foreign sportive caving activities for the sake of deepest and longest records because as Turkish cavers, we are already doing that. We would like to share our caves for scientific purposes but not for sportive ones unless; Turkish cavers benefit from these activities and if foreign cavers follow the ways of application for expedition and caving ethics.
b. Reports & Ethics After an expedition carried in Turkey, not all foreign cavers/groups tend to send their reports. When they confront with problems or after years pass, they are sending their reports. Other problem we confront is ethical isssues.
We do not force the driving factors but some groups tend to forget about caving ethics. As rule of thumb, as Turkish Cavers we would like foreign cavers to send their reports within six months after their expeditions to related Turkish caving groups or organizations. And of course, please follow the caving ethics while you are in Turkey.
How to apply for an caving expedition ?
* Contact to Turkish Cavers Union or any related Turkish caving group.
* Contact to Turkish Embassy nearby at least six months before the expedition for the permission, explaning your expedition in details. This time is necessary because Turkish Embassy will consult to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in return, they will contact to the Board of Conservation of Natural and Cultural Habitat.
And, please do not forget that, every time your applications will be send from Board of Conservation of Natural and Cultural Habitat to your referanced Turkish caving club (or if you don’t have any) to Turkish Cavers Union for information. For any serious exploration we will be ready to help with past exploration datas, logistic informations, local contacts etc. But, upon our negative info. the Board has the right to prohibit your exploration. So, to be on the safe side and, more importantly, in order not to re-explore and re-measure a cave in Turkey you must formally apply for a permission.
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