Mammoth Cave Area Biosphere to Host Karst Workshop, May 2020

Historic entrance to Mammoth Cave. NPS photo.

During May 18-22, 2020, karst experts from around the world will converge on Bowling Green, Kentucky for UNESCO Karst 2020: Conservation of Fragile Karst Resources, A Workshop on Sustainability and Community, sponsored by Western Kentucky University, the George Wright Society, and the Mammoth Cave Area Biosphere Reserve. The workshop will feature meetings, technical sessions, and field trips designed to enhance communication and spur collaborations among cave and karst scientists, educators, and managers.

Karst landscapes and aquifers are formed on soluble rock such as limestone, and produce unique geologic and hydrologic features, like caves, sinkholes, underground rivers and large springs. Karst aquifer systems also supply a significant part of the world’s population with drinking water. Mammoth Cave National Park and the greater Mammoth Cave Area Biosphere Reserve will host field trips to explore the cave systems and iconic karst features of the area.

Organizers are inviting colleagues from CaveMAB, a cave and karst working group under the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (see caveMAB.com), World Heritage Convention, Global Geoparks Network, International Association of Hydrogeologists and Geographical Union Karst Commissions, and the International Geoscience Program project IGCP#661 under UNESCO, among others. Organizers invite practitioners who work in caves in non-karst types of geologic environments to attend and contribute to discussions, as well.

Those interested in attending or proposing papers or sessions should go to: www.unescokarst2020.com.