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Description
Our environment and as well as climate change have long term effects on all of us. Without increasing the number of contributors to environmental protection, without the development of local centers comprised of "environmental activists and speleologists", we will not be able to protect anything locally. The karst environment is the most vulnerable, its damage being either irreversible or reversible over hundreds of years, in the case of karstic groundwater. Most karst areas are located in rural zones, in disadvantaged areas, with small communities and an extremely underdeveloped civil society. Educating and raising awareness among the youth for future action in these local communities is of utmost importance. Currently, the capacity for involvement and action is non-existent, as we have witnessed during our previous activities. Our objectives are to involve 6000 citizens from 27 counties in the protection of karstic environment, and to raise awareness regarding the role of “Explorers Caving Society” among 1000 of our citizens. We will create informative & educational materials, we will organize awareness campaign and innovation workshops and we will rehabilitate our Ecological Education Center. We plan to have a unified information campaign across all karstic areas in Romania. Our beneficiaries are 5400 young people (students) from 27 counties and 135 schools, 100 public servants and 500 volunteers of speleological organizations.
Summary of project results
The project was essential for addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable areas with karst environments insufficiently served and significantly impacted by climate change. Its primary objectives included educational and awareness-raising activities targeted at local communities, decision-makers, and civil society, along with the provision of critical information to support these efforts.
The project developed several publications, including The Environment and Vulnerability of the Karst, The Underground Environment - Cave, and The Young Speleologist''s Handbook. Additional resources included Karst Aquifer Systems, Genesis, Characteristics, and Sustainable Management, the RuralKarst flyer, and a 3D virtual tour of the cave, which received two international awards. A total of 5,400 students from 135 schools across 27 underserved rural counties were educated about the karst environment in their communities. Additionally, 100 officials from public administrations and institutions were informed about resource regulation, and 500 speleologists and young individuals received specialized training. The project involved 135 schools and 5,405 students, with evaluation questionnaires completed by each participant. The data was compiled into an Excel database and culminated in a National Assessment Report. The Karst Environment Protection Conference brought together 65 participants from 29 institutions and organizations. This event included a photo exhibition and resulted in the adoption of a resolution. The Education Center in Carbunari was rehabilitated and upgraded to support educational initiatives. Training was provided to 18 rural youth, equipping them with skills and knowledge to engage in environmental protection efforts. The project celebrated the history of speleological organizations by raising awareness among 1,000 individuals about their importance and printing two reports covering 1959–2024.
The project highlighted critical environmental and community needs, motivating the promoter to continue collaborating with partners to mitigate environmental impacts in underserved rural areas.