The 5th Trans Disciplinary Karst Conference, a collaboration between the Karst Research Group, Faculty of Geography UGM, the International Union of Speleology, and the Asian Union of Speleology, took place over four days from August 12-15, 2024, at the Graduate School Building, UGM. This quadrennial conference promotes the diversity and uniqueness of karst regions from countries across Asia and was attended by karst experts from various countries. The conference also aims to enhance cooperation in various cave explorations and the preservation of karst areas, as well as to disseminate the results of karst area expeditions and explorations by speleology enthusiasts in Asia.
Dean of the UGM Graduate School, Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, Ph.D., stated, “The advancement of cave and karst science in Asia stimulates the emergence of karst communities in various forms such as universities, communities, practitioners, and governance, which are invaluable resources for the development and protection of cave and karst science. It is crucial to bring them all together as part of the global cave and karst community to share experiences and knowledge, enhance each other’s awareness of caves and karst in the Asian continent, and contribute to global preservation efforts.”
Speakers at the conference included the Executive Director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Georgi Veni, Ph.D.; Coordinator of the UGM Karst Research Group, Prof. Eko Haryono; Karst Researcher at the Karst Research Institute Slovenia, Nadja Zupan Hajna, Ph.D.; Scientist at the University of Birmingham, John Gunn; Managing Director of AJE Ltd., Andy Eavis; Researcher at the International Research Center of Karst China, Prof. Yuanhai Zhang; Professor at the Faculty of Geography, Prof. Suratman; and Secretary of the International Union of Speleology, Johannes Mattes.
In addition, more than 90 participants from 18 countries and 35 speakers attended to fill 6 symposiums at this conference. Some of the topics discussed included Karst Hydrology and Hydrogeology, Karst and Cave Biodiversity, Karst and Cave Management, Karst Geomorphology and Geology, Physical Geography, Political and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Karst, as well as Cave and Karst Survey and Expedition Reports.
“I attended the conference as an invited representative from the Indonesian Speleological Society (ISS). My purpose in attending this conference is to build a network on karst and cave issues as well as to update research insights for speleology enthusiasts. At ISS, in addition to exploring caves and karst, we also advocate for issues related to the management and preservation of karst and cave areas in Indonesia,” said Aziz Fadhani, one of the conference participants.
The Karst Conference is not just an academic gathering; it is an important step to strengthen global partnerships in karst research and conservation. By bringing together experts and enthusiasts, this conference can bolster collective efforts in climate action and ecosystem restoration, ensuring the sustainability of karst areas for future generations. At the conference conclusion, participants were invited to visit the Indonesian Karst Museum, Seropan Cave, Ningrong Cave, and Cave Tubing. This tour is expected to provide valuable experiences for participants to enjoy the natural and cultural richness of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Keywords: Climate action, ecosystem, ecosystem restoration, global partnership, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Author: Asti Rahmaningrum