Caving organizations
Encyclopedia
Australia
- Australian Speleological FederationAustralian Speleological FederationAustralian Speleological Federation Inc. is an Environmental Organisation, registered by the Department of the Environment and Heritage in Canberra, Australia, with the primary objective of protecting the cave and karst environment of Australia...
(ASF) is a national organisation formed in 1956. It is an environmental organisation promoting the protection of Australia's unique cave systems. - Sydney Speleological SocietySydney Speleological SocietySydney Speleological Society is a caving group based in Sydney, Australia. The Sydney Speleological Society was founded in 1954 and is one of the oldest caving groups in Australia...
(SSS) is a Sydney based caving club that runs many trips to local, national and international caving destinations. Founded in 1954 SSS is one of the oldest caving groups in Australia. - Sydney University Speleological SocietySydney University Speleological SocietySydney University Speleological Society is a caving group based in Sydney, Australia. The Sydney University Speleological Society was founded in 1948 and is one of the oldest caving groups in Australia...
(SUSS) is a Sydney based caving club. It was founded in 1948 and is one of the oldest caving groups in Australia.
Brazil
Brazilian Speleological Society (SBE) is a national organisation formed in 1969. SBE is member of UIS (Union International de Spéléologie) and FEALC (Federación Espeleológica de América Latina y el Caribe).Bulgaria
The first Bulgarian Speleological Society was founded on March 18, 1929. This was the result of the acknowledged necessity to set up a public organization which, under the conditions prevalent at that time, would begin a systematic investigation of caves, 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 membership, and despite its limited financial capacities, the Society engaged in huge-scale 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 a useful and active cooperation between the Bulgarian Speleological Society and the Bulgarian Tourist Union. The first provincial branches of the Society were founded in the Rakitovo village and the towns of Dryanovo and Lovech. The Bulgarian Speleological Society became more active after l947. New members entered the Society, which included university students as well. In 1948 and 1949 they took part with great enthusiasm 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 of the karst regions of Lakatnik, Karloukovo, Rabisha (near Belogradchik), and Zlatna Panega in Lovech District. The charts prepared and the materials collected constituted an important scientific contribution.After 1949 the Bulgarian Speleological Society ceased its activities over a brief period of time. A good deal of work was done by the speleologists in the town of Rousse and by 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 the 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. Favourable conditions to that effect 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 Commission on Speleology and 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 clearly formulated and presented, and a number of enactments 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 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 the Bulgarian Federation on Speleology, which continues operating 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. New initiatives were undertaken 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 and is still rendered by the Central Council of the Bulgarian Tourist Union.
Today, the Bulgarian Federation on Speleology is the only national organization in Bulgaria whose role is essentially devoted to Speleology. The Federation represents the Bulgarian cavers and speleologists. In this capacity it organizes National Congresses, and within the International Union of Speleology it nominates the Bulgarian delegates at the International Congresses. The Federation co-ordinates both the activities of Bulgarian cavers abroad, establishing contacts with the corresponding Societies, and the activity of foreign cavers in Bulgaria. With 900 members in 2009, the Federation is organized on a national level (an executive committee, a board of directors, a head office in Sofia), and on regional level it has 35 speleo clubs.The Bulgarian Federation on Speleology, with its members - research workers and amateurs, is the sole organization in Bulgaria working for the advance of speleology and of cave tourism, and it is also the foremost unit carrying out the requisite research and protection of caves in the country. Bulgarian Federation of Speleology is a member of Balkan Speleological Union, European Federation of Speleology and International Speleological Union (U.I.S)].
Canada
There is no national caving organization in Canada, despite the existence of a national publication (the Canadian CaverThe Canadian Caver
The Canadian Caver is a semiannual publication that documents the activities of Canadian cavers exploring caves within Canada and overseas....
, started in 1968), and the Caving Canada website. Regional organizations exist in British Columbia and Quebec, and caving clubs exist in many of the provinces (Alberta Speleological Society, Speleological Society of Manitoba, etc.) and cities (Toronto Caving Group).
China
Hong Meigui is an international society dedicated to the exploration of caves in China and throughout the world.Czech Republic
Czech Speleological Society / Česká speleologická společnost is the national organisation with many caving clubs as members.Europe
Speleological Federation of the European Union / Fédération Spéléologique de l'Union Européenne (FSUE)] is the European organisation which federates the national caving federations/associations in Europe.France
French Federation of Speleology is the national organisation with many caving clubs as members.Greece
- The Hellenic Speleological Federation is the only secondary national organisation in Greece and has many caving clubs as members. There are a number of independent clubs outside the Federation.
- The Hellenic Speleological Society (established in 1950) is a nationwide caving society in Greece. With six (6) Branches and main offices in Athens conducts Caving Expeditions and Studies all over the country.
Hungary
The Hungarian Speleology Society was founded in 1926. Our society was reorganized by enlarging its profile in 1958 under the name of Hungarian Karst- and Cave Research Society (MKBT). MKBT carries out speleological research and exploration in Hungary. The national yearly publication is called "Karszt és Barlang" (meaning Karst and Cave).India
The National Cave Research and Protection Organization http://www.crapo.info is the Government Registered body for cave Research & their Protection in India.Ireland
The Speleological Union of IrelandSpeleological Union of Ireland
The Speleological Union of Ireland is the official representative body of cavers in Ireland, both in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland. It is affiliated with the Irish Cave Rescue Organisation. Collectively they are known as SUICRO....
is the official representative body for cavers in Ireland. It is also affiliated with the Irish Cave Rescue Organisation
Irish Cave Rescue Organisation
The Irish Cave Rescue Organisation is a volunteer organisation specialising in cave rescue within the island of Ireland. ICRO attends, manages and carries out rescues at the request of the in the Republic of Ireland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in Northern Ireland, and is...
which operates in both the Republic Of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Italy
The Circolo Speleologico RomanoCircolo Speleologico Romano
The Circolo Speleologico Romano is an Italian, non-profit speleological organization dedicated to the exploration, research, and conservation of caves. The CSR is one of the oldest caving groups in Italy...
was founded in 1904, is one of the oldest caving club in Italy
Jamaica
The Jamaican Caves OrganisationJamaican Caves Organisation
The Jamaican Caves Organisation is an all-volunteer caving organisation devoted to the preservation, exploration and documentation of caves in Jamaica...
(JCO) is the national caving organisation for Jamaica, and a member of the Union Internationale de Spéléologie (UIS). Activities include speleological research, exploration, mapping, and pro bono assistance to the National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Water Resources Authority (WRA), the University of the West Indies (UWI), and visiting researchers.
México
- Grupo Espeleológico Ajau - Ajau Speleological Group, an organization made up of enthusiasts and professionals from many different disciplines, does exploration and research mainly in and around the Yucatán PeninsulaYucatán PeninsulaThe Yucatán Peninsula, in southeastern Mexico, separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico, with the northern coastline on the Yucatán Channel...
.
Netherlands
Speleo Nederland is the national organisation with four regional sections. The national 3 monthly publication is called "Pierk" (meaning stalactite).New Zealand
The New Zealand Speleological SocietyNew Zealand Speleological Society
New Zealand Speleological Society is a national organisation for recreational cavers in New Zealand.It was formed in 1949 and currently has 300 memebrs.-Mission:Their stated mission is:* To be the national speleological body* To conserve caves and karst...
is a national organisation with local clubs that represents the recreational caves.
Norway
Norsk Grotteforbund (The Norwegian Speleological Society) is the national organisation. It was established in 1980.Pakistan
Chiltan Adventurers Association BalochistanChiltan Adventurers Association Balochistan
Chiltan Adventurers Association Balochistan is non-profit earning Government constituted adventure sports Association consisting of young boys and girls dedicated for the promotion of Mountain Adventure and sports climbing and associated sports in Balochistan Pakistan to protect new generation from...
http://www.caab.20m.com and Pakistan Cave Research & Caving Federation
Pakistan Cave Research & Caving Federation
The Pakistan Cave Research & Caving Federation. PCRCF formed in 14th August 1997 is non-profit National constituent Governing body for Underground Exploration, research, and conservation of caves in Pakistan and adjacent areas...
http://www.pcra.20m.com the only National Caving Organization in Pakistan founded by Hayatullah Khan Durrani
Hayatullah Khan Durrani
Hayatullah Khan Durrani is a Pakistani cave explorer, mountaineer, environmentalist, organizer, and a rescuer. He is also a part-time sports anchor actor in Pakistani Television shows. He played a significant role in the promotion of mountaineering and caving adventure sports in Pakistan,...
representative of Union of International Speleology(UIS), and British Caving Federation (BCA) through Orpheus Caving Club Derby UK.
Portugal
- Federação Portuguesa de Espeleologia
- The Portuguese Speleological SocietyPortuguese Speleological SocietyThe Portuguese Speleological Society is the pioneer of organized Speleology in Portugal since 1948, and conducts explorations and studies of caves throughout the country...
was founded on 1948.
Romania
The Romanian Speleological Federation was founded on 28 May 1994 by the association of all speleological structures from Romania, having as goal to strengthen the national speleological activities. FRS is member of UIS (Union International de Spéléologie), affiliated to UNESCO.South Africa
- Cave Research Organisation of South Africa (CROSA)
- The South African Speleological Association (SASA), is the national body for caving in South Africa. There are currently four clubs associated with S.A.S.A.:
- Cave Exploration Rescue and Adventure Club (CERAC)
- Cape Peninsula Speleological Society (CPSS)
- Potch Potholers (PPH)
- Speleological Exploration Club (SEC)
Spain
- The Federación Española de Espeleología is the Spanish Speleological Association. There are also twelve Regional Associations ("Federaciones Autonómicas" in Spanish), and people must be associated with one of them so they can do caving.
- GERS de l'A.E. Muntanya is a group from Barcelona focused in the exploration of new caves in Pirineos mountains and urban speleology.
Sweden
The Swedish Speleological Society is the national body for caving in Sweden. It was founded in 1966 by the "Father of Swedish Speleology", Leander Tell.Turkey
- MF (Speleological Federation of Turkey)
- Cave Research Association is the oldest cave research association in Turkey. Its central organisation is in Ankara and it has a branch in Bursa. MAD arranges cave expeditions and promotes speleology in Turkey. MAD has more than 100 members with approximately 40 of them actively working.
- BÜMAK (Boğaziçi University Speleological Society) is the oldest University Club of the country. The Club has explored EGMAEgmaEGMA is the deepest cave of Turkey. It is in the southern region of Anatolia, on the Taşeli Plateau and is deep. EGMA stands for Evren Günay - Mehmet Ali Özel Sinkhole....
, deepest cave in Turkey (-1429 m. deep) and is still actively finding and exploring new caves all around the country. - BUMAD (Boğaziçi International Cave Exploration Society) is a caving society relatively recently founded but full of experienced members. Participated in ecological survey of Thrace region and still actively searching for new caves.
- ESMAD (Eskişehir Cave Research Association)
United Kingdom
- The British Caving AssociationBritish Caving AssociationThe British Caving Association is the governing body for caving in the United Kingdom and recognised as such by the Sports Council. Its predecessor was the National Caving Association....
is the governing body for underground exploration in the United Kingdom. It represents all those persons and groups with a genuine interest in caves, karst and associated phenomena, whether from a strictly sporting viewpoint, a scientific viewpoint, or a combination of both. - The British Cave Research AssociationBritish Cave Research AssociationThe British Cave Research Association is a speleological organisation in the United Kingdom. Its object is to promote the study of caves and associated phenomena, and it attains this by supporting cave & karst research, encouraging original exploration , collecting and publishing speleological...
is a constituent body of the British Caving Association and promotes the study of caves and associated phenomena. The association encourages original exploration, collects and publishes speleological information, and organises education events. - CHECC is the Council of Higher Education Caving Clubs, and acts as am umbrella group for all University caving clubs, to facilitate interactions within and between clubs, and to represent them to higher caving authorities within the UK and Europe.
- U.C.E.T. - United Cavers Exploration Team (Also covers Mine Exploration - UK)
United States
- The National Speleological SocietyNational Speleological SocietyThe National Speleological Society is an organization formed in 1941 to advance the exploration, conservation, study, and understanding of caves in the United States. Originally located in Washington D.C., its current offices are in Huntsville, Alabama...
(NSS) is a national non-profit membership organization formed in 1941 with the purpose "to promote interest in and to advance in any and all ways the study and science of speleology, the protection of caves and their natural contents, and to promote fellowship among those interested therein." Most of the Society's approximately 12,000 members belong to local chapters known as grottos. The Society maintains an active online discussion forum to discuss caving. Anyone interested in caving or caves is invited to participate. - The Cave Research FoundationCave Research FoundationThe Cave Research Foundation is an American private, non-profit group dedicated to the exploration, research, and conservation of caves. The group arose in the early 1950s from the exploration efforts at Floyd Collins Crystal Cave, now within Mammoth Cave National Park...
(CRF) is an American private, non-profit group dedicated to the exploration, research, and conservation of caves.