The International Scientific Conference “Man and Karst” is organized in Sicily from 12th to 17th September 2022
The International Scientific Conference “Man and Karst” is organized in Sicily from 12th to 17th September 2022, as part of the International Year of the Caves and Karst, organized by the International Union of Speleology (UIS) to celebrate caves and karst internationally and teach the world about their importance.
The extreme north-western sector of Sicily, where this event will be held, which geographically belongs to the Monti di Capo San Vito in the Province of Trapani, represents an outstanding example for the comprehensive understanding of karst. Here we will explore pure karst landscapes, caves and spectacular and evocative Mountains and their profound relationship with Man.
In this context, the common relationship of Mediterranean Elimi peoples with its own peculiar karst environment has been represented for centuries, in the past with a wisely and naturally sustainable use of its resources, nowadays in an increasingly conflictual way, as dramatically devastating of its precious resources, first of all the karst waters and caves threatened by heavy degradation and contamination inclusive from waste waters or microplastic, for a senseless and inconsiderate use of the territory.
For all this, Man and Karst 2022 in Sicily, in the same way as the previous past edition, held in Ragusa in 2019, wants to give a contribution to the knowledge, enhancement and safeguard of the karst landscape and caves with its ecosystem and historical-anthropological resources as a whole, as an instrument and optimal function of scientific research, not as often for its own sake or for the sake of a few users, but rather, at the service and for the benefit of the whole community.
TOPICS OF THE CONFERENCE
Karst geomorphology
Karst hydrogeology and water protection
Caves and speleogenesis
Biospeleology and paleontology
Karst caves and archaeology
Mines in karst areas
Caves in volcanic areas
Protection of karst areas
Marine caves and protected karst coastal areas
Date PROGRAMME OUTLINE
Monday, September 12th
* Field trip in the Natural Reserve of Mt. Cofano (morning)
* Open Book showroom and stands (morning)
* Scientific sessions (afternoon)
* Poster session
* Welcome party.
Tuesday, September 13th :
* Scientific sessions (morning)
* Poster session
* Field trip to the Karren and Stone forest of Mt. Sparagio ridge.
Wednesday, September 14th
* Scientific sessions (morning)
* Poster session
* Visit of the Grotta della Clava in the Karst and Speleological Park of Piano Zubbia.
* Gala reception
Post conference excursions
Thursday-Friday September 15-16th
* Trekking in the Natural Reserve of “Zingaro” with overnight in the ancient rural village of Borgo Cusenza and visit of the Grotta del Sughero.
Saturday, September 17th
* Visit of the Realmonte mine (Province of Agrigento)
More Info: https://cirs-ragusa.org/blog/2021/12/man-and-karst-2022/