Message from the UNESCO Director-General on the Occasion of the International Day of Caves and Karst
On the occasion of the International Caves and Karst Day, observed on 13 September, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General, issued a message highlighting that caves preserve part of humanity’s historical memory. He emphasized the need for UNESCO to strengthen research, education and international cooperation in the field of caves and karst systems.
Message from Mr. Khaled El-Enany UNESCO Director-General
On the Occasion of the International Caves and Karst Day
13 September 2026
On the occasion of the first International Caves and Karst Day, UNESCO celebrates landscapes that tell the story of both our planet and humanity.
Beneath the Earth’s surface, caves and karst systems preserve evidence of past climates, geological processes and unique biodiversity. They also contain valuable groundwater resources. Karst aquifers supply the freshwater needed by millions of people, yet they are highly vulnerable to pollution, overextraction and climate change.
Caves also preserve part of humanity’s historical memory. Across continents and throughout history, they have served as shelters and as places for rituals, burials, artistic expression and spiritual life, providing valuable testimony to human creativity and capacity to adapt to the environment.
For this reason, safeguarding this heritage lies at the heart of UNESCO’s interdisciplinary mission. Through its Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, UNESCO promotes research and international cooperation on groundwater and karst aquifers. Its Earth sciences programs and the International Research Center on Karst in China also contribute to a deeper understanding of these environments.
UNESCO-designated sites put this knowledge into practice through conservation and sustainable development. Around one-third of UNESCO Global Geoparks contain recognized cave or karst systems, while the World Heritage Convention protects outstanding sites across the world.
On the first International Caves and Karst Day, UNESCO reaffirms the need to strengthen research, education and international cooperation so that caves and karst systems can be better understood and better protected for future generations.
