WCN NETWORK

Efforts for Brussels WD 66

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear caving friends,short summary on our efforts for Brussels WD66:- 53 signatures - we need more 340 - so please contact the deputies and ask for support- we are still working on the homepage http://www.cavedeclaration.eu >- if you need postcards from the campaign, let us know.- information stand 11th and 12th of November 2008 in the parliament in BrusselsWe need...- 6-8 cavers from 10th to 13th November to help at the stand and aprofessional photographer to take pictures at the stand, at the conferences,etc. - information material from your federation We want to have as many different countries with us as possible - please contact protection@eurospeleo.org.Thanks for your help,Cavers in expert groups !Best speleo wishesChristiane and Baerbel -- Christiane GrebeEuropean Cave Protection CommissionFιdιration Spιlιologique Europιenne (FSE)e-mail: protection@eurospeleo.orgweb: http://protection.eurospeleo.org >

Help the caves and karst in Europe! ,Appel pour la Dιclaration europιenne sur la protection des cavi

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => French version of the email of Christiane Grebe dated 10 october 2008 - attached below)Voici un important message en faveur de la dιclaration europιenne pour laprotection des cavitιs. C'est la premiθre fois qu'un texte officieleuropιen parle ainsi des cavitιs, de spιlιologie et des spιlιologues, enallant dans notre sens. Ce texte assez gιnιral a ιtι rιdigι par deseurodιputιs avec l'aide de la FSE. Il permettra s'il est adoptι de enfinpouvoir accιder ΰ des lignes budgιtaires europιenne en faveur de laprotection environmentale, d'oω le milieu souterrain est de fait excluaujourd'hui.Merci pour votre participation ΰ cette campagne,Olivier Vidalprotection@eurospeleo.orgIt's the first time that an official European text speaks in this way of caves, speleology and speleologists. It will enable if it is ratified to access to European financial lines in favor of environmental protection, where underground is de facto excluded today.Thanks for your participation in this campaign,Olivier Vidalprotection@eurospeleo.orgSoutenez la protection des cavitιs et du karst en Europe !Merci de participer au soutien de la dιclaration pour la protection des cavitιs au Parlement Europιen.Jusqu'au 4 dιcembre 2008 les dιputιs du Parlement europιen peuvent signer la dιclaration pour la protection des cavitιs. Toutes les fιdιrations spιlιologiques en Europe soutiennent cette dιclaration. Cet email est envoyι ΰ l'ensemble des fιdιrations ΰ travers l'Europe.Du 11 au 12 novembre 2008 un stand d'information sera prιsent devant la salle plιniθre du Parlement europιen ΰ Bruxelles. Et une confιrence de presse se tiendra le 11 novembre. Seulement si la moitiι des dιputιs signentcette dιclaration, nous pourrons ιtablire une ...

FSE EuroSpeleo Forums 2009, 2010 & 2011

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Attn. To all national speleological organisations in Europe /A toutes les organisations spιlιologiques nationales en Europe Dear Caving Friends, Chers Amis Spιlιo,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS)As in 2005, when the FSUE decided the launching of the new European annual gatherings of all cavers in Europe : the "EuroSpeleo Forums",and according to FSE GAM decision, we have the pleasure to send you attached this official call for the organisation for the next 3 editions of this European meeting for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. As a reminder the 3 fist editions have been :2006 - Speleological World Games (Sevilla - Spain)2007 - Baltic Speleological Congress (Visby - Sweden)2008 - IVth European Speleological Congress (Lans-en-Vercors - France) We are looking for your applications and proposals for one of the 3 coming years to be sent on the attached form to :contact@eurospeleo.orgbefore the 10th of December 2008. Should you have any questions or remarks, please let us know,Looking forward your applications for next EuroSpeleo Forum editions,Kind Regards, for the FSE Bureau,Olivier Vidal Secr.General FSEcontact@eurospeleo.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------***************************************(VERSION FRANCAISE)***************************************A toutes les organisations spιlιologiques nationales en Europe Chers Collθgues Spιlιo,Comme nous l'avions fait en 2005, quand la FSUE a dιcidι de lancer les nouveaux rassemblements spιlιo europιens de tous les spιlιologues en Europe : les "EuroSpeleo Forums", nous avons le plaisir de vous envoyer ci-joint, l'appel officiel ΰ l'organisation pour les 3 prochaines ιditions de ce rassemblement europιen pour les annιes 2009, 2010 et 2011. Pour mιmoire, les 3 premiθres ιditions ont ιtι : 2006 - Juegos Mundiales de Espeleologia (Sevilla - Espagne)2007 ...

Gigantic River Cave Revealed in Laos

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/10/photogalleries/river-caves-photos/index.html/ >October 20, 2008–A cave explorer stands before an imposing stalagmite–made of mineral deposits–near an entrance to the Xe Bang Fai River cave in central Laos. An expedition in February 2008, co-led by veteran caver John Pollack, comprehensively mapped and photographed the 5.9-mile (9.5-kilometer) length of the little-known cavern for the first time. The spelunking team encountered some of the largest rooms and most impressive structures of any river cave on Earth, Pollack said.A river cave is any cave with an active water source flowing through it.Everything about the cave is big–from its towering entrances to its phobia-inducing spiders, which can be 10 inches (25 centimeters) across, Pollack added."It's also extremely well decorated with spectacular formations," Pollack said.

Another diver died while scuba diving at Blue Springs.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => BLUE SPRINGS, Florida (20 Sep 2008) Authorities told CDNN Richard Mork died while scuba diving on Friday afternoon with a friend in a cave called Jackson Blue.Mork and his friend, Dan Weyant, both from Texas, descended about 2,000 feet into an area called Rabbit Hole.At that point, Mork encountered problems and apparently lost consciousness.Weyant told rescue officials he found Mork unresponsive with his regulator out of his mouth.He tried to revive the victim with his alternate air scource (back-up regulator) but Mork never regained consciousness.Mork's body was recovered by Jackson County Sheriff's Office dive team members and two certified cave divers.The 14th Circuit Medical Examiner's office in Bay County will perform an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.Earlier this year, Joel Mitchell Tubbs, 41, also died cave diving in the same area.

Espeleology Photo Contest

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Hello friends, This year We will be organized a new edition of quiz of photos, from 15th to 23th November.We attach to this message info about it.Please send this mail to all people that you think will be interested. We expect your participation. Many thanks for all More info: ESPELEO GRUP SANTFELIUENChttp://www.espeleogrup.santfeliu.net > espeleogrup@santfeliu.net

Photos Vercors 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => EN : If you need photos from Vecors 2008 to illustrate an article in your speleological publication, please send us an email to :contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr indicating the name of your club or federation and the name of your magazine. If you wish to share your photos/videos of Vercors 2008 with the European Speleological community (only for non-profit speleological use), please send your photos and the name of the photographer to the same email address ( contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr ) , eventually indicating the date, place and legend.Thank you FR : Si vous avez besoin de photos de Vercors 2008 pour illustrer un article dans votre revue spιlιo, merci d'envoyer un email ΰ :contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr en indiquant le nom de votre club ou fιdιration et le nom de votre magazine. Si vous souhaitez partager vos photos/vidιos de Vercors 2008 avec la communautι spιlιologique europιenne (pour usage spιlιologique non-commercial), merci d'envoyer vos photos et le nom du photographe ΰ cette mκme adresse email, en indiquant ιventuellement la date, le lieu et la lιgende.Merci

Ciao Vercors 2008 & Fsue =>FSE

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear caving friends / Chers amis spιlιo,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS)Thank you !Thanks a lot to the FFS volunteers of the Vercors 2008 Organisation who have made this European Congress possible, thank you to all the sponsors,thanks to our official partners :Courant ropes, Petzl, Spιlιo Magazinethanks to our wine partner for the Clairette de Die Jaillance that you could taste during this week. With more than 2050 persons including the 150 volunteers, nearly 200 communications, 300 films and photos, 2000 visits underground, 3000 passages through the "palettes", "speleobox" & "speleobranches", this European Congress will remain in our memories as the friendly European gathering that enabled the creation of European workgroups through the sharing of speleological experiences between the 37 countries that were present in Lans en Vercors . I take advantage of this message to inform you that the European Federation has officially changed its name from Fsue to FSE (European Speleological Federation / Fιdιration Spιlιologique Europιenne) and that our website name is now :http://eurospeleo.org/ >The new treasurer of the FSE is Manuel Freire from Portugal and the new Vice-secretary is Alexey Zhalov from Bulgaria.The FSE warmly thanks Jean-Claude Thies for his work as Treasurer for 14 years. If you don't have yet them, you can find the full results of the 1st EuroSpeleo Image'In Festival on :http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=456#p456 > And you can post your feelings about Vercors 2008 on this online "Golden Book" : http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?id=236 >or send them to : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr Have a nice way back home,Kind Speleologiocal Regards, for the Bureau,Olivier VidalSecr. General FSEcontact@eurospeleo.orghttp://eurospeleo.org/ > ****************************VERSION ...

New discoveries in Goluboitza Cave – Rhodope Mt.- Bulgaria

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Reported by: A. Zhalov From 13 to 20 September 2008 in the region of the upper flow of the river Arda , Rhodope Mt., Central part of South Bulgaria took place cave diving expedition, “Goluboitza-2008”. The event was organized by Bulgarian Federation of speleology, Municipality of Smolyan and Speleo and extreme tourism club “Mursalitza” – Smolyan The hosts of the expedition Municipality Smolyan, ensured ideal conditions of life for the cavers, who had their “camp” in the hotel complex “Smolena” in village Smilian. Here, on 13 September the leader of the expedition Alexey Zhalov gather 14 cave divers from the SC”Stdenetz”-Pleven, “Puldin”-Plovdiv, NEPIAST – Burgas and “Mursalitza”-Smolyan One of the main aims of the expedition was to continue the exploration after the first sump of the famous cave Goluboitza (Golubovitza). This cave is a part of a system of 2 horizontal caves situated at different levels. The upper one is 140 m long. The longest and the most interesting is the middle part of the system - a spring cave, long 439 m, which ends upstream (at 349 m) and downstream (at 90 m) with sumps/siphons. The water capacity of the underwater river is between 30 and 300 l/sec. The water temperature is 8оС. Last year the cave divers Orlin Kolov and Tzvetan Petrov - a team from SC “Studenetz”- Pleven dived the sump upstream (30 long and 4 m deep, visibility 5 m) .They entered into a gallery, which they follow for about 540 m upstream. After the researchers penetrated further, found a second, dry cave layer and stopped in front second sump. The passage was ascending and crossed with 2-3 small waterfalls. Its width was between 2 and 5 m and high up to 15-20 m and more. This year, after when the upstream sump was dived the divers reached the second sump which was dry up because of the ...

AG - FSUE - GAM - Vercors 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Hello / Bonjour,This email to inform you about the exact location of next FSUE General Assembly Meeting (extraordinary session) that will be held on the Tuesday 26th of August 2008 at 9am in Lans en Vercors in the room "Projections Gymnase" (n° 04 on the attached map) (and not at the Conseil Municipal as mentionned in the printed programme). The meeting will be finished at the end of the morning and is open to every European caver.See you very soon in Vercors, Ce message pour vous informer du lien exact oω se tiendra la prochaine Assemblιe Gιnιrale de la FSUE (session extraordinaire) le mardi 26 aoϋt 2008 ΰ 9h00 ΰ Lans en Vercors dans la salle "Projections Gymnase" (n°04 sur le plan ci-joint) et non pas dans la salle du Conseil Municipal comme imprimι dans le programme. La rιunion se terminera en fin de matinιe. Elle est ouverte ΰ tous les spιlιologues europιens.A trθs bientτt dans le Vercors, for the / pour leBureau FSUE,Olivier VidalSecr. General FSUEcontact@eurospeleo.orghttp://www.fsue.org >

Programme & Arrival/Arrivιe - Vercors 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear caving friends / Chers amis spιlιo,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS)This email to give you the full programme of the IVth European Speleological Congress, which is here :http://www.vercors2008.eu/programme.zip >In this zip-file (500 kb) you'll find the following content :- updated sessions table- detailled sessions content (200 communications in 6 parallel rooms)- detailled animations & projections content (100 films in 2 cinemas)- congress practical guide- map of the rooms in Lans These files will be also available within a couple of days on the Vercors 2008 website :http://www.vercors2008.eu > and the full color programme realised in partnership with Speleo Magazine will be given at your arrival at the "Secretariat" in the Tourist Office.If on the 22nd, 23rd or 24th you arrive after 19h at the Grenoble station (last bus for Lans) and you need a lift to come to Lans, we have 3 departures (20h, 22h and 24h). In that case please send us an email with your name, GSM number, arrival date and chosen schedule so that we can wait for you in front of the station (with Vercors 2008 sign on the mini-bus). WHAT TO BRING to Vercors 2008 ?If you have any question about "Accomodation" or how to "Access" Lans en Vercors, you'll find all the necessary information on the respective pages on the website.For your information there will be no free gymnasium to sleep in at the congress, so if you haven't booked any other accomodation, the best is to take you Tent.There is no throw-away items on the congress, so you are invited to bring your Plate/glass and crockery (cf congress pratical guide page 4&5).And we advice you to have an FM radio-receiver with earphones for the simultaneous translation (cheap ones in shape of caving-carabiner will be available at the SpeleoBar).On the 23rd the stands will open at 10h, the World record traverse at 12h, the opening aperitive at 17h and the delegations welcome at 20h. See you on the 23rd in ...

News from Bulgarian Federation of Speleology

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Expedition in AlbaniaThe serial Bulgarian expedition in Albania finished successfully. In the period 12-19 July 2008, six members from the speleo club “Helictit” - Sofia – K. Stoichkov, V. Drobenov, D. Dishovski, I. Buserski, Tr. Vasilev and P. Tzhonkov, explored and mapped two caves in the Eastern part of Lura Mt. – East Albania. The camp of the expedition was close to the Arras vill., Dibra (Peshkopia) district. Thanks to the Kuites Haka from the Alpine Mountaineering Club “Korabi”-Peskopia and the strong support of the native people the exploration starts as was planned. The accent was on the spring cave Shpella Seponik, which was partially explored. The preliminary expectations were confirmed. The cave was passably volume scandent cave.The river passage ended by sump, but the dry one is covered with clay. There are two well decorated rooms in the end of the dry branch where the depth (denivelation) is + 50 m. Up to date its length is 240 m. Few unsuccessful attempts were made to find the way upstream and in the end, in the last day of the expedition, the by pass of the sump was found. Tr. Vasilev dropped into the river and swim upstream passing two semi sumps but without reaching the end. The continuation required the rigging of safety lines to secure some further difficult passages so the exploration was stopped. The second cave we mapped was Shpella Loh Nesh. This spring cave finished in the 60 m with a sump. Both caves drain two different massifs of the mountain which were separated by Seta river. It makes a beautiful canyon where some cave entrances were fixed. The peasants told us for some big pits up to the mountain as a Shpella Rusit Cave. It was partially explored by the members of the club “Korabi” few years ago to the approx 100 deep. The biospeleologist of the team collected some typical cave fauna which is in process of determination. The cavers from SC”Helictite” expressed their ...

FRS - available accommodation - Vercors 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => If you are looking cheap accomodation (12 euros/night/person) during Vercors 2008, the Roumanian Federation (FRS) has 2 rooms free (for 8 & 6 persons).If you are interested, please contact directly Costache from the FRS (out of the list) on :costache.roman@ecojur.roThe rooms are at 8km from Lans village (there is no more rooms at that price in Lans).

Cave explorer plumbs new depths in Mayo

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => AN IRISH-BASED Polish cave explorer has navigated the deepest underwater cave in Ireland or Britain.Artur Kozlowski reached 103 metres (338ft) below ground in the Pollatoomary cave in south Mayo last month. This surpasses the previous British/Irish record of 90 metres attributed to Britain's deepest cave, Wookey Hole, in the Mendip hill in Somerset.Leading British cave explorer, or speleologist, Martyn Farr has paid tribute to Mr Kozlowski's "very exciting achievement", which was undertaken with the support of fellow speleologist Tom Malone.The Pollatoomary discovery establishes once again that Ireland has some of the finest subterranean caves in western Europe, Mr Farr said. Pollatoomary had been located initially by Mr Farr in 1978 close to the Aille river, which rises in Mayo's Partry mountains.The river runs underground some 10km southeast of Westport, and reappears three kilometres further on at Bellaburke where the underground cavern is located.Mr Farr reached a depth of 33 metres at that stage, and believed this to be the cave floor. "Obviously it was just a ledge," he said yesterday .Mr Kozlowski, who was trained by Mr Farr, explored the area in May of this year. Initially, he recorded a depth of 86 metres, swimming in cramped confines in poor visibility through the Pollatoomary cavern.In July, he returned with Tom Malone and tied off his line at a depth of 103 metres after a three-hour dive, using a "trimix" mixture of gases to avoid the "bends".Describing it as his "journey to the centre of the earth", Mr Kozlowski said that some "uncomfortably constricting" and "occasionally tight" sections of the cave opened up into a passage beyond 70 metres, which dropped further at a 35 to 40 degree angle.He dropped to 103 metres, as confirmed on his two depth gauges, before ascending slowly to the "world of light"."Cave diving is completely different from ocean diving, in that you ...

Cuban Speleological Society ,70th anniversary

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => First CircularThe Cuban Speleological Society (SEC, for its Spanish acronym), on the occasion of the commemoration of its 70th anniversary, calls all speleologist to participate in its 70th congress to be held in the city of Matanzas, Cuba, between August 4th to the 8th, 2010.In the framework of this event the VI Congress of the Speleological Federation of Latin America and the Caribbean (FEALC) will also be held.With approximately 90% of its territory consisting of karstic areas, the Matanzas Province has major cave systems at the gates of the city, of which stand out –for its speleothems, wildlife and management policies- the “Bellamar” and “Santa Catalina”cave systems, located on the north coast. Both caves have been categorized asNational Monuments. Also in the plains of center-south Matanzas territory, extends the karstic region that feeds the underground aquifer system of the “Zapata Marshland”, located in the National Park of the same name, which also holds the categories ofBiosphere Reserve and Natural Heritage of Humanity.We issue this first call in order to obtain the largest possible participation, both of Cuban and foreign speleologists, as well as persons interested in the theme of the congress.The forthcoming circulars will inform about possible changes in the various working committees, requirements for the abstracts and due dates, inscription fees, travel agencies and lodging possibilities, as well as other simultaneous activities and excursions.Proposed working committees to date:- Speleology in general- Biospeleology- Kastic Hydrology- Historical Speleology (Archaeology)- Management and Conservation of KarstThe official web site address of the event, which is currently under construction, will be published shortly; meanwhile you may use the following addresses to communicate with the Organizing Committee:speleomat@atenas.inf.cuadmtordpjmt@dpjmt.minjus.cuWithout further ado and waiting in your ...

Hμερίδα στη μνήμη P.Faure διοργανώνει το Τ.Τ. Δυτικής Κρήτης ΕΣΕ

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΣΠΗΛΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑΤΟΠΙΚΟ ΤΜΗΜΑ ΔΥΤΙΚΗΣ ΚΡΗΤΗΣe-mail: esedytikhkrhth@pathfinder.grΡέθυμνο 23-06-2008Αρ. Πρωτ.: 64ΠΡΟΣ: ΕΣΕΤΜΉΜΑ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ ΕΣΕΣΠΟΚΣΠΗΛΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΟΜΑΔΑ ΕΟΣ ΧΑΝΙΩΝΘΕΜΑ: Διοργάνωση ημερίδας αφιερωμένη στη μνήμη του Paul FaureΑγαπητοί φίλοι και συνάδελφοι σπηλαιολόγοι,Με αφορμή τον ένα χρόνο από το θάνατο του αείμνηστου Paul Faure, το Tοπικό Τμήμα Δυτικής Κρήτης της Ελληνικής Σπηλαιολογικής Εταιρείας διοργανώνει ...

Sessions - Planning - Vercors 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => See you soon in Vercors / A bientτt dans le Vercors, Organisation - Vercors 2008 http://www.zenas.gr/site/files/v2008program.pdf > ---------------------------------------------Email : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frWebsite Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu >Circula(i)r(e) : http://www.vercors2008.eu/presentation.htm#circulars >Website FSUE : http://www.fsue.org >Forums : http://fsue.org/forums/ >--------------------------------------------------------COURANT (ropes) : http://www.cordescourant.com >& PETZL : http://www.petzl.com >Partenaires Officiels - Vercors 2008 - Official Partners--------------------------------------------------------

Sociedad Espeleológica de Cuba (SEC)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => La Sociedad Espeleológica de Cuba (SEC), con motivo de conmemorarse su 70 aniversario, convoca a todos los espeleólogos a participar en su 70 congreso, que tendrá lugar en la ciudad de Matanzas, Cuba,entre los días 4 al 8 de agosto de 2010. En el marco de este evento tendrá lugar el VI Congreso de laFederación Espeleológica de América latina y el Caribe (FEALC)Con aproximadamente el 90% de su territorio conformado por zonas cársicas, la provincia de Matanzas cuenta con importantes sistemas cavernarios a las puertas de la ciudad, de los cuales sobresalen -por sus espeleotemas, fauna y políticas de manejo-, los Sistemas Cavernarios “Bellamar” y “Santa Catalina”, ubicados en la costa norte. Ambas cavidades cuentan con la categoría de Monumento Nacional. Ademásen las llanuras del centro-sur del territorio matancero se extiende el aparato cársico que alimenta el Sistema Espeleolacustre de la Ciénaga de Zapata, ubicado en el Parque Nacional del mismo nombre, que además ostenta las categorías de Reserva de la Biosfera y Patrimonio Natural de la Humanidad.Emitimos este primer llamado en aras de obtener la mayor participación posible de espeleólogos tantocubanos como extranjeros, y de personas interesadas la temática del congreso.En las siguientes circulares se informará sobre posibles cambios en las distintas comisiones de trabajo, requerimientos de los resúmenes y fecha límite de entrega; cuotas de inscripción, agencias de viaje y posibilidades de hospedaje; así como de otras actividades colaterales y excursiones.Comisiones de trabajo propuestas hasta el momento:Espeleología generalBioespeleologíaHidrogeología CársicaEspeleología HistóricaManejo y Conservación del CarsoEn ...

'Frιdιrik HAMMEL' 2008 FFS AWARD / Prix FFS 2008 'Frιdιrik HAMMEL'

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Chers amis spιlιologues, Dear Cavers friends,(ENGLISH VERSION BELOW)C'est avec grand plaisir que la Fιdιration franηaise de spιlιologie (FFS) vous informe de l'ouverture du Prix Frιdιrik Hammel ΰ tous les spιlιologues europιens, cette annιe dans le cadre du IVθ Congrθs europιen de spιlιologie "Vercors 2008", organisι par la FFS, sous l'ιgide de la Fιdιration spιlιologique europιenne (FSUE).Le prix a ιtι crιe en 1990, aprθs la mort tragique de Frιdιrik Hammel dans le Gouffre Achama Lezia (partie du systθme Saint-Vincent dans les Pyrιnιes-Atlantiques) le 1er aoϋt 1988. Vous trouverez plus de dιtails sur l'accident sur :http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9rik_Hammel >Le Prix Frιdιrik Hammel est destinι ΰ rιcompenser des travaux portant sur la prιvention des accidents ou sur les sauvetages spιlιologiques. Ces rιalisations, prιsentιes dans un rapport ιcrit, doivent avoir un caractθre novateur et utile ΰ la collectivitι spιlιologique. Il est remis tous les deux ans au sein de la FFS. Cette annιe, ΰ l'occasion du IVθ Congrθs europιen de spιlιologie , le prix est ouvert ΰ tous les spιlιologues europιens, membres d'une organisation nationale de la FSUE, incluant les pays europιens non-membres de l'UE. Le montant total du prix a ιtι exceptionnellement relevι ΰ 2000 euros pour cette occasion.Les candidats (individus ou groupes de spιlιologues) souhaitant prιsenter leur candidature au Prix Frιdιrik Hammel 2008, doivent rιdiger leur dossier soit en franηais, soit en anglais, avec dans tous les cas un rιsumι en franηais. Les dossiers doivent κtre envoyιs :- ...

Oganisation - FSUE EuroSpeleo Forums 2009, 2010 & 2011

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear Speleological Colleagues,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS)As in 2005, when the FSUE decided the launching of the new European annual gatherings of all cavers in Europe : the "EuroSpeleo Forums",we have the pleasure to send you attached this official call for the organisation for the next 3 editions of this European meeting for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. As a reminder the 3 fist editions have been :2006 - Speleological World Games (Sevilla - Spain)2007 - Baltic Speleological Congress (Visby - Sweden)2008 - IVth European Speleological Congress (Lans-en-Vercors - France) We are looking for your applications and proposals for one of the 3 coming years to be sent on the attached form to :contact@eurospeleo.orgbefore the 10th of August 2008 so that we can discuss about them during next FSUE General Assembly that will be held on the 26th of August at the European Congress "Vercors 2008" (point 17 of the XGAM Agenda). Should you have any questions, please let us know,Looking forward your applications for next EuroSpeleo Forum editions,Kind Regards, for the FSUE Bureau,Olivier Vidal Secr.General FSUEcontact@eurospeleo.org ***************************************(VERSION FRANCAISE)***************************************A toutes les organisations spιlιologiques nationales en Europe Chers Collθgues Spιlιo,Comme nous l'avions fait en 2005, quand la FSUE a dιcidι de lancer les nouveaux rassemblements spιlιo europιens de tous les spιlιologues en Europe : les "EuroSpeleo Forums", nous avons le plaisir de vous envoyer ci-joint, l'appel officiel ΰ l'organisation pour les 3 prochaines ιditions de ce rassemblement europιen pour les annιes 2009, 2010 et 2011. Pour mιmoire, les 3 premiθres ιditions ont ιtι : 2006 - Juegos Mundiales de Espeleologia (Sevilla - Espagne)2007 - Baltic Speleological Congress (Visby - Sweden)2008 - IVeme Congrθs ...

Call for application for the organization of EuroSpeleo Forums for 2009, 2010 and 2011 (Eng , fr)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => from : Olivier VidalRef. FSUE/OV/EuroSpeleoForum/29.06.2008/V0.1Call for application for the organization of EuroSpeleo Forums for 2009, 2010 and 2011Appel ΰ candidature pour l’organisation des EuroSpeleo Forums en 2009, 2010 et 2011The Speleological Federation of the European Union (FSUE) is calling every national speleological organisations in Europe (EU or non-EU member states) for the organisation of the next European meetings for 2009, 2010 and 2011 : the « EuroSpeleo Forum », a label, created in 2005, granted every year to a national caving meeting that would like to get a European dimension for that year (only). This multi-national event would be chosen for that year, as the « Meeting-Point » for every cavers in Europe. An exchange moment to meet and also work about FSUE workgroups’ European projects.La Fιdιration Spιlιologique de l’Union Europιenne (FSUE) lance un appel ΰ toutes les organisations nationales de spιlιologie en Europe (pays membres ou non-membres de l’UE) pour l’organisation des prochaines rencontres Europιennes pour 2009, 2010 et 2011 : Les « EuroSpeleo Forum », un label crιe en 2005, qui chaque annιe est attribuι ΰ une rencontre nationale de spιlιologie qui souhaite prendre une dimension europιenne, cette annιe-lΰ seulement. Cet ιvιnement multi-national est alors choisi pour κtre le « Point-de-Rencontre » des spιlιos europιens. Dans l’idιe d’κtre un moment d’ιchanges pour se retrouver et travailler ; entre autres. sur les projets europιens des groupes de travail FSUE.NB1 : If your events includes European Films Festival (eventually including slideshows & 3D), you can mention the request of use of the FSUE name “2nd EuroSpeleo Image’In” in your application.Si votre ιvθnement inclut ...

New big discoveries in CAVE OPTIMISTICHESKAYA - Ukraine

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => On 06.05.2008 from Ukraine returned a group of 9 Bulgarian cavers from SC“Speleo+”, SC”Vitosha” from Sofia, SC “Pod raba”-Svoge and SC“Nepiast”- Burgas. They took part in the serial expedition with underground base camp with aim to discover and explore new parts of the giant cave labyrinth – "Оptimisticheskaya". The cave "Оptimisticheskaya" is situated in West Ukraiane, vill. Korolivka, in a gypsim massive and covers a huge area of over 1000 sq. km. It is discovered by Ukrianian cavers from speleo club "Cyclop" – the town of Lvov in the beginning of May, 1966. More than 40 years this cave is an object of research by cavers from Lvov and from other clubs from Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Poland, Moldova and this giant labyrinth is explored and documented. Up to now are undertaken 173 expeditions, 15 underground camps were built, were digged thousand meters underground galleries. As a result today this cave labyrinth reaches 220 km length and becomes the second longest cave in the world and the first longest in Europe. To explore such giant labyrinth (and some smaller ones in West Ukraine) are necessary the efforts of vast number of capable cavers. In 2005 is established West-Ukrainian Regional Union for Horizontal Speleology (in Ukrainian language abbreviature is ZURSGS), which include 14 clubs from West and Central Ukraine. The same year the cave club "Cyclop" – the town of Lvov started a project of ZURSGS named "The Smell of the Sun" and aiming to make the cave "Оptimisticheskaya" to become the longest cave in the world. Since May 2007 cavers from cave club "Speleo plus" – Sofia took an acive part in the explorartion of the cave "Оptimisticheskaya". Since August 2007 the Bulgarian cave club "Speleo plus" is an official member of the union ZURSGS. The first task of ...

Day/Jour -12 for/pour Vercors 2008 !!!

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => FRANCAIS CI-DESSOUS)EN : Vercors 2008 is in 2 months now ! This email to inform you that it remains only 12 days to register yourself or your club/federation (grouped registrations) for the European Speleological Congress at the preferential rate of 58 euros (35 euros reduced rate), up to 30th of June. The fare will be 68 euros after that (and as a reminder, it was 38 euros for those how registered last year). And don't forget to register for the proceedings ! And also you can participate to the European contests :- EuroSpeleo Protection (before 10th July) :http://fsue.org/commission/protection/eurospeleo%20protection%20label.htm >- Frederik Hammel 2008 FFS prevention & Rescue Award (before 15th of July) :http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?id=230 >- "EuroSpeleo Photos" 2008 contest (before 15th of July) :http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?id=231 > FR : Vercors 2008 est dans 2 mois maintenant ! Cet email pour vour informer qu'il ne reste que 12 jours pour vous enregistrer, vous-mκme ou votre club/comitι (inscriptions groupιes), pour le Congrθs Europιen de Spιlιologie au tarif prιferentiel de 58 euros (35 euros le tarif rιduit), jusqu'au 30 juin. Le tarif sera ensuite de 68 euros (et pour mιmoire, il ιtait de 38 euros pour ceux qui se sont inscrit l'an dernier). Et n'oubliez pas de vous inscrire pour les Actes ! Egalement participez aux concours europιens :- EuroSpeleo Protection (jusqu'au 10 juillet) :http://fsue.org/commission/protection/eurospeleo%20protection%20label.htm >- Prix Frederik Hammel 2008 FFS (Prevention) (avant le 15 juillet) :http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?id=230 >- Concours "EuroSpeleo Photos" 2008 (avant le 15 juillet) :http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?id=231 > All the "Registration" & proceedings informations are on :/ Toutes les infos "Inscriptions" & Actes sur :< ...

6th Pan-Hellenic Cave Rescue Drill

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => The Hellenic Federation of Speleology invites you, to the 6th Pan-Hellenic Cave Rescue Drill which is being organised by the Cave Rescue Committee for 2008. The drill will take place on Sunday 15 June at the Cave of the source of the River Aggitis, “Maara”, within the framework of the planned activities for the 2nd Balkan Speleological Reunion Camp (13-22/06/2008, «En Limni» Kokkinogeia, Prosotsani Municipality, Drama Prefecture).For more information about the 2nd BSRC please visit our web pages at http://www.fhs.gr > & http://www.fhs.gr/2ndbsrc > .The purpose of the 6th Pan-Hellenic Cave Rescue Drill will be to build a basis for cooperation between all the cave rescue teams of the Balkan countries, with the cooperation also of all the bodies which become involved when there are accidents in caves.The drill also aims to maintain the high standards of knowledge and readiness of all cave rescue personnel so that they may successfully be involved if a real need arises under rescue conditions. Involvement in cave rescue is the greatest offer made by the official bodies and the involvement of all cavers will be equally important. Please inform us about whether you will be involved in a timely fashion,By e-mail : rescue@fhs.gr.Cave Rescue Committee - Hellenic Federation of Speleology

EU declaration on cave protection

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear caves friends,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS)We would like to announce you that in the European Parliament nowadays a written declaration on Protection of Caves as cultural, natural and environmental Heritage will be published by Mikel Irujo (Member of the European Parliement), Rebecca Harms and Csaba Tabajdi. This declaration was worked out by the "Karst environment and Cave Protection Forum" of the European Parliament, initiated by MEP Mikel Irujo Amezaga and his assisstant Iria Epalza this year on January. Jean-Pierre Bartholeyns (President of the UIS Department of Protection and Management), Bδrbel Vogel (President of the German Speleological Federation) and Christiane Grebe (Head of the European Cave Protection Commission of the FSUE) could take part in this forum.In the Basque Country was recently discovered a palaeontological cave from the lower Magdalenian period, called PRAILEAITZ.The Parliament would like to help preserving these type of caves and invited us to a meeting to compare and exchange ideas. But during this meeting the needs of cave and karst protection in whole Europe were discussed and the all people agreed that a written declaration about cave protection is needed in the EU Parliament, as there is no existing legislation about this part of our environment.As attachment you can find the written declaration published internally in the EU Parliament this week. This is a very important step, maybe the most important step since long time, to protect the speleological heritage in Europe, that's why we would like you to take part in this work. Please read this short declaration and please send us your comments, remarks and also,if you have any ideas, your proposals for supporting this cave protection motion in Europe at protection@eurospeleo.orgIf this written declaration can achieves in 4 months to have at least 394 signatures from the EU deputees, it will be transformed into a report and will be voted. If we achieve these ...

Register at preferential rate for Vercors 2008 (REMAINS ONLY 6 DAYS..)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Thanks to inform the cavers of your country and your club/organisation that it remains 6 days before 30th of May to register at preferential rate (Last Extension) for Vercors 2008 on :http://vercors2008.eu/registration.htm#registernow > Organisation V2008contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr--------------------------------------------------------COURANT (Ropes) : HTTP://www.cordescourant.com >& PETZL : HTTP://www.petzl.com >Partenaires Officiels - Vercors 2008 - Official Partners--------------------------------------------------------Website Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu >AUTHOROlivier Vidal

Cavers 'died trying to escape' flooded system

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => An experienced caver and his novice colleague probably died because they tried to escape from a flooded cave, rather than staying put, an inquest heard today.The entrance to Long Churn CaveEngineer Caroline Fletcher, 28, perished on her first trip underground in the Yorkshire Dales. She drowned, along with her workmate Stuart Goodwill, 33, after heavy rain turned an underground stream into a torrent. A team from the Cave Rescue Organisation found the pair entangled in ropes in Lower Long Churn Cave, near Selside, Ribblesdale.Coroner Geoff Fell, sitting at Skipton Magistrates Court, North Yorkshire, heard evidence from Dave Gallivan, of the Clapham-based volunteer organisation. Mr Gallivan, who supervised the rescue, said he thought the two cavers may have tried to get out of the cave because they were wet and cold. One of the pair is thought to have fallen into a pool and pulled the other into the water. Torrential rain earlier in the day meant the underground stream which runs through the Long Churn-Alum Pot system had turned into a raging underground river. Mr Gallivan said: “The volume of water going down the cave is so strong that you would not stand a chance.”About 25mm of rainfall had fallen in the day before the accident and all guided trips had been cancelled that day. He said it was likely they thought it was dangerous to stay ........more report http://www.grough.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=928 >AuthorThursday, 15 May 2008 by Liz Roberts

F.F.S. ELECTIONS

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Salut,pour ceux que ça intéresse, vous trouverez ci-dessous les résultats des élections du nouveau comité directeur de la FFS par odre décroissant des nombre de voix obtenues.Il y avait 110 votants au premier tour, 5 bulletins ont été considérés comme nuls. Il fallait donc obtenir au moins 53 voix au premier tour pour être élu.Sur 105 bulletins valables, les résultats sont les suivants (je mets en vis à vis la fonction des nouveaux élus) :Laurence TANGUILLE = 104 (> Présidente)Frédéric MEIGNIN = 104Patrick PELOUX = 101Laurent GALMICHE (Trésorier sortant) = 101 (> Secrétaire général)Gilles COLIN = 100Olivier VIDAL = 98 (> Vice-président chargé du développement)Jean-Jacques BONDOUX = 98Jacques ROMESTAN = 95 (> Trésorier)Daniel DURAND = 95Gilles TURGNE = 94 (> Vice-président chargé de la Communication)Éric LEFEBVRE = 90José PREVÔT = 88 (> Trésorier adjoint)Henri VAUMORON = 87 (> Secrétaire général adjoint)Isabelle OBSTANCIAS = 83Bernard LIPS (Président sortant) = 71Jean-Pierre HOLVOET = 69 (> Président ajoint)Annick MENIER = 64 (> Vice-présidente)Philippe KERNEIS (Secrétaire adjoint sortant) = 60Delphine MOLAS (Secrétaire général sortant) = 55Jean-Marie TOUSSAINT = 51 (1er tour) / 54 (deuxième tour = élu)Non élus :Isabelle GUERRIER = 45 (aurait pu se présenter au 2ème tour, mais le nombre maxi de femmes était atteint au premier tour)N'ont pas pu se maintenir au deuxième tour :Roger BORIES = 30Marc PEZIER = 21Laurent POUBLAN = 9Philippe HIPEAU = 5Alain BOGAERT = 2A retiré sa candidature :Annouc ...

3rd CIRCULAR «2nd Balkan Speleological Reunion Camp »

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Hellenic Federation of Speleology (F.H.S.)Neas Efesou 4, 161 21 Kaisariani, TEL/FAX +30-210-72.52.570web: http://www.fhs.gr >, email: info@fhs.gr & public@fhs.gr3rd CIRCULAR«2nd Balkan Speleological Reunion Camp »“En Limni” Performance Area, Kokinogia Village, Prosotsani Municipality, Drama Prefecture, Greece13-22 June, 2008The Hellenic Federation of Speleology (FHS) invites you to the 2nd Balkan Speleological Reunion Camp “Balkan 2008”The reunion camp is organized under the aegis of the Municipality of Prosotsani,the Prefecture of Drama and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture (Ephorate of Paleontology and Speleology of Northern Greece), with the kind assistance of theBalkan Speleological Union (B.S.U.), of which Greece is a member.Speleologists and Cavers from 11 Balkan countries will participate in a 10-day programme full of activities and events in a party atmosphere!Duration: 13-22 June, 2008Location: The reunion will take place at “En Limni” Performance Area, at Kokinogia Villagein the municipality of Prosotsani in the Drama Prefecture of Greece.Aim: The development of relationships of cooperation and solidarity between cavers from allthe Balkan countries.PROVISIONAL PROGRAMMEArrival: Friday, 13 June, 2008Briefing on the method of operation of the camp (secretariat / camping area / presentationarea / dining area / organisation of excursions, etc.)Opening Ceremony: Saturday, 14 June, 2008The opening ceremony will be followed by a buffet dinner and a series of cultural events.Activities: Visits to caves, tours of archaeological and tourist sites, caving athletic games,demonstration of techniques, caving techniques competitions, photography competitions,video competitions, etc. In the afternoons and evenings there will be presentations of cavingrelated subjects such as speleology, cave diving, cave rescue, cave protection, newexplorations, etc.These will be followed by national and traditional night entertainment ...

2nd Balcan Speleological Reunion Camp , (POSTERS)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 2nd Balcan Speleological Reunion CampAll posters may be used freely for the publicity of the event.PLEASE SPREAD THIS INFORMATION AMONG THE CAVING COMMUNITY IN YOUR COUNTRY!!! http://www.fhs.gr/2ndbsrc >

ESPELEOCOAHUILA 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => La Asociaciσn Coahuilense de Espeleologνa, A.C.The Association for Mexican Cave Studiesla OCV Turismo CarbonνferaEl municipio de Mϊzquiz, Coahuila Tienen el honor de invitarlos a celebrar el 5to. congreso Internacional de Ciclo de Conferencias y Exploraciσn en CuevasESPELEOCOAHUILA2008los dνas del 3 al 6 de Julio del presente aρoen el municipio de Mϊzquiz, Coah. http://www.oztotl.com > Mϊzquiz es un Oasis de cuevas; el aρo pasado Peter Sprouse registrσ a el Sσtano de los Enriquιz, como el 1er. tiro absoluto mαs profundo del estado, con -110 m de profundidad.Hay cuevas verticales con cavernas inundadas y peces ciegos. Requerimos especialistas en geologνa, hidrologνa, biologos, arqueologos, gente especializada en espeleobuceo, exploradores, montaρistas, espeleσlogos, escaladores, exploradores, entre otros.Estamos seguros que te vas a divertir. El campamento Base para Acampar, sera en el Balneario la Cascada, junto a la casa de la CulturaEn el campamento Base, podrαs explorar una gatera con agua de aproximadamente 65 metros que tiene conexiσn con un tiro de 7 metros. Se cuenta con estacionamiento y seguridad.Clima: temperaturas de 50° C el ambiente es muy CalurosoPodemos encontrar los servicios bαsicos, tienda de abarrotes, centros comerciales, servicio de internet, farmacias, hoteles, restaurantes, servicios mecαnico, entre otros. El 3 de Julio Las Conferencias se llevarαn a cabo en la Casa de la Cultura y estarαn abiertas al pϊblico en general. En las conferencias participarαn:Historiadores de la regiσn el Director del Museo del Desierto, Biol. Arturo Gonzalez con la conferencia sobre Contextos arqueolσgicos en cuavas altas y subacuαticas Geσlogos de Nueva Rosita, Coah. Geol. Thomas J. Wiles sobre hidrologνa Su servidora con resultados de EspeleoCoahuila2007 Jean Louis Lacaille, compartira sus ...

Convocation / Call-up - Assemblιe Gιnιrale - General Assembly - FSUE

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear FSUE Delegates, Chers Dιlιguιs FSUE,(ENGLISH VERSION BELOW)C'est avec plaisir que nous vous faison parvenir la convocation pour la prochaine Assemblιe Gιnιrale Extraordinaire de la FSUE qui se tiendra durant le prochain Congrθs Europιen de Spιlιologie "Vercors 2008". La version papier de la convocation sera envoyιe par notre trιsorier, Jean-Claude Thies, ΰ tous les dιlιguιs et vice-dιlιguιs FSUE par courrier postal. Vous trouverez ιgalement ci-jointe la version ιlectronique mise ΰ jour des Statuts et Rιglements Intιrieur.N'hιsitez pas ΰ nous contacter si vous avez des questions ou remarques, (ENGLISH VERSION)It's with pleasure that we send you the call-up/convocation for the next Extraordinary General Assembly of the FSUE that will be held during next European Speleological Congress "Vercors 2008". The paper hard copy of the call-up and agenda will be sent by our Treasurer, Jean-Claude Thies, to every FSUE delegate and vice-delegate by post mail. Please find also enclosed the updated electronic version of the Statutes and Internal Regulations.Should you have any questions or remarks please let us know, Kind Speleological Regards, Meilleures Salutations Spιlιologiques, for the/pour le Bureau,Olivier VidalSecr. General FSUE+33 / 6 81 61 16 70Email : contact@eurospeleo.orgWebsite FSUE : http://www.fsue.org >Forums : http://fsue.org/forums/ >Website Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu >Circula(i)r(e)s : http://www.vercors2008.eu/presentation.htm#circulars > ----------------------------------------------------------------You can register now for the European Caving Congress :Vous pouvez vous inscrire maintenant au Congres Europιen :http://vercors2008.eu/registration.htm#registernow >----------------------------------------------------------------

EspeleoCoahuila 2008 (Eng)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => The Asociaciσn Coahuilense de Espeleologνa, A.C. and the Association for Mexican Cave Studies are pleased to invite you to participate in EspeleoCoahuila 2008, 3-6 July 2008. This year's event will be in Mϊzquiz, Coahuila, and will begin with one day of conferences followed by two days of field trips. Cavers, archeologists, biologists, geologists, mountaineers, climbers, cave divers, explorers are all encouraged to attend. There are many undocumented caves in the area, and access to local ranches has been arranged to visit these. EspeleoCoahuila 2008 will be held at Balneario La Cascada, just to the south of town. We will camp by the lovely waterfall and pools, with security and showers provided at the campground. The conferences will be held in the adjacent Casa de la Cultura (above left). There are two caves at the cascada, one of which (above right) has a watercrawl that continues and is said to be home to a crocodile. For more information contact: Monica Ponce espeleocoahuila@gmail.comPeter Sprouse petersprouse@yahoo.com

You intend to come at Vercors 2008 ?

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Please transfer this message to all the cavers of your club/network /Merci de faire suivre ce message ΰ tous les spιlιos de votre club / rιseau.(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS) You intend to come at Vercors 2008 ?Great ! And you are not yet registered for the European Congress ?! Do you know that you can book grouped non-nominative registrations for your club or organisation ?So even if you don't know yet the names of the persons of your club/organisation who will come, you can take advantage of the preferential rate by booking now your registrations before the 30th of April 2008. You'll be even able to re-sale your non-sold registrations afterwards.You can book your club/organisation registrations on :We" TARGET="_new">http://vercors2008.eu/registration.htm#registernow>We wish you nice caving week ! The Organisation Committe V2008,contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr--------------------------------------------------------COURANT (ropes) : http://www.cordescourant.com >& PETZL : http://www.petzl.com >Partenaires Officiels - Vercors 2008 - Official Partners--------------------------------------------------------Website Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu >Circula(i)r(e)s : http://www.vercors2008.eu/presentation.htm#circulars >Website FSUE : http://www.fsue.org >Forums : http://fsue.org/forums/ >***************************VERSION FRANCAISE*************************** Vous pensez venir ΰ Vercors 2008 ?Bonne idιe ! Et vous n'κtes pas encore inscrit au Congrθs Europιen ?! Savez-vous que vous pouvez reserver des inscriptions groupιes non-nominatives pour votre club ou organisation ?Donc mκme si vous ne connaissez pas encore les noms des personnes de votre club/organisation qui viendront, vous pouvez profiter du tarif prιfιrentiel en rιservant maintenant vos inscriptions avant le 30 avril 2008. Vous pourrez mκme revendre vos inscriptons non-achetιes aprθs coup si nιcιssaire.Vous ...

5th HELLENIC CANYONING MEETING

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 5th HELLENIC CANYONING MEETING SAMOTHRACE 2008. (June 28th – July 5th) (The meeting is dedicated to the “Victory of Samotherace”) Organised by: Hellenic Canyoning Club (E.S.E.F.), under the auspices of Hellenic Federation of Speleology (H.F.S.) In Cooperation with: Mountaineering Association of Samothrace “Feggari” The hard work and effort made by both Greek and foreigner canyoning athletes, for so many years, is at last completed. In this ancient and fabulous island, the 5th Pan-Hellenic Canyoning Meeting is going to take place this summer, starting June 28th - July the 5th 2008. Anyone who is activated in canyonig from all Greece, from all Europe and from all over the world is invited to this meeting!!! There are 10 canyons on the island and they vary between the difficulty, the length and the size, suitable for both beginners and experienced canyoning athletes. The main characteristic of the canyons is their crystal waters, their beautiful slides and the innumerable Jumps. The biggest waterfall’s height is 83m, while the canyons of southern side of the island are difficult to access. The mountain “Feggari” (Moon) of the island of Samothrace is the highest among other mountains of the islands of the Aegean Sea, with altitude 1611m.Samothrace is the northern island of Greece and resources on the island include granite and basalt.The island is rich in ancient history, and those who are interested can visit the archaeological sites. There are a great number of beautiful beaches on the island, that can be either reached by car (north northeast and northwest part) ,while those on the south can be reached by boat that makes daily the tour of the island. In the taverns you will find fresh and tasty fish as well as ibex (wild goat), which is the specialty of the island.BASE of MEETING The meeting’s base is going to be located at the “Fisikis Diaviosis” camping, 3klm away from the village ...

EuroSpeleo - Prix Frederik HAMMEL 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Attn. Tous les spιlιologues membres d'une organisation nationale de la FSUE /To all European cavers, members of a national organisation from the FSUE.(text(e) on/sur : http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=447#p447 >'Frιdιrik HAMMEL' 2008 FFS AWARD / Prix FFS 2008 'Frιdιrik HAMMEL'Chers amis spιlιologues, Dear Cavers friends,(ENGLISH VERSION BELOW)C'est avec grand plaisir que la Fιdιration franηaise de spιlιologie (FFS) vous informe de l'ouverture du Prix Frιdιrik Hammel ΰ tous les spιlιologues europιens, cette annιe dans le cadre du IVθ Congrθs europιen de spιlιologie "Vercors 2008", organisι par la FFS, sous l'ιgide de la Fιdιration spιlιologique europιenne (FSUE).Le prix a ιtι crιe en 1990, aprθs la mort tragique de Frιdιrik Hammel dans le Gouffre Achama Lezia (partie du systθme Saint-Vincent dans les Pyrιnιes-Atlantiques) le 1er aoϋt 1988. Vous trouverez plus de dιtails sur l'accident sur :http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9rik_Hammel >Le Prix Frιdιrik Hammel est destinι ΰ rιcompenser des travaux portant sur la prιvention des accidents ou sur les sauvetages spιlιologiques. Ces rιalisations, prιsentιes dans un rapport ιcrit, doivent avoir un caractθre novateur et utile ΰ la collectivitι spιlιologique. Il est remis tous les deux ans au sein de la FFS. Cette annιe, ΰ l'occasion du IVθ Congrθs europιen de spιlιologie , le prix est ouvert ΰ tous les spιlιologues europιens, membres d'une organisation nationale de la FSUE, incluant les pays europιens non-membres de l'UE. Le montant total du prix a ιtι exceptionnellement relevι ΰ 2000 euros pour cette ...

National Cave Protection Guidelines

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear cavers partners, (VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS) I'm writing you on behalf of the Publications Workteam of the European Cave Protection Commission - FSUE. The European Cave Protection Commission is one of the technical commissions of the FEDERATION SPELEOLOGIQUE DE L’UNION EUROPEENNE (FSUE).The aim of the European Cave Protection Commission is to combine the single efforts of local speleologists and national speleological organisations to a European) active group, which encourage the European praxis on cave and karst protection. The commission’s work is subdivided into 5 main subjects distributed among 5 workteams: legislation, public policies, publications, public appearance/public relations and campaigns, technical and scientific cave protection. In order to create the FSUE’s guidelines for cave and karst protection, the Publications Workteam needs is looking for an up to date information about national guidelines and best practices from each country all over Europe .. Therefore, we kindly ask all the national speleological associations , to support us in this initiative and to provide us with the relevant information (national guidelines/guides) regarding this issue.Please send your policies in a pdf, doc or rtf format to this email address: protection@eurospeleo.org , no late than: 1st of June 2008. In the same time, provide us, if possible, the name of your contact person from your organisation which is able to provide additional information about your policy to the publications working team and who would like to take part in the work of this team. Thank you for your cooperation, your input is really valuable to us! Yours in caving,Ioana MelegPublications WorkteamEuropean Cave Protection CommissionFSUEprotection@eurospeleo.orghttp://protection.eurospeleo.org > ********************************************VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS******************************************** Chers partenaires spéléos,Je vous ...

3rd Circular of the 2nd Balcan Speleological Reunion Camp (Greece)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => HELLENIC FEDERATION OF SPELEOLOGY Dear all,Please find attached the 3rd Circular of the 2nd Balcan Speleological Reunion Camp.* Don’t forget to fill in the application form on the Federation’s web page - http://www.fhs.gr/2ndbsrc >. This is essential for preparation of the official invitation for those requiring a visa and so it is especially recommended for all cavers from outside EU countries.* Do not hesitate to contact us for further information!* All texts, logos & posters may be used freely for the publicity of the event.PLEASE SPREAD THIS INFORMATION AMONG THE CAVING COMMUNITY IN YOUR COUNTRY!!! Best Regards,Lambros MakrostergiosSecr. General FHS

FSUE call for commission logo - poster exhibtion for Vercors 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear caves friends,********************************VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS********************************The FSUE European Cave Protection Commission (ECPC) organises during Vercors 2008 the 1st EuroSpeleo Protection Symposium, which will take place from 24th August to 29th August with one day break on the 26th for the GAM of the FSUE. Mikel Irujo Amezaga, Member of the European Parliament, will patronise the symposium and also participate in the congress. You can always find the latest news and more information about us under http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/commission/protection/index_commission.htm > .This symposium shall be a platform for speleologists, representatives of NGOs and other public authorities to discuss about strategies and co-operations for cave and karst protection, to plan future actions, to exchange knowledge etc. on an international level. The European Speleological Congress is a fantastic occasion to bring together speleologists from all over Europe and we would like to use this opportunity, too.For this symposium, the proceedings and future publications of our commission we are looking for YOU - creative speleologists, who enjoy designing and developing new things, to create our commission logo. Be as creative as you want - all ideas are welcome - and send your proposal for the new logo of the European Cave Protection Commission latest till the 15th June 2008 to protection@eurospeleo.org. Thank you! The final logo, which will be voted by the commission members, will be presented on the first day of the symposium together with the designer.Furthermore we would like to organise as part of the symposium an exhibition about cave protection in European countries - good and bad examples. For that reason we kindly ask all clubs or federations to contribute posters for this exhibition.Maximum poster dimension shall be 75 x 120 cm (width x height). Please send us a mail till the 1st July with a pdf-version of your poster as attachment. This pdf will ...

BCRA Cave Technology Symposium 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Presentations of short topics on cave surveying, electronics, computing, lighting, photography, cave radio, radio-location and other aspects of caving "technology". Abstracts are required by 5 April 2008.This one-day symposium (on 19 April) is being hosted by members of BCRA's special interest groups: the Cave Surveying Group (CSG), the Cave Radio & Electronics Group (CREG) and the Explosives Users Group (EUG). Technical facilities will be provided by the Hidden Earth technical team. For the latest information about this event, please see http://bcra.org.uk/detail/tech2008.html >

9 days to register to Vercors2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear Caving Friends, Chers Amis Spéléo,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS) This message to inform you that more than 900 European cavers already registered to Vercors 2008, 5 months before the event. This congress will be the Speleological European event that will enable to gather every cavers in Europe. If you are not yet registered or if your club/organisation is not, you can take advantage of the new preferential registration fee at 48 euros for the full week (29 euros - reduced fee) that will end the 31st of March 2008 :http://vercors2008.eu/registration.htm#registernow >Don't miss it, Vercors will be the most enjoyable speleological event cavers were expecting for a long time.Best Speleological Regards for this Easter weekend from the whole FSUE Bureau and V2008 Organisation Comittee,See you soon in Vercors underground, Olivier VidalSecr. General FSUE+33 / 6 81 61 16 70Email : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frWebsite Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu >Circula(i)r(e) : http://www.vercors2008.eu/presentation.htm#circulars >Website FSUE : http://www.fsue.org >Forums : http://fsue.org/forums/ >--------------------------------------------------------------------------You can register now for the European Caving Congress :Vous pouvez vous inscrire maintenant au Congres Européen :http://vercors2008.eu/registration.htm#registernow >-------------------------------------------------------------------------- **************************VERSION FRANCAISE************************** Chers Amis Spéléo,Ce message pour vous informer que plus de 900 spéléos européens se sont déjà inscrits à Vercors 2008, 5 months avant l'évenement. Ce congrès sera l'événement spéleo européen qui permettra de rassembler tous les spéléologues d'Europe. Si vous n'êtes pas encore inscrit, ou si votre ...

4-th Speleological Symposium in Ankara, Turkey

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 4-th Speleological Symposium in Ankara, TurkeyBy Alexey ZhalovFrom 21 to 24th February 2008 in Ankara, the Speleological Club ANÜMAB to the Ankara University and the Union of Turkish Cavers organized the 4th Turkish Speleological Symposium. It took place in the luxury hall in the building of the Faculty of European Sciences. In the symposium participated 120 representatives from 8 Caving clubs - MAD, BÜMAK, ANÜMAB, ESMAD, TAMAK, AKÜMAK, DEUMAK, EMAK, BÜMAD, as well as scientists from different Turkish universities. The organizers of this event invited cavers from the Balkan countries, but the only one, who participated in the symposium, was Alexey Zhalov – vice-president of the Bulgarian Federation of Speleology and Secretary General of the Balkan Speleological Union.The symposium was opened in the afternoon on 21th February and continued with presentation of reports. Till 23th February were presented 20 reports on different topics: biospeleology, protection and rational usage of the caves, cave explorations, bibliography, application of science methods in the speleological research, etc. More than half of the reports were presented by students-speleologists. One part of the reports of the scientific workers could be qualified as thematic lectures, aimed to form or enrich the knowledge of the auditory, consisted mainly of young speleologists. In the poster session were presented 8 wonderful posters, made by the cavers on topics, related to matters of penetration techniques and cave researches of separate sites and regions.In the afternoon of 23th February took place a working meeting of the members of the Union of Turkish Cavers, where were discussed different questions and organization matters. Here we should inform the speleological society, that from the beginning of January 2008 the Turkish Speleological Union has a new Secretary General – Miss Meltem Pancaci from the Speleo Club ...

From the Land of the Labyrinth: Minoan Crete, 3000-1100 B.C.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => March 13 – September 13, 2008In collaboration with theHellenic Ministry of CultureArchaeological Museums of CreteThe exhibition "From the Land of the Labyrinth: Minoan Crete, 3000–1100 B.C." presents more than 280 artifacts and works of art from the ancient land of Crete, most of which have never been shown outside Greece. These fascinating objects seen together bring to life the story of Crete’s luminous Minoan culture, the first palatial civilization to establish itself on European soil. The exhibition brings to light aspects of Minoan daily life during the second and third millennia B.C., including social structure, communications, bureaucratic organization, religion, and technology. In eleven thematic sections, the exhibition maps chronologically the establishment and great achievements of Minoan culture. Here the viewer can explore the historical and cultural context of this celebrated society and gain insight into its mysteries, such as the legends surrounding the reign of King Minos of Knossos, who commissioned the fabled Labyrinth of Greek mythology. Information gathered from the study of the Early, Middle, and Late Minoan periods—also known as the Prepalatial, Protopalatial, Neopalatial, and Postpalatial periods—is largely based on objects excavated from the island’s burial grounds and settlements. The exhibition pieces together the culture’s past by focusing on such objects as gold jewelry deposited in the rich tombs of the elite, inscribed clay tablets that reveal the basic elements of the Minoan economy, ceremonial vessels found in both palaces and tombs, and votive figures of clay, symbolic offerings to protective deities. All of these intriguing objects are on loan from the archaeological museums in Crete, in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. The island of Crete is equidistant from the three continents of Africa, Asia, and the European mainland. As a result of this advantageous ...

SUMMARY REPORT OF THE BULGARIAN CAVING TEAM

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 26th January-2nd February 2008After many years of research in the caves of all Balkan countries, Kosovo still remained the last area (or country) where Bulgarians have not been yet to survey caves, springs and other karst phenomena.Thanks to the relationship and cooperation created between Alexey Zhalov – vice president of Bulgarian federation of Speleology and our Slovak colleague Mr. Jozef Pstoka ( member of the exploration team of “GRYKA E MADHE”), we were very happy to receive invitation to join traditional Slovak winter expedition in the area of the cave. The expedition was planned to be held in January 2008 in the caves’ area near the town of Peje. The invitation was published in the web site of the Bulgarian Federation of Speleology and the team was selected from the cavers who applied. At last, 7 cavers were approved:Valeri Peltekov- leader, Bulgarian Federation of SpeleologyTeodor Kisimov and Alexander Kirilov- caving club “Prista”-RuseKonstantin Stoilov, caving club “Akademic”- SofiaKiril Stoyankov, caving club “Sofia” – SofiaBorislav Alexiev, caving club “Vitosha” – SofiaBoyan Petrov, National Museum of Natural History - SofiaOn 26th of January 2008 we arrived in Peje as it was agreed with the Slovaks. We were kindly met by Fatos Katallozi, Mentor Bojku and Afrim Kelmendi who accommodated all of us (24 cavers) in a private house not far from the downtown. On 27th of January we all (Slovaks, Bulgarians, local cavers), together with a team from a TV from Prishtina, entered in “GRYKA E MADHE” for a guided walk. Majority of our team went almost to the known end, other went to the middle upper floors of the cave to climb some new chimneys. On 28th of January, two climbing teams went in different chimneys- T. Kisimov and B. Alexiev in the so-called “Medzhobrodje” and B. Petrov and A. Kirilov in the upper floors at the middle of the cave. After ...

The Crisis of SPAET Cave (english / french ) (3)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear colleagues,On February 13th protesters were forcibly removed by police from the site ofLangford Lake Cave near Victoria, the capital city of Canada's westernmostprovince. The scale of this police action against the self-described "cave defenders"has no known precedent in Canadian history. The "SWAT" team was comprised of40-70 police officers - many of them dressed in riot gear and carryingassault weapons. High-powered rifles were purportedly pointed at theprotesters when police stormed their camp. Three individuals were arrestedand jailed. The police used barricades to keep the media, public and other protesters atleast 300 m away from the scene of the early morning raid. The scene remainssealed off.The 11-month long protest was inspired in large measure by a wish to protectthe 80-m long Langford Lake Cave and the surrounding forest and ponds fromthe planned construction of the $32-million Bear Mountain interchange. Theprotesters allege the highway interchange is being built primarily for thebenefit of the sprawling Bear Mountain Resortwhere SPAET Cave was destroyedone year ago. SPAET Cave prompted speleologists from many countries to flood Canadianpoliticians with letters in support of cave protection.Paul GriffithsCanadaFRENCH VERSIONChers collègues,Le 13 février les manifestants ont été enlevés par la police du site de laGrotte du Lac Langford près de Victoria, la ville capitale de la province àl'extrême ouest du Canada.L'échelle de cette action de la part de la police contre les "défendeurs degrotte" n'a aucun précédent connu dans l'histoire canadienne. L'équipe"SWAT" etait composée de 40-70 agents de police - beaucoup d'entre euxhabillé en costume "d'attaque" et portant des armes d'attaque. Des fusilsd'haute puissance on etait pointés vers les manifestants ...

Seeking a Webmaster for Vercors 2008 (English,Francaise)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Hi Everybody,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS)The Organisation Commitee of the European Congress needs a webmaster to help on the website http://www.vercors2008.eu > (http://www.vercors2008.ffspeleo.fr > ), the present webmaster being too busy for the moment for professional reasons. It represents about 1 hour per week to update the site. If you have this capacity or know somebody who have it, could you please contact us at : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frThanks a lot in advance for your help,Kind Speleo Regards,for the Organisation Committee,Olivier+33 6 81 61 16 70 PS : If you have other useful capacities/languages skills or want to help the Organisation on the 2 last week of August, please let us know. **********************************VERSION FRANCAISE********************************** Salut à Tous,Le Comité d'Organisation du Congrès Européen recherche un(e) webmaster pour aider sur le site http://www.vercors2008.eu > ( ), le webmestre actuel étant actuellement surchargé au niveau profesionnel. Cela représente environ 1 heure par semaine de mise à jour du site. Si vous êtes compétent ou connaissez quelqu'un qu'il l'est, merci de nous contacter hore liste à contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frEn vous remerciant par avance pour votre aide,Amitiés Spéléo, pour le Comité d'Organisation,Wally06 81 61 16 70 PS : Si vous avez d'autres compétences/maîtrise de langues ou souhaitez aider à l'organisation les 2 dernières semaines d'aout, merci de nous contacter.

D-7 for Preferencial rate at Vercors 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear Caves Friends,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS)This message to inform you that the preferential rates for Vercors 2008 will end within a week (15th of February).We encourage your club, commitee, federation, association or society to register as soon as possible as a group.And you can send us afterwards the list of the confirmed persons when you have it.All the details are on the "Registration" page of the website www.vercors2008.eu :http://vercors2008.ffspeleo.fr/registration.htm#registration > Have a good day and see you soon overthere,the Organisation Comitee,contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr************************************VERSION FRANCAISE************************************Merci de faire suivre ce message à tous les clubs de votre réseau Chers Amis Spéléos,Il ne reste plus qu'une semaine pour profiter des tarifs préférentiels pour Vercors 2008 (15 février).Nous vous invitons à enregistrer club, CDS/CSR, fédération/organisation, etc en tant que groupe.Vous pourrez nous envoyer plus tard la liste des personnes une fois leur présence confirmée.Tous les détails sont sur la page "Inscription" du site http://www.vercors2008.ffspeleo.fr > :http://vercors2008.ffspeleo.fr/registration.htm#registration > A très bientôt là-bas,le Comité d'Organisationcontact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr

REPORT FROM SPELEOPROJECT MT.KANIN-2000m ...

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => INFO FROM EMAIL --------------------2 FEB 2008--------------------První část expedice (Šamonil, Medzihradský, Sláma, Matějíčková, Čáslavský, Svoboda a Spider) vybudovala základní tábor u chaty Petra Skalarja 2260 m n.m. v místech pod schody ve sněžném záhrabu. Na podich jsou až 3m sněhu a teploty se pohybují od -12 do -2 stupňů C. Dnes byl po dlouhém hledání identifikován přístupový kuloár k jeskyni, kde je až 10m sněhu. Výkopové práce vchodu pokračují. Současně byl v závětří chaty vybudován velký sněžný záhrab, kde je kuchyně a společenská místnost. Celý den foukal silný vítr, byla mlha a velice špatná viditelnost. Lanovka dnes mimo provoz. V dalších dnech se očekávají další členové expedice z Polska, Španělska a Anglie.------------2 FEB 2008The first official message from the expedition: The first part of expedition (Šamonil, Medzihradský, Sláma, Matějíčková, Čáslavský, Svoboda a Spider) built the base camp by The P. Skalarja Cottage in 2260 ms above sea level. There are 3 ms of snow and temperatures from -12 to -2 centigrade. After the long searching the cave entrance was identified - there are about 10 ms of snow. The digging up still goes on. There was built also the big snow house leeward the cottage, where is the kitchen and ...

2nd Symposium "Alpine Underground"

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Attn. All Natural Parks and Protected Areas in Europe /Tous les Pacs Naturels et Espaces Protégés en Europe Dear Colleagues, Chers Collègues,(VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS) Following the 1st edition of the European Symposium "Alpine Underground" that was held last year in Germany in the Berchtesgaden Park (see http://www.hoehlenkatasterhessen.de/untertage/indexE.html > proceedings available at : Untertage2007@freenet.de), The European Speleological Federation (FSUE) and the Regional Natural Park of Vercors have the pleasure to invite you to send your proposals of cumunications/presentations for the 2nd Symposium "Alpine Underground" which will be held in Lans-en-Vercors (France) near Grenoble, from the 27th to the 29th of August 2008. This second edition will be particularly focused on the "Protection and the Valorization of the Underground Environment" including caves and karsts inside the Natural Parks and other Protected Areas in every European countries. We kindly send you this "Call for Communications" informing that you can present the work you have carried out on the underground environement management in the frame of the protected area you work in. The proposal should be submitted by the 29th of February 2008 to articles.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr , specifying that your communication is for the "Alpine Underground Symposium". You can make a pre-registration by sending only the title or summary of your communication + 5 key-words to the same address. Your final article should follow the following pattern : http://vercors2008.eu/example-EN.rtf >All the submission details are on :http://vercors2008.eu/propose.htm#propose >It is also possible to present a poster. In this case, the requirements are the same as for a communication. For those who can come before, the 4th European Congress of Speleology "Vercors 2008" will be held on site during the whole week from the 23rd of ...

new cd's from AMCS (Association Mexican Cave Studies)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => The Association for Mexican Cave Studies has made two new CDs of material previously sold as photocopy reprints. The demand for the printed versions has decreased to the point where the effort of making them was not worthwhile, and the CD versions can be sold much more cheaply. The CDs contain page scans in PDF files, including separate PDF files for color plates or large maps. The pages are in the files as graphic images, so the text is not searchable.Each of the following CDs is only $3 (plus shipping).AMCS Activities Newsletters 1-10 (1975-1979). Total over 400 pages. Paper copies were sold for a total of $54.AMCS Reprints 4 and 5, "Las Cavernas de Cerro Grande" and "Las Cavernas de la Sierra Gorda" by Carlos Lazcano. Total about 550 pages. Paper copies were sold for a total of $55.Further info about these book, including tables of contents, can be found at http://amcs-pubs.org > Order from AMCS, PO box 7672, Austin, Texas 78713, or by e-mail using the PayPal button at the bottom of the "how to order" page at that web site. Shipping charge: US $3 first CD, $1 each additional. Foreign $4 each CD.

Tulane Maya Symposium on Maya caves and cenotes

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => The following is a reminder about that symposium being held next month in New Orleans. If anyone is planning to attend and willing to deal with selling AMCS publications along the lines suggested below, please contact both sales@amcs-pubs.org (Bill Mixon) and fihr@tampabay.rr.com (Gabrielle Vail).Note that time is short for getting a supply of book to New Orleans, so I need to know soon whether there will be actual sales or just a display. Garbielle's message follows:I'm writing to inquire whether anyone from your association is planning to attend the Tulane Maya Symposium next month (February 15-17) in New Orleans. Our theme is "Sacred Cenotes, Hidden Caverns: Rituals and Everyday Life Relating to Caves and Cenotes among the Maya." For more information about the program, please see our website: http://stonecenter.tulane.edu/MayaSymposium/ >We are interested in offering several of your publications for sale at the symposium and wanted to check with you about how best to do this. If one of your members is attending, perhaps they would be interested in manning a table during the breaks.If not, then we could order several copies of each publication for display and have an order form available.Thanks for being in touch about this. We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you in New Orleans next month.Warm wishes,Gabrielle Vail, Executive OrganizerFifth Annual Tulane Maya Symposium and Workshop

French Explorer Rescued From Mexican Cave

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => PUEBLA, Mexico — Mexican rescuers pulled an injured French cave explorer to safety early Saturday, working in apassageway so narrow they sometimes had to remove him from a stretcher and carry the man in their hands.Capping a grueling four-day rescue effort, emergency workers pulled Arthur Meauxone, 21, dirty but conscious, from the Cuaxuspan cave in central Puebla state, where he had been trapped since Wednesday.Meauxone apparently suffered a fall and a broken bone in the mishap, but there were no immediate details on the extent of his injuries, which did not appear life-threatening; rescuers wrapped him in a thermal blanket, gave him initial treatment in a tent near the mouth of the cave, and carried him to a waiting ambulance.more info (foxnews web)http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,325820,00.html >

Preferential rates for Vercors 2008 (English,Francaise)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear Caves Friends,This message to inform you that the preferential rates for Vercors 2008 will end within 22 days (15th of February).We encourage you to register as soon as possible as a group, club, local comitee, federation/organisation, SpeleoBar stand, etc , because if even if you are not 100% sure to be able to come, you will be able to transfer for free your registration to another person.All the details are on the "Registration" page of the website And please note that the date to send the title of your presentation/communication/Film/3D-slideshow, etc have been extended up to the 10th of February. You can send your proposal to : articles.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr (details on the page "Present your work" of the website). Have a good day and see you soon at Vercors,Kind Speleological Regards, for the Organisation Comitee,Olivier VidalSecr. General FSUE+33 / 6 81 61 16 70Email : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr23-30 August 2008 - Lans-en-Vercors - FranceWebsite Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu >Circula(i)r(e)s : http://www.vercors2008.eu/presentation.htm#circulars >Website FSUE : http://www.fsue.org >Forums : http://fsue.org/forums/ >-----------------------------------------------------------You can register now for the European Caving Congress :Vous pouvez vous inscrire maintenant au Congres Européen :http://vercors2008.eu/registration.htm#registernow >----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chers Amis des Grottes et Abîmes,Cette missive pour vous infomer qu'il ne reste plus que 22 jours pour profiter des tarifs préférentiels pour Vercors 2008 (15 février).Nous vous invitons à vous enregistrer dès que possible en tant que groupe, club, CDS/CSR, fédération/organisation, stand SpeleoBar, etc . En effet même si vous n'êtes ...

News from Kosova-Caving

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Author: fatos katallozi NEWS FROM KOSOVA-CAVINGFrom 26/01/08. for 10-days will take place a biggest expedition until now in Kosova. Around 20-Cavers from Slovakia and Bulgaria will participate, along with the local cavers and some experts from government bodies. The focus will be continuation of digital mapping on Gryka e Madhe-cave, near western city of Peja, and exploration of the new corridors on this cave which is one of the longest in Balkans-12km-up to now, and 22-nd the highest cave in the world.We will also do some exploration in the Drini i Bardhe-cave also in the north-western part of Kosova, where is located the biggest waterfall in Kosova.-----------------------------------more info visit :

Katerina Harvati included in the Time Magazine Top 10 Scientific Discoveries for 2007 (ENG.GER)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dr. Katerina Harvati is a Greek paleoanthropologist specializing in Neanderthal evolution and modern human origins working at the renowned Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. She is also a core member of an international group of scientists whose research was included in the Time Magazine Top 10 Scientific Discoveries for 2007. The team earned this noteworthy distinction following its announcement, earlier this year, that analysis of a skull discovered in South Africa in 1952 revealed the first fossil evidence that modern humans left Africa between 65,000 and 25,000 years ago. This finding backs the theory according to which modern man originated in sub-Saharan Africa and fanned out from there.-----------------------------------------------------------Katerina Harvati vom Max-Planck-Institut unter den TOP 10 vominternationalen TIME MagazineAnfang des Jahresveröffentlichte ein internationales Team vonGeographen, Humanbiologen, Archäologen undAnthropologen eine Arbeit in der internationalenZeitschrift Science mit der sie nachwiesen, dass dermoderne Mensch seinen Ursprung in Afrika hat. DerBeweis gelang durch die Analyse eines Schädels, derin Südafrika entdeckt und sein Alter zwischen 65.000und 25.000 Jahre geschätzt wurde. Dieseminternationalen Team von Wissenschaftlern gehörteauch die griechischstämmige Katerina Harvati an.Diese Arbeit hat nun das internationale TIMEMagazine als eine der 10 besten wissenschaftlichenEntdeckungen des Jahres 2007 ausgezeichnet.Katerina Harvati ist Anthropologin, Forscherin auf demGebiet der Paläontologie am Max-Planck-Institut fürevolutionäre Paläontologie und Professorin an der University of New York. Sie lebtseit 2004 in Leipzig, ist mit dem Unternehmer Elias Papatheodorou verheiratet undhat zwei Kinder.-----------------------------------------------------------MORE ABOUT Katerina Harvati" TARGET="_new">http://www.eva.mpg.de>

"1888-2008 : 120 years of European Speleology"

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => "1888-2008 : 120 years of European Speleology" http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=432#p432 > by Jean-Marc Mattlet If you have articles, posters, photos, slideshows or films that describe the history of speleology in your country, they are most welcome, please send quickly an email to :articles.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frFor the other thematics for which you have presentation ideas, the full list of the other sessions of Vercors 2008 is on :http://vercors2008.ffspeleo.fr/events/sessions.htm#section1 >You have surely speleological works who will interest other European cavers in one of these fields.We have already received more than 100 communications for the congress, so please send asap your presentations proposals (films, communications, slidshows, etc).Should you have any further questions about this session or other, please let us know,Best Speleological Regards,Olivier VidalSecr. General FSUE+33 / 6 81 61 16 70Email : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frWebsite Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu >1° Circula(i)r(e) : http://www.vercors2008.eu/presentation.htm#circulars >Website FSUE : http://www.fsue.org >Forums : http://fsue.org/forums/ >--------------------------------------http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=432#p432 >Si vous avez des articles, posters, diaporamas ou films qui décrivent l'histoire de la spéléologie dans votre pays, ils sont les bienvenus. Merci d'envoyer au plus vite un message à :articles.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frPour les autres thèmes pour lesquels vous avez des idées, la liste complète des sessions à Vercors 2008 est sur :http://vercors2008.ffspeleo.fr/events/sessions.htm#setion1 >Vous avez sûrement des travaux spéléologiques qui interésseront d'autres spéléologues européens dans l'un de ces domaines.Nous avons déjà reçu plus de ...

Mammoth Cave and Chappy Corp. honored

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => As the worker safety and health partnership agreement signed more than three years ago comes to a close for the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Park Service and the Chappy Corp., Mammoth Cave and its partners were recently honored for the project.The renovation project calls for the overhaul of the park’s existing electrical system, which was installed more than 30 years ago. The system is outdated and does not conform to national electrical codes. The new system will be energy efficient and environmentally friendly to cave formations and creatures.“The logistics for this project were huge and could have been very dangerous,” said deputy superintendent Bruce Powell in a news release. “Not only did the Chappy Corporation employees install new lights, wiring and telephones, they had to completely remove the old equipment. This project finished on time, with a clean safety record.”Old 900-pound electrical transformers were broken down and removed from the cave by hand. A total of 45 miles of new wire was brought into the cave. Six miles of Mammoth Cave tour routes are now lit with economical, environmentally efficient light.The goal of the agreement was to maintain a safe and healthy project.from : http://www.bgdailynews.com/ >

Speleosub of ceka republic is missing in a cave in Italy

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => AUTHOR : http://scintilena.com >In this moment, in Italy at Elefante Bianco Cave, one speleosub of Ceka Repulic is missing. He was with two others speleosub of CeKa Republic, but at -45 meter he had a earpain and turn out, the other cavers continued the immersion but when they exit don't find the missing speleosub. Now one resque team of fireman is looking for at -45, and the Speleo and Alpine National Rescue (Corpo Nazionale del Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico - CNSAS) is reading to start with speleosub of northen Italy.Now is raining and rescue operation is very hard because water level and current are increasing.Elefante Bianco is a watercave without air inside. --------------------------------------------Notizia inviata da Mauro Guiducci, coordinatore nazionale addetti stampa CNSASComunicato stampa diramato in accordo tra CNSAS Veneto, VVFF e CCAttualmente le condizioni meteo ed idriche della cavità non permettono l’accesso ne a subacquei ne a robot di prospezione.La corrente e la pessima visibilità non permette in alcun modo di intervenire a breve periodo per le ricerche, quindi si è deciso di posticipare a condizioni più favorevoli.Verrà tuttavia mantenuta a cura della VI^ Zona Speleologica del Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico e dei VVF una sorveglianza costante ad opera di suoi volontari, atta a monitorare gli eventuali miglioramenti che possano acconsentire la ripresa delle ricerche.Sul posto sono intervenuti squadre specialzzate dei VVF (squadra sommozzatori di Vicenza e Venezia) ed il CNSAS con una ventina di tecnici e la propria squadra speleosubacquea.NEWS FROM Scintilenahttp://www.scintilena.com/ >

CALENDAR of BALKAN SPELEOLOGICAL EVENTS 2008

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => BALKAN SPELEOLOGICAL UNION Alexey Zhalov - Secretary General of BSU21-24 February Ankara,Turkey ,Turkish Cavers’UnionNational Symposium of Speleologyhttp://www.speleolojisempozyumu.org/eng/anasaife.html >info@speleolojisempozyumu.org------------------------------------May -Zlatna, jud. Alba ,Romania ,Trascau Corp,SpeoartaAdi Puiulet : trascaucorp@hotmail.com------------------------------------5-11 May -Valea Cernei Romania ,Asociatia Romana de CanioningNational School of CanyoningFelix Paiu : felixpapiu@yahoo.com------------------------------------13-22 June ,Drama North Greece ,Hellenic Federation of Speleology (H.F.S.)2nd Cavers’ Camp of Balkanhttp://www.fhs.gr/2ndbsrc >Nikos Mitzakis: secondbsrc@yahoo.gr, metings@fhs.gr ------------------------------------15-16 June-Angitis cave DramaNorth Greece , Comities of Cave Rescue – H.F.S. National exercise of Cave and Cavediving Rescue rescue@fhs.gr------------------------------------6-12 Jule , Island Samotraki Greece ,Hellenic Canyoning Club E.S.E.F. – H.F.S.National meeting of Canyoning http://www.esef.gr >Apokremiotis Anastasios info@esef.gr-------------------------------------18–27 -July , Padis-Caput Area Romania , ARESNational School of SpeleologyFelix Papiu, felixpapiu@yahoo.com--------------------------------------18-21 September-TBD Romania ,Romanian FSNational Congres of SpeleologyViorel Lascu; violascu@spelemat.ro--------------------------------------15-21 September - Rhodope Mt. Bulgaria ,Bulgarian FSInternational Cave Diving ExpeditionAleksey Zhalov; alex@speleo-bg.com--------------------------------------8-12 October - Balkan Mt. Bulgaria ,Bulgarian FSBalkan Camp of RescueAlexey Zhalov : alex@speleo-bg.com-------------------------------------October - Volos Greece ,Society of Speleological Resarch at Thessaly ,CHIRONNational meeting of Speleologyhttp://www.hellascaves.com >http://spilia.blogspot.com >Vouzaxakis Konstantinos ...

4th Speleological Symposium Turkey --Symposium_Informations (TUR-RUS)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => All our foreign guests who will attend to the symposium can give their participant information by contacting Ms.Gülender DEMİRCİ with the telephone number +90 543 372 27 97 or from the e-mail address info@speleolojisempozyum.org http://www.speleolojisempozyumu.org >All of our foreign guests coming to Ankara by plane are going to be welcomed from ANKARA ESENBOGA Airport and they will be accompanied from airport to the congress hall. If they declare their arrival date and the number of days they will stay in ANKARA as soon as possible, we accomodate a hotel for them. Besides we will take our guests from their hotels to the symposium congress hall and bring them back to their hotel back at the end of the symposium everyday .From the beginning to the end of the symposium, our friends in charge of symposium will accompony all of our guests. We invite all cavers and people who are curious about this mystic world to our symposium. The information about transportation and accomodation and also the programme of the sympossium are written below: Иностранцы кто хочет принять участие на симпозиуме, могут связаться по адресу: info@speleolojisempozyumu.org или по ...

4th National Speleological Symposium, Ankara, Turkey

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Turkish Cavers Union and Ankara University Caving Club organises the 4th National Speleological Symposium, Ankara, Turkey, between 22nd -24th February of 2008. The details for the program and organization can be followed from http://www.speleolojisempozyumu.org >--------------------------------- Symposium Subject Titles ---------------------------------The Cave Geology (Formation and Developing) The Cave Biology (Flora, Fauna, Microbiology, Ecology) The Cave Prehistory The Cave Excavations and Archaeology The Cave Explorations The Cave Photography The Cave Tourism The Cave Protection The Caves Place in Dispositions The Techniques of Cave The Cave Accidents and Rescue Techniques Documenting -----------------------------SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMME----------------------------- 1.DAY (21 FEBRUARY) 09:00-10:15 , Registration 10:15-13:15 , Anıtkabir 13:15-14:15 , Lunch 14:15-15:00 , Starting Symposium 15:00-16:15 , 1.Session 16:15-16:30 , Break 16:30-17:45 , 2.Session 17:45-18:00 , Break 19:00-20:30 , Dinner 20:30-…. Amusement 2.DAY (22 FEBRUARY) 10:00-11:15 , 3.Session 11:15-11:30 , Break 11:30-12:45 , 4.Session 12:45-13:00 , Break 13:15-14:15 , Lunch 14:15-15:15 , Opening of Photograph Exhibition 15:15-16:30 , 5.Session 16:30-16:45 , Break 16:45-18:00 , 6.Session 18:00-18:15 , Break 18:15-19:30 , 19:30-…. FASIL 3.DAY (23 FEBRUARY) 10:00-11:15 , 7.Session 11:15-11:30 , Break 11:30-12:45 , 8.Session 12:45-13:00 , Break 13:15-14:15 , Lunch 14:15-15:30 , 9.Session 15:30-15:45 , Break 15:45-17:00 , 10.Session 17:00-17:15 , Break 17:15-18:00 , Closing 19:30-…. , Gala (dinner) 4.DAY (24 FEBRUARY) EXCURSION ---------------------------http://www.speleolojisempozyumu.org >

A Lascaux, le traitement contre les tâches noires débutera le 9 janvier

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => A Lascaux, le traitement contre les tâches noires débutera le 9 janvier après deux jours d’essai. Le biocide destiné à éliminer les micro-organismes sur les parois de la célèbre grotte sera appliqué par cinq scientifiques qui se relaieront toutes les 2 heures en raison de la difficulté (port d’une combinaison, etc.) jusqu’au 10 janvier 2008. Les zones concernées sont l’abside, la nef et le passage. La grotte sera ensuite totalement fermée à partir du 11 janvier pendant 3 mois, le temps que le produit fasse effet. Le résultat est attendu dans environ quatre mois...INFOhttp://terrasson.evous.fr/27-decembre-la-presse-du-jeudi,947.html >

First Circular International Symposium on Pseudokarst

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 10TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON PSEUDOKARSTFIRST CIRCULAR GORIZIAAPRIL 29th– 2st MAY 2008DEADLINESPreliminary registration December 1, 2007Final registration April 15, 2008HOW TO REACH GORIZIA:Motorway: A-4 Torino -Trieste (exit Villesse – Gorizia) By train: Train station Gorizia CentraleBy plane: Airport of Trieste (Ronchi dei Legionari is 20 minutes away by car to Gorizia) THE ORGANIZER’S ADDRESS10° International Symposium on PseudokarstCentro Ricerche Carsiche “C. Seppenhofer”Via Ascoli, 7 - 34170 GORIZIA - ITALYTel./Fax: ++39 0481 82012e-mail: seppenhofer@libero.itWEB SITE http://www.fsigorizia.org >REGISTRATIONTHE PARTECIPATION FEES ARE70,00 EURO (regular member) - include the admission to the lectures, the right to present paper, poster, etc., all the symposium published materials and the printing of the papers, attending social events during the symposium, coffee and refreshment during coffee breaks.40,00 EURO (for regular member) - include the visit to the Grotta di Villanova with bus.ACCOMODATIONThe participants will lodge in “Hotel Internazionale” in Gorizia.See prospects.COMMUNICATIONS:Can be presented in one of ISU (UIS) languages (Italian, English, German, ecc.), preferably in English. Time available for a communication will be 20 minutes (15 presentation, 5 for discussion). Authors are kindly requested to send the abstracts in English, not exceeding 1 typed page, within the 15th of April, 2008. Abstracts will be reproduced and distributed before the beginning of the symposium. Organizers prefer abstract on the CD (if possible in Word) and one printed paper. Final documents will be printed afterwards as soon as possible (November, 2008). The authors are kindley asked to bring the complete version of the papers with them to the symposium or to send it to the organizer before June 15th, 2008. Communication has to be prepared according to the standards for scientific papers: title (also) ...

large number of dead bats

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => During the winter of 2006-2007, a large number of dead bats were discoveredin 4 Albany NY area caves (Hailes and Knox Caves, Schoharie and GagesCaverns ). Although it has not yet been confirmed, it seems likely that thisevent was related in some way to a fungus that was observed around the nosesof roughly half the bats in Hailes Cave (see attached photograph). None ofthe many bat researchers that were sent the photograph had seen anythinglike it before. We do not yet understand exactly what happened, or why, and are not evensure that the fungus and the mortalities are related. We do know that batsdied by the thousands and that there is a chance that this problem can becarried to other sites by either bats or cavers. We need your help. We ask that when caving, each of you keep an eye out forbats exhibiting this white nose condition or any unusual numbers of deadbats.please call Alan Hicks at theNYSDEC as soon as possible (for number phone send email admin@zenas.gr)

Good Morning Europe ! (Olivier Vidal) ENG

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear Caving Friends Before speaking about the most important news just after, it's a pleasure to come back to you, a little late, but with a lot of news with this new issue of the FSUE'mail. The first snows have arrived early november falling on the 1st Edition of the Alpine Underground in Germany. Here comes the time to start our period of Winter caving. FSUE OPENS TO EUROPE : The most important news is of course the opening of the European Federation to All European countries, weither they are member or not of the EU. This idea on which we have worked since 1999 has finally become a reality on last August during the FSUE General Assembly Meeting (GAM). This means that the FSUE become a real European Federation, and over the 27 countries of the EU (actually 22 comprise a speleological organisation) comes about 15 new European countries that have a speleological organisation who are most welcome to join the FSUE. These European countries have their data included on the following page : http://fsue.org/main1/3_members.html >Any European country who wish to become a new member of the FSUE can send a request of membership to the Bureau. The membership is completed after filling the data information sheet about the national organisation and paying the annual fee. For any further information please send a message to : contact@eurospeleo.orgOnce again, a warm Welcome to all European non-EU countries inside the big European Speleological Family !FSUE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING : Over the opening of the FSUE to European non-EU countries, some other important decisions have been taken during the last GAM in Visby-Sweden. First of all we would like to deeply thank the Swedish Society for the organisation of the 2nd EuroSpeleo Forum at the Baltic Speleological Congress that have hosted the GAM and gathered cavers from 15 European countries. This meeting have seen some important decisions taken that are here summurized. The full report will be broacasted within few weeks.- ...

Chers Amis Speleo (Olivier Vidal) VERSION FRANCAISE

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Avant de parler de la nouvelle la plus importante juste après, c'est un plaisir de revenir à vous, un peu tard certes, mais avec de nombreuses nouvelles avec ce nouveau numéro de FSUE'mail. Les premières neiges sont arrivées début novembre sur la 1ère édition du colloque "Alpes Sputerraines" en Allemagne. Voici venu le temps de notre période de spéléo hivernale. LA FSUE S'OUVRE A L'EUROPE : La nouvelle la plus importante est bien sûr l'ouverture de la Fédération Européenne à Tous les pays européens, qu'ils soient membre ou pas de l'UE. Cette idée sur laquelle nous travaillons depuis 1999 est finalement devenue une réalité en août dernier durant l'Assemblée Générale (AG) de la FSUE. cela signifie que la FSUE devient une véritable Fédération Européenne, et qu'en plus des 27 pays de l'UE (en fait 22 possède une organisation spéléologique) se rajoutent environ 15 pays nouveaux pays européens qui ont une organisation spéléo et qui sont les bienvenus pour rejoindre la FSUE. Ces pays européens ont leur coordonnées inclues dans la page suivante : http://fsue.org/main1/3_members.html >Tout pays européen souhaitant devenir nouveau membre de la FSUE peut envoyer une demande d'adhésion au Bureau. L'adhésion est validée après avoir rempli le formulaire d'information à propos de l'organisation nationale et après avoir payé la cotisation annuelle. Pour toute demande d'information, merci d'envoyer un message à : contact@eurospeleo.orgEncore une fois, une chaleureuse bienvenue aux pays Européens non-UE au sein de la grande famille spéléologique ...

Philippine Cave accident

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => By Jovy S. Taghoy Sun.Star Staff ReporterA 39-YEAR-OLD doctor died while exploring a cave in Barangay Gaas in the western town of Balamban, Cebu. Dr. Adolph Espina II, an ophthalmologist, was with five other spelunkers when he fell into an estimated 60-meter-deep pit inside a vertical cave last Friday. It took rescuers 17 hours to get Espina’s body out of the cave. Mertz Certifico, the team’s designated spokesman, and Gelina Asis clarified an earlier report that four of the members of the team were trapped inside the cave. “We were never trapped. We made the decision to stay with him (Espina) until the rescue group could reach us and pull him out of the cave. We could have climbed our way out of the cave. It’s just that we stayed with him because we could not afford to leave him inside,” Asis said in a press conference past 5 p.m. yesterday. Both Certifico and Asis said it was an accident. The six-member team was made up of Certifico, Asis, Espina and his relative Kublai Espina, Ursulo “Dondon” Dimpas and American Charles Festersen. They were inside the cave to do a survey and mapping of the area, which is believed to be more than 100 meters deep and potentially one of the deepest vertical caves in the Philippines. The team belongs to Speleological Cebu, a founding member of the National Caving Association-Philippine Speleological Society. Asis said the team was divided into two. One group— comprising Dimpas, Certifico and Kublai—was the “push” team that took charge of rigging the ropes. The other group was the survey team—composed of Espina, Festersen and Asis. The three-day exploration was to wind up today. Hardware failure Certifico said the team descended the cave local residents call “Bito” at 9 a.m. last Friday. They coordinated with barangay officials. Certifico said the accident happened in pitch two of the cave around 6 p.m. when the survey team started to descend. After ...

Local Find Proves the Evolution of Man Started on the Balkans

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Author: Blaga BangievaNear the Bulgarian town of Chirpan was found tooth from anthropoid ape.The find is on its way to make true hit in the world science. From National Museum of Natural Science believe that the tooth belonged to one of the predecessors of man and actually proves that the evolution started on the Balkans.The precious tooth dates back to 7 million years. It was found by doctor Nikolay Spasov from the Natural Science Museum in Sofia.The find - small, but so important for paleontology, is still hidden by Spasov, until the researches are finished.The tooth is round 1-2 million years younger than other important excavations in Greece and Turkey.It fills in the time between the Balkan finds and the African ones of the humanoids (representatives of the humans).Nikolay Spasov's excavation can now proves one of the newer theories in paleontology - the man's evolution started on the Balkans.The hypothesis is almost 10 years-old. The only argument against the hypothesis is the big distance of time between the Balkan and the African discoveries. Now this argument is a fact.The Chirpan's find can change the theory for the man's origin.The scientists are financing the researches by themselves, the state refuses to sponsor them.from http://international.ibox.bg/news/id_514491890 >

Paleontologist Joseph Gregory has died at 93

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Paleontologist Joseph Gregory has died at 93 By William Clemens and Kevin Padian, UC Museum of Paleontology| 29 November 2007 BERKELEY – Joseph Tracy Gregory, a professor emeritus of paleontology at the University of California, Berkeley, who was well known for his studies of fossil amphibians and reptiles as well as for his contributions to the history of vertebrate paleontology, died Nov. 18 in Houston, Texas, at age 93. Gregory's research resulted in significant contributions to a wide range of studies in vertebrate paleontology, according to his colleague William A. Clemens, UC Berkeley professor emeritus of integrative biology."Gregory was well regarded throughout his career for his pioneering field work, his dedication to building and curating museum collections, and his devotion to scholarship," Clemens said.Most of Gregory's field work was centered on the Triassic reptiles and amphibians of the Dockum and Chinle formations of the American Southwest, notably Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. These animals lived when the first dinosaurs evolved, and Gregory's careful stratigraphic work was instrumental in determining the timing of the appearance of these animals and their identifications. He was also very interested in the history of vertebrate paleontology and kept detailed notes on the development of the paleontology department and museum at UC Berkeley.Following Charles Camp, another member of the UC Berkeley faculty, Gregory was editor for two decades (1969-89) of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology's "Bibliography of Fossil Vertebrates." The bibliography is of international scope and serves as a significant reference facilitating the research of many of his colleagues, Clemens said. In 1992, the society established the Joseph T. Gregory Award, given annually to recognize members who have followed Gregory's path and made significant contributions to the development of the field of vertebrate paleontology and to the society.Born ...

New book : Hypogene Speleogenesis: Hydrogeological and Morphogenetic Perspective.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Authors: Klimchouk A.B. Publisher: National Cave and Karst Research Institute Year: 2007 Page: 106 This book provides an overview of the principal environments, main processes and manifestations of hypogenic speleogenesis, and refines the relevant conceptual framework. It consolidates the notion of hypogenic karst as one of the two major types of karst systems (the other being epigenetic karst). Karst is viewed in the context of regional groundwater flow systems, which provide the systematic transport and distribution mechanisms needed to produce and maintain the disequilibrium conditions necessary for speleogenesis. Hypogenic and epigenic karst systems are regularly associated with different types, patterns and segments of flow systems, characterized by distinct hydrokinetic, chemical and thermal conditions. Epigenic karst systems are predominantly local systems, and/or parts of recharge segments of intermediate and regional systems. Hypogenic karst is associated with discharge regimes of regional or intermediate flow systems. Various styles of hypogenic caves that were previously considered unrelated, specific either to certain lithologies or chemical mechanisms are shown to share common hydrogeologic genetic backgrounds. In contrast to the currently predominant view of hypogenic speleogenesis as a specific geochemical phenomenon, the broad hydrogeological approach is adopted in the book. Hypogenic speleogenesis is defined with reference to the source of fluid recharge to the cave-forming zone, and type of flow system. It is shown that confined settings are the principal hydrogeologic environment for hypogenic speleogenesis. However, there is a general evolutionary trend for hypogenic karst systems to lose their confinement due to uplift and denudation and due to their own expansion. Confined hypogenic caves may experience substantial modification or be partially or largely overridden under subsequent unconfined (vadose) stages, either by epigenic processes or ...

Message :FSUE European Cave Protection Workgroup (Eng,Fra.)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear Caves Friends,Creating a real European Protection Workgroup with members from all countriesin the FSUE, that's one of our big goals for the European Cave ProtectionWorkgroup. Till now the group consists of members from Austria, Switzerland,Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Sweden, France, UK, Greece, Romania andGermany. But our basis should be to have at least one member of eachcountry...more help is always welcome. In several e-mails with cavers from allover Europe I found out that cave and karst areas are facing numerous dangersin the different countries as the existing legislation is quite different fromcountry to country.So the reason why I send you all, the official representatives and delegates ofyour countries, this e-mail today, is to encourage you and the members of yourfederations to participate in the European Cave Protection Workgroup to createa big community with cavers from many different cave and karst areas.Especially our caving community has the unique chance to consist of people frommany different languages, cultures and ideas, but nevertheless we are one bigcommunity as it is the passion to the ground that combines us all.Please contact us, when you know, who will represent your country in ourworkgroup. Our caves existed long before the first caver discoverd them andthey should rest safe for the future cavers. See also our forum: http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=361#p361 >In the workgroup we agreed on, that one of our first steps is to inventory theexisting legislation and actions in each country on cave protection. Thereforewe kindly ask every federation to provide special informations on that. If youhave further questions on that, just send us an e-mail: protection@eurospeleo.org.And again, you are all invited to attend our first meeting (10th November) at"ALPINE underground 2007" - the first international conference on alpinespeleology -, which takes place from November 9th to the 11th in Ramsau ...

Message from the FSUE European Caves Protection workgroup (ENG-FRE)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear Caves Friends,Our common passion to the underground makes cave protection an important topic for each caver in our European speleological community, as we all want to protect the caves and karst areas for the next generations. Some cavers already engaged themselves on their own in the past, some federations have done a good job work in their country up to now, and..... .... For the achievement to work on Caves and Karst Protection atn a European Level the European Cave Protection Commission of the European Federation (FSUE) teamed up as a workgroup during the last General Assembly Meeting in Visby, Sweden. For the moment this workgroup consists of members from Luxembourg, Sweden, France, UK, Greece, Romania and Germany. Among others several objectives have been set up :- Creating a real European Protection Workgroup (with members from all European countries),- Setting up the "EuroSpeleo Protection Label" for exemplary cave environmental actions,- Inventorying the existing legislation/actions in each country on cave protection,- Setting up European actions and try to finance them at European level (EU Programs like Life, Natura 2000, etc),- etc. ... If you are interested in taking part in the work of the commission, or you know somebody who might be interested in, or you simply want to exchange some ideas etc., please contact us at the following address : protection@eurospeleo.org .. The more people work together the stronger the stronger will be the work of Cave Protection at European level. In addition, you are all invited to attend our first meeting at "ALPINE underground 2007" - the first international symposium on alpine speleology -, which takes place from November 9th to the 11th in Ramsau near Berchtesgaden, Germany (information/registration www.vdhk.de -- button "untertage"). The aim of this conference is to exchange with public authorities and non governmental organisations and sensitise them for nature protection on the ...

Eight killed in Thai cave flooding

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Bangkok - A cave flood in southern Thailand killed six German tourists and their two Thai guides, with only one tourist surviving the 20-hour ordeal, park officials said Sunday. Heavy rains inundated Nam Talu Cave in Koh Sok National Park of Surat Thani, about 400 kilometres south of Bangkok, while the seven German tourists were visiting the popular site with two Thai tour guides Saturday afternoon, said park deputy chief Thirayudh Mungpaisan. Rescue workers retrieved eight bodies from the cave, including those of the two Thai tour guides and six Germans, two male adults, a female adult and three children, a boy and two girls, Thirayudh told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa in a telephone interview. One tourist was found alive about Sunday noon after spending nearly 20 hours trapped in the flooded cave. 'The sole survivor was a 17-year-old girl,' said Thirayudh. The mother of the dead children had not joined the outing. Thirauydh said the group had a taken a boat to the cave, about 60 kilometres from park headquarters, and were caught inside during a three-hour rainstorm that inundated the cavern. He claimed that park officials had issued warnings to tourists about the dangers of visiting the cave during the rainy season. The names of the victims were not available, although Thai authorities identified the deceased 10-year-old boy as Eddie Geampe. The tourists had been staying on floating bungalows on the Koh Sok reservoir. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur Link for khaosak national park http://www.khaosok.com/

Vercors 2008 , grouped registrations for the best fare NOW!!(ENG,FRE)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Dear Caving Friends,This short email to remind you that it's remaining less than 20 days before the 31st of October to get Vercors 2008 non-nominative grouped registrations at the best fare for your club, commitee or federation. All the details on how to register are on :http://vercors2008.eu/registration.htm#registrationand for the grouped registrations, the information is on : http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?id=194For the cavers interested to present their work, AV presentation, photos, maps, equipment, etc, please look at the information on :http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=345#p345 and also on : http://vercors2008.ffspeleo.fr/propose.htm#proposeThe contact address to send your presentation/lecture details is : articles.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr (rather than the "articles.vercors" address as mentionned in a previous message).For the films, videos, slideshows, etc, it's on : http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?id=184Contact address : films.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frOh ! important, a Vercors 2008 stand will be present end of October, early November at the Italian Congress "Metamorfosi ? Apuane 2007" (http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/main4/agenda-2007.html#2007-11), with a presentation on the 3rd of November at 3pm, and a surprise will be there for every European speleo clubs.Have a good week of ...Exploration ...For the Vercors 2008 Committee of Organisation,Olivier VidalSecr. General FSUE+33 / 6 81 61 16 70Email : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frWebsite Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu1° Circula(i)r(e) : http://www.vercors2008.eu/presentation.htm#circularsWebsite FSUE : www.fsue.orgForums : http://fsue.org/forums/-----------------------------------Chers Amis Spéléo,Cet petit message pour vous rappeller qu'il reste moins de 20 jours avant le 31 octobre pour les inscriptions groupées non-nominatives Vercors 2008 au meilleur prix pour votre club, CDS, CSR, ou ...

ALPIN-UNDERGROUND 09th to 11th Nov.2007 in Ramsau (Eng,Italy,French,German)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => EnglishCurrent Speleology, Nature Protection, Legislation09th to 11th Nov.2007 in Ramsau (National Park)near to BerchtesgadenThe GERMAN SPELEOLOGICAL FEDERATION (VERBAND DER DEUTSCHEN HÖHLEN- UNDKARSTFORSCHER) kindly invites to the International Conference of Alpine Speleology.The aim of this meeting is to present the alpine speleology for public authorities andnon governmental organisations for nature protection. The legislation of the EU likeFFH/ Natura 2000 and National Parks or biosphere reserves affect everybodylikewise. In working groups should be worked out all topics like speleology inprotected areas, climate data from caves, biology, geology, ecological education andcave protection but also cave research and cave rescue.Meeting place: CVJM Heim at the Hintersee, Ramsau, National Park BerchtesgadenConference language: German and EnglishOrganiser: GERMAN SPELEOLOGICAL FEDERATION E.V. (www.vdhk.de), in cooperationwith CIPRA and THE ALPINE NETWORK.registration for oral presentations: up to 15.08.2007The AUSTRIAN SPELEOLOGICAL FEDERATION (VÖH) will held his general assemblyduring this conference (Saturday, 08.30h City Hall, Ramsau).The long night of cavesOn November 10th 2007, during the ALPIN-UNDERGROUND, the 2.”THE LONG NIGHT OFCAVES” will take place in the Spa Hotel of Berchtesgaden. Conference participantsand all interested people are kindly invited to participate and to register with ownfilms or slide shows with cave topics in German or English language.Contact: GERMAN SPELEOLOGICAL FEDERATION E.V. (www.vdhk.de)Bärbel Vogel, Graßlergasse 24, 83486 Ramsau, email:untertage2007@freenet.de--------------------------------------FRENCH La fédération allemande de spéléologie, le Verband der deutschen Höhlen- undKarstforscher e.V. vous invite à un congrès international de spéléologie alpine. Le but estla ...

"Vercors 2008"..send before the 15th of November 2007..(ENG,FRE,GR)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => In the frame of the 4th European Speleological Congress "Vercors 2008" that will be held from 23 to 30th of August 2008 in Lans-en-Vercors (French Alps), we invite all the European cavers to present the results of their works. The communications can be illustrated by graphics, drawings, maps, photos, slideshows, videos, posters, etc. For this, please send before the 15th of November 2007 an email to articles.vercors@ffspeleo.fr with the following information in English or French (official languages of the congress) on a .rtf or .doc file : chosen sessions (see list on : HTTP://vercors2008.ffspeleo.fr/events/sessions.htm#menupage , title, author(s), 5 key-words, and a summary (200 words maximum, in both languages if possible), and the support type (powerpoint, video, slides, slideshow, etc).The full article text (4 pages maximum including the photos) should arrive before the 15th of February 2008 to be published in the proceedings. It's also possible to present at Vercors 2008 for the European Films Festival "EuroSpelo Image'Inn" :- Films- Videos- Slideshows(see the way to present your films/slideshows on : http://fsue.ffspeleo.fr/forums/viewtopic.php?id=184 ) and you can also propose :- Photos for the Photo contest "Emotion & Movement"- Survey maps for the "Topo contest"- Historical equipment for the Historical European Exhibition 1888-2008.For that please send an email to : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr All the information is on www.vercors2008.eu , should you have any further questions, please contact us at contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.fr ,Best Speleological Regards,For the Vercors 2008 Committee of Organisation,Olivier VidalSecr. General FSUE+33 / 6 81 61 16 70Email : contact.vercors2008@ffspeleo.frWebsite Vercors 2008 : http://www.vercors2008.eu1° Circula(i)r(e) : http://www.vercors2008.eu/presentation.htm#circularsWebsite FSUE : www.fsue.orgForums : ...

Rescue personnel extricate injured man after caving accident

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => A man was hospitalized Tuesday night after a caving accident in the Kensington area of Walker County. According to Walker County Coordinator David Ashburn, a 26-year old man from Atlanta was exploring Anderson’s Spring Cave with two friends and had to be rescued by Walker County Fire and Rescue. Traci Napier-Reece, administrative assistant for Walker County Fire and Rescue, said the man was some 1,500 feet inside the cave when he broke his leg. “The individual was using a rock as a climbing aid when it dislodged and broke his leg,” said Napier-Reece. The cave is located off Mashburn Lane at the foot of Pigeon Mountain. It is reported by Ashburn to be on private property in the Kensington area. According to Ashburn, the initial call came in around 4:15 p.m. One of the individuals with the victim climbed from the cave and used the property owner’s phone to call for help. Firefighters and other rescue personnel were immediately deployed to the scene, arriving some 20 minutes after the initial call. Rescuers were able to reach the victim and stabilize him quickly. “We stabilized the victim, had him packaged, and en route to the hospital within two hours,” said Ashburn. A Life Force helicopter airlifted the man to Erlanger Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries that included a broken leg. “People wonder why we spend money for specialized training and equipment. This is why,” said Ashburn. Ashburn said the victim’s identity and condition is unknown at this time because of patient privacy policy implemented by the hospital. Ashburn explained the individuals serving in the rescue effort were trained in the specifics of caving rescue. “I want to emphasize the timeliness of this rescue effort,” he said. “Cave rescues usually take forever. In little more than two hours, we had him en route to the hospital. Money for this type of equipment allowed for this effort to be successful.” ...

The Worlds Deepest Caves - Sept. 2007.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 23 September 2007.The Worlds Deepest Caves after compiling news and updates. Please post any comments or updates at: http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/eng_detail.asp?iData=5879 . An Excel file is also avalibale at: http://www.zenas.gr/site/files/World_Deepest_Caves_sept_2007.xls .

The Fifth Annual Tulane Maya (and caves) Symposium.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Below is an announcement about the Fifth Annual Tulane Maya Symposium, whichnext year has the theme of Maya and caves. Note that, according to the Website referenced, there is a substantial registration discount before October15.Sacred Cenotes, Hidden Caverns: Rituals, Beliefs, and Everyday LifeRelating to Caves and Cenotes among the Maya hosted by the Stone Centerfor Latin American Studies, will be held the weekend of February 15-17,2008 on the Uptown campus of Tulane University in New Orleans,Louisiana. Through a series of lectures, workshops, and a roundtable discussion, specialists at this year's symposium explore the physical and sacred geography of the Maya region.The history, geology, stories,beliefs, and rituals surrounding caves, cenotes, and mountaintop shrines from across the Maya area are among the topics that will be discussed.For further information, please contact Denise Woltering(crcrts@tulane.edu) at the Stone Center.Because New Orleans is hosting the NBA All-Star game the same weekend, we encourage you to make plans soon to attend! Please visit our website at http://stonecenter.tulane.edu/MayaSymposium/ for the 2008 program,registration, lodging information, and a retrospective of the 2007 symposium.

15th International Congress of Speleology: Kerrville, Texas, USA

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 15th International Congress of Speleology: Kerrville, Texas, USA19-26 July 2009George VeniChairman, 15th International Congress of SpeleologyAndy EavisPresident, International Union of SpeleologyThe International Congress of Speleology (ICS) is the world’s premier speleological event. A function of the International Union of Speleology (UIS), it is held once every four years in a location selected by the delegates of the UIS member nations. The next ICS will be in Kerrville, Texas, USA on 19-26 July 2009. An estimated 2,000 people from nearly 60 countries are expected to attend for the purpose of sharing the results of their latest exploration and research.. The National Speleological Society (NSS) of the United States will host the ICS in combination with its annual convention, resulting in a truly spectacular event.The 1st Circular of the 15th ICS has been mailed to hundreds of people around the world. Additionally, international delegates in more than 60 nations have received the circular plus a six-minute DVD video to distribute in their countries. The DVD includes the circular and much of the ICS website. The circular and video can be downloaded, and the most detailed and up-to-date ICS information can be viewed online at www.ics2009.us. The purpose of the 1st Circular is to inform the international speleological community of the dates of the ICS and to encourage everyone to contact the ICS Secretary for more information. If you are already receiving e-mail messages from the ICS, there is nothing more you need to do. If you received the 1st Circular in the mail and have Internet access, please contact the Secretary at secretary@ics2009.us, if you are willing to view registration information on-line. The 2nd Circular containing information on registration, prices, field camps and excursions, transportation, maps, and lodging will be mailed in June 2008. It will be printed in multiple languages and total 80-100 pages in length, but all of its information ...

Mauritian cave search

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => British documentary filmmaker is planing to make a film of a search of lava tube caves on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius for dodo bones (following the finding of some in a lava cave on the island last year). I know the timeframe is laughable but they are intending to carry out the search and make the doco in the period 25 Sep. to 13 October - yes, starting in a couple of weeks. They have asked me to assist and to put together a small team of cavers (4-5) to examine the caves which a palaeontologist from the British Museum and I consider most prospective. They will pay all fares and out-of-pocket expenses plus a fee (to be negotiated). Participants will be expected to provide their own caving gear. It is unlikely that any vertical caving will be involved.This is an invitation to any caver on this list who is available for the period shown above and interested to contact me, providing a brief outline of their caving experience. Clearly, lava cave experience and any knowledge of palaeontology would be a plus.If you are interested, please be quick; all responses should be sent by 10pm on Monday 10 Sept.Naturally, I'll provide further details if I can.Greg MiddletonPO Box 269, Sandy Bay, Tas 7006, Australiaozspeleo@bigpond.net.au

Hidden Earth 2007 UK's annual caving conference

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Hidden Earth 2007. This year, the UK's national caving conference & exhibition will be at Tewkesbury School, Gloucestershire on 21-23 September. Tewkesbury is very close to junction 9 of the M5, and is situated near to Gloucester, Cheltenham and Worcester, and within easy reach of the caving areas of South Wales, Mendip and Forest of Dean. This year.... we have a new film from Sid Perou, Basher and the BPC for the closing ceremony and Andy Pryke will be producing the opening AV. There is a swimming pool at the venue, so there will some diving sessions organised by the Cave Diving Group.......more infos http://hidden-earth.org.uk/index2.html

The deepest cave in the World became deeper (-2190m)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => The deepest cave in the World became deeper (-2190m): news from Krubera-Voronja Cave, Arabika Massif, Western CaucasusSince August 5th, an expedition of the Ukrainian Speleological Association is working in Krubera-Voronja Cave on the Arabika Massif, with 56 members from Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Belorussia, Great Britain and Iran under the lead of Yury Kasjan. Main efforts are being focused on pushing the bottom sifon Two Captains, which starts at -2145 m, and the largely independent Non-Kujbyshevskaja branch where depth of 1 km has been reached last summer after a major breakthrough. During last few days several dives have been made in Two Captains by Gennadiy Samokhin, Yury Kasjan and Yury Evdokimov. According to today's (August 26) telephone report from the expedition, they dove the sifon for distance of about 140 m to depth of -45 m, where an underwater vertical pithave been reached that goes still deeper. This gives the new "human-penetrated" depth of the World's deepest cave at -2190 m, with the lowermost reached point being only at about 66 m above sea level. The Non-Kujbushevskaja branch has been pushed so far to -1250 m but the exploration continues. The expedition is scheduled to finish by September 15.Contribution by Alexander Klimchouk

New Zealand , cave accident

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => WELLINGTON, New Zealand: A rescue team sought to help a caver Sunday whobroke his leg and got trapped under a rock slide deep underground whileclimbing in New Zealand, police said.The Caver suffered head injuries and his leg was smashed by falling rocksSaturday in the Middle Earth cave system on Takaka Hill near Nelson on SouthIsland, rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Mike Fitzsimmons said.According to two of the four-man caving team, who spent six hours climbingback to the surface to raise the alarm, he is stranded about 3 kilometers(1.8 miles) from the entrance of the cave, Fitzsimmons said. The fourthcaver stayed with the injured caver, he said.A rescue team of five, including a doctor, went underground Sunday morningto try to help the caver, who is aged about 40, Fitzsimmons said.About 40 cave from around the country were to join the rescue — an effortexpected to take up to three days.Rescuers plan to haul the injured climber out on a stretcher but it would bea slow, difficult task along narrow passages with vertical lifts, he said.Nelson is 150 kilometers (90 miles) south of the capital, Wellington.info from Associated Press

National Cave and Karst Management Symposium St. Louis, Missouri

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => The 2007 National Cave & Karst Management Symposium is being hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Caves & Karst Conservancy. It will be held October 8-12, 2007 at the Holiday Inn SW & Viking Conference Center, 10709 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63127. Nearby is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s beautiful Powder Valley Nature Center, where a free public event will be held on Tuesday, October 9th, including a cave photo exhibit and a speaker panel, followed by refreshments in the lobby. PVNC has a large auditorium, which accommodates 250 and has state-of-the-art projection and sound equipment. PVNC also has a nature trail, interesting nature exhibits and a nature shop.The chair of the NCKMS 2007 is William R. Elliott, the Missouri Department of Conservation's Cave Biologist.The co-chair is Jim Kaufmann, president of the Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy, Inc. more info http://www.utexas.edu/tmm/sponsored_sites/biospeleology/nckms.html http://www.nckms2007.org/

The 11th European Bat Night 25-26 August 2007

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => The event, organised by EUROBATS, takes place every year in more than 30 countries. Nature conservation agencies and NGOs from across Europe pass on information to the public about the way bats live and their needs with presentations, exhibitions and bat walks, often offering the opportunity to listen to bat sounds with the support of ultrasound technology. The general date is set for the last weekend in August; however, local organisers sometimes choose other dates if more convenient.---------------------------------Announcements for EBN 2007 Italy (in Italian). http://www.eurobats.org/news_events/Bat_Nights/EBN11(2007)/announce_Italy2007.pdf United Kingdom, The Bat Conservation Trust. http://www.eurobats.org/news_events/Bat_Nights/EBN11(2007)/BCT_announce2007.pdf United Kingdom, Scotland, Holyrood Parkhttp://www.eurobats.org/news_events/Bat_Nights/EBN11(2007)/announcement_Holyrood_Park_UK_2007.pdf Germany, NABU (in German) http://www.nabu.de/batnight/html/termine.html Gibraltar http://www.eurobats.org/news_events/Bat_Nights/EBN11(2007)/announce2007_Gibraltar.pdf France (in French) http://www.man.uhp-nancy.fr/nuit-europeenne-de-la-chauve-souris.pdf more infohttp://www.eurobats.org/news_events/european_bat_night.htm

John Ackerman BAT RIVER CAVE

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => BAT RIVER CAVE AUGUST 2007As I rounded the corner the water became deeper, and the room suddenly took on an eerie feel. Aided by the chest deep water, I felt almost buoyant in my thick rubber-like wetsuit. And while the water was slowly finding its way into my wetsuit, my eyes were also slowly scanning the room, searching for a way beyond. Waiting for Tim, I shut my light off and allowed my body to float in the pitch-black expanse. Soon I became enchanted with the musical sounds the ceiling droplets were making as they struck the surface of the calm spacious pool. A few moments later my trance-like daze was interrupted by the sounds of sloshing water and glimpses of light. “You hold your breath and dive under the wall,” Tim said nonchalantly.And so here I was, on a pleasant summer day in July 2006 in a S.E. Minnesota cave known as Bat River Cave, with Tim Stenersen. Tim thought it was important that I inspect the terminal sump at the end of the cave for exploration possibilities, and who am I to refuse? After passing by an array of lush green moss carpeted rocks alongside a rippling meandering stream, a large natural rock arch gallantly announces the cave mouth. This harmonious arrangement merges to create an imposing picturesque cave setting. Bat River Cave is located in the same general vicinity as Tyson Spring Cave, which also has a crisp clear stream flowing from the base of an impressive limestone bluff.But none of that mattered to me now, as I plugged my nose and dove under the wall, hoping I would surface in a large air filled passage like Tim had promised. True to his word, it was a safe and short journey, and before long Tim, cave diver John Preston and I strolled through almost one half mile of stimulating cave passages before reaching the “end” of the cave. Other attempts had been made in the past to dive through this sump at the end of the cave but the conditions were never right, and subsequently the cave was ...

Le siphon n'a pas livré tous ses secrets

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Franck Vasseur espérait plonger pour atteindre le fond du siphon Golenvaux dans le labyrinthe des galeries de la grotte de Trabuc. Mais il n'est jamais allé aussi loin. Pourtant, le Montpelliérain, spécialiste des plongées souterraines, n'affiche aucun regret. Et pour cause, il ne vit pas cela comme un échec. « Ce n'est pas un défi sportif où l'on cherche l'adrénaline, notre but est ailleurs et s'inscrit d'abord dans la sécurité. » Hier matin, avec onze spéléologues venus d'Alès, Anduze et de la région grenobloise chargés d'environ 200 kilos de matériel, il s'est engagé dans la grotte. Puis, il a quitté le circuit normal de la visite pour prendre la direction du siphon Golenvaux, du nom de la spéléologue belge qui en a débuté l'exploration en 1965. « D'autres expéditions ont été organisées entre 1980 et 1986 par des gens du club d'Alès puis en 1988 et enfin en 1993 où l'extrémité a été atteinte, c'est-à-dire à 590 mètres du début. Notre volonté était d'y aller à notre tour afin de réaliser un relevé topographique des 190 derniers mètres », poursuit l'organisateur de cette dernière exploration en date. Franck Vasseur, donc, est plongeur. Une spécialité indispensable car ce fameux siphon est noyé et sa "visite" conduit tout simplement à moins 51 mètres sous le niveau de l'eau. Elle n'est donc accessible qu'à des professionnels. « Mais avant d'atteindre le point de départ de cette plongée, il nous fallait franchir deux siphons. Le premier dont le pompage avait ...

Connection of Illjuzia Cave to the Snezhnaja-Mezhennogo system

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => According to the report of Alexey Shelepin, the leader of the ongoing expedition of the Speleological Commission of the Russian Geographic Society (Moscow), Illjuzia Cave has been connected to the Snezhnaja-Mezhennogo System on August 2nd. The system is located in the Bzybsky Massif adjacent to Arabika, the host massif for the world’s deepest cave Krubera (-2.158m). Illjuzia Cave is the uppermost entrance to the system at 2390 m. The amplitude of the Snezhnaja-Mezhennogo-Illjuzia System is now 1750 m and lenght is 23 km. The connection is a culmination of long-lasted efforts in Illuzia Cave. Congratulations!INFO FROM www.network.speleogenesis.info

Programme journalier Congres Suisse (France and German)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => Du 15 au 17 septembre aura lieu le congres SuisseProgramme journalier Samedi 15 septembre 09h00 Ouverture du bureau d'accueil ( 9h00 à 17h30 ) 10h00 Ouverture des stands 11h00 Cérémonie officielle d'ouverture du congrès 11h30 Apéritif 12h00 à 13h00 Repas de midi ( possibilité de petite restauration sur place ) 13h30 à 17h30 Communications 19h30 Repas de gala et animations Dimanche 16 septembre 08h30 Ouverture du bureau d'accueil ( 8h30 à 13h00 ) 08h30 à 10h00 Petit déjeuner 09h30 à 12h00 Communications 12h00 à 13h00 Repas de midi ( possibilité de petite restauration sur place ) 13h30 à 18h00 Communications et films 19h30 Repas combier Lundi 17 septembre 06h30 à 10h00 Petit déjeuner 07h30 Départ des premières excursions ---------------------------------------------------12. Nationaler Hohlenforscherkongress 15-16-17 september 2007Tagesprogramm Samstag 15. September 09h00 Öffnung des Empfangsbüros ( 9h00 à 17h30 ) 10h00 Öffnung der Verkaufsstände 11h00 Offizielle Zeremonie zur Eröffnung des Kongresses 11h30 Aperitif 12h00 à 13h00 Mittagessen ( Möglichkeit zur Verpflegung am Platz ) 13h30 à 17h30 Vorträge 19h30 Galadinner und Animationen Dienstag 16. September 08h30 Öffnung des Empfangsbüros ( 8h30 à 13h00 ) 08h30 à 10h00 Frühstück 09h30 à 12h00 Vorträge 12h00 à 13h00 Mittagessen ( Möglichkeit zur Verpflegung am Platz ) 13h30 à 18h00 Vorträge und Filme 19h30 Abendessen nach Art des Vallée de Joux Montag 17. September 06h30 à 10h00 Frühstück 07h30 Aufbruch für die ersten Exkursionen MORE ..http://congres2007.speleo.ch/

6TH SYMPOSIUM ON KARST PROTECTION B e l g r a d e

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => STUDENT SPELEOLOGIC AND ALPINISTIC CLUBB e l g r a d e6TH SYMPOSIUM ON KARST PROTECTIONDear colleagues,A number of noticeable problems related to threats to karst environments prove that organization of Symposia on Karst Protection makes sense, and that the tradition should be continued. We hope that this 6th Symposium will keep all positive aspects of previous Symposia, and that the drawbacks will be avoided. The idea is still the same – that this meeting must have a double benefit: on one hand, to enable experts to present the results of their karst research; and on the other hand, to give chance to amateur cavers to present the results of speleological explorations.Topics1. Protection of protected areas on karst. The topic encompasses the results of projects on valorization of karst terrains, especially the problems of human impact. 2. Protection of karst waters and of karst waters. Water, as the essential element of karst, is a subject of numerous research projects. However, the issues of protection sensu stricto is rarely present in our scientific community. Our intention is to initiate a broader discussion regarding the methodology of protection, law regulations, and practical applications. 3. Results of speleological explorations. It is always our wish to have many papers of this kind, because amateur explorations are often insufficiently present in scientific circles. 4. General aspects of karst protection. This topic encompasses a variety of research areas, methods and approaches to problem solving in the field of karst protection. 5. General karst research. The results of karst research which are not related to protection, but are relevant to general notions on karst.Organizing Committee1.Mihajlo Mandić, President2.Ivanka Z. Mitrović, Secretary3.Prof. Veselin Dragišić4.Prof. Petar Papić5.Božidar VasiljevićScientific Committee1.Milena Zlokolica-Mandić, President2.Mihajlo ...

"Sima GESM"( ИСПАНИЯ)(in Russian)

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => В ходе совместной экспедиции Испанской Федерации Спелеологии и команды CAVEX в пещеру пройден легендарный сифон на дне (-1074 м). По предварительным данным, длина сифона 200м, глубина -25м.Пещера продолжается! Руководитель ...

10,000 year old baby mammoth

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => The remains of a baby mammoth which died 10,000 years ago in the ice age have been found in Siberia.more...http://www.reuters.com/news/video/videoStory?videoId=59930

May his soul rest in peace.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => I am writing to let you know that, sadly, our friend and first admin of the site zenas.gr passed away last Friday (22nd). His deathcame as a shock, and he will be greatly missed by all of us.On behalf of the members of our forum we would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, colleagues. We will cling to the memories of all the good times we had with him as we wish him peace and eternal light upon his final journey. May his soul rest in peace.I’m so sorry to have to bring you this sad news and hope to be able to speak to you about happier events, the next time I write. Meanwhile, if you need any further information for www.zenas.gr send to admin@zenas.gr. (admin)

12th International Cave Bear Symposium proceedings.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 21 Jun. 2007.The 12th International Cave Bear Symposium (ICBS) was held in Aridea (Pella District, Macedonia, N. Greece) with great success. The proceedings of the Symposium have been published and you can see the contents or download the whole volume (110 MB) at http://www.geo.auth.gr/12icbs/enter.html .

Project Ukhupacha (in spanish).

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 11 Jun. 2007.From: Valentí Zapater. Los espeleologos del Proyecto Ukhupacha se encuentran en Peru por septimo año consecutivo para continuar su labor de exploracion de sitios arqueologicos de dificil acceso y de formacion de arqueologos peruanos en tecnicas espeleologicas de progresion vertical.Hasta el dia de hoy, domingo 10 de junio, los resultados de la expedicion han sido los siguientes:- acceso y toma de fotografias en el Tunupa, Ollantaytambo, poblacion cercana a Machu Picchu. El Tunupa es un rostro gigantesco en una pared rocosa que se cree fue tallado por los incas- 2º Curso Postgrado de la Universidad Jaume I de Castelló de Técnicas Espeleólgicas de Progresión Vertical, en Machu Picchu- busqueda de indicios de actividad inca en la cima del Waynapicchu, su arista y las chinkanas (cavidades) cercanas- regreso al Wayraqtampu (construccion localizada por el Proyecto Ukhupacha hace dos años) para la realizacion de un reportaje fotografico. Los tambos (tampu en quechua) eran construcciones realizadas para alojar a los transeuntes de los caminos incas. Este tambo se localizo durante la exploracion de la pared que se encuentra mas alla del puente Inka de Machu Picchu, por donde se supone que continuaba esta importante ruta. Se utilizaron centenares de metros de cuerda para montar pasamanos hasta un lugar donde se decidio abandonar por la constante caida de piedras. El tambo y su camino de acceso se encontro al explorar la montaña por la vertiente opuesta al puente Inka, confirmando asi la continuacion de dicho camino- instalacion de cuerdas en la pared oeste de la fortaleza de Kuelap para la localizacion de mausoleos y enterramientos. Esta fortaleza fue construida hace mas de 1000 años por los Chapapoyas, y se encuentra en lo alto de un cerro de 3100 m situado sobre el rio Utcubamba, en el distrito de Tingo (provincia de Amazonas)En estos momentos de continua trabajando en la ...

Punkin Cave Survey report, 1-3 June 2007.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 8 June 2007.Twenty-one cavers from the Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas areas descended upon the wilds of Carta Valley to once again do battle with the monster known as Punkin Cave. 10 were returning veterans, bearing the physical and emotional scars from previous surveys into the bowels of the cave. The others were Punkin virgins, soon to be initiated to the guano-filled delights that keep bringing us back. By the end of the weekend we could lay claim to another 300 meters of hard-fought survey, and some increased photodocumentation.The first group consisting of trip leader Jim Kennedy, Mike Sisson, and Lee Jay Graves arrived at the TCMA fieldhouse around 3:30 Friday afternoon, unloaded their vehicle, and opened the cabin. They then went to the cave to check out the bee situation (a non-issue) and rig the two entrances. They soon returned to the cabin and welcomed the other participants who were slowly trickling in. A couple of beers and some burgers and Elgin Garlic Sausage cooked on the grill topped off a satisfying evening under the full moon catching up with old friends.The next morning saw a mass breakfast directed by Pete the Elder, with everybody tanking up for the long day ahead. Releases were signed, and a group meeting was held to go over the cabin and property rules and to assign everyone to teams and survey objectives. After the usual gearing up process, everyone headed to the cave to await their turns on the two rappel lines. Wes and Team Superstition headed back to the end of the Superstition Maze, and gathered another 62.59 meters of survey in 20 shots, finishing off some leads. However, there is still much to do in this area. Jim lead the usual band and a couple of new additions back to Sleepy Hollow, guiding Pete's and John's teams there to begin their surveys. Jim's intention was to survey out from Sleepy Hollow and connect back to Fifty Fathoms, but ended up spending the whole time in a confusing breakdown maze with lots of ...

Atlas of Great Caves of the World.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => From the Editors: Joel Despain, Lee Florea, and Pat Kambesis To: All Potential ContributorsCave Books, the publication affiliate of the Cave Research Foundation, USA, is pleased to announce their plans to update and revise Atlas of the Great Caves of the World. This all new English-language edition will be completed and in press in time for the 2009 International Congress of Speleology to be held in Kerrville Texas. The previous edition was originally published in French in 1986 by Paul Courbon and Claude Chabert. The English version by Courbon, Chabert, Bosted & Lindlsey was published in 1989. At the time of its publication, Lechuguilla Cave was 50 kilometers long (now 180 kilometers in length) and the world's deepest cave, Krubera, had not been discovered. There are several criteria for caves to be included in this edition. These are: * All caves over 30 kilometers long (currently there are 117 on the Gulden list.) * All caves over 1000 meters deep (currently that includes 84 caves) , * For each country of the world, the significantly longest and deepest caves regardless of their ranking on the world lists as to be determined by the editors. * Caves that include the world's largest underground chambers (greater than 30,000m2) * Greatest Through-Trips (caves containing a traverse where the cave is entered by an upper entrance, and exited by a lower entrance.) * Greatest underground ascents (the difference in elevation between the extreme points of the possible climb, whether the point of departure is the entrance of the cave or a low point made inside the cave.) * Record cave dives * Greatest hydrogeologic systems * Greatest non-limestone caves * Great vertical pits either solitary or within a cave. * Caves with other particularly outstanding and extraordinary features such as mineral deposits, archeology, paleontology, etc. as determined by the editors For this to be a successful project we need your help. Updated maps, articles, photographs and information ...

The Top 10 WCN Network sites in May 2007.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 1 Jun, 2007.The Top 10 WCN Network sites in May 2007. In parenthessis the positions to the previous months1. (2-2-2-2-2-1-1) SCINTILENA (Italy) 2. (1-1-1-1-1-4-3) NSS FORUM (Usa)3. (3-3-3-4-4-3-4) SPELEONET (Usa)4. (4-5-5-5-5-x-x) CAVEDIGGERS - CAVES.COM (Usa)5. (5-4-4-3-3-2-2) SLOVAK SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY (Slovakia)6. (6-6-6-6-x-x-x) INNER MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS (Usa)7. (9-8-8-9-7-6-7) PROFUNDEZAS (Portugal)8. (8-7-7-7-6-5-5) SPELEOLOGICAL GROUP RUZOMBEROK (Slovakia) 9. (10-x-x-x-x-x-9) COTA CERO (Spain)10. (7-9-9-8-8-x-x) LITHUANIAN CAVERS(Lithuania) Full list of WCN Network sites at http://www.zenas.gr/WCN To join the WCN Network: http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/wcn_join.asp Related WCN articlesThe Top 10 WCN Network sites - April 2007.http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/eng_detail.asp?iData=5887 The Top 10 WCN Network sites - March 2007.http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/eng_detail.asp?iData=5870 The Top 10 WCN Network sites - February 2007.http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/eng_detail.asp?iData=5777 The Top 10 WCN Network sites - January 2007. http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/eng_detail.asp?iData=5571 The TOP 10 WCN Network sites - December 2006. http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/eng_detail.asp?iData=5447 The TOP 10 WCN Network Sites - November 2006.http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/eng_detail.asp?iData=5344 The TOP 10 WCN Network Sites - October 2006.http://www.zenas.gr/site/home/eng_detail.asp?iData=5228

First Touristic cave in Turkey.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 31 May 2007.Turkish Caver’s Union has organized its second caving trip, in may 2007, to the first touristic cave of Turkey to continue to explore the galleries that are not open to tourism. Insuyu cave, burdur, Turkey is a promising horizontal cave to become one of the 10 longest caves in Turkey. Turkish cavers (totalled 25) from all over Turkey joined expedition has also carried explorations on the touristic galleries. Due to lowered underground waterlevel, there are new galleries opened up. Most likely, Insuyu cave looks like it is going to fetch a decent more than 5 kms of galleries.The exploration was also a very positive step toward more cooperation among the caving organizations that created TCU.Ender UsulogluAssistant General Secretary of TCUWORLDWIDE CAVING NEWSSubmit News to admin@zenas.grhttp://www.zenas.gr/WCN

News from the Belgian Union of Speleology.

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From World Caving News http://www.zenas.gr/WCN => 11 May 2007.Spéléologie sous la jungle. Deux spéléologues belges, Didier Havelange et André-Marie Dawagne, de la Société Spéléologique de Namur, sont rentrés de Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée où ils ont participé à l’expédition internationale baptisée « Siphons sous la Jungle 2007 ».Du 1er février au 16 mars, 16 spéléologues originaires de Belgique, France, Suisse, Angleterre, Danemark, Allemagne et canada, ont exploré le sous-sol des Monts Nakanaï pour continuer les explorations entamées lors de précédentes expéditions dans cette région équatoriale peu explorée à ce jour.Durant ces deux mois et demi, perdus dans la forêt équatoriale à travers laquelle les déplacements en surface présentent déjà d’énormes difficultés, nos spéléologues ont exploré plus de 10 kilomètres de galeries dont 9465 mètres ont été topographiés. Sous terre, ils ont dû franchir de nombreux siphons : 16 au total représentant une longueur cumulée noyée de plus de 1200 mètres. Au-delà de ces siphons, ils ont explorés plus de 2800 mètres de galeries.Ces chiffres impressionnants sont à la mesure des dimensions des gouffres de Papouasie aux dolines et galeries gigantesques.Dans un premier gouffre nommé « Arcturus », le troisième siphon vers l’aval, situé à 445 mètres de profondeur, n’a pas pu être franchi bien que les plongeurs y aient progressé de 192 mètres avec descente jusqu’à – ...