Held in Bihać: “Man and Karst 2025” and International Symposium “ALKADI 2025″/

From June 23 to 25, 2025, the city of Bihać (Bosnia and Herzegovina) hosted two important scientific events – the national symposium “Man and Karst 2025” and the international symposium “ALKADI 2025”, which took place simultaneously and brought together numerous experts, scientists, and enthusiasts in the field of speleology and karst research.

“Man and Karst” – Over Two Decades of Tradition

The “Man and Karst” symposium has been bringing together speleologists, researchers, and scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region for more than 20 years. It is the most significant professional gathering in the country dedicated to karst, its natural and cultural values, and sustainable management of these unique environments.

ALKADI – An International Perspective on Karst

At the same time, the 11th ALKADI (Alps-Carpathians-Dinarides) international symposium was held, focusing on the history of cave and karst research across the Alps, Carpathians, and Dinarides. ALKADI gathers a global community of researchers who, through historical and interdisciplinary approaches, shed light on the development of speleological science and the protection of karst areas.

Presentation of Speleon – The Center for Subterranean Heritage

Among the participants were also representatives of the Public Institution Barać Caves, who presented the Speleon – Center for Subterranean Heritage project. The lecture was delivered by the institution’s Head Ranger, Slaven Vuković, who emphasized the importance of protecting underground ecosystems and introduced innovative approaches to karst interpretation and education. Speleon was presented as a successful example of collaboration between science, public administration, and the local community.

These symposia once again highlighted the importance of international and interdisciplinary cooperation in understanding and preserving karst systems, which represent invaluable natural and cultural heritage.

Photo: Hrvoje Cvitanović