Announcement: Call for Entries

The 2nd UIS International Speleological and Karst Photography Contest

“Invisible Life, Visible Impact”

The UIS Arts and Letters Commission, in collaboration with the UIS Karst and Cave Protection Commission (KCPC) and UIS Biology Commission, is proud to announce the launch of the 2nd International Cave Photography Contest.

This year, we turn our lenses (and our hearts) toward the silent, microscopic, and often overlooked inhabitants of the subterranean world, these Guardians of the Dark. Under the theme of “Invisible Life, Visible Impact”, we invite the international speleological community (cavers, explorers, and researchers) to capture the fragile beauty of cave ecosystems. This contest is for those who understand that a photograph is a visual testimony: the essential bridge between the silent reality of the subterranean world and an audience that may never witness its wonders.

The Concept: Guardians of the Dark

We focus on the most delicate aspect of our underground world: its biological life. Through this contest, we celebrate the ancient inhabitants of the cave -from the Niphargus to complex microbial life- as the true “Guardians of the Dark.” We seek images that reveal this “invisible life” and reflect upon the “visible impact” of our footsteps in their sacred realm.

Bio-Ethical Commitment

We expect all participants to adhere to the highest ethical standards. Photography sessions must be conducted in accordance with local biological cycles, ensuring zero disturbance to bats or other sensitive species during their dormancy or breeding seasons.

Celebration of International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK)

The final stage of this contest will be a highlight of the first official UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst, celebrated in Postojna, Slovenia, from 10-13 September 2026. Selected works will be showcased during this historic event as vital tools for scientific communication.

• Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026
• Final Selection & Review: July – August 2026
• Winners Showcase: 10-13 September 2026 (IDCK – Postojna, Slovenia)
• Organized by: UIS Arts & Letters Commission
• In Collaboration with: “UIS Karst and Cave Protection Commission (KCPC)” and “UIS Biology Commission.”

Technical Requirements:

• Format: High-quality JPG/PNG (Max 50MB).
• Resolution: Minimum 300 dpi; 2000px on the long edge.
• Naming: LastName_Country_Category_Title.jpg
• Originality: No watermarks or signatures are allowed on the image.

For the full list of technical guidelines and to submit your entry, please visit our official portal:

[Link to Official Submission Portal] https://forms.gle/UUEDrNsiQR7HPb7F7

Through your lens, give a voice to the silent guardians and illuminate the hidden soul of the karst.

Dear colleagues, dear friends,

We are glad to inform you that the first Call for speleological events support in 2026 is open! Granted can be international expeditions or other events focused on the exploration, study, or protection of caves and karst, with an emphasis on educational, technical, and/or scientific cooperation.

UIS Bureau especially encourages young cavers and scientists to submit proposals for their projects, and the Bureau will take these submissions into preference consideration.

All requests should contain a description of the proposed event as detailed as you think is important for understanding the aims of your project, the purpose for which the funds will be used, and show explicitly that the proposed event is in line with the Statutes, Internal Regulations, and Code of Ethics of the UIS. Requests that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.

For speleological expeditions, participants must be from at least 3 different countries, one of which is recommended to be the host country where the project will be conducted.

Detailed conditions and more details about speleological events support can be found in Speleological Events Support Guidelines on https://uis-speleo.org/wp-
content/uploads/2020/03/Speleological-Events-Support-Guidelines-Version-2-September-2019.pdf or please, do not hesitate to ask UIS Vice-President of Administration Mario Parise at mario.parise@uniba.it

The deadline for this Call is June 12, 2026.

All requests received till the deadline will be evaluated by the UIS Bureau, and the best projects will be supported. For this Call, the UIS Bureau decided to dedicate a maximum amount of 3000 EUR, meaning that this total amount can be split between all supported projects. All requests received after the deadline will not be accepted, but can be submitted for the next call.

Unlike what is reported in the Speleological Event Support Guidelines, please send all requests to the UIS before the deadline to Adjunct Secretary Marc Mentens at marcbingcacao@gmail.com and Adjunct Secretary Allan Calux at ascalux@gmail.com (in CC).

Before submitting, please ensure that:

1) The proposal and all supporting documents are submitted in a single PDF file.
2) The proposal includes a statement from the applicant(s) that the proposed event meets the Statutes, Internal Regulations, and Code of Ethics of the UIS;
3) The proposal states the amount of funding requested and the purpose for which the funds will be used.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their proposals in mid-July.

Mario Parise
UIS Vice-President of Administration

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the events marking the first celebration of the UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst, to be held in Postojna, Slovenia, from 10 to 13 September 2026.

These events represent the symbolic and official launch of the global observance of the International Day of Caves and Karst, proclaimed by UNESCO in 2025. Please find attached the invitation and the preliminary programme of events, which will be held under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, and under the patronage of UNESCO, with the support and cooperation of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO, Postojna Cave, Škocjan Caves Park, the Municipality of Postojna, the Municipality of Pivka, and the Speleological Association of Slovenia.

For more information and registration for the scientific conference and the official ceremony in Postojna Cave, please visit:

https://izrkp.zrc-sazu.si/en/dogodki/international-day-of-caves-and-karst-idck

Information on registration for the accompanying events, along with their detailed programs, will follow.

We look forward to your participation and to celebrating the beginning of this important global initiative together.

Kind regards,

Nadja Zupan Hajna

on behalf of the Organizing Committee

Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU and International Union of Speleology (UIS)