"Our world’s caves are places of wonder, mystery and majestic beauty. Show caves around the world are embracing their role in protecting and preserving caves and providing a place for people to learn about these special, natural, cultural and historical resources.

Show caves also play another important nature tourism role of sustainable economic development, providing jobs, and helping the economy of their regions.”

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The International Show Caves Association (I.S.C.A.) was founded in November 1990 and set up its central office in Genga, Italy. After the first Consitutent Assembly held in Frasassi (Genga Ancona, Italy) in November 1989, important events have contributed to the development and consolidation of the association.

Definition of a show cave

A show cave is defined as a natural occurring void beneath the surface of the earth that has been made accessible to the public for tours.

News

The Obligations and Responsibilities of a Show Cave

17. June 2014 Summers David

See an address given by David Summers, president of the International Show Caves Association to the International conference devoted to the 100th Anniversary of Kungur Ice Cave Perm Region, Russia 27th May 2014

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ISCA 7th Congress - New Call for papers

02. June 2014 Spate Andy

A new call for papers was just published by the organizers. To download, follow the link "More information" after clicking the headline.

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CALL FOR THE II° INTERNATIONAL AWARD ALFONSO XII TO THE EXCELLENCE IN THE UNDERGROUND WORLD

29. May 2014 Rodríguez Rafael Pagés

The Spanish Show Caves Association (ACTE), in collaboration with the International Show Caves Association (ISCA), the Ibero-American Association of Show Caves (ACTIBA), Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME), European Federation of Speleology, Spanish Federation of Speleology, and Secretary of State for Tourism, Government of Spain, announces the II° Alfonso XII Award. This award has an open character and is intended to recognize the work relevant to the underground world. Among the various nominations in its first edition, this award was given to the Government of Cantabria, in recognition of the work done for the preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of cultural and natural heritage, which led in 2008 to the Declaration in the World Heritage- UNESCO the caves of the Cantabrian coast with prehistoric art The award ceremony will take place within the Ist Ibero-American Congress and V° Spanish Congress on Show Caves, CUEVATUR 2014, which will be held on 2 and 4 October 2014 in Aracena (Huelva).

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CUEVATOUR 2014 ARACENA, SPAIN

04. April 2014 Summers David

CUEVATUR has been a place of exchange of experiences and knowledge for the show cave's managers and experts. It has been a point of reference for the fitting of new caves for a tourist use, because the most important specialists at show caves and mines meet up in CUEVATUR. After the creation of ACTIBA (Ibero-American Show Caves Association), and coinciding with the centenary of the first tourist visit to Gruta de las Maravillas, Aracena will host the 1st Ibero-American Congress on Show Caves, during which the ACTIBA's General Assembly will take place.

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ISCA 7th Congress - Preliminary Congress Registration Form

04. April 2014 Cove Dan

Please use this form to provide details and indicate your interest in attending this Congress and what additional options (e.g. pre and post Congress trips) you are considering attending. The final Registration form will be available in May of 2014. See the last document to download.

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New resource on Isturitz Cave

04. April 2014 Darricau Joëlle

The Cave of Isturitz (West Pyrenees, France): One Century of Research in Paleolithic Parietal Art. The cave of Isturitz is one of the most important archaeological sites of the prehistory of Western Europe. Human occupations followed each other in the cavity from at least the Middle Paleolithic to the Roman age.

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International Conference: Integrated Use and Protection of Underground Spaces - Kungur, Russia - extended deadline

28. March 2014 Kadebskaya Olga

From 26 to 31 May 2014 in view of the 100th anniversary of tourism and research activities in Kungur Ice Cave and V.S. Lukin's 100th birthday anniversary, Stalagmit-Excurs Ltd., Mining Institute of Ural branch of RAS and Perm State National Research University arrange an international research-to-practice conference, the purpose of which is to discuss the problems of scientific study and exploitation of underground spaces, management, tourism and recreation in the karst areas.

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Contributions to Brazilian Journal

24. March 2014 Gazik Peter

We were asked to publish an offer to participate in publishing in the journal: "Jornada Espeleo Vigesiana do EPA". The original text in in Portugese.

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