"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.”
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.
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.
ISCA is excited to be a partner in the International Year of Caves & Karst! To celebrate the International Year of Caves & Karst, show caves around the world are organizing special events, festivals, educational opportunities, and other public relations and marketing efforts to create more awareness about why caves and karst landscapes are so important.
» more informationDownload and find details about some of the most exciting events.
» more informationSending all our members Season's greetings and new energy and life in the next 2021 IYCK New Year!
» more informationData Confirms Financial Devastation of Show Caves Industry Around the World
» more informationA team of international scholars led by Iowa State University researcher Diana Thatcher published an article on "Linking the karst record to atmospheric, precipitation, and vegetation dynamics in Portugal"
» more informationLinking the karst record to atmospheric, precipitation, and vegetation dynamics in Portugal. An article by Diana L. Thatcher, Alan D. Wanamaker, Rhawn F. Denniston, Caroline C. Ummenhofer, Frederico T. Regala, NunoJorge, Jonathan Haws, Alaina Chormann and David P. Gillikin.
» more informationISCA conducted a survey in the summer of 2020 for the following purposes: 1. Establish the significance of the show cave industry worldwide and share how show caves contribute to the global economy. 2. Find out how the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted show caves, our employees, the economy, and our mission. 3. We also identified protocols show caves are using to keep employees and visitors healthy and safe during the pandemic.
» more informationHere is a new ISCA newsletter for those of you who love the underground. We hope you enjoy its reading as much as we enjoyed editing it. Thanks to everyone who contributed and feel free to share your future contents with us in order to appear in the next issue. Contact: juanjotiscar@i-s-c-a.org
» more information
