"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

COVID-19 Resources for Show Caves

09. March 2020 Wuest Brad

COVID-19 resources and information to help your show cave.

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PF 2020

20. December 2019 Gazik Peter

Season's Greetings and all the best for the New Year 2020

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CAVES AND SUBTERRANEAN WORLD

03. June 2019 Gazik Peter

Show caves around the world will celebrate the day with special events, tours, and educational activities promoting environmental awareness and conservation, both in classrooms and at their respective caves. From lectures with some of the speleology world’s top experts to local caving and conservation organizations speaking to the importance of exploring, studying, protecting and preserving our caves and karst landscapes.

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Two articles on lampenflora

11. February 2019 Gazik Peter

We received two new articles on lampenflora from our member Alexander Chrapko. One shorter - Lampenflora - What you need to know and one more detailed - Lampenflora in show caves. You can find them in our Resources section or link from the headline of this news.

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

19. December 2018 Gazik Peter

Dear show cave friends - wishing you all the best for the New Year.

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8th ISCA Congress - Frasassi Italy - CALL FOR PAPERS

20. August 2018 Wuest Brad

The Congress organizers are calling for papers to be presented orally or as posters at the 8th International Show Caves Association’s Congress. Papers should align with the theme of the Congress, “Innovation in Show Cave Management” and/or subjects of particular interest to show cave managers. See the details.

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Kungur Ice Cave - An invitation

04. July 2018 Kadebskaya Olga

"Pearl" of Russia. The current 2018 became significant for Russia. Holding the FIFA World Cup positively influenced economy of many regions of our country. Eleven cities of the Russian Federation accepting athletes and fans from around the world. Majority of them want not only to visit football matches, but also to get acquainted with nearby sights. Doesn't stand aside, the mislaid in Perm Krai, small and cosy city Kungur and the well-known Kungur Ice cave. Located in 300 km from Yekaterinburg, the city Kungur joined the cities-participants of the World Cup. From it tourists go to the Ice cave, having brought so various geography in visits statistics. It is possible indefinitely to list the countries residents which visited for these days the kingdom of eternal winter: Mexico, Peru, Australia, Spain, Lebanon, Brazil, China, USA, India, Denmark, Netherlands, Portugal, France … Foreign tourists and citizens of Russia, having visited the Kungur ice cave, often can't express that delight which covers them after the excursion on the fantastic underground world. What is surprising and unique in the Kungur Ice cave? In what it is one and only? First, in variety of forms of ice which are presented in the cave in more than 100 kinds. Secondly, an availability of long-term ices, which age is several hundreds of years, in spite of the fact that the cave is on an insignificant elevation mark. Thirdly, the cave length, it takes the fifth place on extent among caves of a plaster karst. Fourthly, there are several long and volume grottoes, that isn't characteristic of plaster caves. Fifthly, exotic contrast, during the summer period, from a heat in + 30 degrees outside to the subzero temperature of underground halls. This list of factors which characterize fantastic space can be listed infinitely, but as the popular Russian wisdom says "A picture is worth a thousand words". Welcome to the Kungur Ice cave!!! Ekaterina Noskova

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ISO Commission on Karst

05. June 2018 Wuest Brad

We need to inform you that ISO voted in favor of creating the commission on karst. There is 1 more vote coming up on 23 June where ISO will decide if they want to change the proposal as they create a karst standardization committee. This is likely the last chance to deal with the matter. See the attached document on voting.

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