Cave Conservation and Restoration: Workshops Around the Globe
Session Type
Technical Sessions: Conservation Tools
Start Date
18-8-2020 12:00 PM
Description
Val Hildreth-Werker, National Speleological Society, Jim C. Werker, Conservation Division Chief, National Speleological Society
Abstract
We will introduce philosophies and methods of current best practices in cave restoration with an overview of international workshops. Coordinating through an individual or team in the host country, we structure class-room sessions and in-cave activities from science-based techniques described in peer-reviewed chapters of the volume titled, Cave Conservation and Restoration. Class-room discussions and practical activities focus workshop students to identify, analyze, and mitigate negative anthropogenic cave impacts. Following impact assessment exercises, teams gain hands-on experience in restoring natural cave surfaces, sediments, and speleothems harmed by development, infrastructure, and tourism in show caves. Some workshop-groups mitigate the results of untutored visitation in wild caves. Each workshop design is appropriate to the needs of the cave site. Guided by the principle of do no harm, we explore methods for assessing and removing contemporary graffiti while identifying and protecting cultural and historic markings; introduce techniques and tools for repairing broken speleothems using archival, cave-safe materials and epoxies; emphasize practices to prevent cross-contamination; and encourage minimum-impact caving ethics. With opportunities for in-depth analysis, application of principles, and fine-tuning of skills, workshop participants practice decisions in sustainable cave conservation management.
Recommended Citation
Hildreth-Werker,, Val Presenter, "Cave Conservation and Restoration: Workshops Around the Globe" (2020). Conservation of Fragile Karst Resources Proceedings. 8.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/con_karst_res_proc/con_karst_pro_2020/day_one/8
Cave Conservation and Restoration: Workshops Around the Globe
Val Hildreth-Werker, National Speleological Society, Jim C. Werker, Conservation Division Chief, National Speleological Society
Abstract
We will introduce philosophies and methods of current best practices in cave restoration with an overview of international workshops. Coordinating through an individual or team in the host country, we structure class-room sessions and in-cave activities from science-based techniques described in peer-reviewed chapters of the volume titled, Cave Conservation and Restoration. Class-room discussions and practical activities focus workshop students to identify, analyze, and mitigate negative anthropogenic cave impacts. Following impact assessment exercises, teams gain hands-on experience in restoring natural cave surfaces, sediments, and speleothems harmed by development, infrastructure, and tourism in show caves. Some workshop-groups mitigate the results of untutored visitation in wild caves. Each workshop design is appropriate to the needs of the cave site. Guided by the principle of do no harm, we explore methods for assessing and removing contemporary graffiti while identifying and protecting cultural and historic markings; introduce techniques and tools for repairing broken speleothems using archival, cave-safe materials and epoxies; emphasize practices to prevent cross-contamination; and encourage minimum-impact caving ethics. With opportunities for in-depth analysis, application of principles, and fine-tuning of skills, workshop participants practice decisions in sustainable cave conservation management.
Comments
This presentation was part of the Technical Sessions on Conservation Tools. Presentation topics ranged from cave conservation techniques, environmental education, community engagement, resource protection assessment, and scientific and cultural research from across the globe. Formats vary from traditional PowerPoints to films to story maps and informal interviews.