For the preservation of sensitive cave ecosystems, European funds are also available

Ljubljana – The European Union will support a project worth 5.4 million euros with three million euros, aimed at reducing the negative impacts of visiting and viewing underground caves. At the same time, the project aims to improve visitor safety and raise awareness of their uniqueness and vulnerability, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning announced.

Caves are a sensitive habitat type, home to many endemic species of animals, including the human fish and the cave salamander. They are also a key habitat for numerous European endangered bat species, the ministry explained, reminding that both are protected by the Natura 2000 network.

Visiting and viewing caves causes changes in microclimate, increases temperature and carbon dioxide concentration, which can harm cave formations and ecosystems. Artificial lighting, meanwhile, accelerates algae growth, negatively affecting the underground habitat and altering the natural balance, they warned. The existing cave infrastructure is often dilapidated, which also endangers visitor safety. The project aims to better protect sensitive cave ecosystems.

In Slovenia, there are 14,849 registered caves, of which only 22 are organized for tourist visits and equipped with cave infrastructure according to the law on the protection of underground caves. The project includes 12 caves, which means a good half of all tourist caves. (August 13)