As part of the International Day of Caves and Karst proclaimed by UNESCO, CIRS ETS - Hyblean Center of Speleo-Hydrogeological Research, is organizing the fourth edition of Man and Karst in Sicily.

The event will take place from September 13 to 19, 2026, in the magical natural setting of the Vendicari Special Fauna Oasis Nature Reserve, in the far southeastern corner of Sicily. This magical natural location founded in March 1984 to allow birds to call in and nest and to permit conservation of the psammo-holophilous and Mediterranean vegetation, the reserve is the southeastern tip of Sicily in a vast area particularly characterized by a complex system of coastal marshes. It has a surface of 1235.7 hectares, 521.3 of which in Zone A and 714.4 in Zone B.

It lies in the territory of the Commune of Noto, in Syrecuse province.

The area has also been included among “Wetlands of international importance”, has been identified as Site of Community Interest (SCI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) and belongs to the important Bird Area (IBA) of the Vendicari Marshes and Capo Passero.

In this fascinating natural scenery, Man and Karst 2026 in Sicily, like previous editions, aims to contribute to the understanding, promotion, and protection of karst landscapes and caves, including their ecosystems and cultural heritage. This effort supports scientific research, not just as an end in itself, but for the benefit of the entire community.

The event represents a unique opportunity to share knowledge and experiences, promote the conservation and sustainable management of these unique environments, and raise public awareness about the importance of preserving our natural and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, Man and Karst 2026 provides an occasion to reflect on the challenges and opportunities related to the management of karst landscapes and caves, and to identify strategies and concrete actions to protect and enhance these natural and cultural treasures.

VENUE AND TIME

The event will be held from September 13 to 19, 2026 at the Casa Cittadella and Marianelli facilities, inside the Natural Reserve of Vendicari, the latter being a Center for the Conservation of Agricultural and Forestry Germplasm.

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM AND CIRCULAR

First Circular: Click here to download the first circular and complete program of Man and Karst 2026

Registration Form: Click here to download the registration form of Man and Karst 2026

ACCOMODATIONS INFO

Map location of accomodations – Click here

FOOD INFO & DISCOUNT

Food locations – Click here

TRANSFER

Bus Transfer – Click here

MAIN ORGANIZERS

  • C.I.R.S. – Centro Ibleo di Ricerche Speleo-Idrogeologiche, Ragusa, Italy

  • Assessorato dell’agricoltura, dello sviluppo rurale e della pesca mediterranea

    Dipartimento dello Sviluppo Rurale e Territoriale – Servizio 16 Siracusa

  • Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Catania

  • Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geoambientali, Università di Bari Aldo Moro

  • DIGE – Dipartimento di Matematica, Informatica e Geoscienze, Università di Trieste

  • Dipartimento MIFT, Università di Messina

  • Department of Earth Science, University of Benghazi

  • Ordine Regionale Geologi di Sicilia

  • UNESCO Chair on Karst Education, Vipava, Slovenia

  • ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute, Postojna, Slovenia

  • TETIDE APS, Italy

  • Gruppo Grotte Cacyparis

  • Ente Fauna Siciliana

TOPICS OF THE CONFERENCE

  • Karst geomorphology

  • Karst hydrogeology and water protection

  • Speleology and Caves conservation

  • Archeology and paleontology in karst caves

  • Biospeleology and ecology

  • Vulnerability, protection and fruition of karst landscapes and caves

  • Mines and artificial underground structures in karst areas

  • Karst geohazards

  • Caves in volcanic areas

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