Two important datasets added to the database

Two important datasets added to the database

  Dear friends, building on strong foundation, the Clean Up The Dark database has recently grown beyond its initial scope. Two important regional datasets have been added: from the Basque Country, 29 documented polluted locations provide a valuable insight into...
ECPC Marks One Year of Action for Cleaner Caves

ECPC Marks One Year of Action for Cleaner Caves

In 2024, the ECPC marked the first World Cleanup Day with a landmark report on cave and karst cleaning across Europe. A year later, that effort continues to grow. across Europe. Cavers and volunteers have cleared many caves of waste and restored fragile underground...
Restoring the Rente-Neuve Pothole

Restoring the Rente-Neuve Pothole

The Rente-Neuve pothole near Couchey, France, was explored and found to connect hydrologically to a local spring 7 km away. Between 1997 and 2013, poachers illegally dumped animal remains into the pit, polluting the cave system. In 2024, speleologists cleaned the...
World Cleanup Day, September 20th

World Cleanup Day, September 20th

On December 8th, 2023 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming September, 20th as World Cleanup Day. Honoring the 2024 World Cleanup Day, the European Cave Protection Commission (ECPC) is publishing an initial report about caves...
European cavers in a joint effort

European cavers in a joint effort

Dear friends, in front of you is the first international register of polluted caves! Although still in its infancy, through open collaboration we want to create an extensive list of endangered underground sites across Europe. As cavers, we are deeply aware of the...