The ISSKA is a foundation recognized as a non-profit public utility. Its main objective is to promote knowledge of the karstic environment. Its activities are supported by four main axes: • The study of the karstic environment and these peculiarities through scientific research projects; • Support to administrations and design offices to take this environment into account in applied projects; • Documentation, protection and remediation of the karst heritage • Outreach,
education and outreach to the general public. Being a center of expertise, unique in Switzerland, in the fields of speleology, the underground world and karstology, using the best specialists. Collaboration with administrations by providing them with information relevant to the treatment of problems related to the underground environment (scientific research, protection, documentation). To stimulate , guide and highlight the work done by speleologists, to make it more easily accessible to all potential stakeholders (administrations, universities, private, schools, general public). The ISSKA is not only at the service of speleologists but also of administration, Design offices, engineers, water
trade unions, Geologists and ecologists, Academic circles, schools and The general public, etc. In August 1997, at La Chaux-de-Fonds, the world congress of speleology was a resounding success. With 1650 participants and nearly 500 scientific papers, it was the largest speleological event ever held in the world. A not insignificant part of this success is linked to the excellent reputation of Swiss speleologists on an international scale. This is particularly true in the areas of underground topography, archiving, inventories and scientific observations. Members of the Swiss Society of Speleology (SSS) observe, document and archive everything concerning the caves of our country. Prior to the creation of the ISSKA, this research was carried out entirely on a voluntary basis and could not be based on any formal professional structure. As a result, the many pieces of information gathered by the SSS were generally ignored and under-exploited, both by administrations, academic circles, private offices and the general public. The ISSKA was born to establish a link between speleologists and these environments. The SSS has become aware of the public utility role it can and must fulfill in all matters relating to the underground environment (science, documentation, security, protection, education, etc.). By creating the Swiss Institute of Speleology and Karstology (ISSKA), the SSS has been able to achieve this objective by putting its knowledge and skills at the service of the authorities and the public.
Last Updated on: Nov 25, 2024