Abstract
Recent years paved the way for progress focused on maximising the financial and political profits, leading in consequence to a social and economic crisis and environmental disasters. In response to those negative impacts, the concept of sustainable development appeared, understood as the need to improve life quality at the same time retaining social balance, bio-diversity of species and the variety of natural resources.
A society that is active and has a full awareness of those issues will play a major role in sustainable development. On one hand, it will control the impacts the economy has on the environment, whilst on the other, the condition of the social capital guarantees the continuity of the progress envision and planning of its implementation.
Protection of old underground sites is in line with the principles of sustainable development. Well preserved underground sites opened to visitors are a part of the cultural heritage, ensuring that historic, cultural , natural and utility values are maintained. Recently a great deal of attention has been given to revival and revitalisation of old historical underground sites and giving them a new function. Revitalisation and preservation of old abandoned excavations is a most complicated process aimed at restoring the functional utility of abandoned or disused infrastructure.
Practical design should envision activities well in line with natural processes. Underground sites being preserved and adapted have to be visitor - friendly and acceptable, being a vital component of cultural heritage viewed in the context of sustainable development. Engineering problems involve not only the practical application of science, but also the way the world is defined. That is why the social and even spiritual aspects of revitalisation projects are recalled: recreation of human interactions with the nature and with the entire surroundings.
Underground tourist routes should be harmonised with land development in the area and the residence patterns that have emerged over centuries. Well - preserved and protected excavations are the relics of the past, are part of the cultural heritage and become a rich source of knowledge about history.
