Caving Impacts on Cave Microbial Diversity: Case Study of Morca Cave, Turkey

Some microorganisms identified in cave ecosystems have been reported to play a permanent and significant role for maintaininglife in such environments. Human entrance into caves can induce some changes on cave physic-ochemical parameters which altimately affects the living organisms. In this regard, for the first time, Morca Cave was explored to evaluate the impacts that human activities may have on the microbial diversity of the cave in a limited period of time. During this expedition at a depth of 1040 m, a camp was established for four days. Before the installation and at the end of the camp, sediments and surface samples were taken from different points of the camp area and the area around it. Sequencing of 16s rRNA of each sample was performed using the next generation sequencing method. The profile of the microbial diversity before the camping reaveled that Thermoplasmata dominated the archaea group and Gamma- and Alpha-proteobacteria were the most dominant bacterial group. After the camp, a decrease in the microbial diversity especially the previously mentioned classes strains is observed at the most of the sampled areas. The results also showed that Bacilli strains significantly increased after the camp and increase of Bacteroidia strains is observed at the most active sampled areas. This present study therefore highlights how microbial diversity inside a closed cave can respond to the human activities within a short period. Furthermore, it may constitute a solid basis to support efforts targeted at improving technics for cave management and expedition for the conservation of cave nature.

Applying the Values of Geoethics for Sustainable Speleotourism Development

<p>Establishing sustainable and responsible speleotourism development is a major challenge and involves complex activities. Adequate theoretical starting point is the application of geoethical values related to the conservation and protection of the caves to be used for touristic purposes. Positive and negative cases of human behaviors towards speleological geoheritage are discussed, in order to highlight what should be done in cave management to avoid malpractices and on what elements could be founded adequate strategies aimed at promoting sustainable speleotourism. This is important to tourism management organizations involved in the promotion of caves and in creating economic opportunities for local populations, while respecting cave ecosystems. Modern cave management must be focused on the protection of the cave ecosystems, finding ways to achieve at the same time an economic development of local communities. But this approach needs the adoption of a geoethical framework of values to be shared by all stakeholders involved so that successful cooperation can be achieved despite differences in interests and expectations. The aim of this paper is to raise the awareness about the need to apply the values of geoethics to speleotourism, stimulating new fields of discussion within the scientific and technical communities involved in studies and activities related to geotourism and geoheritage. The possibilities of developing new ways to manage caves, in order to promote a sustainable socio-economic development of local communities, have to be balanced with the protection of natural environments as much as possible. The proposed theoretical frameworks have the goal to increase the discussion on the best ways of connecting speleotourism to sustainable and responsible cave management, presenting two case studies, and pointing out potential solutions.</p>

Microhabitat selection of a Sicilian subterranean woodlouse and its implications for cave management

Human activities in subterranean environments can affect different ecosystem components, including the resident fauna. Subterranean terrestrial invertebrates are particularly sensitive to environmental change, especially microclimatic variations. For instance, microclimate modifications caused by the visitors may directly affect local fauna in caves opened to the public. However, since numerous factors act synergistically in modulating the distribution and abundance of subterranean species, it remains challenging to differentiate the impact of human intervention from that of other factors. Therefore, evidence of the impact of tourism on cave invertebrate fauna remains scarce. Over a year and with approximately two visits a month, we investigated the effects of the presence of visitors on the subterranean endemic woodlouse Armadillidium lagrecai in the strict natural reserve of Monello Cave (Sicily, Italy). We found that natural microclimatic fluctuations, and not direct human disturbance, were the main factors driving the distribution of A. lagrecai. Specifically, A. lagrecai select for more climatically stable areas of the cave, where the temperature was constantly warm and the relative humidity close to saturation. We also observed a significant temporal effect, with a greater abundance of A. lagrecai in summer and a gradual decrease during the winter months. The number of visitors in the Monello Cave had no effect on the abundance and distribution of A. lagrecai. However, considering the high sensitivity of the species to microclimatic variations, it seems likely that a significant increase in the number of visitors to the cave could indirectly affect this species by altering local microclimate. Constant monitoring of the environmental parameters within the cave is therefore recommended.

Show cave websites in Serbia: Evaluation and potential improvements

Show caves and speleotourism can have a major impact on the tourism industry as well as the local and regional economic development. Promotion is a crucial aspect of generating plans and strategies for tourist caves. In the case of speleotourism, promotion needs to be professional, attractive and continuous because caves are often considered to be dangerous and inaccessible places. The main goal of this paper is to determine the quality of official show cave websites in Serbia. The assessment included the application of modified Website evaluation model. Website design techniques were also assessed, including the performance and the degree of optimization for search engines SEO. The results show extreme deficiencies and weaknesses regarding the level of internet promotion of Serbian show (tourist) caves. These results are of great importance for cave management teams and tourist organizations because they point out the negative factors of cave promotion in Serbia that need to be revised.

Pengelolaan Gua Cerme Sebagai Daya Tarik Wisata Berkelanjutan

Cerme Cave is one of the objects of special interest tourist attraction which is used as one of the non-coastal tourism development projects by the dinas pariwisata kabupaten Bantul. This is done so that the distribution of tourists who visit, can be distributed evenly across all attractions in the Bantul regency. The decline in the level of tourist visits, limited attractions, and double levies has become an obstacle to the development of the Cerme Cave attraction, so a number of recommendations are needed to overcome and make these attractions sustainable. The research model used is qualitative through exploratory studies. The results showed that the problems that arose in these attractions include, dualism of management, the number of tourists being a priority, community participation is still low, lack of knowledge about tourism management in accordance with sustainable tourism management guidelines, do not have the intended target market, and marketing and limited promotions. Special interest tourism management strategies, including the targeted tourism segments must be clear, adequate human resource readiness in quality and quantity, facility development and accessibility in accordance with the landscape and tourist needs, promotions in accordance with the theme of tourist attraction attractions, so that the development strategy of Cerme Cave can be implemented optimally. Keywords: sustainable tourism, cerme cave, management.

Applying the Values of Geoethics for Sustainable Speleotourism Development

Establishing sustainable and responsible speleotourism development is a major challenge and involves complex activities. Adequate theoretical starting point is the application of geoethical values related to the conservation and protection of the caves to be used for touristic purposes. Positive and negative cases of human behaviors towards speleological geoheritage are discussed, in order to highlight what should be done in cave management to avoid malpractices and on what elements could be founded adequate strategies aimed at promoting sustainable speleotourism. This is important to tourism management organizations involved in the promotion of caves and in creating economic opportunities for local populations, while respecting cave ecosystems. Modern cave management must be focused on the protection of the cave ecosystems, finding ways to achieve at the same time an economic development of local communities. But this approach needs the adoption of a geoethical framework of values to be shared by all stakeholders involved so that successful cooperation can be achieved despite differences in interests and expectations. The aim of this paper is to raise the awareness about the need to apply the values of geoethics to speleotourism, stimulating new fields of discussion within the scientific and technical communities involved in studies and activities related to geotourism and geoheritage. The possibilities of developing new ways to manage caves, in order to promote a sustainable socio-economic development of local communities, have to be balanced with the protection of natural environments as much as possible. The proposed theoretical frameworks have the goal to increase the discussion on the best ways of connecting speleotourism to sustainable and responsible cave management, presenting two case studies, and pointing out potential solutions.

The Magura cave in north-western Bulgaria: Exploring visitation and speleotourism potential

Speleotourism implies visiting caves and respecting geomorphological values. A visit to the caves must include certain rules of conduct and implementation of geoethical values to achieve sustainable speleotourism development. This paper investigates the tourist traffic of an authentic cave in northwestern Bulgaria, the Magura Cave, which is a speleological object with exceptional potential for the development of speleotourism. The explored cave includes unique examples of cave paintings and imposing historical values. The research methodology mainly included descriptive analysis of data obtained by the administrative staff of the Municipality of Belogradchik. The data of tourist visits are presented in tables and graphs. The research results indicate the current state and potential prospects for the development of speleotourism in the Magura Cave. Moreover, the paper presents measures for more effective development of speleotourism, which are of special importance for organizational and cave management structures.

Speleoclimate Monitoring to Assess Cave Tourism Capacity in Gelatik Cave, Gunungsewu Geopark, Indonesia

Increased of the number of visitor at Gelatik Cave is a challenge in terms of cave management. In natural conditions, Caves are vulnerable with environmental changes especially microclimates condition. The change of microclimate inside the cave can destruct cave ornaments.Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the cave carrying capacity with microclimates as the main parameter. This research aims to (1) explore the daily variation of speleoclimate in Gelatik Cave Tourism and (2) analyze the cave tourism capacity in Gelatik Cave. Microclimate parameter that was measured in this research was temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide inside the cave. Measurement of microlimate parameter was carried out automatically for 24 hours during peak season in December 2017 and low season in May 2018. Cave tourism capacity was measured using Lobo method (Lobo, 2015). The results showed that temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide in the Gelatik Cave varry due to tourism activities. The most sensitive parameter is the carbon dioxide concentration inside the cave. The maximum of tourists allowed to visit Gelatik Cave is 76 visitors/ day during holidays and working days. Meanwhile, the maximum time of stay accepted for a particular area inside Gelatik Cave is 17 minutes 10 seconds during weekdays and 12 minutes 53 seconds during the holiday season.