Karst is a distinctive landscape formed by the dissolution of carbonate rocks, such as limestone and dolomite, by water. Its key features include caves, dolines (sinkholes), ponors, and underground river systems. Karst ecosystems, particularly their subterranean components, exhibit remarkable biodiversity and fulfill crucial ecological roles, yet they are often overlooked in global conservation efforts. According to UNESCO and the World Karst Aquifer Mapping (WOKAM) initiative, karst areas are projected to cover about 15% of the global landmass, or approximately 22 million km², with 35% located in tropical and subtropical regions like Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and East Africa. Tropical karst vegetation includes dry karst forests and species that thrive in rocky soils, demonstrating unique adaptations to extreme conditions.
Karst systems are home to thousands of specialized species, including troglobites and stygobites. It is estimated that over 50,000 underground species exist globally, with a significant portion found in karst areas. These species are highly vulnerable to habitat disturbance, groundwater pollution, and environmental changes. Additionally, they hold substantial scientific value in fields such as bioindicators and biotechnology. Approximately 1.2 billion people, or 15% of the global population, rely on karst aquifers for drinking water and agriculture, especially in Eastern Europe, Southern China, Indonesia, and the Caribbean. However, over 45% of global karst water systems are heavily impacted by pollution and land-use changes.
The pressures on karst ecosystems are increasing due to limestone mining for cement, unmanaged tourism, and habitat fragmentation. The Global Cement and Concrete Association reports that the cement industry contributes approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, primarily sourcing raw materials from karst regions, leading to ecosystem degradation. Despite scientific evidence highlighting the importance of karst ecosystems, global conservation policies, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022), have not prioritized these systems. Existing national conservation plans tend to focus more on forests and wetlands, leaving karst ecosystems underrepresented.
To address this gap, the conference titled “Karst and the Global Biodiversity Agenda: The Imperative of Protecting Subterranean Landscapes” aims to unite researchers, policymakers, and local communities to share data and develop comprehensive protection strategies. Protecting karst landscapes is essential for preserving biodiversity, ensuring clean water sustainability, and safeguarding unique natural heritage. It is crucial to elevate the role of karst ecosystems within global conservation policies.
Sub-themes:
- Genetic diversity
- Diversity of species
- Diversity of ecosystems
- Ethnobiology
- Life Science and Technology
Place: Online Via Zoom
Date: November 8, 2025
Time: 08:00 to 12.00 (Jakarta, GMT+7)
Note: All manuscripts relating to the sub-themes can be submitted.