The translated and enlarged version of the official banner alluding to the International Year of Caves and Karst 2021 (IYCK 2021) was installed in Conservation Units of the karst of Lagoa Santa and Cordisburgo. The material was also suitable for dissemination in social networks.
Piece developed for the dissemination of IYCK 2021 on social networks.
By: Fred Lott
Speleological Observatory
Original note for the Brazilian Speleological Society journal - SBE Notícias n°418.
The Speleological Observatory (SO) has been developing activities to promote the International Year of Caves and Karst 2021 (IYCK 2021). Among other actions, the official banner of the world campaign that is being organized by the International Union of Speleology (UIS - Union Internationale de Spéléologie) was translated and adapted.
With the slogan "explore, know and protect", the IYCK 2021 campaign is endorsed by the Brazilian Speleological Society, which has also been engaged in publicizing the action, inviting its members and the community in general to develop regional actions of environmental awareness and dissemination of the importance and fragility of karst environments, especially for the lay population residing in these areas.
For educational reasons, the photographs in the original material were replaced by others of Brazilian caves and scenarios with local karst landscapes, such as the dolines located in the municipality of Pedro Leopoldo/MG, the karst lakes and limestone walls located in Mocambeiro, a district of Matozinhos/MG located in a rural area. The importance of the region is notorious as it falls within the limits of the Federal Environmental Preservation Karste Area of Lagoa Santa and is one of the 25 Brazilian wetlands of international importance, characterized as a RAMSAR LundWarming site.
Doline in Pedro Leopoldo/MG.
Doline with garbage, Pedro Leopoldo/MG.
Karstic Lagoon and RAMSAR Site in Matozinhos/MG.
In this translation, content about karst and speleology was included, in addition to guidelines for those who intend to practice speleology to contact the Brazilian Speleological Society or the Speleological Observatory. With this, those interested in speleology can be oriented on how to practice it safely, as well as being directed to the groups or institutions that best fit their profile.
The action was carried out with the unconditional support always provided by the Managers of the Conservation Units under the responsibility of the Minas Gerais State Forest Institute. Four sites that house a total of two State Parks and seven State Natural Monuments were contemplated by this action of the SO, which donated and installed the material.
On March 13 the banners were installed in the State Natural Monument of Gruta Rei do Mato, located in Sete Lagoas/MG, whose main attraction is the cave of the same name, as well as in the State Natural Monument of Peter Lund, in Cordisburgo/MG, which has the Maquiné Cave.
Installation of the banner at the State Natural Monument Gruta Rei do Mato.
Installation of the banner at the State Natural Monument of Peter Lund.
On March 16 the banners were installed at the Cerca Grande State Park, located in Matozinhos/MG, a municipality that is home to the State Natural Monuments Experiência da Jaguara, Vargem da Pedra and Santo Antônio, as well as the Sumidouro State Park, located in the municipalities of Lagoa Santa/MG and Pedro Leopoldo/MG, where the Lapinha Cave, an important tourist destination, is located.
Installation of the banner at the State Park of Sumidouro.
Installation of the banner at the State of Cerca Grande and State Natural Monument of Mocambeiro.
Although these UCs are going through difficult times as a result of the closure of tourist activities given the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we believe it is appropriate to start the campaign, either to inform their employees or so that the environment is prepared for the reopening.
As for the material suitable for use in social networks, they can be accessed directly on the Instagram of the Speleological Observatory @observatorioespeleologico or requested via our WhatsApp +55 31 9 9546-8446.
Pieces developed for the dissemination of IYCK 2021 on social networks.
It is important to consider that this initiative supports and disseminates the good practices proposed by the International Union of Speleology, and that each action taken strengthens this worldwide wave of karst and cave protection.
Original note for the Brazilian Speleological Society journal - SBE Notícias n°418.