Shalva Barjadze

Cave Investigations and Education of Local People for Cave Conservation in the Chiatura and Tskaltubo Districts (Imereti Region, Georgia)

Stalactites and stalagmites in the Tskaltubo Cave.

Stalagmites in the Tskaltubo Cave.

Entrance of Kldistskali Cave.

Town/RegionCountryCategoriesDate
Chiatura
Tskaltubo		GeorgiaCaves, Education, Europe8 Feb 2011

We plan to use springtails as biodiversity indicators of cave-dwelling animals, paleontological remains for reconstruction a picture of cave life as it existed in the past and speleoclimatic investigation in disturbed and undisturbed caves of researched territories make clear the factors which affect the cave biodiversity and block cave conservation actions.

We plan to organize seminars and excursions in Imereti region. During seminars we will give detailed information to the local people about the genesis of the local caves, their microclimatic conditions, biodiversity, paleontological remains existed in the caves and the deplorable results caused by the influence of anthropogenic factors.

During excursions local school pupils will be included in the speleological and speleobiological investigations to provoke interest in the disciplines which are associated with cave research or to learn principles simply for correct management and conservation of cave ecosystem. It should be mentioned that during last decade Georgian young generation has less interest to choose professions associated with cave investigations-such as Geography, Biology and Palaeontology. By fulfilment such educational projects, interest in the above mentioned disciplines will be increased in local school pupils that support to prepare new generation of Georgian speleologists and speleobiologists. This will be guarantee for cave investigation and conservation in the future.

We intend to publish and distribute illustrated booklets for local people about the caves microclimatic conditions, cave living animals, organic remains and threats caused by anthropogenic factors to provoke their interest in participation the cave protecting activities.

For further information contact shalva1980@yahoo.com

Project Update: February 2012

Seminars about speleogenesis of Georgian caves, biospeleology, palaeobiology, and the necessity for local cave conservation were conducted for public school pupils in the villages of Darkveti, Sveri and Zodi (Chiatura, Imereti region). During three organized excursions, 15 pupils from each school visited Khvedelidzeebisklde, Taroklde, Samertskhleklde, Kotiasklde and Kudurebisklde caves. Speleological, speleobiological and palaeontological investigation methods were demonstrated and pupils were encouraged to contribute to the investigations. During the excursions the hitherto unknown Kldistskali Cave was discovered and a preliminary survey was undertaken. Three collembolan species: Folsomia ksenemani, Metaphorura affinis and Protaphorura sakatoi, were recorded for the first time in Georgia, while Laemostenus suramensis (Carabidae) and Leptothorax acervorum (Formicidae) - for the first time from the caves. Palynological data of the caves modern sediments completely reflect peculiarities of the existed environmental conditions that will be of great significance to future studies of ancient cultural or natural layers preserved in the caves.


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