SAN JOSE, Antique – While caves have the potential to support the economy through tourism, the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) of Antique said this should be done sustainably and non-invasively.
Caves are a source of freshwater crucial in sustaining life, and a habitat for diverse animal and plant species, including the rare and endangered, it explained.
Provincial Ordinance No. 2021-256 declared the month of April of every year as Cave Month to safeguard the integrity of Antique’s caves and their resources, and to raise public awareness on their importance in the environment.
When visiting karst ecosystems, or landscapes from where underground water systems and caves emerge, even the smallest alterations can have a negative effect, said ENRO Senior Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS) Jennifer Juliano.
Spelunkers, she stressed, must not vandalize caves or loiter in them so as not to disrupt the caves’ native flora and fauna.
Proper coordination is encouraged with concerned government offices or local authorities to protect both visitors and caves since the latter have classifications and access restrictions, Juliano added.
Class I caves have delicate and fragile geological formations considered of high scientific value and must therefore be under strict protection measures to prevent damage.
Class II caves are less delicate, of moderate scientific value, and can be explored for educational and recreational purposes.
Class III caves, with proper management and protective measures, may be accessed for tourism as they have cultural or historical significance but no delicate geographical formations.
While karst areas contribute to stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and reducing the impact of floods and droughts, they also provide insights into the development of early human civilization and cultural practices as many artifacts have been preserved in caves, sad Juliano.
For her part, Rocelia Campos, Development Management Officer from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-PENRO Antique, said a national law also exists to conserve, protect, and manage caves and its resources, which are considered as part of the country’s natural wealth.
With the theme “Kweba. Kinaadman. Istorya,” this year’s observance of Cave Month focuses on information, education, and communication campaign through an exhibit at Robinsons Antique from April 24 to 28, aimed at highlighting the tourism, ecological, scientific, and cultural significance of caves. (PIA Antique/PN)
