“Karst and other subterranean hydrological systems”, which include caves and aquifers are considered special types of inland wetlands. Springs are good examples of an inland underwater cave because they are typically inundated with ground water. A karst spring is usually the final exit point for water that has passed through a complex system of reservoirs and passageways underground. In some cases, the freshwater spring of an underwater cave are connected by an underwater tunnel which flows out to the sea. The year 2021 has been dedicated as the International Year of Caves and Karst to raise the level of understanding and respect for these ecosystems as globally important physical, ecological and cultural systems. While caves and karst occur around the planet, only a small percentage of people understand the great value of caves to humanity and even fewer know and understand what karst is. As we celebrate World Wetlands Day on 2 February, let us also put the spotlight on these least understood special types of wetlands and take time to virtually explore, understand and protect the caves and karst environment.
#ProtectOurWetlands#RestoreWetlands#biodiversityPH#samotsaringbuhay#RamsarAt50#IYCK2021
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