Issues in cave and karst management

Limestone caves occur in most parts of the world, and have been used for a multitude of purposes. Recreation and scientific enquiry are prominent among those uses. Government recognition of the importance of Australia's caves dates from as early as 1865 and 1866 when the Wombeyan and Jenolan cave areas were reserved well prior to the declaration of the world's first national park. This article briefly reviews the nature and extent of limestone cave areas in Australia, considers values and conflicts in cave and karst management, the impact of above ground activities on underlying caves, and the management of recreational use of caves.