Background of the ASF Cave Science Commission

Like all good commissions, there were several discussions by individuals in the years leading up to this commission being formed. In 2024, a draft document was circulated and put into a firm proposal for the ASF executive meeting in early 2025.

Comments below are by Susan White, 2025

Why do we need a Cave Science Commission?

ASF is an Environmental Organisation, registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) with the primary objective of advancing the natural environment, specifically protecting the cave and karst environment of Australia. As the national body that represents the interests of 24 caving clubs with over 950 members and represents Australia on the International Union of Speleology (UIS) it currently has 13 Commissions that deal with long-term, on-going aspects of the Federation’s activities.

Until 2025, ASF did not have a Cave Science Commission. ASF members know a lot about Australian caves and karst, as well as information from overseas expeditions and are regarded as serious citizen scientists. In the past there was a Biological Commission, but it ceased after a few years of no activity and not replaced. It is time we addressed this omission. There are limited mechanisms for co-operation and regular communications between the Commissions and the general membership. Several commissions have specific involvement with a range of physical, biological and human sciences. Examples are Helictite, Library & Archives, Conservation, Grants, the KCF, Survey and Mapping standards, and particularly the ASF Minimal Impact Code of Ethics for Scientific Investigation in Caves.

A cave science commission will foster co-operation and regular communications between the Commissions and the general membership. As the ASF is regarded as the foremost organisation with the expertise to advise on matters to do with caves and karst, the Cave Science Commission will provide support for this.