Federazione Speleologica Regionale Friuli-Venezia Giulia

The Regional Speleological Federation of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, active since 1997, was officially instituted in 2004 and includes most of the regional caving associations. Considering the large number of caving groups (more than 30) and consequently the great amount of ongoing speleological activity, the Federation is the natural reference and coordinating association of regional speleology. Currently 25 speleological associations are members of the Federation.

The Federation aims to promote and develop the progress of speleology in the region in all its aspects, but also pursues the safeguarding of the karst environment.

Since its institution the FSRFVG has been involved in tutelage and the promotion of knowledge on karst phenomena, with its experts participating in meetings and debates with the other regional environmental associations.

The FSRFVG, described as an "Association of Social Promotion", collaborates with the Autonomous Region Friuli-Venezia Giulia on matters that concern speleological aspects, and has contributed actively as experts in Speleology in the institution of the Natural Park of the Julian Pre-Alps.

The FSRFVG organised the VIIIth Regional Speleological Conference, printing the related proceedings in record time. Furthermore, the Federation has printed many other publications, has participated in National Days of Speleology promoted by the Speleological Society of Italy, and has organised round tables, expositions and the cleaning of caves. The Federation is also a member of the Permanent Table of the Regional Federations of the Italian Speleological Society. Many courses on cultural and technical aspects of Speleology have been organised and a cave diving expedition has been sponsored by the Federation. Some scientific research projects such as "Clay" (Clay minerals in caves) and on neotectonics in caves have also been promoted.

The Federation is editor of La Gazzetta dello speleologo, published monthly in 8 pages of news on speleology of the region. This Gazzetta celebrated its hundredth copy in March 2005 and is also available via the Internet ( http://www.spin.it/speleo/lagazzetta/ ).

Friuli-Venezia Giulia was the first Italian region with a Regional Law on Speleology (in 1966). This also reflects the peculiarity of the region, intensely karstified and the place where Speleology was first born. The region contains more than 7,000 natural caves, from the karst of Trieste to Mount Canin, probably the two most renowned karstic areas within the region. It is in this latter area that the deepest karst system is hosted, the cave complex of Foran del Muss, reaching 1,110 metres deep, and also the most extensive cave, the complex of Col delle Erbe, with over 40km of surveyed passages.

The FSRFVG has its own website (www.fsrfvg.it) where the Gazzetta can also be consulted online. For further details please write to fsr.fvg@speleo.it