Federazione Speleologica Toscana

The Speleological Federation of Tuscany was founded in 1967, with the aims of developing better collaboration between regional caving associations and co-ordinating speleological activities in Tuscany. The Federation promotes speleological exploration and research activity carried out by regional caving associations in Tuscany, and organizes or finances congresses, conferences, workshops, round tables and courses on everything concerning Speleology and Karst, as well as providing financial support for the publication of Proceedings. It co-ordinates the valorization and protection of caves and karst areas in Tuscany and encourages scientific research in various speleological fields, such as biospeleology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, etc. The Federation also collaborates with the National Cave and Mountain Rescue Team (CNSASS) in order to help prevent accidents in caves.

The official journal of the Federation is Talp, which is published twice yearly.

The Federation represents Tuscan Speleology at national and international level, maintaining close relationships with various institutions, especially with the Region of Tuscany and with the Apuan Alps Park.

Since its inauguration the Federation has been responsible for the Cave Register of Tuscany. The Register is managed on behalf of the Region, together with the Regional Law on Speleology (L.R. 20/84) and the Register of Karst areas, including their related historical archives. At present 1,750 natural caves are registered in Tuscany, the most famous of which is the Antro del Corchia cave.

Currently 19 caving associations are affiliated to the Speleological Federation of Tuscany, and the Federation has 4 commissions: the Commission of Caves and Karst area Register; the Commission of Artificial Caves; the Scientific Commission and the Editorial Commission.

To learn more about the Speleological Federation of Tuscany visit the website:
www.speleotoscana.it