The Aggtelek National Park is an area with unique geological values, among which caves have an outstanding and internationally recognized significance. A large-scale development project realized with EU funding under the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Program aimed to protect the region’s geological cavities and the associated vulnerable wildlife, contributing to the strategic objectives of domestic nature conservation.
The impressive caves of the Aggtelek and Slovak Karsts, which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list on December 6, 1995, await curious visitors with their unique diversity of forms and relative undisturbedness. Over 1,400 caves are known in this area, with 280 of them located in Hungary. The primary goal of the project was to protect these natural wonders, with a particular focus on preserving the ecological potential of Natura 2000 sites, protected areas, and strictly protected natural sites requiring nature conservation management.
The developments took place at eight different locations, among which the Baradla Cave, Meteor Cave, Béke Cave, and the former mine workings of Mount Esztramos stand out. In the Baradla Cave, the old, cave-incompatible concrete structures were removed, and the entrances prone to collapse were stabilized, while in the Meteor Cave and the Kopaszgally-side sinkhole cave, new stainless steel ladders were installed to prevent problems caused by rain and debris. All of these not only have aesthetic significance, but by preventing further damage, they help the damaged formations to develop and regenerate, allowing nature to begin to restore itself. On Mount Esztramos, where iron ore mining used to take place, safe shafts have been created between the mine tunnels, thus ensuring easier access to the caves. As a result of the interventions, transportation in the caves has become safe, contributing to the further exploration of natural values and aiding research work. The developments not only support the work of researchers and geologists but also contribute to maintaining the natural ecological balance of the area. The stabilization of the mine tunnels also ensures the natural airflow of the caves, thereby protecting the local wildlife.
The project also places special emphasis on protecting the unique habitats of caves, which are home to numerous bat species. The Béke Cave is particularly valuable in this regard, as it is home to a massive bat population. However, due to a blockage caused by a previous rain, the cave’s carbon dioxide levels increased, posing a serious threat to the bats living there. As part of the project, proper ventilation of the cave was ensured, thus reducing the carbon dioxide concentration. By sealing the entrances in a bat-friendly manner and renovating them, the bats were able to access new undisturbed habitats.
These developments aim not only at the physical restoration of the caves but also ensure the protection and preservation of these mysterious underground wonders for future generations through value-saving and value-preserving activities.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project KEHOP-4.1.0-15-2016-00015 under the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme.
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