ABOUT HISR

Identity / At a glance

Legal status

The Hellenic Institute of Speleological Research (HISR), a non-governmental non-profit scientific body, was established in 2001 and is based in Crete. Its legal form is “Civil non-profit organization”, under the statute number 553/2001 of the Court of First Instance of Irakleion.

Mission

Aim of HISR is the protection and wise management of the natural environment in general and of the karstic ecosystems and the underground environment in particular. To achieve this, it undertakes initiatives or supports/encourages relevant actions and activities.

Research contribution

HISR elaborates research projects and supports any kind of activity that contributes significantly to scientific cave research. Furthermore, it encourages the development of technology and the production of know-how to study and research the abiotic, biotic and cultural aspects of the cave environment.

Collection and indexing of literature

HISR is systematically collecting and indexing the scientific literature on the morphology and ecology of the Karstic ecosystems of Greece, and makes it accessible to anyone interested.

Dissemination of knowledge and public awareness

In the effort to cultivate and promote the environmental awareness, HISR organises public events, conferences, workshops, as well as training seminars. HISR publishes or supports the publication of books, studies and publishes the journal “Hellenic Speleological Archive”. Furthermore, produces relevant documentaries and tv-spots.

Collaboration with other institutions and NGOs

HISR collaborates and exchanges information with national and international organisations, academic institutions, environmental education centers, speleological associations, scientific and other environmental and cultural organisations.

Promotion of environmental protection issues

HISR participates in forums and committees to define policies and implement measures for the protection and wise management of the natural environment. It provides information and suggests protection issues to competent bodies regarding the conservation of caves and karstic areas and promotes proposals for the implementation of measures to protect our environmental and cultural heritage and to adopt environmentally friendly attitudes, behaviors and policies.