Geotourism in caves of Santander as a novel strategy for the protection of natural and cultural heritage associated to underground ecosystems

Abstract

In the department of Santander (Colombia) there is an extensive network of underground systems that has not been fully explored and is associated with highly fossiliferous mudstones and marine limestones of the Lower Cretaceous Rosablanca Formation, which is characterized by the development of valuable karstic systems showing a diverse richness of speleothems as well as fauna and flora. There is no doubt that this region has a karstic and biological richness, which, however, is ignored. Information regarding fauna and flora associated with these ecosystems is insufficient and limited. Similarly, local authorities responsible for environmental management strategies reported no environmental awareness in the community, or action plans oriented to conservation and use of these underground systems.