MULU: The 2024 International Show Caves Association (ISCA) conference held here has been lauded as one of the most successful and impactful events in the organisation’s history.
ISCA president Dr Friedrich Oedl commended the three-day conference, which included a variety of immersive experiences such as cave tours, rainforest canopy skywalks, and river excursions.
He said every moment presented a new highlight for all participants as they gained educational insights while experiencing the natural beauty of what Mulu and the Mulu National Park had to offer.
“It will take a very long time to recount every amazing experience we’ve had here—whether it was the sight of millions of bats emerging from Deer Cave, the crystal-clear water at Clearwater Cave, or walking among the treetops at the Canopy Skywalk.
“We enjoyed so many activities, including a picnic in the middle of the forest, boat rides and fantastic presentations by outstanding speakers. As such, I would like to congratulate Mulu National Park manager Hein Gerstner and his team for a job well done,” he added.
He made these remarks during the 2024 ISCA conference gala night on Wednesday (Oct 2).
Meanwhile, ISCA past president Brad Wuest pointed out that the conference also featured exceptional hospitality and accommodations.
He expressed his gratitude to the ISCA members for selecting Mulu as the venue for this year’s conference — a decision made during the 2022 conference in San Antonio, Texas.
“It has been an amazing experience, and I am confident that this sentiment is shared by all who have travelled to Mulu for the first time. Being in this breathtaking rainforest is unbelievable and I am glad to have experienced it with the ISCA community.
“It is wonderful to have our ISCA family back together, where we got to catch up with friends, share knowledge, and create lasting memories,” he said.
During the gala dinner, Gerstner reflected on the symbolism of the event’s logo — a bridge that the participants had crossed during their visit to Clearwater Cave.
“On the ISCA WhatsApp, we have a bridge as the logo—the very bridge in Clearwater that we all crossed recently. I believe this bridge symbolises the essence of this conference, not just linking nations, countries and organisations but also connecting people.
“Beyond the technical knowledge shared through various presentations, I believe bridges of friendship were also built, and for that, I am deeply grateful,” he said.
Gertsner expressed his appreciation to all ISCA participants, acknowledging the long journeys many had undertaken to attend the conference.
“I know some of you took up to six flights to get here. For those who have never been to the rainforest, your courage in making this journey is commendable. I salute you, and we are deeply grateful for your presence — without you, this conference wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.
