Earth’s subterranean protectors

EXPLORING caves has always fascinated adventurers, yet for certain individuals, it transcends mere excitement; it evolves into a lifelong dedication to safeguard, conserve and uncover the earth’s most elusive marvels of nature.

Ivo Kabadozov and Vesela Kabadozov, hailing from Bulgaria, have turned their passion into purpose.

As key figures in the Bulgarian Association for Cave and Ecotourism, they have spent years at the forefront of initiatives aimed at preserving Bulgaria’s natural beauty and promoting sustainable ecotourism.

The Origins of a Passion

Vesela said her husband, Ivo, had been discovering caves for over 40 years.

She said his journey began long before the association was founded as he was driven by an insatiable curiosity about the underground world beneath Bulgaria’s surface.

In 2006, that curiosity turned into action when Ivo founded the Bulgarian Association for Cave and Ecotourism.

The non-profit organisation quickly became a central hub for preserving caves, promoting ecotourism and fostering collaborations with governmental bodies and international institutions.

“Ivo’s dedication to caves is unmatched. He is not just passionate about exploring them but also ensuring that they are protected for future generations.

It’s more than a hobby — a mission,” she said. Vesela, who joined Ivo on this journey, plays an integral role in their shared passion.

Together, they have built a team that operates like a family united by their goal of protecting Bulgaria’s natural resources.

“We have been with the association for almost 20 years now, and it feels like home,” she said.

Non-Profit with a Global Vision

The Bulgarian Association for Cave and Ecotourism works closely with the government and the European Commission on various environmental projects.

Vesela said their work was primarily centred on preserving ecosystems, focusing on caves as sensitive environments often overlooked.

“We work on European projects focused on environmental conservation and sustainability.

Our main mission is to protect Bulgaria’s natural resources, but we also have bigger ambitions to extend our efforts internationally.

“We have worked with other organisations and participated in global initiatives because we believe that preserving nature is a collective responsibility,” she said.

One of their current goals is advocating for a cave protection law in Bulgaria, which will provide legal safeguards for the country’s numerous caves.

“Caves are incredibly fragile ecosystems. Without proper legislation, they’re at risk of destruction from both natural and human activities.

“We are doing everything we can to push for this law, and we are hopeful it will be passed soon,” she explained.

The association’s involvement with international organisations, such as the International Show Caves Association (ISCA) further emphasises their global perspective on conservation.

They have been active members of ISCA for 14 years, participating in various conferences and projects aimed at protecting and promoting the importance of caves worldwide.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists

In addition to their environmental advocacy work, Ivo and Vesela are deeply committed to educating the next generation about the importance of nature conservation.

The couple believes that the future of ecotourism and environmental protection lies in the hands of children, and they have made it a priority to engage young people in their work.

“We see the future in our children.

That’s why we have put so much effort into organising eco-camps and educational programmes to teach kids about the importance of nature.

“We want them to understand that nature is not just something to admire—it’s something to protect and cherish,” she said.

These eco-camps, designed to be educational and fun, aim to spark a sense of wonder and responsibility in children.

“We want them to enjoy nature and see it as something beautiful.

At the same time, we also want them to understand that it’s fragile and needs our help.

“The future of the environment depends on the values we instil in the younger generation,” she said.

First Impressions of Sarawak and Mulu National Park

For Ivo and Vesela, the opportunity to visit Sarawak and attend the 2024 ISCA conference in Mulu National Park was a dream come true.

Although it was their first time visiting this part of Asia, the couple had long admired the region’s natural beauty and the efforts being made to preserve it.

“We travelled more than 40 hours to get here, but it was worth every minute. Mulu is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen.

“The landscape is breathtaking, and the warmth and kindness of the people have touched us. We have been to many countries, but this place is uniquely remarkable,” she said.

Although their stay in Mulu was short spanning only a few days for the conference, Vesela said they were both eager to return in the future.

“We would love to come back and explore more of Sarawak.

We have been so impressed by what we have seen so far, and we are already thinking about future visits,” she said.

Potential for Future Collaboration

Ivo and Vesela are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to collaborate on upcoming projects with Mulu National Park.

She said they were always open to collaborations, especially with organisations that shared the mission of protecting the environment.

“What we have seen here in Mulu is amazing, and we’d be honoured to work on a project together.

We believe that by joining forces, we can make an even bigger impact,” she said.

Vesela said their vision for the future included more international partnerships, focusing on sharing knowledge and best practices for preserving natural heritage sites.

“The more we collaborate, the better equipped we’ll be to protect the environment on a global scale.

We are always looking for new opportunities to make a difference,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As Ivo and Vesela prepare to head back to Bulgaria, they are already thinking about the next steps for their association.

From pushing for the cave protection law to expanding their educational programmes for children, the couple is determined to continue their work for years to come.

“We have so many projects waiting for us back home.

But this experience in Mulu has inspired us in new ways.

“We have seen that there are people everywhere who share our passion for nature, and that gives us hope for the future,” she said.