Amata (they/she) on Nostr: nprofile1q…qw3d8 It's not going to see lots of visitation. While it is true there ...
nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnddaehgu3wwp6kyqpqydq2qprk252xyltkusvpe42t0uf34ycngvrljngd5rh5vssrwzsqzqw3d8 (nprofile…w3d8) It's not going to see lots of visitation. While it is true there are certainly thoughtless people, and caves are easily ruined, this is a reason for education and then folk who show they are untrustworthy to be restricted in access. It is not a reason to gate-keep.
I have had my fair share of disappointment in the caving community for lack of care, but it is certainly more an issue I see in the US, and is part of why I don't participate in the mainstream club here anymore. 20 people tromping through tiny caves is irresponsible. A good caver will select appropriate caves for the group going.
For example, I'll happily take young kids to a cave not far from me. It regularly floods fully every winter, there are no formations at child height, and no where to fall. A young child can enjoy themselves without parents or me panicking over sensitive areas or safety. But this is the art & skill of an experienced trip leader - selecting a cave appropriate for the group. It is a key point in conservation, as you can prevent problems from the start; don't set people up to fail, meet them where they are at.
In the end, we can only conserve what we understand. We can only work to understand what we know exists. We can only know what exists by exploration. Thus, gatekeeping is antithesis to conservation.
I have had my fair share of disappointment in the caving community for lack of care, but it is certainly more an issue I see in the US, and is part of why I don't participate in the mainstream club here anymore. 20 people tromping through tiny caves is irresponsible. A good caver will select appropriate caves for the group going.
For example, I'll happily take young kids to a cave not far from me. It regularly floods fully every winter, there are no formations at child height, and no where to fall. A young child can enjoy themselves without parents or me panicking over sensitive areas or safety. But this is the art & skill of an experienced trip leader - selecting a cave appropriate for the group. It is a key point in conservation, as you can prevent problems from the start; don't set people up to fail, meet them where they are at.
In the end, we can only conserve what we understand. We can only work to understand what we know exists. We can only know what exists by exploration. Thus, gatekeeping is antithesis to conservation.