Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2024. Its mysterious charm and rich ecosystem were recognized. In this article, we will explain the overview of this cave and what value was recognized as a World Heritage Site. We will also introduce the history of the cave and the current status of conservation efforts.
What is the Vietornica Cave in Lavno?
Geographic location of the cave
Vetrenica Cave is part of the Dinaric Alps in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the region stretching from Popovo Polje to the Adriatic Sea. The cave is in the Municipality of Ravno in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, and its entrance is located about 300 metres east of the centre of the village of Zavala. As part of the karst topography of the Dinaric Alps, the area around the cave is blessed with a diverse natural environment.
Cave size and structure
Vetrenica Cave is one of the longest caves in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a total length of 7,324 meters. The cave is multi-level and divided into four levels: the main level, the upper level, the lower level and the vertical level. The main level runs almost horizontally from the entrance to the innermost part of the cave, while the upper level consists of five passages located up to 120 meters above the main level. The lower level is about 10 to 30 meters below the main level, while the vertical level consists of deep tunnels leading from the surface to the cave. The cave is dotted with several streams and pools, including Veliko Jezero (the Great Lake), giving it a natural beauty.
Cave ecosystem and biodiversity
Vetrenica Cave is known as one of the world's hotspots of cave biodiversity. A total of 231 species of organisms have been recorded in the cave, including 14 fungi, 35 protists and 180 animals. Of these, 96 are cave-dwelling species, many of which are endemic to the region. There are many endomic (endemic) species, many of which are found only in Popovo Polje. Aquatic organisms in the cave include the world's only subterranean annelid, Marifugia cavatica. There are also 9 species of the genus Nanfargus, which is considered the world's highest example of diversity of subterranean organisms in a single genus.
Thus, due to its unique geographical location, size and structure, as well as its rich ecosystem and biodiversity, the Vetrenica Cave is a natural heritage site of global importance.
History of the Vietornica Cave in Lavno
Ancient records
The existence of the Vetrenitsa Cave has been known since ancient times. The earliest mention of it was in the Natural History by the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder. He described in detail the amazing natural features of the cave and its mysterious environment. The name of the cave comes from "Vetrenica", which means "cave of wind", and as the name suggests, it is characterized by the strong winds felt inside the cave. This wind is caused by the difference in air pressure inside and outside the cave, and it is known that winds of about 8.5 meters per second blow in from the entrance of the cave.
Medieval and modern discoveries
During the Middle Ages, Vetrenica Cave became known among locals and travelers, but scientific exploration and documentation was limited. In modern times, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cave was explored and studied more. Geographers and natural scientists from the Austro-Hungarian Empire visited the cave and evaluated its geological and biological importance. Their research revealed biodiversity and unique morphology within the cave, and contributed to spreading the scientific value of Vetrenica Cave.
Recent studies and research
From the second half of the 20th century to the present day, Vetrenitsa Cave has been the subject of continuous research and investigations by many specialists. Since the 1960s, detailed studies have been carried out on the biodiversity of the cave, in particular the discovery of new species of cave organisms and a better understanding of the ecosystem. Recent studies have confirmed that Vetrenitsa Cave is one of the richest cave biodiversity sites in the world.
Efforts to protect and manage the cave continue. Since the early 2000s, an extensive conservation program has been implemented, including the area around the cave, and in 2017 it was officially protected by the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton as the "Vetrenica-Popovo Polje Protected Landscape". Furthermore, recent scientific surveys have revealed fossils and archaeological remains within the cave, which has also increased the historical value of the cave.
Thus, the Vetrenitsa Cave has been the subject of constant interest and research from ancient times to the present day, and its scientific and cultural value is becoming more and more evident.
Why the Vietornica Cave in Lavno was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List
Cave protection and management
The protection and management of the Vetrenica Cave is carried out at several levels of governance: the Federal, Cantonal and Municipal Governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina play their respective roles, and the Vetrenica Public Company Ltd. Ravno is the governing body. This governance structure is responsible for coordinating the decisions and actions required for the conservation of the cave.
The protection of the cave has a long history and it was first designated a natural monument in 1952. Its protection was subsequently strengthened under the Nature Conservation Act of 2003 and the Nature Conservation Act of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton in 2017. In 2021, the protected landscape Vetrenica-Popovo Polje was designated an IUCN category V protected landscape, further enhancing the protection of the cave and the surrounding area.
Future conservation and management challenges
The future protection and management of Vetrenitsa Cave faces several challenges. Firstly, ensuring the long-term quality and flow of water in the cave is crucial. The biodiversity of the cave depends on the inflow and quality of groundwater, and any deterioration in water quality or changes in flow rate can have serious consequences for the ecosystem in the cave. In particular, rare species such as the cave olm (Proteus anguinus) are very sensitive to changes in water quality.
Another major challenge is the increase in tourism. This can put a strain on the environment inside the cave, making tourism management essential. The current management plan limits the number of visitors to 240 per day, but if this limit is not respected, it could have a negative impact on the ecosystem inside the cave.
Additionally, securing funding and human resources is a major challenge. Protection and management of the caves requires sufficient funding and specialized staff. Currently, there are limited staff, and not enough resources are provided to implement the management plan and protect the caves.
World Heritage Committee Assessment and Recommendations
The World Heritage Committee recommended Vetrenitsa Cave for inscription on the World Heritage List based on criterion (x), which covers natural habitats that are important for the conservation of biodiversity. Vetrenitsa Cave is one of the richest cave biodiversity sites in the world, with 85 species of cave organisms (troglobites) and 56 species of groundwater organisms (stygovites). The cave is also notable as an example of single-genus diversity, including 9 species of the genus Nanfargus.
IUCN noted some concerns regarding the conservation and management of the cave, but assessed that it would meet criterion (x) if supplementary information and strengthened management were provided. The committee made the following recommendations:
- To complete the zoning of the Vetrenitsa-Popovopolje protected landscape and ensure long-term water quality and inflow.
- Increase cave management funding and staffing to provide adequate resources for implementing management plans and long-term protection.
- To consider the possibility of a series of transnational nominations representing the entire Dinaric Alps in future.
It is hoped that the implementation of these recommendations will further strengthen the protection and management of Vetrenica Cave and ensure that its precious ecosystem remains sustainable.
summary
The Vetrenitsa Cave in Lavno was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024 for its spectacular natural beauty and rich ecosystem. Its value has been widely recognized through ancient records, medieval and modern discoveries, and recent research. The protection and management of the cave is a challenge, but if appropriate measures are taken, its precious ecosystem will be maintained for a long time to come.
English 
日本語