[CML #17737] BCRA STATEMENT ON THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE

The British Cave Research Association (BCRA) is a UK registered charity whose primary object is to promote the study of caves and associated phenomena. As such the BCRA does not usually comment on political matters. However, the unprovoked and unjustified attack by the Russian state on the sovereign nation of Ukraine has created a massive humanitarian crisis with tens of thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions of people. In view of this the BCRA Council join with scientific organisations across the world in unequivocally condemning the Russian invasion and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. We support the statement made by the British Caving Association (BCA) and urge all our members to read and consider the steps suggested by the BCA to support our fellow Ukrainian cavers. As a research organisation BCRA has a particular concern for speleologists and karst scientists and we offer our full support to the Ukrainian Speleological Association. We also recognise and support the powerful statement made on 18 March by the Scientific Committee of the National Council of Ukraine for Science and Technology Development. By unanimous agreement of Council BCRA has today (24 March 2022) awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Association to Dr Alexander Klimchouk, the leading Ukrainian Cave and Karst Scientist. This is the first time that such an award has been made to anyone who is not a UK National and it is a recognition both of the huge contribution that Dr Klimchouk has made to global cave and karst science and of our respect for the courageous stand of the Ukrainian people in the face of the Russian onslaught. We look forward to the end of the conflict and being able to assist the Ukrainian Speleological Association as they rebuild.

Professor John Gunn

Chairman of the British Cave Research Association

24 March 2022