The Ghar Parau Foundation

Being our nominated charity for the quarter just ended, here's a bit about this fantastic organisation and the work they do for British caving expeditions abroad.

Nestled within the adventurous world of cave exploration is the Ghar Parau Foundation, a UK-based charity renowned for its dedication to fostering exploration and scientific study of caves worldwide. Established by British caver David Judson, the foundation plays a crucial role in supporting caving expeditions with financial grants, as well as encouraging newcomers to the world of British caving expeditions abroad, for example supporting student cavers.

The Ghar Parau Foundation, named after the significant cave system in Iran where Judson led many expeditions in the 1970s, aims to extend the spirit of exploration while ensuring the safety and preparedness of today's cavers. The foundation's core mission is to support scientific, exploratory, and educational activities related to caving abroad.

Impact and Beneficiaries

Over the years, the Ghar Parau Foundation has been instrumental in numerous groundbreaking expeditions. By providing grants, the foundation has enabled explorers to venture into uncharted territories, enhancing our understanding of subterranean ecosystems and geological formations. These expeditions often contribute to scientific research, offering insights into areas ranging from hydrology and geology to biology and environmental science.

Notable beneficiaries of the foundation's support include the 2010 expedition to the Sistema Huautla in Mexico, one of the deepest cave systems in the world, Sistem Migovec in Slovenia, and the Mulu Caves expedirions. This funding not only facilitated the exploration of new cave passages but also supported crucial research into the unique biosystems found within these caverns.