Going Deep into the Unexplored Caves of Bosnia

There is something unique and truly special to be involved in exploring unknown places.
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ABOUT THIS PROJECT
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This summer we decided to fund an expedition in Bosnia to a cave called Vilina which can be translated as fairy cave. Why..? You might ask. We have a few reasons to think this is a good investment to support biodiversity in the long run. Caves are fragile ecosystems that live on the edge of science and far from the public’s perception of the type of nature worth protecting. Cave shrimp and salamanders aren’t exactly cute fluffy pandas. However, they are unique and amazing in their own way due to their complex adaptations that allow them to live in caves. We think that they are worth protecting. This is why we work on cleaning up cave habitats in Croatia. This cave expedition is something new for us as it is not direct conservation or rewilding. However, research and exploration are the basis from which we can plan direct interventions and long term strategy. Besides that, we have two good reasons to survey this cave:
The first one is purely the benefit of exploration: it is rare to find the opportunity to explore new places where few or no humans have gone and which remain unknown to science. Exploring allows us to understand whether it is home to endangered species or even if it contains new species altogether. The second reason is because of our suspicion that this cave might be polluted already. You see there is a rather large power plant and open air coal pit upstream on the other side of the mountain in Gacko. This plant is planning further expansions which doesn’t necessarily seem the smartest move. So our goal is to support local activists by putting together an impact assessment on the pollution levels to understand the condition of this system.
Learn more about this expedition: mossy.earth/pr...
Specimen photos credit to Roman Ozimec

[@daveandhelenkirkland6898]

I think research and exploration should definitely be included in the budget .

[@MossyEarth]

We are glad to hear :). We think it is a really exciting and valuable component of our work so we are looking forward to finding new projects in this space!

[@thatundeadlegacy2985]

but its so expensive

[@ElliottRodgers]

I did some potholing for fun when I was in Search and Rescue and loved it. Got so much respect for cave divers.

[@nicoka484]

These projects are incredible! Thank you so much for doing them, really hope I can get involved some day

[@MossyEarth]

Hi Izzy, thank you for the feedback! We have our Mossy Earth membership where you can support our projects and stay involved. Besides that, every place has amazing exploration and rewilding opportunities you could look into :)

[@kellykelly7747]

I feel this type of exploration and analysis is vital!!! We need to protect our ground water and all species!!! Much live and success from San Diego California ❤️

[@dianedickey1163]

Yes, always worth it!

[@armandoleal4199]

Ainda bem que ha gente como voces, portugueses que se mostram tao dedicados à natureza. É um orgulho e uma inspiração.

[@EcclesiastesLiker-py5ts]

This is so interesting!

[@schdifn4025]

That fishing scintist looks like one of the ghost busters (9:00)

[@rbj5767]

❣️

[@pheidole8730]

This is amazing guys

[@RedStarKB]

❣❣❣

[@Traxxya]

Thank you for your work

[@chanakasenarathna1849]

Little allocation for research and exploration is really worth 👍🏽

[@gruingas]

É bom demais quando saem uns termos ou nomes em portugês no meio do vídeo.

[@MegaDeepRoots]

I think this is very valuable work ya'll are doing on many levels. Thank you so much for making this video. I see it doesn't have as many views or comments as a bunch of your other videos do. That's too bad, I personally would've loved to watch a part 2 to discover how this project unfolded from where this video leaves off. This video was great! Thank you for making it. You guys rock!

[@nahojnesegyht]

Loved the part of the video where you "let the camera roll". It had a nice slow-tv relaxing feel to it. Always great editing on your videos, nice.

[@lorimaro97]

I think that expoloration if comes Whit documentation Is the first step of preservation, you have to know what Is there for beein able to preserving it

[@lanecostilow6959]

My bias says all research is worthwhile, if not immediately, then later. I feel the only question is when to do it.

[@maximianocoelho4496]

7:23 "No Dragons?" 😅

[@socomxx]

Cave diving is no joke, super dangerous but I would definitely like to try it out one day.

[@nguyenhakieunhung3242]

Definitely get certified and do it safely! Hopefully you get to do it one day!