"Stalactites are not souvenirs." Vandal tourists scratched the walls and broke stalactites in a Permian cave.
Walls in the cave Geologov-1 in Sukhoi Log The caves in the Usvinsky district were literally covered with "memorial" inscriptions. The cave was also littered and stalactites were broken off. The disgrace was discovered by members of the Perm Speleo club.
The cave is considered one of the 12 most beautiful caves in the Kama region. It is a popular tourist destination, as even beginners can navigate it. Tourists damaged a unique mineral called mondmilch, also known as cave milk. It coats the cave walls. Rumor has it that mondmilch has healing properties.
"The cave environment is practically non-renewable. If you break a stalactite, it will take thousands of years for a new one to form. Mondmilch is not good for your health! Stalactites and stalagmites are not souvenirs you can bring home from a trip."- Wrote Perm speleologists address tourists.
After relations with almost all foreign countries cooled, Russian regions began developing tourism, which brings in significant revenue. But there's still no money to protect natural monuments from vandals.
Geologov-1 is 450 meters long, with large chambers and narrow passages, including a 12-meter-deep well. Legend has it that groups of cavers descending into the well have lost consciousness due to the hydrocarbon pockets found within.
Perm speleologists are planning to apply for a presidential grant to restore the cave.
Tourists are damaging many historical and natural gems. They litter the amazing "growing and singing" Bolshoe Bogdo Mountain in the Astrakhan region. And the residents North Ossetia even demanded to close a city of the dead, as tourists raid crypts and take remains for souvenirs.
Photo: “Perm Speleo” on VK
