Territorial Information System and
Spatial Data Infraestructure of Asturias

The Map of the Inventory of Caves in Protected Natural Sites has been incorporated into the SITPA-IDEAS platform.

The map shows the inventory of natural cavities (caves, sinkholes, and other forms of the underground environment) located in the Protected Natural Sites of the Principality of Asturias, with special reference to the Natural Parks and areas integrated into the Natura 2000 Network. It was prepared under commission from the General Direction for Land Stewardship and Fire Prevention of the Government of the Principality of Asturias, the competent body for the management of protected natural areas and the regional authority for the Natura 2000 Network. The inventory was carried out by the Speleological Federation of the Principality of Asturias (FESPA), an organization that brings together the speleological groups with the greatest historical and technical knowledge of the Asturian underground environment, within the framework of a scientific research and systematic documentation project, and in collaboration with the University of Oviedo. This resource builds on previous work carried out in other protected areas of the Principality, with the aim of having a homogeneous, rigorous and scientifically sound information base for the entire Network of Natural Areas.

It provides a homogeneous and georeferenced digital map and inventory to support the management, conservation, and planning of protected natural areas, particularly habitat 8310 “Caves not exploited by tourism” and its associated species, as well as scientific research, the assessment of permitted uses, and decision-making by the competent authorities. It serves as a tool to support responsible speleological practices, enabling the identification and characterization of caves and the planning of explorations and documentation work compatible with the conservation of natural values. Furthermore, it is used as a basis for scientific research in the subterranean environment, facilitating speleological, biological, and ecological studies, particularly those related to habitat 8310 “Caves not exploited by tourism” and its associated cave-dwelling species. The resource is also used by the competent authorities in the management of protected natural areas and the Natura 2000 network, supporting decision-making, the assessment of permitted uses, environmental monitoring, and the planning of conservation actions. Finally, it serves as a source of information and general knowledge for the public, contributing to the dissemination of the Principality of Asturias's underground natural heritage and raising awareness of its value and the need for its protection.

Currently, the map includes entities corresponding to the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, and will be completed in the future with information from other protected natural sites.

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