The theoretical and methodological platform in the work of the Laboratory is the original ProKARSTerra paradigm. It is based on the scientific concept of karst geosystems, which implies interdisciplinary research and monitoring. The paradigm combines three important factors for the sustainable development of karst territories:
- research (with emphasis on: system analysis, integrated monitoring and karst cadastre);
- management of karst areas (with special attention to the protected ones) and business with karst resources;
- education and training (through the integration of contemporary scientific concepts of karst with the “Lifelong Learning” concept). For this purpose, a specialized educational strategy ProKARSTerra-Edu is developed and experimented with original initiatives and innovative models.
The ProKARSTerra concept (by Stefanov et al. 2013)
The integration between science, management, business and education as the basis for sustainable development of karst territories in the conditions of growing global changes is a major focus of the upcoming conference in Sofia (ProKARSTerra`2019).