The expedition ‘Laos 2010′ aims, for the first time, at exploring and establishing connections in the complex underground karstic systems in Khammouane Massif, but also at continuing the exploration of the subterranean river, Xe Bang Fai, one of the most impressive karstic systems known to man. The speleologists will also try to set a diving record in the neighbouring caves, at an altitude between 200 and 600 metres.
This year’s mission was previously prepared by other three exploring and prospective expeditions to Laos, in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Cavities explored so far are very large horizontal caves (galleries of 50-metre width, 60-80-metre height) furrowed by underground rivers with important water discharge or avens starting with minimum 30-meter vertical shafts.
The speleological exploration consists of the discovery, topography, study and photography of the new subterranean caves. When the studies are over, the results will be made available for the local communities in order to be exploited: tapping new sources of drinkable water, tourist purposes, minerals extraction, protecting the sites of scientific interest, etc.
The team members will make a film, presenting their discoveries, both the speleological and archaeological ones, based on which the Romanian Television will develop presentation materials for one of its documentaries.
FRS president Viorel Lascu told that it was for the first time when speleologists with expertise in diving take part in such an expedition, considering the fact that completely submerged caves and galleries are to be explored.
The expedition presents a humanitarian feature as well, as Lascu said, through the support provided to an extremely isolated natives’ village. ‘Laos 2010′ is organised by the Geokarst Aventure Association, under the aegis of the Speleological Federations in Romania and France, based on a solid and long lasting cooperation between the speleologists in the two countries.
The participants’ personal expenses amount to 5,000 euro per person, collected from sponsorship and personal contributions. The 11 speleologists and divers are the following: Tudor Marin, Ioana Axinte, Mihai Baciu, Elena Buduran, Philippe Buire, Andreea Cohn, Richard Huttler, Veronique Leplat, Chantal Messiant, Laurent Mestre and Damien Vignoles.
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