Preliminary Documentation Efforts of Actun Kabal section of the Chiquibul Cave System, Cayo, Belize скачать в хорошем качестве

Preliminary Documentation Efforts of Actun Kabal section of the Chiquibul Cave System, Cayo, Belize

Full Title: Preliminary Documentation Efforts of the Actun Kabal section of the Chiquibul Cave System, Cayo District, Belize Synopsis: The report presents the results of a cultural inventory and survey conducted at the Eastern entrance of the Chiquibul Cave System (CCS), specifically within the Actun Kabal cavern, located in the Cayo district of Belize, near the Guatemala boarder. Actun Kabal is a one subsystem of the larger CCS, which totals approximately 65km in length. Actun Kabal is notable not only for its outstanding karst geology and biodiversity, but also for its significant assemblage of material culture dating to the maya classic period. Due to the difficulties in land jurisdiction, international relations, and logistics, the CCS has not been extensively mapped and documented. This project aimed to gather high quality baseline data at Actun Kabal cavern to inform future management decisions, including potential sustainable tourism in the cave. The survey focused on cultural and biological aspects, with objectives including the inventory of cultural materials and the identification of biodiversity hotspots within the cave. Methodologies employed encompassed visual inspection, sketch mapping and photographic recording, alongside standardized cultural inventory protocols, using detailed data sheets. The survey resulted in the identification and documentation of 60 features and 22 notable artifacts. These included terraces, ceremonial area, walls, stairs, sherds and stone tools, all of which were mapped and recorded in situ. Survey of key biodiversity areas identified numerous cave biota species, which may be new to science. A detailed sketch map of the Actun Kabal illustrated spatial relationships among cultural features and significant key geological elements within the cavern. Based on site observations, the report provides management recommendations, such as establishing alternative access to avoid damaging eroding terraces and minimizing disturbance in biologically sensitive areas containing mud and debris of tree litter. Future efforts should prioritize completing the documentation of the Kotob entrance, which includes 15-20 features, three passages, ceremonial dumps and human remains. These results underscore the importance of continued interdisciplinary research and proper cave management to preserve the cultural heritage and ecological integrity of the CCS. About the presenter(s): Ms. Yasmini Manzanero is the Cultural Heritage Technician at Friends for Conservation and Development with a background in anthropology and Archaeology. Our objective under the Cultural heritage/ Karst management Unit program is to collect data on the natural and cultural heritage and to record any anthropogenic impacts occurring in the Chiquibul National Park (CNP) by exploring, mapping, monitoring and inventory for the proper management and preservation of natural and cultural heritage in the CNP. Thank you for tuning in to the Belize KULCHA Symposium! Remember to ask your questions in the comments! ✨Learn more about the Annual Belize KULCHA Symposium here: https://www.heritagebelize.org/symposium ✨ DONATE TO OUR CAUSE ➡ https://www.heritagebelize.org/donate FOLLOW US: ✨ Website: https://www.heritagebelize.org/ ✨ Facebook:   / heritageeducationnetwork   ✨ Instagram:   / heritagebelize   ✨ To get news and learning materials right to your mailbox sign up to our mailing list 👉🏼 https://mailchi.mp/2fcfd2089bd3/join-... ✨ FREE Resource Library: https://www.heritagebelize.org/resour...