On July 12, at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee the decision was made to include the Russian cultural site “Rock Art of the Shulgan Tash Cave” in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Thus, the rock painting of the Shulgan Tash Cave became the 34th Russian object in the prestigious UNESCO register.

The inclusion of the new site in the World Heritage List is a high international recognition of the extensive work done by Russian specialists, which included comprehensive scientific research, strengthening regulatory protection, and creating a modern tourism infrastructure that meets the highest international standards.

The Vernadsky Foundation cordially congratulates everyone involved in this remarkable event on the recognition of the Shulgan Tash Cave as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This landmark event was the result of many years of work to study and preserve the natural and cultural monument, famous for its ancient rock paintings from the Paleolithic era and its complex karst system.

The Vernadsky Foundation has been cooperating with specially protected natural areas of the Republic of Bashkortostan for many years, including the first and so far the only UNESCO geopark in Russia, Yangan-Tau; expanding cooperation with leading universities in the Region as well as with the Committee of the Republic of Bashkortostan of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO. Our Foundation has repeatedly participated in international environmental events and regional campaigns held in Bashkortostan.

Recognition of the Shulgan Tash Cave as a UNESCO World Heritage site is not only high appreciation of its uniqueness, but also responsibility to preserve it for future generations. 

Shulgan Tash Cave (Kapova Cave) is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Eastern Europe. Its walls are decorated with paintings up to 30,000 years old, depicting mammoths, horses, bison and even a camel. In addition to Paleolithic paintings, artifacts from ancient eras have been discovered here. The cave also impresses with its natural features: underground rivers, lakes and large-scale limestone formations.

Photos are courtesy of the Committee of the Republic of Bashkortostan of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO.