Leading scientists have gathered at the Aquarium, Museum and Zoo to participate in a workshop this week on the Island?s caves.

The workshop?s goal is to develop a strategic plan to address research needs inside our all of our caves ? in order to properly inform the authorities responsible for their management.

Field trips will break up detailed analysis of the Island caves ? both dry and submerged ? including an inventory, review of current policies and a lecture on the ?Potential for Climatic and Paleobiological Archives from Cave Sediments? in Admiral?s and Dead End caves by University of Wollongon, Australia, professor Paul Hearty.

Funded through the Biodiversity Project and further supported by the Department of Conservation Services, the workshop includes a public presentation tonight at 6.30 p.m. at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. The workshop has been organised the Biodiversity project?s director Dr. Annie Glasspool.

In addition to specialists from the UK Natural History Museum, the US Smithsonian Institution and regular Bermuda visitor Tom Iliffe of Texas A&M, Government?s Environmental Protection, Planning and Conservation Services Departments will also participate.

Getting a laugh from the scientists, Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield said she was ?disappointed? in them because they had neglected to invite her on today?s diving expedition.

She encouraged them to close the gaps in the Island?s information on its caves, adding: ?I am here to demonstrate this Government?s commitment to raising awareness of the value of our biodiversity and natural environment and we look forward to learning more about our unique caves so that we can better share this with the wider community in order to promote stewardship.?

She noted that caves are given the highest level of protection under the Planning Act and that they are being considered for protection under the new Protected Species Act.

Ms Butterfield added: ?Much of the recent knowledge (about our caves) has come from the determined efforts of those of you gathered here today. ?We recognise that the study of our caves ? by their very inaccessibility ? requires individuals who possess a special dedication and commitment. I want to thank you for your valuable contribution.?