José María Calaforra is Titular Professor of Geodynamics within the Department of Hydrogeology and Analytical Chemistry at the University of Almería. He has been president of the Spanish Speleological and Karst Science Society (SEDECK) since1998. After completing his doctorate in Geological Sciences he began his research work in the Water Resources and Environmental Geology Research Group of Junta de Andalucía, focussing on geomorphological and hydrogeological topics. He is author of the book "Gypsum Karstology" and of more than 100 papers concerning karst and cave speleogenesis, published in scientific and research journals. One of the most applied avenues of his current research involves the study of methods for monitoring and control of microclimate in natural caves and its application in the sustainable management of show caves. He currently gives classes on "Protection of the Subterranean Environment" as part of the Environmental Science degree course at the University of Almeria. Since 1988 the Sorbas Gypsum Karst and the subterranean marvels it conceals has formed the focus of his most significant research.