URL: https://skol.hr/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/skozrenlukic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sk_ozren.lukic/
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Speleological Club Ozren Lukić (SCOL) was founded on December 16, 2002, at the initiative of students from the Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering. It was named in honour of Ozren Lukić Luka, a Croatian geologist and speleologist who tragically died in 1992 on Velebit while volunteering during the Croatian Homeland War. His work and legacy have inspired many to engage in underground exploration and to integrate speleological activities into geological research.
The main goals of the Club include speleological and geological research, the protection of karst environments, and education on nature and environmental preservation. In addition to geology, mining, and petroleum engineering students, the Club also brings together many other nature enthusiasts who share a passion for exploring the underground world. Many Club members are also actively involved in related organizations and societies, such as the Croatian Geological Society, thereby contributing further to the development of speleology and geosciences in Croatia.
With both financial and logistical support, the Faculty collaborates with Club members in projects that require specialized speleological equipment as well as the expertise and experience of trained speleologists. Club members have contributed to the topographic surveying of several mine caverns, playing a valuable role in remediation projects, as well as in the exploration and documentation of historical mines across Croatia.
Club Activities
The Speleological Club Ozren Lukić pursues its mission through a range of educational and research activities. One of its key annual programs is the Speleological School, which includes field training—teaching basic skills for safely navigating speleological sites—along with theoretical instruction required to earn the title of speleological trainee, and later, certified speleologist. Many Club members also serve as active ambassadors of the Clean Underground initiative, through which they educate the public about the importance of preserving the karst underground and participate in cave clean-up campaigns.
In addition to weekend explorations, the Club regularly organizes extended speleological expeditions. Notably, over the past 11 years, ongoing research has been conducted in the Central Velebit area, resulting in the discovery of more than 280 new speleological sites to date. Beyond Velebit, explorations are also carried out in the regions of Bosiljevo, Vrbovsko, Fužine, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and on the islands of Pag and Brač, among many other locations.
Beyond speleology, Club members are actively involved in hiking, climbing, skiing, and other outdoor pursuits. Some of the more experienced members also serve in Civil Protection and are part of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (CMRS).
SKOL Membership
The Club welcomes anyone interested in speleology, nature, or outdoor activities, regardless of prior experience. Membership is open year-round and requires only the completion of a membership form and acceptance of the Club’s code of ethics.
Speleology is not just a hobby—it is a gateway into a mysterious, awe-inspiring underground world. In his journal, Luka captured this feeling in a few simple words after exploring the Veternica Cave:
“I found the most beautiful place in the world!”
