The Speleogroup Rio Claro (EGRIC), established in the homonymous city in the São Paulo state, stands out among the most traditionalspeleology groupsin Brazil. Since its creation, it has had close relations with the São Paulo State University (UNESP), in which freshmen students founded it during the paralysis of classes due to a strike in 1979. On account of the recently completed 40 years of existence in the year 2019 and as a way to rescue the group’s rich trajectory, this work aims to carry out a historical survey, through the analysis of documents, works, and testimonies of members. Throughout these four
decades, EGRIC has exhibited a robust scientific nature without losing sight of the sporting and adventurous spirit. With a highly diversified body, its members participated in the exploration and research of numerous caves, emphasizing the speleological province of Serra do Itaqueri. Also noteworthy is the group’s involvement in organizing speleological events, such as symposia and state meetings, and a national congress. In this way, this work brings to light the memory of EGRIC and highlights its essential contribution to the history of Brazilian speleology.
18th International Congress of Speleology – Savoie Mont Blanc 2022
Vol. II – Karstologia Mémoires n°22 – SYMPOSIUM 10 – History of Speleology