The German Speleological Federation (German: Verband der deutschen Höhlen- und Karstforscher or VdHK) is an umbrella organisation for speleologists in Germany and a point of contact for the issues connected with caves and karst landscapes. 90 regional clubs (especially caving clubs) and groups, as well as 5 state federations and over 500 individual members, belong to the Federation. Its main aims are the exploration and conservation of caves and karst features in Germany. Cave exploration in Germany is a voluntary activity that is carried out with the involvement of the VdHK and its members. Their main concern is to look after natural karst and cave terrain in a responsible manner. The Federation is a voluntary association.