To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of France’s famous Gouffre Berger cave, the French Federation of Speleology is organizing a 10-day event this summer to clean and re-equip the cave.

This event, titled Come and Light up the Starless River 2013, will specifically focus on replacing the ropes and other old material, as well as removing any waste, below -640 meters (2,100 feet) in depth.

First discovered on 24 May 1953, Gouffre Berger was the first cave to surpass one kilometre (0.62 mile). It held on to the title of world’s deepest cave until 1963, but has since been bumped down to the 24th spot.

Running from August 1st to 10th, 2013, the FFS encourages the clubs of the European FSE members countries as well as from the circum-Mediterranean countries to participate in this exciting undertaking, however a priority will be given to the countries who did not attend Berger 2012.

Last year’s international camp, Berger 2012, saw nearly 50 teams and more than 220 trips in a short ten-day period.

For more information or to register, visit berger.ffspeleo.fr.

[via Henk Goutier]