Karst aquifers represent a vital water resource on a global scale, providing drinking water for an estimated 40% of the world’s population and critical habitat for numerous endemic species. Because of their rapid response to recharge, karst aquifers provide a continually renewable groundwater resource; they supply water for many urbanizing areas, but are highly vulnerable to contamination. Because of the unique hydrogeologic characteristics of karst systems, the development and application of innovative tools and interpretive methods is required to understand flow and transport in these aquifers, and creative approaches are required for their management. This session brings together hydrologists and managers who have developed new tools for investigating karst processes or innovative approaches for sustainable management of karst water resources.