Webinar: Dark Sky Parks

Night Vision: a webinar about Dark Sky Parks

With 80% of the world population living under light-polluted skies (99% when it comes to Europe and the U.S.), according to the “new world atlas of artificial night sky brightness”, and the threat of project as

Artificial light is the number one pollutant of our skies and despite the scientific research produced over the last decade on how it negatively impacts biodiversity and human health, levels of light pollution continue to rise across the globe. One-third of the humanity has never had the chance to see the Milky Way and many will never experience conditions resembling a true night. This is where Protected Areas, as safe places for nature and biodiversity, have a role to play.

In this webinar, we have heard the examples of two Dark Sky Parks from our network and heard about the steps and process towards becoming Dark Sky Place, by IDA the International Dark-Sky Association.

Can Parks create better conditions for species, through good outdoor lightning? Which type of educational programmes and touristic activities can be organised to increase the value of our dark skies?

Full recording of the webinar:

Presentations:

Setting the scene

International Dark-Sky Places: rules and practices

Dr. Zóltan Kolláth, physician and member of the IDA’s Dark Sky Places Committee, told us about the Dark Sky Places process and steps towards certification.

Why are „dark skies“ and stargazing activities important for people?

Harald Bardenhagen, from Sterne ohne Grenzen, explain the importance of Dark Sky for human life and gave us insightful examples of light pollution abatement in public illumination.

Starry Sky Park in the Bükk National Park (HU)

Richárd Novák, from Bükk National Park, told us about the creation of the Dark Sky Park and the vision of an Astro-tourism destination and gave examples of communication and education activities to engage the local community.