The Starlight Foundation is the body in charge of the operational management of the Starlight Initiative, providing human resources and means for its development and promotion.

The Starlight Initiative was launched in 2007 from a proposal of the IAC supported by UNESCO - MaB Programme, UNWTO, IAU, and other international conventions such as UNEP-CMS, SCBD, and Ramsar Convention, and is designed as an international action in defence of the values associated with the night sky and the general right to observe the stars.

The final aim of this Initiative is to promote the importance of clear skies for the humankind, emphasizing and introducing the value of this endangered heritage for science, education, culture, technological development, nature conservation, and tourism.

Other aims of the Starlight Foundation include:

• Dissemination and promotion of science and, in particular, astrophysics and other sciences related to this branch of knowledge.
• Promotion of tourist activities related to the night sky as an effective way to bring science and tourism together.
• Promotion of training programs on scientific and technological knowledge related with astronomy and its associated values for guides and communicators.
• Cooperation with international agencies and related organizations for the dissemination and defence of the heritage and values  associated with astronomy and the night sky.
• Working with these agencies to develop programmes, strategies, products, and services in these fields, including the establishment of appropriate quality standards and certifications to further develop best practices.

Adress: 

Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
C/ Vía Láctea, s/n
E38205 - La Laguna (Tenerife). España