4th International Symposium for Dark-sky Parks and 4th International Dark-sky Camp

27th June - 1st July 2011 Parc Astronomic Montsec, Catalonia, SPAIN.

With the support of Starlight Initiative and the Spanish National Commission of UNESCO.

The symposium provides both a setting for individuals to present their knowledge or attend presentations by leading experts in the light-pollution field, and creates an opportunity for networking, collaboration, sharing of information and the building of trust relationships. Symposium will bring together managers of protected areas, experts in biology, (eco) tourism, natural and cultural heritage, lighting industry and others to further the action plan on reducing light pollution. The symposium is a five-day event, comprising of lectures, field-trips and night observations.

Web Site of the Symposium

Background of the Initiative

The quality of the night sky has been a concern for a number of years. Growth of light pollution globally has strengthened the worldwide movement to protect natural dark skies. In 2007 a consortium of international organisations (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO, World Tourism Organization - UNWTO, International Astronomical Union – IAU and others), Secretariats of conventions relevant to biodiversity (Convention on the Biological Diversity, Convention on Migratory Species, Ramsar Convention) and representatives of the academic community met in La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain, at the International Conference in Defense of the Quality of Night Sky. The resulting Declaration in Defence of the Night Sky and the Right to Starlight is a linchpin document for protection of the natural sky. It recognises the importance and multi-faced value of the night sky and provides a plan for action.

The Initiative for an International Association of Dark-sky Parks aims to implement the principles of the Declaration, in particular through its 10th principle:

“[a]ll those protected areas which combine exceptional landscape and natural values relying on the quality of their night sky, are called to include protection of clear night skies as a key factor strengthening their mission in conserving nature.”

The Initiative builds a strong network of people who will in their respective countries work to reduce light pollution. Their role may be in establishing effective regulatory framework for protection from growing light pollution and its reduction, in providing scientific input to the efforts and raising awareness. It brings together all those that have knowledge, experience, responsibilities or motivation to contribute to a positive change.

The 2011 Symposium

The aim of the 2011 Symposium on Dark-sky Parks is to analyze the situation of Dark Sky Parks and the effects of the artificial light from the cities to these natural areas. It will do so by bringing together key players that will determine with the appropriate course of action. The Symposium not only provides a setting for individuals to present their knowledge or attend presentations by leading experts in the light-pollution field. It also creates an opportunity for networking, collaboration, sharing of information and the building of trust relationships. Dark-sky movement continues to enjoy a steady increase in membership internationally and is represented by individuals from environment tourism, research, educational, natural protected areas management, planning, government, student and other communities. Symposium participants are site managers, representatives of international and national (non-governmental) organizations, experts in light pollution, biology, astronomy, human health, (eco)tourism, natural and cultural heritage, lighting industry, etc. The symposium is a five-day event, comprising of quality lectures, field-trips and night observations. The symposium language is English.