Memorandum of understanding Dark Sky World Heritage Waddensea
About this good practice
They note that the Netherlands is one of the countries with the most light pollution in the world, the Wadden Sea area on the other hand belongs to one of the darkest regions of Europe, darkness is of great importance for the well-being of humans and animals, dark nights and star skies excellent fit in the pursuit of sustainable tourism in the Wadden Sea area (opportunities for economics and experience), preservation of darkness requires cooperation.
Speaking to put themselves out for increasing awareness of the importance of darkness for humans and animals, jJoint reinforcement of the darkness in and around the Wadden Sea, consistent with the laws and safety requirements for lighting and thus contributing to the ecology, taking into account the economic interests in the Wadden Sea.
The signatories intend to have a joint plan for completion of the above ambitions in 2018. Under the flag of UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea they will prepare an implementation program and there is a coordinationpoint with respect to the activities. It is a bottom-up process in which each party is responsible for its own efforts and financial commitment. A lighting technician visited all signatories to identify within their organization / environment how lighting can be reduced and to agree on possible measures that can be taken.
Expert opinion
Light pollution is a set of adverse effects brought about by artificial light sources. The increasing worldwide importance of this issue is caused primarily by the inappropriate use of light and the availability of LED technologies – relatively cheap – that allow applying excessive amounts of light in the public space. Adverse effects of light are noted in the domain of human health, environment and visibility of the starry night sky. In the Dutch part of the Wadden Sea there are now two Dark Sky parks: De Boschplaat on Terschelling and National Park Lauwersmeer, which are committed to ensuring that the darkness in the areas is maintained. Having a memorandum of understanding signed by the key stakeholders, as well as political support, has been crucial in the establishment of the parks. The learning potential of the practice is specifically in the setting-up of the framework necessary for the implementation of the activities protecting the night skies. Thus, the initiative can provide helpful insight for other regions wishing to address light pollution in a cross-border context, and to unlock the potential of dark sky as a regional asset for stimulating astro-tourism.
Resources needed
Evidence of success
That is a start, the area is huge: we now speak about the Dutch part in the total Waddenregion of 500 km length, wide 20 km, 10.000 km². But the Netherlands and Germany are working together on the theme Dark Sky for this whole region now as well in an Intereg A project (Prowad Link).
Potential for learning or transfer
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Programma naar een Rijke Waddenzee