Austrian Region Fights Light Pollution to Save Its Starry Nights

Near Gesäuse National Park, Gudrun Bruckner lives in one of the darkest places on Earth. On clear nights, she gazes at the Milky Way and a vast ocean of stars, free from the glow of artificial light. Now, her efforts to protect this natural darkness have led to a groundbreaking project across nearly 2,400 square kilometres.

The initiative, called Naturnachtgebiet Eisenwurzen, aims to reduce light pollution and preserve the night sky. Communities in the region are adopting new lighting rules to safeguard biodiversity and human health. The Naturnachtgebiet Eisenwurzen project divides the area into two zones. A core section enforces strict lighting controls, while a peripheral zone allows more flexibility. The goal is to balance darkness protection with practical needs.

Bruckner's team has worked with twenty municipalities to explain the harm caused by light pollution. Excess artificial light disrupts the natural day-night cycle, affecting migratory birds, bats, insects, trees, and even human sleep patterns. To combat this, the project promotes affordable filter films for streetlights, reducing harsh white light emissions.

Residents, businesses, and visitors are also encouraged to make simple changes. Recommendations include using timers, motion sensors, warmer light tones, and directing lights only where needed. These steps help cut unnecessary brightness without sacrificing safety or convenience.

The region is now seeking certification as a Dark Sky Reserve from DarkSky International. If successful, it will join over 200 certified dark sky places worldwide, including reserves, parks, and communities. The recognition would highlight the area's commitment to protecting natural darkness for future generations. The project has already influenced local policies and public behaviour. By adopting new lighting guidelines, communities are reducing harm to wildlife and improving night-time visibility of the stars. Certification as a Dark Sky Reserve would further establish the region as a leader in combating light pollution and preserving the night sky.