Weißbach Nature Park and Community earn International Dark Sky Place designations
Salzburg, Austria
The Nature Park and the community of Weißbach were designated as an International Dark Sky Park & Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International. This makes them the first two dark sky places in the federal state of Salzburg. The International Dark Sky Places program perfectly complements the municipality’s e5 Program (Austrian energy efficiency Program) as well as the Climate and Energy Modeling Region based here.
Dan Oakley, DarkSky Policy and Destination Manager said, the work of the community to achieve Park and Community status was a clear strength of this application. It was great to see such an active and close knit community come together to protect their night sky and commit to wider lighting changes throughout the area.’
Weißbach is located in the Salzburg Limestone Alps and borders Bavaria and the Berchtesgaden National Park. The municipality has 422 residents. The nature park covers 28 km² and is largely a scenic conservation area. Part of the nature park lies within the municipal boundaries of St. Martin bei Lofer. At the heart of the nature park are the alpine pastures and the Seisenbergklamm gorge, a natural monument.
A lighting inventory of the municipality’s public lighting system was conducted to identify which light sources do not comply with the guidelines. Efforts to participate in the International Dark Sky Places program were coordinated with both the municipal council and the nature park board. Light measurements were conducted in the designated Dark Sky Park, and these will continue after certification. In addition, outdoor lighting guidelines were developed for the municipality, as well as a lighting management plan for the nature park.
“In addition to the biodiversity crisis and climate change, the issue of light pollution is becoming increasingly important. Unlike the other two, however, we can directly influence this issue and make a significant difference relatively easily. When it comes to lighting, less is more—and if we do use lighting, please do so properly and in moderation. The impact of artificial light on nature and human health should not be underestimated.”, so Sandra Uschnig, CEO of the designated Dark Sky & Nature Park Weißbach.
“As the municipality of Weißbach, we are not only a nature park municipality but also a participant in the State of Salzburg’s energy efficiency program (E5) and the headquarters of the Climate and Energy Model Region. Therefore, the Dark Sky certification perfectly complements our efforts in the areas of nature, climate, and energy conservation,” says Mayor Josef Hohenwarter.
Various awareness-raising campaigns are planned for the future. In addition, the municipality’s public lighting system is scheduled to be upgraded in the coming years. Various awareness-raising campaigns are planned for the future. In addition, the municipality’s public lighting system is scheduled to be retrofitted in the coming years.
About the International Dark Sky Places Program:
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. Dark Sky Community and Dark Sky Park Weißbach now joins more than 250 Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.
About DarkSky International:
The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.
Media Contacts
Sandra Uschnig
Dark Sky Park & Nature Park Manager
+43 6582 8352 12
[email protected]
Dan Oakley
Policy and Destination Senior Manager, DarkSky International
+44 780 357 0818
[email protected]
