DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to combating light pollution and preserving the natural beauty of the night sky, is making significant strides in their five-year strategic plan. Last year's announcement of the plan was followed by concrete actions to protect the night skies through targeted initiatives, most notably the expansion of their Dark Sky Places certification program.

 
The Dark Sky Places certification program encourages collaboration among citizens, community groups, parks, and protected areas worldwide to safeguard the darkness of the night sky. By promoting responsible lighting policies and public education, the program aims to combat light pollution and preserve the beauty of celestial vistas.

With over 200 certified Dark Sky Places across the globe, the program has gained substantial traction since its inception. These certified locations, including parks, urban reserves, and communities, have been identified and advocated for by passionate individuals who share a common goal of protecting the night sky.

Notable additions to the list of certified Dark Sky Places include the City of Groveland, the first Dark Sky Community in Florida; Ynys Enlli (or Bardsey Island), the first Dark Sky Sanctuary in Europe; and Aenos National Park, the first International Dark Sky Park in Greece.

As DarkSky International expands its Dark Sky Places program and gains more supporters, the organization calls on interested individuals to contribute to their cause. The organization highlights the importance of regular support, urging individuals to become Nighthawk monthly donors to ensure ongoing protection against light pollution.

Learn more about DarkSky International's strategy here: https://darksky.org/about/our-strategy/