TUCSON, Ariz.—With astrotourism gaining popularity worldwide, DarkSky International has released a new set of guiding principles to ensure dark sky experiences benefit communities, honor local knowledge and lifeways, and prioritize the protection of the nighttime environment.
Astrotourism, which focuses on experiencing starry skies and celestial events, is emerging as a leading travel trend in 2024. Closely related is dark sky tourism, offering a broader range of activities such as night safaris, moonlit hikes, and wellness-focused visits to pristine, dark locations. As interest in experiencing dark nights grows, so does the need for responsible tourism that protects the environment and fosters sustainability.
“Astrotourism has the potential to generate significant social, economic, and environmental benefits,” notes Samyukta Manikumar, board member of DarkSky International. “We can learn a lot from both the successes and challenges in daytime tourism to encourage the growth of the astrotourism industry in a way that both protects the nocturnal environment and encourages sustainable economic development.”
Drawing from insights gathered from over 200 International Dark Sky Places, along with input from astronomers, scientists, and industry professionals, DarkSky International developed these principles to guide organizations, communities, and individuals involved in astrotourism. Endorsed by the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a joint project of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the principles focus on reducing light pollution and promoting sustainability, ensuring that astrotourism benefits local environments, communities, and the night skies it depends on.
DarkSky International’s Principles of Responsible Astrotourism
- Use light responsibly
Adopt DarkSky’s Responsible Outdoor Light At Night (ROLAN) principles to safeguard the nighttime environment while enhancing visual safety. Ensure outdoor lighting is purposeful, targeted, low-level, controlled, and warm-colored. - Protect the natural environment
Ensure tourism activities and operations do not disrupt wildlife or the natural environment. With 69% of mammals being nocturnal, many species rely on natural darkness for survival. - Support the well-being of residents
Consider the needs and activities of local residents, aiming to enhance their experience of the nighttime environment while minimizing any negative impacts on the community. - Honor local and First People cultures
Respectfully and collaboratively integrate local and First People, their traditions, and their knowledge, where possible, with free, prior, and informed consent, recognizing their cultural significance and ensuring sensitivity in its application. - Adhere to local regulations
Comply with all relevant local regulations in the areas where you operate, ensuring responsible and legal practices. Support and promote regulations protecting natural darkness, ensuring future generations enjoy the night sky. - Foster sustainable economic growth
Contribute to the local economy by generating meaningful direct and indirect economic benefits for local people and communities.
DarkSky International aims for these principles to be widely adopted by affiliated organizations and independent astrotourism operators alike. Astrotourism has the potential to catalyze positive change and reduce light pollution globally, but it must be pursued intentionally with utmost concern for local communities and the natural environment.
“There is clear synergy between dark sky conservation and astrotourism—a recent survey of International Dark Sky Places shows that dark sky conservation is leading to astrotourism and astrotourism serves as a strong incentive to protect the dark skies that make astrotourism possible. With the exponential trending of astrotourism in recent years, DarkSky is ideally placed to provide leadership in ensuring that astrotourism activities are carried out in a responsible manner. This will benefit everything and everyone directly or indirectly involved.”
— Nalayini Brito-Davies, Vice President, DarkSky Board of Directors
“As we endeavour to use astronomy for a better world, we strongly support DarkSky International’s Principles of Responsible Astrotourism, as they capture the spirit of kindness, respect and consideration for both people and nature, which is so desperately needed in areas of rapid growth such as astrotourism.”
— Kevin Govender, Director, Office of Astronomy for Development
Read more about DarkSky’s Principles of Responsible Astrotourism and the collaborative process behind its creation. We also invite you to download the accompanying resources below and share them widely.
Together, we can inspire people to experience the wonders of the night while ensuring the protection of dark skies for current and future generations.
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