It is reported that New Zealand is aiming to become the second Dark Sky Nation in the world as a result of the latest developments in this regard. According to the reports, New Zealand will make all efforts to reduce light pollution further and preserve its pristine view of the night sky, despite 80 percent of the globe being affected by light pollution.
What does it mean to be a Dark Sky Nation?
In the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), a Dark Place is defined as a land that is characterized by starry nights, which also has a nocturnal environment, which is protected in order to preserve it for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment, as defined by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).
As of 2020, there are only 115 dark sky parks in the world, 16 dark sky sanctuaries, and 20 dark sky reserves in the world. Niue, an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, is the only nation in the world at the moment that has been certified as a dark sky nation. This is an island country that is part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
New Zealand’s goal to become a certified dark sky nation is an unprecedented milestone for the country. The indigenous Maori people of the country are taking the lead on this initiative, in an attempt to spread awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of the preservation of dark skies in the country, according to various reports.
New Zealand’s dark skies hold a special significance for the Maori people, who use the maramataka (the lunar calendar) for planting, harvesting, fishing, and hunting, among other things.
Read Also:
- Fuel Availability in Ladakh: Petrol Pumps on Sri Nagar – Leh – Manali Highway
- Travel restrictions related to Covid have been lifted by the UAE
- Supreme Court modifies 2004 order, enables online ticketing for Taj Mahal night viewing
- PM Modi flags off the first Vande Bharat train for South India on the Mysuru-Bengaluru-Chennai route
- This season, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve will introduce tribal tourism
- Jammu’s Jhiri Mela is back after a 2-year break
- The Indian techno music festival is in Alwar
- India’s Chittorgarh Fort to be illuminated throughout the year
- India First International Independent Music Festival to be held in Kovalam, Kerala
- The Manali-Leh highway has been closed as a result of heavy snowfall