DARK SKIES LIGHTING CONSULTANT TO VISIT

As part of St Helena’s work to introduce Dark Skies legislation, Dark Skies Lighting Consultant, James Paterson, will be visiting the Island from 18 August to 1 September 2018.

Dark Skies legislation will mitigate light pollution in order to preserve and sustain the natural environment of St Helena. Introducing Dark Skies legislation will enable St Helena to eventually apply for International Dark Sky Status with the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).

More than one-third of the world’s population, 60% of Europeans and nearly 80% of North Americans are now unable to see the Milky Way due to light pollution. This is not the case on St Helena and the Island is keen to keep it that way. Dark Skies legislation has many benefits including, protecting the natural environment, conserving its biodiversity, protecting the night sky and reducing energy waste and carbon emissions.

During his time on-Island, James will be assisting with the public consultation process and will be able to explain the details and requirements of Dark Skies legislation.

Alongside of this, James will also be training key local SHG staff and other stakeholders in the implementation of the Dark Sky Management Plan.

During a two-day workshop, James will deliver tuition to help attendees with interpreting many of the technical issues which the Island will need to address if Dark Sky Status from the IDA is eventually achieved.

Further information on the public consultation sessions will be issued shortly.

Time will be set aside in the visit programme for electrical contractors and wholesalers to meet with James outside of the public consultation sessions.  Electricians and wholesalers wishing to attend these separate sessions are invited to contact Gillian Francis by emailing: gillian.francis@sainthelena.gov.sh or calling: 22314.

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SHG

6 August 2018

St Helena Government Communications Hub

Telephone: 22470
Email: communications@sainthelena.gov.sh