Niue first country to be awarded International Dark Sky Place status
Niue has become the first country in the world to become an International Dark Sky Place. This gives it formal protection for its sky, land and sea.
The title - bestowed by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) - recognises an area with exceptional quality of starry nights and a commitment to protecting the nocturnal environment.
It signifies a commitment to restricting artificial light pollution so that night skies can be observed and enjoyed to their full potential.
Tourism Niue’s CEO Felicity Bollen, said the protection added to current measures, including a marine reserve which was 40 percent of Niue's exclusive economic zone.
The dark sky nation initiative was championed by Niue Tourism, and received support from the Niue Government. Photo: Mark Russell
The Huvalu Forest Conservation area, which contains some of the world's most threatened flora and fauna, is also protected.
Bollen says: “The people of Niue are understandably proud and delighted to receive such an important acknowledgment from the International Dark-Sky Association. To be the first whole country to become a dark sky nation is a massive accomplishment for a small Pacific nation with a population of just over 1,600”.
Andre Siohane, Director-General for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Chair of the Niue Dark Sky Committee says, “The Government of Niue has embraced and supported the project for Niue to become a dark sky nation, demonstrating a commitment to the protection, management and enhancement of the nation’s dark skies”. Photo: Mark Russell
She adds, “The stars and night sky have a huge significance to the Niuean way of life, from a cultural, environmental and health perspective. Being a dark sky nation will help protect Niue’s night skies for future generations of Niueans and visitors to the country”.
The IDA is the globally recognised authority for night sky protection and has taken the lead in identifying and publicising the negative impacts of artificial light at night on human health, wildlife, and climate change.
In 2001 it set up a program to award destinations working to preserve their dark skies. According to research by the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute, 80% of Earth’s landmass suffers from light pollution.
New Zealand couple, Richard and Gendie Somerville-Ryan, were responsible for researching and writing Niue’s IDA application. Having previously carried out a successful bid for Great Barrier Island (New Zealand) to become a Dark Sky Sanctuary, the pair were able to provide Niue with the specialist technical expertise and support required. Photo: Mark Russell
Niue has undertaken significant measures to receive the accreditation, including replacing all the streetlights on the entire island, and upgrading domestic, private lighting.
Islanders have a long history of star navigation and a life regulated by lunar cycles and star positions. The knowledge of the night skies, held by the elders in the community, has been passed down through the generations.
Elders now hope the passion to learn the cultural history of the stars is re-ignited in younger generations. Misa Kalutea, a Niuean elder and cultural guardian says “Niue’s skies have been observed and appreciated for centuries. The dark sky nation status adds new emphasis to the importance of our traditional knowledge, providing a reason for the retelling and sharing of this knowledge before it is lost”.
Niue is well placed as a Dark Sky Sanctuary being isolated but easily accessible and linked to the rest of the world with twice weekly flights from Auckland, New Zealand. Once on Niue, visitors can view the spectacle of an unspoilt night sky in the temperate tropical climate. Photo: Mark Russell
It’s hoped the Dark Sky recognition will provide a significant economic opportunity for the small Pacific Island, with a growing global interest in Astro-tourism.
“Viewing sites which are currently used for whale-watching and accessing the sea are already established on the island,” Bollen says. “In addition, the dark interior provides spectacular views of the sky and the roads that cross the island make ideal viewing locations.
“Visitors will be able to enjoy guided Astro-tours led by trained Niuean community members. They will witness the wonder of a night sky illuminated by thousands of stars. The Milky Way with the large and small Magellanic Clouds and the Andromeda constellation are truly a sight to behold”.