A public consultation on light pollution has been launched, which, the Government said, is “for the benefit of our health and natural heritage.” The process is for new guidelines on light pollution for the Planning Authority (PA) and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).

Launched by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning, it said that the scope of these guidelines is to “halt the negative effects of light pollution on the Maltese islands.”

The guidelines also propose the inclusion of Dark Sky Heritage Areas on the Maltese main islands, similar to those already designated on Gozo and Comino.

Examples of these potential sites can be found in the west and north-western regions of mainland Malta. These sites could be given this designation to protect the night sky.

Areas such as Natura 2000 sites, COE Emerald Network sites, and natural and biodiversity conservation sites should be protected from artificial light.

“The main challenge for these guidelines is that this will not manage to affect the light pollution from existing projects, but it will affect proposed and other future projects,” Minister Farrugia said.

He explained that, “the main objectives of these guidelines are to increase awareness on the negative impact of obtrusive light, highlight the benefits of well-designed external lighting, emphasise the protection to protect dark rural areas from light pollution and guide individuals and organisations to make the best use of artificial light.”

He went on to say that people are not aware of the negative effects light pollution has, explaining that the installation of high-intensity artificial lighting, LED billboards and other sources of artificial light “have a considerable effect on our everyday life.”

“Apart from negative effects on our flora and fauna, scientific studies have shown that light pollution may affect public health and affect sleep patterns. Light pollution may also affect criminality rates in particular areas, reduce the visibility of the night sky and increase energy consumption,” the Minister said.

He concluded by saying that public consultation for these guidelines will allow for better planning in the use of artificial lighting outdoors, without impinging on public health and our country’s natural heritage.

To access the Public Consultation information and documents please click here.

Photo: Dark sky area Gozo

Permalink: Light pollution: New guidelines to halt its negative effects on the Maltese Islands