Cielos de Chile Foundation promotes the value of dark skies at Ladera Sur Festival

The foundation’s participation in the event focused on the protection of dark skies as an essential resource for biodiversity and scientific research, warning of the risks of light pollution.

On November 15, 16, and 17, the Cielos de Chile Foundation participated in the Ladera Sur Festival at Santa Rosa de Apoquindo Park. The event, which brings together the main sustainability actors in the country, attracted 18,000 people over its three days.

One of the festival’s spaces was the Environmental Brotherhood, which gathered more than fifty NGOs and foundations recognized for their environmental work. At the venue, the Cielos de Chile Foundation set up its interactive and educational booth where they demonstrated what sustainable lighting should look like. They also informed attendees about the projects and objectives that drive their work in the protection of dark skies.

Dark Skies: Scientific and Environmental Heritage

During the event, Daniela González, the executive director of the Foundation, presented the talk “Dark Skies: Scientific and Environmental Heritage,” focused on the importance of preserving Chile’s dark skies as a natural laboratory for astronomical research and a fundamental resource for biodiversity. In her presentation, Daniela highlighted how the protection of this heritage opens up opportunities for sustainable development based on science and conservation, while warning about the dangers posed by the advance of light pollution.

Recent reports indicate that excessive artificial light impacts the reproduction, feeding, sleep, and protection from predators of various species. In Chile, a study showed that light pollution affects 17 species of seabirds, seven of which are endangered. Additionally, various research studies indicate that this issue is also interfering with the activity of nocturnal pollinators, contributing to the so-called “insect apocalypse.”

In line with this, Daniela emphasized that the interconnection between scientific and environmental dimensions is often overlooked, and that a comprehensive approach is essential for the protection of dark skies. “We want to convey a message of opportunity to position ourselves in a new development paradigm based on the conservation of an important resource like our dark skies,” she pointed out.

Light Pollution is an Environmental Problem

The foundation’s participation in the festival had as one of its main motivations to raise awareness among new audiences about the issue of light pollution, particularly among those interested in sustainability and biodiversity protection. Through the booth and the talk, the Foundation aimed to highlight the everyday impact of this problem on people and their surroundings, as well as to show how small actions can mitigate its effects.

“This is our second time at the Ladera Sur Festival – and once again – we are very happy and satisfied with the experience. We are motivated to gather in an environment where sustainability is the common denominator, and where people are open to learning and exploring new knowledge,” Daniela emphasized.