IS THE NIGHT SKY THE FINAL FRONTIER IN SUSTAINABILITY ON EARTH?

BY MONA SIRAJ, ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR AT RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG)

We need to embrace the darkness in order to preserve our stunning night skies for generations to come

Humankind has held a special relationship with the night sky since the dawn of time. The stars have guided us on long, intrepid journeys for millennia. They have been the basis for the stories and legends that became our shared culture. And they have provided a source of inspiration and wonder for all who have looked up on a clear night.

We want to make sure that our guests and future generations can experience this as well. But more critically, we want to protect the night sky because of the importance it plays in regulating and sustaining nature. The Red Sea is a habitat for some of the most distinctive aquatic lifeforms and endangered wildlife; it is essential to keep the environment in a state where this biodiversity can flourish.

Many birds, turtles, and bugs are photoperiodic, meaning their behavior is influenced by patterns of light and darkness, repeated each day, season, or year. This impacts all of their activities, from breeding and eating to resting. When the endangered hawksbill sea turtle hatches during the dark of night, for example, it uses the brightness of the moon to make its way to the sea.

It is estimated that more than half the world’s population currently lives in cities and that number is projected to reach 75% by the year 2050. Artificial light from urban centers has created a consistent ‘skyglow’ at night, blocking our view of the stars.

Those in charge of planning, managing, and carrying out the development of cities are becoming more and more obliged to formulate creative solutions to address the negative impacts the rapid growth of urban areas is having on the night sky.

To create an environment of discussion and engagement on this topic, Red Sea Global (RSG) hosted an event for journalists, astronomers, and activists who support night-time protection. This included Ghaida Aloumi, Space Ambassador and National

Point of Contact for Saudi Arabia at the Space Generation Advisory Council, and Eng. Ahmed T. Althaher, a passionate speaker and leader at Judai Astronomical Tourism.

Called 'Suhoor Under the Red Sea Stars' and held in a Bedouin-style tent with an open roof, the event sought to inform and educate attendees about why the night sky needs protection and how we are achieving it.

As the sun set, our vision adapted to the darkness, and frequently someone would whisper "wow" as a different planet became visible: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and the enormous Jupiter all made an appearance.

During the evening, Myriam Patricia Lopez Yanez, Lighting Design Director at RSG, gave a talk, revealing how we are using the natural light of the Sun and moon to safeguard the Red Sea's unique environment and deep history. Mr Althaher also spoke, explaining the effect of astronomy on various civilizations. He also presented a tutorial on how to use binoculars for astronomical observations, pointing out the brightest stars, indicating various star patterns, and recounting their tales in line with Arabic culture – all with the Milky Way providing a spectacular backdrop.

The event was hugely successful, but our work does not stop there. Every partner we work with, from construction company to hotel operator and beyond, must adhere to the regulations laid out in our Dark Skies principles. These rules are designed to ensure the protection of the environment, including the sky at night. For example, all lights on roads, pathways, and structures are directed downwards and have controlled lenses to make sure there is minimal light pollution. Moreover, all lights throughout the destination are selected to be warm and amber colors, avoiding white and blue, which are more intense for the sky.

To take things one step further, we are collaborating with the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) to inform the cities and communities near our destinations about light pollution, further protecting the night sky.

Red Sea Global places sustainability at the core of all its activities, stressing the importance of both people and planet. With seven out of 10 travelers worldwide expressing their desire to be actively involved in protecting the environment while traveling, this emphasis on sustainability is attractive to today's environmentally aware consumer.

Yet while many understand the concepts of environmental protection and biodiversity, the need to protect the night sky is less understood.

We are determined to continue helping to educate the world and are working with the IDA to do this. We also have ambitions for The Red Sea to become the largest dark sky reserve in the world – this will help lure visitors, but also protect the nocturnal creatures that call the Red Sea home.

Our destinations possess some of the most exceptional night skies in the globe. It is our pleasure and duty to ensure they remain that way.

WE ANTICIPATE. WE INVESTIGATE. WE RESOLVE.

MAKING THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES A REALITY, EVERY TIME