IMPACTS ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Ecosystem services refer to the benefits that natural ecosystems provide to human societies, both directly and indirectly, despite these benefits being often unrecognised or undervalued. Assigning them a measurable value helps make the importance of nature more tangible and visible, especially when dealing with policy and economic decisions.
Unfortunately, light pollution poses a growing threat to ecosystem services. Indeed, Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) disrupts natural cycles such as pollination, reproduction, and migration, which are essential for services like food production and pest control. ALAN also affects soil and water quality by disturbing microbial activity, and diminishes cultural benefits by obscuring the natural night sky. Overall, it weakens ecosystems’ ability to support human well-being.
THE DARKERSKY4CE GIS MAP
The GIS map developed by the DARKERSKY4CE project is an interactive tool designed to visualise light pollution and its impact on ecosystems across Central Europe. By integrating data on biodiversity, land use, and artificial light levels, the GIS map helps identify key areas where preserving natural darkness can support wildlife, promote sustainable tourism, and guide environmental planning. Accessible to policymakers, researchers, and local communities, this map serves as a decision support platform to reduce light pollution and unlock the ecological and economic value of dark skies. Reducing ALAN is therefore not only an environmental priority, but also a necessary step towards protecting and restoring the full range of ecosystem services on which we all depend.
Click on the button below to discover our interactive GIS Map!
This repository is managed by INAF as part of the Interreg Central Europe project DARKERSKY4CE, co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. Whilst INAF takes every precaution to ensure that the content is accurate, INAF cannot guarantee that all information or data on the website is correct. Therefore, INAF accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the information or data on the website or for any use which may be made of it.