Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Dorian Božičević and Diana Magdić with a rotating map of the sky in Lastovo, Source: The Croatian Astronomical Union
The island of Lastovo is implementing new policies with the hopes of receiving the status of an International Dark Sky Park or Sanctuary
The Croatian Astronomical Union is reviving the “Lastovo Island of Stars” project with the aim of helping Lastovo receive the status of an International Dark Sky Park or Sanctuary. By evaluating the night sky quality and organizing astronomical events, Lastovo hopes to receive this distinction.
In 2001, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) launched the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) Program. This program was founded with the goal of promoting the preservation and protection of dark sites around the world. Furthermore, it encouraged communities to create and enforce responsible lighting policies.
As of February 2020, there are over 130 IDSPs.
The Croatian Astronomical Union reported that from 2008 to 2010, the International Conference on Dark Sky Parks was held at Lastovo. At the time, the island first began to work on the project and implement changes.
As part of its reforms, Lastovo began to reconstruct its public lighting. Subsequently, it became the first municipality in Croatia to have ecological lighting. It is also interesting to note that Lastovo achieved this prior to the adoption of regulations regarding light pollution.
In addition to these changes, the island held astronomy workshops and established an astronomical society. Unfortunately, however, the project stalled due to a lack of funding, among other reasons.
Now, ten years later, the Secretary-General of the Croatian Astronomical Union Dorian Božičević visited Lastovo again and revived the project. More specifically, he explored the island’s various locations suitable for astronomical observations and set up cameras to monitor meteors.
Then, it was agreed that Lostovo would measure the quality of the night sky and provide astronomy activities for both citizens and tourists. Last but not least, astronomy workshops for elementary school students were also organized.
Currently, two places in Croatia hold the distinction of an IDSP: Petrova Gora in Banovina and Vrani Kamen on Papuk. Jelsa on Hvar is expected to be the third place to earn this distinction and Lastovo hopes to become the fourth.
After a place becomes designated as an IDSP, the IDA demands regular status updates to ensure that communities remain committed to the preservation and protection of their sites. Receiving the distinction of an IDSP would increase tourism and promote economic growth in Lastovo.
TheMayor.EU stands against fake news and disinformation. If you encounter such texts and materials online, contact us at info@themayor.eu
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital