ARTIS is an island of peace in the heart of the Dam. As the rest of the city is illuminated by a multitude of lights, ARTIS appears from above the glowing city of Amsterdam as an oasis of darkness, a haven, offering an oasis of stillness to the animals in the city and the urban wildlife dependent on natural darkness.
A World First: Darkness in the Heart of a City
For Amsterdam, the Urban Night Sky Place certification signifies a remarkable accomplishment. It awards ARTIS not just a zoological attraction, but a global leader in sustainable urban ecology. ARTIS has, to most, created Amsterdam’s “No Light District” zone, all while the city is renowned for its nightlife and illuminated canals.
By the thoughtful reduction of city lights and the intentional embrace of darkness, the zoo’s artificial lighting now shadows the natural night. This, of course, benefits the animals in its care as well as the surrounding city ecosystem. The certification also positions ARTIS, and especially for the capital city, the only urban area, to be a part of the expanding global community of dark-sky protected zones.
The Value of Darkness: Why It Matters
AS of today, the Netherlands has among the most light-polluted areas in the world. The World Health Organization has declared light pollution a global health crisis. Artificial urban lighting is reported to rise every year by a shocking national average of 10%, and studies show that it is negatively impacting urban wildlife and the natural behaviors of all species, including humans.ARTIS’s acknowledgement underscores the importance of darkness when it comes to striking a balance with the environment. By minimizing artificial lights, the zoo allows its animals, as well as the wildlife that share the zoo’s grounds, to enjoy their natural circadian rhythms. This serves as a reminder that darkness, contrary to popular belief, is a natural and necessary component of a safe environment.
Savitri Groag, the zoo’s Sustainability Coordinator, pointed out that the mission to reduce light pollution is part of ARTIS’s vision of caring for all life, human and animal. She pointed out that darkness, like light, can also be celebrated and protected, even in a highly populated urban environment.
World Over Inspiration
“ARTIS is setting an extraordinary example,” said Dan Oakley of DarkSky International. He explained that the certification was meaningful as it shows what urban institutions can do to safeguard their nighttime environment. This initiative of ARTIS is a good example of the urban wildlife-friendly practices many people hope to see. He hopes many other zoos around the world will follow ARTIS’s example.
Such recognition allows ARTIS to be viewed as a world leader in the sustainable management of urban centers. The ideal of urban conservation, innovation, and coexistence is achievable and does not have to be sacrificed in the face of the most accessible urban centers. Zoos in urban centers no longer have to provide a substandard experience for visitors.
Night Experiences for Guests
For the winter, ARTIS will be celebrating the certification and awareness of light pollution by offering winter special evening programs. During the evening hours, the zoo will host a limited number of guests during the night to appreciate the zoo in natural darkness. The guests will go on guided night walks and other sensory activities, as well as stargazing activities at the zoo’s Planetarium.
These evening winter programs will assist with their outreach and public education campaigns. The guests will appreciate the night as a natural gift and learn about the effects of artificial light on the night sky and their health, as well as the oppressive control exerted by artificial light. Unplugging at night will allow them to appreciate the wonder of the night sky. These expected programs will be a signature ARTIS addition for public awareness on conservation.
A Haven for Wildlife in Amsterdam’s Urban Landscape
In addition to being recognized for reducing light pollution, ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo is an important piece of green space in the urban landscape of Amsterdam. As a zoo, ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo cares for a population of over 500 animals as well as a large collection of plants and a diverse collection of flora and fauna, which is designed to ensure a well-balanced, natural environment in which the animals can exhibit their natural behaviors.
By reducing artificial light, ARTIS not only assists in the well-being of its resident animals but also attracts urban wildlife, including bats, insects, and night-feeding birds. Such wildlife depends on natural darkness to navigate, feed, and reproduce. ARTIS’s light reclamation efforts serve to balance these populations, solidifying its status as a zoo and functioning urban ecosystem.
The Netherlands and Light Pollution
The Netherlands is illustrated as one of the most light-polluted countries in the world. With ARTIS’ light pollution reclamation landmark status, the zoo is setting an example for other institutions and cities in the Netherlands on reducing their environmental impact. This recognition can serve as motivation for urban planners and policymakers to change the discourse for public lighting.
There are increasing positive developments regarding sustainable, greener infrastructures in the Netherlands. ARTIS went the extra mile when taking the small steps necessary to restore natural darkness. Some of these small steps include the ‘cycling’ of lighting and ‘motion’ activated lighting.
Conclusion: A Future Made Brighter Because of Darkness
The Consecration of the ARTIS Royal Zoo as an Urban Sky Place is a monumental achievement. It illustrates the importance of darkness in our everyday lives. It shows how city life can coexist without damaging the environment and gives hope as cities increase in population.
To the countless tourists that Amsterdam hosts every year, ARTIS is a ‘natural’ symbol of calm, serenity, and balance in a city full of vibrant energy, and is a ‘natural’ place tourists can go to at the end of their busy day. This is ‘natural’ lighting to ‘recharge’ and ‘reset’ and remember the ‘forgotten’ stars of the night that are lost to busy city life. ARTIS shows that in the busiest of cities, there is room for stargazing.
Tags: Dan Oakley DarkSky, ARTIS, Amsterdam,ARTIS Royal Zoo, Netherlands
