What it means that Møn & Nyord is a Dark Sky Park, and why we decided to create it
Møn and Nyord have exceptional night time darkness and low levels of light pollution. The islands have been awarded the IDA recognition as both an International Dark Sky Community and an International Dark Sky Park. This results in better protection of current nighttime conditions in both the developed and wilderness areas of both islands.
Møn is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Denmark. Famous for its white chalk cliffs "Møns Klint", Møn is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and offers visitors a slower pace of life compared to the bigger cities of Europe, complete with open countryside, sandy Baltic Sea beaches, and beautiful landscapes.
In 2014, residents of Møn began an effort to promote the Islands’ dark skies, both as a means to protect the dark sky and limit the growth of light pollution, and as a means of economic development and tourism potential.
The work culminated in a joint effort for IDA recognition as both an International Dark Sky Community and an International Dark Sky Park. The reasoning for this approach is that it results in better protection of current nighttime conditions in both the developed and wilderness areas of both islands.
The average yearly increase in light pollution levels in Denmark is a staggering 8%. This means that future generations will not be able to see the night sky, unless we take action and try to limit the unsustainable use of artificial light.