INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM, TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY LAW The protection of dark skies is not limited to the actions of the international community. Several countries make attempts in order to preserve the skies both for nature conservation purposes and the promotion of DST as a unique domestic tourism destination. For instance, in Canada, Parks Canada and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada decide which protected areas can be known as Dark-Sky Preserves, Urban Star Parks, and Nocturnal Preserves47. Since most of the dark areas are created in the national protected areas, mitigation of ALAN, mainly, aims at minimizing the impact of artificial lighting on wildlife. The Canadian government supports DST at these destinations through organizing night-sky- -related activities, including stargazing, campfire activities and drawing workshops. The introduction of DST activities should be considered a long-term investment towards sustainable and responsible tourism development. The reduction of light pollution for DST benefits nature conservation and biodiversity protection by providing conditions for the proper functioning of ecosystems. Since the production of ALAN is strongly associated with energy generation, the decrease in light pollution levels will also save state budgets, ensure efficient use of energy resources and cut greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, DST will increase awareness of light pollution as an environmental problem and help to generate revenue for the support of environmental conservation, especially within protected areas. The DST can help to improve human physical and mental health, as well as well-being. While the loss of darkness makes it impossible to observe the infinite galaxy, severing the connectivity of humans with something greater than their life on earth. The presence of the dark skies restores this connectivity and advances the general feeling of belonging needed for mental calmness48. The presence of dark skies is also valuable for physical health. Exposure to natural darkness stimulates the synchronization of biological rhythms, which are so necessary for the normal functioning of any living organism49. The introduction of DST activities can equally contribute to the economic sustainability dimension. The darkest skies are mostly present in isolated natural and rural areas, and the introduction of a new form of tourism will revive local economies, providing the populations of small and neglected villages with job 47 Dark Sky Preserves Canada [accessed on 18.04.2022]. 48 Bjelajac, D., Đerčan, B. & Kovačić, S. (2021) Dark skies and dark screens as a precondition for astronomy tourism and general well-being. Inf Technol Tourism 23, 19–43 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-020-00189-9. 49 Falchi F., Cinzano P., Haim A., et. al. (2011) Limiting the impact of light pollution on human health, environment and stellar visibility, Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 92, Issue 10, Pages 2714-2722, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.06.029.
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