Conservation
IDA Certification
Professional certification by DarkSky International for places with exceptional starry nights and nocturnal environments.
DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association or IDA) certifies locations through the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) program.
Why Certification Matters
Certification is not just about having dark skies; it’s about a commitment to light pollution mitigation. Certified parks must:
- Maintain high-quality outdoor lighting that minimizes skyglow.
- Provide public education about the importance of dark skies.
- Conduct regular sky quality monitoring.
Categories
- Dark Sky Parks: Publicly or privately owned spaces protected for natural conservation.
- Dark Sky Communities: Towns and cities with exceptional dedication to dark sky friendly ordinances.
- Dark Sky Reserves: Large “core” dark areas surrounded by a peripheral “buffer” zone.
- Dark Sky Sanctuaries: The most remote (and often darkest) places in the world.