The Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA), are launching their new street survey, which aims to investigate the Madeiran perception of light pollution and energy efficiency.
“We want to know how people feel affected by light pollution, and what solutions they consider most relevant,” says Cátia Gouveia, coordinator of SPEA Madeira, stressing that “the goal is not to live in the dark, but to find greener options, for example using LED lighting, which is not only more efficient but also night biodiversity friendly.”
The findings of this survey will be taken into account in municipal public lighting plans, allowing decisions to be adjusted to the reality of each of the municipalities.
Following the example of the municipalities of Santa Cruz and Machico, public lighting master plans are currently being elaborated in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and Santana. These documents govern the implementation and management of street lighting – from street lamps to the lighting of monuments and public buildings – defining guidelines that will reduce energy waste, implement more effective and better-targeted technical solutions, and reconcile street lighting with the protection of endangered species.
The survey is carried out in collaboration with the City Councils of Santana, Machico, Santa Cruz, Funchal, and Câmara de Lobos, who also request the collaboration of their citizens to give their opinion. Each of these municipalities aims to reach at least 5 to 10% of its resident population.
If you can’t wait to be part of this initiative, you can access the survey online at www.naturaatnight.spea.pt.
For those interested in photography, the original photo accompanying this article in JM is outstanding.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
