The Municipality of Câmara de Lobos installed 29 new lights in the downtown area, as part of a pilot project of the LIFE Natura@night Project. This initiative, coordinated by the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds – SPEA, is part of the Macaronesian Alliance for the Reduction of Light Pollution, which aims to protect biodiversity, with a special focus on seabirds, while promoting energy efficiency and the quality of public lighting.
According to a press release, the municipality, as one of the beneficiaries of the project, LIFE Natura@night. implemented luminaires with controlled spectrum LED technology, which minimise the emission of blue light, thus reducing negative impacts on nocturnal fauna. This action not only protects biodiversity, but also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing electricity consumption.
Within the scope of this project, the effects of light pollution on the biodiversity of Macaronesia’s protected areas are being studied and measures to mitigate these effects are being implemented. The project also included the measurement and mapping of light pollution in the land and sea areas of the Municipality, as well as the awareness of the population and economic sectors for the importance of responsible and regulated lighting.
Câmara de Lobos is one of several entities involved in this alliance, which includes municipalities, regional governments, NGOs, and the scientific community. The collaboration between these different stakeholders aims to ensure the implementation of sustainable practices, in line with the objectives of preserving the region’s natural heritage.
The councilor responsible for the Environment Dina Silva stressed that this is “a crucial project for the environmental sustainability of Câmara de Lobos, which combines the protection of biodiversity with the promotion of a more efficient and safe urban environment.” The new lights, in addition to benefiting local seabirds, provide a more pleasant and illuminated environment for residents and visitors to the city.
This intervention is part of a broader strategy, coordinated by SPEA, which involves not only the installation of efficient lighting, but also the awareness of key sectors such as fishermen, maritime tourism companies, and port agents, to the impacts of light pollution.
The LIFE Natura@night project is funded by the European Union, and will continue with new initiatives that will contribute to the reduction of light pollution and the protection of Macaronesia’s sensitive ecosystems.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Photo: JM Archive
