The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind one of the world's most ambitious tourism initiatives, has announced plans to become the largest certified Dark Sky Reserve in the world, and is seeking an accreditation that recognizes areas with an exceptional quality of starry nights and a commitment to protecting the nocturnal environment. TRSDC has awarded a contract to Cundall, an international multi-disciplinary consultancy providing engineering, design and sustainable solutions, to develop a lighting strategy that would provide enough lighting for safe movement around the site, whilst meeting the stringent International Dark Sky criteria. "We are proud to announce our intention to become the first full-scale destination in the Middle East to pursue this unique accreditation, intended to safeguard the natural environment and allow guests to marvel at the beauty of the night sky," said John Pagano, Chief Executive Officer, the Red Sea Development Company. "Over the centuries, explorers, trade caravans and pilgrims have used the night sky to navigate across our region. Dark Sky accreditation will allow our visitors to enjoy the same stunning night-time panoramas that guided and inspired those historical travelers. We are proud to become part of a worldwide movement dedicated to restoring mankind's intimate relationship with the stars." According to a study for Science Advances, it is estimated that the Milky Way is no longer fully visible to one-third of humanity, including 60 percent of Europeans and 80 percent of Americans. Artificial light from cities has created a permanent "skyglow" at night, obscuring our view of the stars. The internationally recognized Dark Sky accreditation aligns with TRSDC's commitment to deliver an exclusive experience of unparalleled diversity while enhancing the destination's extraordinary natural wonders. The company recognizes the threat of light pollution and the impact it has on the environment and resident species like the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. "The night sky at the site is already at a very high level of quality and beautiful to experience, full of interesting textures and powerful contrasts. Away from city lights, the splash of the Milky Way is spellbinding, stretching from one horizon to the other," said Andrew Bissell, Director of Light4, Cundall. --More 19:39 LOCAL TIME 16:39 GMT 0030 www.spa.gov.sa/2042405
