Belgium's Initiative to Reduce Light Pollution: A Balancing Act

In a significant move to combat light pollution, the municipality of Viroinval in Wallonia, Belgium, is set to permanently turn off 75 streetlights deemed unnecessary. This initiative is part of a broader project aimed at restoring night-time darkness within the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse national park, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity. The project, which began in 2021, is backed by a €308,000 allocation from the national park to enhance natural habitats by reducing artificial light.

The Guardian

The decision to remove streetlights stems from an assessment that identified 6% of the park's 8,000 streetlights as superfluous, located more than 50 meters from buildings and within proximity to Natura 2000 sites, which are critical for wildlife conservation. Nicolas Goethals, the project leader, emphasizes the importance of balancing human safety with ecological needs, stating, “We cannot say to an old lady we want to prioritise bats over you.”

The Guardian

Local residents have mixed feelings about the project. André Detournay, a long-time resident of Mazée, expresses concern over safety, stating, “Having lights here is logical... it makes me feel safe.” Similarly, Jacques Monty, a municipal worker involved in the dismantling process, prioritizes public safety, noting that while the project could be beneficial, it should not compromise the security of residents.

The Guardian

Research indicates that while street lighting can enhance feelings of safety, it does not necessarily correlate with reduced crime rates or road collisions. This complexity has led to a public debate on the necessity of streetlights in rural areas, where the perception of safety often outweighs statistical evidence.

The Guardian

The negative impact of light pollution on wildlife is well-documented. Experts argue that artificial lighting disrupts ecosystems, particularly affecting nocturnal insects, with an estimated 2,000 billion insects killed annually in France alone due to public lighting. This initiative in Wallonia is part of a larger European movement to address light pollution, with various communes across France already implementing similar measures.

The Guardian

The project in Viroinval is seen as a pilot for broader efforts to create "dark corridors" for wildlife across Europe. Goethals plans to collaborate with colleagues in France to extend these initiatives, indicating that this is merely the beginning of a larger shift towards embracing natural darkness.

The Guardian

In addition to removing streetlights, the municipality is retrofitting old electricity pylons to support the nesting of white storks, which have seen a resurgence in the national park. This dual approach of reducing light pollution while enhancing wildlife habitats reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance human activity with environmental stewardship.

The Guardian

• “Having lights here is logical,” — André Detournay, Resident of Mazée

The Guardian

• “It could be good, but we need to make sure it doesn’t compromise the safety of people – that is my priority,” — Jacques Monty, Municipal Worker

The Guardian

• “Seventy-five [streetlights] might not seem like much but you have to start somewhere,” — Nicolas Goethals, Project Leader

The Guardian

This initiative in Wallonia exemplifies the challenges and opportunities in addressing light pollution while considering community safety and ecological health.

The Guardian