By Michalis Xanthakis
In one of the smallest National Parks in Greece, the Ainos National Park, a group of people from the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.) with the help of amateur astronomers from Kefalonia and Greece in general, are guiding citizens and tourists of Kefalonia through the magical Kefalonian night sky, introducing them to planets, constellations and galaxies.
What does Kefalonia offer to a visitor, beyond its wonderful seas and gastronomy?
Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian Islands with its priceless natural environment, has evolved in recent years into a destination for alternative forms of tourism and has gained a comparative advantage over similar destinations in Greece. With the inclusion of the Kefalonia-Ithaca Geopark in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network and the declaration of the Ainos National Park as an International Dark Sky Park, with the development of hiking trails and the organization of outdoor activities, Kefalonia is an ideal destination for visitors who prefer alternative forms of tourism, such as geotourism, astronomical tourism, ecotourism, etc.
How did the effort to develop astronomical tourism in Kefalonia begin?
In N.E.C.C.A., an effort to raise public awareness against light pollution had been launched, which was certified when the organization adopted the principles of the International Dark Sky Protection Organization (IDA) for implementing policies against light pollution. Since then, with the help of the Astronomical Society of Patras “Orion” and amateur astronomers of Kefalonia, an effort was launched to declare Ainos National Park as an International Dark Sky Park by the IDA, based in the USA. This effort was crowned with success on June 9, 2023, making Ainos the first International Dark Sky Park in Greece. An “International Dark Sky Park” is an area with exceptional and/or distinguished night sky quality and a nighttime environment, which is specifically protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and recreation.
What is the importance of establishing dark sky parks without artificial lighting at night?
In our world today there is intense nighttime lighting, which has serious effects, in addition to nocturnal habitats and ecosystems, on the biological clock and on human health. The nighttime visibility of constellations and our galaxy has been drastically reduced. It is a fact that all people who visit national parks, such as Ainos National Park, seek to see the dark sky, the constellations and our galaxy, on summer evenings, when conditions allow for the observation of the clear dark sky. The same dark sky, which the ancestors of the human species observed thousands of years ago.
Actions and programs that you plan and implement at the Ainos National Park International Dark Sky Park.
The International Dark Sky Park of Ainos National Park implements programs and actions of experiential education and awareness for the general public, tourists, primary and secondary school students and thematic clubs, which include actions such as oranography, sun observation and stargazing, with participants having the opportunity to get to know the night sky or our largest star the sun through a telescope. The summer stargazing nights in the Ainos National Park are now an institution with great appeal and success, with the massive participation of visitors and citizens of Kefalonia with the participation of amateur astronomers and representatives from the Astronomical Society of Patras “Orion” and the Greek Branch of IDA. Participants are initially informed and receive information on astronomical issues. Then, with the use of telescopes and binoculars and with the guidance of the staff of N.E.C.C.A. observe planets, nebulae, constellations, star clusters, our galaxy and the darkness of the night sky, next to the fir trees to the sounds of nocturnal birds. The experience is magical and visitors enjoy being under the night sky and observing celestial bodies.
Apart from the International Dark Sky Park, what else can someone who focuses on astrotourism do?
A visit to the Koutavos Environmental Information Center in Argostoli, which is also the headquarters of the International Dark Sky Park, is worth making for visitors to Kefalonia. The center has modern astronomical equipment and rich information material on astronomical topics, which is available to its visitors daily. Specifically, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the Dark Sky Park and its rich biodiversity, to browse an exhibition of fossils from Kefalonia and to watch useful educational videos/documentaries on the protection of the night sky as a natural resource. In addition, all information and actions concerning the Ainos National Park International Dark Sky Park can be found on the fully updated website and on the International Park’s Social Media.
Source: marketinggreece.com
