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 across Greece, are guiding Kefalonian residents and tourists through the magical Kefalonian night sky, introducing them to planets, constellations and galaxies.
What does Kefalonia have to offer visitors, apart from its wonderful seas and cuisine?
Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian Islands with its priceless natural environment, has in recent years developed 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 designation of Ainos National Park as an International Dark Sky Park, alongside the development of hiking trails and the organisation 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 initiative to develop astronomical tourism in Kefalonia begin?
At N.E.C.C.A., an initiative to raise public awareness of light pollution had been launched, which was formalised when the organisation adopted the principles of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) for implementing policies to combat light pollution. Since then, with the help of the Astronomical Society of Patras “Orion” and amateur astronomers from Kefalonia, a campaign was launched to have Ainos National Park designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the IDA, based in the USA. This initiative was successfully concluded on 9 June 2023, making Ainos the first International Dark Sky Park in Greece. An “International Dark Sky Park” is an area with exceptional and/or outstanding night sky quality and a night-time environment, which is specifically protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and recreational purposes.
Why is it important to establish dark sky parks free from artificial lighting at night?
In today’s world, there is intense night-time lighting, which has serious effects not only on nocturnal habitats and ecosystems, but also on the biological clock and on human health. The night-time visibility of constellations and our galaxy has been drastically reduced. It is a fact that all visitors to 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 a clear, dark sky – the very same dark sky that the ancestors of the human species observed thousands of years ago.
Activities and programmes that you plan and carry out at the Ainos National Park International Dark Sky Park.
The International Dark Sky Park within Ainos National Park runs programmes and activities focused on experiential education and raising awareness among the general public, tourists, primary and secondary school pupils and themed clubs, including activities such as star mapping, solar observation and stargazing, with participants having the opportunity to explore the night sky or our largest star, the Sun, through a telescope. The summer stargazing evenings in Ainos National Park have now become a well-established event of great appeal and success, attracting large numbers of visitors and residents of Kefalonia, with the participation of amateur astronomers and representatives from the Patras Astronomical Society “Orion” and the Greek Branch of the IDA. Participants are first briefed and provided with information on astronomical topics. Then, using telescopes and binoculars and under the guidance of N.E.C.C.A. staff, they observe planets, nebulae, constellations, star clusters, our galaxy and the darkness of the night sky, beside the fir trees to the sounds of nocturnal birds. The experience is magical, and visitors enjoy being beneath the night sky and observing celestial bodies.
Apart from the International Dark Sky Park, what else can someone interested in astrotourism do?
A visit to the Koutavos Environmental Information Centre in Argostoli, which also serves as the headquarters of the International Dark Sky Park, is well worth a visit for anyone visiting Kefalonia. The centre is equipped with modern astronomical equipment and offers a wealth of information on astronomical topics, which is available to visitors every day. In particular, visitors can learn about the Dark Sky Park and its rich biodiversity, explore an exhibition of fossils from Kefalonia, and watch informative educational videos and documentaries on the protection of the night sky as a natural resource. In addition, all information and initiatives relating to the Ainos National Park International Dark Sky Park can be found on the fully updated website and on the International Park’s social media channels.
Source: marketinggreece.com