RIYADH — Red Sea Global (RSG) has partnered with DarkSky International to launch the world’s first certification program specifically designed for resorts that protect natural night skies through responsible outdoor lighting, setting a new global standard for sustainable tourism.The new DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort certification recognizes hospitality destinations that minimize light pollution, helping preserve ecosystems while offering visitors exceptional stargazing experiences.Here’s what it means.What is light pollution?Light pollution is the excessive or poorly designed use of artificial outdoor lighting at night. While lighting improves visibility and safety, unnecessary illumination can disrupt natural ecosystems, waste energy and obscure the stars.DarkSky International promotes lighting practices that provide light only where and when it is needed, reducing glare, sky glow and unnecessary brightness.Why do dark skies matter?Protecting natural darkness is about far more than improving the view of the stars.Many animals rely on the natural cycle of daylight and darkness to navigate, feed, reproduce and migrate. Artificial lighting can interfere with these behaviors, affecting birds, insects, mammals and marine life.Along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, one of the most vulnerable species is the sea turtle. Newly hatched turtles instinctively use the natural brightness of the night sky over the ocean to find the water. Excessive artificial lighting can disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the sea and reducing their chances of survival.Reducing light pollution also lowers energy consumption, supports biodiversity and helps preserve the ecological balance of sensitive environments.What is the new certification?The DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort program is the first certification developed specifically for resort destinations.It builds on DarkSky International’s DarkSky Approved Lodging program, introduced in 2023. During the evaluation of Red Sea Global’s resorts, the organization found that existing lodging standards did not fully reflect the operational requirements of larger resort developments, which typically require more extensive outdoor lighting than hotels.DarkSky International invited RSG to help develop a new set of resort-specific guidelines that maintain strict environmental standards while addressing the practical needs of large hospitality destinations.Which Saudi resorts have been certified?Two Red Sea destinations have become the first resorts in the world to receive certification under the new program Desert Rock and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.Both resorts were recognized for implementing responsible outdoor lighting that protects the night environment while allowing guests to experience exceptionally dark skies.How does this benefit visitors?Beyond environmental protection, reducing light pollution enhances the visitor experience.Guests can enjoy clearer views of the Milky Way, constellations and celestial events without interference from excessive artificial lighting. As interest in astrotourism continues to grow globally, destinations with protected night skies are becoming increasingly attractive to travelers seeking nature-based experiences.The certification also helps travelers identify resorts that meet internationally recognized environmental and lighting standards.What does it mean for Red Sea Global?According to RSG, responsible lighting has been integrated into every stage of its developments as part of its regenerative tourism strategy.The developer says minimizing artificial lighting helps protect biodiversity, reduce energy use and preserve the ecological integrity of the Red Sea’s night environment while creating authentic guest experiences centered on nature.RSG currently operates 15 resorts across three destinations and plans to expand DarkSky compliance across its portfolio as additional properties open.Why is it significant?The new certification establishes an international benchmark for how large resort developments can balance luxury tourism with environmental conservation.Rather than treating outdoor lighting solely as a design feature, the program recognizes darkness itself as a natural resource, one that supports wildlife, conserves energy and creates unique tourism experiences through some of the world’s best night skies.
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