Project Summary

The ADRISKY project is a collaborative and ambitious initiative that aims to address the common challenge of light pollution and its impact on biodiversity and nocturnal habitats in the Adriatic-Ionian programme area. With nine partners and five associated partners from 3 EU and 3 IPA countries, the project recognises the transnational nature of the issue and the importance of collective action. The overall objective of the project is to mitigate light pollution and preserve nocturnal habitats, leading to a positive change in the current situation, where light pollution impacts nearly 90% of Europe's surface area and has adverse effects on organisms and ecosystems. ADRISKY adopts a multi-faceted approach, implementing various activities and interventions to raise awareness, develop innovative strategies, and provide practical tools for effective light pollution mitigation and the protection of nocturnal biodiversity. One key output of the project is the development of Territorial Action Plans. These plans will serve as strategic and technical documents, providing clear guidelines and actions for durable measures in mitigating light pollution and conserving nocturnal habitats in the seven geographically diverse pilot territories. The project partners will collaboratively craft these plans, incorporating their expertise and experiences. By formally adopting and implementing the Territorial Action Plans, regional and local authorities can effectively protect biodiversity and preserve nocturnal habitats, ensuring long-term sustainability. Another crucial output is the comprehensive toolkit derived from the experience and insights gained through the ADRISKY project knowledge integration activities and the pilot action. This toolkit offers user-friendly methods and solutions for light pollution mitigation and the conservation of nocturnal habitats. Researchers, policymakers, local communities, and development and environmental organisations will have access to this resource, empowering them to take concrete actions in combating light pollution and preserving nocturnal biodiversity. The project will also generate comprehensive policy recommendations at the EU level, supporting decision-making bodies and policy-relevant agencies. These evidence-based recommendations will propose measures to address light pollution on a broader scale, leading to systemic changes in policies and regulations. Additionally, the Provisional Action Plan for Nocturnal Habitat Conservation in the Adriatic-Ionian Region will outline actionable steps and initiatives to guide stakeholder collaboration and the implementation of measures across the region. By disseminating this plan to relevant bodies and institutions, the project aims to facilitate the adoption of effective solutions and influence decision-making processes. To tackle the shared challenge of light pollution, the partners will adopt a transnational approach. Partners recognise the importance of cooperation, leveraging diverse expertise, exchanging knowledge and best practices, and developing innovative pilot solutions that surpass the capacities of individual regions. By fostering relationships and building trust between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, the project aims to create a sustainable platform for continued dialogue and cooperation—the Adriatic-Ionian Light Pollution Mitigation Platform. This platform will bring together a wide range of organisations and institutions in the Programme area to collaboratively address the challenges posed by light pollution. What sets the ADRISKY project apart is its innovative and comprehensive approach. It integrates scientific research, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and practical interventions, creating a cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary framework. The project introduces the use of Citizen Science-based data collection, involving citizens in monitoring and assessing light pollution levels. This approach not only promotes public participation but also ensures a broader coverage of data collection across the programme area, facilitating a holistic understanding of the issue. By addressing the challenges posed by light pollution in a comprehensive and innovative manner, the ADRISKY project strives to make a significant and lasting impact on the preservation of biodiversity and the reduction of light pollution's adverse effects on habitats and human health in the Adriatic-Ionian region and beyond.