Else Beekman
Andalucia is stepping up its efforts to reduce light pollution with new regulations to protect the environment and support scientific research. The regional government has introduced rules to limit artificial lighting outdoors, helping to save energy, protect wildlife, and keep the night sky clear for astronomers.
A major part of this plan is giving extra protection to the Calar Alto Observatory in Almería and the Sierra Nevada Observatory in Granada. These world-renowned research centres need dark skies to carry out their work, so the government is creating special zones around them where lighting will be tightly controlled.
In total, 72 municipalities in Almería and 7 in Granada will need to adjust their outdoor lighting to meet the new standards. This means reducing unnecessary artificial light, especially at night, so astronomers can get clearer views of space.
What’s changing?
The new regulations introduce several key measures:
- Lower brightness limits: Outdoor lighting must be dimmed or turned off at certain times to avoid excessive brightness.
- Reducing upward light emissions: Streetlights and other fixtures must be adjusted to prevent light from shining into the sky.
- Tighter rules on signs and festive lights: Neon signs and holiday lights will have limited hours to cut energy waste and pollution.
- Lighting zoning maps: Towns will create special zones with different lighting rules based on their location and needs.
- Upgrading streetlights: Over the next two years, cities must update public lighting to make it more efficient and eco-friendly.
Why it matters
Cutting down on excessive lighting will not only save electricity but also help protect nocturnal wildlife. Many animals rely on natural darkness for their survival, and too much artificial light can disrupt their behaviour. It will also help residents save on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
To make the transition easier, local governments will get technical support from the regional authorities. The Junta will also create a detailed map to show where stricter lighting controls apply. Herewith, making it easier for towns to follow the new rules.
The affected towns
In Almería the affected towns are as follows: Abla, Abrucena, Albanchez, Alboloduy, Albox, Alcóntar, Alcudia de Monteagud, Alhabia, Alhama de Almería, Alicún, Almería, Almócita, Alsodux, Armuña de Almanzora, Bacares, Bayarque, Beires, Benahadux, Benitagla, Benizalón, Bentarique, Canjáyar, Cantoria, Castro de Filabres, Cóbdar, Chercos, Enix, Felix, Fines, Fiñana, Fondón, Gádor, Gérgal, Huécija, Huércal de Almería, Íllar, Instinción, Laroya, Laujar de Andarax, Líjar, Lucainena de las Torres, Lúcar, Macael, Nacimiento, Ohanes, Olula de Castro, Olula del Río, Oria, Padules, Partaloa, Pechina, Purchena, Rágol, Rioja, Santa Cruz de Marchena, Santa Fe de Mondújar, Senés, Serón, Sierro, Somontín, Sorbas, Suflí, Tabernas, Tahal, Terque, Tíjola, Turrillas, Uleila del Campo, Urrácal, Velefique, Viator en Las Tres Villas.
The seven towns in Granada are Baza, Benamaurel, Caniles, Cúllar, Dólar, Huéneja en Valle del Zalabí.
Recognised starlight destinations in Andalucia
Several areas in Andalucia have already been recognised for their exceptional night sky quality through the Starlight Certification. This organisation awards this designation to locations that demonstrate excellent stargazing conditions. Furthermore, they show a strong commitment to preserving the natural darkness of the sky. Among these areas, Sierra Morena and Sierra Sur de Jaén have been officially certified as Starlight Reserves since 2014. Meanwhile, Sierra Nevada in Granada and Sierra de Grazalema in Cádiz are currently undergoing the certification process.
A brighter future with less light pollution
Beyond public spaces, the regulations also cover beach lighting, sports facilities, and advertising signs. The autorities will allow only essential signage to stay lit overnight. Additionally, beach lighting will be carefully controlled to avoid disturbing marine life. With these changes, Andalucia is setting an example for responsible outdoor lighting.
Also read: Spain´s smallest inhabited island has very little light pollution