The green light: Ecotourism's sustainability delivered through innovation
Fagerhult UK
Swedish lighting powerhouse supplying the UK with products from: Fagerhult, ateljé Lyktan, LTS, WE-EF and LED Linear
As environmental awareness increases in the public consciousness, an appetite for greener lifestyles has led to the advent of a particular type of holiday - ecotourism.
The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education." [1]
This new type of travel is driven by a desire to reconnect with nature and more primitive ecosystems, learn about their value, and understand what is needed to protect them.
The prominent allure of ecotourism is the promise of unique destinations where rare - often threatened - habitats can be enjoyed for their inherent beauty. Such attractive locations include rainforests, coral reefs, and indeed anywhere inhabited by rarely seen wildlife. These more exclusive ecosystems naturally become places that curious travellers want to explore.
Whilst facilitating access to the natural world and learning more about it in a way that is safe for the visitor is important, consideration also is given to the surrounding ecosystem. One such example is the choice of lighting for this form of tourism, something that needs sensitive application since poor lighting choices could negatively impact the very thing people are looking to protect.
Environment at the core of design.
Designers have taken up the torch by developing innovative applications of artificial light in these protected areas. These new applications of light permit tourists to experience nature but minimise the impact on animals and their environment.
It has long been known that artificial light can change the behaviour of animals. [2] Artificial light at night can confuse and disrupt many animals’ navigational and nocturnal patterns. For example, moths will gravitate to bright artificial light by confusing it with the natural light they use to find their way.
Were it merely a case of seeing slightly fewer moths, we might lament the loss but continue life with fewer holes in our sweaters. But of course, it's not as simple as that. These creatures are an essential element in the food chain of the broader ecosystem, the pollination of plants, and the hosting of parasitoids.
Engineering for safe ecosystems.
A significant conservation study on shrimp behaviour in Thailand revealed that red and orange light affected endangered shrimp least. Using these hues at the site proved crucial in delivering the sustainability demanded. The site now employs expertly engineered and deployed lighting that circumvents interference in the shrimps' lives.
This concrete success has informed worldwide ecotourism on the impact of anthropogenic light on endangered species. In finding a practical solution, the Thailand study proved that modern lighting could allow tourists to enjoy wildlife in an eco-friendly way. [3]
Further positive steps were taken after a research study of European eel looked at the impact of man-made lighting on wildlife. The investigation recommended the government adopt specifically engineered lighting in areas whose rare biodiversity makes for an appealing ecotourism destination. [4]
Perhaps most notably, electrical engineers in Alabama have installed bespoke lighting at Gulf State Park. Full-spectrum tunable lighting has successfully avoided intrusion on turtles' navigation and behaviour. [5]
Ecotourists now enjoy these beautiful animals knowing that tailored, longwave lighting respects the turtles' inherent right to a life unfettered by human interference.
The right light is essential.
Scientists and technicians studied how pygmy penguins at Phillip Island Nature Park respond to artificial light at sunset when they come back to land after hunting fish each evening. Tourists can visit this tiny penguin its native environment, but synthetic light is required for successful observation.
This exclusive research suggests that anthropogenic illumination may enhance penguins' nocturnal vision, thus decreasing the threat of attack from predators and reducing the energy burdens of unnecessary walking through unlit territory. [6]
When such man-made lights are necessary, specialists advocate that they shine faint and are time-limited to minimise any adverse influences on the penguins' behaviour and natural habitation.
It's clear that although ecotourism is a phenomenon of relative infancy, lighting specialists have responded fast. Technicians have developed innovative products and approaches to artificial light that minimise negative impact on sensitive ecologies. Naturally, these technologies are proving fundamental in applying ecotourism's core priority: the preservation of endangered ecosystems.
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Responsiveness and connectivity.
Advances have been made to previous methods in exterior lighting, including smaller luminaires fitted onto or into surfaces to be lit. Incorporating the luminaire into the subject creates sufficient lighting without the risk of ecologically obtrusive and wasteful spill light and glare.
A considerable evolution in lighting connectivity has also indicated a significant potential for environmentally positive use in ecotourism. For example, sensors and remote controls can ensure that areas need only be illuminated when occupied by tourists. In addition, targeted lighting may be scheduled to operate on a timetable respectful to the needs of the natural habitat.
Task lighting allows for a specific area of interest of tourists to be observed through focused illumination as opposed to ambient lighting, whose wider, general illumination is a greater risk to adjacent ecology.
Using different colours of light also has been shown to help mitigate its effect on animal behaviour. This varying reaction to different hues arises from animals having eyes that interpret light differently at varying wavelengths in the spectral distribution. [7]
For instance, insects and whales gravitate to light of a shorter wavelength (violet and blue) than light of longer wavelength (red and yellow).
Adaptive lighting.
Fagerhult and its sister brands continue to develop highly innovative solutions that can assist in ecotourism, and are considerate of the night environment. For example, as a manufacturer specialising in high-precision LED optics, WE-EF is able to offer certified luminaires that comply with Dark Sky regulations in many regions of the world.
Many engineers working on artificial lighting are proving it needn't any longer be employed to the detriment of essential ecosystems. Instead, an array of lighting management solutions can bring bespoke answers for streamlined and targeted illumination.
Evolutions like these in tourism lighting allow ecotourists to enjoy the beauty of endangered animals without intruding on important biodiversity. Light that respects exclusive habitats will help people learn how to cherish and protect vital ecosystems.
If you'd like to discuss lighting solutions that can assist in ecotourism, please get in touch. We're always happy to share our expertise.
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