Dark Skies
Creating the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve
Local tour guide brothers Mohammed and Eddie Alkhamees reminisce about their father's stories of how their ancestors used the stars to navigate the desert. They emphasize the importance of preserving the land and the night sky for future generations and wildlife.
Myriam Yanez, Director of Lighting Design at Red Sea Global, explains the challenge faced at The Red Sea in balancing the lighting needs of guests and wildlife.
The brothers discuss the need for clear night skies for both humans and animals that depend on them for survival. Myriam goes on to highlight the responsibility of ensuring that their actions do not disrupt the natural behaviors of species that rely on cycles of light and darkness. She mentions the hawksbill turtle and various species of bats that call the Red Sea home.
Yanez asserts that current industry lighting benchmarks are insufficient, and it is their duty to establish new standards. Through research and innovative technology, they strive to minimize light pollution. Her mission can be summarized in five simple words: Let there be less light.
Mohammed and Eddie express their pride in how The Red Sea is safeguarding its uniquely dark skies by reducing light pollution to almost zero across the entire development area.
"Our ancestors used to use the stars at night to navigate."
"Today, we need night skies as much as we need the sun. But it's not just mankind that needs it. Many animals rely on the night sky for survival."
"Our challenge is to balance the lighting needs of our guests with those of our wildlife."
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