How do people perceive the threat of light pollution? How do they respond to efforts meant to raise awareness on the topic? That are question the project set out to answer with the Dynamic Monitoring Tool (DMT), a system designed not only to track change during the project’s lifespan but also to capture its legacy long after the work is done, especially in areas where pilot actions will be carried out.
The tool focuses on three key dimensions:
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Perception of light pollution: understanding how awareness of its risks evolves.
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Ecosystem value of dark skies: assessing how communities recognize and appreciate the benefits of preserving natural nightscapes.
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Stakeholder action: monitoring measures taken to use dark skies as assets for sustainable local development.
These three strands are woven together to give a full picture of change. They not only reflect whether the project is achieving its goals, but also providea tool for other actors that are working on this field.
To carry out this monitoring, the project identified three types of tools:
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Surveys, to investigate the change of perception of citizens, public administratos and students.
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Calls to action, to understand how much the topic interests the general public
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Desk research, to map existing activities at local level.
Each of these tools is chosen with a clear purpose: to identify what works best, who needs to be reached, and which indicators can truly reflect progress. The approach is practical, with concrete examples included to help others replicate the method.
While built for DARKERSKY4CE, the DMT has a wider ambition. It offers a model for any initiative that wants to measure impact, especially those tackling environmental challenges that, like light pollution, often remain invisible until their consequences are felt.
More information on the DMT are available here.