The most affected areas and protected areas
The map reveals that the highest intensity of light pollution concentrates on the Catalan coast and large urban areas and industrialists, highlighting Barcelona, Tarragona, Girona and LleidaRural areas with a strong tourist influx, such as Cerdanya, Seu d'Urgell and Val d'Aran, also appear as critical points, demonstrating the combined effect of human development and tourism activities on the disappearance of the starry sky.
On the contrary, the natural spaces of the interior, Pre-Pyrenees and Pyrenees Catalan maintain high-quality night skies, being references for astronomical observation. Among these, the most notable are the Montsec, the Alt Pirineu Natural Park and the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National ParkThese areas are considered privileged places for research, contemplation of celestial phenomena such as the Perseids and the stellar tourism.
A dynamic and useful tool for citizens
The map is consolidated as an open and evolving toolas it is publicly available on the official portal and will be updated periodically until 2026, allowing individuals, scientists, municipalities and astronomy enthusiasts check the status of the night sky in any areaIf you want to know what effects light pollution has on air quality, you can also visit the map of the polluted air we breathe.
In addition, the model incorporates real-time data from the Xarxa d'Observació de la Contaminació Límínica (XOCL), a network of fixed sensors that monitor sky brightness 24 hours a day in dozens of Catalan locations. This constant monitoring Improves analytical capacity and makes it easier to anticipate future changes, both for new lighting installations and for possible regulatory improvements.
With a more complete view, Catalonia adds a powerful support tool for both environmental management and public policy design, as well as to discover ideal destinations for astronomical observation or enjoying nocturnal nature.
More than 9 million euros to protect the nightlife
To accompany this pioneering project, the Generalitat has announced a investment of more than 9 million euros until 2028 with the objective of reduce the negative impact of outdoor lighting especially in the most sensitive natural areas. Among the initiatives underway are specific plans in the Serra de Montsant Natural Park, the protection of Ports Natural Park and a participatory process to define a dark sky preservation plan in the Montsec.
These actions are aligned with the future European nature restoration law, which requires maintaining conditions of darkness and nighttime silence suitable for the recovery of ecosystems and the quality of life of citizens.
The advancement of the global map of light pollution offers Catalonia a unique opportunity to Protect nocturnal heritage, promote responsible tourism and ensure environmental well-being of its residents and visitors. The tool allows us to visualize, like never before, the true dimensions of the problem and facilitates decision-making for more sustainable development that respects the starry sky.
