“‘T Zwin is actually the darkest place in West Flanders, together with the Westhoek,” says Evy Dewulf of the Houtland & Polders Regional Landscape. “With this symposium we wanted to put the importance of darkness in the spotlight.”
Researchers emphasize the impact of artificial light on biodiversity. “Night animals such as bats, but also insects, fish and some plants are strongly influenced by artificial light,” explains Ralf Gyselinck of the Institute for Nature and Forest.