MedSkyTour – Interreg Euro-MED – Co-funded by the European Union
Good practice Croatia · Split-Dalmatia Partner: PI RERA SD Municipal policy / dark-sky ordinance

Ecological outdoor lighting guidelines, Municipality of Jelsa

To protect the dark night sky of the island of Hvar, Jelsa adopted guidelines that regulate all public and private outdoor lighting – shielding, warm light, dimming after 23:00 and strict light limits.

≤3000 K

for all outdoor lighting – target 2700 K, amber preferred

−50%

minimum dimming from about 23:00 (24:00 at the latest)

0%

upward light for every luminaire above 1000 lm

5 / 10 yrs

to bring public / private lighting into compliance

The challenge

Uncontrolled outdoor lighting caused glare and sky glow, harming night-sky quality and local biodiversity and reducing the island’s appeal for astrotourism.

What they did

In 2021 the municipality adopted guidelines developed with the Croatian Astronomical Union, aligned with Croatian law (NN 14/19 and NN 128/2020).

  • Fully shielded luminaires; globe-type lights prohibited
  • Light limits: ≤30 lm/m² shielded, ≤5 lm/m² unshielded; no lighting of roads outside settlements
  • Decorative, advertising and sports lighting off by 23:00 (24:00 at the latest)
  • Shops: lights off or reduced at least one hour after closing
  • Private lights on timers or motion sensors, maximum 5 minutes

Results

A protected dark sky as natural and cultural heritage, less impact on insects, birds and marine species, better sleep for residents and a stronger astrotourism offer. The municipality is pursuing the International Dark Sky Community designation.

Lessons learned

  1. 1Engage astronomers, residents and businesses early.
  2. 2Combine legal compliance with a positive vision: dark-sky tourism and biodiversity.
  3. 3Phased timelines (5 years public, 10 years private) are realistic and reduce resistance.
  4. 4Simple, visual communication material greatly improves understanding and compliance.

Can you do it too?

Based on international principles and Croatian law, the guidelines can serve as a model for other Mediterranean municipalities. Enabling conditions:

  • Political will at local level
  • Cooperation with an astronomical association or dark-sky expert
  • Alignment with national light-pollution law
  • A clear public communication strategy

Why it matters for astrotourism

Clear, dark skies above Jelsa are a key attraction for stargazing and nature tourism, and the guidelines create the conditions for the International Dark Sky Community label.

Photos

[Photo 1 – to be provided by PI RERA SD]
[Photo 2 – to be provided by PI RERA SD]
[Photo 3 – to be provided by PI RERA SD]

Contact

PI RERA SD – Public Institution for Coordination and Development of Split-Dalmatia County

Ivan Bugarin

[contact email]

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