Taoyuan's Lala Mountain Pursues International Dark Sky Certification, Learns from New Zealand Experience

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Jui-chi, Taoyuan, 14th) Taoyuan City Government's Tourism Bureau is advancing Lala Mountain's alignment with international standards. A delegation recently traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, to hold a dark sky exchange forum with experts, focusing on dark sky certification, light source management, and sustainable development of star tourism, supporting Lala Mountain's bid to become Taiwan's first International Dark Sky Place.

The Taoyuan City Government Tourism Bureau released a press statement today. Tourism Bureau Director Chen Jing-fang stated that the trip facilitated in-depth dialogue with top experts from DarkSky International (IDA), primarily drawing lessons from the successful trajectory of New Zealand's Aoraki Mackenzie region (also known as Aoraki MacKenzie). Since 1981, the region has implemented lighting controls and was awarded International Dark Sky Reserve certification in 2012.

Experts at the forum noted that after certification, star tourism in the Aoraki Mackenzie region evolved from niche guided tours into a mature service industry. The area now hosts at least nine astro-tourism companies, attracting over 150,000 visitors annually—proving that 'dark sky certification' is not only an environmental label but also a powerful brand driving local revitalization and sustainable tourism.

Regarding Lala Mountain's ongoing application for 'International Dark Sky Place' certification, experts provided key recommendations: precise light source management, with emphasis on comprehensive night sky brightness monitoring and a clear timeline for lighting fixture improvements; integration of Atayal indigenous astronomical narratives, as Lala Mountain is home to rich Atayal tribal culture—linking the stars with indigenous historical memory will be a unique strength in securing international certification; and sustained intergenerational community engagement. Dark sky conservation is an ongoing effort requiring a shared commitment from government, local accommodation providers, and residents to establish long-term maintenance mechanisms.

The Tourism Bureau stated that Lala Mountain has already submitted its certification application to DarkSky International. The city government is simultaneously advancing legal frameworks for light pollution control, improving nighttime lighting, and planning stargazing tourism itineraries. If certification is successfully obtained, Lala Mountain will become Taiwan's first International Dark Sky Place, adding an internationally recognized green tourism highlight to Northern Cross-Island Highway tourism, balancing ecological conservation with tribal industry development. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150614