Monmouth Assembly Member Nick Ramsay was delighted to be invited to host a unique debate on the challenge of maintaining and enhancing the internationally recognised dark skies of Wales.
Nick, who championed the campaign for a reduction in light pollution and inspired the bid to create the Brecon Beacons International Dark Sky Reserve, will be joined for Thursday’s debate at the Pierhead Building, Cardiff, by the Chair of the Campaign for Dark Skies, Bob Mizon and the Chief Executive of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Peter Ogden, along with tourism chiefs and the team responsible for the Brecon Beacons’ International Dark Sky Reserve application.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Nick said: “It was wonderful news when the Brecon Beacons National Park became Wales’ first destination to be granted the prestigious dark sky status, and it’s great to hear that just a year on, already huge benefits have been seen.
“Not only has there been a surge of interest in studying our skies at night but local residents have expressed their appreciation of what has been done at the Reserve and their desire to do more to combat light pollution.
“We are all aware of the harmful effect light pollution has on both human beings and animals and that by saving energy we are helping both the planet and the economy.
“Our challenge now is to build on the success of what has been achieved so far and work to reduce light pollution across the country. I will continue to do all I can to lobby the Welsh Government to implement policies to help create an exceptional quality of night sky across the country.”
