Imagine a world where the night sky is no longer obscured by a glowing haze, where the stars shine brightly and the natural rhythm of darkness prevails. This is the bold vision driving a groundbreaking initiative in Belgium’s Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park, where 75 'pointless' streetlights are being permanently switched off to restore the night’s natural darkness. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many celebrate this move as a victory for nature, some locals are fiercely resistant, fearing for their safety and questioning the trade-offs. Is this a step toward a more sustainable future, or a risky experiment that prioritizes wildlife over human well-being?
In the quiet village of Mazée, nestled in the Wallonia region of southern Belgium, two aging street lamps cast a warm glow on the winding road leading into the woods. For André Detournay, a 77-year-old resident who has called this place home for four decades, these lights are more than just a convenience—they’re a source of security. 'I walk here with my dog, and the lights make me feel safe,' he explains. 'They protect against theft and give me peace of mind.' Yet, in the coming months, these very lamps will be silenced as part of a radical project to eliminate unnecessary lighting in the area. But this is the part most people miss: the decision isn’t just about saving energy—it’s about reclaiming the night for the countless species that depend on darkness to thrive.
Belgium, often likened to a glowing Christmas ornament when viewed from space, is one of Europe’s most light-polluted countries. The Milky Way, a sight once commonplace, is now a rarity, visible only in the most remote corners of the nation. But the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park is taking a stand. With a budget of €308,000, the park is treating darkness as a precious resource, akin to restoring a wetland or a forest. By August, dozens of streetlights will be removed, their absence marking a return to a more natural nocturnal environment.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: the project isn’t without its critics. While research overwhelmingly shows that light pollution harms wildlife—disrupting the feeding, reproduction, and navigation of insects, birds, and amphibians—some locals remain unconvinced. 'I’m all for protecting frogs—I even dug two ponds for them,' Detournay admits. 'But near a village, we need lights. You’d have to prove this significantly boosts biodiversity to change my mind.'
The idea for the project was born in 2021, when a Wallonia public administrator identified 6% of the park’s 8,000 streetlights as 'pointless.' These lights, often located more than 50 meters from the nearest building and within 50 meters of Natura 2000 sites—areas of high ecological value—were deemed unnecessary. Nicolas Goethals, the project leader, is quick to emphasize that safety remains a priority. 'We can’t tell an elderly woman that bats matter more than her safety,' he says. Yet, he argues, 'The normal should be darkness. It’s nighttime, after all.'
But here’s the twist: while streetlights make people feel safer, studies suggest they don’t always make them safer. Research in England and Wales found no significant link between reduced lighting and increased crime or road collisions. This raises a provocative question: Are we sacrificing the natural world for a false sense of security?
The implications extend far beyond Belgium. Globally, 80% of people live under light-polluted skies, a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of the electric lightbulb’s invention 150 years ago. From France, where thousands of communes dim their lights at midnight, to the EU’s guidance on creating dark corridors for wildlife, a movement is growing. Even in the U.S., cities are exploring ways to reduce sky glow. 'This is just the beginning,' Goethals says. 'Real darkness infrastructure will emerge from this.'
Meanwhile, within the park, another initiative offers a glimpse of what’s possible. Old electricity pylons, once a threat to wildlife, are being repurposed to support the return of white storks. By 2025, nearly 800 sightings were recorded in the park, a testament to the power of innovative conservation. Unlike the streetlight removal, this project has unanimous support. 'People adore these birds,' Goethals notes. 'It’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we work with nature, not against it.'
So, as Belgium’s rural roads grow darker, a larger question looms: Can we relearn to embrace the night? And if so, what does this mean for our relationship with the natural world? The experiment may be small, but its implications are vast. Do you think the benefits of restoring darkness outweigh the concerns of those who rely on streetlights for safety? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
