ENLIGHT Conference: AquaPLAN highlights aquatic multi-stressor research

The ENLIGHT International Conference on Light Pollution and Dark Sky Protection brought together researchers, policymakers, and environmental advocates to address one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges: artificial light at night (ALAN). As a partner in the ENLIGHT project, the conference was hosted by the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Novi Sad from 28-30 November 2025. The ENLIGHT project investigates the biological effects of ALAN on amphibians, providing insights into amphibian conservation under urbanisation pressures.

The event explored the ecological, health, and societal impacts of light pollution and strategies for dark sky protection. Topics ranged from biological effects on wildlife to urban planning, astronomy and policy development, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of this issue. The conference welcomed scientists, conservationists, urban planners, and decision-makers interested in mitigating light pollution. Its hybrid format allowed global participation, fostering collaboration across continents.

Representing AquaPLAN was our coordinator, Elena Maggi (University of Pisa (UNIPI)). Elena delivered a compelling presentation on the combined impacts of light and noise pollution on aquatic ecosystems. Her talk emphasised the need for integrated research approaches to understand how multiple stressors such as ALAN, climate change and noise pollution interact in aquatic environments. Elena highlighted AquaPLAN’s mission to provide evidence-based strategies for biodiversity protection across Europe.

Delivering one of the powerful plenary lectures titled “Path Towards Effective Regulations to Protect the Night” was our sister project PLAN-B‘s coordinator, Yana Yakushina (Ghent University). Yana contributed pivotal legal and governance perspectives on light pollution, examining the fragmented regulatory frameworks worldwide. She proposed practical recommendations for harmonising laws to safeguard nocturnal environments without requiring major legislative reforms. Her work underscores the importance of policy innovation in tackling environmental stressors.

In addition to ENLIGHT, AquaPLAN and PLAN-B, the conference showcased several other innovative initiatives currently tackling light pollution and its ecological impacts in Europe. The UrbObsBel project is focussing on establishing Serbia’s first urban observatory to monitor and analyse light pollution dynamics in urban and rural environments. The ADRISKY project is promoting transnational cooperation across the Adriatic–Ionian region to preserve nocturnal ecosystems through sustainable lighting practices and biodiversity protection measures. The DARKERSKY4CE project is implementing pilot actions in Central Europe to mitigate light pollution, integrating science, policy and community engagement to create a framework for sustainable nightscapes. Together, these projects highlight a shared commitment to reduce light pollution and safeguarding biodiversity through interdisciplinary research and collaborative strategies.

Light pollution is being increasingly recognised as a form of environmental degradation, with cascading effects on not terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. Conferences like ENLIGHT provide a vital forum for interdisciplinary dialogue, ensuring that science informs policy and practice. AquaPLAN’s participation reinforces its commitment to tackling light and noise pollution through innovative research and stakeholder engagement.

Find out more: read Book of Abstracts and visit the conference website