Nova Scotia (Canada) certifies "Acadian Skies & Mi'kmaq Lands" as a Starlight Reserve and Destination

The double accreditation has been granted thanks to the quality and transparency of its skies, the low light pollution and the important astronomical culture in the area.

Starlight Foundation. With this recognition, there are now 5 areas in the world accredited by the Starlight Foundation, with the double certification as a Tourist Destination and Starlight Reserve.

The area certified as "Acadian Skies & Mi'kmaq Lands Starlight Tourist Destination" corresponds to the southwest of the island of Nova Scotia (Canada), specifically to the area located between the municipalities of Clare, Argyle and Yarmouth -with the exception of its city-. Within this territory, in the Tobeatica wilderness area - the largest of the Atlantic Maritime Provinces - is the area accredited as a Starlight Reserve; a nucleus where there is no source of light pollution within 100 kilometers and which borders the Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site, a landscape protected for its biodiversity, to which is now added the defense of the night sky.

The region is characterized as a territory rich in undisturbed glaciers and unique river systems, which have served as a refuge for numerous species.

Known as "Yarmouth & Acadian Shores" and "Acadia Bon Temps", this area has been - and continues to be today - the cradle of continuous settlements of the French Acadian culture, founder of the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia. It is also the place of settlement of the Mi'kmaq aborigines, who have been closely linked to astronomy since ancient times.

Both for its cultural and environmental heritage, the entire area has been awarded the title of "Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve", declared by UNESCO. Now, with this new recognition, Southwest Nova Scotia intends to promote astronomical tourism that will allow it to take advantage of such a valuable resource as its night sky, a source of life for many species and a guarantee of environmental conservation, local culture and the development of a rural and, for a long time, depressed area.

With this certification, there are now five places accredited as Starlight Tourist Destinations and Reserves -in addition to Acadian Skies & Mi'kmaq Lands, La Palma, El Montsec, Sierra Morena Andaluza and Sierra Sur enjoy the double accreditation-.

More information at http://www.acadianskies.com/