LIGHT POLLUTION AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: A CASE STUDY OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TRG OSLOBOĐENJA – CENTAR, SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Edin Hrelja
Aida Avdić
Džejlan Hrelja
Ali Pecar
Lejla Redžić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2024.10.92
UDC: 338.48:502.131.1(497.6 Sarajevo)
Abstract: The analysis of light pollution levels is crucial for understanding its impacts on the environment, human health and urban development, as well as for developing strategies and technologies to mitigate its negative effects. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) defines light pollution as any harmful phenomenon caused by artificial lighting, including skyglow, glare, light trespass and overillumination. Light pollution disrupts ecosystems, influences animal behavior and threatens human health. In urban areas, it can also reduce the attractiveness of tourist destinations, diminishing the clearity of the night sky. This research focuses on the geovisualization and measurement of light pollution at a selected micro-location – Trg oslobođenja - Centar, a local community in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The primary aims of this study are to conduct precise measurements and geovisualization of light pollution levels, analyze their relationship with tourism activities and formulate strategies for sustainable tourism development. The proposed measures emphasize balancing tourism growth with the need to preserve the environment and the aesthetic value of the space. Research findings offer valuable insights into a critical aspect of tourism planning and provide a solid foundation for future comparative studies, both within Sarajevo and in broader contexts.
Keywords: light pollution, sustainability, geovisualisation, Sarajevo