1. Unsure about the category here. GA #460, where this legislation derives from (like two puzzle pieces in my opinion) is in the category as noted in the box, but there might be an Environmental category this fits in better. (Other ones that could work: Environmental-All Businesses-Strong; Regulation-Mild? Opinions welcome.)
2. Depending on how long drafting takes, there's a decent chance this could be submitted on my other main nation Hulldom, so...don't worry too much about if it ends up being submitted there.
3. Content-wise, unless someone can prove me wrong, I think this is about as far as I can go without potentially crossing into IRL-reference territory.
Dark Sky Preserve Creation ActCategory: Environment | Strength: All Businesses-Mild
Observing this august assembly’s efforts to compile astronomical data in [resolution=GA#460]Astronomical Data Repository[/resolution] and shocked that there have not been efforts to ensure that data compiled under the terms of this resolution can reasonably be obtained,
Further observing that only certain areas are suitable to undertake astronomical observations and that dark sky preserves are some of the most suitable areas to do so,
Noticing that areas without light pollution are helpful for a variety of species and other purposes other than astronomy, be it enacted as follows:
- A multiversal system of dark sky preserves, defined as areas wherein stars of the highest magnitude observable by the eye are observable without equipment, will be set up under the auspices of the Astronomical Science and Technical Research Organization, hereafter referred to as ASTRO.
- Criteria for designation as a dark sky preserve shall be up to the discretion of ASTRO and will include factors including local light pollution conditions and observation conditions, local population, technology that has been and will be used to improve dark sky conditions through new or improved sources of illumination, disruption to local flora and fauna as a result of light pollution, and the development of a plan for user education on the preserve's purpose and goals.
- Designation as a dark sky preserve will only be completed on the request of a member state government or on the request of a land's owner or owners.
- To offset the costs regarding accessibility and maintenance upgrades, ASTRO is authorised to provide funding for the following:
- Signage or guideposts to notify and educate the general public of the area, its features, and its general features.
- Lighting consistent with that which will allow an area to retain its dark sky designation.
- Scientific investigations in the area consistent with astronomical observation or conservation principles as stated in clause 3.
- In addition to the protection of pristine observational conditions, the authorities who will be in charge of the day-to-day running of a dark sky preserve must also protect wildlife populations inside of the preserve and create a long-term plan for conservation in partnership with other World Assembly organisations whose prerogative it is to work in these areas.
- Member nations may undertake research on the conditions of flora and fauna in the area to determine the effects of an absence of electromagnetic stimuli on local wildlife.
- ASTRO is required to keep a public registry of lands designated as dark sky preserves as well as a log of their accessibility and terms of usage of said lands.
- De-recognition of a recognized dark sky preserve by ASTRO shall be on the basis of one of two scenarios:
- On the request of a member state government or land's owner or owners who previously requested recognition.
- If the conditions in the dark sky preserve, by land owner, member state government, or ASTRO report, have deteriorated to the point where the the conditions for designation are no longer met.