The response of the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species to light pollution

Abstract

Light pollution became a major transboundary concern for the environment and biodiversity protection, especially with regard to species migration and spatial orientation. In view of the need for effective nature conservation, the international community has to adapt to the new challenges. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, or the Bonn Convention, as the main international framework for migratory species protection, has recently taken initial steps towards mitigation of light pollution adverse impacts. In order to understand the response to the new environmental problem at the international level, this article explores and briefly summarizes the response of the Bonn Convention framework on light pollution as a hazardous threat. The article also discusses the potential role of the Convention in the formation of an international regulatory framework on this matter.