# Lauwersoog port gives off less light, measurements show

> Ten years after 43 organisations signed a pact to protect darkness in the Wadden region, measurements show the port of Lauwersoog now gives off less light.

Society · published 2026-10-30 22:42 · https://nlnow.nl/a/wadden-region-gets-darker-ten-years-after-light-pact/

The port of Lauwersoog gives off less light than it did, according to Klaas Laansma, project leader of the Donkerte plan. He said measurements by researchers at the University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) confirm this.

The effect showed during the 2024 Nacht van de Nacht, an annual campaign to switch off lights. Rijkswaterstaat and the shipping company Wagenborg were asked to turn off as much port lighting as possible for an hour. "When the clouds cleared, the Milky Way became visible above Lauwersoog," Laansma said.

Businesses at the port decided in 2023 to tackle the problem with a masterplan called Donkerte (darkness). It aims to cut light emissions by 50 percent within three years. Lighting was adjusted or made dimmable, and in other places motion sensors were installed so lamps are only on when someone is present.

The port is part of a wider effort. In October 2016, 43 parties signed a declaration of intent called Dark Sky Werelderfgoed Waddengebied, ten years ago this week. The signatories range from central government and Staatsbosbeheer to nature organisations.

The partnership works to reduce light pollution in the Wadden region and preserve darkness. Light pollution means excess artificial light: outdoor lighting, advertising, illuminated logos and office lights.

## Background

- **Staatsbosbeheer**: Staatsbosbeheer is the Dutch state organisation that manages forests, dunes, heathland and other nature areas owned by the Dutch state. It works on nature conservation, recreation and timber production in those areas, and it is a government body rather than a private nature group. Its involvement in the Wadden light declaration shows it is responsible for state-owned nature sites in the region.
- **Rijkswaterstaat**: Rijkswaterstaat is the executive agency of the Dutch national government responsible for the main road network, the major waterways and the country's water management, including flood defences. It carries out the national infrastructure and water policy set by the ministry responsible for infrastructure and water. Its role in the Wadden region covers the state-managed ports, waterways and coastal works.

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