Joya-La Barreta Ecological Park in Querétaro, Mexico, recently gained recognition as Latin America’s inaugural certified urban night sky reserve, thanks to efforts by DarkSky International. Located approximately 8,520 feet above sea level, this park offers unobstructed views of stars and constellations, a rarity amid increasing global light pollution. DarkSky’s certification aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of artificial lighting, which, according to a 2023 study, has been intensifying, causing the night sky to become 10% brighter each year. Studies in Mexico attribute this rise in light pollution to urban growth and heightened security demands, prompting the need for more city lights. Experts emphasize that artificial illumination disrupts the circadian rhythms of both humans and wildlife, especially nocturnal species dependent on darkness to forage, reproduce, and migrate.

To preserve these dark skies, local astronomers, including Juan Carlos Hernández, have launched initiatives such as community outreach, legal amendments, and regular light pollution monitoring. Hernández, president of Querétaro’s Astronomical Society, indicated that the ecological balance within Joya-La Barreta is increasingly fragile. He noted that legislative support, such as Mexico’s 2021 General Law of Ecological Balance, is essential for ongoing conservation. Hernández submitted a proposal to the Querétaro Congress in 2023 to enforce this regulation locally. Regular reports to DarkSky monitor pollution levels, while educational events invite the public to experience and understand the night sky’s importance. Such efforts aim to ensure future generations can enjoy a natural resource that is steadily vanishing amid urbanization.