Speaker
Description
Africa is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary stargazing destinations, thanks to its minimal light pollution, vast open landscapes, and pristine night skies. Despite this advantage, there are currently few astrotourism initiatives across the continent. Astrotourism, a sustainable form of tourism combining daytime and nighttime sky observations with educational outreach and luxury experiences, has immense potential to boost local economies and promote cultural and natural heritage.
Africa’s rich cultural traditions and unique natural landscapes can be seamlessly integrated into astrotourism offerings, creating opportunities for sustainable development. The International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) has made astrotourism a flagship project, focusing on using astronomy to foster socioeconomic growth. This presentation will showcase resources developed by the OAD to help individuals, businesses, and observatories incorporate nighttime activities into their offerings. These resources are designed to empower individuals to create unique stargazing experiences using existing natural and cultural heritage, support businesses in diversifying their services, and encourage observatories to collaborate with local communities to drive astrotourism initiatives.
With its unparalleled potential for astrotourism, Africa is poised to become a global leader in the sector. As astronomy practitioners, it is our responsibility to champion this movement and unlock the continent’s full potential under the stars.
| Stream | Education Development and Outreach |
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