SPATIAL TEMPORAL MODELLING OF POTENTIAL LIGHT POLLUTION IMPACTS IN MT. APO NATURAL PARK A. Masongsong (b), L. Lunas (b), F. Celestial (a), Jeark Principe (b)
(a) Department of Geography, University of the Philippines Diliman
(b) Department of Geodetic Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALANs) negatively impacts biodiversity since it disrupts essential life and ecological processes. Some known effects of light pollution are disturbances to bird migration patterns, insect circadian rhythms, and plant phenology. ALANs continue to be a rising threat due to rapid urbanization and development near the proximity of protected areas. This study uses satellite imagery from the VIIRS Day-Night Band and Landscan population data from 2012 to 2022 to model light pollution^s growth and potential impact on the Mt. Apo Natural Park, an important protected area in Mindanao, Philippines. A 5-km buffer zone from the protected area was made to assess the influence of nearby metropolitan and suburban areas. By generating linear regression models using brightness and population data, projections for nighttime light expansion are produced until 2042. High-priority areas for conservation efforts and management are determined to coincide with polluted pixels and are classified as part of the Strict Protection Zone. Lights are also continuously present in restoration zones, which can hinder the progress of biodiversity rehabilitation. For future studies, the integration of field measurements to assess skyglow and its application to other protected areas (such as marine protected areas) is recommended.
