Firefly Garden | Fireflies Return to Light Up the Night
Magically shining light on a summer night used to be often, but now it is rare. Imagine that fireflies light up the night sky once again. That’s what Daan Roosegaarde did. The innovative sanctuary designed by Studio Roosegaarde allows visitors to witness the enchanting glow of fireflies.
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WHERE HAVE ALL THE FIREFLIES GONE?
In childhood, on warm summer evenings, many of us watched fields and forests sparkling like stars and experienced the magic of our environment. But there are signs that a new generation of children may not grow up with the same firefly memories we had. Fireflies are disappearing from all over the world, and, if this continues, they may fade forever taking with them the magic of summer nights.
Most species of fireflies inhabit fields, forests and swamps. Their preferred habitat is close to any standing water - ponds, streams or rivers. According to Firefly.org, since our fields and forests are being paved over, and our waterways are undergoing commercial developments, fireflies’ habitat is being destroyed and their populations are declining. Pollution, logging and use of pesticides also contribute to the disappearance of fireflies.
However, scientists call light pollution the main cause of the extinction of fireflies. Fireflies use their lights to communicate with each other, some even synchronize their flashes across thousands of other fireflies. Scientists have observed that fireflies lose synchronization for several minutes after a car passes by. Human light pollution, such as houses, shops, cars and streetlights, prevents fireflies from sending signals to each other, especially during mating. As a result, fewer fireflies are born next season.
Realizing a great loss of fascinated creatures, Daan Roosegaarde and his team, whom we wrote about in our previous article Smog Free Project, have taken up a new initiative aimed at restoring the population of fireflies.
FIREFLY GARDEN IN BALI
Together with Nuanu, Studio Roosegaarde is designing and building the world’s first Firefly Garden in Canggu, Bali. The current Pilot Garden is a 1,000 m² preview to the forthcoming 3,000 m² Firefly Garden, at the core of which is a breeding, conservation and nursery program designed to sustain and enhance local firefly populations. This commitment is not limited only to breeding and conservation. Firefly Garden also aims to educate the community in order to enhance environmental awareness and make fireflies part of the Indonesian cultural heritage.
"When you tell the story of the Firefly Garden to local Balinese they get emotional - fireflies were everywhere 20 years ago but not anymore. A firefly wants to have clean air, clean water, clean soil, and no light pollution. So I see them as a gatekeeper for our better future.” - Daan Roosegaarde
Complemented by a selection of flora and fauna and continuously purified surrounding waters, this sanctuary hosts butterflies by day and fireflies by night. The habitat created in the Garden supports their life cycles and protects them from light pollution, while a firefly nursery is dedicated to the cultivation of firefly populations. The firefly eggs grow into fireflies within 4-9 months.
According to Studio Roosegaarde, Firefly Garden gives a fantastic chance to see fireflies with your own eyes. Featuring a unique dining experience, a solitary table set for two amidst the natural luminescence, Firefly Garden offers breathtaking views and a magical atmosphere. This element underscores the dedication of the project to foster a peaceful coexistence between humans and the natural world.
