Astronomical Projects, as well as existing observatories, today face
a changing environment that can potentially jeopardize their present
and future observational conditions. Among these environmental
factors we can mention light pollution, interference at radio frequencies
and other impacts related to social activities and local communities.

Strategic Communication plays a key role in preserving and restoring
better observational conditions for the observatories.   Strategic
Communication helps to ensure smooth operations of existing
observatories and helps prevent danger to new projects.

In particular, regarding the light pollution issue, I will refer to the case
of Cerro Paranal, site of the world’s largest optical telescope.  Cerro
Paranal is located in a very isolated part of Northern Chile, 120 kms
from the nearest city, but only 25 kms from a nitrate mine. Together
with the OPCC (http://www.opcc.cl ) we have developed a
communication strategy to have the nitrate mine change its lighting
system based on:

· Education of authorities and the local community about astronomy.
· Education of authorities and the local community about light pollution,
  how it affects life in general, astronomy and how to avoid it.
· Training of government officials in charge of enforcing the light-
  pollution regulations.
· Training of government employees that must comply with the light-
  pollution regulations.
· Training of private companies that must comply with the light-pollution
  regulations.
· Free consultancy to those companies willing to change their light
  systems to a regulated one.

All messages have been focused on the net savings the community gains
with a new and improved lighting system rather than considering only the
initial costs involved.

So far, the strategy developed is proving successful. The mine has
changed to a low-pressure-sodium lighting system. Other companies and
municipalities in the region are already doing the same.