  During the next decade, Chile will consolidate its place as the 'World
Capital of Astronomy'. By 2025, more than 70% of the world's infrastructure for
conducting professional astronomical observations will be installed in the
Atacama Desert in the north of the country. The amazing scientific discoveries
these telescopes produce have a direct impact on our understanding of the
cosmos, and protecting this 'window to the universe' is fundamental in order to
ensure humanity's right to contemplate the night sky and decipher our origins.
As a country, Chile faces the challenge of fighting light pollution and
protecting its dark skies in a context of sprawling urban growth and an
ever-expanding mining industry that shares the same territory with astronomical
observatories.
  The Chilean Astronomical Society (Sociedad Chilena de Astronomia, SOCHIAS)
plays an active role in protecting dark skies through a series of initiatives
involving educational programmes, aiding in the development and enforcement of
public policy and regulation, and seeking the declaration of Chile's best
astronomical sites as protected heritage areas, both at the national and
international levels. Whilst describing our experiences, I highlight the
importance of approaching the problem of light pollution from all sides,
involving all the relevant actors (communities, national and local governments,
lighting industry, environmentalists, astronomers and others). I also discuss
how communication and timely coordination with potential problematic actors
(like industries, cities and some government agencies) can be an effective tool
to transform potential enemies into allies in the fight for the protection of
the night sky.
