Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park becomes the sixth International Dark Sky Reserve – Réserve Internationale de Ciel Etoilé (RICE) in France
Belin-Béliet, France
The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park (parc naturel régional PNR) obtained the International Dark Sky Reserve—Réserve Internationale de Ciel Etoilé (RICE) label, rewarding the efforts of an entire territory for the preservation and enhancement of the Landes de Gascogne’s starry sky! Certified by DarkSky International, this important achievement was made possible thanks to the involvement of municipalities, departmental energy unions, and local stakeholders.
Locally referred to as a Starry Sky Reserve, the label awarded by DarkSky International highlights our commitment to the quality of the night sky. For several years, this has been characterized by efforts to improve artificial lighting, activities dedicated to nighttime, raising public awareness (especially among schools), and the study and promotion of black lines among communities, which are beneficial to the preservation of nocturnal biodiversity.
Officially becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve is a significant asset for our lowland territory, where some 4,000 stars are observable with the naked eye. This distinction is all the more prestigious as there are currently only 22 Reserves certified by DarkSky International worldwide. Six are in France, including the PNR Millevaches in Limousin, the Cévennes National Park, and the Pic du Midi. This recognition will attract visitors who are passionate about astronomy and is a source of pride for the inhabitants of the Landes de Gascogne and the participating municipalities.
“The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park’s designation as the sixth International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE) in France marks a significant achievement in the ongoing effort to preserve and celebrate our night sky. This recognition is the result of years of dedicated work to improve artificial lighting, raise public awareness, and protect nocturnal biodiversity. Not only does this certification elevate the region’s standing on the global stage, but it also promises to attract astronomy enthusiasts from around the world. We are thrilled to welcome France’s newest International Dark Sky Reserve and are excited to continue our collective efforts to protect our starry skies from the impact of light pollution,” said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager.
The Reserve extends beyond the perimeter of the Regional Natural Park of the same name and includes 29 additional municipalities to the 53 municipalities classified as PNR, in the departments of Landes and Gironde and one in Lot-et-Garonne. The core area extends over 945 square kilometers and is located in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne, at the highest point of this vast sandy plateau (145 meters above sea level), at the head of three watersheds: the Leyre, the Midouze, and the Ciron. The night sky quality of the core averages between 21.2 and 21.9 magnitudes per square arcsecond. The peripheral zone that protects the core comprises 3,818 square kilometers.
The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, with the help of energy unions, encouraged the municipalities of the region in 2015 to apply for the Starry Cities and Villages label issued by the National Association for the Protection of the Sky and the Earth. Twelve municipalities have been labeled in the region.
The Regional Natural Park launched a study in 2019, which involved the Arcachon Basin, Val de l’Eyre, and the Community of Communes of Landes d’Armagnac. Carried out by the RestaureLaNuit design office, it assessed light pollution in the area and diagnosed public lighting. The municipalities developed a strategic plan for artificial lighting and have committed, with the support of the departmental energy unions, to renovate and improve their public lighting to reduce light pollution in the next ten years.
The Park is also committed to the identification, preservation, and restoration of its territory, that is, all of the natural environments interconnected with each other, which presents a level of sufficient darkness for nocturnal species to complete their entire life cycle. The first high-stakes sites were identified and brought to the attention of the Park’s municipalities, particularly in the Arcachon Basin and Val de l’Eyre.
The Park organizes astronomy evenings with local astronomy clubs and events to raise awareness of light pollution (Forest Nights, Night of the Stars, Day of the Night, etc.). It also conducts educational projects for schools and supports artistic creations related to the theme.
“This label is proof that our territory (beyond the borders of the Park) has been able to mobilize towards a common objective, that of working together to act on ecological transitions and preserve our starry sky. This label is the commitment of the municipalities, partners, men, and women of the region to watch over the sky, to protect it and improve it further, to promote its observation and strengthen this site as an ecotourism destination,” stated Karine Desmoulin, Vice-President of forests, energy, and RICE within the Landes de Gascogne PNR.
“The RICE application allowed an entire territory beyond the Regional Natural Park to create a real action around a common good, our starry sky, in order to preserve and enhance it. The label will allow us to build collective and partnership strategies,” remarked Yann Bouffin, elected delegate in charge of RICE within the Landes de Gascogne PNR.
About the International Dark Sky Places Program
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. The Landes de Gascogne now joins more than 230 places around the world that have demonstrated strong support for the defense of the dark sky and strive to protect the night from light pollution.
About DarkSky International
DarkSky’s mission is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our dark sky heritage through environmentally friendly outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.
Media Contacts
Jean-Philippe Ruguet
Energy Project Manager
I 05 57 71 99 98
Amber Harrison
Dark Sky Places Program Manager, DarkSky International
+1 (520) 347-6363
