The Day of the Night is a national event aimed at raising awareness about light pollution, the protection of nocturnal biodiversity, and the starry sky.
This Saturday, all over France, nocturnal walks, star observations, nature outings, and light extinctions are being organized.
On this occasion, the Mercantour National Park, the Alpes d’Azur Community of Municipalities, and the Prรฉalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Park, partners in a project for an International Dark Sky Reserve, are offering a joint program of activities.
Free activities to discover the starry sky and nocturnal biodiversity of the Mercantour, the Prรฉalpes, and the Alpes d’Azur, such as astronomy evenings in Saint-Jeannet (06), Breil-sur-Roya (06), and Barcelonette (04); nocturnal hiking in Beuil (06), and the turning off of public lighting in certain municipalities.
These three organizations embarked in August 2016 on a process to classify their territory as an International Dark Sky Reserve. It is worldwide recognition of the quality of the night environment of these sites that will allow the territory to shine through its exemplary nature, but also to promote eco and astro tourism.
For these municipalities, which are already highly engaged in the renovation of their lighting, it is an opportunity to further their commitment through a thoughtful management of it, in order to protect their natural treasures.
