Landes De Gascogne Joins Global Network Of Dark Sky Reserves

France’s Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park (PNR) has been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, recognizing the collective efforts of the region in preserving and enhancing its starry skies. This prestigious certification, granted by DarkSky International, is the result of extensive collaboration among municipalities, departmental energy unions, and local stakeholders.

Locally known as a Starry Sky Reserve, this designation highlights the region’s commitment to maintaining high-quality night skies. Over the years, efforts have included improving artificial lighting, organizing nighttime-focused activities, increasing public awareness – especially among school communities – and promoting black lines to protect nocturnal biodiversity.

Achieving the status of an International Dark Sky Reserve is particularly significant, as there are only 22 such reserves worldwide certified by DarkSky International. France is home to six of these, including PNR Millevaches in Limousin, the Cévennes National Park, and the Pic du Midi. This distinction is expected to attract astronomy enthusiasts and instill pride in the residents of the Landes de Gascogne and its 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,” said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager.

“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,” Harrison continued.

The reserve extends beyond the boundaries of the Regional Natural Park, incorporating 29 additional municipalities alongside the 53 classified under the PNR. It spans the departments of Landes, Gironde, and one municipality in Lot-et-Garonne. The core area covers almost 365 square miles (945 sq. km.), situated at the highest point of the Landes de Gascogne (475 feet (145m) above sea level) and at the headwaters of three river basins: the Leyre, the Midouze, and the Ciron. The night sky brightness in this core region ranges between 21.2 and 21.9 magnitudes per square arcsecond. The surrounding protective zone encompasses 1,474 square miles (3,818 sq. km.).

Since 2015, the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, with support from energy unions, has encouraged local municipalities to apply for the Starry Cities and Villages label from the National Association for the Protection of the Sky and the Earth. To date, 12 municipalities in the region have earned this designation.

To further promote awareness, the Park hosts astronomy events in partnership with local astronomy clubs and organizes activities focused on light pollution, such as Forest Nights, the Night of the Stars, and the Day of the Night. Educational initiatives for schools and artistic projects centered around the theme of dark skies are also supported.

“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,” stated Karine Desmoulin, Vice-President of forests, energy, and RICE within the Landes de Gascogne PNR. “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.”

“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.