The International Dark Sky Reserve
The International Dark Sky Reserve
The 1st to be awarded the label in France
The Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE) is an area dedicated to protecting and preserving the quality of the night. More than half of the Hautes-Pyrénées region is committed to combating light pollution.
Initially a problem for astronomers, light pollution is no longer just a question of the stars; it also raises cultural, environmental and economic issues. More than just an object of scientific study, the sky is now valued and protected as a natural and cultural heritage.
RICE protects and preserves the night through public education and the introduction of responsible lighting. Through this label, the night is protected and recognised as exceptionally pure.
It was the first European Sky Reserve to be awarded the International Dark-sky Association label, and is still the only one in France!
This unique area includes 247 communes and covers 65% of the Hautes-Pyrénées, or 3,300 km².
History
Initiated in 2009 by PIRENE, an association of astronomers familiar with the Pic du Midi, the RICE project grew out of their alarming observations of the development of artificial light in the towns and villages surrounding the Pic.
Quickly supported by the Syndicat Mixte pour la Valorisation Touristique du Pic du Midi, the Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour and a network of partners and funders*, the project came to fruition in December 2013. The reserve is now the sixth RICE in the world to be awarded the label!
How it works
The RICE is currently co-managed by three organisations with diverse and complementary specialities. The Syndicat Mixte pour la Valorisation Touristique du Pic du Midi, the Parc National des Pyrénées and the Syndicat Départemental d'Energie 65, who have joined forces to manage it. Since 2017, the Science en Bigorre association has been in charge of its management and development.
Fighting light pollution
Today, only 20% of the world's population still enjoys a clear night. Light pollution, i.e. the harmful and excessive presence of artificial lights at night, is a part of everyday life, and is constantly on the increase, yet receives less media coverage than other forms of pollution. Unfortunately, the impact of this excess of light no longer needs to be demonstrated.
The restriction of our visibility of the stars and the starry sky was the first hindrance pointed out by scientists. Now there are the proven consequences for flora and fauna, whose natural evolution and behaviour have been profoundly affected, for human health and for our energy consumption.
Discover the Experience area at the Pic du Midi 2877m
The village of Aulon, located on the outskirts of the RICE, began converting its street lighting in 2013 to protect the quality of the night and reduce the local electricity bill. See the improvements for yourself!
Actions
Since the birth of the project, RICE has been working to protect the quality of the Pyrenean night sky. To achieve this, the Starry Sky Reserve targets its actions according to five objectives:
Introducing responsible, economical and sustainable lighting,
Track changes in light pollution in the Hautes-Pyrénées thanks to the participatory science programme
To be an innovative area for research into nocturnal biodiversity and light pollution,
To be a driving force for regional development, particularly by raising public awareness,
Institutionalise the RICE label at national level.
NOX: a 360° immersive show
15min
"Nox, le voyage dans la nuit" is an immersive journey that raises awareness of the impact of light pollution and offers a new perspective on darkness. The journey begins in Toulouse and takes visitors to the Col du Tourmalet, then the Pic du Midi, and on to the planets beyond the summits. From the wildest dreams to the most frightening nightmares, night is a mysterious yet fascinating time. Important: this show is not recommended for people with epilepsy.
