On the occasion of Earth Day, the Department of Alpes-Maritimes is calling on municipalities to turn off their public lighting on the night of April 22 to 23. A collective action to raise awareness about light pollution and highlight nocturnal biodiversity.
Tonight, residents of many municipalities in Alpes-Maritimes will see their streets plunged into darkness. A voluntary blackout, coordinated across the territory, initiated by the Department, to mark Earth Day.
For the past four years, Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Department of Alpes-Maritimes, has renewed this call to the mayors of the territory. “This simple, visible, and collective gesture is a way to remind us of our attachment to the beauty of our night sky, biodiversity, and energy transition. It also sets an example for our children”, he recalls.
This symbolic action primarily concerns municipalities located in the International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) Alpes Azur Mercantour. However, all municipalities in Alpes-Maritimes are invited to participate. The objective is to raise awareness of the effects of light pollution and encourage more restrained practices.
A local initiative for a global effect
Led by the Department, this initiative is part of the GREEN Deal policy. It aims to reduce energy consumption, modernize public lighting, and support biodiversity. It is conducted in collaboration with the Communauté de Communes Alpes d’Azur, the Mercantour National Park, the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park, and SICTIAM.
Since 2021, 12 million euros have been mobilized to modernize lighting equipment. The results are measurable: a reduction of more than 50% in consumption in the municipalities concerned.
Last year, 60% of the IDSR municipalities participated in the nocturnal operation. This figure is increasing, showing growing support from local elected officials for these issues. “I thank the mayors, who are increasingly numerous, who are undertaking renovations, reducing power, or targeting specific public lighting outages”, emphasizes Charles Ange Ginésy.
In 2025, the IDSR Alpes Azur Mercantour celebrates its sixth anniversary. Several events are planned throughout the year: night-time activities in villages, educational activities in schools, astronomical observations, and hosting the national IDSR Congress in Valberg in September.
Beyond the symbolic act, this blackout aims to remind us that ecological transition also involves concrete actions on a local scale.