For six months, Jade Grandjean, a Master's student in Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution, undertook her final studies internship at the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees. Accompanied by Orian Batigne, geology and starry sky project manager, she worked on the creation project for an International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE).
This project, supported by the Canigó Grand Site, SYDEEL 66, and the Catalan Nature Reserves, aims to preserve the quality of the night sky and reduce light pollution. It is based on two main axes: light sobriety and raising awareness about the importance of darkness.
As part of her internship, Jade focused on how residents and elected officials perceive light sobriety measures. She conducted surveys and participated in various awareness and mediation activities through animations to gather opinions and better understand the territory's expectations.
The residents encountered during these activities showed themselves to be generally open to reducing and better adapting lighting. These results highlight the importance of dialogue with residents to understand their expectations and concerns, and to inform them about the issues related to light pollution.
Based on her work, Jade particularly recommends continuing and developing awareness and consultation actions in the various municipalities of the territory. The objective is to involve residents in this initiative and gradually build solutions adapted to the realities of the Park's communes.
