GROUPE RAGNI, PARTNER OF THE FRENCH RICE CONGRESS
RICE: Sanctuaries for Biodiversity and the Starry Sky
International Dark Sky Reserves (RICE) are areas dedicated to protecting the quality of the night sky, recognized for their low levels of light pollution and their commitment to biodiversity. These reserves are certified by Dark Sky International, based in the United States. Their role is to promote the astronomical and cultural heritage associated with the night and to preserve nocturnal ecosystems (fauna, flora, landscapes), notably by promoting responsible, energy-efficient lighting adapted to local needs.
The “Alpes Azur Mercantour” RICE, certified since 2019, is a living laboratory located in our Maralpin region, with which we have maintained a constructive dialogue since 2022, the year of the first edition of the “Rencontres de l’éclairage raisonné”.
The RICE Conference in France: A Key Event for Mindful Lighting
From June 16 to 18, 2026, the Valberg Departmental Center for the Environment and Observation will host the RICE National Congress, bringing together the RICE Congress of France and other countries to discuss nighttime issues, as well as other regions around the world working to combat light pollution. The event will bring together elected officials, natural area managers, scientists, industry representatives, and organizations for conferences, workshops, and roundtables on a variety of topics: lighting techniques, trends in light pollution, educational tools, the specific impacts of artificial light on biodiversity, and more.
GROUPE RAGNI supports the RICE Congress
As a regional organization, GROUPE RAGNI shares a strong commitment with RICE Alpes Azur Mercantour: to protect the night while meeting the needs of local communities. Our commitment is rooted in a philosophy of collaboration and partnership with local stakeholders (local governments, nature parks, and tourism offices). We understand the specific challenges of rural and protected areas and develop tailored solutions:
- Dynamic and smart lighting to limit unnecessary light pollution.
- Materials and designs that respect the nightscape.
- Supporting local authorities in complying with regulations (e.g., the December 27, 2018 decree on light pollution).
We promote energy and light efficiency, respect for ecosystems, and innovation through partnerships and collaborative projects.
By supporting the RICE initiative, GROUPE RAGNI reaffirms its role as a committed partner to institutions. We believe that the transition to sustainable lighting requires:
- Dialogue with decision-makers: engaging with elected officials, natural parks, and regional agencies to align technical solutions with public policies
- Training and awareness-raising: sharing our feedback with local technicians, engineering firms, and tourism offices through events and meetings
- Promoting best practices: highlighting local initiatives and integrating them into our CSR approach
Toward a synergy between preservation and innovation
The RICE Congress is a unique opportunity to create synergies among public, industrial, and non-profit stakeholders. For GROUPE RAGNI, this event serves as a think tank to accelerate the adoption of sustainable lighting across regions, acting as a catalyst to strengthen the link between technical innovation and societal expectations, particularly regarding the preservation of nightscapes. Finally, it serves as a showcase to position the South region as a model for lighting transition, combining economic performance with environmental stewardship.