The Embassy of France to the Philippines and in Micronesia led the inauguration of an art installation at Fort Santiago in Manila to call attention to the upcoming 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France next month.
A thousand “blue lanterns” were lit up the historic Gate of St. James on Tuesday night as part of the “100 Days for the Ocean” campaign leading to the conference.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said the event marks the culmination of the joint commitment of France and the Philippines, both maritime nations, to protect the oceans and address the challenges of climate change.
Tuesday’s event also marked the 10th anniversary of the Manila Call to Climate Action, by then Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and former French President François Hollande on the launch of international mobilization for the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement.
In a statement, Sen. Loren Legarda described the bilateral document as a clarion call recognizing climate action as “urgent, inclusive, and deeply rooted in human dignity and environmental integrity.”
Both the Philippines and France ratified the 2015 Paris Agreement addressing climate change by limiting global temperature increases.
The French Embassy said the venue of the art installation is made more significant by the “Twin City” relations between Manila and the 3rd UNOC host city Nice.
The solar-powered “blue lights” are made from recycled and readily available materials, it added.
The Embassy’s art installation is in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Sen. Legarda, the Intramuros Administration and Liter of Light.
The installation is open to the public until June 1 from six o’clock in the evening. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
