Blue Lanterns light up Intramuros for the ocean on the way to UN Ocean Conference
The Embassy of France to the Philippines and in Micronesia, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, Intramuros Administration, and Liter of Light will inaugurate the “Blue Lanterns” climate art installation on May 27 at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.
This 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, in preparation for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-chaired with Costa Rica in Nice in June 2025. In June 2024, the French Embassy launched the “Blue Nations: France and the Philippines partners for the ocean” initiative, in preparation for the Conference.
On February 26, 2025, on the 10th anniversary of the Manila Call to Climate Action – the historic call launched on February 26, 2015 in Manila by President Benigno Aquino III and President François Hollande marking the launch of international mobilization for the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement at COP21 – the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia launched the “100 Days for the Ocean” campaign to accelerate mobilization and collective action, in partnership with NGO Liter of Light.
The partnership with Liter of Light aims to mobilize French and Filipino civil society, the private sector, students, and public institutions to create a giant “climate” artwork composed of more than 1,000 “Blue Lanterns” which will be solar lamps. The innovation of the project lies in using recycled, durable, and readily available materials to produce natural and safe lighting.
The inauguration of this final installation, the fruit of the commitment and collective mobilization of the Franco-Philippine community, will take place in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, the historic heart of Manila, twin city of Nice, which will host the upcoming UNOC3 starting on June 9. This location is symbolically significant, as it highlights the historical and renewed bond between the two cities for the benefit of ocean protection. By erecting this installation in an iconic heritage site, France wishes to emphasize the importance of preserving both our cultural heritage and our marine ecosystems for future generations.
