The Embassy of France to the Philippines and in Micronesia, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the Intramuros Administration, and Liter of Light, will inaugurate the “Blue Lanterns” climate art installation on May 27 at Fort Santiago.

The project marks the joint commitment of France and the Philippines to ocean protection and climate action ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-chaired with Costa Rica and set for June 2025 in Nice. It is part of the “Blue Nations: France and the Philippines partners for the ocean” initiative launched in 2024.

The installation is also linked to the “100 Days for the Ocean” campaign, launched on February 26, 2025—ten years after the Manila Call to Climate Action, a key moment in global climate mobilization by Presidents Benigno Aquino III and François Hollande.

Created in partnership with NGO Liter of Light, the installation features more than 1,000 solar-powered “Blue Lanterns” made from recycled materials, with contributions from civil society, students, and institutions in both countries.

“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,” the embassy said.

“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,” it added.