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I am delighted to be with you
today, at a Conference that acts as a vehicle to examine the latest
advancements, challenges and opportunities linked to key disciplines of the
geoinformatics science, remote sensing and geoinformation. Components and
disciplines with applications that are as diverse as they are impactful. A
warm welcome to our guests from abroad, and congratulations to the organizers
for once again providing researchers, experts and policymakers from the
region and beyond, with a unique platform to connect, discuss and leverage
their collective knowledge in order to discover new ways of harnessing the
transformative potential of Space technologies.
Before continuing with my
speech, please allow me to convey the greetings of His Excellency the
President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, who was not
able to join us due to other obligations. Yet he sends his best wishes for a
productive two-day experience.
Dear friends,
Utilizing spatial information
and data is crucial for sustainable growth. Remote sensing and geoinformation
technologies have in recent years revolutionized our ability to monitor,
analyse, and better manage the earth's resources and ecosystems. Satellite
imagery, aerial surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), and advanced
analytics enable the monitoring of the complex interactions that shape our
environment - with unparalleled accuracy and scale -, playing a pivotal role
in advancing our understanding of ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity patterns,
and environmental processes, as mere examples of the opportunities. From
monitoring climate change and natural disasters to forestry, agricultural
productivity and urban development, the integrated insights derived from
spatial data and technologies are indispensable tools for informed
decision-making and effective resource management.
Dear friends,
Space is no longer the
prerogative of certain nations or organizations. And it is not confined to
exploration and observation alone. The space sector is both a growth sector
in itself and also a key enabler of advancement and efficiency in many other
sectors of the economic activity as well as that of government policy.
Recognizing its significance, governments across the globe have stepped up
their efforts to further understand how space research, technology and
applications can improve the economy and the wellbeing of the society.
The latest OECD report: “The Space
Economy in Figures” highlighted the significant increase in space
activities worldwide, both in terms of operational satellites in orbit and
commercial activities. There were some 6.700 operational satellites in orbit
by the end of 2022, twice the number recorded in 2020, with over two-thirds
of satellites from commercial operators.
With the exponential growth of
the space economy, reaping the full benefits of what space has to offer
requires substantial government action. Targeted policy interventions
are needed to be able to regulate access to space and its resources, while at
the same time fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Determined to be part of the
space development, Cyprus has taken a number of steps, at policy, regulatory
and business level, focusing largely on the areas of satellite
communications, earth observation and space navigation.
In 2023, we formulated our
National Space Strategy and developed a national Space Law to authorize and
supervise space activities. We are also working in close collaboration with
the Ministry of Defence to explore opportunities arising from the new European
Space Strategy for Security and Defence.
Major developments in satellite
communications in our country include established gateway facilities and
satellite ground stations for major European operators, as well as four
satellites in orbit, using Cypriot assets. This resonates significantly with our
goal to further develop into a regional telecommunications hub, capitalizing
on our geographical location, which also enables linkages with satellites
flying over Asia, Africa and Europe. In addition, we are planning to
establish an Optical Gateway to take advantage of the developments in the EU
Secured Connectivity programme, which will be based on GOVSATCOM
(Governmental Satellite Communications) systems and EuroQCI (European Quantum
Communications Infrastructure) networks.
Cyprus is also one of the four
countries in the whole of Europe hosting a receiving earth station deployed
as part of the Search and Rescue service of the EU Galileo System, for
detecting and locating emergency beacons. Our strategic role in the area and
our prospect as a regional digital hub is further highlighted by the decision
of the Agency for the European Space Programmes (EUSPA) to deploy two ground
stations (called RIMS) in Cyprus for the operation of EU EGNOS System, used
to improve global navigation for aviation, maritime and land-based
users.
To further strengthen the
capacity of the local ecosystem, we are committed to significantly enhancing
relations with the European Space Agency (ESA), with whom we have established
a new Agreement, with an increased annual investment of €3 million. In addition,
and to advance space-related business activity, we are working towards the
establishment of a Space Business Incubation Centre and a local Space
Cluster, while supporting Cypriot participation in ESA programmes and
offering access to targeted funding tools via the Research and Innovation
Foundation. Such opportunities focus on turning research results into
products and bringing them to market. Focus areas include the use of earth
observation and remote sensing technologies for various purposes, such as
smart applications in agriculture, ship management, monitoring of climate
change and environmental conditions, as well as conservation of cultural
heritage.
The Eratosthenes Centre of
Excellence is one of our key partners in this journey. The work carried out
by the centre has been crucial in strengthening the Cyprus space ecosystem,
generating new opportunities for innovative research and establishing important
partnerships at all levels.
Dear friends,
As we delve deeper into the
space realm, it is imperative that we use all tools at our disposal, as well
as foster collaboration across disciplines and borders. Space is at the core
of our efforts to diversify our economy, build resilience and create real
value for future generations. By bridging the gap between science, policy,
and practice, we can leverage our collective expertise to address pressing
environmental issues and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable
future.
Thank you for your attention,
and may this conference inspire new ideas, forge meaningful partnerships, and
propel us toward a future where the sky is no longer the limit. Have a great
day.
(MK)
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