Space technology a unique way to promote blue growth

Space technology is a unique way to promote blue growth in Cyprus, Transport, Communications and Works Minister Vasiliki Anastasiadou has said.

She was addressing the International Space Forum which took place in Italy, a press and information office announcement issued here today says.

Blue economy sectors in Cyprus employ over 20,000 people who produce approximately €623 million, representing 3.2% of national economy and 5.4% of jobs, while coastal tourism represents 74% of blue economy jobs, Anastasiadou noted.

She added that marine and coastal tourism sectors have recorded a significant increase which is equal to 85% of total employment of the various blue economy sectors.

Maritime transport, she said, is the second greater blue economy sector which is recording an impressive upward trend of the order of 13% as a ratio of blue economy total employment.

These tendencies, the Cypriot Transport Minister continued, “are related to Cyprus’ strategic goal to further promote commercial shipping and to exploit hydrocarbon reserves in the Republic of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.”

Cyprus, she pointed out, is very active in space technology services, adding that until today 10 licenses have been granted to organisations for launching telecommunications satellites using ITU concessions.
 
Anastasiadou added that space technology is a unique way to promote blue growth in Cyprus and the Mediterranean.  It can be used, she added, through satellite pictures, data and communications for applications such as dealing with natural disasters, measuring water quality, monitoring agriculture, the environment and natural resources management, as well as the sustainable use of land, urban growth and immigration.

Cyprus, she said, has recently made steps to open two Centers of Excellence which will contribute in research and the development of activities regarding blue growth which will be co-funded by the European Commission and Cyprus. The first center is the Eratosthenes Center of Excellence (EXCELSIOR), expected to create 200 new jobs, and the second is the Research, Innovation and Marine and Shipping Technology Center.