The Government of Monaco has come together with France’s National Centre for Space Studies to sign a partnership agreement that could both “boost the Monegasque economy and protect the environment”.  

Monaco is stepping into the Space Age with a newly signed partnership agreement between its government and France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), which is headquartered in Paris.  

The pact covers “the use of space-based solutions and technologies to support economic development, encourage innovation and help protect the environment”, and is, according to representatives for Monaco’s government, “part of a drive to diversify the Monegasque economy and to meet the commitments made by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, particularly regarding the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.  

At the signing, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Government Advisor-Minister of External Relations and Cooperation in Monaco, said, “This agreement offers multiple opportunities for the Office of Space Affairs and the Principality in the broad sense, particularly in terms of development cooperation, with particular attention paid to the preservation of the environment, a cause dear to Monaco.” 

WHAT DOES THE ACCORD MEAN FOR MONACO 

Firstly, the new agreement will “promote access to space solutions and technologies for Monegasque companies and public services, thereby boosting the Principality’s appeal and economic development”. Those involved in the deal say it will also “help to connect Monegasque space companies with potential investors via the Connect by CNES2 ‘Spacely’ platform”.  

Secondly, it will explore the advances made in the space sector “to meet the needs of regional planning, the environment and urban risk management, including the impact of climate change”.  

According to a spokesperson for the Monegasque government, “The aim is to study and potentially develop simulation and monitoring platforms along with space-based solutions and infrastructures for monitoring ecosystems, particularly in support of research into the South Pole conducted by the Monaco Scientific Centre.” 

Finally, it will promote training and “science-society dialogue” in the Principality, as well as encouraging information-sharing with neighbouring regions and nations.  

“AN EXCITING FIELD PROMISING NEW PERSPECTIVES” 

Christophe Pierre, Director of Monaco’s Office of Space Affairs as well as Digital Platforms and Resources, has praised the exciting new collaboration, saying, “The Office of Space Affairs, as the focal point of contact between the government and players in the sector in Monaco, is determined to advance its commitment in this exciting field, promising new perspectives, while actively contributing to the protection of our planet.” 

Lionel Suchet, Deputy Director General of CNES, who co-signed the agreement alongside Monaco’s Berro-Amadeï, spoke of how spatial data is a “strong lever” for supporting the economic development of a country, preserving ecosystems and creating societal benefits for the people.   

“This data is accessible to everyone and CNES does everything it can to support those who use it,” he said. “The Principality of Monaco is a pioneering territory in terms of economic development, innovation and adaptation to climate change, CNES is pleased to be among the players supporting it in this mission.” 

Monaco’s Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, Frédéric Genta, also threw his support behind the new partnership, saying, “This partnership will participate, I am convinced, in the emergence of new to economic models in Monaco, likely to generate societal value and innovative services to better understand and respond to the environmental challenges we face today.” 

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Main photo source: NASA via Unsplash