[Nicosia, Cyprus, 24 October 2023] Huawei, in cooperation with startup company PROBOTEK, launched its early fire detection use case in Cyprus’ capital Nicosia. The solution, which uses Cyta’s 5G network, has been deployed in Athalassa Park under the umbrella of Huawei’s “Smart & Green Village” program. Its features were introduced at a launch event attended by government guests and representatives of academia and non-governmental organizations in Nicosia on October 19.
Cyprus is a Mediterranean country with exceptionally hot and dry summers, resulting in an increasing number of wildfires. New technologies such as 5G, AI, and drones can detect forest fires early, reducing damage and saving lives.
Opening the event, Mr. Andreas Christou, Vice general manager of Cyprus Forest Department, talked on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development & Environment Mr. Petros Xenofontos, and the General Manager of Forest Department Mr. Charalambos Alexandrou. He said: “This initiative demonstrates the high degree of sensitivity and active interest of Huawei Technologies (Cyprus) in issues of protecting our forests and natural environment from fires. In the battle to tackle fires, there is no room for complacency, and more importantly, no one is left out. It is with great satisfaction that today the will of the private sector in this direction is confirmed through the innovative fire detection program “Smart & Green Village” by Huawei.”
Referring to Huawei’s “Smart & Green Village” program, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Mr. Philippos Hadjizaharias said: “Huawei has developed a smoke and fire detection drone for the prevention and immediate response to fires in semi-mountainous and mountainous areas. This drone operates using artificial intelligence technology, and its functionality, supported by Cyta’s upgraded network coverage, enhances its reliability in producing results. Initiatives like this support the strategy developed by our Ministry for the development of smart cities in Cyprus using innovation and technology to address significant challenges that, once resolved, will improve the quality of life of our citizens.”
Cyta Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. George Metzakis stated: “Cyta 5G network will be instrumental in enabling Huawei to implement its wildfire detection project by providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity, essential for real-time data transmission and drone operations. As we look to the future, developing 5G opens up endless possibilities, from revolutionizing emergency response to powering smart cities, that enhance the quality of life for all citizens. It’s a game-changer, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this transformative technology”.
Mr. Radoslaw Kedzia, the Vice President of Huawei European Region noted that Huawei will continue its efforts to create initiatives and solutions that can contribute to addressing the environmental and social issues in Cyprus and the whole Europe: “Technology should not be in opposition to nature. Instead, it should help nature thrive. Besides, we believe that digital technologies such as AI, Cloud, and 5G are being rapidly integrated and extensively applied across different industries. This is facilitating digital transformation and sustainable socio-economic development, and bringing tangible benefits to society as a whole.”
The event was held in cooperation with Darwin’s Circle under the theme of “Vienna Tech for Green Initiative,” a well-established program aimed at developing technologies and solutions dedicated to achieving sustainability. During a panel discussion, Mr. Nikolaus Pelinka, the founder of Darwin’s Circle, underlined the significant role of technology in enabling a transition to sustainable practices: “We at Darwin’s Circle believe that technology and innovation are the most important driving forces towards a sustainable and green future. Together with our valuable long-term partner Huawei, as well as other companies and institutions, we have established the Vienna Tech4Green Initiative. This initiative aims to focus on the crucial role of new technologies in reducing carbon emissions, protecting the environment, and creating a better world.”
The fire detection use case was implemented for the first time in 2022 in Athens, Greece. With its features tested and improved, it is being introduced this year in a neighboring country that also experiences wildfires. The system’s implementation in Cyprus is part of a long-term social contribution program under “Smart & Green Village” umbrella, which aims to provide wide connectivity and smart education to rural areas of the country.
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