New Technologies and Huawei’s Smart & Green Village Program Combat Cyprus Wildfires and Enhance Forest Protection
Cyprus, a Mediterranean country with hot and dry summers, has been facing an increasing number of wildfires. To address this issue and protect the forests, Huawei Technologies (Cyprus) has launched the Smart & Green Village program, utilizing new technologies such as 5G, AI, and drones.
At an event organized by Huawei, Mr. Andreas Christou, Vice General Manager of Cyprus Forest Department, expressed his appreciation for Huawei’s commitment to protecting the environment. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling fires and praised the innovative fire detection program introduced by Huawei.
The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Mr. Philippos Hadjizaharias, highlighted the significance of Huawei’s Smart & Green Village program. He explained that the program includes the use of AI-powered drones for the early detection and response to fires in semi-mountainous and mountainous areas. By leveraging the upgraded network coverage provided by Cyta, the drone’s functionality is enhanced, ensuring reliable results. This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategy for the development of smart cities in Cyprus, which aims to improve the quality of life for citizens through innovation and technology.
Cyta, the leading telecommunications provider in Cyprus, also expressed its support for Huawei’s wildfire detection project. Mr. George Metzakis, Cyta’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the crucial role of 5G connectivity in enabling real-time data transmission and drone operations. He highlighted the transformative nature of 5G technology, which has the potential to revolutionize emergency response and power smart cities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
Mr. Radoslaw Kedzia, Vice President of Huawei European Region, emphasized Huawei’s commitment to addressing environmental and social issues, not only in Cyprus but throughout Europe. He emphasized the integration of digital technologies such as AI, Cloud, and 5G, which are facilitating sustainable socio-economic development and benefiting society as a whole.
The event, held in cooperation with Darwin’s Circle, showcased the Vienna Tech for Green Initiative. This program, dedicated to sustainability, highlighted the significant role of technology and innovation in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment. Mr. Nikolaus Pelinka, the founder of Darwin’s Circle, emphasized the importance of technological advancements in creating a better and greener world.
The fire detection system developed by Huawei was first implemented in Athens, Greece in 2022 and has since been tested and improved. It is now being introduced in Cyprus, a neighboring country that also faces wildfires. This initiative is part of Huawei’s long-term social contribution program under the Smart & Green Village umbrella. Its aim is to provide connectivity and smart education to rural areas, ensuring a holistic approach towards sustainable development.
As Cyprus continues to face the challenge of wildfires, the collaboration between Huawei, Cyta, and various governmental and non-governmental entities demonstrates the power of technology in protecting the environment and improving the lives of citizens. Through the integration of innovative technologies like 5G, AI, and drones, the Smart & Green Village program sets a precedent for enhanced forest protection and the prevention of wildfires.
