The Prince’s Government and the National Centre for Space Studies join forces to boost the Monegasque economy and protect the environment

Signature CNES 1 © Manuel Vitali - Direction de la Communication

A framework partnership agreement was signed between the Prince’s Government and France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) at the Ministry of State on 14 November. The agreement covers the use of space-based solutions and technologies to support economic development, encourage innovation and help protect the environment. It's 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.

The agreement was signed by Mrs Isabelle Berro-Amadei,  Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Mr Lionel Suchet, Director General of CNES, in the presence of Mr Yann Battefort, First Counsellor at the French Embassy in Monaco, Mr Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, Mr Christophe Pierre, Director of Monaco's Office for Outer Space Affairs¹ and Director of the Digital Platforms and Resources Department, Mr Patrick Ramphal and Mr Denis Allemand, President and Director respectively of the Monaco Scientific Centre, and Mr Cyril Gomez, Deputy Director General of the Oceanographic Institute.

The signing is the result of a productive collaboration between CNES, Monaco's Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Department of External Relations and Cooperation, which had already led to the joint organisation of the Ocean Space Forum last April. The partnership is structured around three major areas, which are the subject of an action plan agreed annually:

Space solutions and technologies for the Monegasque economy

This agreement aims to promote access to space solutions and technologies for Monegasque companies and public services, thereby boosting the Principality's appeal and economic development. It will also help to connect Monegasque space companies with potential investors (public or private) via the Connect by CNES² ‘Spacely’ platform.

Space solutions and technologies for public policy and societal issues

The Prince's Government and CNES are keen to exploit advances in the space sector to meet the needs of regional planning, the environment and urban risk management, including the impact of climate change. 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.

Promoting scientific and technological skills

The agreement also encourages training and dialogue between science and society in the Principality and neighbouring regions. This area focuses on disseminating knowledge, such as training courses, activities, and multimedia content. For example, CNES will be sharing its audiovisual content on environmental issues.

Signature CNES 3 © Manuel Vitali - Direction de la Communication

At the signing ceremony, Isabelle Berro-Amadei, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, expressed her delight at the formalisation of the collaboration with this French public establishment renowned in the space sector. "This agreement offers a multitude of opportunities for the Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Principality, particularly in terms of development cooperation, with a specific focus on preserving the environment, a cause that remains close to Monaco's heart".

Mr Lionel Suchet, Director General of the National Centre for Space Studies, pointed out that space data is a powerful tool for supporting the economic development of a region, preserving its environment, and generating activities for the benefit of its people. "This data is accessible to all, and CNES is doing its very best to support those who wish to use it. The Principality of Monaco is a pioneering territory in terms of economic development, innovation and adaptation to climate change, and CNES is delighted to be one of the partners supporting this mission.".

Mr Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, highlighted the potential of the fast-expanding space sector to attract and develop new economic activities in the Principality, adding, "I'm convinced that this partnership will contribute to the emergence of new economic models in Monaco, likely to generate societal values and innovative services to improve our understanding of and response to the environmental challenges we are facing today".

Lastly, Mr Christophe Pierre, Director of Monaco's Office for Outer Space Affairs and Director of the Digital Platforms and Resources Department, praised the benefits of this collaboration for the Principality, "which will promote the advancement of knowledge and innovation in our region, provide opportunities for advanced education and training in the space sector, as well as showcasing Monegasque expertise. The Office for Outer Space Affairs, as the central point of contact between the Government and key figures in this sector in Monaco, is determined to further its involvement in this exciting field, and promises to expand horizons, while actively contributing to protecting our planet.".

Signature CNES 2 © Manuel Vitali - Direction de la Communication

1. As the point of contact between the Government and key figures in the space sector in Monaco, the Office for Outer Space Affairs, established on 2 August 2021 by Sovereign Order, is part of the Digital Platforms and Resources Department within the Digital Transition Office.

2. Created in 2018, Connect by CNES is the CNES support programme that provides access to and use of space data, services, and technologies for all economic and institutional stakeholders in France.