A small controlled fire broke out in a part of the Athalassa National Forest Park in Cyprus, on the south-eastern edge of the city of Nicosia, which is a green oasis that occupies an area of ​​840 hectares, hosting many endemic, native and endemic trees, shrubs and herbs . A Park with a special network of paths – covering 20 kilometers making it a popular place for cycling, hiking and walking. However, the fire did not spread as it was detected in time through a fire detection system.

Specifically, the whole scene was created for the presentation of the fire detection program “Smart & Green Village” by Huawei and Cyta, in collaboration with the startup PROBOTEK.

“Smart & Green Village”

As pointed out during the relevant event it is an innovative program based on Cyta’s 5G technology as well as the use of algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic drones. The “Smart & Green Village” aims to play a vital role in fighting fires, contributing to the protection of life, property and the environment of Cyprus by early detection of extreme events, such as fires, using sensors and drones.

In particular, at the event that took place in the presence of government officials, the political leadership, competent government departments and representatives of the security forces presented the drone which, with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and with the support of Cyta’s 5G network, immediately located the focus of the fire by detecting the smoke using sensors. He then sent an alert to the control center as he rushed to the scene to confirm the incident. Then, before returning to its base, the drone recorded the progress of the fire in detail, sending critical data to the personnel called to extinguish the fire. The drone demonstration included, among others, aerial surveillance, early detection, real-time data transmission, mapping and modeling of the affected area and more.

Mr. Andreas Christou, First Conservator of Forests who addressed a greeting on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development & Environment Mr. Petros Xenophontos and the General Director of the Forestry Department Mr. Charalambos Alexandrou stated among other things that in the battle to deal with the fires there is no room for complacency, and much more, no one is left, expressing particular satisfaction that the will of the private sector in this direction is confirmed through the innovative “Smart & Green Village” fire detection program by Huawei.

The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Philippos Chatzizacharias, pointed out that Cyprus has all the resources to become a smart, innovative and safe island as it has a favorable natural and demographic environment, strong political will, cooperation from local government, financial tools and, of course, technology and innovation as vital tools. to solve problems, Smart cities cannot be developed by the state alone. The involvement and input of local authorities and businesses is essential. Only through collective effort can we create smart cities that promote innovation, safety, sustainability and improved quality of life, said Mr. Hatjicharias, pointing out that the Huawei event provides an opportunity to apply innovation and technology to better manage cities and our communities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of our citizens.

For his part, CYTA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Giorgos Metzakis, said that Cyta’s 5G network will make a decisive contribution to the implementation of Huawei’s fire detection project, providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity essential for real-time data transmission and drone operation. The deployment of 5G opens up endless possibilities, from revolutionizing emergency response to powering smart cities, that improve the quality of life for all citizens. It is a game-changing process, he added.

As pointed out drones are expected to significantly reshape the way fires are fought in the modern era, offering rapid response, increased security and cost-effective solutions. The fire detection program, “Smart & Green Village” of Huawei Cyprus, is able to offer unlimited possibilities on the fire fronts.

Radoslaw Kedzia, vice president of the European region of Huawei in a discussion with representatives of the press referred in general to the conditions required for the successful implementation of such programs linked to the existence of the legislative and regulatory framework, the existence of modern infrastructure that ensures connectivity at high speeds as well as the realization of investments from both the state and the private sector. Mr. Kedzia pointed out that in the countries where Huawei has a presence providing technological solutions, it emphasizes collaborations and the selection of local partners for the promotion and implementation of these solutions.

“Technology should not conflict with nature”

Huawei will continue its efforts to create initiatives and solutions that can contribute to addressing environmental and social issues in Cyprus and across Europe. Technology should not be at odds with nature. Instead, it should help nature thrive. After all, we believe that digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud and 5G are rapidly being integrated and widely applied in various industries. This facilitates digital transformation and sustainable socio-economic development and brings tangible benefits to society as a whole, he also said.

The event was held in collaboration with Darwin’s Cirlce themed “Vienna Tech for Green Initiative”, a long-term program aimed at developing technologies and solutions dedicated to achieving sustainability. During the discussion with experts in the field, Mr. Nikolaus Pelinka, founder of Darwin’s Circle, underlined the important role of technology in promoting sustainability: “We at Darwin’s Circle believe that technology and innovation are the most important drivers towards a sustainable and green future. Together with our valued long-term partner Huawei, as well as other companies and institutions, we created the Vienna Tech4Green initiative. This initiative aims to focus on the critical role of new technologies in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, protecting the environment and creating a better world. We will discuss the necessary steps to be taken to achieve our goals.”

The fire detection solution was first implemented in 2022 in Athens, Greece. Since then its features have been tested and improved, so this year it is being introduced to the next country affected by the fire problem. The implementation of the early fire detection system in Cyprus is part of a long-term social contribution program called “Smart & Green Village” which aims to provide widespread connectivity and “smart” education in rural areas of the country.