French space agency–French Guiana: over 25 years committed to the region

Why is the French space agency participating in French Guiana’s “Salon des Maires” exhibition?
 

The “Salon des Maires” exhibition is the ideal opportunity to strengthen our ties with local communities. The French space agency nurtures active partnerships with the 22 municipalities in French Guiana through agreements to support educational, social, cultural and economic projects. Being present here shows that the space industry, an important part of the local economy, supports the entire region in very real ways.

How are these projects chosen and supported?
 

We are working with a 7-year framework agreement (2021–2027) defining several priority areas: education, training, inclusion, economic development, etc.
Each municipality proposes projects by submitting technical applications that are reviewed by the steering committee with the French space agency and local elected officials. These projects are then approved by the municipal councils. 
To be approved, projects must meet certain criteria (subject area, target audience), and the French space agency’s financial participation cannot exceed 75% of the total cost.

The annual funding, ranging from €32,000 to €351,000 for certain municipalities, was determined based on objective criteria such as population size, geographic isolation and hosting of space activities (such as in Kourou and Sinnamary). This allows resources to be adjusted based on the realities in the field.
 

Can you give some real examples? 
 

Of course. Examples: In Grand-Santi, more specifically in the more remote areas (Anaconde and Beli Kampu), we co-funded digital huts to help people access administrative procedures.

In Matoury, the French space agency helped to set up a home studio for youths in the Cogneau-Lamirande district for a music and integration project. We recently approved the idea to co-fund an open-access Wi-Fi solution in some districts of Matoury.

In Macouria, we are co-funding the Atip'art project, which promotes street art and supports young people through art activities.

In Regina, the community-owned gite’s renovations were co-funded by two specific grants.

Other projects have focused on younger age groups, such as funding breakfasts for schoolchildren from remote communities who have to get up at the crack of dawn to get to school.
 

What about space applications to help the region?

We do not directly finance space projects for the communities, but we provide them with the French space agency’s expertise and allow access to satellite data for various purposes, including regional planning.
For example, satellite images can be used to devise local development plans or monitor changes in the region or coastline.
 

There is also the SEAS, a station receiving satellite images to help monitor the Amazonian environment. This project is led by French Guiana’s Territorial Community, in which we play a major role.

How does the French space agency ensure that its actions in French Guiana are sustainable?
 

Each year, we review the projects carried out with local communities. Our aim is to play an active role throughout the region. 
In terms of sustainable development, we do not impose any specific criteria, but we encourage project leaders to integrate environmental and social responsibility (ESR) principles, taking into account local realities.
 

What does the future hold?
 

Our priority is still to support economic and social development in French Guiana. The current agreement is valid until 2027. We listen to the needs of elected officials and the population, and are always willing to adapt our actions to the priorities in the region as the public organisation that we are.