CNES is a key stakeholder in the economy of French Guiana and provides much-needed investment. French Guiana has more to offer than just its tourist attractions, but its history and its situation as one of the outermost regions of the European Union make it difficult to match the rate of development in Europe. After more than forty years spent helping the local decision-makers develop the region, CNES/CSG is well placed to understand the particular needs of French Guiana.
French Guiana lagging behind
French Guiana is the largest of France's Regions. A recent survey for the 2007-2013 Operational Programme came up with some alarming forecasts: over the next seven years, French Guiana will need 2.3 billion euros, but can barely manage to raise 800 million euros, even including the CNES annex. A social divide is widening amongst a population that is growing exponentially, while the illicit economy is thriving. In these conditions, CNES should do no less than Peugeot at Sochaux or Michelin at Clermont-Ferrand by continuing to play its role of corporate citizen in French Guiana, particularly considering the significance of Space activities in the local economy.
More than a marriage of convenience
When French Guiana was first chosen to host the Space Base, it possessed none of the industrial fabric or socio-economic conditions required by CSG. In just a few years it was necessary to add new harbours and airports closer to the centre of operations and better adapted to Space activities than the existing ones. Housing had to be constructed at Kourou for CSG personnel, as well as community facilities. From an early stage, CNES found itself playing the role of developer alongside local authorities, while the Space Base became an important provider of jobs for local and nearby populations. Now that most infrastructure projects have been completed, the relative importance of CNES in the local economy is gradually lessening, as expected. CSG still accounts for 40% of French Guiana’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) however and remains closely involved with the Region. Although it is often said that “When the Space sector coughs, French Guiana catches cold", CNES/CSG makes every effort to support the Region that gave it such a welcome forty years ago.
An open and honest approach to aid
CNES is determined to organise all assistance provided in French Guiana openly and to monitor its impact. Since the State and the Region are responsible for economic development , CNES/CSG assists in implementing policies laid down by decision-makers. While political choices are always made by the State and the people’s elected representatives, CNES/CSG is highly regarded for the expert advice and financial assistance it provides. This approach seems to be successful and all the stakeholders in French Guiana try hard to work together, with Space being regarded as French Guiana’s fourth-ranking tourist attraction.
