Authorities in the United Kingdom city of Belfast have partnered with Israeli cryptocurrency firm Colu to issue their own blockchain-powered token, a press release confirmed on May 8.
Colu, which operates local blockchain-based cryptocurrency ecosystems in four cities, will issue belfast coin later this year in a bid to support local businesses.
The cryptocurrency scheme comes as Belfast participates in the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities project, and will significantly benefit its progress, according to Colu.
“Being selected to be part of the city currency challenge means an important opportunity for Belfast, and I’m delighted that this has been made possible through our partnership with 100 Resilient Cities, and working with Colu,” Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Deirdre Hargey commented in the press release.
In contrast to Colu’s coins in London, Liverpool and Israel, belfast coin will contain an incentive element, rewarding participants for performing tasks such as civic volunteering.
As elsewhere, local businesses will form the backbone of the new ecosystem, accepting the coins via Colu’s app.
According to the company, the largest local cryptocurrency scheme in Tel-Aviv has seen usage by a quarter of the city’s 435,000 population.
“Belfast Coin will make a tremendous contribution to the city’s development – Economically, socially, environmentally and beyond,” said Colu CEO and co-founder, Amos Meiri. He added.
“Just as importantly though, Belfast Coin will bring all the different elements of the city closer to each other, by empowering residents, businesses, NGOs, community groups and educational institutions to work together towards the same goals.”
As Cointelegraph reported, cryptocurrency awareness in the U.K. is increasing, with a top lawyer last week saying the economy should step up preparations for the technology’s increasing ubiquity.
In December of last year, the Canadian city of Calgary also announced plans to launch its own digital currency for paying for goods and services at local shops. Dubai’s government-backed digital asset payment system will allow consumers to use the currency to pay for goods and services as well.
