Countries like ours, with such vast marine wealth, should make use of the sea, the technologies offered in relation to it in the context of a sustainable economic development. This was the important conclusion drawn in the context of the Regional Growth Conference organized by Peloponnisos newspaper at the Conference and Cultural Center of the University of Patras.
“The development, protection and regeneration of marine ecosystems is a critical policy priority for Greece, which holds a leading position in tourism, shipping and other activities, which makes the Greek economy fully interdependent on the marine ecosystem,” he said. the president of the Economic Chamber B.D. of Peloponnese and Western Greece Giorgos Papas.
An example to be followed of good practices, friendly to the environment, is the Mayor of Astypalaia, Nikolaos Komineas, who participated in the meeting emphasizing the following: “The new model that will help to change the situation is for the information to come to the local communities, which will they have the right to decide”.
The meeting was also attended by: o Professor of Regional Economic Analysis, Panteion University Ioannis Psycharis, o Professor of the University of Patras Giorgos Papatheodorou, Executive Director, Public Benefit Foundation Athanasios K. Laskaridis Angeliki Kosmopoulou while the coordination was done by the Director, Data Consultants Theodora Tsokou.
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How can local knowledge and traditional practices contribute to sustainable development in the blue economy?
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Giorgos Papas, President of the Economic Chamber of Peloponnese and Western Greece. At the recent Regional Growth Conference, you emphasized the need for sustainable development in relation to our marine ecosystems. Can you elaborate on how Greece can leverage its vast marine wealth for economic progress?
**Giorgos Papas:** Absolutely. Greece’s economy is deeply interconnected with its marine ecosystems through tourism, shipping, and fisheries. We must adopt technologies that enhance sustainable practices while ensuring that our marine environments are protected and regenerated. It’s about finding a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.
**Interviewer:** You pointed out that local communities should have a say in these developments. Mayor Nikolaos Komineas highlighted a new model focused on local input. How crucial is community engagement in implementing this sustainable approach?
**Giorgos Papas:** Community engagement is vital. By giving local communities the information and resources they need, we empower them to make informed decisions regarding their environment and economy. This grassroots involvement is essential for the success of sustainable initiatives, as it ensures that the solutions are tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of each region.
**Interviewer:** Professor Ioannis Psycharis and others also attended the conference. What collaborative efforts among academic and governmental bodies do you see as critical for evolving our policies towards a more holistic approach in the blue economy?
**Giorgos Papas:** Collaboration between academia and policymakers is key. Academics can provide data-driven insights and innovative solutions, while government bodies need to implement these strategies effectively. Together, we can design policies that not only protect our marine wealth but also promote economic resilience against climate change.
**Interviewer:** This all raises an interesting debate: Are we doing enough to integrate local knowledge into marine policy-making? How can we ensure that local insights significantly shape the policies that affect their lives and environments? Readers, what are your thoughts on this? Are local communities being heard in the discussions about the blue economy?
