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 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, Athanasios K. Laskaridis Foundation Angeliki Kosmopoulou, while the coordination was carried out by the Director, Data Consultants Theodora Tsokou.
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What innovative solutions do you think are necessary for supporting sustainable practices in marine industries while promoting economic growth?
**Interview with Giorgos Papas, President of the Economic Chamber B.D. of Peloponnese and Western Greece**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Giorgos. At the recent Regional Growth Conference, you emphasized the importance of sustainable economic development in relation to our marine ecosystems. Can you elaborate on the key strategies you envision for balancing economic growth with environmental protection?
**Giorgos Papas:** Certainly. The central idea is to integrate technology and sustainable practices into our marine industries. This means not only focusing on tourism and shipping but also prioritizing marine conservation. By employing innovative solutions, we can enhance our economic activities while safeguarding the marine ecosystems that are vital for our long-term prosperity.
**Interviewer:** You highlighted the role of local communities in this transition, as mentioned by Mayor Nikolaos Komineas. How crucial do you believe local engagement is in creating effective policies for marine ecosystem protection?
**Giorgos Papas:** Local engagement is absolutely essential. Informing and empowering communities allows them to make decisions that reflect their unique environmental and economic contexts. When locals are involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to support and adhere to sustainable practices.
**Interviewer:** With these perspectives in mind, it raises an important question for our readers: How do you perceive the tension between economic development and environmental sustainability in your own community? Are we doing enough to involve local voices in finding this balance, or is there more work to be done?
**Giorgos Papas:** That’s a critical question. I believe it’s essential for every stakeholder to engage in this discourse. The path forward must be collaborative, considering diverse perspectives and addressing the challenges head-on to achieve a truly sustainable blue economy.