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 are the main benefits of empowering local communities in managing their marine resources?
**Interview with Giorgos Papas, President of the Economic Chamber B.D. of Peloponnese and Western Greece**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Giorgos. At the recent Regional Growth Conference, you spoke about the importance of sustainable development in relation to Greece’s marine ecosystems. Can you elaborate on why this is a critical policy priority for Greece?
**Giorgos Papas:** Absolutely. Greece is not only a leader in tourism and shipping but is also increasingly reliant on our marine ecosystems for economic stability. By developing and protecting these ecosystems, we lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth that will benefit future generations.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the need for local communities to have a say in decisions that affect their marine environments. How can this model be effectively implemented across diverse regions in Greece?
**Giorgos Papas:** It’s essential that we shift towards a model where information is disseminated to local communities, enabling them to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes. This will require collaboration between governmental bodies, local stakeholders, and academic institutions to ensure that community voices are heard.
**Interviewer:** An intriguing point raised by Mayor Nikolaos Komineas was the idea of empowering local communities. Do you think communities are currently equipped to handle such responsibilities, and what challenges might they face?
**Giorgos Papas:** While many communities possess valuable knowledge about their local ecosystems, there are challenges such as resource limitations and the need for training in sustainable practices. However, with the right support and infrastructure, communities can indeed play a pivotal role in marine protection.
**Interviewer:** As we look toward the future, what steps can both policymakers and citizens take to foster a more sustainable relationship with our marine resources?
**Giorgos Papas:** Policymakers must prioritize funding for marine protection initiatives and support community-led projects. Citizens can engage in local conservation efforts and foster awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems, which in turn can pressure policymakers to act.
**Interviewer:** given the rising concerns about climate change, how do you envision the balance between economic growth and marine conservation to be achieved in Greece?
**Giorgos Papas:** It’s a delicate balance, but by adopting a holistic policy approach that integrates environmental sustainability into economic planning, we can create a resilient model that benefits both the economy and the marine environment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Giorgos. For our readers, what do you think? Should local communities have more control over the management of their marine resources, or is it better to keep these decisions centralized? Your thoughts could ignite a fruitful debate on the future of our seas!
