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, Public Benefit Foundation Athanasios K. Laskaridis Angeliki Kosmopoulou while the coordination was done by the Director, Data Consultants Theodora Tsokou.
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What role does the Economic Chamber of Peloponnese and Western Greece play in facilitating dialogue between local communities and industrial stakeholders in sustainable development?
**Interview with Giorgos Papas, President of the Economic Chamber of Peloponnese and Western Greece**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Giorgos. The recent Regional Growth Conference highlighted the importance of sustainable economic development in relation to our marine resources. Can you expand on why protecting marine ecosystems is crucial for the Greek economy?
**Giorgos Papas:** Certainly. Greece’s economy heavily relies on marine activities such as tourism and shipping. If we want to continue thriving economically, we must prioritize the health of our marine ecosystems. This isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about our future economic stability.
**Editor:** Interesting point. Mayor Nikolaos Komineas proposed a new model where local communities can decide on the information and decisions regarding marine resource management. How do you envision this model working in practice?
**Giorgos Papas:** This model empowers local communities, allowing them to manage and protect their resources effectively. By engaging locals and incorporating their insights, we can develop more effective and tailored solutions that align with both ecological health and community interests.
**Editor:** With both economic growth and environmental responsibility at stake, do you think community-led strategies could create tension with larger industrial interests? How should we navigate these potential conflicts?
**Giorgos Papas:** Conflicts are likely, but they also present an opportunity for dialogue. We need to foster collaboration between communities and industries to find mutually beneficial solutions. The best path forward is transparency and cooperation, allowing both sides to work together for the greater good.
**Editor:** That raises an important question for our readers: Do you believe local communities should have the primary say in managing marine resources, even if it means challenging established industrial practices? Or is there a risk that such a decentralized approach could threaten economic development? We invite our audience to share their thoughts and engage in this critical debate.