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 are the key challenges Greece faces in protecting its marine ecosystems while pursuing economic growth through marine resources?
**Interview with Giorgos Papas, President of the Economic Chamber of Peloponnese and Western Greece**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Papas. The recent Regional Growth Conference highlighted the importance of sustainable economic development through marine wealth. Can you elaborate on how Greece can leverage its marine ecosystems for economic growth?
**Giorgos Papas:** Absolutely. Greece is uniquely positioned with its extensive coastline and rich marine resources. Our focus should be on the sustainable use of these resources. This involves protecting and regenerating marine ecosystems to ensure that they can support our key sectors such as tourism, shipping, and fishing, which are vital to our economy.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that marine ecosystem protection is a critical policy priority. What specific strategies can be implemented to achieve this?
**Giorgos Papas:** We need to adopt a holistic policy approach that includes community engagement. Local communities must be involved in decision-making processes regarding the management of marine resources. We should encourage practices that are environmentally friendly and economically viable, thus creating a model for sustainability that includes education and active participation from residents.
**Interviewer:** During the conference, Mayor Nikolaos Komineas spoke about the importance of information flow to local communities. How does this align with your vision for sustainable economic development?
**Giorgos Papas:** His insights resonate deeply with our objectives. By empowering local communities with information and decision-making authority, we can ensure that development aligns closely with environmental stewardship. This community-driven approach can lead to more tailored strategies that reflect local needs and conditions, ultimately fostering a more sustainable marine economy.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what role do you see technology playing in this sustainable development framework?
**Giorgos Papas:** Technology will be pivotal in monitoring, managing, and advancing our marine economy. For instance, innovations in renewable energy from ocean sources, advancements in sustainable fishing practices, and digital platforms for sharing data can all contribute to a more resilient and sustainable approach to utilizing our marine wealth.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Papas. As a final thought, how can we encourage a broader public dialogue around these issues?
**Giorgos Papas:** It’s essential to engage various stakeholders—government, businesses, and citizens—in conversations about our marine resources. We must encourage debates that raise awareness and galvanize action toward sustainable practices. I invite our audience to reflect on this: How can we collectively ensure that our approach to marine economic development doesn’t compromise the ecosystems upon which we all depend?
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This interview aims to stimulate a conversation about the sustainable use of marine resources in Greece and encourages readers to think critically about their role in this vital discussion.
