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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How can local communities effectively contribute to the decision-making process in marine resource management?
**Interview with Giorgos Papas, President of the Economic Chamber B.D. of Peloponnese and Western Greece**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Papas. The Regional Growth Conference highlighted the importance of sustainable economic development through marine resources. Could you elaborate on why this approach is crucial for Greece?
**Giorgos Papas:** Absolutely. Greece is blessed with vast marine wealth, making the protection and regeneration of our marine ecosystems a top priority. Our economy is deeply interconnected with the sea through tourism, shipping, and fishing industries. By focusing on sustainability, we can ensure that these resources are available for future generations while boosting our economy.
**Editor:** That sounds promising. The Mayor of Astypalaia, Nikolaos Komineas, spoke about involving local communities in decision-making. How essential is this community engagement in developing sustainable practices?
**Giorgos Papas:** It’s vital. Local communities hold invaluable knowledge about their ecosystems. By empowering them to make decisions based on information about sustainable practices, we foster ownership and ensure that initiatives are more effective and culturally appropriate. This grassroots approach can lead to better sustainability outcomes.
**Editor:** The conference brought together various experts in regional economic analysis and environmental policy. In your view, what are some challenges we face when integrating marine economic development with climate change policies?
**Giorgos Papas:** One significant challenge is aligning diverse stakeholder interests—balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Additionally, climate change poses risks to our marine ecosystems that can impact industries reliant on these resources. We must develop holistic policies that address these challenges collaboratively.
**Editor:** As a closing thought, what would you like our readers to consider regarding the balance between utilizing marine resources and protecting our ecosystems?
**Giorgos Papas:** I urge readers to reflect on their own communities’ relationship with marine resources. Are we prioritizing immediate economic gains over long-term sustainability? This balance is critical, and it’s a debate we must engage in actively. How can we innovate while ensuring the health of our marine environments for the future? This is a question that deserves attention and discussion.
