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 the 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 advantages of involving local communities in the decision-making process regarding marine resource use?
**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 Greece’s rich marine resources. Can you elaborate on how these resources contribute to our economy?
**Giorgos Papas:** Certainly. Greece’s economy is deeply intertwined with its marine ecosystems, particularly through sectors like tourism and shipping. The health of our seas directly impacts these industries, which is why the development, protection, and regeneration of marine ecosystems is a top policy priority for us.
**Interviewer:** Interesting. You mentioned that local communities should have the right to make decisions regarding marine resource use. How do you envision this process working?
**Giorgos Papas:** It’s crucial for information to flow to local communities so they can actively participate in the decision-making process. By empowering them, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards our marine environment, leading to more sustainable practices.
**Interviewer:** Following your comments and the example of Mayor Nikolaos Komineas from Astypalaia, what do you think are the biggest challenges we face in transitioning to this new model?
**Giorgos Papas:** One major challenge is bridging the gap between local knowledge and scientific research. We need to ensure that communities have access to the necessary data and tools to make informed decisions.
**Interviewer:** That raises a significant point about balancing development and environmental stewardship. What do you think the readers of our publication should consider when thinking about the balance between utilizing marine resources and ensuring sustainability?
**Giorgos Papas:** I urge readers to reflect on how their actions, both individual and collective, impact our marine environment. As citizens, we have a responsibility to advocate for policies that not only support economic growth but also protect our oceans. This may spark a lively debate on the balance of profit versus preservation—what should take priority?
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Giorgos, for your insights. It will be interesting to hear what our audience thinks about these pressing issues.
