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.
#Blue #economy #Designing #holistic #policy #approach #tackling #climate #change
What role do local communities play in the sustainable management of marine resources as discussed in the interview?
**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 stressed the importance of sustainable economic development through our marine resources. Can you elaborate on how Greece can lead the way in this respect?
**Giorgos Papas:** Absolutely. Greece’s rich marine ecosystems are an invaluable asset. As we develop our economy, it’s crucial that we incorporate strategies that protect and regenerate these ecosystems. Initiatives that blend marine wealth with sustainable practices can bolster our tourism, shipping, and fisheries, making our economy more resilient and less dependent on single industries.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a holistic approach to marine ecosystem management. How can local communities be empowered in this process?
**Giorgos Papas:** Local communities must be at the forefront of decision-making regarding their marine environments. By providing them with relevant information and the authority to make choices, we can foster a model of governance that is both inclusive and effective. For instance, the Mayor of Astypalaia, Nikolaos Komineas, exemplifies this by advocating for local voices to shape environmental policy.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting perspective. Do you think this shift will have widespread acceptance among all stakeholders, or are there potential pitfalls to this local approach?
**Giorgos Papas:** Change is often met with resistance, especially in established systems. However, if we effectively communicate the benefits of sustainable practices and engage all stakeholders, there’s potential for a positive transition. The challenge lies in addressing concerns about economic impacts versus environmental imperatives.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a necessary but complex shift. What are your thoughts on how the broader community can contribute to this discussion?
**Giorgos Papas:** Engaging the broader community in debates around marine resource management is vital. Readers often have strong opinions about the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. I encourage them to reflect on what role they believe local communities should play in these decisions and how we can collectively ensure that our marine wealth is preserved for future generations. Do they trust local governments to manage these resources wisely, or should there be more oversight at the national level? This dialogue is crucial for our path forward.