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, Athanasios K. Laskaridis Foundation Angeliki Kosmopoulou, while the coordination was carried out by the Director, Data Consultants Theodora Tsokou.
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How can engaging local communities in marine resource management enhance the effectiveness of sustainable economic policies in the Peloponnese and Western Greece?
**Interview with Giorgos Papas, President of the Economic Chamber of Peloponnese and Western Greece**
**Editor:** Giorgos, at the recent Regional Growth Conference, you emphasized the importance of sustainable economic development through marine ecosystem protection. Can you elaborate on how this approach can benefit local communities economically?
**Giorgos Papas:** Absolutely. By leveraging our marine resources sustainably, we can not only protect the environment but also create jobs and boost sectors such as tourism and fishing. When local communities are involved in the decision-making process, they can directly benefit from and contribute to the sustainable practices we implement.
**Editor:** That ties in perfectly with what Mayor Nikolaos Komineas mentioned about sharing information with local communities. What specific strategies do you envision for empowering these communities in making such critical decisions?
**Giorgos Papas:** We need to establish platforms for dialogue and education where local communities can access data on marine health and economic opportunities. By ensuring they have a say in policies that affect their livelihoods, we build a strong foundation for sustainable practices.
**Editor:** This sounds promising, but there are concerns about balancing economic growth with environmental protection. What do you think about the skepticism that some members of the public might have towards these initiatives? How can we address their doubts?
**Giorgos Papas:** It’s a valid concern. We need transparent communication about the benefits of sustainable practices—not just for the environment but also for the economy. Engaging with skeptics in community forums can foster understanding and possibly change perspectives.
**Editor:** Lastly, do you think that the perspective from these discussions could extend beyond Greece, influencing broader Mediterranean policies regarding marine resource management?
**Giorgos Papas:** Definitely. Greece has a unique opportunity due to its strategic position and economic reliance on the sea. If we demonstrate successful models here, it could inspire neighboring countries to adopt similar practices, leading to a regional shift towards blue economy principles.
**Editor:** To wrap up, what do you think readers might debate about the effectiveness of involving local communities in marine economic policies? Is it enough to ensure sustainable development, or are there deeper systemic issues at play?