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.
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How can technological advancements be leveraged to optimize marine resource management while ensuring economic sustainability?
**Interview with Giorgos Papas on Sustainable Marine Economic Development**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Papas, thank you for joining us today. At the recent Regional Growth Conference, you highlighted the importance of utilizing Greece’s vast marine wealth for sustainable economic development. What do you see as the most urgent step we need to take to achieve this?
**Giorgos Papas:** Thank you for having me. The most urgent step is the development, protection, and regeneration of our marine ecosystems. As Greece is heavily reliant on tourism, shipping, and fishing, our economic health is directly tied to the health of our oceans. We must prioritize sustainable practices to ensure these ecosystems can thrive alongside our economic activities.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the interdependence between the economy and marine ecosystems. Can you elaborate on how this relationship impacts both sectors?
**Giorgos Papas:** Certainly. The health of marine ecosystems directly influences the success of our tourism and fishing industries. For instance, clean and biodiverse waters attract tourists while sustaining fish populations essential for our fishermen. If we neglect ecosystem health, we jeopardize our economic foundations, leading to long-term consequences for both livelihoods and the environment.
**Interviewer:** During the conference, the Mayor of Astypalaia suggested that local communities should have a voice in decision-making processes related to marine resource management. How important is local involvement in this context?
**Giorgos Papas:** Local involvement is critical. Communities that depend on marine resources must have a say in how these resources are managed. This inclusion fosters stewardship and encourages sustainable practices that are tailored to local conditions. Empowering communities can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment.
**Interviewer:** With experts from various backgrounds attending the conference, what interdisciplinary approaches do you believe are essential for advancing the blue economy in Greece?
**Giorgos Papas:** An interdisciplinary approach is crucial. We need collaboration between environmental scientists, economists, local government officials, and community leaders to design holistic policies that address climate change and promote sustainable practices. Sharing knowledge and best practices from different fields will enrich our strategies for sustainable development.
**Interviewer:** As we move forward, how do you envision the integration of technology in supporting sustainable marine activities?
**Giorgos Papas:** Technology plays a vital role in monitoring and managing marine resources. Advanced data analytics, satellite monitoring, and eco-friendly technologies can enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems and optimize resource use. By investing in innovative solutions, we can improve sustainability while supporting economic growth.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Papas. Your insights into the blue economy are invaluable. for our readers, what question would you pose to spark a discussion on sustainable marine economic development?
**Giorgos Papas:** I would ask our readers: “In what ways can local communities be empowered to contribute to sustainable marine practices, and what role should technology play in this transformation?” I look forward to hearing diverse opinions on this important topic.
