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 Greece integrate local community initiatives into its broader strategy for sustainable 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, Giorgos. At the recent Regional Growth Conference, you emphasized the importance of sustainable economic development in relation to our vast marine resources. Can you elaborate on your vision for how Greece can leverage its marine wealth effectively?
**Giorgos Papas:** Absolutely. Greece’s marine environment is not only a vital part of our natural heritage but also a cornerstone of our economy, particularly in tourism and shipping. My vision includes fostering sustainable practices that support the regeneration of our marine ecosystems while also driving economic growth. We need to adopt innovative technologies and sustainable methods to ensure that we’re using our resources without compromising their health or availability for future generations.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the development and protection of marine ecosystems is a critical policy priority. What specific actions do you believe should be prioritized to achieve this?
**Giorgos Papas:** First and foremost, we must enhance our policies around marine conservation. This means investing in research and technology that can help us monitor and regenerate our ecosystems. Additionally, we need to involve local communities in decision-making processes. As Mayor Nikolaos Komineas pointed out, empowering localities with the right information will help them understand their role in marine stewardship and conservation.
**Editor:** The idea of a bottom-up approach seems essential. How do you envision local communities being engaged in this effort?
**Giorgos Papas:** Local communities are on the front lines of marine health. By providing them with accurate data and decision-making power, we enable them to implement localized solutions that fit their unique circumstances. For instance, they could develop community-led initiatives for waste reduction in coastal areas or engage in sustainable fishing practices that preserve fish stocks.
**Editor:** There’s a growing discourse around the ‘Blue Economy.’ How does this concept align with your goals for marine sustainability in Greece?
**Giorgos Papas:** The Blue Economy is crucial for our efforts. It emphasizes sustainable ocean use, which aligns perfectly with our objective of harmonizing environmental health with economic productivity. By adopting a holistic policy approach, we can create frameworks that support both ecosystem preservation and economic activities, such as eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries, ultimately leading to a healthier ocean and a more robust economy.
**Editor:** It’s clear that there’s a lot of potential in this area. As we consider these strategies, what question would you pose to our readers to stimulate debate on marine sustainability?
**Giorgos Papas:** I would ask our readers: “What innovative solutions can local communities implement to balance economic development with the conservation of marine resources?” Their insights could help spark meaningful dialog and potentially lead to actionable strategies at both local and national levels.