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 exploitation, 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 from the marine ecosystem”, 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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What are the key strategies you propose for balancing economic growth with the preservation of marine ecosystems in Greece?
**Interview with Giorgos Papas, President of the Economic Chamber B.D. of Peloponnese and Western Greece**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Papas. At the recent Regional Growth Conference, you emphasized the importance of sustainably exploiting Greece’s vast marine resources. Can you elaborate on what that means for our economy?
**Giorgos Papas:** Absolutely. Greece is uniquely positioned due to its extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity. Our economic sectors, particularly tourism and shipping, are deeply intertwined with our marine ecosystems. Sustainable exploitation means utilizing these resources in a way that supports economic growth, but without compromising the health of our oceans. Achieving this balance is crucial for long-term prosperity.
**Editor:** You mentioned the critical need for protection and regeneration of marine ecosystems. What specific policies do you envision to achieve this?
**Giorgos Papas:** A comprehensive approach is needed, integrating technology and local practices. We must implement stricter regulations on fishing and tourism while promoting marine conservation initiatives. Additionally, engaging local communities in decision-making processes is vital, as they play a key role in protecting our natural resources. This approach not only preserves the ecosystem but fosters economic resilience.
**Editor:** Mayor Nikolaos Komineas highlighted the importance of local community involvement. How do you see this shaping future policies?
**Giorgos Papas:** Local communities should be empowered to make decisions about their marine environments. They possess invaluable knowledge about their ecosystems and can tailor conservation efforts effectively. By allowing communities to lead in local marine management, we can foster a sense of stewardship that directly benefits both the environment and the economy.
**Editor:** With so much at stake, what do you believe is the biggest challenge we face in this transition to sustainable marine management?
**Giorgos Papas:** One of the biggest challenges is balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. There exists a misconception that these two goals conflict. However, I believe that through innovation and collaboration, we can develop a ‘Blue Economy’ that harmonizes economic growth with marine conservation efforts. Education and public awareness will be key in shifting this mindset.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Papas. One last question for our readers: Given the pressing need for sustainable practices, what do you think should be the priority in policy-making to ensure the future of our marine ecosystems and economies? We invite our audience to share their thoughts and initiate a debate on this critical topic.
