As part of the European Union-funded CARDIMED project, and under the coordination of MedINA, the construction of a network of 120 dry-stone check dams was successfully completed on the island of Sifnos. This initiative represents a tangible response to the challenges posed by the climate crisis, contributing directly to the island’s resilience against drought, flooding, and ecosystem degradation.
Implemented in May and June 2025, the intervention focused on two significant streams—Taxiarchis Skafis and Choni—which feed into Sifnos’s main watercourse discharging into Kamares Port. Site selection was guided by a combination of on-site hydrological assessments, community consultation, and data-informed analysis, integrating traditional knowledge with modern mapping and modeling tools.
The intervention employs dry-stone terracing, a centuries-old water management technique prevalent across the Mediterranean. Reintroduced here as a Nature-Based Solution (NbS), the method involves constructing low stone barriers along ephemeral streams. These structures slow water runoff, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce erosion, and support biodiversity regeneration, all without disrupting the visual or ecological integrity of the landscape.
The project was delivered in partnership with Mpourlouki, a technical team specializing in traditional building practices. A central component was a three-week apprenticeship programme, through which ten young artisans received professional training in dry-stone masonry, strengthening local capacity and preserving intangible cultural heritage.
To mark the project's completion, a public event was held on 2 June 2025 at the Mariánthi Simou Cultural Centre in Sifnos. The event presented the outcomes of both the construction and the training programme. Discussions underscored the critical role of community involvement in the long-term maintenance of these structures, as well as the potential for replicating the approach across other Aegean and Mediterranean islands.
Impact monitoring is currently underway through the installation of hydrological sensors that track water levels and flow conditions, providing data to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention over time.
Rooted in tradition and guided by nature, the Sifnos project offers a compelling example of how local knowledge, low-impact design, and collective action can deliver scalable climate solutions. This dry-stone infrastructure network is not merely a technical installation—it is a symbol of sustainable development grounded in place, people, and resilience.
The CARDIMED project, with a total budget of €19,971,411.20, is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe 2021–2027 programme. The project is led by the School of Civil Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), with MedINA as one of 53 implementing partners across the Mediterranean.
