The Micro-Dams initiative was implemented within the framework of the European project CARDIMED (Climate Adaptation and Resilience Demonstrated in the Mediterranean region), which aims to strengthen the resilience of Mediterranean landscapes to climate change.

In Sifnos, the action included an intensive three-week apprenticeship program (19 May – 6 June 2025). 9 young craftspeople worked under the guidance of experienced masters, taking part in every stage of the process:

• site selection,
• collection and transportation of stones,
• construction and repointing using the dry-stone technique.

In parallel, open construction site days and public presentations were organized with the active participation of the local community, encouraging dialogue on both traditional and contemporary water management practices.

The outcome

The project successfully completed the construction of 120 stone-built micro-dams along the streams of Taxiarchis and Choni in Sifnos. This new network strengthens the island’s ecological resilience and highlights the value of nature-based solutions.

Beyond their original purpose for irrigation, these small dams serve three vital functions:

• They recharge groundwater by slowing water flow and increasing soil infiltration.
• They retain water and sediments during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding in coastal settlements.
• They create small reservoirs, fostering biodiversity and offering oases of life within the dry island ecosystems.

MedINA is responsible for the design and overall coordination of the action, as part of its participation in the CARDIMED (Climate Adaptation and Resilience Demonstrated In the MEDiterranean region) project, while the design and implementation of the construction project is carried out by the Boulouki team.

The CARDIMED project is funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe 2021-2027. The lead partner is the School of Civil Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, and Boulouki collaborates with MedINA, which is one of the 53 implementing partners of the project.

The action MICRODAMS was implemented under the auspices of the Municipality of Sifnos, the Association of Professionals, Traders & Catering of Sifnos, and kind sponsorships from local businesses: tavern Meropi, tavern Argyris, restaurant “Chrysopigi” G.A. Lempesi Isalos, Fournos Veniou, restaurant “To Steki”, restaurant “NUS”, restaurant “To Tsikali” Farm “Tsikali”, cheese products Nikolaos Fratzeskaros.