A key area of work that increasingly engages our team concerns the connection between traditional building practices and the responsible use of natural resources, particularly water management. In response to the urgent issue of water scarcity, Boulouki has implemented three projects on Aegean islands, focusing on the construction of dry-stone check dams along riverbeds. These structures help regulate water flow, recharge aquifers, prevent flooding and erosion, and enhance biodiversity. As a consistent practice of our organization, all projects are carried out through training and participatory programs, accompanied by outreach and awareness activities for local communities.

The first project was implemented on the island of Paros in 2022, where 35 small check dams were constructed along the Kavouropotamos stream by three local craftsmen, with the participation of 15 trainees during the first hands-on workshop for micro-dam construction in Greece. The second project took place on Ios island in 2024, within the framework of the Med-RESET (Mediterranean REsilient inSular Ephemeral sTreams) initiative. A network of 50 stone-built water check dams was built along the Mavroudis stream in Kambos, through a participatory process involving a dual educational program — apprenticeship and workshop. The third and largest project was completed on Sifnos in 2025, featuring an intensive three-week professional apprenticeship program. Ten young craftspeople, guided by three experienced master builders-trainers, constructed 120 stone-built micro-dams along the Taxiarchis and Choni streams as part of the EU CARDIMED project (Climate Adaptation and Resilience Demonstrated in the Mediterranean region).

Our team promotes the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and technical vocational training in traditional building techniques through participation in a variety of initiatives and projects. In this context, one of our most significant recent actions was the organization of the first specialized training program on micro-dam construction designed specifically for the technical staff of a local authority. This program, developed to provide both theoretical and practical training for the technical personnel of the Municipality of Iites, took place on Ios in September 2025. Following this initiative, we are currently developing educational material on the construction of micro-dams in ephemeral streams, aiming to further promote this practice as a measure to address water scarcity.