Actions for Water, Springs, and Traditional Management
Water, Springs and Traditional Management – The Need
The springs of Andros, which are valuable ecosystems for the preservation of biodiversity, points of human interaction with the natural resource of water, and landmarks of local culture, are threatened by:
- rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall,
- abandonment of traditional practices,
- human activity (overconsumption, drilling, etc.),
- lack of systematic monitoring and management.
Consequences include:
- reduction of available water and surface flows,
- loss of local flora and fauna,
- impacts on agriculture, temperature, and quality of life,
- loss of Andros’ natural character,
- loss of knowledge about their management and, ultimately, of a sustainable practice.
Our goal is to expand the study of the significance of springs and to revive their use, maintenance, and “cultivation,” mobilizing and inspiring the local community.
Our vision is the creation of an ongoing project for the management of Andros’ water resources, following the steps of the Andros Routes program.
Andros Research Center Actions
The action officially began in June 2025, aiming to document, monitor, and highlight the natural springs of Andros through the creation of a participatory Observatory of Springs and Surface Waters of Andros. The project is implemented with the financial support of the Cyclades Preservation Fund and the scientific guidance of experts in the fields of hydrogeology, meteorology, and environmental management. The initiative aspires to showcase the value of the island’s springs as shared natural and cultural resources, raising awareness and encouraging sustainable water management with the aid of community-based monitoring tools.
The program focuses on recording, documenting, and highlighting historical practices of water collection and distribution in 13 villages of the central mountainous area of the island. It includes mapping springs and surface waters, as well as researching the traditional water distribution systems. The project emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and the community’s relationship with water, contributing to the protection of intangible cultural heritage and raising environmental awareness.
