Traditional Stewardship of Water Resources
The Springs of Andros – Creating a Community Water Observatory
Purpose and Vision
Andros has a unique network for the social management of its surface waters, consisting of springs, stone-built channels, and stone-built water reservoirs. This network has been a foundation of the island’s agricultural and cultural development since antiquity.
Today, this system is threatened by climate change, the overexploitation of groundwater through drilling, and changing socio-economic conditions (abandonment of agriculture, tourism development).
The project aims to record and assess the island’s springs, to monitor their condition through scientific and community-based actions, and to strengthen collective responsibility for their preservation.
Its main objectives are:
the creation of a permanent and scientifically robust structure for monitoring the island’s water resources,
the raising of awareness among residents and visitors about the value of water and their active participation in the project’s processes, and
the promotion of sustainable water management policies.
Parallel objectives:
strengthening the environmental awareness of the local population,
highlighting the importance of springs for Andros’ biodiversity and microclimate, and
fostering a new relationship of respect and care toward water as a common good.
Through the use of participatory tools, transparent data, and open information, the project aspires to become a model of cooperation between scientists, institutions, and citizens.
Main Project Activities
The project’s actions include:
Establishment of an Advisory Committee composed of expert scientists and representatives of local institutions.
Installation of meteorological stations and systematic recording of meteorological data.
Development of a digital platform for documenting and publishing data on springs and spring waters.
Volunteer recruitment campaign and training program to enable systematic field measurements.
Recording of oral testimonies about the springs of Andros.
International bibliographic research on the traditional practice of “spring cultivation” and the position of Andros’ practices within the international context.
Design of an environmental education program for teachers and schools, in collaboration with the Andros Environmental Education Center (KEPEA Andros).
Communication campaign and production of audiovisual material to disseminate the project’s results.
Final report with conclusions and proposals for local water management policies.
Expected Impact
The project reintroduces a participatory approach to the management of Andros’ water resources, combining scientific knowledge with the local community’s experience and active involvement. Through the collaboration of scientists, institutions, and citizens, a living network for monitoring and caring for the island’s springs is being created — a collective effort that enhances environmental awareness and nurtures a sense of shared responsibility toward water as a precious common good.
The initiative gives voice to the people of Andros: volunteers, students, residents, and visitors take an active part in data collection, learning, and the protection of the island’s springs. At the same time, through educational and outreach activities and the production of audiovisual material, the project revives a culture of respect for the natural environment and the island’s historical heritage.
The project also contributes to the development of scientifically informed and more rational local water management policies, by providing reliable data and modern tools to local authorities. In doing so, it strengthens transparency, cooperation, and the resilience of Andros in the face of climate change challenges.
Beyond the island itself, this initiative seeks to create a contemporary model of participatory monitoring of natural resources, aiming to promote local sustainability and foster a culture of collaboration and respect for the environment — as a foundation for a sustainable future.
Beneficiary: Andros Research Center
Project Start Date: 01-09-2025
Project End Date: 28-02-2027
Project Co-beneficiaries: Municipality of Andros, Andros Environmental Education Center (KEPEA Andros)
Budget: €49,969
The initiative “Springs of Andros: Participatory Observatory of Springs & Surface Waters” is being implemented with the financial support of the Green Fund under the program: “NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE NEUTRALITY 2024, Action 4 – Innovative Actions with Citizens”, with the scientific support of experts in hydrogeology, meteorology, and environmental management.
