The experiential workshop on dry stone micro-barriers in Kavouropotamos Paros was successfully completed with funding from D.E.Y.A.P. and implementation-co-organization by PAROS FESTIVAL, BOULOUKI in collaboration with WWF HELLAS MedINA, INSPEE, PAROS MUNICIPALITY, PAROS DEYA. The whole project will be under monitoring to record the effects on both the aquifer and the flora and fauna of the area. This action was filmed and with the experience of the team of teenage filmmakers and creators of the short film ” Waterways I ” will be followed by a new short film “Waterways II” with the kind sponsorship of D.E.Y.A.P. ’’

The dry stone micro-barrier workshop that we co-organised with the Paros Festival started with great enthusiasm on the first of June. During the first two days of the workshop, the 15 participants were trained in the traditional construction of small stone terraces along the Kavouropotamos stream, under the guidance of three local workers. The dry stone infrastructure we collectively built can contribute to the enrichment of water resources, the enhancement of biodiversity and the prevention of erosion and flooding.

At the same time, we explored the natural and cultural wealth of the island
– observing the endless dry stone walls and terraces of the rural landscape
– walking to the mining sites of the famous Parian marble from antiquity to today
– locating a traditional limestone chimney which was not ‘burnt’ when its dry stone construction was completed and since then it remains in its place as a monument of traditional
lime production process.

The experiential workshop was organised in the framework of the project: “Stone terraces: A green project to address water scarcity on small arid islands” implemented by WWF Greece, MedINA (Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos), the Institute of Speleological Research of Greece (INSPEE), the Municipality of Paros (Municipality of Paros) and the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Paros (DEYA Paros).
The workshop is part of the action “Programme of cultural actions to strengthen the relationship of the local community of Paros with the natural and man-made environment” within the Local Programme CLLD-LEADER/Local Action Group. “Cyclades Development Company S.A.”/ European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe invests in rural areas/Ministry of Rural Development of Food/Ministry of Rural Development of Food/Greece Rural Development Programme 2014-2020/ Co-financed by Greece and the European Union”