Our story

The Med H2 project is driven by a strong Euro-Mediterranean partnership of nine organizations from France, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Cyprus, working together to preserve and enhance the shared water heritage of Mediterranean islands. Led by the Corsican Hydraulic Equipment Office, the consortium unites public and private authorities, and local organizations with complementary expertise in water management, heritage conservation, education and sustainable development. Through this collaborative network, Med H2 strenghtens European cooperation and aims to create a common framework that links tradition and innovation to ensure the sustainable use of water resources for future generations.

The partners

OEHC

The Corsican Hydraulic Equipment Office is the executive agency of the Collectivité de Corse, responsible for implementing the island’s regional water policy. With expertise in hydraulic infrastructure management, sustainable water supply, and environmental protection, CHEO pays a central role in preserving Corsica’s water resources. As lead partner of th Med H2 project, CHEO is in charg of coordinating the consortium and overseeing project implementation.

The Corsican Hydraulic Equipment Office contributes its technical expertise to:

  • Develop the methodology for digital mapping of hydraulic heritage,
  • Promote and implement the restoration of tangible and intangible water heritage in Corsica,
  • Encourage non-potable and traditional uses of water resources,
  • Lead participatory pilot projects involving local communities,
  • Lunch educational programmes promotig sustainable water management.

Through these activites, CHEO supports the creation of a strategic framework of water heritage conservation across Mediterranean.

PI RERA S.D

PI RERA S.D is a regional development agency and interdisciplinary institution established by the Split-Dalmatia County to support the preparation and implementation of local development projects. It focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, environmental protection and the valorization of natural and cultural heritage for sustainable growth.

As a key partner in the project, PI RERA S.D contributes its expertise to:

  • Conduct the inventory, mapping and analysis of tangible and intangible water heritage on the isle of Brač,
  • Contribute to the definition and testing of the strategic framework for the dynamic conservation of water heritage,
  • Support the implementation of participative heritae safeguarding actions on the isle of Brač,
  • Assist in the organization of the Euro-Mediterranean conference on water heritage governance,
  • Help local communities and municipalities on Brač to adopt sustainable regulatory measures for conserving water-related heritage.

Through its active involvment, PI RERA S.D plays a major role in strenghtening Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and helping Croatian islands to become more efficient on sustainable water management and regional resilience.

CCCI

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry promotes sustainable development and the preservation of Cyprus’ cultural  and environmental heritage. As a bridge between businesses, communities and policymakers, the CCCI fosters collaboration and sustainable economic practices.

The role and objectives of the CCCI are as followed:

  • To contribute to the development of common strategic frameworks for the sustainable management of water heritage,
  • To mobilise local communities, including municipalities and private stakeholders to support pilot activites,
  • To promote educational initiatives focused on sustainable water use inspired by traditional heritage practices,
  • To share expertise in communication tools to strenghten the project’s outreach strategy,
  • To coordinate and host the transnational conference.

Through its participation, the CCCI reinforces its commitment to sustainable island development, helping to connect economic innovation and responsible use of Mediterranean water heritage.

ANLAS

The Lassithi Development Agency supports sustainable development and environmental protection across rural area of Lassithi, in Crete. Over the years ANLAS has become a cornerstone of regional development, implementing numerous projects related to water saving, cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

Its contribution to the project includes:

  • Developping the joint strategic framework for the protection and sustainable use of water heritage,
  • Identifying and mapping the region’s hydraulic heritage with the support of local stakeholders and civil society,
  • Implementing participatory local actions plans,
  • Mobilizing rural actors and supporting municipalities in adopting measures to conserve and protect their water heritage,
  • Identifying financial tools and post-project funding mechanisms to sustain and scale up Med H2 intiatives.

ANLAS is a vital partner in the MEd H2 consortium. Through its expertise, institutional network, and long-term vision make it a driving force for continuying regional development in Crete.

F.A.R MAREMMA

FAR Maremma is a Local Action Group dedicated to promoting rural development in the province of Grosseto and the Tuscan Archipelago. The organization supports initiatives in green economy, sustainable tourism, fishing and aquaculture, and coordinates GALPA Toscana, an action group uniting over 70 stakeholders from the Tuscan coastal and inland water territories.

As part of Med H2, FAR Maremma will:

  • Map the tangible and intangible heritage and traditional water uses in the Tuscan Archipelago, particularly on the Island of Elba,
  • Engage local authorities and stakeholders through a participatory process to contribute to the transnational strategic framework for heritage and water management,
  • Support pilot actions for the sustainable management and conservation of water resources across the islands,
  • Identify financial instruments to sustain and expand post-project activities, ensuring long-term integration of heritage and water uses into local development strategies.

With its extensive territorial knowledge and experience in participatory governance, FAR Maremma acts as a key link between local communities, public authorities, and European initiatives fostering the sustainable use of water resources and the valorisation of Mediterranean island heritage.

NHO

Based in Tusa in the province of Messina (Sicily), New Horizons is a non-profit organization committed to revitalizing rural and coastal communities affected by depopulation, unemployment, and the loss of cultural identity. Recognized with the Blue Flag for eight consecutive years by the Foundation for Environmental Education, Tusa and NHO embody a model of sustainable local development.

Objectives within Med H2:

  • To implement local activities in the municipality of Tusa, supporting the rediscovery and conservation of water-related heritage,
  • To map and identify sensitive elements of the hydraulic heritage that deserve restoration and enhancement,
  • To collaborate with local authorities such as the Municipality of Tusa, the Valle Halaesa Consortium, the Fiumara d’Arte Cultural Association, and the Nebrodi Natural Park to implement pilot actions and a shared strategic framework,
  • Serve as a thematic reference for environmental education and public engagement, contributing tools and methodologies developed through previous projects.

Through its expertise in community activation, cultural mediation, and environmental education, New Horizons plays a key role in promoting awareness and participation within Med H2. Its local network and innovative approach make it a cornerstone for connecting heritage preservation, education, and sustainable water management in the Mediterranean.

CBTC

The Consorzio di Bonifica Toscana Costa is a public authority established by Tuscan Regional Law No. 79/2012. It is responsible for hydraulic safety, flood prevention, irrigation management, and drainage systems to preserve water quality across the coastal region of Tuscany. CBTC designs and maintains hydraulic infrastructure, oversees minor waterways, and ensures sustainable water use for agriculture. It also operates pumping stations in wetland areas to prevent flooding and preserve ecological balance.

CBTC contributes to the Med H2 project with the following objectives:

  • To develop a dynamic, geo-referenced map of Elba’s hydraulic and aquatic heritage,
  • To reconstruct a hydraulic infrastructure to enhance groundwater recharge using nature-based engineering techniques,
  • To implement geoengineering interventions along the Rio di Ortano to improve water retention and stabilise flows,
  • Collaborate with partners in communication and educational actions led by the OEHC,
  • Share and valorise the results of the pilot project through information panels and outreach initiatives.

Through its technical expertise and experience in sustainable hydraulic management, the CBTC plays a key role in linking traditional knowledge with modern engineering solutions. Its contribution to Med H2 supports the project’s vision of reviving Mediterranean hydraulic heritage.

UDCA

The Union of Municipalities of the Alesina Coast brings together four towns: Tusa, Motta d’Affermo, Pettineo and Castel di Lucio, located along the northern coast of Sicily, between Palermo and Messina. Agriculture and tourism are the main economic pillars of the area, which boasts rich cultural and natural heritage.

The Union of Municipalities promotes and coordinates innovative projects aimed at local socio-economic development, encouraging collaboration among public, private and social actors. Within Med H2, the Union contributes to several key activities:

  • Participation in the survey and dynamic mapping of the hydraulic heritage of the territory, and contribution to the definition of tools and methods for heritage protection,
  • Implementation of a pilot action in the Halaesa valley, focused on the rehabilitation of Roman hydraulic heritage restoration of cisterns, archaeological excavations, and public awareness activities on ancient water management systems,
  • Involvement in awareness-raising campaigns and local engagement activities, supporting the sustainable management of water resources inspired by ancient practices and local history.

The Union of Municipalities of the Alesina Coast aims to strengthen its cultural and environmental heritage, foster community awareness, and promote sustainable water management as a key driver for territorial development and eco-tourism in the Sicilian region.

D.O.L

The Municipality of Lassithi Plateau, located in eastern Crete, is one of the four municipalities of the prefecture of Lassithi. The area is known for its scarcity of water and its unique hydraulic heritage, historically structured around a network of groundwater pumping windmills that once met the community’s water needs. Although replaced by modern systems, this traditional network remains a symbol of cultural identity and technological ingenuity for the local population.

Objectives and involvement in the Med H2 project:

  • Contribute to research and to developing participatory methods for the protection and promotion of water heritage,
  • Restore part of the historical windmill network used for pumping and distributing groundwater from the karst system,
  • Establish a workshop, a museum, and an exhibition space dedicated to local water heritage,
  • Create a training center where remaining artisans can teach traditional mill construction and restoration techniques to younger generations,
  • Promote public awareness about the fragility and scarcity of water resources and the importance of traditional systems.

Through its active participation in Med H2, the Municipality of Lassithi Plateau seeks to preserve and revive its hydraulic heritage, transmit traditional skills, and contribute to a shared Mediterranean strategy for sustainable water management and cultural conservation.