What we do

This activity aims to develop a common methodology for inventorying, classifying, and mapping the tangible and intangible water heritage of Mediterranean islands, using criteria to guide decisions on its safeguarding or rehabilitation. It will result in an inventory guide to be applied by all partners in their respective territories.

The CHEO will establish a shared geographic information system to create a mapped inventory of water heritage across the nine partner territories, based on the classification and valorisation criteria from Activity 1.1. Partners will then conduct the inventory of tangible and intangible heritage in their areas, including geolocation, under CHEO supervision and with technical support, involving associated partners in Sicily and Cyprus as well.

Using the inventory and mapping of water heritage, partners are developing a transnational strategy and decision-making guide for local authorities to enhance water heritage. This framework defines protection measures, decision-making criteria, and available technical and financial resources to optimise heritage management across the Mediterranean.

This activity involves systematically monitoring and analyzing the project’s greenhouse gas emissions using the programme’s tool, coordinated by NewHorizon with partner support. The goal is to track, reduce, and offset emissions where possible, with regular reports on mitigation measures and progress shared with the steering committees.

FARMAREMMA will develop a methodological framework for conducting pilot operations, integrating local community participation to ensure sustainable implementation and raise awareness of water heritage and resource management. The framework, based on the transnational strategy from Activity 1.3, includes a typology of restoration operations and is validated and applied by all partners in their pilot projects.

The project aims to safeguard Salice’s traditional community irrigation network, a multi-purpose, easy-to-maintain system that supports local water management and community cohesion. Activities include restoring the network to reduce water losses and secure flow, and promoting the intangible heritage through studies, conflict-resolution methods, intergenerational events, and a project exhibition.

The project aims to safeguard Luri’s traditional irrigation network, focusing on the main canal from San Michele to Piazza. Activities include restoring the canal and enhancing hydraulic heritage landscapes, securing flow with a reservoir, and promoting intangible heritage through studies, water-sharing methods, education, and a temporary exhibition.

The project aims to restore the historic Dunaj pond system on Brač, preserving its 18th-century dry stone infrastructure and natural setting. Activities include vegetation and basin cleaning, infrastructure restoration, creating an educational trail, and engaging the community in rediscovering and valuing this water heritage.

The project aims to organise a month-long spring 2027 festival on Brač to raise awareness among local authorities, residents, and tourists about traditional water collection methods and their ecological importance. A local committee will coordinate the events, selecting around ten activities, with PIRERA providing support for expertise, communication, and equipment.

The project in Cyprus aims to restore the historic Lagoumia water system in Akaki, preserving its structural and functional heritage while diversifying water resources. Activities include structural restoration, reconnection to water sources, creation of observation and interpretation areas, and community engagement to raise awareness of its cultural and environmental importance.

The project in Cyprus aims to restore the historic Lagoumia water system in Fikardou, ensuring its structural integrity and functional flow while diversifying local water resources. Activities include structural restoration, reconnection to water sources, creation of observation and interpretation areas, and community engagement to highlight the system’s cultural and environmental significance.

The project in Crete aims to conserve and consolidate the 65 historic windmills of the Lassithi plateau while promoting their rediscovery by residents and tourists. Activities include restoration and reinforcement of the mills, structural and mechanical repairs, improving accessibility, and developing educational facilities, with potential inclusion in national heritage protection measures.

The project on Elba aims to revive local interest in the island’s historic water mills and highlight key sites. Activities include cleaning and securing select mills, organising awareness events, conducting historical studies, and developing educational tools such as exhibitions and videos.

The project in Elba’s Ortano Valley aims to restore and sustain the local spring network through a natural aquifer recharge system. Activities include hydrogeological studies, construction of diversion channels and infiltration zones, and awareness-raising for local landowners and the public on sustainable water management.

The project in Tusa, Sicily, aims to raise awareness of the historical water retention network and traditional collection methods. Activities include cleaning and conservatively restoring the Gebbie, and creating educational facilities with interpretation panels and multilingual audio guides.

The project in Halaesa, Sicily, aims to enhance the Roman thermal baths and their hydraulic system. Activities include further studies, educational panels, a virtual reconstruction accessible via QR code, and public awareness initiatives such as conferences and workshops for youth.

This activity aims to support the replication of pilot actions across the Mediterranean. FARMAREMMA will evaluate each operation’s strengths, weaknesses, and territorial impacts, compile a multilingual booklet for local decision-makers, and produce six videos showcasing the pilot projects.

In the first six months, the OEHC will develop the project’s communication strategy, defining target audiences, key messages, media, partner responsibilities, and the graphic charter. It will coordinate a partner communication group and produce digital and multimedia content, public events, and limited printed materials, with clear indicators to monitor impact.

On each partner island, young people will be engaged in rediscovering water heritage and promoting sustainable water management. Coordinated by NewHorizon, six action plans will guide educational projects in 3 / 6 schools per island, aiming to reach 4,500 / 5,000 students, with activities linked to the pilot operations and evaluated for impact.

Under PIRERA’s coordination, partners are creating a joint exhibition on Mediterranean island water heritage, its management, and restoration for local communities. Featuring panels and multimedia, the exhibition integrates MEDH2 results and pilot operations, will be translated, and presented physically or virtually across all partner territories.

Building on the strategic framework from WP1, partners assist municipalities in implementing protective measures for water heritage. This includes awareness-raising conferences, selecting interested municipalities, supporting two per territory with regulatory or community-based actions, and evaluating the results.

Under CCCI coordination, partners will organise a two-day international conference in Cyprus on protecting and enhancing Mediterranean island water heritage. The event will showcase MEDH2 results, explore heritage’s role in sustainable resource management, and engage both in-person and remote participants to minimise environmental impact.

As part of the programme’s compulsory activities, partners will engage in events, produce at least one video for the EuroMed Academy, seek synergies with other strategic projects, and promote the MEDH2 strategic framework to local authorities and programme stakeholders.