Microdam in Keramari

The rich vegetation and the small water pools compose a magical setting. This is a reconstruction of the stone-built microdam (with a barrier) in Keramari. The restoration of the old microdams in 17 locations of the Karavas ravine is a simple but important work of low cost 'green infrastructure', which has an demonstrating and educational character, reviving traditionalpractices of water management. The “ties”, as the locals call them, are low cliffs, which create some steps/stairs in slope of the bed, thus reducing the speed of the flow of water. Thus, small troughs are formed, which make water readily available for crops and animals among others. At the same time, the aquifer is enriched, since more water is stored underground. Thus, the water potential of the river basin is strengthened, which is very important, since due to the reduction of rainfall (climate change) and overpumping of water, especially during the summer months, there are more water supply problems. In some parts of Kythera, some sources have already dried up completely. In order to besufficient water resources in Kythera, there should be a positive water balance with a set of actions relating mainly to the reduction of consumption and enrichment of aquifers.