The Challenge Tinos is home to nearly 900 traditional dovecotes, a unique example of Cycladic architecture and cultural heritage. Once central to rural life, providing fertilizer and food while shaping the island’s agricultural economy, many dovecotes today face neglect or abandonment. Without systematic documentation, public awareness, and integration into sustainable rural development, these monuments risk…
The Challenge The Greek islands are a global environmental treasure, renowned for their rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, and deeply rooted cultural traditions. Yet, this invaluable environmental capital is increasingly at risk. Sikinos, one of the Cyclades’ last largely untouched islands, faces growing threats from overtourism, which strains fragile ecosystems, alters local lifestyles, and accelerates habitat…
The Challenge Dry stone walls are central to Cycladic identity and sustainability: they prevent erosion, collect rainwater, stabilize slopes, and create habitats for flora and fauna, recognized by UNESCO as features of Intangible Heritage. However, abandoned agricultural practices and the lack of knowledge sharing between generations threaten their preservation, leading to soil erosion and landscape…
The Challenge Patmos, home of a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its sacred landscapes and spiritual heritage, is increasingly disconnected from its ecological and cultural roots. Vibrant footpaths that once linked monastic, agricultural, and coastal sites have become degraded, overgrown, or lost due to development, abandonment, and the pressures of seasonal tourism. These ancient…
This is the third grant for dry stone workshops, see the previous grants here! The challenge Traditional dry stone structures once enabled the Cyclades communities to build a rich, sustainable environment able to secure the concentration of fertile soil and water retention in order to grow food and cover local needs. Dry stone structures,…
The challenge: Lack of water is a major worldwide problem, which is increasingly intensifying on the Cyclades islands leading to negative environmental effects such as; freshwater shortages, soil degradation, loss of vegetation, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, marine ecosystem disruptions, increased wildfires, and biodiversity loss. Ιn response to this threat, expensive and environmentally costly solutions such…
The challenge Meaningful campaigns for change often require a platform where stakeholders can come together, exchange ideas, and work towards common goals. The solution Strong partnerships may contribute to achieving these objectives through film screenings, workshops, and discussions which facilitate spaces where diverse voices could come together to discuss pressing environmental and cultural issues facing…
The challenge Engaging young people and the local community in the preservation of local footpaths on small Cycladic islands like Sikinos, Thirasia, and Donoussa is essential for protecting cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism practices. The solution Some tailored approaches to address this challenge are community workshops and events, educational initiatives, youth involvement programs, citizen…
The challenge The vicious circle of tree-cutting, overgrazing, fire and, more recently, the tourism industry, have put an enormous pressure on the local ecosystem and almost stripped it bare. Regenerating the Cycladic ecosystem requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the various threats and challenges facing the region, such as reforestation and habitat restoration, sustainable land…
The challenge The Apano Meria region (meaning ‘upper place’ since it is located in the north of Syros island) stretches over the mountainous terrain, where tranquillity and serenity surround the scattered farmhouses with the heady scent of fennel, thyme and wild olives. In the context of the ongoing initiative made by the locals for establishing Apano…
