Restoration of drystone walls at Andros Island - Cyclades

Drystone walls help preserve biodiversity by retaining soil and water, by protecting against extreme weather events (floods, strong winds) and form a safe space for reptiles. They operate as micro habitats, form a green infrastructure essential to be preserved as a measure to protect local flora and fauna and to strengthen ecosystems adaptation mechanisms to climate change. This project aims at restoring severely damaged dry stone walls on a walking route of a pristine Natura area of Andros.

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donated in 2024

This amount has been used for the manual restoration of more than 10 stretches of damaged drystone walls

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SNP travellers

have donated the initial amount of € 5000,- that was doubled by SNP

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Meters

of damaged drystone wall on over 10 different spots can be restored by local craftsmen

The drystone walls are part of the natural beauty

Andros, an island that was since the 4th millenia B.C. mostly agricultural, has now limited agricultural production. Because of its mountainous character, it has a privilege to have more water than the rest of the Cycladic islands. The diverse microclimates and the sustainable past of the island is nowadays blessed with an important natural and cultural heritage, available to the present generations: rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes. It is not by accident that almost half of the island is designated as a Natura 2000 area. The dry stone wall constructions in every form are one of the major factors that has  contributed to this rich biodiversity.

Where is the donation of GBTN spend on?

With great care 17 different damaged spots of drystone walls have been identified by the local organisation ARC (Andros Research Center) and are prepared to be restored by local technicans under supervision of a civil engineer. The donation by GBTN will co-sponsor this project for 50%. Also a small part of the budget will be used for the production of video footage, necessary for publicity goals and for accountability purposes.

What is the objected effect on biodiversity:

Impression

More info on the project

 

The local organization consists of a “colorful” human mosaic. About 50 people, connected by love for the rich nature, biodiversity and cultural heritage of Andros, from 2009 until today, join hands and offer volunteer work with one goal and unique: a sustainable Andros!