ReFlow project concerns the preparation of preliminary studies for the Vathyrematiotiko stream, a major tributary of the Evrotas River which holds high ecological value. In particular, the project area hosts important fish species, including the Evrotas endemics Evrotas minnow (Pelasgus laconicus) and the Evrotas chub (Squalius keadicus), both assessed as Endangered (EN) at global and national level, as well as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), which is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) globally and nationally.
ReFlow includes the preparation of technical and environmental studies concerning an outdated and currently non-operational irrigation dam constructed in the 1980s. The structure has become heavily infilled with sediment and no longer serves any active irrigation function. Available data indicate that the dam disrupts the natural movement of protected fish species along the river system, highlighting the need to explore options for restoring longitudinal river connectivity.
The project aims to collect and integrate the scientific, technical, and social evidence required to evaluate future management options for the existing artificial barrier. It does not include construction interventions, but it rather focuses on targeted studies and data collection to support informed, evidence-based decision-making by the competent authorities, in line with current environmental legislation.
Within the framework of the project, ecological field surveys will be conducted alongside a topographic survey of the dam and river channel, hydrological analyses, and flood risk assessments under different scenarios. The findings will be integrated into an Environmental Impact Assessment, which may be submitted by the dam owner to the competent authorities for review and evaluation.
The main objectives of the ReFlow project are to:
- assess the current environmental status of the Vathyrematiotiko hydrological network and its upstream tributaries,
- evaluate the impacts of the non-operational dam on river flow and longitudinal connectivity,
- document the potential environmental benefits of restoring natural flow conditions and river connectivity,
- prepare the technical and environmental studies required for the potential permitting of restoration interventions,
- actively engage local and institutional stakeholders through a participatory process, including the organization of two local events aimed at information sharing, dialogue, and the collection of stakeholder perspectives.
The “ReFlow” project has a duration of one year, it is funded by the Open Rivers Programme and implemented by MedINA.