Interreg Euro-MED WatHer Project

Interreg Euro-MED WatHer Project WatHer revives centuries-old water heritage systems as a modern solution to drought in rural Mediterranean areas.

The project restores traditional canals, ponds, and irrigation ditches - long neglected but proven to capture and store water sustainably.

Second Field Visit in TicinoOn 11 June 2026, researchers, ecologists and hydrologists from the Politecnico di Milano met...
12/06/2026

Second Field Visit in Ticino

On 11 June 2026, researchers, ecologists and hydrologists from the Politecnico di Milano met for a second time with officials from the Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino (Ticino River Park) and local farmers to jointly define the pilot areas for the testing phase of the WatHer project.

While the first field survey provided an opportunity to better understand the functioning of the local water heritage systems and the historical agricultural practices that are still alive today, this second visit allowed the team to refine the initial ideas and insights that emerged directly from observing the landscape.

Particular attention was devoted to the issue of the water balance and to the role played by winter water circulation. The discussions highlighted how maintaining the flow of water through irrigation canals and using it during winter to flood permanent meadows (marcite) and rice fields - when competition among farmers for water resources is significantly lower - can contribute to groundwater recharge. This approach benefits not only biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, but also farmers themselves, who can rely on greater water availability during spring and, above all, during the increasingly dry summer months. In this way, a larger number of farmers can benefit from a resource that is becoming progressively scarcer.

The latest field visit focused on the territories of the Municipalities of Turbigo, Cassolnovo and Abbiategrasso. Farmers from these areas stressed to the Park authorities and the experts from the Politecnico di Milano that the continuity and preservation of historical winter water management practices have proven to be highly effective in ensuring more sustainable water availability during the summer season. Once again, the field survey confirmed how ancient water management knowledge can provide valuable solutions to contemporary climate challenges, demonstrating the strategic role that water heritage systems can play in building more resilient Mediterranean rural landscapes.

Biodiversity Monitoring Begins in Benamaurel, Spain! As part of the WatHer Project, an important biodiversity (botanical...
29/05/2026

Biodiversity Monitoring Begins in Benamaurel, Spain!

As part of the WatHer Project, an important biodiversity (botanical) sampling campaign was recently conducted in the Benamaurel Irrigation System in Spain by the team of MEMOLab-University of Granada.

The sampling took place in the section where WatHer restoration actions will be implemented and represents an important baseline assessment, helping us understand the current ecological conditions before improvements begin.

The WatHer Project addresses the growing challenge of water scarcity and climate change in rural Mediterranean areas, demonstrating how Water Heritage Systems (WHS), traditional systems developed through centuries of local knowledge and sustainable water management, can continue to secure water during droughts.

By restoring and revitalizing these valuable systems, the project aims to reverse neglect and demonstrate their continued role as sustainable water solutions for Mediterranean communities.

Photo credits: MEMOLab–UGR

Learn more about WatHer Project: https://wather.interreg-euro-med.eu/

The WatHer project was presented at the 10th International Seminar: Strategies for Understanding Architectural Heritage:...
28/05/2026

The WatHer project was presented at the 10th International Seminar: Strategies for Understanding Architectural Heritage: New Challenges in the Integration, Transfer and Governance of Digital Cultural Heritage Information (Methodological Debates), held in Seville, Spain.

Our partner José María Martín Civantos, from Universidad de Granada and MEMOLab, delivered a presentation entitled “Traditional historical irrigation systems: actions from identification to heritage protection”, highlighting the methodologies used to document traditional irrigation systems and emphasising their value as repositories of traditional knowledge and techniques.

During the presentation, the WatHer project was showcased as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the conservation and sustainable management of these systems through its pilot actions. Special attention was given to the Granada pilot area, including an overview of the planned interventions.

We are proud to see WatHer contributing to international discussions on cultural heritage, sustainability, and water stewardship.

Learn more about WatHer Project: https://wather.interreg-euro-med.eu/

Fonte Filipe, the water that brings us together, a collective initiative to control invasive species, by the WatHer Proj...
26/05/2026

Fonte Filipe, the water that brings us together, a collective initiative to control invasive species, by the WatHer Project

On 24 May 2026, the WatHer Project organised a hands-on collective action at Fonte Filipe, Querença (Loulé, Portugal), bringing together local landowners, volunteers and community members to help restore an important water heritage site through invasive species control.

The challenge was significant: to learn nature-based techniques for controlling one of the invasive species that poses one of the greatest threats to local water heritage and watercourses, the Giant Reed (Arundo Donax), as well as the invasive brambly shrub, the Blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius), which hampers agricultural activities.

With technical and scientific guidance from Pedro at Invasoras.pt, a group of 15 volunteers began the restoration of an initial section of the Fonte Filipe Levada in Querença, an area severely affected by the spread of giant reed and dense bramble growth.

Although the rapid expansion of the reedbeds and bramble since the area was first identified less than two months earlier was remarkable, the group, composed of landowners, volunteers, members of the local community, and the WatHer team from Associação In Loco and Universidade do Algarve UAlg, worked together to remove all visible reed growth, along with a substantial portion of the rhizomes and invasive vegetation.

A second intervention will be necessary to prevent regrowth and support the ecological restoration of these agricultural fields, served by the Fonte Filipe Levada, which forms part of the WatHer Pilot Project in Portugal.

Follow us on this mission – join us in protecting our water heritage.

Learn more about WatHer Project: https://wather.interreg-euro-med.eu/

Ecological Walk in the Roman Centuriation Landscape of PaduaOn 8 May 2026, representatives of the University of Padua, P...
25/05/2026

Ecological Walk in the Roman Centuriation Landscape of Padua

On 8 May 2026, representatives of the University of Padua, Prof. Mauro Varotto and researcher Tanja Kremenić from Università degli Studi di Padova, joined a public ecological walk organised by the Consorzio di Bonifica Acque Risorgive (Land Reclamation Consortium) near Villa Romanin Jacur in Mirano, an Associated Partner of UNIPD. The initiative, focused on water ditches, hedgerows and agroecological interventions in the rural landscape of the Roman centuriation, gathered around thirty participants and local stakeholders.

Although not organised within the WatHer project, the event became an important opportunity for dissemination and dialogue with the local community. During the visit, Prof. Varotto presented the historical landscape of the Roman centuriation of Padua and introduced the ongoing activities of the Interreg Euro-MED WatHer project, highlighting the role that historical water systems can play in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

The meeting also provided a valuable occasion to continue discussions with local actors and technical stakeholders regarding the possible identification of pilot areas for future restoration activities within the Padua case study. The Consorzio di Bonifica Acque Risorgive, which is expected to act as the external technical service for the WatHer pilot site, presented several ongoing actions aimed at ecological restoration and water retention in agricultural landscapes, this reflects the evolution of reclamation consortia whose role today goes beyond draining excess water, towards retaining and improving water resources.

Many of the practices presented during the walk strongly resonate with the objectives promoted by the WatHer project and the activities currently carried out by UNIPD within the Padua case study.

Learn more about WatHer Project: https://wather.interreg-euro-med.eu/

Creating synergies at the Interreg Euro-MED Italy 2nd ForumOn 15 May 2026, the second Forum of Italian partners involved...
20/05/2026

Creating synergies at the Interreg Euro-MED Italy 2nd Forum

On 15 May 2026, the second Forum of Italian partners involved in Interreg Euro-MED projects took place in Rome. Representatives from projects belonging to all Interreg Euro-MED Missions - Strengthening an Innovative Sustainable Economy, Natural Heritage Mission, Promoting Green Living Areas, and Enhancing Sustainable Tourism - gathered to discuss new synergies and joint activities to be developed in the coming months in preparation for the Interreg Euro-MED Programme Mid-Term Event, scheduled to take place in Marseille next November.

Andrea L’Erario, from Politecnico di Milano and Project Manager of WatHer, represented the project and all consortium partners, highlighting the importance of the active safeguarding of water heritage systems in building a more resilient Mediterranean region. The intervention also promoted the development of joint actions with other Italian Interreg Euro-MED partners towards more systemic and cross-sectoral approaches.

Learn more about WatHer Project: https://wather.interreg-euro-med.eu/

WatHer’s proactive role in the Natural Heritage Mission Community of Practice MeetingOn 12-13 May 2026, the Interreg Eur...
18/05/2026

WatHer’s proactive role in the Natural Heritage Mission Community of Practice Meeting

On 12-13 May 2026, the Interreg Euro-MED Natural Heritage Mission Community of Practice Meeting took place in Lisbon. Paola Branduini and Andrea L’Erario (Politecnico di Milano, Lead Partner), together with the Portuguese representatives of the WatHer project, Ana Paula Pinto Gomes da Silva (University of Algarve Universidade do Algarve UAlg) and Artur Gregorio (In Loco Association Associação In Loco), represented the voice of the WatHer project.

The WatHer representatives - whose project officially began on 1 September 2025 - had the opportunity to exchange experiences with partners from projects currently at a more advanced implementation stage, fostering new synergies and collaborations both in thematic and geographical terms. Discussions focused on the capitalisation of project results, mentoring activities, and the availability of several WatHer pilot sites for future testing and transfer actions within other Euro-MED projects.

During the meeting, a new thematic cluster dedicated to water-related challenges was also launched in order to strengthen cooperation around a topic that cuts across multiple Mediterranean territories and policy areas. Could WatHer - focusing on water heritage systems and historical water management practices in agriculture and livestock farming - remain outside this discussion? Certainly not. WatHer will actively contribute to this international dialogue in the coming months through proactive participation and knowledge exchange activities.

Learn more about WatHer Project: https://wather.interreg-euro-med.eu/

As part of the 2nd WatHer Project meeting held in Cyprus from 27-29 April 2026, project partners continued the field vis...
12/05/2026

As part of the 2nd WatHer Project meeting held in Cyprus from 27-29 April 2026, project partners continued the field visits to the Cypriot Pilot Sites following the second day’s sessions.

On 28 April 2026, partners visited Laona Foundation Ίδρυμα Λαόνα Study Site in Dali, where they explored the wider areas of Idalion and Agios Sozomenos, learning more about the region’s rich cultural and water heritage landscape.

The visit was guided by cultural architect Sevina Floridou, who introduced participants to the historical significance, cultural identity and environmental characteristics of the area, highlighting the connection between heritage, landscape and water management through time.

The field visit offered partners a valuable opportunity to experience the site firsthand and further connect the project’s research and collaborative discussions with the realities of local heritage landscapes in Cyprus.

As part of the 2nd WatHer Project meeting held in Cyprus from 27-29 April 2026, project partners combined the meeting se...
11/05/2026

As part of the 2nd WatHer Project meeting held in Cyprus from 27-29 April 2026, project partners combined the meeting sessions with field visits to the Cypriot Pilot Sites.

On 27 April 2026, following the first day’s sessions, partners visited the Pilot Site in Dierona village, where they explored the historic stone bridge and the traditional watermill, important elements of the area’s water heritage landscape and the site where the Cyprus University of Technology / Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου will implement project activities.

Participants were guided through the area and introduced to the cultural, environmental and historical importance of the site, gaining valuable insight into the connection between water heritage, local communities and sustainable water management.

These field visits offered an important opportunity to connect the project’s discussions and research activities with the real-life challenges and heritage assets of the Mediterranean region.

Granada Declaration Supports Spain’s Historic Irrigation SystemsOn 13 December 2025, a historic declaration was adopted ...
08/05/2026

Granada Declaration Supports Spain’s Historic Irrigation Systems

On 13 December 2025, a historic declaration was adopted in Granada in support of and recognition of Spain’s traditional and historic irrigation systems. More than 120 irrigation communities from across the country came together to highlight the social, cultural, environmental and economic value of these water infrastructure systems, which have sustained agriculture and rural communities for centuries.

The declaration highlights that these systems are sustainable and resilient models: they help maintain fertile soils, promote biodiversity, regulate the water cycle and help stem rural depopulation. They also promote equitable water use and offer alternatives to extractive or technocratic practices that threaten their continued existence.

This step serves as a foundation for promoting public policies of recognition and protection, and for strengthening Spain’s rural identity and heritage.

Who can sign the manifesto?
Irrigation communities, public and private bodies, and anyone interested can join and show their support via the form.

A key gesture to highlight social and institutional support and call for public policies that guarantee their protection and continuity.

Here is the link to the manifesto: https://regadiohistorico.es/declaracion-granada-regadios?fbclid=IwY2xjawRN0pNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyajNIcG9hTmNWNkhzNG1ic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqtZ4qvJnsmwEYMbJV3cnV9AAO1EMgUBNPfISznFi1Bpatacql6TvjwPk0xE_aem_a4wBjy45tyn1D2Ki2_au6g

UPA Andalucía (Union of Small Farmers and Livestock Breeders of Andalusia) joins the campaign to defend traditional irrigation systems by signing the Granada Declaration. On Thursday 16 April 2026, the signing ceremony for the Granada Declaration – calling for the recognition and defence of historic and traditional irrigation systems – took place at the Hospital Real in Granada, organised by MEMOLab-UGR.

At this meeting, UPA Andalucía, together with its delegation in Granada, signed a document (Declaration of Granada) that was already endorsed last December by more than 120 historic and traditional irrigation communities from across the country gathered in this city.

This event forms part of the activities of the FORTALECE project, aimed at promoting and coordinating historical and traditional irrigation communities, and which is supported by the Biodiversity Foundation and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This manifesto is directly aligned with the objectives of the WatHer Project in its focus on the conservation, preservation and enhancement of traditional irrigation systems. These are values that we at the Bioarchaeology Laboratory of the University of Granada (MEMOLab-UGR), as a partner of WatHer, have been promoting for many years.

Learn more about WatHer Project: https://wather.interreg-euro-med.eu/

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Corner Of Ag. Andreou And 29 Coumandarias Street
Limassol
3035

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Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 14:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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