The wise and respectful use of water resources, especially in regions experiencing intense tourist activity during the summer months, is a fundamental condition for their long-term preservation. This is exactly the goal of partnerships like the project “Protocol of Agricultural Practices for Islands’ Olive Cultivation to Improve Water Use Efficiency and Address Reduced Productivity – I.O.S.P.)
The project, brings together key partners including the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, the Hellenic Agricultural Organization “DEMETER” (ELGO-DIMITRA) through the Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture in Chania and the Institute of Soil and Water Resources in Thessaloniki, the Agricultural Cooperative Union of Merambello, MODOUSA, SCIENTACT, and Tepes Farm.
Its main aim is to improve and modernize olive cultivation practices, making them smarter and more efficient. At the same time, it seeks to train and inspire local communities and farmers, helping them understand that the sustainable use of natural resources like water and soil is essential for the future of all.
The four-year project is implemented under the Rural Development Programme (ESPA 2014–2020) and specifically under Sub-measure 16.1–16.5, “Cooperation for environmental projects, environmental practices and climate change actions.” It aims to develop a practical protocol supported by tailored software for managing low water reserves and irrigation water of poor quality in Aegean island regions, while also addressing reduced productivity in olive cultivation through the application of sound agricultural practices.
