“Re-Flow” aims to set the ground for the first case of dam removal in Greece, by opening 12.5 km of free flow in the Evrotas River Basin, creating a precedent for other barrier removals in Greece.
The Evrotas River Basin is a biodiversity hotspot, as attested by the presence of significant ichthyofauna species and riparian habitats. Three fish species of high conservation value – the Critically Endangered Evrotas minnow (Pelasgus laconicus), the Endangered Evrotas chub (Squalius keadicus), and the Critically Endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla), as classified by the IUCN – have been recorded in the area.
The riparian vegetation falls under the habitat type 91E0* Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae), an EU priority habitat type that, according to the latest national report under Article 12 of the Directive, has been classified as Unfavourable – Inadequate (U1).
| Project status | Live |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: pre-demolition |
| Country | Greece |
| River | Vathyrematiotiko stream, Evrotas River Basin |
| Focal species | Pelasgus laconicus, Squalius keadicus, Anguilla anguilla |
| Organisation | Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA) |
Kastorion barrier, situated in a biodiversity hotspot near the confluence of three rivers, impedes the movement of migratory species and fragments critical habitats. Recent species assessments provide robust evidence of the ecological significance of its removal, which will improve habitat connectivity in three Natura 2000 sites.
The Kastorion barrier removal is part of a wider restoration initiative aimed at achieving Good Ecological Status (GES) for the Evrotas River Basin, as defined by the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Restoring longitudinal connectivity in this section of the river system will play a pivotal role in improving water quality, enhancing habitat complexity, and supporting a wider range of aquatic and terrestrial species.
The removal aligns with regional conservation priorities identified by previous research projects, which emphasise the need to restore natural hydrological regimes and reverse biodiversity losses caused by human interventions such as damming and stream channelisation.
“Re-Flow” introduces the first barrier removal case in Greece, an important first step towards opening rivers, aligned with previous and ongoing efforts of MedINA in the country. Removal of the Kastorion barrier will directly contribute to the restoration of freshwater ecosystems in the catchment area, opening 12.5 km of previously obstructed river habitat (9.5 km upstream and 3 km downstream).
“Re-Flow” will bring together all stakeholders at local, regional and national levels, develop and submit the necessary technical studies, and follow up on all stages of the licensing process, aiming to build consensus about the Kastorion barrier removal.
If successful, this project may have catalytic effects at national level, contributing to a change of paradigm regarding the prevailing attitudes that tend to favour hard infrastructures instead of nature-based solutions.
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