Environmental and social impacts of Aposelemis dam (Crete, Greece) according to lakeside population’s perception

The current research investigates the environmental and social impact observed today within the vicinity of the Aposelemis dam in NE Crete, Greece. The areas investigated consist of the two adjacent villages of the reservoir, namely; Potamies and Avdou village, respectively downstream and upstream of the dam structure and lake. The research was based on local stakeholders’ opinion, observation and perception, and was conducted through semi-interviews based on a detailed multiple-choice questionnaire format. The present investigation, as a continuation of our former research (presented at ICED2020), examines the environmental and social impact from a different perspective, and focuses exclusively on narrow dam region, attempting to explore current impacts as well as any observed differences between the upstream and downstream village. Provided the intense objections of local communities in the past, presently expressed local opinion is also investigated. The public acceptance of potential hypothetical scenarios concerning area’s future exploitation is moreover explored. The investigation concluded in groundwater resources quantity differentiation between the upstream and downstream area, and also in evaluation differences concerning opinion about everyday life, landscape and the project itself. Current investigation’s results set the basis for management towards sustainability, with emphasis on the environmental and social aspects of the term.

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