Economic and Sustainable Development in Eastern Crete Through the Lithines Irrigation Dam

¹ Department of Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 72300, Sitia, Greece
² Sitia Municipality, 72300, Sitia, Greece
³ Department of Hydroelectric Projects, PPC Renewables S.A., Kapodistriou 3 Athens 15343, Greece

^* Corresponding author: gtsikalakis@hmu.gr

Abstract

Eastern Crete faces the greatest deficit of water resources in Crete due to the arid climate and reduced rainfall. Despite the magnitude of the problem, to date no reservoir has been constructed that will change the environmental image of the area while simultaneously changing the opportunities through sustainable development. Instead, water resources are derived from deep wells (55m -475m) with huge energy costs at a time when energy is expensive. The study examines and presents: a) the economic cost of water resources in the area due to the drilling, b) the study for the Lithines reservoir, with a total volume of 9.5 million cubic meters of water and the expected economic profit that will accrue through hydroelectric production of water intended for irrigation, c) The quality of water that is currently lost to the sea, d) the sustainable development deficit faced by the region in relation to the neighbouring regions of the municipalities of Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos and e) The forecast of economic development in the region in agriculture and tourism sector through the increase of water resources.