Laona Foundation restored 36 meters of dry stone walling in fire-damaged Souni, Cyprus

The Laona Foundation for the Revival and Protection of the Cypriot Countryside has launched a program to restore traditional dry stone structures in fire-prone areas in Cyprus. On Saturday, October 11, 2025, in cooperation with the Souni-Zanadzia Municipal Council and with the participation of 20 volunteers, 36 meters of walling were restored at two locations on burnt land near Kameno-Souni.

According to the foundation, the restored structures were built using traditional dry stone walling techniques — without binding materials — so that rainwater can pass through the structure at a reduced flow rate. The work was carried out on plots located above the positions of stone gabions constructed by the Water Resources Development Department, so that the structures function as part of an integrated protection system.

Master builder instructor Panagiotis Panagiotu trained local residents in dry stone construction techniques. The project was funded by the Andrey and Yulia Dashin Foundation. According to the organizers, the restored sections will provide primary protection for communities against heavy autumn rains, preventing rapid water runoff on bare slopes.