Community-based stewardship of traditional irrigation systems in the Mediterranean region

Traditional irrigation systems have shaped Mediterranean landscapes, supporting agricultural production, biodiversity, and cultural heritage under conditions of water scarcity. In this study, we conducted a narrative review of 61 publications, analyzing traditional irrigation systems through an environmental stewardship lens. We examine the social-ecological context and changes of traditional irrigation in the Mediterranean, identify key stewards involved, and explore their motivations, capacities, and actions for maintenance, restoration, and sustainable use of traditional irrigation systems. Our review emphasizes that stewardship of traditional irrigation systems is based on physical, social, human, cultural, and financial assets that enable collective action. Stewardship activities (for example, infrastructure restoration and knowledge documentation) are linked to social-ecological outcomes, including enhanced water availability, erosion control, social cohesion, cultural identity, and improved rural livelihoods. We argue that strengthening community-based stewardship, revitalizing knowledge systems, integrating traditional practices with modern innovations, and promoting transregional learning are essential pathways for sustaining traditional irrigation systems. • Reviews stewardship of traditional irrigation systems across the Mediterranean. • Identifies actors, motivations, and capacities shaping irrigation stewardship. • Synthesizes stewardship actions for protection, restoration, and sustainable use. • Elicits social-ecological outcomes of well-stewarded traditional irrigation systems. • Highlights traditional irrigation as living infrastructure.