Multi-Criteria Analysis for Optimal Siting of Reservoirs in Crete

Water scarcity, driven by climate change, spatial and temporal variations in precipitation, and seasonal water demands, is becoming an increasingly pressing issue for Mediterranean islands such as Crete. Strategically placed dams could offer a sustainable solution to these challenges. To identify optimal sites, we employed a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework, integrating Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP methodologies with remote sensing data using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This process generated two different suitability maps for dam construction across the island of Crete. The following analyses were also performed on the results: (1) validation; (2) sensitivity; and (3) 3D analysis of three highly suitable locations. The findings are promising, showing a widespread distribution of numerous highly suitable locations. Validation revealed satisfactory predictive performance, while the sensitivity analysis indicates stability of the top locations. Subsequent 3D analysis revealed favorable morphological characteristics for two locations but severe limitations for the third. This study can serve as a starting point for further investigation into dam construction as a viable mitigation strategy for Crete’s water crisis.