Maintaining historical ponds at small dams in the Czech Republic

There are more than 20 000 small dams in the Czech Republic with a total water volume of almost 500 x 106 m3 and a total flooded surface area of 50 000 ha. About 95 per cent of these are historical ponds established between the 14th and 17th centuries. These ponds are part of the cultural heritage of the Czech nation. However, for their continued use, as well as for safety reasons, it is important that they are monitored and maintained to modern standards, as far as is possible.