1st IWRA Islands Water Congress Policy Report: Freshwater Regulations on Islands

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

4-2026

Abstract

What is the Islands Water Congress?

The 1st IWRA Islands Water Congress took place in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, from 4–6 September 2024, co-hosted by the Faroese Geological Survey (Jarðfeingi), under the theme “Freshwater and Islands: Governance, Collaboration and Innovation.”

Bringing together nearly 200 experts, policymakers, and island representatives from 40 countries, the Congress created a dynamic space to share knowledge and strengthen water governance across island contexts.

Alongside the Policy Report, the Final Report is also available to read! Click below to find out more.

Read the Congress’ Final Report

Key findings and recommendations

The Policy Report translates the inaugural Islands Congress discussions into practical insights, showing how islands are already addressing complex water challenges and providing recommendations going forward.

Balancing energy and ecosystems in the context of hydropower

Hydropower plays an important role in many island economies, but balancing energy needs with water and ecosystem management remains complex. The following case studies highlight different approaches address this challenge:

  • Jamaica has a single authority overseeing water use
  • Fiji combines public oversight with private investment, requiring Environmental Impact Assessments
Water governance: beyond infrastructure

Water governance on islands also goes beyond infrastructure: it must reflect local contexts, connect different stakeholders, and support the communities that depend on water.

  • Hawai‘i, USA embeds Indigenous knowledge and community rights in water management
  • Malta coordinates across multiple agencies to turn complexity into action
  • Nosy Mitsio, Madagascar demonstrates strong community-led systems
  • Martinique uses modelling to balance competing water needs
  • Caribbean (CWUIC) applies insurance to strengthen disaster resilience
How to manage groundwater with limited data

Many island communities depend on groundwater as their main source of freshwater. However, groundwater is increasingly under pressure from over-extraction and saltwater intrusion, challenges exacerbated by limited data and monitoring capacity. The report highlights case studies showing how groundwater can be managed with limited data:

  • Iceland links groundwater and geothermal management to ensure reliable supply
  • Maldives combines conservative use with community-led monitoring
  • Prince Edward Island, Canada blends citizen science with advanced research
  • Fiji regulates extraction through stronger institutional oversight

Num Pages

44

Publisher

International Water Resources Association

Link to Full Text

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