Groundwater is essential to communities, economies and ecosystems around the world. Yet, the laws governing its ownership, use and protection vary considerably from one country to another..

As pressure on groundwater resources grows, strong legal frameworks are increasingly important for their sustainable management and protection. This challenge becomes even more complex when aquifers cross national borders, requiring countries  to address shared responsibilities and find ways to cooperate over a common resource.

Looking at how different countries and legal systems are addressing these issues can provide valuable lessons on groundwater governance. Comparing these experiences can reveal what is working, where challenges remain and how countries can learn from one another and strengthen cooperation.

About the webinar

On 1 October 2026,the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), the International Association for Water Law (AIDA) and the Geneva Water Hub are bringing together experts in water law to explore how legal approaches are evolving to support sustainable groundwater management.

Drawing on recent research covering five continents, the webinar explores how different legal systems define groundwater ownership, balance rights and responsibilities, and regulate its use. The discussion also looks beyond national borders, examining how countries are navigating the legal complexities of shared aquifers and strengthening cooperation around common groundwater resources.

By connecting experiences from around the world, the webinar highlights how law and cooperation can drive stronger, more sustainable groundwater governance.

Register here

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Panel

• Gabriel Eckstein – Professor of Law, Texas A&M University School of Law; Chair of the Executive Council, International Association for Water Law (AIDA); Past President, IWRA
• Joseph W. Dellapenna-  Professor of Law, Villanova University School of Law (Retired)
• Laura Movilla Pateiro – Associate Professor of Public International Law, University of Vigo; Council Secretary, International Association for Water Law (AIDA)
• Mara Tignino – Scientific Director, Geneva Water Hub; Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law and Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva; Projects Chair, International Association for Water Law (AIDA)

Moderator

• Renée Martin-Nagle – Secretary General, International Water Resources Association (IWRA); Founder and CEO, A Ripple Effect

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Webinar partners

This initiative is organised in collaboration with leading international institutions:

• International Association for Water Law (AIDA)
• Geneva Water Hub

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IWRA Webinars constitute an additional resource designed to help our members, academics, dedicated practitioners, and policy professionals further explore these and other timely themes engaging in fruitful discussions, also aligned with the international water agenda and in close collaboration with key partners.