Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, 6 September 2024 – At the conclusion of the International Water Resources Association’s (IWRA) 1st Islands Water Congress, hosted by the Faroese Geological Survey (Jarðfeingi), a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Faroe Islands Government and the Prince Edward Island Government to establish the Tórshavn Dialogue on Sustainable Freshwater Management on Islands. This MoU marks a significant step toward strengthening sustainable freshwater management practices across islands worldwide. The MoU aims to contribute to international processes, share best practices, and promote investment in projects and activities that advance this critical area.
The MoU, set to be in effect for a minimum of five years, outlines that the participating parties will convene twice annually to monitor progress and collaborate on its implementation. The IWRA’s Islands Water Congress will serve as a pivotal platform to assess progress related to the MoU. Click here to view the MoU.
Høgni Hoydal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade of the Faroe Islands, shared his thoughts on the MoU:
“Even though rainfall is abundant in the Faroe Islands, we still need to think carefully about this crucial resource, that our livelihood depends on. Mainly because of the growing demand for fresh water from the fish farming industry and – in the future – the green energy transition. The small area that our islands cover has its limitations and has in some cases forced us to become creative and innovative. We hope to share our experiences and to learn from others in this new and exciting islands cooperation”
Steven Myers, Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action of Prince Edward Island, stated:
“Over the past few years PEI has been at the leading edge with our net-zero policies, but PEI is also a leader in sustainable freshwater management. There are increasing pressures on this essential resource, here at home and worldwide. Sharing information with and learning from other island jurisdictions will also help our province face these challenges head on in the future. The more we share ideas and collaborate, the easier it will be to find groundbreaking global solutions to protect our resources for future generations.”
Yuanyuan Li, President of IWRA, also expressed his enthusiasm regarding the MoU:
“We at IWRA are delighted to see the Faroe Islands and Prince Edward Island taking the lead in this important field of freshwater management. We have developed an Islands Water Congress series to deliver an impact and legacy for the promotion of sustainable freshwater management. To see our first Congress of this important Series conclude with the signage of the MoU establishing the Torshavn Dialogue is inspiring and we would like to congratulate the Faroe Islands and Prince Edward Island in this respect.”
About IWRA and Jarðfeingi:
The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) is a globally recognised non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to addressing pressing water challenges through collaboration between science and policy. Founded in 1971, IWRA serves as a knowledge sharing and research-based forum committed to enhancing the understanding of water issues and fostering sustainable water use and management worldwide through global events, publications, and capacity building initiatives. www.iwra.org
Jarðfeingi (the Faroese Geological Survey), is an institution under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Industry, and Trade, tasked with administering, researching, consulting, and teaching about natural geological resources and values. With responsibilities for hydrocarbon and groundwater exploration and production activities in the Faroe Islands, Jarðfeingi plays a pivotal role in informed decision-making and effective water management.
