This week, the NATALIE project had the honor of participating in the 1st Islands Water Congress, organized by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), held from 4-6 September 2024 in the Faroe Islands. The congress brought together global representatives from island territories to discuss pressing water management issues and exchange solutions to the unique challenges faced by islands.
Representing NATALIE, Noelia Cruz Pérez and Juan Carlos Santamarta Cerezal from the University of La Laguna (ULL) shared key insights into the specific water resources challenges faced by the Canary Islands. A focus of their contribution was the implementation of nature-based solutions - an innovative approach that leverages natural processes to manage water more effectively and sustainably. Also, Celso García from the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), who is the Follower of the Canary Islands on the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands, has contributed by explaining how the NATALIE project will improve the situation of the Menorca aquifer through nature-based solutions.
The islands will suffer more severely from the effects of climate change, as they are areas that host great biodiversity and generally face water stress due to the pressure of tourism and agriculture on their water resources. This is why it is so important to hold specific conferences on water in the islands, given the unique characteristics of these territories.
The event provided a unique opportunity to not only present the technical aspects of NATALIE’s work but also to engage with experts and stakeholders working on similar challenges across various islands. It was an excellent step toward fostering collaboration on global water resource solutions, with a focus on adapting to the specific needs of island territories.
For more information on the Islands Water Congress, visit: Islands Water Congress.