The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) | 13,539 followers on LinkedIn. NIVA is Norway’s leading institute for fundamental and applied research on marine and freshwater issues. | NIVA's main focus areas are research, environmental monitoring, assessment, consultancy and problem solving in support of decision makers in both the public and private sectors. We work locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. NIVA was established by the authorities in 1958, and in 1986 it was separated as a foundation to ensure professional independence from the administration.