Deliverable N. 3.4 Title: Fourth Thematic Pamphlet

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1 THEME [INCO ] INCONET Mediterranean Partner Countries Deliverable N. 3.4 Title: Fourth Thematic Pamphlet Funding scheme: Coordination and support action Project Acronym: MEDSPRING Project Coordinator: CIHEAM-IAMB, Claudio Bogliotti Grant Agreement n : Author: MESRSFC Dissemination level: PU (Public) Coding: MEDSPRING/WP3/task 3.3 Official delivery date: M24 Project start: 1 February 2013 Project duration: 48 months

2 Mediterranean Science, Policy, Research &Innovation Gateway Thematic Pamphlet N.4 1 The Water-Energy-Food Nexus Global Trends What s the WEF Nexus? The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus describes the complex and inter-related nature of our global resources systems. It is about balancing different resource user goals and interests, while maintaining the integrity of ecosystems (FAO, 2011). The Nexus approach is a scientific, technical and political question. The scientific approach to the Nexus is yet an open question about how an integrated approach to the challenges identified within the Nexus could be addressed from a heuristic scientific point of view. FAO has identified three working areas as part of a broader process of stakeholder dialogue addressing the Nexus : a) Data and analysis; b) Scenario development; c) Response options. These are complemented by a continuous process of stakeholder dialogues. Global projections indicate that demand for freshwater, energy and food will increase significantly over the next decades under the pressure of pupulation growth and mobility, economic devlopment, international trade, urbanisation, diversifying diets, cultural and technological changes, and climate change (Hoff, 2011). By 2050 the world population is expected to reach 9 billion people. Demand for water (+55%), food (+60%) and energy (+80%) is expected to rise in the next two decades Short-term prospect in production and consumption undermining sustainability. Shortages could cause social and political instability, geopolitical conflict and irreparable environmental damage. (World Economic Forum, 2011) Climate change can amplify the relevance of interdependencies and impacts of these challenges. Nexus is an approach/tool needed to pursue sustainable development. It aims at understanding how each of these three sectors relates to the other two and how this understanding can be used to make policy decisions that promote sustainable development and satisfy basic needs on a global scale. Projections of demand on water-energy-food sectors on 2050 (Source : IRENA 2015)

3 2 MedSpring and the Nexus MedSpring project is aligned with the ideas, the debate and the engagement on the Nexus expressed in the international fora. In fact, over the last three years MedSpring, engaging the scientific community as well as the civil society, has gained an insight into the Nexus by investigating the relationship between research and innovation and the real needs of the civil society in the frame of the three societal challenges water-food-energy. Examples of WEF Nexus Energy is required to treat water, wastewater, and transport drinking water; Water is required to make electricity and produce transportation fuels; Energy and water are required to grow food; Water quality can be adversely impacted by food and energy production. Specifically, the main goal of the 1st EMEG Meeting (Lisbon, 2013) was to identify research topics leading to results, solutions and market opportunities to enhance sustainable development and create opportunities for new jobs in the region. The work was underpinned by the inputs of the open consultation launched before the meeting and addressed to the civil society (researchers, SMEs, NGOs, citizens... etc.) and WEB communities. The 2nd EMEG Meeting (Sousse, 2014), aimed to identify ways and means to address (or re-address) policy and policy dialogue, particularly regarding objectives and expected impacts, taking into account the current scenarios in Research and Innovation cooperation. This work led to the identification of new (or renewed) objectives and expected impacts of Euro-Mediterranean R&I policy dialogue and cooperation The 3rd EMEG meeting (Malta, 2015), aimed to develop a Nexus approach as a new framing for the interdependence of water, energy and food (the societal challenges addressed by MedSpring) and, through a better understanding of the synergies and trade-offs among them, identify the factors research should take into consideration to ensure that demand is met without compromising sustainability requirements. The meeting engaged in developing a comprehensive, multi-dimensions logical frame, based on a thorough understanding of the interconnectedness of water, energy and food leading to a better Nexus analysis and how it satisfies the sustainability imperatives. The output of this 3rd EMEG was a set of recommendations to support the identification of priorities and guide the EC in the design of ad-hoc initiatives/calls addressing the Nexus.

4 3 Nexus Discussions on Global Levels Nexus Main problems and main objectives Nexus discussions on Global levels Bonn conference (2011) focused on interdependency of water, energy, and food security to explicitly identified in decision making. Rio+20 highlighted the linkages between water, food securityand nutrition and sustainable agriculture; sustainable cities; health; biodiversity; desertification etc. UNFCCC Executive Secretary during COP18 described the foodwater energy nexus as the human face and solution to climate change (WMO, 2012). UN Secretary General highlighted the use of a nexus approach and urged the inclusion of environmental, social and economic dimensions (GIZ, 2012). Bonn conference (2014) recognized the sustainability of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus as a key research-for-action initiative, and allowed an internal policy consultation process to inform, influence, and catalyze action by key actors including policymakers, non overnmental organizations, the private sector, educators, and researchers. The OECD Global Forum on Environment (GFENV, 2014) highlighted the need to understand long-term impacts of the nexus on growth; ways to improve coherence between national, regional and local planning and priorities; the importance of promoting private sector investment in the nexus; and how to mainstream the nexus into the broader development agenda, particularly in the context of post-2015 discussions. Dresden Nexus Conference 2015 (DNC2015) under the theme Global Change, Sustainable Development Goals and the Nexus Approach focused on how the integrated management of environmental resources guided by nexus approach may help to achieve the potential targets of the post-2015 agenda. Nexus on Global Levels

5 4 1 st EMEG (Lisbon)-Research results paradigms Resources efficiency - Water : "Managing water resources under scarcity, pollution and uncertain conditions while improving agricultural water use efficiency as well as treatment and re-use of nonconventional water". High quality affordable Food : "Integrated development and rehabilitation of rural arid and semi-arid areas capitalizing on sustainable agriculture including traditional and organic farming, empowering rural communities and valorizing agricultural resources ". Energy : "Capitalizing on local large availability of solar energy, by developing adapted packages of solutions for sustainable remote communities, both in terms of supply and demand, in addition to promoting the well integrated penetration of renewable energy solutions in the inhabited areas, while taking into account local cultural heritage". 2 nd EMEG (Sousse)-Policy cross-cutting paradigms Research in water, food and energy in the Mediterranean region has cross-border dimension and can be successfully tackled only in the frame of mutual EU-MPC cooperation with participation on equal footing. Addressing the nexus among water, food and energy to satisfy human needs within the limits of natural resources, implying the development of creative integrated policy and politics. Euro-Mediterranean research and innovation policy should be given a clear orientation through a process of generating joint problem awareness, and by participation of stakeholders beyond business. Euro-Mediterranean R&I policy will have to orient the prioritisation of research toward nexus problems, based on sustainability including trans-disciplinarity, integrating science in society, gender mainstreaming, stakeholders co-ownership. 2 nd EMEG (Sousse)-Policy paradigms Resources efficiency Water : "Developing water research policies in line with the Action Plan of Euro-Mediterranean Strategy while orienting such policies to the minimization of water footprint in different uses by integrating social, economic and environmental sustainability. Supporting the participation of MPC research organizations in policy dialogue in EU water related platforms (EIP, JPIS, ETP)." High quality affordable Food : "EU and MPCs food-related cooperation should be based on co-ownership, inclusiveness and shared benefits, aiming at improving research and innovation impact in support of sustainable food production systems that recognize the interdependence between agriculture, water, energy, health and environment, reflected in comprehensive policies for sustainable food and nutrition security including food quality and safety." Energy: "The new "Energy paradigm" for both EU and MPCs involves the move from traditional fossil fuels to sustainable renewable sources and a reduction of demand by increasing the efficiency of resource use. Supply and demand must be analysed in an integrated way. The application of this paradigm must be well adapted to sustainable development local uses and traditions, making users comfortable and active partners. EU and MPCs should work together towards a common co-owned vision for the whole region."

6 5 NEXUS- Recommendations of the 3 rd EMEG meeting (Malta, 30 Sept-2 Oct 2015) POLITICAL RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Integrating the nexus concept in all relevant policies, legislation and regulations at all levels by: o Promoting participatory policy design though a multilevel and participatory o networks/fora; o Mapping and assessing existing national sectorial W-E-F policies to develop an o integrated Nexus strategy including an effective implementation and monitoring plan; o Promoting the implementation of EURO MED strategy on NEXUS. 2. Increase NEXUS communication and awareness among relevant stakeholders by: o multidisciplinary training and capacity building activities; dissemination of success stories,initiatives, good practices and innovative technologies; including Nexus related principlesand concepts in educational system; creating a EU-MED platform (based on themedspring EMEG + additional players) for transboundary exchange and transfer of best practices. 3. Increasing funding for multidisciplinary and integrated research projects and initiatives and promoting cooperation between public and private sectors through financing and incentive schemes. Once proper policies and common understanding on nexus aspects is established, it will be easier to move to the actions that is needed to support the actual realization of nexus on the ground and will help implement these policies. TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS STEP 1: Understanding the current state of and interconnection among WEF nexus through DATA COLLECTION, STORAGE AND ANALYSIS, MODELLING Conduct survey about available data, identification of gaps, create a new database (nexus database of WEF relevant data) Develop data management plan for NEXUS including data collection, IT model and platforms Assessing the risks, opportunities and challenges taking into account the Nexus framework in a moving world (dynamic, multidisciplinary) Bridging the knowledge gap on WEF by concentrated multidisciplinary research; create a global water knowledge hub that is relevant, visible, credible and low-cost to facilitate the work of researchers in different disciplines. STEP 2 : DEMONSTRATIONS AND PILOTS Highlighting and evaluating the best practices and document them. Standardizing the best practice. Demonstration of water management solutions integrating E, F nexus at the real level Develop a system to be used as a showcase to be replicated Applied examples are needed to convince the market of the benefits of the Nexus approach and its sustainability STEP 3 : MARKET ORIENTED RESEARCH Investigation and deep analysis concerning virtual water to give the water the appropriate cost Developing a nexus labeling through LCA approach as market criteria for products prices at MED level. To develop a tool (DSS) to support producers/decision makers to select the most feasible solutions. Up scaling and replicating the high positive impact smart solutions STEP 4 : CAPACITY BUILDING MULTILEVEL AWARENESS RAISING Developing the curricula to integrate NEXUS concept in Higher Education and Research Centers missions Integration of NEXUS concept in Higher Education curricula and Research Centers missions

7 6 NEXUS Frameworks WEF Frameworks The WEF frameworks aim to provide an informed and transparent approach that builds on the system perspective, enables trade off assessments and aims to promote transition to sustainability. They all focus on promoting security and consider involving different domains: society, by changing human behaviours; economy, by using different approaches to economic growth; and environment, by promoting ecosystem services. The ultimate focus of these frameworks is to promote action by providing policy entry points to reduce trade offs, explore synergies and promote the transition to a more sustainable future. The FAO approach to the Water-Energy-Food WEF Framework : International Centre of Integrated Muntain Development, 2012 WEF Framework : Bonn 2011 Nexus Conference WEF Framework : World Economic Forum 2011

8 7 The WEF Nexus Global Events /nexusevent-calendar-online.html MedSpring Project - Open Consultation on W-E-F NEXUS The MED-SPRING project launched an on-line Open Consultation. This survey is part of a consultation process aimed to validate and provide inputs to the Nexus Position Paper: A frame for a comprehensive understanding of Water-Energy-Food Nexus, the document developed by the MedSpring EMEG during the last 3rd Meeting (Malta, 30 September - 2 October 2015). The position paper proposes a frame that includes objectives and actions whose achievement and implementation will contribute to support an integrated Water-Energy-Food approach to the sustainable management of resources.