Interlinkages across sectors (water, food, energy) and the natural resources base (water, land, soils) are understood but not adequately reflected in policies.” Opportunities around demand management of water are well articulated but underutilised. In light of this, future agricultural policies will need to rely heavily on other irrigation sources such as wastewater reuse while following more stringent guidelines for reducing waste. The region is a global hotspot for the over-exploitation of groundwater, a resource that will be rapidly depleted in the coming decades. ![]() ![]() Food loss and waste have reached alarming levels with huge implications on water, land, energy and GHG emissions. Over the years, agricultural productivity has not increased in a meaningful way. He explains: “In the Mediterranean, more than 85% of water is used for agricultural purposes, and the region also has the highest dependency on food imports. “Successful implementation of WEFE Nexus solutions in Mediterranean countries is the only solution to effectively alleviate the situation and pave the way for the green economy and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals“, affirms Autino.Īlmotaz Abadi, Managing Director of the Union of the Mediterranean, adds that “apart from resource scarcity, the Mediterranean has to deal with conflict, migration and all challenges are closely intertwined”. ![]() A holistic, integrated and transversal approach represented by WEFE Nexus is vital to respond to the challenges of the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is impossible to achieve sustainable development and social stability by dealing with water, energy, food and ecosystems as separate resources. In the context of population growth, economic development and current climate change effects, ecosystems are deteriorating, and the management of our water, food and energy systems is becoming more and more complex”. According to Antonella Autino, Program Coordinator of PRIMA, “the Mediterranean is considered a hotspot for global warming, deteriorating ecosystems and inefficient use of scarce resources. In the Mediterranean, the situation is more alarming. And unprecedented extreme weather and climatic conditions are likely to endanger further the sustainable provision of water, energy, food and ecosystem. Demand for water, energy and food increasing. Water, energy, food and ecosystems represent the essence of long-term social and economic stability by providing the basis for public goods, the welfare state, peace and security. Lead by PRIMA, the WEFE Nexus Community of Practice is about to be launched. Indeed, understanding and managing the close interconnections between water, energy and food and their reliance and impact on ecosystems will help address the climate crisis. This interconnection is called the WEFE Nexus approach. Through creating a healthy environment, sustainably managing the natural resources, using clean energy and promoting healthy food. ![]() The European Green Deal will improve the well-being and health of citizens and future generations. Implementing the Green Deal is a true lifeline for the future of people and the planet threatened by climate change and stifled by Covid-19. “It is crucial to go for green transition to recover from COVID”, this is repeated every day from politicians in the European Union. Managing the relationships between water, energy, food, and ecosystems is a pending issue to address climate change
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