NEXUS Platform - The Water Energy Food Security Nexus

Energy and Water Linkage: Challenge to a Sustainable Future

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

In some regions, the increasing demands for water in support of energy development and use pose challenges to its availability for food and other human needs and for important ecological systems. It is critically important that planning and investment in energy and water infrastructure and associated policies take into account the deep interaction between water and energy.

A South African’s perspective on the outcomes of the South African Nexus Conference

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

At the same time, it is clear that that the nexus is having a real effect on our economy as we struggle with a lack of energy, inefficient transportation, escalating food prices, ailing sanitation infrastructure and a lack of access to good quality water for many in our society.

Mekong2Rio Conference ends in Thailand

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

From 1-3 May 2012, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) convened the "Mekong2Rio - International Conference on Transboundary River Basin Management", hosted by the Royal Thai Government, in Phuket, Thailand.

U.S. Department of State to catalyze a Global Nexus Dialogue on Dams and Water Infrastructure Optimization

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The U.S. Department of State is seeking to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with one, or a consortium of several non-profits, non-governmental organizations, or international organizations to establish and implement the Nexus Dialogue on Dams and Water Infrastructure Optimization.

South African Forum shows strong potential of Nexus approach for promoting national dialogue

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

On 19 April 2012, the “South African Water, Energy and Food Forum” ended in the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa. The two day meeting encompassed the entire triangle of the Nexus: several farmers and agricultural groups, the National Energy Commission and several non-traditional energy stakeholders, several mining companies and many water experts and companies attended, as well as very senior officials from Treasury and Finance.

Getting to Grips with the Water-Energy-Food "Nexus"

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The ‘nexus’ has become a popular buzz word to describe the complex linkages among water, energy and food security – sectors that have traditionally remained fairly separate. Talk of the water-energy-food nexus was a hot topic at last month’s Planet Under Pressure conference; it is also the focus of a significant German government-organised input to the UN Rio+20 Summit.

Asia Pacific Photo-Story Contest 2012: "Water, Energy and Food Nexus"

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The top three entries will receive an attractive prize along with an opportunity to join Asia Pacific Youth Forum 2012 which will be organized by the Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on RIO +20 together with its promoters.

Nexus Conference Co-Chair Uschi Eid supports Germany’s offer to host Green Climate Fund in Bonn

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

"Even though global warming has largely been caused by industrialised nations, many of its effects will be shouldered by the Least Developed Countries and Small Island States," said Uschi Eid upon her nomination. "Germany has decided to live up to this responsibility and I fully support this initiative."

A Test Drive for the Rio Goals

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

There was broad agreement among the participants of a side event on "The Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus - A test drive for the Rio goals" which took place on 22nd March 2012 in New York that the Zero Draft of the "Rio +20" outcome document presents various opportunities for more explicitly incorporating the Nexus approach and perspective as a guiding principle for development towards a green economy

Reducing Food Waste a Key Part of Reducing Water Waste

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Wasting of water through wasting food is one of the key areas Chartres - whose organization, the Colombo-based International Water Management Institute just won this year’s Stockholm Water Prize - hopes to address thanks to the new profile IWMI will have at World Water Week in August.

Putting nature in the equation

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

How will the planet cope with two billion more people in an increasingly urbanized and wealthy world? Is there a way to address the additional energy, water and food demand, whilst not degrading our ecosystems even further?

"Ripples on Water": A global water campaign

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Backed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the campaign, RipplesOnWater.org, will raise awareness about water issues, initially in Sri Lanka and will then be spread globally throughout 2012 and beyond.

"We need to shift from energy-climate to energy-water"

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The strong connexion between energy and water requires regular dialogue and the sharing of experiences and solutions. Now, their ever more interlinked future brings our two organisations together to tackle the world’s energy and water challenges.

Nexus approach highlighted

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

On 16 March 2012 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged governments to consider setting up a new global arrangement that integrates environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development, stressing the need to mobilize public support for an approach that guarantees the well-being of humanity while preserving the planet for future generations.

Germany launches NEXUS Resource Platform at 6th World Water Forum

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The Bonn2011 Nexus Conference website has been transformed into a web-based Resource Platform on the Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus and the Green Economy, and has been launched on 14 March at the 6th World Water Forum.

Bonn2011 in a Nutshell

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

"We have had so many food conferences, water conferences, energy conferences, probably we also had a few conferences on water and food, energy and water, but to bring these three sectors together, food, water and energy, is happening for the first time", says IFPRI's director Fan Shenggen.

"Minerals, the Resource Nexus and International Governance"

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The international community needs to pay more attention to the role of minerals and other critical, lesser-known resources as part of a comprehensive international resource strategy.

Water Diplomacy in Central Asia

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

At the opening of the conference "Water Diplomacy in Central Asia" on 7 March 2012 in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Westerwelle told high-ranking representatives from all five countries in the region and from Afghanistan that Germany "is keen to help the Central Asian states find viable solutions". The challenges are considerable. It is hoped that greater water and energy efficiency can be achieved through technical and economic innovation. "Fair and sensible distribution mechanisms" among the various forms of use – agriculture, energy and sanitation – had to be found, the German Foreign Minister stated.

World Resources Forum 2012 calls for papers on "Resources and Green Economy"

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

This first World Resources Forum outside of Switzerland will be held in the prestigious China National Convention Centre, next to the Olympic Stadium "Bird's Nest", from 21-23 October 2012, and is organised with the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It will be the first major conference about this subject after the upcoming Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which will be held in June this year (Rio+20).

Nexus at the World Water Forum 2012

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Water, energy and food security are key issues for the 21st century. They are basic human needs and strategic challenges for the future of our national economies. Development pressures on natural resources have grown to such an extent over the past 50 years that they are challenging the effectiveness of conventional planning and decision-making.

Bonn2011 Conference Synopsis

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

On November 16-18, 2011, more than 550 people gathered in Bonn, Germany, to explore a visionary method of achieving sustainability through a groundbreaking conference called “The Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus – Solutions for the Green Economy”.

Policy Recommendations from the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference finalised

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Bonn2011 considers that achieving water, energy and food security, and consequently reducing hunger and eradicating poverty, is a central future challenge that is possible even under difficult and challenging global economic conditions. The Policy Recommendations are the result of a broad participatory stakeholder process which started during the preparation for the conference and includes feedback from participants during and in the follow-up to the conference.

Reflections on the water, energy and food security nexus

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Joppe Cramwinckel of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) discusses the outcomes of the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference in the Guardian.

Messages from the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Bonn2011 has provided a first platform for consideration of the close interlinkages of water, energy and food security and the benefits of a nexus perspective in a multi-stakeholder process. The specific message from Bonn2011 have now been sent to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Berlin Water Dialogues 2012

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Berlin Water Dialogues 2012 will approach the reciprocal links of water resources and food security in conjunction with INTERNATIONAL GREEN WEEK and the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture.

The Nexus Café Video

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Nexus Café involved rotating discussion groups and provided the opportunity to bring in own perspectives and ideas. Participants discussed - in a flexible and collaborative format - the "hot" or "burning" issues already identified in the preparatory process of the conference. The outcomes and recommendations generated from each round table were then feed into the policy recommendations of the conference.

The Global Panel Video

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

One of the main overarching themes coming up from the Multistakeholder Dialogue is to look at the three Nexus securities from a human rights perspective. This perspective supports mechanisms to ensure that rights are attained and safeguarded and to develop the capacity of governments and others to meet their obligations; and rights holders to claim their rights.

The Water-Energy-Food Security Nexus: The Rivers Run Through It

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In late November I'll return to one of my favourite places: Ruaha National Park in Tanzania.

Not to be Overlooked: The Role of Mountains in the Water, Energy, Food Nexus

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Mountains provide numerous goods and services - fresh water, biodiversity, food, forest, medicinal products, and energy - for all of us. These services are becoming increasingly valuable to society, yet all are under threat as mountains and mountain people are undergoing rapid change due to globalization and climate change.

The Human Rights Perspective for a Nexus Approach

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

On Wednesday 16 Nov 2011 a Panel convened by Stakeholder Forum met to discuss the relationship between Human Rights-Based Approaches (RBAs) and the Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus.

Stakeholder Engagement for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The multistakeholder engagement process for the Bonn2011 Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus Conference aimed at providing a space for stakeholders to contribute to the conference’s outcomes, and ultimately to the recommendations being brought to the Rio+20 Summit by the German government.

"A Pioneering Effort"

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

"The Bonn2011 Nexus Conference was a pioneering effort to bring together a wide range of stakeholders to address the nexus of water, energy and food security. It addressed the linkages and trade-offs as well as the synergies between water, energy and food," say co-chairs Uschi Eid and Albert Butare.

"Solutions Are More Than Just a Dream"

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

"Is this all just a big dream?" facilitator Margaret Catley-Carlson asked panelists at Thursday’s Ministerial Plenary, "How to Make it Work," about addressing water, food and energy security challenges.

Bonn Launches Nexus Perspective

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

At the invitation of the German government, discussions got underway in Bonn today among high-level decision-makers and international experts seeking solutions to key global challenges. The three-day conference on the theme of "The Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus - Solutions for the Green Economy" was opened yesterday by German Development Minister Dirk Niebel and Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen.

Results of the Global Online Consultations

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

As part of the Multistakeholder Engagement Process for the Bonn2011 Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus Conference, Stakeholder Forum conducted a global survey to collect the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders. More than 400 responses were sent.

Water and Energy Entwined

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We don't often think about the connections between energy and water, but in modern society they are inextricably linked.

Public pre-event discusses the Water, Energy, Food Security Nexus

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Public pre-event at the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference will discuss the core ideas and main concepts of the Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus, and why an integrated, interlinked approach is ever more important to successfully address the challenges of balancing resource demand and supply in the coming decades.

Join the Nexus Café

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

This will be an innovative and lively discussion format. There will be 16 roundtables discussions on burning issues and case studies from around the world.

Live-Streaming of Global Panel from the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

On Wednesday 16th November at 10am CET/GMT+1, Stakeholder Forum along with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH will convene a live web session centred on how human rights based approaches (RBA) can contribute towards better development outcomes for water, energy and food security.

Water Auctions and Participatory Water Management

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Considering the obvious relationship between water, energy and food security, it has taken us remarkably long to express our resource challenge as a ‘nexus’ between the three.

Dominic Waughray: "It is a very timely conversation in a very timely conference"

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this video interview Mr. Waughray vividly describes the varied challenges in the water, energy and food security nexus. He emphasises conflicts of objectives related to solutions for energy bottlenecks in countries with dwindling water resources: Whether through increased cultivation of energy crops or through additional coal fired power plants, higher energy production can only be achieved at the expense of rising water consumption resulting in a lack of water for food production. Mr. Waughray considers the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference as a suitable forum for the development of policy recommendations to address these and other related challenges.

Felix Dodds: "This is a unique conference"

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this video interview Mr. Dodds describes three factors making the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference a unique event. In this context he emphasizes the successful role of the German Federal Government on several previous international conferences in Bonn focussing on the development of dialogue based creative solutions for complex challenges and moving them on to the global scale. Due to the cross sectoral nature of water and its prerequisite for economic activities Mr. Dodds considers the water issue as crucial for the Green Economy debate related to Rio plus 20. Therefore he concludes that without water there is no economy and there will be no Green Economy either.

GLOBAL IDEAS from all around the world

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

With TV reports and a comprehensive online platform Deutsche Welle focuses on the global struggle for sustainable access to energy, clean water and food. A struggle that becomes even more challenging in the presence of climate change.

Nexus Approach Must Be Applied to Consumption

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

"There will simply not be enough of certain resources, if current production and consumption patterns continue" Hoff told OOSKAnews via phone this week. "Any approach has to deal with resource use efficiency," he added.

Solving the Water, Energy and Food Security Puzzle

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

What are the most important initiatives that you would recommend to address the interconnections within the water, energy and food security nexus?

An African Perspective

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

As part of the stakeholder engagement process for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, a workshop held during the UNCSD African Regional Preparatory Meeting for Rio+20 at the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the 19th of October, represented a further attempt to address the linkages between water, energy and food security and the challenges for a multisectoral approach.

An Asia-Pacific Perspective

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Organizations from the Asia-Pacific Region contribute to the debate around water, energy and food security: The Regional Workshop held in Seoul on the 20th of October, organized as part of the stakeholder engagement process for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, aimed to address the linkages between water, energy and food security and the challenges for a multisectoral approach that guarantees long-term supply and equitable access to the three securities.

Results from the stakeholder workshop in Seoul

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Regional Workshop held in Seoul on the 20th of October, organized as part of the stakeholder engagement process for the Bonn2011 Conference, aimed to address the linkages between water, energy and food security and the challenges for a multisectoral approach that guarantees long-term supply and equitable access to the three securities.

"Understanding the Nexus"

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

This paper for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference presents initial evidence for how a nexus approach can enhance water, energy and food security in a green economy by increasing efficiency, reducing trade-offs, and building synergies across sectors. It also underpins the policy recommendations, which are detailed in a separate paper.

World Population Hits 7 Billion: Puts Strain on Water Resources

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

"Seven billion will clearly be a serious challenge," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was quoted as saying. "But depending on how we address this, in a comprehensive manner it can be both an opportunity and challenge."

Water and Energy: The New Kobayashi Maru?

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

It is expected that the global demand for energy will increase 30% by 2030. In regions that are experiencing rapid economic growth, the increasing demand for energy will be translated as an increase in demand for water.

Increased Collaboration Needed Across Water, Energy, Food Sectors

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

"As an added challenge, water, energy and food are intrinsically inter-related: a sustainable solution for one almost always has an impact on the others. Producing more food or energy, for example, requires more water - to irrigate crops, cool power plants, refine crude oil or cultivate biofuels. New water options such as desalination require more energy," he said in an article written for the Guardian newspaper.

Managing Water over Climate-relevant Timescales

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The unpredictability caused by unprecedented rates of climate change presents a further challenge to water, food, and energy security

Regional Perspectives in the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The priority questions presented by the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference Organizers were discussed during the GWP Consulting Partners Meeting in August 2011, attended by representatives from all 13 GWP Regions, and the Regional Steering Committee meetings in the following regions: Central and Eastern Europe (representatives of 13 countries), Southern Africa (representatives of 12 countries) and South East Asia (representatives of 9 countries). Views on existing processes and what further actions need to be undertaken to institutionalize an integrated approach were discussed in detail in the three regional meetings.

The City of Bonn - Towards sustainable development worldwide

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Their commitment is shared by a dense network of Bonn-based actors: six German federal ministries, 150 international and internationally active NGOs, scientific and academic institutions, development services, businesses, media and, of course, the City of Bonn itself. Climate change, desertification, biodiversity, early warning and international development are only a few of "Bonn’s topics". Bonn stands for networking and dialogue, along with interdisciplinary cooperation and unexpected synergies. The City has become an active partner in many processes.

Jim Leape: "we are currently living as if we had one and a half planets to support us"

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

In this video interview Mr. Leape states that today’s use of resources by far exceeds our planet's capacity to sustain us. In this context Mr. Leape explains why the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference is of major importance in the view of WWF.

The Nexus between Civil Society and Resource Security

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Ms. Elizabeth Thompson, Executive Coordinator for Rio+20 sat down with Stakeholder Forum's Jeannet Lingan to explain the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to sustainable development. In order to preserve and protect natural resources for current and future generations, civil society needs to take a nexus approach in addressing food, water and energy security. Leading up to the Bonn Conference, Ms. Thompson emphasises the role of NGOs, businesses and academics in ushering in a global green economy.

Animals in the Nexus

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Animal production requires large amounts of natural resources and has an important role in food security. It is one of the hotspots in the water, energy and food security nexus. But technological solutions solely aimed at increasing production per unit of input run the risk of missing the fact that animals are breathing, living, sentient creatures and that livestock is an important source of livelihoods for millions.

The Mabira Rainforest: Water, Energy and Food Security in Uganda

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Despite international outcry and a hard-fought battle by local communities and a host of NGOs to protect the area, 2011 has seen the Ugandan Government resurrect plans to convert much of this biologically diverse and integral natural resource into sugarcane plantations.

Three ways to improve water, energy and food security

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

By 2030, the world will need an estimated 40% more freshwater and 50% more food and energy. This accelerating demand is due in part to the world's rapidly expanding population but also to climate change, increasing urbanisation and growing prosperity – all of which have an impact on the availability and use of resources.

How can the Nexus Ensure Water Works for us all?

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

When did you last think about the many different ways water influences our lives? For me, a yearly reminder is the World Water Week conference in Stockholm, which gathers some of the most prominent scientists, thinkers and others interested in water issues.

UN Water Conference provides valuable feedback

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The conveners of the Bonn Conference presented five theses related to the water, energy and food security nexus in a side event at the UN Water conference "Water in the Green Economy in Practice: Towards Rio +20" in early October in Zaragoza, Spain.

Water Security: It's Time for More Actions at Field Level

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The historic Dublin Principles resulting from the International Conference on Water and the Environment (ICWE) in 1992 saw water for the first time officially recognized as a finite natural resource with intrinsic economic value.

Bai-Mass M. Taal: "It is important that the African voice is heard"

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

In this video interview Mr. Taal underscores the major importance of water in terms of growth and development. By using the example of a dam he illustrates how the three components of the water, energy and food security nexus interrelate to each other. In view of the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference Mr. Taal stresses the active role of Africa concerning the development of new mindsets by addressing integrated nexus solutions in the context of the Green Economy and simultaneously foster economical development and reduce poverty.

Recommendations for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference and beyond

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

For the third and last time before the Nexus Conference in November, the members of the German Advisory Group met at the Palais Schaumburg in Bonn. This time the talks focused mainly on the expected outcomes of the Conference and on further recommendations for policy and practice.

From the Centralized Past to a Resilient Future

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

When the World Commission on Dams reviewed the development effectiveness of dams, large multipurpose projects came up with the worst track record in terms of economic, social and environmental performance.

Public Health and Food Security in the Nexus

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Humankind has rarely been able to find a balance between adequate food production, allocation and consumption. Owing to the complex interplay of economic issues; growing populations and consumption patterns; energy re-allocation and natural resource depletion; and geopolitical instability, global food security is now a public health crisis.

"A matter of survival for the planet and humanity as a whole"

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

As a co-initiator of the ‘Berlin Water Dialogues’ discussion series and member of the German Advisory Group (DBK), Dieter Ernst talks in this interview about the exchanges between the Berlin Initiative and the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference within the framework of the recently initiated satellite discussions.

Satellite discussions begin

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The German Federal Government has launched a series of satellite discussions involving stakeholders at all levels of society who will draw up policy recommendations for achieving water, energy and food security.

A message to the Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus Conference in November 2011 in Bonn

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The Senate Department for Economics, Technology, and Women’s issues of Berlin has initiated the Berlin Water Dialogues as a platform for exchange of knowledge, experiences, and ideas between policy makers, private sector representatives, researchers, and non-governmental organizations. The focus of the discussions will primarily be on the interlinkages between the complexes water, food, and energy as well as on the increasingly multifaceted traditional and non-traditional drivers of change that affect all of them.

"How Energy Drains Water Supplies"

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

As a result of the fact that now more than 50 percent of the water withdrawn from rivers and lakes in the United States goes toward energy production, the New York Times states in a recently published article a changing awareness on water constraints in regards to energy production. Moreover, it stresses a trend towards cooling systems in power plants in which water-saving recycling technologies are applied. The article concludes that the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference "will look at the energy-water nexus and at how food, which requires large amounts of both, fits into the picture."

Results from the stakeholder workshop in Bonn

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

As part of the stakeholder engagement process, the Stakeholder Forum organized a workshop during the UN/DPI conference on September 3. It represented an opportunity for civil society organizations to contribute to the debate around water, energy and food security.

Sanitation and the Nexus

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Sanitation and wastewater treatment are closely interlinked with the given nexus approach of the conference. If the sanitation system is sustainable and productive (see also {www.susana.org}), the benefits not only for public health but for water, energy and food security are enormous. Sustainable and productive sanitation systems save water and energy, contribute to renewable energy security (biogas), and contribute to food security through decentralised and cost-efficient provision of fertiliser, soil conditioner or nutrient rich irrigation water.

Preparing the way for Bonn

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The focus of the last of three ISC meetings in preparation for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference was on linking the conference content with global policy processes. Besides the current status of the Bonn preparations, another key point for discussion at the two-day meeting was the possible conference results.

Your participation is important!

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

As part of a consultation process towards the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference we invite you to participate in our stakeholders’ survey. Your contribution will provide input into the "Bonn2011 Conference: The Water Energy and Food Security Nexus - Solutions for the Green Economy" to be held from 16 to 18 November 2011; and into the Rio+20 discussions on Green Economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development. The survey will be running until October 15. Your participation is important!

Are you Nexussed?

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

This November, the Bonn2011 Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus Conference is tipped to be one of the most important issues-focussed meetings in the lead up to the {http://www.earthsummit2012.org/|UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, commonly known as Earth Summit 2012 or Rio+20}. As many of you will know, Rio is going to focus on {http://www.earthsummit2012.org/beta/objectives-and-themes|two core themes}: the Green Economy in the context of poverty eradication and Institutional Frameworks for Sustainable Development Governance.

Margaret Catley-Carlson: "Conferences like this one are a way to start talking about the future that we need to create"

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

In this video interview Mrs. Catley-Carlson states the end of the golden age of inexhaustible water resources as a consequence of global population growth. By using the image of a triangle, Mrs. Catley-Carlson illustrates the increasing interconnections within the water, energy and food security nexus. Moreover, Mrs. Catley-Carlson underscores that any progress of the society based on growth creates new problems which can be jointly solved by international conferences like the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference. In the context of Green Economy Mrs. Catley-Carlson advocates that concepts for water and energy efficiency should be taken more into account, such as the reuse of treated wastewater in buildings or the improved availability of public transport systems in cities.

Food vs. Fuel: Current Research and Policy Implications

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Over the same period, food prices have risen steadily, after having been generally stable or dropping for most of the previous half century. This current trend is cause for concern, especially when high prices lead to reduced food security for vulnerable populations. Increased demand for biofuels - driven in large part by government mandates - has come under fire as a potentially important driver of elevated food prices.

World Water Week in Stockholm ends with a statement for "Rio+20"

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The annual World Water Week in Stockholm is the leading international forum on the theme of water and development. Within the scope of this year’s event from 21 through to 27 August, Germany's Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) organised a one-day seminar together with UN Water and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) under the motto "Water in a Green Economy". In addition to intensive exchanges of views, experiences and practices with international partners of the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, the forum ended by drawing up the Stockholm Statement to the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro (Rio+20 Summit).

Stakeholder Section established

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The Bonn2011 Nexus Conference offers a unique opportunity for multi-stakeholder inputs into the development of integrated solutions for a green economy, addressing connections within the water, energy and food security nexus.

A stakeholder workshop on the Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200

At the 64th Annual United Nations Department for Public Information (UN DPI)/NGO Conference, Sustainable Societies - Responsive Citizens, 3-5th September, a workshop will be held on the Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus providing stakeholders with an opportunity to input into the preparatory process of the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference.

Tariq Banuri: "...this is the time to bring everything together"

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200

In this video interview, Mr. Banuri compares the functional interaction between different systems within the human body to the complex interconnections in the water, energy and food security nexus. In this context Mr. Banuri illustrates the far-reaching consequences of energy shortages in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of health effects and infant mortality. In view of the upcoming earth summit for sustainable development (Rio+20), Mr. Banuri expects a substantial political statement comparable with the United Nations Millennium Declaration. In addition, he is convinced that the outputs and recommendations of the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, which will be developed by a large multi-stakeholder effort, will form a vital contribution to Rio+20.

David F. Hales: "The sectoral approach is inherently limited"

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200

In this interview, Mr. Hales criticises the gap between existing interrelations in the Water, Energy and Food security Nexus and the decision structures in companies and governments, which are usually based on isolated and sectoral decision making processes. As an example he mentions the buying up of water rights by US energy companies. Mr. Hales touches on his personal motivation for supporting the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, which is not only in the professional context as a scientist, but also as a grandfather wanting to leave his grandchildren a better world.

Reciprocal added value

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200

As a competence centre for the global topics of the future, the location will be further positioned in the international sustainability debate, and its international competitiveness will be enhanced. A series of pioneering conference formats and innovative dialogue techniques will enable new options for action for politics and the private sector to be formulated. All these are symbolised by the new brand "Bonn Perspectives - A fresh look at sustainability’". The first milestone in the initiative is the Federal Government's international "Bonn 2011 Conference: The Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus - Solutions for the Green Economy" in November 2011.

Moving from silo to nexus

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The second meeting of the German Advisory Group took place at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and was attended by experts from politics, the private sector, the research community and civil society. They reaffirmed the thematic focus of the Bonn2011 Conference and discussed the next steps in the run-up to the event in November. Other topics of discussion included the underlying concept, the timeframe and issues relating to the participants and the agenda.

The Nexus in a nutshell

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200

What is the Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus and what does the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference stand for? In this short film, members of the International Steering Committee (ISC) provide an overview on the complex challenges within the Nexus covering important issues such as the overuse and distribution of natural resources on a global level. Moreover, the experts state their expectations towards the outcomes of the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference and underscore that the nexus perspective of the conference is crucial for the international Green Economy debate. Due to the fact that the international experts of the ISC are representatives from the spheres of science, politics, civil society and private sector, the various topics of the conference are being addressed from a number of angles.

The German Advisory Group

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The German Advisory Group consists of 14 experts from the fields of science, policymaking and practice. The advisory group has the task of advising the federal government on all technical, political and institutional questions that arise in the preparatory process. It aims to ensure that the expertise available in Germany flows into the preparatory process. The German Advisory Group will meet three times in the run-up to the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference.

Daniel Bena: "...by addressing water, energy and food security together, the impact is much more synergistic"

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200

In the below video-interview, Mr. Bena states the critical significance of water as a linking element within the water, energy and food security nexus. Concerning the Indian agriculture he gives an example on how the overuse of water resources can cause significant increase of energy usage. In addition to that, Mr. Bena points out that on a global level, multinational entities such as PepsiCo have an important influence on the nexus. Finally Mr. Bena states that by developing nexus solutions existing approaches from real life should be taken into account.

Maryam Rahmanian: "...such a decision would be to the benefit of all of humanity"

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Mrs. Rahmanian cites the production of biofuels as a topical example for the interdependences within the water, energy and food security nexus where trade offs can be to the benefit of some countries or sectors and to the harm of others. Concerning the issue of "land grabbing" Mrs. Rahmanian states that new challenges in allocating water resources require a decision about the responsibilities on a global level.

Tony Allan: "The tension between sustainability and intensification captures totally what this meeting is about"

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Mr. Allan states improved productivity in agriculture and he sees further potential concerning a more effective use of water resources by changing consumption patterns and ending wastage in food production. Professor Allan applies his approach of virtual water for the production of biofuel and he states at the same time that new approaches need to be conceptualized for the challenges within the Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus.

The International Steering Committee (ISC)

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The International Steering Committee consists of high-ranking personalities from the relevant sectors of politics, civil society and the private sector. The Steering Committee will advise the government in technical, political and institutional questions concerning the preparation and implementation of the conference. It will meet three times in the run-up to the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference.

Uschi Eid: "...water has never been recognised in its importance for economical development and poverty reduction"

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0200

In this interview Mrs. Eid points out that an isolated discussion of challenges in the water sector does not lead to sustainable solutions within the nexus of water, energy and food security. In the preparatory process for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, Mrs. Eid sees the possibility to give water its real importance for economical development and poverty reduction.

Albert Butare: "...we have tons of soil running away"

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Mr. Butare gives an example on how the energy, water and food sector in Rwanda and Africa is interlinked and how the private sector can contribute to new approaches for the challenges within the three sectors.

"Water is the most important issue for the medium term"

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0200

In an interview with the German weekly, DIE ZEIT, the internationally respected food and resources expert Joachim von Braun has called for an expansion of agricultural productivity as a response to the worldwide shortages of agricultural land and water. Von Braun believes that, in today's age of population growth and climate change, solutions to global hunger can be found in the use of cutting-edge technologies, and in the innovative powers of smallholder farmers.

Second meeting of the International Steering Committee in Bonn

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0200

From 30 to 31 March, 40 high-ranking experts from the water, energy and food sectors took part in the second meeting of the International Steering Committee in preparation for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference. In addition to a more detailed definition of the conference content, discussions focused on private industry's view of the connection between water, energy and food security.

The Bonn 2011 Process

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The development of a global strategy on sustainable water, energy and food security is a central aspect of Germany's contribution to the upcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development, scheduled for 2012 in Rio de Janeiro. The German Federal Government has opted for a participatory approach: Two bodies of experts, along with representatives from the politics, business and civil society, will be engaged in a consultation process known as the Bonn 2011 Process, which culminates next November in an international conference on the topic of water, energy and food security in Bonn.

Experts discuss tomorrow's global challenges

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

With the first meetings of two bodies of experts in Bonn, preparations have kicked off for the international conference on sustainable water, energy and food security. The Bonn conference is planned for 16-18 November 2011. A dialogue between experts from the fields of politics, business and civil society is to produce recommendations concerning the future distribution of scare water resources.

Water in the green economy

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The "green economy" concept opens a new perspective on the role of sustainable water management. It centres on the interdependency of the water, agriculture and energy sectors and therefore seeks common solutions.

Bonn - from German capital to UN City

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

As the capital city from 1948 to 1991, Bonn was highly influential in the development of the Federal Republic of Germany. The parliament has since moved away, but Bonn has successfully repositioned itself as a UN and conference city.