Nexus Dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean // Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the Introduction to the WEF Nexus in Latin America and the Caribbean

The second edition of the virtual course "Introduction to the Water, Energy, and Food Nexus in Latin America and the Caribbean" concluded its successful run (May to June 2023). This insightful and informative online course, organised by the GIZ Nexus Regional Dialogues (NRD) Programme and funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, attracted 30 participants from different regions and sectors.

Diverse Perspectives: Academia, Institutions and Private Sector Unite

The virtual course, conducted entirely in Spanish, brought together 30 enthusiastic participants from Latin America and Europe, representing academia, public institutions, the private sector, and international organisations.

Under the expert guidance of Antonio Levy, Nexus Regional Coordinator of the Nexus Dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the course aimed to provide theoretical and conceptual background to understand the interrelationships between water, energy, and food (WEF) security in Latin America and the Caribbean, the contribution of the Nexus approach to managing these interrelationships, and thus to discuss this in depth together with all participants.

Interactive learning

The course was launched in a hybrid model on the e-learning platform Atingi. It encompassed ten self-directed audio-visual modules, three interactive virtual live seminars, and two dynamic online discussion forums. These modules gave participants strong theoretical and conceptual foundations, while the exercises and self-assessment questions enriched their learning experience.

One of the highlights of the virtual live seminars was the presentation of real-world WEF Nexus case studies by esteemed guest speakers supplemented by contributions from the participants. The case studies shed light on practical on-farm solutions, including solar-cocoa dryers, a cutting-edge machine learning-driven platform to optimise water and energy usage for medium-sized farmers, and innovative projects to rehabilitate wastewater treatment plants and enhance drinking water supply for irrigation and agricultural production.

The participants complimented the course content, expressing appreciation for its accessibility, innovation, and exciting approach to the subject matter. Many noted that the course was easy to follow, making it a valuable learning experience for individuals from different backgrounds and expertise.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

By fostering an environment of knowledge exchange, collaboration and networking, the virtual course on the WEF Nexus in Latin America and the Caribbean has made significant steps in promoting sustainable practices within the region. With increasing resource management and climate change challenges, this course stands as a beacon of hope by training participants to become WEF Nexus Ambassadors who drive positive change in their respective fields.

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