Project Deliverable // Climate Adaptation and Resilience Demonstrated in the Mediterranean Region (CARDIMED)
CARDIMED's WEFE Nexus Framework presents a structured methodology for assessing how Nature-based Solutions (NBS) interact with water, energy, food and farming, and ecosystems across different demonstration contexts. By combining participatory system mapping, quantitative assessment and digital decision support, the framework helps identify synergies, trade-offs and wider system impacts of NBS.
About CARDIMED
The CARDIMED project aims to strengthen climate resilience across the Mediterranean by developing and implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS) tailored to different environmental and socio-economic contexts. Its demonstration activities include 34 different types of NBS addressing challenges such as increasing temperatures, water scarcity and biodiversity loss while promoting greater circularity.
A central element of CARDIMED is the use of holistic modelling tools based on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach. By considering the interdependencies between these sectors, the project seeks to better understand the wider impacts of NBS and maximise potential synergies while identifying and reducing possible trade-offs.
The project is funded by the European Union and part of the EU Missions - Adaptation to Climate Change.
About the project deliverable
This project deliverable introduces the theoretical WEFE Nexus framework developed within CARDIMED for evaluating Nature-based Solutions across the project's demonstration activities. The framework follows a stepwise methodology that begins with a qualitative analysis of relationships between water, energy, food and farming, and ecosystems. Participatory causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are used to map interactions, feedback loops and system dynamics while incorporating stakeholder knowledge, local conditions and contextual factors.
Because individual demonstrations differ in their objectives, settings and relevant WEFE components, the framework is designed to be adaptable. Demonstrations are considered within urban, peri-urban, rural and remote or wilderness contexts, allowing the assessment to reflect different environmental and socio-economic conditions.
The qualitative system mapping provides the basis for subsequent quantitative assessments of nexus interactions. These can include factors such as water and energy consumption, alternative water production, nutrient cycles and ecosystem service provision. The resulting information can contribute to environmental, economic and social assessments of sustainability and circularity.
Further Information
Please find further information about the CARDIMED project and its activities here.
Download
The full CARDIMED Framework of the WEFE Nexus deliverable can be downloaded here.