Research Article // WEF-CAP Policy Brief No 2: Opportunities for an Integrated Water-Energy-Food Nexus approach in the MENA region: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon & Tunisia

Executive Summary

Through integrated management and governance, the Water-Energy-Food Nexus (WEFN) approach has the potential to improve resource use efficiency while decreasing pressures on the environment and natural resources. However, few, if any, countries in the South Mediterranean region have made progress in adopting such an approach, which is urgently needed, given the serious challenges they face. This policy brief examines the interlinkages between the water, energy and food/agriculture sectors in selected South Med countries namely, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia, as well as the main environmental challenges these countries face. The brief calls for the adoption of the WEFN approach which will bring significant benefits for the region in its pursuit of attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mandates of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement. Improving and strengthening governance and institutional structures in the region will enable more effective and integrated resource management. This requires examining existing national institutional arrangements for better understanding of the weaknesses that obstruct the implementation of the WEFN approach in each country of the southern Mediterranean. A transition to “resource-efficient” economies where societies value water, energy and food resources and their efficient management through the WEFN approach and participate in decision-making processes is evidently crucial.

This brief first presents an overview of the Water-Energy-Food Challenges in the South Mediterranean region, then examines the challenges and opportunities for the adoption of an Integrated WEFN approach in the 4 studied countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia) to provide some insights on the enterprise of future nexus projects in the region and for integrated governance. The brief finally provides evidence-based recommendations on ways to move forward and adopt the WEFN approach.

Structure

1. Introduction
2. Water-Energy-Food Challenges in the South Med region
3. Challenges and opportunities for a MENA WEF Nexus approach

3.1. EGYPT

3.2. JORDAN

3.3. LEBANON

3.4. TUNISIA

1. Conclusion et recommandations

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• WEF-CAP Policy Brief No 2: Opportunities for an Integrated Water-Energy-Food Nexus approach in the MENA region: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon & Tunisia

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Copyright notice: Copyright © WEF-CAP.

WEF-CAP (THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND CAPITALIZATION OF WATER ENERGY FOOD NEXUS) is a project part of the ENI CBC MED Programme supported by the European Union through the Grant Agreement nº C_A.2.1_0069 running from 1^st of September 2021 to 31^th of August 2023.

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Related Resources

• Research Article // WEF-CAP White Paper No. 1: Towards the Adoption of an Integrated Water-Energy-Food Nexus approach in Jordan: Challenges & Opportunities
• Research Article // WEF-CAP White Paper No 2: Technology, Research and Development and Innovation: Towards the adoption of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Egypt