event 04 Oct 2018

Water Convention // Synthesis Document on Assesssing the Water-Food-Energy-Ecosystems Nexus in Transboundary Basins

This synthesis report by the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) has three objectives: 1. Complete the documentation about the use of the methodology; 2. Promote the application of the methodology; 3. Foster up action to the Nexus Assessments.

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https://unsplash.com/photos/BO8K27h5lNc (C) Kaiser François / Unsplash

There are an increasing number of partners which have a role in the Nexus Assessment and its methodology. It is time to summarize the latest developments on the methodology, combined with experiences from its application. Thus, this document compiles all relevant aspects of the methodology and offers all past developments in a comprehensive format. References to details are given for those interested readers who aim to apply the methodology.

The report further summarizes the experiences that are relevant for organisations involved in transboundary resources management. While the Nexus Assessments can be considered as scoping level, which revealed many lessons learned and nexus solutions, governments now need to further analyse the situation, develop policy and continue to cooperate. This document aims to assist countries in addressing meaningful next steps.

The main target audiences of this synthesis report are:

  1. Sectoral authorities of riparian countries within a process of transboundary cooperation;
  2. Regional organizations and joint bodies;
  3. International organisations which are supporting development and cooperation;
  4. Bilateral development partners.

The synthesis document is structured in four main parts.

  • Chapter 2 provides insight into how the nexus has emerged and why it is important for the different sectors and for transboundary cooperation.
  • Chapter 3 focuses on the Nexus Assessment methodology and its specific parts. It also gives a brief overview of the Nexus Assessments that have been carried out under the Water Convention.
  • Chapter 4 describes the lessons that have been learned in the past years of working with the Nexus under the Water Convention. It describes what is important when such a process is designed, which synergies this can have with other, similar, processes and why the engagement of other sectors is so important. Limitations and recommendations on how Nexus Assessments can be improved are also given.
  • Chapter 5 summarizes the manifold solutions that have been developed over the years with the aim to inspire countries and sectors to discuss implementing them.

Download

UNECE website

Published

September 2018

By

Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention)

The Water Convention aims to ensure the sustainable use of transboundary water resources by facilitating cooperation.

The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996. Almost all countries sharing transboundary waters in the region of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) are Parties to the Convention.

The Water Convention strengthens transboundary water cooperation and measures for the ecologically-sound management and protection of transboundary surface waters and groundwaters. The Convention fosters the implementation of integrated water resources management, in particular the basin approach. The Convention’s implementation contributes to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and other international commitments on water, environment and sustainable development.

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