Research Article // Resource Nexus for decision-making: an industry community synergistic approach for textile wastewater management
By Gomes et al. This study applies a WEEF Nexus approach to show that inadequate textile wastewater management and weak regulatory oversight in Bangladesh threaten water, energy, food, and ecosystem sustainability, highlighting the need for collaborative industry–community decision-making.
Abstract
Although the textile industry is crucial to economic development, it is asignificant polluter of global water sources through its wastewaterdischarge, which endangers aquatic ecosystems and neighboringcommunities. This study focuses on stakeholder perceptions fromfarming and fishing communities related to wastewater management inthe Bangladesh textile industry. Using focus group discussions withstakeholders that focused on sustainability values and a Resource Nexusframing, the results emphasise the adverse effects of textile wastewateron neighbouring communities, spanning agriculture, livestock, andecological resources.
The findings also underscore a significant need for collaboration between the textile industry and neighbouring communities, emphasising the ongoing obligation of governance resources, such as monitoring, regulations, and proactive measures and advocates for engaging different stakeholders in the formulation ofrobust policies, stringent regulations, and concerted efforts acrossindustry, government, and communities to deliver improved governmental monitoring, enforcement of regulations and transparency in wastewater management practices in the textile industry of Bangladesh.
The study suggests that a Water-Energy-Ecosystems-Food (WEEF) Resource Nexus approach can enhance decision-making,promoting sustainable energy infrastructure, encourage increasedtreated wastewater reuse, and facilitate effective management forenvironmental resilience and socio-ecological systems sustainability.This study contributes valuable insights elicited from a WEEF Resource Nexus approach, offering guidance for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers in the textile industry and beyond, aidingin the understanding of resilient industry-community ecosystems.
Published
25 September 2024