The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) approach is gaining increasing recognition, particularly for its importance in managing drought risks. At the grassroots level, various WEFE-based solutions have emerged, including agro-photovoltaics, biogas production, small-scale water conservation efforts, and solar desalination. The multiple co-benefits of the WEFE Nexus have led to its adoption in national policies across countries like Egypt, Italy, Spain, and Tunisia, while also gaining traction from the European Union and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).
To launch the webinar, Mr. Frédéric de Dinechin, Policy Advisor at the UfM, will present the draft "Strategy for the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus in the Mediterranean Source to Sea Continuum."Following the keynote, two expert speakers will showcase Mediterranean-based examples of applying the WEFE approach to enhance drought management:
- (1) Mr. Manuel Sapiano, CEO of the Energy and Water Agency, Malta, will explore the integration of WEFE principles into policy and institutional frameworks.
- (2) Professor Nikolaos Nikolaidis from the Technical University of Crete will introduce the Ecofuture strategic plan, designed to combat desertification in Jordan and Palestine through WEFE-based interventions.
Our expert speakers will offer insights into water scarcity and drought challenges in their respective regions, the practical implementation of WEFE solutions, and how these efforts are improving drought resilience. They will also discuss the potential for scaling and replicating these innovations in other regions.
This webinar is jointly organized by the North Mediterranean Community of Learning and Practice on Drought Management, represented by Ms. Birguy Lamizana, Chief of Global Policy, Advocacy and Regional Cooperation, UNCCD and the WEFE4MED Community of Practice, represented by Ms. Ioanna Antoniades, Senior Research Management and Support Officer, CyI.