Summary
How can businesses create value across the food value chain while enhancing water security and biodiversity and how finance is a key enabler. We will learn from various nexus approaches e.g. ADB’s new WBF programmes, Kenya's Trust2Impact agroforestry initiative, GWP’s WEFE programme and WE4F in the MENA region and identify strategies to scale sustainable water-biodiversity-food solutions in agriculture.
Session Description
With the session we would like to create understanding what Water-Biodiversity-Food and Energy nexus approaches entail, and how systemic change can be derived to integrate these elements as core conditions for balanced food systems and support policy and investment decision-making about water allocation in production areas. We will touch upon how trust building among stakeholders and a thorough system analysis are prerequisites for a real nexus approach. Furthermore, how the WBFE-nexus contributes to climate adaptation and mitigation by linking critical elements, water management, ecosystem health, and food production, in ways that build resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The session will start with an introduction to the topic by 4 interesting stories from the field as inspiration and engages the audience via an interactive mapping exercise, group discussion, breakout-groups, pitches and communal action agenda for value-creation.
Programme
1. Welcome by Eva Schreuder head of IGG (Inclusive Green Growth)- Ministry of Foreign Affairs NL- setting the scene for workshop ( 5 min)
2. Start with 4 stories (5 minutes each; 20 min total):
-Why is the water-biodiversity-food (WBF) nexus important for value chains? How can businesses create value by integrating sustainable water and biodiversity practices?
-Trust2Impact- Ed Vermeulen- WBF nexus story from food forestry Kenya
-GWP-Laurent-Charles Tremblay-Lévesque main outcomes of WEFE4Med Mediterranean programme
-Berytech - Nicolas Farhat Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) story Lebanon
-ADB-Tanya Huizer-Development of new programmes within ADB around WEFB nexus
3. Mapping the Value Chain – Challenges & Opportunities (30 min)
-Interactive Exercise (15 min): Participants map key sustainability challenges at different value-chain stages:
· Production: Water-efficient, groundwater management, biodiversity-positive farming.
· Processing & Distribution: Reducing water footprint, reducing food waste loss.
· Retail & Consumers: due diligence, reporting, sustainable certifications, responsible sourcing.
· Waste & Circularity: Circular water use, nutrient cycling.
-Group Discussion (15 min):
· Where are the biggest risks and opportunities for value creation?
· What role do companies, farmers, and policymakers play in solutions?
3. Co-Creating Solutions – Interactive Challenge (30 min)
-Breakout Groups (20 min): Each group represents a key stakeholder in the value chain and develops solutions based on the case studies:
· Farmers & Producers: How can agroforestry and water stewardship improve farm resilience?
· Retail & Consumers: How can supply chain transparency and eco-labeling create market demand?
· Policymakers & NGOs: What incentives and policies are needed to foster sustainable sourcing practices and enhance durable farming practices?
· Investors & Business Leaders: How can incentives and policies close the gap between meeting international food demand and (negative) impact on the ground in production areas?
-Solution Pitch (10 min): Groups present their business or policy solutions.
4. Closing reflections (5 min)
· Value-Creation Roadmap: participants identify practical actions they can take in their roles.
Files
Convenors
Asian Development Bank
Dutch Government
Partners for Water
Trust2Impact
Berytech
GWP