About the Nexus Community of Practice (NCoP)
The Mediterranean Challenge
The Mediterranean region faces several interconnected challenges that threaten its environmental sustainability, economic stability, and socio-political well-being.
Among these:
• Water Scarcity - Over-extraction and rising temperatures strain resources for ecosystems and people.
• Energy Demands - Growing urban and industrial needs create resource pressures and potential conflicts.
• Food Security - Extreme weather and water strain disrupt farming, threatening food production and affecting agricultural sustainability.
• Ecosystem Degradation - Biodiversity loss and land degradation weaken ecosystems and increase climate risks.
Addressing these complex challenges requires integrated strategies that optimize resource use while maintaining ecological balance. The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach fosters synergies and minimizes trade-offs between socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.
What is the WEFE4MED Nexus Community of Practice (NCoP)?
The WEFE4MED NCoP aims to foster the adoption of integrated WEFE Nexus approaches in the Mediterranean region. Committed to co-creating an inclusive, diverse and participatory platform for collaborative work, the Med NCoP connects scientists, policymakers, practitioners, entrepreneurs and innovators to exchange knowledge and drive innovation in WEFE solutions, with emphasis on tangibles for the benefit of all people and countries across the Mediterranean.
Specific objectives of the WEFE4MED NCoP include:
• Facilitating the identification, testing, dissemination, and replication of WEFE Nexus solutions in the Mediterranean.
• Showcasing the advantages of the WEFE Nexus approach to policymakers and stakeholders through specific demonstration cases.
• Promoting the deployment of regional demonstration sites as laboratories for replication, upscaling, and policy design.
What Do We Do Together?
Our activities are designed to promote co-learning and experience-sharing among members. Key activities include:
• Knowledge Hub and Demonstrators: Our online portal is a space where members can interact, share resources, and access information on events, conferences, and funding opportunities. It also hosts a library of WEFE demonstrators, showcasing specific solutions being implemented and tested across Mediterranean countries.
• Annual NCoP Meetings: Annual in-person gatherings where members exchange insights on WEFE Nexus trends and research. Activities include poster fairs and capacity-building sessions to facilitate the sharing of experiences and lessons learned.
• Twinning, Exchange & Site Visit Program: Demonstration project leaders connect through site visits to exchange experiences and expertise on real-world WEFE solutions.
• Mentoring Program: Early-career professionals and students engage with experienced researchers through online and in-person interaction, fostering the next generation of WEFE experts.
• Dissemination Program & Webinars: Regular virtual events on key WEFE topics, such as gender integration, business models, and drought management strategies.
• Advocacy Campaigns & Policy Briefs: We develop policy briefs to guide decision-makers in scaling WEFE solutions and establishing supportive legal frameworks in Mediterranean countries.
Who Can Join?
Our community is open to professionals from diverse fields and anyone interested in advancing the WEFE Nexus in the Mediterranean.
This includes:
• Researchers & Scientists working on water, energy, food and ecosystems.
• Policy Makers & Government Representatives seeking sustainable development strategies.
• Practitioners & Innovators implementing WEFE projects and driving impact.
• Entrepreneurs & Innovators, Civil society & Media exploring WEFE solutions and sustainable innovations.
Why Join?
By joining the WEFE4MED NCoP, members:
• Gain Visibility & Recognition – Showcase their projects, contributions, and publications within a dynamic community.
• Access Knowledge & Resources – Obtain research papers, policy documents, and educational materials.
• Enhance Capacity & Growth – Benefit from tailored internships, training sessions, and mentoring programs.
• Engage in Networking & Collaboration – Participate in annual meetings, site visits, and exchange programs.
• Influence Policy & Advocate – Contribute to shaping policis and promoting the WEFE Nexus approach.
Together, we can drive positive change for a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Mediterranean.