Overcoming Challenges in the Food-Energy-Water Nexus

Challenges in the food-energy-water nexus “cannot be managed effectively without cross-sectoral integration” (Rasul 2014: 35) but can be addressed through regional coordination, improving ecosystem management and conservation, managing resource demand, building an nexus knowledge base, and working with local communities.

By reinforcing regional cooperation, especially between upstream and downstream communities in environments such as the Himalayas, synergies can be maximised and trade-offs minimized (Rasul 2014: 45).

Given the crucial role of ecosystems and the natural environment in supplying food, water, and energy, these systems must be protected and their use carefully considered. When developing infrastructure projects within fragile natural environments, the potential consequences of such development must be analysed from standpoints including ecological, environmental, and societal perspectives (Rasul 2014: 45). Feasibility studies must be conducted to highlight suitable project sites and exclude vulnerable areas (Rasul 2014: 45).

Controlling the demand for water and energy, exerted by law or by efficiency-linked incentives, eases pressure on strained resources (Rasul 2014: 45).

Greater knowledge and understanding of food-energy-water dynamics, and likely trade-offs and synergies, can be supported by building an integrated nexus knowledge base (Rasul 2014: 45).

Local communities should be offered viable options to reduce negative impacts on ecosystems and be incentivized to use ecosystem services sustainably (Rasul 2014: 45).

(209 words)

References:

Rasul, G. (2014). ‘Food, water, and energy security in South Asia: A nexus perspective from the Hindu Kush Himalayan region’. Environmental Science & Policy 39 2014, pp.35–48.