SIGMA Nexus project has participated in the Dresden Nexus Conference (DNC) 2022 with two presentions. DNC 2022 was held online from May 23rd till 25th and focused on strengthening biodiversity with other challenges in society (e.g., climate change, urban and regional development, agri-food and forest systems and circular economy) using the Nexus framework.
The two SIGMA Nexus participations were:
1. Developing WEFE Nexus composite indicator for European countries using open data sources
(Olha Halytsia, Maria Vrachioli, Johannes Sauer)
Quantifying the complex interconnections among water, energy, food, and environment (WEFE) can provide a comprehensive overview of natural resource-related pressures and ways to reach their sustainable use. At the national level, such quantitative assessment can be done for resource-intensive crop production based on FADN and Eurostat data through the calculation of a WEFE Nexus composite indicator.
2. Recognizing and responding to WEFE Nexus complexities using qualitative methodologies in Nexus research designs - The case of Apokoronas, Crete.
(Canessa C., Vavvos A., Triliva S., Kafkalas I., Vrachioli M., Sauer J.)
Our research presents an interdisciplinarily derived methodological framework to integrate the perspective of practitioners, experts and local stakeholders on the WEFE Nexus by applying the Delphi and Focus Group methodologies. The application of an interdisciplinary framework based on two methodological approaches to the case study of Apokoronas in Crete allowed us to explore the understanding of the Nexus at the local level and identify initiatives for more integrated resource management. The triangulation of results captured the differences in priorities between practitioners, experts and the local communities.