SIGMA Nexus’ Coordinator Maria Vrachioli represented the SIGMA Nexus project at a recent Nexus Cluster Workshop entitled ‘Advancing the Nexus for Science and Policy’ hosted by the Nexus Project Cluster on November 23rd, 2021. The Nexus Project Cluster unites research initiatives working on the Nexus to increase the awareness and communication of the Nexus and disseminate their research findings.
Together with other 5 Nexus European projects (GoNEXUS, REXUS, NEXOGENESIS, PHEMAC and AWESOME), SIGMA Nexus provided the current state of research and innovation within the WEFE Nexus framework. SIGMA Nexus’ goal is to determine the obstacles to successful implementation of water governance and propose solutions to overcome these obstacles by breaking disciplinary silos. In addition, this project will develop novel Nexus approaches (comprehensive ecological-agricultural-economic simulation model enhanced with hydrological information) and tools (WEcoF digital innovation platform). To create this framework, SIGMA Nexus uses a set of case studies and scenarios in the Mediterranean region. Following this process, SGMA Nexus will develop a WEcoF digital innovation portal that promotes the co-design of Nexus initiatives and acts as a capacity-building tool.
Later sessions discussed the importance of recovery and resilience plans and innovation’s crucial role in the future of the Nexus. The workshop closed with a session detailing the Nexus regional dialogues programme, which is aimed at mainstreaming and institutionalizing the WEFE Nexus approach in the Middle East and North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South Africa and Central Asia. More details can be found in the workshop’s agenda.
SIGMA Nexus is pleased to be part of the Nexus Project Cluster and looks forward to collaborating with the other Nexus projects in the near future. Also, the SIGMA Nexus coordinator is member of the Nexus Project Cluster Steering Committee.