Summary

A WEF Nexus Approach in the Arab region, and focus countries, can provide great benefits. Adopting such an approach will guarantee achieving the sustainable development goals, whereby the interdependency among water, food, and energy in the focus countries are strongly and closely interlinked. These countries are all part of the Arab region, this region is considered to be one of the most vulnerable regions in the world, and is highly affected by climate change. The policy landscape from the water-energy-food framework is complex and fragmented, where these sectors are usually viewed independently of each other. Water, energy, and food security are vital concepts when considering the sustainability in the future of the Arab world. Due to the adoption of certain policies, the focus countries have been able to tackle the nexus challenge, and set a tone to the sustainable development of the region in the years to come. National and regional efforts to address many environmental issues have presented an extraordinary opportunity for a needed institutional reform in order to mainstream the nexus thinking in policy development and implementation. In order to achieve effective resource management, the institutional framework governing the elements of the WEF nexus need to be strengthened. Some countries presented different models of integrated institutions, however the interlinking of their priorities still needs support, as many institutions governing these sectors are fragmented because of the existence of multiple and overlapping jurisdictions. The institutional framework that governs the elements of the WEF nexus in these countries is mainly fragmented which delays the comprehensive and inclusive management of these interlinked priorities. Which consequently led to a sectoral approach to policy planning, rather than an interlinked one. The fragmentation also arises from within the sector itself, where more than one authority is responsible of governance. For example, in Jordan, one ministry controls allocation of water, while another controls irrigation water use. Hence, good environmental governance can be achieved if there is equality and equity presented in policy and strategy formulation. Tapping into the Nexus Approach confirms several opportunities to increasing awareness in policy making and piloting research projects and small-scale projects. The ultimate aim is to have institutions that are able to mainstream and reflect the WEF Nexus Approach in policies in Arab countries in light of the mandate and targets of both the SDGs. This is important because it guarantees that no rising resource insecurities delay their sustainable development path. When adopting and implementing an “integrated nexus approach”, coordination and collaboration mechanisms are vital mechanisms.