Dr. Marwan Al Raggad
alraggadmarwan@gmail.com
Executive Director, INWRDAM
INWRDAM
Dec 2020
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White Paper: Mainstreaming Water, Energy, and Food in National and Municipal Policies in Selected Countries in the MENA Region
Dr. Marwan Al Raggad, et. al.
Despite the fact that the nexus approach to policy planning and opportunities in the MENA region are fairly different, but the priorities in various countries are very similar. For instance, due to its climate conditions and availability of land, Jordan is considered more ready to use solar energy. Such opportunities could present entry points for the countries to mainstream WEF nexus approach. In terms of the level of progress made in degree of WEF nexus mainstreaming amongst the focus countries, it is rather different. Whereby, some countries are actively seeking more integrated policies, arising from different needs or drivers, while others are still lagging behind with no clear vision for integrated policies. Existing strategies in the MENA region both on national and regional levels should be revisited and modified to have a more integrated approach. In addition, further efforts are needed to ensure proper implementation of the few existing strategies that are already integrated. A “nexus” approach should be considered as guidance to the design of any project, in particular the conceptual stages while looking for possible “integrated” alternatives for what is currently being proposed. The nexus approach is not only about reducing tradeoffs and improving efficiencies between the different sectors it asks for a complete rethinking of the purpose of the project and how it contributes to resource security in general. The following concepts are common requirements if advanced nexus will be implemented: • Conducting a baseline assessment of the WEF sectors. Accounting for water is a key issue that private sector should consider. Water must be valued, and risks of water scarcity quantified and incorporated into financial modeling for all businesses and industries. • Exploring alternative uses for treated wastewater (including in urban areas) and working on treated wastewater quality assurance. • Enhancing exchange of data and improved monitoring data is key for the implantation of WEF nexus. • Increasing the awareness of local communities and stakeholders such as farmers in order to increase social acceptance and buy in. A participatory approach and increasing accountability could be drivers to a behavioral change towards unconventional methods of applying the nexus. • Private-Public partnerships with social equity provisions could help in advancing the implementation of the nexus and mobilizing resources towards its financing. • Identifying, studying, proposing, and promoting regional water-energy-food nexus projects and areas of cooperation that have significant mutual economic and social benefits to each party. Such initiatives will increase the rate of cooperation and constructive dialogue in the region, thus building confidence and trust. Furthermore, regional mega projects should also be considered such as desalination, large-scale conveyance, cross-border renewable energy generation, and large-scale irrigation efficiency initiatives. Mega projects would require high levels of trust among country partners to commence. However, once initiated, they would act as a long-lasting bond between countries and a cause for continuous cooperation and collaboration.
Dec 2020
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Position Paper: Mainstreaming Water, Energy, and Food in National and Municipal Policies in Selected Countries in the MENA Region
Dr. Marwan Al Raggad, et. al.
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.
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