An analysis of the water, energy, food and ecosystem (WEFE) nexus for Nepal

This position paper advocates for the integration of the water, energy, food and ecosystem (WEFE) nexus approach into Nepal’s policy and planning processes. By doing so, it aspires to foster a development trajectory that is sustainable, inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs of all citizens, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized groups, against a backdrop of accelerating climate change and resource interdependencies. The main contents of the paper are summarized below. Understanding the WEFE nexus: The WEFE nexus represents a holistic approach to managing interconnected natural resources essential for human well-being and environmental sustainability. This approach involves the management of water, energy, food and ecosystems in an integrated manner to enhance security and efficiency across these sectors. It aims to increase resource efficiency, minimize trade-offs, bolster synergies and improve governance, keeping in view the interdependencies of these sectors. It emphasizes a shift from a focus on particular resources to a systems perspective that prioritizes comprehensive resource security and environmental protection. It advocates for people-centric solutions that are driven by demand-led technological and market innovations. Nexus thinking is essential to balance competing interests in the water, energy and food sectors while maintaining ecosystem health. In Nepal’s context, the integration of the political and social dimensions of the WEFE nexus determines who controls and accesses natural resources. The WEFE nexus approach, integrated with gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and livelihood considerations, is vital to supporting the economically poor and socially marginalized sections in Nepal who are reliant on natural resources. Importance of the WEFE nexus approach in Nepal: In Nepal, the concept of the WEFE nexus is in its developmental stage but is highly pertinent due to worrying trends that are adversely affecting human well-being and the environment. Nepal faces varied challenges, including water scarcity, unpredictable and extreme environmental events and rising demand for energy and food, all of which underscore the need for a strategic and integrated approach to resource management. This paper argues that the WEFE nexus approach is imperative for Nepal, for several reasons. These include the interconnectedness of resource systems and recognizing and managing the interdependencies among water, energy, food and ecosystems; Nepal’s climate change vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience against climate-induced risks; global commitments in alignment with international obligations and sustainable development goals (SDGs); resource governance and achieving equitable and efficient resource management; and cross-sectoral climate impacts, and hence the need to address the comprehensive effects of climate change on resources. Essentially, the WEFE nexus needs to be promoted in national policies, plans and strategies to ensure sustainable development. Purpose and rationale of this position paper: This position paper seeks to provide a roadmap for all stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and international development partners, by (i) offering a critical overview of the WEFE nexus approach; (ii) proposing a practical WEFE framework tailored for Nepal, considering GESI and livelihood perspectives; and (iii) suggesting strategies for improved governance through enhanced coordination and collaboration between different sectors, thereby optimizing resource use and conserving ecosystems. Nepal’s political, economic and social context: Nepal’s transition to a federal polity has introduced and accompanied a number of significant shifts in the socio-economic context that impact the WEFE sectors. These shifts include demographic, social and economic changes; urbanization; migration; and societal challenges such as youth unemployment, gender inequality and social exclusion. These elements form the backdrop against which the WEFE sectors operate, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of their interconnections and effects. WEFE policies and institutional context in Nepal: For Nepal to effectively implement the WEFE nexus approach, there is a need for improved policy coherence, inter-sectoral collaboration mainly between the WEFE sectors and a commitment by all stakeholders to integrating GESI considerations in their activities. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, development partners and the community at large. The recognition of the WEFE nexus within Nepal’s policy and legal frameworks is an ongoing process. Despite policy commitments and some progress in integrated approaches, varied challenges persist due to fragmentation and compartmentalization of the management of natural resources and disconnected policies in water, energy, food and forest resources. The lack of synergy, collaboration and adequate investment further complicates the execution of nexus-oriented programs.