Methodology for assessing the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus in transboundary basins and experiences from its application

This Synthesis publication covers lessons on interlinkages, trade-offs and benefits in managing water, energy and land/agriculture, as well as on protecting the environment derived from several transboundary river basins in Southern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, and one aquifer system in North Africa. These lessons are the result of the collective experience of Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) and other States, joint bodies for transboundary cooperation, and other stakeholders who participated in carrying out these assessments from 2013 to 2018.

This publication also consolidates the methodology which was developed under the Water Convention specifically for the purpose of assessing nexus issues and identifying solutions in transboundary basins. Its development involved a broad range of expertise, gradual refinement upon use, and an intergovernmental review process.