Promoting the WEFE NEXUS Approach

 

The WEFE (Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems) NEXUS approach is a comprehensive strategy that recognizes the strong interconnections between these four critical sectors. Rather than managing these sectors in isolation, WEFE NEXUS promotes an integrated, balanced approach to ensure sustainable resource use, economic resilience, and environmental protection.

In Albania, water resources are under growing pressure from rapid urbanization, climate change, hydropower development, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Increased water demand for hydropower, irrigation, and drinking water supply is straining available resources, while pollution from industry, untreated wastewater, and deforestation threatens water quality. Climate change is exacerbating droughts and extreme weather events, making it urgent to rethink how water is managed across all sectors. If these challenges are not addressed in a coordinated and sustainable way, Albania risks facing severe water scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and long-term socio-economic consequences. To address these challenges, we apply the NEXUS approach by:

• Bridging gaps between sectors-Ensuring water, energy, agriculture, and environmental policies are not working against each other but are aligned for sustainability.
• Optimizing water use in agriculture-Promoting water-efficient irrigation and sustainable farming techniques that reduce both water and energy consumption.
• Advocating for responsible hydropower-Encouraging better planning of energy production to prevent ecosystem damage and reduced water availability for other sectors.
• Enhancing policy implementation-Supporting the alignment of national water policies with EU directives to ensure integrated, future-proof water management.
• Strengthening community resilience-Providing education, training, and engagement opportunities to help stakeholders and local communities adapt to water challenges.