The Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions

A global dialogue platform for best practices and optimisation of multi-purpose water infrastructure

Global population

Source: UN Population Division 2008

Source: UN-HABITAT

Source: UNESCO

Global water use

Source: UNEP 2008

2050 – The Challenge

55% More

Water

80% More

Energy

60%MoreFood

9 Billion

People

How do we change trajectory?

2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 20500102030405060708090

100WaterEnergyFood

% In

crea

se

Source: Mahlstein et al 2011

Climate Change

Source: Global Innovation Outlook Report, IBM 2009

Interactions with the hydrological cycle

Value natural infrastructure by investing...

... to secure, im

prove and restore the considerable multi-functional

value of biodiversity and ecosystems to provide food and energy,

conserve water, sustain livelihoods and contrib

ute to a green

economy while strengthening the basic role that nature plays in

supporting life, well-being and cultures.

Consensus building on better practice

Bonn2011 Commitment

A ‘Nexus Dialogue on Dams and Water Infrastructure Optimisation’

How to...

• optimise dam operations and water infrastructure

• include built and natural infrastructure options

• improve benefits to people, nature and sustainable economic development

• enhance water, food and energy security

Global dialogue platform

1. Knowledge, know-how, experience & tools shared

2. Consensus on best practice improved

3. Policy dialogue & coherence strengthened across sectors

4. Solutions & innovations disseminated & communicated

Outputs

• Online knowledge compendium

• Case studies

• Synthesis papers

• Best practice framework for water infrastructure

• ‘Reference projects’ for nexus optimisation

• Policy principles for multiple sectors

• Online resources & participation

• Multi-media communications products

Programme

•Case studies•Synthesis papers

1. Knowledge access

• Anchor workshops x 3• Online & conference sessions2. Best practice

•Final international conference•Action pledges3. Policy dialogue

•Online platform•Multi-media, publications

4. Communication & dissemination

Stak

ehol

ders

Conventional Linear Approach Nexus Based Approach

Resource RecoveryEnergy

Recovery

Chemical Recovery

WaterRecovery

Adapted from Umble 2013

Nexus Dialogue

Collaborative partnership

Global project with regional dimensions

Global reference group

Nexus Dialogue on Infrastructure Solutions

Global PlatformAFRICA May 2013

LATIN AMERICA September 2013

ASIA March 2014

AFRICA May 2013

LATIN AMERICA September 2013

ASIA March 2014

Global Platform

AFRICA May 2013

LATIN AMERICA September 2013

ASIA March 2014

Global Platform

ASIALA

TIN

AM

ERIC

AAFRICA

China2014

International Conference

www.waternexussolutions.org

Group 1.Nexus infrastructure and technology1. Do you know of examples of infrastructure (built and natural) and technology for sharing

water resources across the water-energy-food nexus in transboundary basins? 2. What are the obstacles and enabling factors for built and natural infrastructure to sustain

water, energy and food security as well as maintaining functioning ecosystems?

Group 2. Nexus governance and partnerships

3. Are there barriers in governance to working across water, energy food sectors in transboundary basins?

4. How can governance challenges due to multisectoral demands be addressed through the TDA SAP process (e.g InterMinsterial committees that have water, energy and food sectors)?

5. What new collaboration platforms can IW Projects think of to bring in energy and agriculture? And what technical expertise or tools are required?

Group 3. Nexus economics and financing

6. How can basins (with GEF support) leverage private and/or public finance across the water, energy and food sectors to finance SAP investments focusing on enhancing and/or maintaining ecosystems services?

7. What economic tools and incentives can be used to induce cooperation across sectors at the transboundary level?