Integrating Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus Indicators and SDGs

The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus represents a concrete system the components of which are inextricably linked with direct and indirect interlinkages. Complexity is the main characteristic describing this complicated system of interactions that affects the effective management of available resources at both physical and policy level. Thus, sectorial approaches have been proved rather insufficient and a holistic rationale is now suggested, placing emphasis on the systemic nature of the WEFE nexus. The achievement of SDGs and relevant sub-targets is also significantly affected by the sustainable use of resources as the core dimension of SDGs reflects the urgent need for the adoption of a more sustainable and resource-efficient pattern of development. This study elaborates on WEFE nexus indicators supporting sustainability in line with the priorities having been set by SDGs. Such indicators focus on issues strongly related to the several WEFE sectors such as flood alleviation, hydropower production, exploitation of biomass, rural/agricultural development, water quality protection, securing of environmental flow, food production and land use changes under climate change conditions. Moreover, the spatial dimension is taken into consideration as, according to the literature, the successful implementation and achievement of SDGs presupposes their specialization and adaptation to local needs and characteristics (e.g. country or regional level). Land use change in time (%), GHG emissions emanating from agriculture and livestock (%), crop yields (cereals, vegetables, etc.) (%), use of pesticides/fertilizers (kg) and water available for environmental flow (%) are among the proposed indicators. It should be mentioned that such indicators correspond to more than one SDG as emphasis was placed on covering as many aspects of SDGs as possible.