The interdependencies and connections between the food, energy, and water systems are referred to as the “nexus” Each of these systems is critical to human well-being and intimately intertwined. The nexus approach recognizes the need to manage these systems in an integrated and sustainable manner, considering their interdependence.

The increasing resource demand is one of the main justifications for applying a nexus strategy. Despite the creation and adherence to the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals, pressures on the world’s water, energy, and food systems are increasing as populations continue to grow. The nexus approach recognizes that these systems are interconnected and interdependent, not isolated. We can ensure their sustainability and resilience by managing them holistically.

The Nexus approach emphasizes the value of stakeholder engagement and participation and the integrated management of these systems. To ensure that the different perspectives and interests of stakeholders from all sectors and at all levels of governance are taken into account, they must be involved in decision-making processes, as envisaged in the European Green Deal and other EU strategies.

The nexus method has attracted more attention recently as policymakers and academics have recognized its potential to solve challenging sustainability problems. One example of the growing interest in the Nexus approach is the EU-funded COST Action on the NETWORK ON WATER-ENERGY-FOOD NEXUS FOR A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY IN EUROPE AND BEYOND (NEXUSNET). NEXUSNET brings professionals from different professions and industries to promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration related to the nexus.

For researchers and others interested in the nexus, the project also offers short-term scientific missions (STSMs), conference grants, and training schools as part of our programs. STSMs allow young researchers to go to other countries and work together on specific nexus-related research initiatives at universities, institutes, or private companies. Conference awards provide financial support for researchers to present their findings on the nexus at conferences. Researchers and practitioners can attend educational seminars to learn about the latest nexus research and practice advances.

Visit the NexusNet website at www.nexusnet-cost.com for more information and to submit your application if you are interested in any of these opportunities. Participating in these activities can contribute to Nexus’s growing knowledge and practice. Participating in these activities can promote sustainable and integrated water, energy, and food systems management and contribute to the body of knowledge and practice about Nexus.