Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Challenges in Western Balkan
Milena Rajić, University of Niš, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Republic of Serbia
“Western Balkan’s WEFE challenges require us to think outside the box. After all, why settle for separate pieces when we can create an integrated masterpiece that satisfies our thirst, fuels our progress, nourishes our bodies, and preserves our precious ecosystems?”
The Western Balkan region, also known as the Balkans, encompasses several Southeast European countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. This region has a rich history and cultural diversity but has faced numerous challenges, including political instability, ethnic conflicts, and economic hardships.

Western Balkans countries, source: RECOM Reconciliation Network
One of the crucial aspects of the Western Balkans is its natural resources, particularly concerning the water-energy-food-ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. The WEFE nexus is a concept that recognizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of water, energy, food, and ecosystems. It highlights the need to manage these resources coordinated and sustainably, considering their interlinked nature.
In the Western Balkans, the WEFE nexus is of immense importance due to several reasons: Water resources: The region is abundant in water resources, including rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. Water management is crucial for human consumption and agriculture, which are significant regional economic sectors. Ensuring sustainable water management practices is essential to meet growing water demands and minimize water scarcity risks in the region. Energy production: The Western Balkans have considerable energy potential, including hydroelectric power, coal, and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. The energy sector plays a vital role in the region’s economic development and poses environmental challenges. Balancing energy production with environmental sustainability is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing air and water pollution, and preserving ecosystems. Agricultural productivity: The Western Balkans have a strong agricultural sector, contributing to food security and employment. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as efficient water use, crop diversification, and responsible use of fertilizers and pesticides, ensure long-term food production, preserve soil health, and minimize the impact on ecosystems. Ecosystem preservation: The Western Balkans are known for their rich biodiversity, including diverse forests, rivers, and protected areas. These ecosystems provide critical services such as clean air and water, carbon sequestration, and habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Preserving and restoring ecosystems is essential for maintaining ecological balance, supporting sustainable development, and protecting the region’s natural heritage.
The interconnectedness of water, energy, food, and ecosystems in the Western Balkans requires a holistic and integrated approach to resource management. It involves collaboration between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Integrated policies and strategies are needed to address the trade-offs and synergies between different sectors, optimize resource use, and ensure sustainability in the long run.
Efforts are being made in the Western Balkans to promote the WEFE nexus approach. These include initiatives to improve water management, promote renewable energy, enhance agricultural practices, and protect ecosystems. One of the examples is the current COST Action CA20138 “Network on water-energy-food nexus for a low-carbon economy in Europe and beyond – NEXUSNET.” NEXUSNET is an international network of researchers collaborating with universities, research institutions, policymakers, and the business sector to understand better how the water-energy-food Nexus fosters policy coherence and biophysical interactions in the domains of water, energy, and food, supporting the transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy in Europe. The European Union has also been actively supporting the region through various programs and funds to promote sustainable development and address environmental challenges.
The Western Balkan region faces many challenges concerning the WEFE Nexus paradigm.
- Water scarcity and pollution: The Western Balkans experience water scarcity issues, particularly during dry seasons. Inefficient water management practices, outdated infrastructure, and overuse of water resources exacerbate this scarcity. Additionally, pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and inadequate wastewater treatment affects water quality, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
- Energy dependency on fossil fuels: The region heavily relies on fossil fuels for energy production, especially coal. This dependency contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and climate change impacts. Transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as renewable energy, is crucial for reducing environmental harm and improving the energy sector’s resilience.
- Limited agricultural productivity and land degradation: The Western Balkans’ agricultural sector faces low productivity, outdated farming practices, fragmented land ownership, and limited market access. These factors hinder agricultural development and contribute to land degradation, soil erosion, and deforestation. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving market access, and supporting small-scale farmers can address these challenges.
- Ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss: The region’s ecosystems, including forests, rivers, and protected areas, face degradation due to deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable land use practices. This degradation threatens biodiversity, disrupts ecological balance, and reduces the capacity of ecosystems to provide essential services. Conservation efforts, sustainable land use planning, and ecosystem restoration are necessary to preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystem functions.
- Climate change impacts: The Western Balkans are vulnerable to climate change, including increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These changes affect water availability, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem health. Developing climate resilience strategies, promoting adaptive agriculture, and implementing water management practices that account for climate variability is essential for coping with these challenges.
- Transboundary water management: The Western Balkans are characterized by shared rivers and basins, leading to complex transboundary water management issues. Disputes over water allocation, pollution control, and hydropower development can strain regional cooperation and lead to conflicts. Strengthening transboundary cooperation mechanisms, adopting integrated water management approaches, and promoting dialogue among countries are crucial for sustainable water governance.
- Socio-economic and rural-urban divide: Western Balkan countries face socio-economic disparities, with rural areas often lagging behind urban centers regarding infrastructure, services, and livelihood opportunities. This divide can lead to unequal access to water, energy, and food resources, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. Promoting inclusive and equitable development, investing in rural areas, and supporting small-scale farmers can help address these disparities.

Natural ecosystem located in Bjelasnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, source: IUCN/Boris Erg, 2023
In conclusion, the Western Balkans face significant challenges in managing their water, energy, food, and ecosystems sustainably. The interconnectedness of these resources necessitates a coordinated and integrated approach through the WEFE nexus. By adopting such an approach, the region can ensure long-term resource availability, promote economic development, safeguard the environment, and improve the overall well-being of its people.
Addressing the WEFE challenges in the Western Balkans requires a multi-dimensional approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations. It involves promoting sustainable resource management practices, improving infrastructure and technology, enhancing governance frameworks, and fostering regional cooperation. Additionally, international support, funding, and technical assistance are vital to the region’s efforts to overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable development and prosperity.
References
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