Short Course on Nexus-Based Sustainability Solutions

Addressing Sustainability Challenges Through Nexus-Based Solutions: The GoNexus Experience

🗓 29 – 30 April 2025

📍 Online

This short course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Nexus-Based Solutions for sustainable Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystem (WEFE) management.

Through real case studies from the GoNexus project, participants will explore practical, technical, and policy-driven approaches to overcoming global sustainability challenges.

The course encourages interactive discussions, and institutional strategies to enhance decision-making and stakeholder engagement in integrated resource management.

Who can participate?

This course is designed for stakeholders involved in the GoNexus project who seek a deeper understanding of the development and implementation of Nexus-Based Solutions.

It is also open to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the WEFE nexus and the development of integrated solutions to address future sustainability challenges.

Methodology and evaluation system

The course combines theoretical modules with case study discussions, offering a balanced approach to learning. Each module features interactive lectures to cover foundational concepts, followed by case study discussions where participants can see the practical application of the theory.

Evaluation will be based on the results of a multiple-choice test at the end of the course.

Syllabus – 6 modules

GoNexus Approach: This module introduces participants to the GoNexus project framework and its case studies. Participants will explore the project’s objectives, methodology, and the innovative tools used to address interconnections and trade-offs within the nexus in each case study.

Multi-level Dialogues for Sustainable Management: Participants will discover the crucial role of multi-level dialogues in designing sustainable WEFE nexus solutions: the involvement of diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes, and the identification of best practices for encouraging effective stakeholder engagement.

Technical and Operational Solutions for the Nexus Approach: This section presents innovative tools used in the GoNexus project, along with operational strategies to optimise resource use and improve system resilience. Through the analysis of different case studies, participants will examine the key elements of successful technical and operational solutions.

Policy Measures for the Nexus Approach: The module explores policy measures that could contribute to achieve WEFE nexus sustainability across different governance levels. Participants will explore examples of effective policies developed within the GoNexus project and analyse strategies for aligning them at local, regional, and national levels.

Institutional Changes for the Nexus Approach: This module focuses on the institutional changes necessary to improve adaptation of the WEFE sector to future scenarios, considering the interconnections between water, energy, food systems, and ecosystems. It examines the role of institutional frameworks in implementing adaptive solutions and explores strategies for promoting multi-sector collaboration. Participants will identify potential areas for cooperation to strengthen integrated resource management.

Risk-Hedging Instruments for the Nexus Approach: This concluding module addresses risk-hedging instruments applied to Nexus security. It introduces financial instruments and insurance mechanisms designed to mitigate risks associated with water management for the farming sector. Through different case study discussion, participants will explore successful risk-hedging strategies and assess their potential application in different scenarios.

Agenda

Tuesday 29th of April	Activity
3:00PM – 4:00PM	Module 1: Introduction to the GoNexus Approach
4:00PM – 6:00PM	Module 2: Multi-level Dialogues for Sustainable Management
6:00PM – 6:30PM	Break
6:30PM – 8:30PM	Module 3: Technical and Operational Solutions for the Nexus Approach

Wednesday 30th of April	Activity
3:00PM – 5:00PM	Module 4: Policy Measures for the GoNexus Approach
5:00PM – 5:30PM	Break
5:30PM – 7:30PM	Module 5: Institutional Changes for the GoNexus Approach
7:30PM – 8:30PM	Module 6: Risk-Hedging Instruments for the GoNexus Approach

Registration & fees

The 30€ course fee applies to all participants.