RETOUCH NEXUS: Resilient Water Governance within the WEFE Nexus

In a world where water resources are becoming increasingly limited, sustainable water governance practices and policies are urgently needed. While several water governance practices exist, it is unclear which are most effective. Building upon the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus, a concept for optimising trade-offs and increasing synergies in goals of sustainable and resilient water, RETOUCH NEXUS monitors and evaluates existing governance schemes and practices at the EU level. With an overall objective to promote robust, integrated, sustainable, inclusive and upscalable water governance practices, RETOUCH NEXUS proposes, assesses and optimizes Nexus-smart methods by addressing innovative dimensions of water governance. Six case studies, of varying scale and programmes, have been carefully selected to assess the direct and indirect impacts of water governance schemes and policy interventions.

adelphi provides a common approach for mapping stakeholders and existing engagement mechanisms within the six case studies in order to assess the effectiveness of different water governance strategies. In addition, adelphi highlights good practice examples, innovative tools as well as common barriers for stakeholder engagement and public participation at local to European scales. adelphi supports capacity development and awareness raising activities to empower citizens for meaningful participation and influence on water governance in the different case studies. Finally, adelphi aims to assess the impacts of the new innovative governance schemes and practices on economy, social wellbeing and environment to strategize on further upscaling of these practices.