Planning the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus

Cities very urgently need to cut GHG emissions to meet NDCs. There are many hidden emissions in inefficient urban infrastructure systems. This training deploys the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach to highlight opportunities to cut GHG emissions through alternative infrastructure with Nature-based Solutions, whilst supporting WEF security and sovereignty for local communities, and regenerating ecosystems.

Good practices are discussed and applied to a case study city. Participants learn about current research on integrated resources recovery, with particular focus on methane capture, renewable energy potentials, water reuse, and nutrient recovery in form of organic fertiliser. Upon completion of this training, participants are able to develop innovative urban planning projects taking a Nexus approach.

The training is conducted through a set of knowledge generation, visualization, urban design and impact assessment tools. A sustainable strategies and technologies toolkit is introduced with technical and non-technical components for application to a case study, which participant will apply to a case study in teams. The outcomes will be debated in a role-play game.