Using the WEFE Concept as a Contribution to Peace

Gidon Bromberg, EcoPeace Middle East (Israel)

The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus is a powerful framework to understand and address the interconnected challenges of natural resource management. In a region marked by climate vulnerability, political conflict, and resource scarcity, this presentation will explore if the WEFE nexus could also help advance regional peacebuilding.

EcoPeace Middle East, a unique tri-lateral environmental NGO, has been at the forefront of promoting regional cooperation between Israel, Palestine, and Jordan through integrated water and energy strategies. The presentation will build on several research studies of EcoPeace, trying to integrate work advanced under the Jordan River master plan, the water-energy nexus study and our Green Blue Deal report. The presentation will explore how the design of the cross border use of renewable energy, desalination, river rehabilitation and waste water reuse for climate smart agriculture, could be a pathway to improve livelihoods on the ground, create healthy interdependencies, trust and ultimately contribute to much needed peace.