A Policy Framework to Mainstream the Water–Food–Energy–Environment Nexus Into Water Resources Management

ABSTRACT Intertwined forces such as climate change, population growth, and economic development are increasingly straining the global supply of water, energy, and food. This issue necessitates integrated, sustainable solutions harmonizing environmental stewardship, economic progress, and human well‐being. The challenging task of developing policies for resource management that avoid conflicting goals and foster security in different sectors requires an inclusive policy that considers views of all sectors in an integrated manner. The water–food–energy–environment nexus (WFEEN) provides the needed integrated framework to support multi‐level strategies to face challenges such as population growth, climate change, and socio‐economic changes. This integrated framework must be mainstreamed into water resources management at different levels, including the farm, national, and regional levels, to ensure effectiveness and a positive impact on the economy, society, and the environment. This paper explains the development of the framework for policy development to enable the needed mainstreaming. The concept adopts four principles to balance social, economic, and environmental dimensions: the optimal use of resources, environment preservation, community development, and mitigation and adaptation of climate change. This paper illustrates how promoting integration between the four sectors maximizes the benefits, improves the use of resources, and achieves environmental, economic, and social sustainability at the different levels.