Potentials of Strengthening WEFE Nexus Governance in Nepal: Decoding Important Lessons From the Analysis of Water Sector

ABSTRACT The 2015 Constitution of Nepal embraces an integrated approach to water resource utilization with a focus on management, conservation and national investment in water resources based on people's participation and multi‐utility development of water. Against this conceptual backdrop, this discussion paper focuses on the policy and institutional dimensions and unveils the prospects of advancing WEFE nexus governance within Nepal's federal structure that has constitutionally devolved significant authority to sub‐national governments. Our analyses are informed by a review of policies and empirical insights from key informant interviews with state and non‐state actors and round table discussions. Findings show that persistent overlapping roles and responsibilities among the federal, provincial and local governments coupled with limited capacity and resources continue to thwart efforts towards strengthening WEFE nexus initiatives. There is an urgent need to sensitize stakeholders on the importance of transcending the sectoral approach and strengthening the administrative and technical capacities of federal, provincial, and local governments to facilitate integrated management and governance of WEFE resources for delivering equitable, sustainable, and resilient water (and other) services. Implementing pilot projects utilizing the WEFE nexus approach within local governance structures can yield valuable lessons for upscaling and outscaling the WEFE nexus approach.