Last week, the WEFE Nexus Community of Practice (NCoP) was officially launched at a milestone event held at the Golden Bay Hotel in Larnaca, Cyprus. Organized by The Cyprus Institute, the event marks the culmination of extensive preparation, including surveys, interviews, and workshops. This launch represents a key step in fostering cross-sector collaboration for integrated resource management throughout the Mediterranean region.
The WEFE NCoP brings together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions that address the critical links between water, energy, food, and ecosystems. Part of the PRIMA-funded WEFE4MED project, this initiative aims to scale up successful models and create sustainable solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges.
The launch event featured panels of renowned experts and policymakers, including Mrs. Antonia Theodosiou, Commissioner for the Environment; Dr. Elisabetta Balzi from the European Commission; Dr. Jann Martinsohn from the European Commission Joint Research Center; and Dr. Angelo Riccaboni, Chair of the PRIMA Program.
Discussions focused on three core pillars of the WEFE Nexus approach: Policy, Implementation, and Finance. The Policy Practice Group explored how policies can support integrated resource management. Meanwhile, the Implementation Practice Group showcased 12 demonstration projects, presenting innovative strategies for sustainable resource use. The Finance Practice Group examined funding mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability across the Mediterranean.
A key moment of the event was the signing of the WEFE NCoP Charter, which outlines the shared vision and mission for this collaborative effort.
The WEFE NCoP is more than just a platform—it is an expanding network committed to amplifying successful resource management models and creating a positive ripple effect throughout the Mediterranean. By fostering partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange, the network’s demonstration sites act as living laboratories for tackling interconnected challenges and driving sustainable innovation across sectors.
Moving forward, the WEFE NCoP will receive ongoing support from PRIMA, the European Commission, and the Union for the Mediterranean, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to providing strategic leadership and expanding the reach of nexus-based solutions during the event.
The NCoP welcomes additional stakeholders, including other PRIMA projects, to join this collaborative journey.
We invite scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to become part of the WEFE NCoP. By joining this growing network, participants can engage in vital discussions and help co-create sustainable development strategies that will benefit the entire Mediterranean region and beyond.
For more information or to join the WEFE NCoP, visit the project’s knowledge hub or contact i.antoniades@cyi.ac.cy.