RETOUCH NEXUS Policy Briefs

Evidence-based recommendations for integrated water governance within the WEFE Nexus

About our Policy Briefs

The RETOUCH NEXUS project develops evidence-based policy recommendations to support effective, sustainable, and integrated water governance across the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus. Our policy briefs translate research findings into actionable guidance for decision-makers and stakeholders at local, regional, national, and European levels.

Each brief synthesizes insights from governance analysis, stakeholder engagement, and innovative practices to address the complex challenges of water management in a changing climate.

General Policy Recommendations

Cross-cutting policy briefs addressing broad governance challenges

Published July 2024

Water resilience is built with better water governance

A comprehensive framework for strengthening water governance across Europe

This policy brief examines the fundamental principles and practices needed to build resilient water governance systems. It addresses the institutional, legal, and participatory mechanisms that enable adaptive management in the face of climate change and increasing resource pressures. The brief provides recommendations applicable across diverse European contexts, emphasizing multi-level coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of water security with broader sustainability goals.

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Case Studies Policy Briefs

Regional pathways for improved integrated water governance across our demonstration sites

Spain

Júcar River Basin

Addressing water scarcity, drought management, and balancing water use across energy, agriculture, and environmental needs in Valencia’s main water source.

Key Focus Areas

  • Cross-sector stakeholder partnerships
  • Water pricing and economic instruments
  • Basin-wide WEFE nexus integration
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Malta

Island Water Sustainability

Managing water-energy interdependence, desalination reliance, and competing demands in a water-scarce Mediterranean island context.

Key Focus Areas

  • Water-energy nexus integration
  • Water reuse prioritization
  • Stakeholder platform expansion
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Netherlands

Building Effective Participation

Strengthening participatory processes in water governance based on insights from 21 regional water authorities.

Key Focus Areas

  • Meaningful stakeholder engagement
  • Organizational culture change
  • Capacity building for participation
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Germany

Upper Main River Basin

Tackling climate-related pressures, groundwater challenges, and fragmented institutional responsibilities in northern Bavaria.

Key Focus Areas

  • Multi-stakeholder partnerships
  • Digital engagement platforms
  • Nature-based solutions incentives
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Slovakia

National Water Governance

Addressing fragmented governance, climate adaptation, and coordination challenges across water, agriculture, and environmental sectors.

Key Focus Areas

  • Inter-ministerial coordination
  • River basin-based planning
  • Economic instruments and pricin
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Belgium - Flanders

Blue Deal into Action

Scaling up collective, decentralized water reuse systems and advancing circular water management practices.

Key Focus Areas

  • Decentralized water solutions
  • Business models and financing
  • Public-private partnerships
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More Policy Briefs Coming Soon

Additional policy briefs addressing emerging water governance challenges will be published throughout the project duration. Check back regularly for updates.