The nexus social-ecological system framework (NexSESF): A conceptual and empirical examination of transdisciplinary food-water-energy nexus
Maryam Ghodsvali, Gamze Dane, Bauke de Vries
Abstract
Over the past decade, debates on the governance of food, water, and energy resources (FWE nexus) have increased, provoking new insights into social importance in ecological balance. Policymakers, management professionals, and scholars of the FWE nexus call for new approaches that address ranges of social and ecological impacts of uncoordinated sectoral planning. From a theoretical perspective, social-ecological systems (SES) science offers a balanced approach for improved FWE nexus through consolidating knowledge from a wide range of disciplines and providing the opportunity to adapt to the changing environment. However, although increasingly employed, it has been complicated to empirically monitor and evaluate the dynamic social-ecological nexus systems. A framework for translating SES theory into FWE nexus practice is needed. This paper develops an integrated assessment framework of the social-ecological nexus systems governance and presents results from its application to a Dutch smart-eco city. An integrative multi-level analysis scheme is used to analyze intra- and inter- relationships, quantify social and ecological impacts of uncoordinated FWE management, and visualize FWE supply-chain risks posed to cities by the dynamic humans and nature interactions. The evidence-based approach of this study proved advantages of the proposed framework in (i) revealing connections of natural resources and the cultural, regulating, and supporting services of nexus systems, and (ii) making practical recommendations for improved socio-ecologically-balanced nexus interventions. The results can support policymakers and management professionals of the FWE nexus to organize their analytical, diagnostic, and prescriptive capabilities to make development decisions on urban resilience and ecological balance.