The Evolution of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus …
39
Africa, centred on improving livelihoods, building resilience, employment creation,
and economic development [51, 60]. Given the importance of nexus planning in
addressing complex interlinked challenges, this study aims to:
(a) synthesise the evolution of the WEF nexus in South Africa,
(b) illustrate the most significant progress made in implementing and operationalising the approach,
(c) emphasise the role of nexus planning in achieving sustainability in resource
management, and
(d) provide a practical example from research results.
Thus, this study details the evolution of the WEF nexus as a transformative framework for addressing distinct but interlinked sectors in an integrated manner. The
premise is to provide policy- and decision-making with the relevant data to use to
formulate strategies that improve livelihoods and enhance progress towards SDGs.
1.1 Defining Sustainable Development
To understand the role of the WEF nexus in assessing progress towards SDGs, it is
imperative to have a basic understanding of the concepts of sustainable development
and sustainability indicators. The term “sustainable development” is interchangeably
used in many ways and could mean a variety of things depending on the context [35].
As a result, sustainable development has been defined in many different ways. From
an ecological perspective, sustainable development is defined as the fundamental
and organising base for sustaining limited resources that provide for the requirements of future generations [49]. It is a concept meant to achieve the best from
socio-ecological interactions, but at the same time ensuring a healthy environment,
which on its part will continue providing adequate natural supplies to humankind
[35, 49]. This definition gives emphasis on an overarching principle of sustainable
development, which is the need to balance the use and protection of resources, but
without compromising human life. In its report on sustainable development (the most
cited document and the principal sustainable development document), the Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as “development that meets the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs” [87]. The Brundtland definition consists of two main aspects: (1)
needs (meeting human demands now and in future) and (2) limits (limitations to
natural resource supply and the ability of the biosphere to meet human demands for
natural resources now and in future).
In essence, the Brundtland Report emphasises that during the course of human
development, the interventions and changes to the environment were initially at
a small scale with limited impact, but today these interventions are threatening
livelihoods [73].
39
Africa, centred on improving livelihoods, building resilience, employment creation,
and economic development [51, 60]. Given the importance of nexus planning in
addressing complex interlinked challenges, this study aims to:
(a) synthesise the evolution of the WEF nexus in South Africa,
(b) illustrate the most significant progress made in implementing and operationalising the approach,
(c) emphasise the role of nexus planning in achieving sustainability in resource
management, and
(d) provide a practical example from research results.
Thus, this study details the evolution of the WEF nexus as a transformative framework for addressing distinct but interlinked sectors in an integrated manner. The
premise is to provide policy- and decision-making with the relevant data to use to
formulate strategies that improve livelihoods and enhance progress towards SDGs.
1.1 Defining Sustainable Development
To understand the role of the WEF nexus in assessing progress towards SDGs, it is
imperative to have a basic understanding of the concepts of sustainable development
and sustainability indicators. The term “sustainable development” is interchangeably
used in many ways and could mean a variety of things depending on the context [35].
As a result, sustainable development has been defined in many different ways. From
an ecological perspective, sustainable development is defined as the fundamental
and organising base for sustaining limited resources that provide for the requirements of future generations [49]. It is a concept meant to achieve the best from
socio-ecological interactions, but at the same time ensuring a healthy environment,
which on its part will continue providing adequate natural supplies to humankind
[35, 49]. This definition gives emphasis on an overarching principle of sustainable
development, which is the need to balance the use and protection of resources, but
without compromising human life. In its report on sustainable development (the most
cited document and the principal sustainable development document), the Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as “development that meets the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs” [87]. The Brundtland definition consists of two main aspects: (1)
needs (meeting human demands now and in future) and (2) limits (limitations to
natural resource supply and the ability of the biosphere to meet human demands for
natural resources now and in future).
In essence, the Brundtland Report emphasises that during the course of human
development, the interventions and changes to the environment were initially at
a small scale with limited impact, but today these interventions are threatening
livelihoods [73].