Innovations on the nexus for development and growth in the south Mediterranean region

The Mediterranean region shares common challenges in terms of the impact of climate change on the future availability of its resources, particularly with regard to food security for a population in full growth. Finding innovative joint solutions to meet these challenges will require an integrated management of water, food, energy and ecosystems (WEFE). This chapter explores whether innovations along the water-energy-food nexus could mitigate these challenges and be an engine of development and growth. The policy dynamics in the South Mediterranean countries have been in favor to the implementation of WEFE integrated programs that are presented in the chapter through pilot projects in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and Jordan. Research and innovation programs are favorable to demonstrate the added value of adopting the WEFE nexus at local and regional level. Euro-Mediterranean policy dialogues in science and technology enabled the support of transnational research activities that enhance the knowledge and innovation production of WEFE in the region. However, the WEFE concept have yet to prove his added value outside the academic sector and demonstrate their economic and environmental benefits at local and regional level. Accompanying measures should be thought and adopted at local and regional level to boost the adoption of WEFE nexus.