Abstract

For dry regions to ensure sustainable development, effective management of the water, energy, food, and ecosystem sectors based on a comprehensive framework assessing the synergies and trade-offs across these several nexus pillars is a crucial problem. The current study offers a novel framework for the WEFE nexus via a participatory strategy for evaluating and guaranteeing the transition plan, going beyond sector silos strategies. The integrated stakeholders and local actors have developed a set of 24 indices (quantitative data analysis, socio-ecological interlinkages, governance efficiency,.) to evaluate the existing state of natural resources based on the SDGs’ indices and sub-indices. Using the interactive matrix based on WEFE-social, the efficacy of the suggested remedies to the WEFE nexus problems was assessed.

The involved stakeholders co-validated a comprehensive management plan to ensure the best possible use of natural resources while preserving ecosystem functions and generating financial gains. Issues with coordination and governance were also noted. The 13 planned activities, which were quantifiable, time-bound, specific, and pertinent, were thoroughly evaluated using KPIs for short-, long-, and medium-term interventions in the area.

For the Matmata region in southeast Tunisia, this study demonstrates a successful transition plan from the current state of affairs to the ideal state. To highlight context-appropriate technologies and reach a consensus on viable, promising alternatives for multicriteria assessment of strategic upscaling and co-designing an integrated management plan, the misalignment between resource availability and management strategies was addressed. It offers a replicable route for improving SDG-aligned resource security in comparable areas around the globe.