Spatial Indicators of Dynamic Self-Sufficiency and Resilience in the Water–Energy–Food Nexus. Case study: Small Rural Village in North Euboea, Greece

The Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus constitutes the foundational framework for human well-being, as access to these interconnected resources underpins societal prosperity and resilience. In an era of increasing resource pressures driven by population dynamics and geopolitical tensions, assessing the degree of local self-sufficiency within the WEF Nexus becomes essential for sustainable planning and vulnerability reduction. This study introduces a novel methodology for the quantitative and spatial evaluation of WEF self-sufficiency. We develop composite indicators that integrate key elements of the nexus—local availability and management of water resources, renewable energy potential, agricultural productivity, and land use patterns. Beginning from one capita, these indicators are normalized on a scale from 0 (complete dependence on external, distant resources) to 1 (full local self-sufficiency), providing a clear, comparable metric for dynamic assessment at different scales. As a proof-of-concept case study, the methodology is applied to a small rural village in North Euboea, Greece, a region characterized by post-wildfire recovery challenges, traditional agriculture (e.g., olive groves), limited infrastructure, and strong reliance on local hydrological and biomass resources. Spatial analysis, incorporating GIS-derived data on precipitation, soil fertility, solar/wind potential, crop yields, and energy consumption patterns, reveals the village's current self-sufficiency levels across the nexus components. Results highlight strengths in local food production and renewable energy opportunities, while identifying vulnerabilities in water storage and seasonal energy needs. The proposed indicators offer a practical tool for policymakers, enabling targeted interventions to enhance resilience and promote circular practices in order to safeguard prosperity in unrest periods. Future extensions aim to scale the indicators to urban systems and larger regions, exposing structural weaknesses in modern, highly interconnected settlements.