The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus provides a systemic understanding of cross-sectoral interdependencies, trade-offs and synergies. Yet, translating it into knowledge and tools that can effectively inform policy and collective decision-making remains challenging. This session aims to explore how transdisciplinary approaches can help move WEFE Nexus research from systems analysis towards policy, decision-making and action.Consistent with the HS context, particular attention will be given to approaches that explicitly examine the relationships between water and the other Nexus dimensions. We particularly welcome approaches that are embedded within transdisciplinary processes and combine scientific and stakeholder knowledge to conceptualise complex systems, explore cross-sectoral feedback and trade-offs, and support the co-development of scenarios, solutions and transition pathways. Emphasis will be placed on real-world case studies in which these approaches have been developed, tested or applied together with stakeholders, rather than on purely theoretical frameworks.
Attention will also be given to the transparency and traceability of modelling assumptions, the validation, and the treatment and communication of uncertainty. Beyond the delivery of technical outputs, we encourage contributions that examine the wider outcomes of transdisciplinary processes, including learning, strengthened systems understanding and capacities, ownership and legitimacy, and their contribution to sustained and adaptive decision-making.
Contributions may address, but are not limited to:
- Integrated modelling approaches for analysing WEFE systems, including System Dynamics Modelling, Agent-Based Modelling, multi-criteria methods and hybrid frameworks;
- Transdisciplinary and participatory approaches to WEFE Nexus research, involving scientists and societal actors in collaborative modelling and knowledge co-production;
- Integration of biophysical, socio-economic, behavioural, institutional and governance dimensions, with explicit attention to the reciprocal relationships between water and the other Nexus components;
- Integration of modelling, monitoring and evaluation to support adaptive WEFE management and decision-making;
- Translation of integrated and participatory assessments into policies, management strategies, adaptation measures and transition pathways;
- Real-world, participatory applications and lessons learned.