ASSESSMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WATER, FOOD, ENERGY AND ECOSYSTEMS FOR THE CONSISTENT USE OF RESOURCES IN THE TRANSBOUNDARY BASIN OF THE ALAZANI/GANIKHI RIVER (NEXUS)

Abstract

With the support of the Secretariat of the UN Economic Commission for Europe Water, the Georgia/Azerbaijan Transboundary River Alazani/Ganikhi Basin (2013-2015) assessed the relationship between water, food, energy and ecosystems for the agreed use of resources using a methodology developed by the Stockholm Institute of Technology.  Assessment: Description of water, food, land resources, energy, ecosystems and their management characteristics; Demonstrated the many links between the resources of the basin and the need to strengthen cross-border cooperation in their integrated management, which will bring additional socio-economic benefits and benefits to the people of the two countries; Presented the impact of climate change and socio-economic factors on the dynamics of cross-sectoral relations. A wide range of useful response actions (policy incentives, economic instruments and other support measures) has been established, which should be targeted and provide for broader cross-sectoral coordination and management. The assessment showed that the benefits could extend from one sector to another. In addition, given the potential for multiple uses of infrastructure and environmental factors, it is possible to find more sustainable solutions and use financial resources more efficiently.