With the Mediterranean region facing intense pressure on its natural resources due to climate change, population growth, urbanization, and regional conflicts, the need for sustainable solutions is greater than ever. These complex challenges—such as desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss—demand an integrated approach rooted in shared solutions and collaboration. To support the long-term development of countries in the region, the water, energy, food, and ecosystem (WEFE) sectors must no longer be treated as separate areas but rather interconnected fields, working together to maximize combined impact and resilience.
In this spirit, the WEFE4MED project is championing a new approach to managing natural resources. The initiative – part of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) program, supported by the European Union – seeks to address the Mediterranean’s climate and sustainability concerns.
At the core of this effort is the establishment of the Nexus Community of Practice (NCoP), an initiative serving as a collective hub to foster collaboration across sectors. The NCoP brings together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, and investors, to share knowledge, build capacities, and deploy best practices to address the growing pressures on the Mediterranean’s resources.
The WEFE Nexus approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of these sectors, recognizing that challenges in one area often impact the others. By addressing these issues holistically, the project aims to provide innovative, scalable solutions that promote sustainable development across the region.
Berytech’s Contribution
As part of the WEFE4MED consortium, Berytech plays an important role in expanding and growing the Nexus Community of Practice (NCoP). The organization leads key initiatives in mentoring, twinning, and knowledge-sharing to enable practical engagement with Nexus principles across the Mediterranean. Through site visits, Berytech actively supports practitioners, demonstrating how integrated approaches to managing water, energy, food, and ecosystems can improve resource sustainability.
Although Berytech’s primary focus is Lebanon, its reach extends across the Mediterranean, promoting innovative solutions that can be adapted and replicated regionally. By leading activities like twinning programs, site visits, and capacity-building initiatives, Berytech is helping foster the practical application of the WEFE Nexus.
The NCoP Launch Event
In September 2024, the Mediterranean WEFE Nexus Community of Practice (NCoP) was officially launched in Cyprus. This event marked a major milestone, with the participation of over 100 stakeholders from 20 countries, including academia, research organizations as well as public and private sector representatives. Among key contributors were Ramy Boujawdeh, Chief Operating Officer at Berytech, and Nicolas Farhat, Senior Director – WE4F and SMEs Programs at Berytech, who were invited as panelists to discuss financing strategies for WEFE Nexus projects, contributing their insights on sustainable investment models for Nexus-based initiatives.
Join the Nexus Community of Practice
Several of Berytech’s alumni have already joined the WEFE4MED Knowledge Hub as Demonstrators, including RegenR8 and BioWayste, showcasing their innovative solutions to WEFE Nexus challenges. To date, the platform has registered 137 members, published 44 events, and engaged 13 demonstrators, reflecting its growing impact even in the pre-launch phase.
The NCoP continues to expand, welcoming stakeholders interested in advancing sustainable resource management. This includes:
- Practitioners: Managing water, energy, food, and ecosystems.
- Scientists: Researching environmental science and sustainability.
- Policymakers: Creating policies for natural resource management.
- Civil Society Organizations: Advocating for climate action.
- Media: Reporting on environmental issues.
- Entrepreneurs & Innovators: Developing sustainable technologies.
- Investors: Funding development and Nexus solutions.
By joining the NCoP, members contribute to a dynamic platform dedicated to advancing sustainable practices and sharing knowledge to support development across the Mediterranean. If you have the drive to create lasting solutions for the region, the NCoP can offer you a unique opportunity to contribute and make an impact.
To learn more or join, visit the WEFE4MED Knowledge Hub and connect with a network committed to fostering integrated solutions for a sustainable future.
