DATE / TIME:

2019/12/16    15:00 - 16:20

Location:

Dresden, Germany

Lecturer: Prof. Edeltraud Guenther (Director, UNU-FLORES)

Opening remarks: Prof. Hans Müller-Steinhagen (Rector, TU Dresden)

Discussant: Dr Floor Brouwer (Wageningen University and Research, Scientific Coordinator of SIM4NEXUS, and currently leading the Steering Committee of the Nexus Project Cluster)

The Nexus Approach was developed based on the insight that by concentrating research solely on the productivity of single resources, the close intertwining and mutual dependencies of environmental resources are neglected – resulting in “thinking in sectoral silos”. Focusing on a single resource is not an effective solution to the challenges faced by water, food, and/or energy security. The aim of the Nexus Approach is to overcome these silos in policy and decision-making and to consider trade-offs and the establishment of synergies across sectors. In accordance with this concept, UNU-FLORES aims to better understand and manage the nexus between natural resources and its subsequent ramifications. For a more holistic approach to the nexus to be understood and incorporated, it is necessary for scientists and policymakers to be made aware of the necessity of trade-offs and synergies, as well as the risks associated with ‘sectoral-silo’ thinking informing decision-making. At this stage, both individual and institutional capacity development is imperative, however, knowledge can only be translated into action if the relevant information is identified and collected from and for different scientific backgrounds, and spatial and temporal scales; taking into account that not only must data collection be tackled, but also the sharing of data across countries and institutions. New paths can only be taken if regulations determine and implement a clear boundary system. In her presentation, Prof. Edeltraud Guenther will highlight the challenges faced in applying the resource nexus and future perspectives on resource nexus research.

Nexus Seminar Series

UNU-FLORES, in collaboration with PRISMA – Centre for Sustainability Assessment and Policy on behalf of TU Dresden, is excited to announce the Nexus Seminar Series. The joint seminar series, which launched in 2015, features lectures by senior scholars that highlight all dimensions of research on the Nexus Approach, ranging from hands-on implementation strategies to theoretical debates. The Nexus Seminars serve not only as a platform for scientific exchange and cooperation between UNU-FLORES and TU Dresden but also a medium for the partner institutions to discuss their research with a broader audience.

Taking place once a month, each seminar is open to the public and held alternatingly at UNU-FLORES and TU Dresden.

Please find all past Nexus Seminars here.