GoNEXUS developed local socio-economic and land-use scenarios aligned with downscaled CMIP6 climate projections and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). These scenarios supported multi-scale modelling and assessment of future WEFE (water-energy-food-ecosystems) challenges. Global and EU policies related to the nexus were reviewed to identify gaps, synergies, and challenges. At the same time, institutional frameworks were analysed to identify governance barriers and enablers. Major improvements were made to global and continental WEFE models, incorporating new processes and interlinkages. River basin models were finalised and tested under selected scenarios, generating detailed local and regional trajectories. A set of sustainability, efficiency, and equity indicators was developed, refined, and used to support modelling and solution evaluation. These indicators were co-designed with stakeholder input and applied across all scales.
Three rounds of Nexus Dialogues at global, EU, basin, and local levels gathered input from stakeholders, helped shape scenarios, validated models and indicators, and co-developed solutions. In the Senegal River Basin, the cultural role of migration was preliminarily analysed. Solutions were prioritised based on feasibility, sustainability, and policy relevance. A comprehensive catalogue of WEFE solutions — including technical, policy, and governance measures — was evaluated in diverse European and African case studies.
The GoNEXUS Model Toolbox, which integrates global, continental, and basin-level models, was developed to simulate feedbacks and trade-offs across sectors. The Sustainability Evaluation Framework and Coherence Assessment methodology further supported scenario and solution evaluation.
Key outputs include:
- 15 future climate scenarios and global and local land-use scenarios (D2.1 D2.2 D2.3)
- The WEFE Model Toolbox: Tier 2 runs for the Global model (D3.4) and river basin models complementarity (D4.4)
- A catalogue of innovative, stakeholder-informed WEFE solutions (D7.10);
- The Sustainability Evaluation Framework (D7.1);
-The Sustainable Assessment Framework (D5.1)
- Participatory Nexus Dialogues as a governance tool (D6.3 D6.4 D6.5 D6.7);
- Policy recommendations and briefs (D6.6 D6.8 D7.10 D7.11);
- Training materials: Winter School, Short Course, and an upcoming MOOC (Public: D8.5).
Dissemination was extensive, including scientific publications (Nature, Science...) a double-page article in the European Energy Innovation magazine, policy briefs, webinars, factsheets, and conferences. The project also launched a YouTube channel and collaborated with sister projects and networks like E-COST. GoNEXUS tools and knowledge are already being used in scientific research and policy processes, supporting improved and more inclusive WEFE governance in the context of climate and global change.