Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NEXOGENESIS (Facilitating the next generation of effective and intelligent water-related policies utilising artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning to assess the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus)
Période du rapport: 2023-03-01 au 2024-08-31
Water, energy, food, and ecosystems (WEFE) are connected. Managing the WEFE nexus is challenging due to complexity. Shifts in nexus are driven by biophysical and human conditions. To manage resources, policies must be designed coherently. Policy objectives tend to be developed with little consideration of other sectors. Policy implementation may change nexus characteristics. EU policies have been developed largely sectorally. There is opportunity to improve policy design based on research. A better understanding of policy impact on the WEFE nexus is required if synergy is to be achieved. Improved understanding will facilitate coherent water-related policy design to achieve resource use efficiency, leverage synergies, and promote cooperation. The problem is: (i) a complex, poorly understood system; (b) the lack of ecosystem integration; (c) sectoral policy development; (d) a lack of understanding of policy impact.
Through five case studies and stakeholder engagement, NEXOGENESIS will improve policy making processes to enhance cooperation and help the EU achieve targets related to the WFD, the CAP, Green Deal ambitions, and ambitions on diplomacy. Outcomes will have impact on advancing nexus understanding and governance, resulting in a more innovative and competitive EU regarding nexus policy-making.
Objectives are to develop:
(a) a co-creation policy-making framework approach for WEFE nexus governance at different scales addressing climate and socio-economic change, stakeholder behaviour and transboundary issues;
(b) a Self-Learning Nexus Assessment Engine (SLNAE), supporting streamlining water-related policies into the WEFE nexus;
(c) a WEFE Nexus Footprint.
Through five case studies and stakeholder engagement, NEXOGENESIS will improve policy making processes to enhance cooperation and help the EU achieve targets related to the WFD, the CAP, Green Deal ambitions, and ambitions on diplomacy. Outcomes will have impact on advancing nexus understanding and governance, resulting in a more innovative and competitive EU regarding nexus policy-making.
Objectives are to develop:
(a) a co-creation policy-making framework approach for WEFE nexus governance at different scales addressing climate and socio-economic change, stakeholder behaviour and transboundary issues;
(b) a Self-Learning Nexus Assessment Engine (SLNAE), supporting streamlining water-related policies into the WEFE nexus;
(c) a WEFE Nexus Footprint.
WP1 finalised co-created stakeholder engagement approach for nexus governance in five case studies, which is implemented. User-validated policy packages for nexus governance are being discussed. Governance assessment work is completed. Consortium co-creation meetings are important for succesful implementation of work. Outscaling opporunities are discussed in thecases. Nexus Governance Assessment Tool (NXGAT) is developed and implemented. Guidance and a Guidebook for co-creation activities is being developed for future projects. Policy messages are being developed.
A review of biophysical and socioeconomic data has been conducted. Projections for biophysical and socioeconomic variables under RCP2.6 and 8.5 and SSP2 and 4, have been delivered. Socioeconomic results are presented at NUTS2 level. Uncertainty is quantified and utilised in WP3.
Conceptual models are completed. System dynamics models for four scenarios and integrating policies from WP1 are completed. Data from WP2, including uncertainty and sensitivity assessment, are integrated. The WEFE Footprint is completed and integrated in the SDMs, which: i) is a communication tool of the status of WEFE sectors; ii) can communicate the integration of sectors; iii) demonstrates how policies impact sustainability. SDM models are included in the SLNAE / NEPAT in WP4.
In WP4, the SLNAE/NEPAT is in development, yet useable. AI agents are trained. Uncertainty assessment is integrated. The WEFE footprint visualisation is integarted. The NEPAT is demonstrated in 2 cases, with 3 more planned in RP3. Feedback leads to suggestions for refinement to be carried out in RP3. The NEPAT is used in education. A protocol for the data lake is finalised, provided to all partners.
In WP5 a roadmap for case study activities and monitoring plan is developed. CS interviews are completed. Progress and next steps in each case are discussed. A stakeholder register is developed and stakeholder assessment has resulted. WP5 has guided stakeholder engagement and co-creation with WP1. Four SH workshops were organised in each CS. WP5 has distributed and analysed a questionnaire to evaluate stakeholder engagement processes. WP5 has produced recommendations in case, contributing to policy messages.
In WP6 a communication strategy is formulated. A visual identity is created. NEXOGENESIS has created three channels: LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. Posters, flyers, factsheets, newsletter are developed. A dissemination strategy is developed. NEXOGENESIS is clustered with H2020 GoNEXUS and REXUS. Partners are involved in COST NEXUSNET. NEXOGENESIS is a member of the EC Nexus Project Cluster and the ICT4Water Cluster. Project members are involved in H-EU ONEPlanET.
Internal communication procedures are organised. Meeting schedules for different management entities are prepared. The project kick-off meeting was held online. Project meetings were held in Riga, Tours, and Bucharest. Reporting and communication takes place with the project officer. Quality assurance procedures are established. Monitoring of scientific quality is continuous. KPIs are tracked by WP leads/GAC. An analysis of ethical issues has been carried out.
A review of biophysical and socioeconomic data has been conducted. Projections for biophysical and socioeconomic variables under RCP2.6 and 8.5 and SSP2 and 4, have been delivered. Socioeconomic results are presented at NUTS2 level. Uncertainty is quantified and utilised in WP3.
Conceptual models are completed. System dynamics models for four scenarios and integrating policies from WP1 are completed. Data from WP2, including uncertainty and sensitivity assessment, are integrated. The WEFE Footprint is completed and integrated in the SDMs, which: i) is a communication tool of the status of WEFE sectors; ii) can communicate the integration of sectors; iii) demonstrates how policies impact sustainability. SDM models are included in the SLNAE / NEPAT in WP4.
In WP4, the SLNAE/NEPAT is in development, yet useable. AI agents are trained. Uncertainty assessment is integrated. The WEFE footprint visualisation is integarted. The NEPAT is demonstrated in 2 cases, with 3 more planned in RP3. Feedback leads to suggestions for refinement to be carried out in RP3. The NEPAT is used in education. A protocol for the data lake is finalised, provided to all partners.
In WP5 a roadmap for case study activities and monitoring plan is developed. CS interviews are completed. Progress and next steps in each case are discussed. A stakeholder register is developed and stakeholder assessment has resulted. WP5 has guided stakeholder engagement and co-creation with WP1. Four SH workshops were organised in each CS. WP5 has distributed and analysed a questionnaire to evaluate stakeholder engagement processes. WP5 has produced recommendations in case, contributing to policy messages.
In WP6 a communication strategy is formulated. A visual identity is created. NEXOGENESIS has created three channels: LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. Posters, flyers, factsheets, newsletter are developed. A dissemination strategy is developed. NEXOGENESIS is clustered with H2020 GoNEXUS and REXUS. Partners are involved in COST NEXUSNET. NEXOGENESIS is a member of the EC Nexus Project Cluster and the ICT4Water Cluster. Project members are involved in H-EU ONEPlanET.
Internal communication procedures are organised. Meeting schedules for different management entities are prepared. The project kick-off meeting was held online. Project meetings were held in Riga, Tours, and Bucharest. Reporting and communication takes place with the project officer. Quality assurance procedures are established. Monitoring of scientific quality is continuous. KPIs are tracked by WP leads/GAC. An analysis of ethical issues has been carried out.
WP1 developed anovel stakeholders’ cocreation approach to foster WEFE nexus governance --> offer a tool to facilitate dialogue on resources management. The approach includes policy coherence. The approach is useful to assess barriers and leverages to nexus governance and policy, and to stimulate stakeholders to reconsider perspectives on resource management problems. Guidebook will help future projects in developing impactful co-creation approaches, beyond resources management.
Data projections are elaborated and harmonised across scales and locations. Open access on repository means others have access to novel data contributions on the nexus. Uncertainty is quanitfied for the first time in this context.
WP3 builds novel SD models of the WEFE nexus, advancing the SOA on the WEFE nexus. Pushes foward policy impact assessment. For the first time in this context assess uncertainty across scenarios and under policy implementation. The integration of ecosystems is novel. The WEFE Nexus Footprint is anovel contibution. Future work can further build on ecosystems integration and cost/benefit analysis. Work has advanced SOA consdierably.
The SLNAE/NEPAT is unique, with no known similar tool available. Allows users to assess nexus interlinkages, policy impacts, and uncertinaty. Uses AI to offer policy package recommendations to promote discussion in the real world. Built on real cases, with SOA data and policy impact assessment. NEPAT is already promiting discussion in the case studies. Could in principle be extended to other cases anywhere. Use of the new WEFE footprint is also novel. Functionalities are being developed with feedback from stakeholder interactions.
WP5 developed a case study and stakeholder engagement strategy and promotes best practices for cooperation. Recommendations cover gaps, inconsistencies and ambiguities, promote systems-thinking, and focus on smooth and efficient stakeholder engagement. Dissemination of outcomes, both case study specific and general, represent an exemplar towards future sustainable development.
In WP6 raising awareness about the WEFE challenges through a modern social media strategy and by promoting policy messages at EC level. It considers how solutions are exploitable after the project ends, and impacts local and European policy through policy briefs. Two exploitation workshops have been held in this regard.
Data projections are elaborated and harmonised across scales and locations. Open access on repository means others have access to novel data contributions on the nexus. Uncertainty is quanitfied for the first time in this context.
WP3 builds novel SD models of the WEFE nexus, advancing the SOA on the WEFE nexus. Pushes foward policy impact assessment. For the first time in this context assess uncertainty across scenarios and under policy implementation. The integration of ecosystems is novel. The WEFE Nexus Footprint is anovel contibution. Future work can further build on ecosystems integration and cost/benefit analysis. Work has advanced SOA consdierably.
The SLNAE/NEPAT is unique, with no known similar tool available. Allows users to assess nexus interlinkages, policy impacts, and uncertinaty. Uses AI to offer policy package recommendations to promote discussion in the real world. Built on real cases, with SOA data and policy impact assessment. NEPAT is already promiting discussion in the case studies. Could in principle be extended to other cases anywhere. Use of the new WEFE footprint is also novel. Functionalities are being developed with feedback from stakeholder interactions.
WP5 developed a case study and stakeholder engagement strategy and promotes best practices for cooperation. Recommendations cover gaps, inconsistencies and ambiguities, promote systems-thinking, and focus on smooth and efficient stakeholder engagement. Dissemination of outcomes, both case study specific and general, represent an exemplar towards future sustainable development.
In WP6 raising awareness about the WEFE challenges through a modern social media strategy and by promoting policy messages at EC level. It considers how solutions are exploitable after the project ends, and impacts local and European policy through policy briefs. Two exploitation workshops have been held in this regard.