Author(s)

LADY BRAVO-MONTERO, CESAR GARCÍA-ARANDA, GRICELDA HERRERA-FRANCO

Abstract

The planet is facing management challenges due to factors such as water scarcity, energy demand and the food crisis, aggravated by climate change. Thus, governance agents require an integral mechanism that contemplates the management of natural resources under the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus approach and nature-based solutions (NbS) techniques to ensure sustainable development. Therefore, the objective of the research is to analyse the relationship between NbS and WEF nexus as governance agents, through the review of scientific publications and bibliometric techniques for the identification of decision-making tools focused on the sustainable development of territories. The methodology includes: (i) Definition of search strategy in scientific databases (Scopus and Web of Science (WoS)); (ii) Case study analysis matrix under PRISMA approach (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses); (iii) Identification of the relationship of publications with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). This study reveals that, out of the 17 scientific publications identified on the subject, 14 complied with the inclusion criteria, highlighting the importance of combining governance techniques that incorporate the participation of all stakeholders involved in territory management. Finally, it was identified that the studies integrated the goals of the SDGs, aligned with the quintuple helix innovation model and community participation using NbS techniques (e.g., green infrastructure, circular cities), adjusted to the needs of the stakeholders involved in managing the territories. From the governance approach, a Framework Directive promoting sustainability through the WEF nexus and NbS, with key indicators for monitoring and measurement, should be promoted.

Keywords

governance, sustainable development, nexus, nature-based solutions, green infrastructures