An integrated methodology for systematic stakeholder engagement in environmental decision-making under the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus framework

The ‘nexus’ approach is a promising exemplar underpinning systemic thinking and advancing integrated resource use. In this context, stakeholder engagement comprises a significant challenge as stakeholders are affecting and affected by resource availability and exploitation. This paper focuses on the operationalisation/systematisation of abstract concepts expressed during participatory workshops and its contribution to the efficient management of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus by supporting the design of future policies and integrated solutions. A novel methodological framework is presented combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Multicriteria Analysis of Policies method (MULTIPOL) in order to seek solutions and build innovative policy options. AHP and MULTIPOL complement each other as the first indicates which solutions are most effective while the latter indicates how such solutions may be implemented by adopting relevant policies. The application of the proposed methodology is demonstrated in the environmental management of a transboundary river basin. Results show that the suggested methodological framework is robust, applicable to wider contexts and spatial scales, and coherent. The construction of (new) green-gray infrastructures (irrigation infrastructures, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), fish corridor, reclamation works, energy infrastructures) was classified as the most effective solution while protection of water quality, minimisation of water losses, limitation of flood risks, ecosystems preservation and the adoption of eco-friendly/multi-functional patterns of spatial development constitute important priorities for (transboundary) river basins. The analysis adds to the current literature addressing qualitative research on the WEFE nexus and the systematisation of stakeholder input by employing qualitative/quantitative methods.