Integrated Resource Management in Asian cities: the Urban Nexus

Within the sectors energy, water and food security (agriculture) the nexus approach aims to plan and manage in an integrated manner utilising synergy effects contributing to a better resource efficiency.

The module objective is as follows: “Nexus concepts are being increasingly taken into account in selected Asian cities and by relevant stakeholders.”

The TC measure operates in up to twelve selected Asian cities in seven countries following a multi-level approach. At communal level the follow-up measure aims to further institutionalise the nexus approach. Regional dialogue formats (workshops, peer-to-peer events) serve as platforms for the partner cities in order to exchange their experiences with the nexus pilot projects and their best practices.

The exchange between the various stakeholders of the measure is being ensured through multi-level dialogue events. These events serve as exchange fora for the local and national level as well as for civil society and science representatives. At regional level, the lead executing agency “United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific” (UN-ESCAP) integrates the nexus approach into the debate with the nexus partner countries in order to promote the national implementation of the SDG and/or Habitat III agendas. At implementation level both sections of the “International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives for South East Asia and South Asia” (ICLEI SEA and ICLEI SA) will feed the nexus approach into the debate within their established city networks.

The cooperation with the private sector within the framework of pilot measures and trainings is a key element of the TC measure.