CISWEFE-NEX: Circular Innovation in the WEFE Nexus

Sustainable access to water, energy and food, preserving ecosystems (WEFE) is a critical challenge, particularly in regions facing severe water stress. Increasing pressure on these resources requires integrated solutions that address their interdependence and foster circularity.

The CisWEFE-NEX project aims to implement a circular and systemic solution for the WEFE nexus, generating long-term benefits by efficiently reusing water, energy, and food resources through innovative technologies and circular models. This initiative will focus on the Algarve region, aiming to develop a scalable and replicable model for other European regions.

Regions experiencing severe water stress face a combination of environmental, economic, and social challenges, including:

• Shortage of freshwater for irrigation and consumption.
• Dependence on external resources and high energy costs.
• Pollution from agricultural and industrial waste.
• Food insecurity and loss of biodiversity.

Current approaches lack integration and circularity, limiting sustainability and long-term resilience.