Deepening regional cooperation for enhancing water, energy, and food security and addressing COVID-19 challenges in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region

Abstract

This chapter broadens the lens of Water, Energy, Food (WEF) nexus by bringing regional and river basin dimensions in WEF literature. Looking at WEF nexus at basin, sub-basin, and regional levels can help further the understanding about the potential synergies and trade-offs across countries at different scales (local, national, regional) and inform policy and action at different levels. For instance, Indo-Gangetic Plain, which is the food basket for South Asia, depends on water sources from upstream areas of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Similarly, change in food production in Indo-Gangetic Plain influences food prices and food security in upstream areas, including upstream countries Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Nepal. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world - how interconnected we are and how important it is to work together between countries whether it is on issues of health security, food security, water security and energy security. The rapid spread of the virus call for a cooperation both at regional and global level.