Describing and Visualizing a Water–Energy–Food Nexus System

Aiko Endo,Kouji Kozaki,Terukazu Kumazawa,Makoto Yamada,Takaaki Kato,Michinori Kimura

doi:10.3390/w10091245

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe a target water–energy–food (WEF) nexus domain world including causal linkages and trade-off relationships between WEF resources and their stakeholders, and to develop a WEF nexus system map as an interdisciplinary tool used for understanding the subsequent complexity of WEF nexus systems. An ontology engineering method, which is a qualitative method, was applied for the replicability of the WEF nexus domain ontology and the map, because ontology engineering is a method of semantic web development for enhancing the compatibility of qualitative descriptions logically or objectively. The WEF nexus system map has three underlying concepts: (1) systems thinking, (2) holistic thinking, and (3) an integrated approach at an operational level, according to the hypothesis that the chains of changes in linkages between water, energy, and food resources holistically and systemically affect the WEF nexus system, including natural and social systems, both temporally and spatially. This study is significant because it allows us to (1) develop the WEF nexus domain ontology database, including defining the concepts and sub-concepts of trade-offs relating to WEF for the replicability of this study; (2) integrate the qualitative ontology method and quantitative network analysis method to identify key concepts serving as linkage hubs in the WEF nexus domain ontology; and (3) visualize human–nature interactions such as linkages between water, energy, and food resources and their stakeholders in social and natural systems. This paper also discusses future challenges in the application of the map for a science–policy–society interface.

Highlights

We focused on developing a WEF nexus domain database using a qualitative ontology engineering method and integrating a quantitative network analysis method to identify the key concepts and to develop WEF nexus system mapping, adopting an interdisciplinary and integrated approach
We developed the WEF nexus system map as an assistant tool for identifying relevant disciplines, experts, and stakeholders in order to view the problem as a system [8], visualize human–nature interactions as a complex whole, illustrate causal linkages between the concepts of water-energy-foods, and promote holistic thinking to view the problem inclusively in a larger context [8]
When we created the WEF nexus system map centering on key concepts identified by the network analysis method—such as precipitation–energy–food, feed-in tariff (FIT) of renewable energy–water–food, and the fish–water–energy nexus system maps—we recognized that (1) the majority of the nodes in the map described concepts relating to natural systems, and, (2) it is difficult to visualize stakeholders and human society–nature interactions in the map

Summary

Introduction

The integrated approach was connected to two interconnected issues: “the emergence of the concept of sustainable development and the frustrations with the outcomes of narrowly focused, sectoral environmental management practices” [2]. There is no clear definition of the theory, concept, or tools/methods of the integrated approach in the report “Our Common Future”, prepared for the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, when the concept of sustainable development was introduced, the report said “we should span the globe, and pull together to formulate an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to global concerns and our common future” [3]. With regard to the elements of such an integrated approach, Integrated Environment Management requires taking an inclusive view that considers the scope of environmental and human systems, examines interconnections, identifies common goals, and selectively identifies the key elements on which to focus attention [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion