Improving Water, Energy, Ecosystem Nexus

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where household energy mainly comes from forest biomass, and the potential for large-scale energy production is tied to expanding hydropower generation, new approaches to decision-making are needed to ensure that resource use is aligned with sustainable development and climate objectives. To help project stakeholders make informed decisions, Water, Energy, Ecosystem Nexus (WEEN) approaches are used. The WEEN approach is data-driven and uses decision support systems to model the impacts and outcomes of different resource-use scenarios. The project aims at enhancing data and information, including through strengthening target groups’ capacity to analyze and use data, improving cross-sectoral and inclusive coordination, and sharing knowledge and experiences for up-scaling. The project thereby helps to generate benefits and minimize trade-offs for local communities, the climate and ecosystems.