Blue Peace launches new phase committed to WEFE nexus

What started as an abstract concept for turning water from a potential cause of war to a driver of peace over a decade ago grew into a regional mechanism that now explores the synergies between water, energy, food and ecosystems in the Middle East.

The Blue Peace, a regional initiative dedicated to promoting water cooperation and peace in the Middle East, on Tuesday 14 April launched its second phase, which will accommodate all its activities under the umbrella of its Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus Programme.

As part of the programme, the Blue Peace Middle East is carrying out an assessment of WEFE Nexus capacities and opportunities in the region with the aim of developing and implementing a number of targeted transboundary WEFE pilot projects.

A regionally owned dialogue platform, with members from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey, the Blue Peace Middle East was established in 2010. It uses dialogue, capacity building and action to realise its vision of using the power of water to build a peaceful future for the region. The initiative receives support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).